Podcast Summary: SWWP #14 - The New York Sports Guy & Content Entrepreneur (feat. Alex Day)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Something Wrong With The Podcast
• Host: Julian Delgado
• Episode: SWWP #14
• Release Date: April 22, 2025
• Description: A podcast where your intrusive thoughts are said out loud. Every week Julian discusses ‘something wrong with the culture’ while also being your hilarious unlicensed therapist. Want to be a part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP to leave a voicemail and get some advice.

Introduction to the Episode

Julian Delgado (B) welcomes listeners to Episode 14 of Something Wrong with the Podcast, introducing his guest, Alex Day (A), known as "Mr. New York Sports." Julian humorously challenges the authenticity of sports commentators, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about sports, content creation, and personal experiences.

Notable Quote:

Julian (00:17): "Alex, I'm so happy to have you because everyone in podcasting thinks they can talk sports, but no one actually knows how to talk sports."

Discussing Sports Commentary

Alex shares his approach to connecting with sports fans, emphasizing the importance of discussing favorite teams to gauge mutual interests. He highlights how sports can serve as a universal language, fostering immediate connections.

Notable Quote:

Alex (00:31): "I try to see what I have in common with them. All right, who are your teams? You know, then they tell me who their teams are."

Julian probes whether Alex feels intimidating to casual fans, comparing the dynamics to those in politics, where engagement often lacks depth.

Alex's Career Journey

Alex provides an overview of his career, detailing his time at Overtime, OT7 Football, and his freelance endeavors. He discusses his transition from production roles to content creation, driven by a passion for broadcasting and storytelling in sports.

Notable Quote:

Alex (03:27): "I always wanted to be broadcast. I always thought like I wanted to be either Derek Jeter or Stuart Scott."

He recounts his role at the Yankees, focusing on creating player profiles and humanizing athletes, which honed his skills in sports content.

Yankees' Innovations and Traditions

The conversation delves into recent Yankees innovations, notably the introduction of the torpedo bat developed in collaboration with MIT scientists. Alex explains the technical enhancements and their impact on the game, addressing concerns about tradition versus modernization.

Notable Quote:

Julian (11:31): "So what is that? Why is it, like, every time baseball. It's like, every time you talk about, like, a big moment in the sport, it's like the Astros cheating, the pine tar incidents, the bloody sock. Now it's the torpedo bat."

Alex defends the Yankees' use of the torpedo bat, arguing its legality and technological advancement, which other teams have adopted subsequently.

Discussion on Baseball's Popularity and Issues

Alex and Julian critically examine the declining fanfare in baseball compared to other sports like football and basketball. They attribute this trend to the slow pace and frequent outcomes like home runs or strikeouts, which may reduce viewer engagement.

Notable Quote:

Alex (08:00): "Baseball just made it home run or strike out or walk. That's boring, you know?"

They discuss efforts to modernize the sport, such as introducing the pitch clock to reduce game length, aiming to make baseball more appealing to contemporary audiences.

Personal Stories: Chicago Cubs World Series

Alex shares a personal and emotional recount of attending the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win in 2016. He describes the city's euphoric celebration and its profound impact on both him and the local community.

Notable Quote:

Julian (21:33): "That night was a core memory for me."

Alex highlights the juxtaposition of the Cubs' victory with significant global events, emphasizing the unique cultural significance of sports triumphs.

Transition to Music and Interactions

The conversation shifts to Alex's involvement in the music scene, detailing his experiences at Dreamville Fest and interactions with artists like J. Cole and Bert Kreischer. They explore the intersection of sports and music, illustrating how both industries influence and complement each other.

Notable Quote:

Julian (32:22): "I just recently got back from Dreamville. Dreamville Fest. The final one and another. Just like, just being with those guys every time is always a fun time."

Alex shares anecdotes about meeting his musical idols, underscoring the blend of professional and personal passions in his life.

Life in New York and Networking

Julian and Alex discuss the significance of networking in New York, a city teeming with opportunities yet challenging due to its fast-paced environment. They reflect on how chance encounters, like their meeting at a J. Cole concert, can shape careers and foster meaningful relationships.

