Casuals with Katie Nolan: Knicks-Pacers, Sprewell Stories, and a 7'4" Anne Heche | with Sam Morril

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Casuals with Katie Nolan brings a relaxed yet insightful take on the latest in sports, blending humor with passionate fan perspectives. In this episode, host Katie Nolan teams up with comedian Sam Morril to dive deep into the recent Knicks-Pacers showdown, share memorable fan stories, and explore unique sports anecdotes. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and highlights of the episode.

1. Introduction and Housekeeping

Timestamp: 00:00 - 04:11

Katie Nolan kicks off the episode by setting a summer-friendly tone, likening summer sports conversations to casual hangouts. She humorously endorses Starbucks' Summer Berry Refresher, sharing her love for its balanced sweetness—a perfect drink for catching last night's scores.

Notable Quote:

Katie Nolan (00:00): “It's so good. It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's three berry flavors and it's everything I never would have thought I wanted, but absolutely do want.”

Following a brief mention of upcoming live shows and festival appearances, Katie transitions into the main content, teasing the involvement of Sam Morril, a die-hard Knicks fan and stand-up comedian.

2. Knicks-Pacers Game Recap

Timestamp: 11:12 - 25:16

The core of the episode revolves around the intense Knicks versus Pacers game. Brady (Sam Morril) passionately recounts the Knicks' heartbreaking loss to the Pacers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting the dramatic comeback by the Pacers—from a 14-point deficit with under three minutes left to an overtime victory with a final score of 138-135.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (12:16): “The first half was great. And then right at the end you're like, this is messed up. Children are crying. It's bad.”

Brady (15:03): “Just let him feel the pain. Because that's part of what being a fan is, you have to feel the absolute lowest.”

Brady shares personal anecdotes about attending the game with his friend Stavros, describing the rollercoaster of emotions experienced as the game unfolded. They discuss critical moments, such as controversial fouls called by referee Zack Zarba, which Brady vehemently criticizes for disrupting the flow and fairness of the game.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (16:10): “I think also, you know, we didn't look good on the switches last night. Obviously. He got hot. Naismith, whatever, N. Smith, whatever. Who gives a shit?”

Brady (17:40): “The people who love the camera now, it's like this guy, Zack Zarba, loves being on camera.”

Katie and Brady deliberate on the impact of high ticket prices on fan engagement, lamenting how the financial barriers are alienating true supporters. Brady humorously shares his frustration over exorbitant ticket prices, recounting a particularly costly game experience.

Notable Quote:

Brady (20:07): “I thought you meant total each. I'm a crazy fan and I've never experienced.”

3. Guest Introduction: Sam Morril

Timestamp: 10:25 - 11:58

Katie warmly introduces Sam Morril, highlighting his extensive stand-up tour dates across major venues like the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, NJ, the Chicago Theater, and Carnegie Hall in NYC. She praises Sam’s dedication to his craft and his fervent support of the Knicks, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.

Notable Quote:

Katie Nolan (10:25): “Our guest today is Sam Morrill, a very funny standup comedian, one of the hardest working standup comedians that I know.”

4. Fandom and Personal Sports Stories

Timestamp: 11:58 - 35:30

The dialogue delves into the complexities of being a sports fan. Brady shares his memories of iconic Knicks moments, such as Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s performances and the emotional highs and lows of being a passionate supporter. He recounts interactions with other fans and even celebrities, including a humorous yet frustrating encounter with NBA player Spencer Dinwiddie (referred to as "Spree").

Notable Quotes:

Brady (13:18): “He's like, this guy's a bad influence, and I'm already playing under the bright lights of New York.”

Brady (34:24): “It's a much better interaction than the first.”

Brady also touches on his experiences with other sports, including interactions with NHL personalities and MLB incidents, showcasing his diverse sports enthusiasm beyond basketball.

Notable Quote:

Brady (46:12): “I was like, I don't want to be like, mm. But he was just like, what do you want? And I was like, hey, Spree, I'm a huge fan.”

5. NFL Updates: Flag Football at the Olympics and the 'Tush Push'

Timestamp: 55:00 - 62:17

Katie shifts the conversation to the NFL's latest developments, including the unanimous approval by NFL owners for players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. They discuss the implications of this decision, analyzing the potential impact on players and the sport.

Subsequently, the topic turns to the controversial 'tush push' play—a debated move in American football. Brady expresses his mixed feelings, acknowledging its strategic use while critiquing its theatricality and safety concerns.

Notable Quotes:

Katie Nolan (55:27): “NFL owners unanimously approved players participating in flag football when it debuts at the Olympics in 2028.”

Brady (58:22): “It's like, we're not landing on the moon, we're sticking a needle in your ass.”

6. Rockies Baseball: Negligence Lawsuit and Team Performance

Timestamp: 66:32 - 69:37

The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball, focusing on the Colorado Rockies' struggles, currently holding an 8-41 record—the fastest team to reach 41 losses since 1895. They dissect a peculiar lawsuit where a fan alleges that the Rockies' poor performance has led to a disengaged game-day environment, resulting in him being struck by a foul ball while distracted.

Notable Quotes:

Katie Nolan (67:11): “They are 8 and 41... A man, a fan of the team, is suing them for negligence because he was struck in the face with a foul ball while sitting in a Coors Field luxury box.”

Brady (68:07): “Honestly, I never thought I'd side with a person like this. But it's not a horrible point because you're so disengaged by how shitty they are that you're like, I'm just gonna fucking have a conversation or look at my phone.”

7. Conclusion and Plugs

Timestamp: 70:48 - 71:02

As the episode wraps up, Brady shares promotional details about his podcast “We Might Be Drunk with Mark Norman” and his stand-up specials available on various platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube. Katie extends gratitude to Sam Morril for his candid participation and encourages listeners to engage with the podcast through email and social media channels.

Notable Quote:

Brady (70:59): “I was making a movie and he has a cameo in it, and it's like, he's so funny. I love him. He's like one of the coolest dudes, a great human.”

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Passionate Fandom: Both Katie and Brady illustrate the intense emotional investment that comes with being a sports fan, highlighting how victories and losses deeply affect their personal lives and relationships.

• Economic Barriers in Sports: The discussion underscores the growing disconnect between genuine fans and the commercialization of sports, where high ticket prices and exclusive experiences alienate the very supporters that drive the sports culture.

• Controversial Sports Practices: The episode sheds light on contentious moves in professional sports, such as referee decisions in basketball and strategic plays in football, offering critical perspectives on their impact on the game’s integrity and fan enjoyment.

• Expanding Sports Horizons: While primarily focused on basketball, the conversation also touches upon developments in other sports, reflecting a broad spectrum of interests among the hosts and guests.

• Humorous Anecdotes: Brady’s storytelling injects humor and relatability, making the episode engaging not just for die-hard fans but also for casual listeners who appreciate sports narratives.

Casuals with Katie Nolan successfully blends humor, personal stories, and passionate sports analysis to create an engaging episode that resonates with both dedicated fans and those new to the sports world. With Sam Morril’s comedic flair and heartfelt fandom, listeners are treated to a lively and authentic conversation about the highs and lows of being a sports enthusiast.