Casuals with Katie Nolan – Episode: Michigan Lines, UNC Scandals, and Mid-Marathon Burritos | with Michelle Wolf

Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Katie Nolan
Guest: Michelle Wolf

Introduction

In this episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan, host Katie Nolan is joined by the multifaceted comedian and ultra marathon runner, Michelle Wolf. The duo dives into a variety of sports topics, current events, and personal anecdotes, blending humor with insightful commentary to engage both casual and dedicated sports fans.

Forever 21 Bankruptcy

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the unfortunate news that Forever 21's parent company has filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to the liquidation and closure of all 354 remaining stores.

• Michelle Wolf (00:47): "Every time I walk past Forever 21, it always says bankrupt... I can't believe they put a sign outside that said bankrupt."

• Katie Nolan (01:14): "They’re doing like a store-wide sale, but if they have million signs saying store closing, it’s bankrupt."

The hosts express their surprise and disappointment regarding the brand's downfall, highlighting the impact on consumers and the retail landscape.

March Madness and Live Mascots

Katie shares an email from Kate Hagermeier, an intern for Drake University's live mascot program. The NCAA's restriction on live mascots attending March Madness until the Final Four has sparked a petition with over 1,200 signatures to change this rule.

• Katie Nolan (02:02): "Griff II, a little bulldog, couldn't support Drake men's basketball for three years due to this rule."

• Michelle Wolf (04:05): "If you can have a dog, why limit it to the Final Four? Especially when they're all bulldogs and one terrier."

They debate the NCAA's decision, arguing that limiting mascot appearances undermines the spirit of the tournament and disadvantages teams with live mascots.

Sports Headlines and Scandals

DeShawn Watson’s Engagement

The hosts briefly mention DeShawn Watson's unexpected engagement, expressing surprise over his partner saying "yes."

NY Giants' Quarterback Talks

There's speculation about the New York Giants possibly engaging with Jameis Winston and Aaron Rodgers as quarterback options.

• Katie Nolan (05:25): "If I were given that decision, I would choose Aaron Rodgers because the Bear is not an option."

Paul George’s Injury

Paul George suffers a season-ending injury, prompting discussions about recovery and the team's future.

• Michelle Wolf (07:15): "Paul George is out for the season. Back to podcasting."

Mitch Voight’s Controversial Celebration

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Michigan’s second baseman, Mitch Voight, who was involved in a controversial celebration after hitting an RBI triple. Voight mimicked snorting a line of cocaine, leading to widespread criticism and a subsequent apology.

• Katie Nolan (16:15): "Mitch Voight apologized via a notes app, saying it was an immature decision that doesn't reflect his character."

• Michelle Wolf (16:40): "I defend Mitch Voight because he's expressing his love for baseball, not endorsing drug use."

Katie passionately argues that the backlash is overblown, emphasizing that Mitch's gesture was metaphorical for his passion for the game rather than a literal endorsement of drug use.

Bhad Bhabie vs. Alabama Barker Beef

Katie updates the audience on the ongoing rap beef between Bhad Bhabie and Alabama Barker, shedding light on how Bhad Bhabie has continued to release music despite criticism.

• Katie Nolan (10:03): "Bhad Bhabie has dropped more tracks, showing she fancies herself a bit of Kendrick Lamar."

She clarifies that while she doesn't support Bhad Bhabie as a person, she acknowledges the role she played in preventing further conflicts among other controversial figures.

UNC Selection Controversy

A heated discussion ensues about the University of North Carolina’s selection into the NCAA tournament, which has drawn criticism from West Virginia’s Governor Patrick Morrissey. The controversy centers around UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, who received a $104,000 bonus for making the tournament.

• Michelle Wolf (35:23): "If your name's Bubba and you're into bourbon, can you be trusted?"

• Katie Nolan (35:50): "UNC is known for being in the tournament, so giving the athletic director such a hefty bonus seems unwarranted."

Katie criticizes the financial incentive tied to tournament selection, questioning the fairness and predetermined nature of UNC’s inclusion.

