Casuals with Katie Nolan
Super Bowl Day Three | with The Bellas, Emmitt Smith, Tim Howard & More!
Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Katie Nolan (SiriusXM)
Summary by Podcast Summarizer
Overview
This jam-packed episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan comes straight from the heart of Radio Row in San Francisco, just days before Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Katie Nolan, broadcasting live amid the chaos of media week, brings her signature blend of humor, sports insight, and inclusive energy. She’s joined by co-hosts Isabella (sports newbie) and Chris (editor/producer), plus an all-star guest lineup—The Bella Twins, Emmitt Smith, Warren Moon, Donovan McNabb, Seth Rollins, Tim Howard, Brandon Aubrey, Orange Cassidy, and Toni Storm.
Topics range widely: the unique chaos of Radio Row, major sports headlines of the week, Olympics shenanigans, sports journalism’s changing landscape, and sincere yet loose interviews with sporting and wrestling legends. The episode delivers a vibrant, accessible take on sports, making it enjoyable for die-hards and casuals alike.
Sports News Rundown (03:00–22:00)
Radio Row Vibes
- Katie describes the "fever dream" of Radio Row—media, athletes, and celebrities mingling (03:30).
- "It’s like everyone’s yapping... and then, oh, Gronk, and you go right back." (Katie, 03:45)
NBA Trade Deadline & MLB Arbitration
- NBA trade deadline passes—no blockbuster trades involving Giannis, who stays in Milwaukee (05:20).
- Chris: "It’s the most boring thing to happen." (06:10)
- Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers) wins a record arbitration case after being lowballed, signaling the Tigers' new ambition (07:15).
- Katie on arbitration: "Imagine if your boss in front of you had to go like, actually Isabella doesn’t really bring anything to the table..." (08:30)
- Team also signs Framber Valdez to a record contract.
2026 Winter Olympics Mishaps & Fun Moments
- Olympic opening curling event suffers a power outage ("big international event... power goes out—embarrassing." – Katie, 10:00)
- US Women’s Hockey beats Czechia 5–1; sweet viral moments of joy on Olympic ice (11:00).
Olympic-Ad Jumble: Tate McRae Drama (12:45)
- Canadian pop star Tate McRae appears in ads rooting for Team USA—sparking a Canadian uproar.
- Katie: "Absurd. It’s absurd that got to the level that it did..." (14:00)
Sports Media Shakeup: Washington Post Guts Its Sports Section (15:35)
- Katie laments the loss of WaPo’s legendary sports department: "A terrible sign, I feel like, for the future of the gig." (16:00)
Football Abroad
- NFL to play its first-ever game in Australia (49ers vs. Rams, Melbourne Cricket Ground).
- Chris shares he’s a club member after a 15-year waitlist, got in “the day Steve Irwin died” (17:58).
Miscellaneous Highlights
- "Minions Guy" (a viral Olympic skater with a Minions-themed routine) is cleared to perform after listener activism (20:08).
Notable Interviews & Guest Highlights
The Bella Twins (Brie & Nikki Bella) | 24:33–34:14
Radio Row & WrestleMania
- The Bellas discuss enduring media craziness by focusing on the "drink after" and "the party." (24:56)
- Brie sets sights on returning for the WWE Women's Tag Titles: "We gotta fight a lot of girls, take them down." (25:33)
Wrestling, Bad Bunny, & Health:
- Praise for Bad Bunny’s WrestleMania skills: "I would die for the day for him to come back. I’ll do anything." (Brie, 27:48)
- Boobs and working out: "I started doing all this crazy weight training... made me feel like my boobs look smaller..." (Brie, 26:25)
- Nicknames, dating rumors, and what they want in a partner (“swag... big heart... funny”—Brie, 32:16).
Reality TV
- Brie touches on The Traitors (“it’s hard to be a traitor out the gate, really.” 29:46).
Quote: "There's so many incredible tag teams warriors. I’m like, bring them all on. It's a great era." (Brie, 26:09)
Emmitt Smith | 34:21–44:58
Tech & Watching Sports
- Backs "Tableau" for streaming sports without cable chaos (35:00). "I don't have to worry about ABC, Disney or someone else arguing over whether or not they can show... I get, get the games." (36:00)
Super Bowl Analysis
- Running game is critical: "If the offense get rolling, it opens up the play action pass, the bootleg... which could be a problem for a defensive coordinator." (36:24)
- Picks Seahawks to win, but admits: "I'm being biased, and I know I was being biased." (39:29)
Super Bowl Experience & Cowboys Legacy
- Talks game prep, halftime, and playing under media/fan pressure (40:44).
- Defines the 1990s Cowboys dynasty through talent and swag: “We brought swag to the league." (44:37)
- Compares the Cowboys to the Tom Brady Patriots, but “Our offensive line was absolutely phenomenal... On the defensive side of [the] ball... you’re talking about a squad we had.” (43:28)
Warren Moon | 44:59–54:06
Fatherhood Initiative
- Promotes the NFL Alumni Fatherhood Champions Program: “Having a father in the household is very, very important...” (45:12)
Hall of Fame and Quarterback Context
- Only man in both Canadian and Pro Football Halls of Fame; first Black QB inductee. “When we do our group picture... I'm the only Black guy in that group.” (47:44)
- Analyzes Sam Darnold’s journey ("I love his story... he’s never too high... never too low—that's how you play the position." (49:12)); and Drake May’s emergence: “I love his maturity... he handles himself really well for a 22-year-old.” (50:17)
Changes in the Game
- On today's protected QBs: “It’s protected better... there’s a few less pains I would wake up with in the morning.” (52:59)
Quote: "This league is in very good shape... a lot of good young ones, some guys getting into the prime of their careers." (52:51)
Donovan McNabb | 54:14–66:01
Media Reunion & NFL History
- Dishes on Campbell’s Chunky Soup legacy, suggests a mom-versus-mom ad battle with the Kelseys (56:12).
