Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! 🌍 The world of sport is evolving at an unprecedented, accelerating pace due to the massive technological effect of smartphones, AI, and the ascent of streaming 🤯 Former ESPN digital and media executive John Kosner joins the podcast for a discussion with Todd around the "State of Sport," analysing the forces reshaping the game for athletes, leagues, and fans 👀 In this episode, you'll hear John Kosner discuss: - Why sport is more popular and important than ever, serving as the only truly unifying, live content in a fragmented media landscape 🤝 - The dramatic growth of player empowerment, where athletes' social media followings often surpass those of their teams and leagues 💪 - The revolution in women's sport, including the "galvanizing" breakthrough of stars like Caitlin Clark 🏀 - The challenge for new tournaments and leagues like LIV Golf and the Six Kings Slam to replicate the context and meaning of traditional major events for fans 🏌️🎾 - The crucial role of broadcasters to protect the integrity of the game and serve as a reliable source of information in the age of media fragmentation 🎙️ 00:00 - Introduction: The Unprecedented Pace of Change in Sport 01:33 - The State of Sport: Why It's Never Mattered More 02:04 - Player Power: Athletes vs. Leagues on Social Media 03:40 - Is Sport Really Recession Proof? 05:04 - The Positives and Negatives of Athlete Power 07:05 - Are New Leagues Like LIV Golf and The Six Kings Slam Prepared? 07:47 - The Importance of Context and the Big Events 09:21 - Broadcaster's Responsibility in a Fragmented Media World 11:40 - The Growth of Women's Sports 12:37 - Caitlin Clark's Unprecedented Draw 14:34 - Shrinking Attention Spans vs. Rising TV Ratings 16:37 - The Future of Broadcast: Multiple Feeds and Influencer Channels 18:23 - Career Bedrocks: John Kosner's Lessons for the Next Generation 19:48 - The #1 Rule for Success: Investing in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport!   Join your hosts Todd Harris (USA), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Edward Russell (Singapore) as they discuss the growth of player power around the globe and ask a crucial question – is it good or bad for the future of sport?   Billionaire athletes: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to achieve a net worth of $1 billion. How did we get here, and will there be more?   Player empowerment: From players forcing moves away from football clubs to NIL rights, the team explore how athletes in all sports have been taking more control over their own futures. Social media transformation: The team discuss how these platforms have emboldened athletes, giving them a direct platform to air grievances and build their personal brands, bypassing traditional media channels. Plus, have women’s sports embraced social media more effectively than men’s sports to create authentic content that really connects with fans?  Plus, as 2025 draws to a close, Natalie, Todd and Edward reveal their athletes of the year, and their ones to watch in 2026! 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - The player empowerment phenomenon 03:51 - How women's sport utilises social media to create authentic content 04:25 - The Billionaire Athlete: Are stars like Cristiano Ronaldo too rich? 11:06 - Will there be more Super Leagues? 13:32 - How have shows like 'Drive to Survive' changed sport? 18:02 - Are athletes in danger of burn out? 21:05 - Interview with the Former ESPN Executive John Kosner 27:32 - Athlete of the year! 31:17 - Who is 2025's Rising Star? 35:34 - What will have the biggest legacy from 2025? 37:56 - See you next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) celebrate England's Rugby World Cup victory and dive into the growing global phenomenon of women's sport. We are joined by exclusive guest and World Cup winner Abbie Ward to go inside the victorious Red Roses' camp and discuss the key to their team culture. Rugby World Cup Champions: We celebrate the Red Roses' victory over Canada at a sold-out Twickenham. World Cup winner Abbie Ward shares the secret to the team's close bond and why supporting mothers in sport is vital. The Growth of Women's Sport: A discussion on the acceleration of women's sport globally, particularly the success seen in Europe (England's Euro and Rugby World Cup wins) and the USA (WNBA, new leagues). Legacy Building: We explore the challenges of sustaining growth in domestic leagues and highlight the positive impact female athletes are having as role models for the next generation. Behind the Scenes: Abbie Ward discusses the non-traditional support within the England rugby squad, such as teammates watching her daughter during training, and the importance of maternity and working parent policies. 