Bill Belichick’s Relationship with Jordan Hudson

Katie and Michelle delve into the rumors surrounding Bill Belichick’s relationship with 24-year-old Jordan Hudson, highlighting the age difference and the odd dynamics of their public appearances.

• Katie Nolan (39:20): "I bet she's having sex with one of the UNC football players."

• Michelle Wolf (41:02): “There’s gotta be an assistant taking these pictures.”

They express skepticism and discomfort over the relationship, pondering the implications and the motivations behind Belichick’s public persona.

Tiger Woods’ Achilles Surgery

The hosts discuss Tiger Woods undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon, marking his indefinite absence from professional golf.

• Michelle Wolf (46:37): "15-time major champion Tiger Woods is out indefinitely after rupturing his Achilles tendon."

• Katie Nolan (46:43): "I don’t think golf is a sport. It's a skill."

Katie controversially shares her opinion that golf isn't a sport, sparking a spirited debate about the nature of athleticism and skill in different activities.

New Segment: Setting Women Forward or Backward

Introducing a fresh segment, Katie and Michelle evaluate current news stories to assess whether they set women forward or backward.

1. Unrivaled Championship Win by Rose

   • Rose won the inaugural Unrivaled Championship in the women's 3-on-3 basketball league, each player receiving a $50,000 bonus.
   • Katie Nolan (55:39): "Better accommodations and better pay since the league is player-founded."

   Assessment: +3 steps forward.

2. Sam Jones’ Wombat Video Controversy

   • Influencer Sam Jones left Australia after posting a video of snatching a baby wombat, leading to a visa review.
   • Michelle Wolf (57:12): "She steals a baby wombat and laughs about it. Minus points."

   Assessment: -8 steps backward.

3. PWHL Records

   • The new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) set an attendance record with the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens drawing 14,288 fans.
   • Katie Nolan (61:31): "As a hockey fan, that’s impressive."

   Assessment: +4 steps forward.

4. Iga Witek’s Tennis Incident

   • Polish tennis star Iga Witek was booed for hitting a ball back angrily during her semifinal match, resulting in a loss.
   • Katie Nolan (67:14): "Women should be allowed to express frustration."

   Assessment: +1 step forward.

5. Ella Martin Wins Tractor Pull

   • 17-year-old Ella Martin becomes the first woman to win a tractor pull at New Zealand’s Northland Field Days.
   • Michelle Wolf (73:16): "Ella sets a powerful example for women in a traditionally male-dominated event."

   Assessment: +10 steps forward.

Final Tally: Overall, women are +5 steps forward, indicating progress despite some setbacks.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Michelle Wolf promotes her own podcast, "Punch Up Live," where she delivers new stand-up material weekly. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe and support her comedic endeavors.

• Katie Nolan (76:17): "Subscribe to Punch Up Live for new stand-up shows every week."

Producer Chris rounds off the episode by recommending sports viewings, including the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) matches, NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, and the MLB Tokyo Series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Wolf (00:07): "All on America's largest 5G network."

• Katie Nolan (03:56): "They can't all make it."

• Michelle Wolf (04:05): "If it were a tiger... all bulldogs and one terrier, what a dumb rule."

• Katie Nolan (21:04): "This is my yappiest of the headlines."

• Michelle Wolf (46:08): "I have a beef with golf. What is that?"

Conclusion

This episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan masterfully blends humor with critical analysis of current sports events and social issues. With Michelle Wolf's sharp wit and personal insights, listeners gain a refreshed perspective on topics ranging from NCAA policies to the evolving landscape of women's sports. The new segment on evaluating women's progress adds depth, celebrating achievements while acknowledging ongoing challenges. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or someone casually interested, this episode offers engaging and thought-provoking content.

Connect with Casuals with Katie Nolan:

• Email: Casualsatienolan@mail.com
• Voicemail: 646-801-0043
• Instagram & TikTok: @CasualsThePodcast

Follow Michelle Wolf:

• Podcast: Punch Up Live – Subscribe on your preferred platform for weekly stand-up shows.

Note: All promotional content and advertisements were excluded from this summary as per the listener's request.