Podcast Summary: Casuals with Katie Nolan
Episode: Taylor Swift, Notre Dame, and Twice-Baked Choc Chip Cookies | with Jessica Smetana
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Katie Nolan
Guest: Jessica Smetana (Host of Sports Gone Wrong on Vice)
1. Introduction
Katie Nolan welcomes listeners to another episode of Casuals, emphasizing the podcast's inclusive approach to sports discussions. She introduces herself, ongoing co-hosts Chris and Isabella, and teases the upcoming guest, Jessica Smetana.
2. Listener Interaction: Jim’s Fandom Struggle
Jim's Voicemail [05:19]: Jim from Atlanta shares his dilemma about becoming a hardcore fan of the podcast, which conflicts with the show's casual ethos.
- Jim: “How do I become less of a hardcore fan of Casuals and keep it casual?” [05:19]
Katie's Response [06:04]: Katie reassures Jim and discusses the balance between being a hardcore fan of a specific sport while maintaining a casual enthusiasm across others.
- Katie Nolan: “Being a hardcore fan of anything and also like casuals is perfectly okay.” [07:25]
3. Orienteering Adventure
Chris recounts his challenging experience with orienteering in Finland, highlighting the complexities of the sport without GPS reliance.
- Chris: “The event starts deep in the forest... I couldn't handle a six-mile run with a map.” [08:05]
Katie reflects on modern reliance on GPS and how it contrasts with orienteering, pondering its appeal to younger generations.
- Katie Nolan: “You no longer trust your own instincts or use your eyes... Outsourcing your brain to your phone.” [10:16]
4. Guest Segment: Jessica Smetana Joins the Podcast
At [30:59], Jessica Smetana joins the conversation, bringing insights from her experience on Sports Gone Wrong and her new Notre Dame football podcast, Echoes.
5. Taylor Swift’s Appearance on New Heights Podcast
Katie and Jessica discuss Taylor Swift's recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason.
- Katie Nolan: “I’m fascinated to see how a person who never does podcasts comports themselves on a sports podcast.” [17:15]
- Jessica Smetana: Describes the authenticity observed during Taylor’s interview and her interactions with Travis.
- Jess: “Jason seemed very authentic because he argues with trolls a lot on social media.” [38:49]
6. WNBA Connecticut Suns Ownership Battle
The hosts delve into the ongoing ownership struggle of the Connecticut Sun, discussing competing bids and the league's influence on potential team relocations.
- Jess: “The main problem is the league... it wants a team in a larger market someplace else.” [45:31]
- Katie Nolan: “Boston is a huge market. Why wouldn’t they accept it?” [47:23]
7. South Carolina Coach’s Wife’s Cookie Criticism
Katie brings up the controversy surrounding Emily Beamer, wife of South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, whose cookie baking has faced online criticism.
- Katie Nolan: “Shane said his wife’s cookies are the bomb and encouraged fans to try them.” [55:24]
- Jess Smetana: Shares her own experiences with baking and receiving mixed feedback.
- Jess: “Sometimes I’d bring a cookie and people would either love it or not care.” [80:24]
8. Notre Dame Football and New Coach Bill Belichick?
A speculative discussion arises around the possibility of NFL legend Bill Belichick transitioning to coach Notre Dame's football team.
- Jess: “I think if you see the big picture, maybe they wiggle their way into the playoff.” [66:45]
- Katie Nolan: “It’s weird to see Tom Brady being overshadowed by someone like Belichick in this context.” [72:31]
9. Venmo Scandal Involving Oklahoma Quarterback
Jessica addresses a recent scandal where an Oklahoma quarterback allegedly made questionable Venmo payments, discussing the implications and the need for privacy in financial transactions.
- Jess: “He claims it’s an inside joke, which is more believable than hacked.” [84:28]
- Katie Nolan: Emphasizes the importance of private financial information to prevent identity theft. [85:37]
10. Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Katie and Jessica wrap up the episode by discussing future episodes, upcoming sports events, and merchandise. They share light-hearted banter about baking skills and the importance of authentic interactions within sports fandom.
- Katie Nolan: “We have merch coming soon. Our own Casuals hoodie is on its way!” [91:39]
- Jess Smetana: Highlights her involvement in various podcasts and encourages listeners to tune in.
Notable Quotes
- Jim [05:19]: “How do I become less of a hardcore fan of Casuals and keep it casual?”
- Katie Nolan [07:25]: “Being a hardcore fan of anything and also like casuals is perfectly okay.”
- Chris [08:05]: “I have never felt prouder. I finished an Ironman and this moment honestly ranked right up there.”
- Jess Smetana [38:49]: “Jason seemed very authentic because he argues with trolls a lot on social media.”
- Jess Smetana [55:24]: “She does it every Thursday for all the people in this building, to the people who reached out to her on Instagram to criticize her and tell her she's not cooking them long enough.”
Conclusion This episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan offers a blend of lighthearted sports banter, insightful discussions on current sports controversies, and engaging guest interactions. From Taylor Swift's unexpected foray into sports podcasts to the intricacies of orienteering and the latest in WNBA team ownership battles, Katie and Jessica provide a comprehensive and entertaining overview for both casual and avid sports fans.