Nearly 20 years ago, the Seattle SuperSonics were swept away by a new owner, relocating to Oklahoma City, and Sonic Fans still can't believe it ever happened. Today's guest does a deep dive into what lead up to Seattle losing it's team.
If you’re curious about the true stories behind NBA superstars, lost franchises, and the real work it takes to “pay your dues” as a writer, this episode is for you. Greg Inglin welcomes award-winning author and journalist Jon Finkel, whose books, like "Hoops Heist," "Heart Over Height," "Mean Joe Greene: Built By Football," and "1996: A Biography", have captured the grit, resilience, and inspiration at the heart of sports. Jon reflects on his journey from writingfor Men’s Health and GQ to chronicling basketball royalty, ranking athletic presidents, and sharing honest stories about fatherhood through bestsellers like "The Life of Dad" and "The Dadvantage." Don't miss this deep-dive on the NBA’s hidden legacy, how writing mimics athletics, the mentorships between Seattle hoop stars, and why saying “yes” (and surviving “no”) creates enduring impact - in sports, in writing, and in life.
What you can expect from this episode:
- Seattle SuperSonics, Hoops Heist, and building an NBA dynasty: Discover how Jon captured the lost legacy of theSeattle SuperSonics and the interconnected stories of Jamal Crawford, Isaiah Thomas, Brandon Roy, and others shaping basketball culture.
- Resilience in writing and sports: Hear Jon’s behind-the-scenes journey from hustling for magazine bylines to collaborating with icons like Mean Joe Greene and Nate Robinson - plus how rejection and persistence led to a bestselling career.
- Fatherhood and growth lessons: Jon shares advice and stories from "The Life of Dad" and "The Dadvantage," revealing how elite athletes, writers, and dads navigate fatherhood, vulnerability, and lasting impact.
Guest Resources:
Jon Finkel: Website, The Midlife Male, Instagram, Books & Biceps Email List
Jon’s Books: Hoops Heist, The Life of Dad, Advantage plus these.
About My Guest: Jon Finkel is an accomplished author, journalist, and editor with a distinguished career writing for prominent publications such as Men’s Health, GQ, The New York Times, and Muscle & Fitness. He is the author of numerous acclaimed sports biographies, including Hoops Heist, Mean Joe Greene: Built By Football, and Heart Over Height with NBA star Nate Robinson. Jon also created the popular Greatest Stars of the NBA book series for the NBA’s “Read to Achieve” program. As a passionate storyteller andfather, he explores fatherhood in books like The Life of Dad and The Dadvantage. Jon brings a unique perspective on resilience, sports culture, and personal growth.
Guest idea? Feedback? Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.
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Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:
00:00 Nostalgia for the Hulkster, Hulk Hogan
03:57 The Art of Wrestling Performance
07:00 Behind the Curtain: The Real Hulk Hogan
10:05 Writing the Macho Man Biography
13:03 The Connection Between Fathers and Wrestling
16:05 Exploring Seattle Basketball History
19:03 Nate Robinson: A Unique Journey
22:01 The Legacy of Seattle Basketball
24:31 The Dual Sport Dilemma
27:40 The Sonic's Hoop Heist
31:11 Civic Responsibility and Team Sentiment
33:41 Cultural Impact of the Sonics
38:37 The Legacy of Seattle Basketball
42:49 Writing Journey and Fatherhood Insights
50:53 The Journey of a Writer
53:27 Overcoming Rejection and Embracing Persistence
57:25 The Transition from Nonfiction to Fiction
01:01:13 The Life of Dad: A Unique Collaboration
01:04:38 Reflections on Parenting and Cherished Moments
01:11:25 The Greatest Sports Year Ever: A Retrospective
01:15:39 Building a Community Through Writing