Podcast
SMQBs
Hosted by Bryan, Chris, Mike, Patrick, Tobi · EN
A sports podcast that doesn't suck for fans who want a deep, sometimes controversial, dive into the world of sports.. Who is the punchable face of the week? Grab a beer and join the conversation.
32episodes
Episodes
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March Madness, Bracket Busters, and The "Real" Champions
Mar 1701:13:19Tap to summarizeThe SMQB crew is diving headfirst into March Madness. They break down the West and South regions, highlighting under-the-radar storylines like Purdue's Braden Smith chasing the all-time NCAA assist record and the tragic yet inspiring turnaround at USF under Brian Hodgson. The guys don't hold back on their Final Four locks, debating whether Florida's size can bully the South or if Arizona is destined for another early exit. Beyond the court, the crew introduces a new "March Madness" bracket of their own: the 64 greatest sports competitions of all time. They spark some serious debate right out of the gate, weighing the prestige of the Masters against the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and delivering a shocker by picking the Manchester Derby over the Ryder Cup.
Transcribe →F1 Tech Wars and the "Profile in Courage" Award
Mar 1001:03:04Tap to summarizeThe crew gets into the weeds of the F1 regulation changes, debating the new "power boost" strategy over the old DRS system. While drivers like Max Verstappen deal with technical "gremlins" like locking brakes, the fans are enjoying a record-setting 146 overtakes in Melbourne. The guys also offer a "public service announcement" for fans trying to find the Sky Sports broadcast on Apple TV to avoid the "dull" new announcing crew. To wrap up, the podcast recognizes the investigative work of Pablo Torre, awarding him a hypothetical "Profile in Courage" for his deep dive into the business dealings of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The episode concludes with some "buzzer beaters," including Jason Tatum's remarkable return from an Achilles injury and the Raiders' aggressive moves to bolster their defense in free agency.
Transcribe →Hard Truths & Hot Takes: The Annual "Punch" List
Mar 300:54:21Tap to summarizeIt's that time of year again where the crew hands out their "punches." Rooster doesn't hold back on Yankees GM Brian Cashman, criticizing the team's reliance on "broken down old stars" like Giancarlo Stanton. The segment moves to a broader critique of AI-altered images and the handling of the US hockey team's White House visit. As spring training heats up, the guys analyze the latest NFL combine results, marveling at the "scary" athleticism of 236-pound linebackers running sub-4.4 40s. They highlight potential draft steals like Jeremiah Love and discuss the impact of veteran releases across the league. The discussion wraps up with a look at some of the wilder stories hitting the wire, including a bizarre eligibility investigation involving a USC basketball player. It's a fast-paced look at the controversies and "buzzer beaters" defining the sports week.
Transcribe →Legends, Lasso Stories, and the Quad God: SMQB's Ultimate Reel Special
Feb 2400:34:09Tap to summarizeMichael "Rooster" Phelan The "Moral Dilemma" Punch: Rooster delivers a powerful segment questioning his fandom for the New York Giants after disturbing emails surfaced regarding co-owner Steve Tisch. He takes a firm stance, stating he cannot support the team if Tisch is not forced out, sparking a deep debate on the morality of sports ownership. The "Bald Vanity" Rant: In a lighter but equally passionate moment, Rooster "punches" male athlete vanity, specifically mocking LeBron James and Jalen Brown for using hair polish and a boxer whose toupee flew off mid-fight. Homer Hopes: Rooster expresses his "homer" hope for the Giants to hire a disciplinarian coach like Tom Coughlin or John Harbaugh to bring structure to the team's young talent. Chris "Bison" Nace National Catchers Day Celebration: Bison brings an entire roster of legendary catchers—including Josh Gibson, Johnny Bench, and Gary Carter—to "the bar" in honor of National Catchers Day. The Washington Post Defense: Bison delivers a stinging "punch" to Jeff Bezos for the decline of The Washington Post's sports section, lamenting the loss of embedded local reporting and the impact on the sports community. Skepticism of the "Upstart" Patriots: Bison mockingly refers to the New England Patriots as an "upstart franchise" that has never been to a Super Bowl, before acknowledging his genuine annoyance that "they're f***ing back". Bryan Pope The Olympic History Buff: Pope shines as the resident expert on the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, sharing details about Lindsey Vonn's attempt to be the oldest medalist and the unique "luxury resort" setting of Cortina in the Dolomites. "Sir Barks-a-Lot" & Tennis: Pope explains how his 13-year-old golden retriever, Carmichael (aka Sir Barks-a-Lot), waking him up at 3AM led to him becoming an accidental expert on the Australian Open. The "Pope Stat": He provides