Podcast Summary: The Kittle Things

Episode 9: "What If The Pro Bowl Was USA vs. World?" ft. Filip Forsberg

Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: George Kittle & Claire Kittle
Guest: Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators), Aaron Alvy Forsberg (Singer-Songwriter), Felix Forsberg (guest of honor, Kittles’ godson)

Overview

This lively, heartfelt episode of “The Kittle Things” delves into the joys of friendship, family traditions, cross-sport fandom, and a playful reimagining of pro sporting events. The Kittles welcome their close friends, hockey star Filip Forsberg and singer Aaron Forsberg, along with their toddler godson, Felix, for a freewheeling, laughter-filled conversation. From the inside scoop on NHL rivalry tournaments to proposing a bold new format for the NFL Pro Bowl, and even recasting Harry Potter with athletes, the group shares stories, pet theories, and the genuine “little things” that make their lives big.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Friendship Origins & Godparent Story

Time: 04:21 – 06:36, 32:23 – 36:17

• How the Kittles and Forsbergs Connected: Claire tells how she met Aaron through mutual friends after her and George’s move to Nashville, leading to an impromptu trip to France together just weeks later. George jokes about being third or fourth in the friend rankings, setting a playful tone.

• Godparents for Felix:

  • Aaron and Phil share why they chose George and Claire as Felix’s godparents—not out of tradition, but because of the trust and bond they felt.
  • The actual ask was a surprise for the Kittles and is shared as one of the sweetest moments in their friendship.
  • “That was the easiest decision... If we were to choose godparents, it would be Claire and George. We think that they would be the best people for him to go to.” – Phil Forsberg (32:24)

• Felix's Special Interests: Among other “gifts,” George has accidentally made Felix obsessed with Rolex watches, much to everyone’s amusement.

2. NHL Four Nations Face Off & Sports Crossover

Time: 10:52 – 14:02

• Four Nations Tournament: Aaron explains the creation of a new international hockey tournament (Sweden, Canada, Finland, USA) during the All-Star break, drawing intense, Olympic-level competition and surprising everyone with its ferocity.
  • "It was war and it was awesome." – Phil Forsberg (00:03, 11:38)
  • George marvels at how seriously hockey players treat all-star events compared to NFL or NBA, which are far less physical.
  • They discuss the risks (real injuries occurred) and the patriotism that ups the stakes versus regular all-star roster mixing.

3. If the Pro Bowl Was USA vs. World / Sports Format Innovations

Time: 14:02 – 17:46

• The group debates how an NFL all-star event could replicate hockey’s intensity:

  • Would USA vs. World even work? Consensus: probably not—NFL isn’t internationally diverse enough.
  • They riff on alternative formats: by region (Midwest/North, South, etc.), or by college conference (Big Ten vs. SEC), and what might make it matter more to players and fans.
  • “If the Pro Bowl…was like the 49ers against the Chiefs, y’all would go all out.” – Phil Forsberg (12:37)

• Flag Football in the Olympics:

  • George and Aaron discuss the new opportunity for NFL players to compete in Olympic flag football—what rosters could look like, whether the pros would dominate, and the global growth of flag football thanks to low barriers to entry.
  • "It's just good for the sport. It's one of the smartest things I think the Olympics did for football." – George Kittle (17:29)

4. Family, Food & Holiday Traditions

Time: 18:10 – 19:46

• The Kittles and Forsbergs recount favorite holiday rituals, from choosing and cutting their own Christmas trees to how sports schedules have shaped their calendar.
• Claire’s holiday decorating makes the Kittle home "smell like the holidays and so cheerful" (18:24).

5. Harry Potter Obsession & Recasting with Athletes

Time: 24:45 – 32:16

• Passing Down Potter Love:

  • Both families are deep Harry Potter fans. They talk about watching (and reading) with their kids, quoting the movies, and dressing up for Universal’s Wizarding World.
  • Phil's dad read all the books to his kids—well into their teenage years (26:21).
  • The group marvels at being "the Harry Potter generation," wondering if Felix will find the early films as magical given modern effects.

• Recasting Game:

  • They playfully recast Potter characters with athletes/musicians they know:

    • Harry Potter: Brock Purdy.
    • Ron Weasley: George Kittle (though ultimately, WWE’s Sheamus is considered a better fit).
    • Hermione: Kristen Juszczyk (pronounced "Yuschuk"); noted for her 2am Harry Potter gaming marathons.
    • Voldemort: Kyle Shanahan (of Brock Purdy/Harry call-outs).
    • Draco Malfoy: Options included Trent Taylor, with discussions about character growth.
    • Cedric Diggory: Christian McCaffrey (“Everybody loves him!”)

  • “That's every married man’s dream—your wife playing video games at 2am with sunflower seeds and a Monster.” – George Kittle on Kristen Y. (30:08)

6. Games: “You or AI” & Game Ball

Time: 21:13 – 24:26, 38:27 – 40:45

• You or AI Couples Quiz: George and Claire quiz the Forsbergs on each other vs. what "AI" knows about them. Hilarious hiccups and trivia ensue—all in good fun.

  • Reveals tidbits like first soccer jersey (Robbie Fowler), favorite soccer teams, spice tolerance for hot chicken, and Aaron’s requirement to write five original songs before a Nashville visit.
  • "Write five original songs in two weeks. Wow." – George Kittle (22:56)

• Game Ball Lightning Round:

  • Speed questions like “Who steals off the other's plate more?” or “Who has more unread text messages?” (George has 885!), and who has more photos of Felix.
  • Lots of playful banter and competitive spirit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It was war and it was awesome. It was war and it was awesome." – Phil Forsberg, quoting the Four Nations tournament vibe (00:03, 11:38).
• "That's the name of the episode!" – Claire (11:41).
• "You're either coaching it or you're letting it happen." – George, about being coached by Claire on taste in gifts (03:23).
• “I always just want a taste…like half of my sandwich." – Claire (38:50).
• "Now that we're on the Harry Potter channel, let's just hop down the rabbit hole.” – George (25:23).
• "That's every married man's dream—your wife playing video games at 2am with sunflower seeds and a Monster." – George (30:08).
• "You guys are about to leave for season, so we were like, we'll wait until we can be with them privately [to ask them to be godparents]..." – Aaron (34:45).
• "I accidentally got Felix obsessed with Rolex watches." – George (36:32).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Podcast Start & Icebreakers: 00:00 – 03:54
• How Their Friendships Began: 04:21 – 06:36
• Four Nations Hockey Tournament: 10:52 – 14:02
• Pro Bowl/All-Star Formats & Flag Football Olympics Chat: 14:02 – 17:46
• Holiday Traditions: 18:10 – 19:46
• Harry Potter Talk & Recasting Game: 24:45 – 32:16
• Godparent Story: 32:23 – 36:17
• Felix and the Rolex Watches: 36:32 – 37:25
• Game Ball Segment: 38:27 – 40:45

Tone & Style

The tone throughout is warm, banter-filled, and occasionally goofy—blending close family warmth with the competitive spirit of pro athletes. Everyone’s quick to tease each other, share good-natured digs, and celebrate small joys, with conversations leaping from sentimental to silly.

Takeaways

Even for those brand new to the show, this episode offers a vivid window into the Kittles' world: playfulness, curiosity, community, and the “little things” that make life big. Whether gushing about hockey matchups, plotting a sports/athlete Harry Potter reboot, or reliving their godparent surprise, they invite listeners into both their competitive and caring sides.