Notable Quote:

Alex (46:13): "If you're in a city like New York where it's just like, I may not know the right people, but at some point I'm going to run into them."

They emphasize the importance of consistency and authenticity in building a personal brand, leveraging social media as a pivotal tool in their professional journeys.

Personal Struggles and Work-Life Balance

The dialogue takes a candid turn as both hosts share personal challenges, including the impact of aging, social changes, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle amidst demanding careers. Alex touches on his experience with COVID-19 furlough and the subsequent reinvention of his career path.

Notable Quote:

Julian (48:00): "I've never lived a normal life. We just met at a music festival."

They discuss the psychological aspects of success, such as imposter syndrome, and the necessity of self-affirmation in high-pressure environments.

Sports Predictions and Team Analyses

In the latter half, Julian and Alex engage in spirited discussions about various sports predictions, focusing primarily on New York teams like the Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Jets. They analyze team performances, player dynamics, and potential playoff outcomes, providing insightful and often critical perspectives.

Notable Quotes:

Alex (99:56): "The Yankees will go to the World Series."

Julian (100:25): "The Mets lose in the NLCS."

They delve into specifics, such as the Yankees' use of the torpedo bat and player performances, the Mets' acquisition of Juan Soto, and the Giants' quarterback uncertainties, offering a comprehensive outlook on each team's prospects.

Closing Remarks

As the episode winds down, Julian and Alex reflect on their enduring friendship, shared experiences, and the importance of staying grounded despite their professional successes. They reiterate their commitment to providing honest and engaging content, encouraging listeners to reach out and become part of the show.

Notable Quote:

Julian (104:40): "This is Episode 14 of Something Wrong with the Podcast. No voicemails. We're just talking sports today. We'll see all next week."

They sign off with expressions of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes, leaving listeners with a sense of connection and anticipation for upcoming content.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Authenticity in Sports Commentary: Alex emphasizes the need for genuine passion and knowledge in sports journalism, critiquing superficial commentary prevalent in the industry.

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Yankees' adoption of the torpedo bat symbolizes the broader tension in sports between preserving tradition and embracing technological advancements.

• Impact of Personal Experiences: Shared personal anecdotes highlight how pivotal moments, like witnessing the Cubs' World Series win, shape one's passion and perspective on sports.

• Networking and Opportunity: Living in New York provides unparalleled networking opportunities, underscoring the importance of being proactive and authentic in leveraging them.

• Navigating Success and Personal Growth: Both hosts discuss the challenges of maintaining work-life balance and personal well-being amidst professional success, offering relatable insights for listeners.

Useful for New Audience

This episode serves as an engaging blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and professional insights, making it valuable for both sports enthusiasts and individuals interested in content creation and personal development. Julian and Alex's candid and humorous dialogue provides a relatable and informative experience for those unfamiliar with the podcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Julian (00:17): "Alex, I'm so happy to have you because everyone in podcasting thinks they can talk sports, but no one actually knows how to talk sports."

• Alex (03:27): "I always wanted to be broadcast. I always thought like I wanted to be either Derek Jeter or Stuart Scott."

• Julian (11:31): "So what is that? Why is it, like, every time baseball. It's like, every time you talk about, like, a big moment in the sport, it's like the Astros cheating, the pine tar incidents, the bloody sock. Now it's the torpedo bat."

• Alex (08:00): "Baseball just made it home run or strike out or walk. That's boring, you know?"

• Julian (21:33): "That night was a core memory for me."

• Julian (32:22): "I just recently got back from Dreamville. Dreamville Fest. The final one and another. Just like, just being with those guys every time is always a fun time."

• Julian (48:00): "I've never lived a normal life. We just met at a music festival."

• Alex (99:56): "The Yankees will go to the World Series."

• Julian (100:25): "The Mets lose in the NLCS."

• Julian (104:40): "This is Episode 14 of Something Wrong with the Podcast. No voicemails. We're just talking sports today. We'll see all next week."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich and dynamic conversation between Julian and Alex, covering a spectrum of topics from sports innovations and team dynamics to personal experiences and professional growth. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps provides depth and authenticity, ensuring the summary remains engaging and informative for both existing and new listeners.