00:00 - Intro & Global Sporting Highlights  01:24 - Todd reflects on the Ryder Cup and MLB Playoffs  02:42 - Edward reviews the F1 Singapore Grand Prix  03:44 - Natalie celebrates England's World Cup qualification and Hull FC's treble  06:05 - The Women's Sport Phenomenon: A Unique Period of Growth  09:18 - Abby Ward on winning the Rugby World Cup  14:24 - Juggling motherhood and professional rugby  21:15 - Being a role model and legacy building 25:31 - Reflections on the World Cup Win  27:18 - Canada's Crowdfunding Story  28:51 - Investment and Growth in US Women's Sport  31:51 - Women in Sport in Asia  32:46 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Sawyer is joined by Red Roses star Abbie Ward to reflect on the team's phenomenal World Cup victory and the absolute whirlwind of the past few weeks. Abbie shares an inside look at the championship celebrations and the deep bond that defines this history-making squad, and how she juggles being a professional rugby player and a mother! 🏆 The World Cup Final Experience: Abbie describes the final day as "spectacular," from stepping off the bus to an electric atmosphere at Twickenham to the game itself, which she "loved every minute of". ❤️ Team Bond and Culture: She details how the Red Roses deliberately fostered a close-knit group by focusing on "little moments," sharing personal stories, and celebrating individuals, a strategy she believes was a "point of difference". 🧠 Handling Pressure and Past Defeats: She discusses how the team is accustomed to pressure and how losing the last two World Cup finals spurred on the players with "extra hunger". She notes a change in perspective, allowing her to now look back on those losses with pride and appreciation for the growth of the women's game. 👧 Motherhood and Sport: Abbie speaks openly about the balancing act of being a professional player and a mother, highlighting the team's incredible support, including team-mates Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews who looked after Hallie during the Samoa match! 🎉 The Legacy of the Win: Abbie stresses the team’s goal was not just to win, but to "create a legacy" by maintaining the momentum, growing the game, and paving the way for the next generation. 🏉 Growth of the Women’s Game: She advocates for more investment and teams to go professional, citing Canada's journey to the final as an "unbelievable story" for a non-fully professional side. 💪 The PWR's Role: Abbie praises the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) as an "amazing showcase" of competitive, local rugby featuring the best international players and encourages fans to attend their local games. 00:00 - Interview Start & World Cup Win Reflection 01:52 - The Post-World Cup Celebrations (Including Ibiza!) 03:00 - How the Red Roses Team Bond is Built 03:56 - John Mitchell’s Pivotal Role in Team Culture 04:53 - Dealing with Pressure as Tournament Favourites 06:40 - Using Past World Cup Final Losses as Motivation 08:30 - The Challenges of Being a Mother and a Rugby Player 09:40 - "Hallie is part of the team" – The Ultimate Squad Support from Abbie's daughter 12:18 - Trusting Individuals and the Importance of Mental Health 13:55 - Going behind early in the final: What Was Said on the Pitch 15:07 - Canada’s Inspiring journey and the need for investment 17:07 - Being a Role Model and Growing Women's Rugby 19:49 - The Goal: Winning the World Cup & Creating a Legacy 21:10 - Encouraging Fans to Support Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) 23:06 - Thoughts on the proposed R360 League 25:46 - How Inspired Young Girls Can Get Into Rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! In this episode, Natalie Sawyer (UK) chats with former Ryder Cup winner as both a player and vice-captain Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) about his career and his role in the legendary Miracle of Medinah in 2012! They also chat about the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. They discuss: The honour of playing in the Ryder Cup: Colsaerts describes it as the biggest honour a golfer can have, a feeling nurtured by watching legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam. His first experience with the event was the "war on the shore" at Kiawah in 1991, which was an "electrifying" introduction. Getting the call-up: Colsaerts talks about the moment he was selected as a captain's pick by Jose Maria Olazabal. He had a good feeling about it after playing well and winning the Volvo World Match Play in 2012. He describes the meeting with Olazabal as a