Super Bowl QBs & Coaching
- “Drake, May... had a chance to talk to him... the kid’s really got his head on his shoulders.” (58:03)
- “I think Seattle wins this by three.” (59:58)
Super Bowl Experience & Belichick Hall of Fame Snub
- Candid on how overwhelming Super Bowl week is for QBs and how the long halftime interrupts rhythm (61:09–63:17).
- On Bill Belichick missing first-ballot HOF: "Unbelievable. I don’t even know what the criteria is... Bill should be in. Tom should be in." (64:04)
- Defends Philly fans: "They're informed and they care. Can't say they don't care." (65:34)
Seth Rollins (WWE Superstar) | 66:01–76:20
Bears Fandom & Wrestling Banter
- Sets straight: “Iowa’s my home. My grandpa and dad bestowed Bears fandom on me. That’s how you live your life—loyalty.” (67:02)
- Glowingly reviews Chicago Bears’ big-play, comeback season (“Seven come-from-behind wins... I feel like I lost a lot of hair, my heart rate had real issues.” (68:16))
Quarterbacks, Super Bowl Picks, & Food
- On Caleb Williams: “He doesn’t need me or anybody else to defend him. He leads by example.” (69:41)
- Rooting for Sam Darnold (“What a story. A guy who had it all, was cast aside... and here he is.” (70:54))
- Drake May: “Wasn’t sold on him out of the draft, but after this year... he’s the future of the organization.” (73:17)
- Planning to eat healthy after rotator cuff surgery, attending his first Super Bowl in person (74:08).
Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys Kicker) & Tim Howard (USMNT Legend) | 76:15–82:59
Cross-Sport Banter
- Discuss the thrill of performing under pressure and how to stay consistent.
- Tim Howard on the World Cup home boost: “The home nation just gets a boost and a lift. We can push those boys over the edge. They’re talented, they have what it takes.” (77:09)
- Katie praises Aubrey for helping the Casuals fantasy league.
Kicking Deep Dive
- Aubrey: “Focus on my mental process... I don’t try to overthink it.” (78:47)
- On max kicking range: “Game day, I get a little more juice... 72, 73 [yards], that’d be absolute max.” (80:58)
- Tim: “Soccer balls are easy to kick. Footballs are hard to me. They're shaped weird.” (81:51)
- Picks: Aubrey likes Seahawks, Howard (Giants fan) reluctantly backs Patriots.
Orange Cassidy & Toni Storm (AEW) | 83:08–93:00
Wrestling Meets Football: Absurd Banter
- Katie challenges Orange Cassidy to identify his football alter ego: “Jay Cutler?” (Katie, 83:49)
- Cassidy: “Bill Belichick is pretty much Orange Cassidy to a T... we’re both really smart... we just don’t brag about it.” (84:28)
- Lamenting Belichick's HOF snub: “Who's out there being like, nah, that's the right decision?" (84:40)
Take it or Leave it Game (88:00+)
- Toni: Skip intro buttons are disrespectful; nachos are a better snack than wings; podcasts should be capped at an hour.
- Cassidy: “Wings aren’t good for anything.” (88:59)
- Hilarious debates over dip, Doritos, and the ethics of shopping cart return.
- Ultra-playful dynamic affirms their “opposites attract” tag team chemistry.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “We’re just happy you’re here. We think sports are for everybody and we want to share the wealth.” — Katie Nolan (02:00)
- “It's a fever dream. I can't express it enough.” — Katie, describing Radio Row (03:44)
- "I feel like I've listed everybody six, 16 times—one thank between all of them!" — Katie, wrapping the show with her unique humor (96:09)
- “We brought swag to the league.” — Emmitt Smith, on Cowboys' cultural impact (44:39)
- “They’re talented. They have what it takes. Here’s to hoping.” — Tim Howard, on US Men’s National Team (77:09)
- “Swag and a big heart.”—Brie Bella, on ideal partner traits (32:24)
- “Wings aren’t good for anything.”—Orange Cassidy (88:59)
Sports Predictions & Super Bowl Picks
- Most guests lean slightly Seahawks, admiring their all-around strength and Sam Darnold’s comeback arc.
- Patriots also draw sentimental picks due to new coach Mike Vrabel’s narrative and underdog status.
- Isabella, resident newbie, picks Patriots: "After a lot of thought, I think the Pates are gonna win." (98:04)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Radio Row/Week in Sports: 03:00–22:00
- The Bella Twins: 24:33–34:14
- Emmitt Smith: 34:21–44:58
- Warren Moon: 44:59–54:06
- Donovan McNabb: 54:14–66:01
- Seth Rollins: 66:01–76:20
- Brandon Aubrey & Tim Howard: 76:15–82:59
- Orange Cassidy & Toni Storm: 83:08–93:00
Tone & Takeaway
The episode is characterized by fast-paced, cheerful, and snarky banter, making high-level sports talk digestible and fun for all listeners. Katie Nolan and her guests blend acute sports insight with candid, humanizing stories and comic relief—true to the spirit of “sports for everyone.” The guest lineup brings out unique perspectives (and plenty of humility and humor), especially as they reflect on comebacks, legacies, and the sheer wildness of Super Bowl week.
Whether you know every stat or just enjoy the memes, this episode offers the sports talk equivalent of a top-tier party: celebratory, inclusive, occasionally irreverent, but always memorable.