Podcast Summary: "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron | Hour 2: Atlanta... Alabama? (M&M on Amber & Ian)"

Release Date: July 2, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio
Duration: Approximately 34 minutes

1. Opening Discussion: Iconic Locker Room Speeches

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delving into the realm of the most memorable locker room speeches in sports history. The hosts debate the legendary phrase, "How about them Cowboys?"

• Matt Jones initiates the conversation by asking, "Is there a more famous locker room speech than how about them cowboys? Like, is there a more famous locker room moment than that?" (00:34).

• Myron Medcalf responds confidently, "Unless 888 say ESPN, I'm going to say how about them Cowboys is the most famous locker room thing ever said by a coach." (02:38).

The discussion briefly touches upon Vince Lombardi's famous quotes, though the hosts grapple with recalling specific memorable lines. They reference legendary speeches like "Win one for the Gipper," highlighting the scarcity of recorded locker room speeches compared to other iconic moments in sports.

Notable Quote:

"Unless 888 say ESPN, I'm going to say how about them Cowboys is the most famous locker room thing ever said by a coach and I'm willing to be proven wrong." — Myron Medcalf (02:38)

2. Milwaukee Bucks Analysis with Guest Dario Melendez

Transitioning from locker room speeches, Matt and Myron invite Dario Melendez, Sports Director from WISN 12 News in Milwaukee, to provide insights into the Milwaukee Bucks' recent developments.

• Dario Melendez shares, "From the local media perspective and the team that the media that's been around Giannis for a number of years, it's all noise outside. I mean, Milwaukee is where Giannis wants to be." (06:04).

The conversation centers around Giannis Antetokounmpo's commitment to the Bucks, the acquisition of Miles Turner, and the team's potential to contend in the Eastern Conference. They discuss the strategic moves by the Bucks' management, including bolstering their roster to enhance competitiveness.

Notable Quotes:

"He always wants to make people feel happy. I think he is really excited about this team is going to be like..." — Dario Melendez (04:38)

"Could you move him and maybe target a guy like Andrew Wiggins? That would be awesome." — Dario Melendez (08:39)

3. Memorable Locker Room Moments: Listener Contributions

The hosts open the floor to listeners, inviting them to share their favorite locker room speeches or memorable sports-related quotes. Several callers provide their suggestions:

• Nick from Alaska:
  Highlights Herb Brooks' iconic "Miracle on Ice" speech: "How about, they may beat us nine times out of ten, but not tonight, boys." (16:05).

• James from Memphis:
  Mentions Dan Gable's motivational words: "Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard to find alloy called guts." (30:49).

• Matthew from Mississippi:
  Shares Dan Lanning's pregame statement: "Let them talk with their lips. We're going to talk with our pads. They're playing for clicks. We're playing for wins." (28:06).

These contributions enrich the discussion, showcasing a variety of inspirational and strategic remarks that have propelled teams and athletes to success.

Notable Quote:

"Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard to find alloy called guts." — Dan Gable (30:49)

4. Spotlight on Alabama: State Facts and Sports Legends

Shifting gears, Matt and Myron embark on a segment celebrating Alabama as part of ESPN’s "50 States in 50 Days" series. They share intriguing facts about the state and its rich sports heritage.

Key Points Discussed:

• Capital and Nickname:

  • "The capital of Alabama is Montgomery."
  • "The nickname of Alabama is the Yellow Hammer State." (35:05).

• State Motto and Food:

  • Discusses Alabama's motto: "We dare to defend our rights.", with Matt expressing skepticism about its relevance.
  • Mentions the state food, Lane Cake: "A bourbon laced bake cake, traditional in the American South." (36:52).

• Historical Milestones:

  • Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a holiday in 1836.
  • Claims that "43% of all snails in the United States live in Alabama," though Matt questions the veracity of this statistic. (37:08).

• Unique Locations:

  • Scottsboro, Alabama: Home to the unclaimed baggage center where lost airline luggage is stored, fostering a unique culture around unclaimed items.
  • Birmingham: Hosts the World Police and Fire Games, an Olympic-style competition for first responders globally. (40:57).

• Alabama's Sports Legends:

  • Celebrates athletes born in Alabama, including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Jesse Owens, Charles Barkley, Julio Jones, Bo Jackson, and more.
  • Emphasizes the state's significant contribution to American sports.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm going to tell you some facts about the state of Alabama. Roll Tide, you ready to go?" — Matt Jones (34:08)

"Alabama might be the greatest athlete state outside of like LA, New York, Chicago." — Matt Jones (43:08)

5. Additional Highlights and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse humorous exchanges and personal anecdotes, enhancing the conversational flow:

• Matt's Anecdote on Listener Engagement:

  • Reflects on engaging with listeners through calls and texts, sharing playful banter and light-hearted moments.

• Discussion on ESPN’s "50 States in 50 Days":

  • Matt praises the campaign, expressing a desire to explore each state and highlighting its reach across diverse regions.

• Engagement with Pop Culture:

  • References to contemporary figures like Walker Hayes and mentions of pop culture elements, adding relatability for the audience.

Notable Quote:

"I like taking calls. It's good to hear you all get your blood pumping on some quotes. We might come back to that a little bit later." — Matt Jones (25:33)

Conclusion

The episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a rich blend of sports analysis, historical insights, and engaging listener interactions. From debating the most iconic locker room speeches to celebrating Alabama's sports legacy, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf deliver a dynamic and informative session that caters to sports enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and current perspectives.

Timestamp Highlights:

• 00:34: Introduction to the discussion on locker room speeches.
• 02:38: Myron asserts "How about them Cowboys?" as the most famous locker room quote.
• 04:38: Dario Melendez discusses Giannis and the Bucks' strategy.
• 06:04: Dario emphasizes Giannis' commitment to Milwaukee.
• 16:05: Herb Brooks' "Miracle on Ice" speech shared by Nick.
• 30:49: Dan Gable’s motivational quote introduced by James.
• 35:05: Transition to Alabama state facts.
• 37:08: Discussion on Alabama's claim about snails.
• 43:08: Celebration of Alabama's sports legends.

Note: The timestamps mentioned correspond to the provided transcript and indicate where specific discussions and quotes occur within the episode.