the unique trivia that Charlie Puth is the first Jewish singer to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Tobi "House" Millrood The "Birding" Quarterback: House brings fellow "birder" Sam Darnold to the bar, celebrating the quarterback's redemption arc as a "Lasso story" while defending his own hobby of ornithology and bird calls. The Manchester United Haircut Bet: House tracks the viral story of Frank Illett, a fan who hasn't cut his hair in 485 days, betting that if the team wins two more games, they will have him on the pod for a live head-shaving. The "Breaking Away" Comparison: House compares the long-suffering Indiana Hoosiers fans' recent success to the movie Breaking Away, celebrating their journey from "all thin" to a "colossal all-time ride". Patrick "Milk" Mickler The "Quad God" Aficionado: Milk stuns the other hosts with his knowledge of figure skating, introducing them to Ilya Malinin (the "Quad God") and explaining the emotional weight of the team's history following a tragic plane crash. The "Cycle of Hell": Milk provides a cynical but realistic breakdown of the "NFL cycle of hell," where good offensive coordinators are immediately hired away as head coaches, leaving teams like his Buccaneers in a constant state of turnover. The Outdoor Hockey Hype: Milk celebrates the success of the Stadium Series in Tampa, describing the "phenomenal" scene of outdoor hockey in 38-degree Florida weather.
Transcribe →Olympic Memories and All-Star Experiments
Feb 1700:54:51Tap to summarizeThis week's show centers on the "Helmet of Memory" worn by Ukrainian skeleton rider Vladislav Heraskovich and the IOC's decision to ban it. The group explores the perceived hypocrisy of sporting bodies that allow certain displays while prohibiting others, using historical examples from Jesse Owens to Colin Kaepernick to frame the current debate over political speech in competition. Shifting gears to the hardwood, the hosts analyze the NBA's attempt to revitalize the All-Star Game with a multi-team, international-themed format. They highlight standouts like Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Edwards, but don't hold back on their criticism of the dunk contest's over-reliance on props. The episode wraps with a look at the "punchable faces" of the week and a heartfelt tribute to former NFL lineman Trey Johnson.
Transcribe →From Super Bowl Hangovers to Spring Training: The Sports Transition
Feb 901:03:34Tap to summarizeThe recent Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl, which most of the crew found "less than riveting" and bordering on boring. They dive into the contrasting performances of the QBs, praising Sam Darnold's "ghost-free" game management while critiquing Drake May's "deer in the headlights" struggle against a suffocating Seattle defense. With the football season wrapped up, the pod shifts gears toward the diamond. Chris brings the entire MLB roster of pitchers and catchers "to the bar" as they report for spring training, signaling the official start of the baseball season. The guys debate the legendary status of Sonny Jurgensen following his passing at age 91, cementing his place on the "Mount Rushmore" of DC sports. Meanwhile, the conversation doesn't stay on the field for long. The crew hits on the NBA trade deadline, analyzing the Wizards' high-stakes moves for Trey Young and AD, and the Celtics' masterclass in cap management. It's a classic bridge week where the gridiron meets the hardwood and the dirt.
Transcribe →Prop Bets and Surprise Halftime Guests to Olympic Alpine Dreams
Feb 301:06:34Tap to summarizeThis episode features a look at the more unpredictable and entertaining elements of the Super Bowl and the NFL offseason. The conversation includes prop betting on everything from the over/under length of the National Anthem—which is 120 seconds—to whether any team will score in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. They also speculate on the first commercial to air, with a sentimental Budweiser ad being a strong candidate. The hosts delve into the halftime show, providing rumors and insights about Bad Bunny's performance, including a potential costume choice and a major surprise guest, with names like Cardi B and Shakira tossed around. They also analyze the Super Bowl broadcast team, joking about the color commentary. On the Olympic front, they express hope for alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, who is aiming to become the oldest Olympic medalist in her event despite a recent crash and skiing on a knee replacement. On the gridiron, they salute Sam Darnold for becoming the first USC quarterback to make a Super Bowl appearance. Later in the episode, the Winter Olympics take center stage. The team gets excited about the return of NHL players to the men's hockey tournament for the first time since 2014, and they cover new and unique events like the grueling Ski Mountaineering (Ski-mo). They also offer names to watch, including Layla Edwards, the first African American on the US Women's Hockey team, and Swiss downhill favorite Marco Odermott.
