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Canadian Sports, American Mayonnaise, and Envy for Caitlin Dark | with Steph Tolev

Casuals with Katie Nolan

Published: Thu Jul 03 2025

Hello! It's the podcast that's never too busy to notice you, or ranch dressing. Today, we sadly break the news to Isabella that she will not be the next head coach of the New York Knicks, and Katie and the Casualties discuss names for a Boston WNBA franchise, the adults-only Titanic lego set, and the sporting legacy of Red Panda. Then, comedian Steph Tolev joins to break down her past life as a Canadian gold medal hopeful, her father's most impressive trait, the Maple Leafs, the Bills, the Diddler's Curse, and the hardship of being a sports fan in Toronto, her historic mayonnaise fight from the bleachers of Blue Jays-White Sox in Chicago, the Dallas Wings splitting up a couple via trade, the latest WNBA drama, Caitlin Clark, Caitlin Dark, and the struggles of being a goth high school athlete, her first pitch dreams, her strongest soccer take, Michael Jordan's house as an AirBnB, Wimbledon, Bulgaria, Shooter McGavin, and the unbridled rage of learning to play golf.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Canadian Sports, American Mayonnaise, and Envy for Caitlin Dark | with Steph Tolev"

Casuals with Katie Nolan released an engaging episode on July 3, 2025, titled "Canadian Sports, American Mayonnaise, and Envy for Caitlin Dark," featuring comedian Steph Tolev. The episode offers a relaxed and humorous exploration of various sports-related topics, personal anecdotes, and current events, tailored for both casual and passionate sports fans.

1. Introduction and Podcast Dynamics

The episode begins with a lighthearted discussion about the challenges of podcast introductions. At [01:47], Brady quips, "No, we weren't going to do that again in case Isabella's parents were listening this time," setting the tone for the episode's informal and candid atmosphere. The hosts emphasize the goal of creating a "chill" experience, akin to recess for sports enthusiasts.

2. Guest Spotlight: Steph Tolev

At [23:19], Steph Tolev is introduced as the episode's guest. Brady highlights her comedic prowess, mentioning her Netflix special "Filth Queen" and her podcast "Steph Infection." Steph shares insights into her work, humorously noting, "Maybe we should get her to get Red Panda on there. Talk about that wrist."

3. Canadian Sports Enthusiasm and Maple Leafs Frustration

A significant portion of the episode delves into Canadian sports. Isabella proudly announces her achievement at [25:03], "I made the Canadian national Aussie Rules football team," sharing her passion and competitive spirit. The conversation shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs' long-standing struggles since 1967. At [29:27], Isabella laments, "The Leafs haven't won since 1967," expressing frustration with the team's performance and the emotional toll on fans.

4. American Mayonnaise Mishap

A humorous yet embarrassing anecdote is shared by Isabella at [39:37]. She recounts an incident during a Blue Jays game where a fan threw a large mayonnaise packet at her head. Despite Steph's advice to hold back, Isabella admits, "I whipped the mayo packet. Completely miss this man," highlighting the spontaneity and unintended consequences of such moments.

5. WNBA Updates and Caitlin Clark's Impact

The hosts transition to WNBA news, focusing on Melissa Smith's trade to the Las Vegas Aces and the implications for her relationship with teammate Dijonay Carrington. At [49:09], Brady remarks, "In major sports, in the sports that get the most coverage, this is not a narrative that we get to see a lot," underscoring the rarity of such personal stories in mainstream sports media.

They also discuss Caitlin Clark's rising prominence in the WNBA. Brady theorizes, "A lot of men, you know, the comments on WNBA used to always be, get back in the kitchen, make me a sandwich," suggesting a backlash against the league's growing visibility and diversity. This segment highlights the intersection of sports performance and societal perceptions.

6. Gambling and Sports Betting Concerns

At [64:49], the conversation shifts to the legalization of gambling and its pervasive influence in sports. The hosts discuss the investigation of NBA guard Malik Beasley for potential gambling-related activities during the 2023-24 season. Brady expresses concern, stating, "We're now gonna keep seeing these stories of gambling being a big part of sports content," highlighting the ethical and integrity issues arising from this trend.

7. Personal Experiences at Sports Events

Brady and Isabella share their personal experiences attending live sports events. Brady discusses the exorbitant cost of tickets, particularly for MLB and NHL games, lamenting, "It's upsetting." Isabella narrates her attempt to pitch at a Blue Jays game, reflecting on her fluctuating passion for attending live events due to past negative experiences.

8. LEGO Titanic Feedback

Isabella reads a listener email at [11:59] criticizing the LEGO Titanic set's build experience. She humorously contrasts this with her own challenges, mentioning, "I have too many emotions to gamble," illustrating the podcast's blend of humor and personal storytelling.

9. Fun Segment: Naming New Podcast Features

The hosts brainstorm names for a new segment, evaluating suggestions like "yip," "third string," and "pull the thread." At [06:21], Isabella jokes, "Knoblock couldn't throw the ball to first base anymore," adding levity to the creative process. They ultimately decide on "Third String," ranking it a [7:42] two out of five, indicating room for improvement.

10. Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express excitement about future content and events. Brady encourages listeners to catch Steph Tolev's work on Netflix and her podcast, while Isabella shares her aspirations to pitch at a Blue Jays game. The episode concludes with a warm farewell, emphasizing community and shared joy in sports fandom.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

  • Brady [01:47]: "No, we weren't going to do that again in case Isabella's parents were listening this time."

  • Isabella [25:03]: "I made the Canadian national Aussie Rules football team."

  • Isabella [29:27]: "The Leafs haven't won since 1967."

  • Isabella [39:37]: "I whipped the mayo packet. Completely miss this man."

  • Brady [49:09]: "In major sports, in the sports that get the most coverage, this is not a narrative that we get to see a lot."

  • Brady [64:49]: "We're now gonna keep seeing these stories of gambling being a big part of sports content."

  • Isabella [11:59]: "I have too many emotions to gamble."

Conclusion

This episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan successfully blends humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions on current sports issues. With the addition of comedian Steph Tolev, the podcast offers diverse perspectives, making sports fandom accessible and entertaining for a broad audience. Whether reflecting on the enduring struggles of the Toronto Maple Leafs, navigating the complexities of WNBA narratives, or sharing amusing mishaps at live events, the hosts create a relatable and engaging narrative for listeners.

No transcript available.