scene "like the Godfather". The rookie experience: As the first Belgian to play in the Ryder Cup, Colsaerts felt welcomed by the team. He credits his ease of blending in to his amateur days where he spent time with golfers from the British Isles. Team vs. Individual Sport: Colsaerts explains that he was comfortable in a team environment because he played a lot of team sports like field hockey when he was young. He likes that it is not just about the individual, but about putting others in the best position to serve the purpose. The Miracle of Medinah: Colsaerts reflects on the 2012 Ryder Cup where Team Europe came back from a 10-6 deficit going into the final day. He describes the mood in the team camp on Saturday night as changing from anger to a glimmer of hope after key matches went their way. His performance with Lee Westwood: Colsaerts discusses his four-ball match with Lee Westwood, where Westwood said it was "basically the Nicholas Colsaerts show". Colsaerts is proud that he was able to make such an impact as a rookie and contribute a point for his idol. Predictions for 2025: Colsaerts is confident Team Europe can emulate his winning side of 2012 and win on away soil! 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Sporting Planet 01:15 - Why the Ryder Cup is so special 06:30 - A Call from Olazabal: Getting the Pick 09:12 - A Rookie in the Team Room 11:47 - Team vs. Individual: The Mindset of a Golfer 13:30 - The Miracle of Medinah: Saturday Night 17:48 - The Westwood Four-Ball 24:50 - The Ryder Cup's Unique Rhythm 27:50 - On Longevity in Golf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Natalie Sawyer (UK) preview one of the biggest and most unique rivalries in sport: the Ryder Cup! We're joined by two exclusive guests: Nicolas Colsaerts, a member of the 2012 "Miracle of Medinah" team, and US-based golf broadcaster Carl Paulson, to get a complete view from both sides of the Atlantic. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Ryder Cup Preview: A discussion on the highly anticipated match-up between Team USA and Team Europe, the notoriously difficult course at Bethpage Black, and the unique, often hostile, atmosphere of the New York crowd. Team Europe's Perspective: Nicolas Colsaerts shares his memories of the "Miracle of Medinah," the intense pressure of the tournament, and his thoughts on how the continuity of the European team could lead to victory. Team USA's Perspective: Carl Paulson provides an insider's view on the American team's strengths, the captain's strategy, and how the dominance of US golfers in the majors could translate to team success. Behind the Ryder Cup: The hosts and guests discuss the mental transition from individual to team play, the role of technology like virtual reality headsets, and the data used to create winning pairings. 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:58 - Global Sports Round-up  03:59 - Medinah Memories with Nicolas Colsaerts  13:46 - What Team USA can expect at Bethpage Black with Carl Paulson  29:00 - Team USA's Strengths & Weaknesses 34:36 - How Ryder Cup Pairings are Chosen 37:17 - Final Predictions & A Look Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Kate Allman (Australia) are joined by NFL broadcaster and author Anthony Wootton to dive into the start of the new NFL season. They review Week 1's thrilling action, debate Canada's NFL conundrum, and reflect on the latest chapter of the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: NFL Season Preview: An in-depth look at Week 1 action, highlighting impressive teams (Chargers, Bills) and player performances (Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers). Canada's NFL Conundrum: A discussion on why Canada, a sports-mad nation, has no NFL team. Our hosts debate whether the competition from the CFL and NHL is a factor and if the NFL's international expansion will change this. College Football & The NIL Debate: A point on the debate about how money from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is changing college football and player loyalty. US Open Review: A quick recap of the last Grand Slam of the year, celebrating Carlos Alcaraz's victory over Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka's triumph. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:32 - US Open Reflection as Alcaraz & Sinner Play Epic AGAIN 07:03 - Josh Allen Heroics & Aaron Rodgers' Class: NFL Week 1 Review 19:53 - The NFL's International Expansion Strategy 25:13 - Why Does Canada Have No NFL Team 31:25 - The NIL Debate in College Football 40:00 - Predictions for the Season! 