Transcribe →Fantasy Camp Glory, Steelers' Head-Scratcher, and the Baffling Bills Job
Jan 2600:55:09Tap to summarizeThis episode kicks off with the hosts tackling the latest uncharacteristic move in the NFL coaching carousel: the Steelers' hiring of Mike McCarthy. Given Pittsburgh's history of picking young, up-and-coming head coaches like Mike Tomlin, Bill Cowher, and Chuck Noll—all hired in their mid-30s—the crew is baffled by the choice of the 62-year-old McCarthy. The conversation then shifts to the perplexing situation in Buffalo, where the Bills' head coaching job seems to be strangely unappealing. Philip Rivers was interviewed and then withdrew his name after Mike McDaniels canceled his interview. The hosts can't figure out why a job with a generational quarterback like Josh Allen would be such a hard sell. The main event this week is the incredible run of the "Eustacoods," champions of the first-ever Washington Nationals Fantasy Camp. The guys relive the entire experience, including an intense, competitive championship game where the team had to rally from a 7-5 deficit in the sixth inning to beat the previously undefeated Lawn Chair Legends. They break down the high level of play, the use of Field of Dreams whiskey and champagne, and the clutch moments, including a game-ending play at first base against one of the camp's best players, and the highly debated "beautiful bunt" laid down by Cousin Justin against a former Major League pitcher.
Transcribe →MLB Talk, The Bills' Coaching Debacle, Bears' Near-Miss, and Baseball's Billion-Dollar Problem
Jan 2001:03:57Tap to summarizeThe episode kicks off with an exclusive, inside report from one of the hosts, "Bison," who is currently living out a dream at the Washington Nationals fantasy baseball camp. Hear about the full major league treatment—from using the Nationals' spring training facility and clubhouse to getting a pre-game pep talk from the legendary Johnny Bench. Plus, find out how Bison performed in his first live action, driving in the first run of the whole camp, and how he ended up catching most of the game after a teammate got hurt. He even shares a tidbit about having dinner with Ryan Zimmerman. Bo Nix news and what that means for his team's Super Bowl chances. The focus quickly shifts to the surprising decision by the Buffalo Bills' GM to fire a successful head coach, with the hosts questioning the wisdom of the move and the GM's continued inability to find decent wide receivers for Josh Allen. The crew also gets into an intense debate about Allen, with one host calling him a "turnover machine" and arguing he is not deserving of the "best to never" narrative. The NFL talk continues with a look at the Bears' unbelievable final drive that tied the game, dissecting the play-calling from Ben Johnson, who was criticized for being too conservative in the red zone. Finally, the show tackles the wild spending in MLB, where they argue the luxury tax structure is now a profit source for owners of low-payroll teams, creating a "sick" situation that is bad for the competitive balance of the sport.
Transcribe →Who is the Next Liam Cohen? & The New Face of College Football
Jan 1400:47:17Tap to summarizeThe SMQB team is trying to figure out where the next great coaches will come from. They explore the NFL's constant churn, dubbed the "cycle of hell," where good offensive coordinators are quickly promoted, leaving a vacuum of poor play-callers like the Eagles' recently-fired Patullo. The conversation turns to the current head coach vacancies and the prospects of potential hires like John Harbaugh or a rebound coach like Kevin Stefanski. The question of who the "next Liam Cohen" (a successful coordinator-turned-head coach) might be is top of mind. The biggest questions, however, are in college football, where the transfer portal has totally reshaped the landscape. The guys discuss the absurdity of the market, including the $6.5 million NIL offer for Ty Simpson, and whether the sport can function with players coming and going every year. They also honor a massive underdog story from the world of soccer that takes the "Ted Lasso Moment" award and find a way to give LeBron James a "full slap" for his latest piece of ridiculousness.
Transcribe →