The Lead Says Farewell

Podcast: The Lead
Hosts: Tiffany Oshinsky, Anders Kelto, Matt Stroup
Date: January 3, 2024

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode marks the end of "The Lead," Wondery's acclaimed narrative sports podcast. Hosts Anders Kelto, Tiffany Oshinsky, and Matt Stroup gather to announce the show’s conclusion, reflect on its legacy, and express profound gratitude to the team, contributors, and listeners who made its 900+ episodes possible. The tone is nostalgic yet celebratory, with emphasis on the meaningful stories told and connections forged throughout the show's run.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Announcement and Legacy ([00:10]–[00:48])

• Anders Kelto opens with the major announcement: "The Lead will not be continuing in 2024."
• He notes the show’s groundbreaking launch in September 2019 as the "first ever daily narrative sports podcast."
• Recognition of the show's consistent delivery: "Since then, we've published more than 900 episodes. We've won a bunch of awards."

2. Reflections and Gratitude to the Team ([00:48]–[01:30])

• Matt Stroup shares a personal memory: "I remember exactly where I was actually when I got that phone call." ([00:48])
• Matt recalls humorously resisting at first: "I also remember exactly where I was when I told you. No."
• Honors the production team: Ian Hurley (fact checks), Adrian Tapia & Daniel Gonzalez (production assistants), Aaron May & Joe Richardson (sound designers), and Matt Beagle (all-around support).
• Matt: "Thank you to everyone who worked on this production team over the years behind the scenes." ([01:14])

3. Appreciation for Co-hosts and Journalists ([01:30]–[02:11])

• Anders thanks Tiffany Oshinsky, who joined in 2021: "Thanks as well to you for all your excellent work over the years."
• Tiffany responds:

  "It's been an absolute joy and honor to work on the show, and I'm still extremely grateful that you guys made me part of this amazing team." ([01:37])

• Tiffany also acknowledges hundreds of journalists:

  "Their writing, their storytelling, their curiosity to learn and share other stories is what made this show possible." ([01:53])

4. Tribute to Wondery and Listeners ([02:11]–[02:52])

• Anders extends gratitude to Wondery for support:

  "There are a lot of unfortunate trends happening in sports media these days, but the lead has always risen above the noise... and delivered powerful and meaningful stories."

• Special shout out to Dave Easton and Marshall Louie for their instrumental roles.
• Anders encourages listeners:

  "Maybe the best thing you can do as a listener, if you've enjoyed the show, is to go back into our archive and share some of your favorite episodes with people you know." ([02:41])

5. Memorable Episodes and Next Steps ([02:52]–[03:00])

• Matt’s recommended episode:

  "Go back and listen to that Marvin Gaye national anthem episode. An absolute classic." ([02:55])

6. What’s Next: Continuation on Starting Five ([03:00]–[03:21])

• Anders reassures fans:

  "This isn't goodbye because you can continue to hear us, especially these two here on our other show, Starting Five. That is our fun 10 minute recap of the day's sports news." ([03:02])

7. Farewell and the Original Theme Song ([03:20]–[03:43])

• The hosts bid farewell by playing the original theme song—an emotional callback for "OG listeners."
• Notable lines from the theme:
  • Anders: "It felt like something great was happening." ([03:22])
  • Tiffany: "There was just something about the emotion in that moment." ([03:28])
  • Matt: "You gotta go faster. Faster." ([03:31])
  • Tiffany: "The failures of the past don't matter because we've got this guy. That's not good news." ([03:33])
  • Tiffany: "This isn't a story where you interview the athlete and go home."
  • Anders: "It stays with you." ([03:43])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Anders Kelto:

  "The lead will not be continuing in 2024... We launched the show in September of 2019, when it was the first ever daily narrative sports podcast." ([00:13])

• Matt Stroup:

  "I remember exactly where I was actually when I got that phone call. I also remember exactly where I was when I told you. No... but honestly, it's been a blast working on this show with you guys." ([00:48])

• Tiffany Oshinsky:

  "It's been an absolute joy and honor to work on the show, and I'm still extremely grateful that you guys made me part of this amazing team." ([01:37])

• Anders Kelto:

  "The Lead has always risen above the noise of hot takes and personalities and delivered powerful and meaningful stories." ([02:25])

• Matt Stroup:

  "Go back and listen to that Marvin Gaye national anthem episode. An absolute classic." ([02:55])

• Anders Kelto:

  "This isn't goodbye because you can continue to hear us, especially these two here, on our other show, Starting Five." ([03:00])

Important Timestamps

• [00:13] – Announcement of the show ending & reflection on its launch
• [00:48] – Matt’s memories of the show’s beginnings
• [01:37] – Tiffany’s gratitude and acknowledgment of contributors
• [02:11] – Wondery’s instrumental support
• [02:52] – Listener call-to-action & recommended classic episode
• [03:00] – Introduction to their next project, Starting Five
• [03:20] – Farewell with the original theme song

Final Thoughts

This farewell episode of The Lead is filled with warmth, gratitude, and camaraderie—a true retrospective on a pioneering sports journalism journey. The hosts celebrate their team, contributors, and listeners, point towards new projects like "Starting Five," and remind everyone of the value of storytelling in sports. The episode is a fitting tribute, encouraging ongoing engagement with the show’s rich archive and the enduring spirit of its community.