49:05 - What is Coming Up Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ The football summer transfer window has slammed shut after a record-breaking period of spending. In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and our newest addition, Carol Tshabalala (South Africa), get an expert take from European football analyst Kevin Hatchard. They dive into the biggest transfers, the new Champions League format, and whether a shift in player power is changing the game. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Record-Breaking Transfers: A discussion on the Premier League's record-shattering £3 billion spend. We hear from Alexander Isak on his British-record move to Liverpool and analyse the knock-on effects for other clubs. Player Power: A debate on the shift in power towards players in the transfer market, the role of social media, and what the future holds for player contracts. Champions League Draw: We break down the new, complicated Champions League draw and analyse the prospects for teams from across Europe, including PSG, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Transfer Gems & Predictions: The hosts and Kevin Hatchard name their "hidden gems" of the transfer window and give their predictions for who will be crowned Champions League winners. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:46 - Welcome to a new host: Carol Tshabalala! 04:12 - Reviewing the £3 Billion Transfer Window 09:45 - The Bundesliga's Strategy of Developing and Selling Players 13:15 - The Widening Gap Between the Premier League and Other European Leagues 20:22 - The Alexander Isak Saga & Player Power 30:08 - Manchester United's Goalkeeper Situation 36:06 - Arsenal and Chelsea's Transfer Strategy 42:54 - The Best Hidden Gem Signings 45:19 - Champions League Draw Analysis 51:59 - Champions League Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View on Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this second and final part of our "Best Bits" series, our hosts Edward Russell (Singapore), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Todd Harris (USA) look back on some of the most memorable conversations from the last few months. This episode features highlights on: Mental Health in Elite Sport: A powerful look into the mental health struggles of professional athletes, with clips from our chats with golfer Chris Wood and tennis star Madison Keys on the importance of therapy. World Cup Previews: We revisit our conversations on the upcoming Cricket and Rugby World Cups. This segment features insights from Indian cricket journalist Annesha Ghosh and former England rugby star Rachel Burford on the home nations' title chances. The Transfer Window Uncovered: An exclusive look behind the scenes of a football transfer window, featuring expert Kevin Hatchard. We reveal the drama, negotiations, and even the infamous story of a multi-million pound deal scuppered by a fax machine. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 - Golfer Chris Wood discusses his mental health battles 08:07 - Madison Keys says therapy helped her win the Australian Open 09:54 - Indian journalist Annesha Ghosh previews the Cricket World Cup 17:03 - World Cup winner Rachael Burford previews the Rugby World Cup 20:26 - Transfer window secrets with football expert Kevin Hatchard 28:39 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ Join your hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) as they look back at some of the best conversations from the last few months in this first of a two-part "Best Bits" series. They revisit some of the biggest stories in the world, including: Tennis's New Era: With the US Open on the horizon, we look back on a chat about the "modern classic" rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. We hear from Novak Djokovic, who called Alcaraz "not normal", and discuss how these two players are defining a new era of tennis. Football Glory: We analyse Arsenal's first European trophy win in 18 years, a "defensive masterclass" against Barcelona. This segment features an exclusive clip from our chat with Lianne Sanderson, a member of the 2007 winning team. F1 Driver Chaos: We revisit the "driver chaos" at Red Bull Racing with former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, who critiques the team's "brutal" mid-season changes that saw a driver lose his seat after just two races. We also feature a clip from our exclusive chat with Williams driver Alex Albon about his team's future. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - Novak Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is 'not normal' 03:16 - Just how good is the Alcaraz vs. Sinner rivalry? 09:33 - Lianne Sanderson on Arsenal's brilliant Champions League win! 15:58 - Karun Chandhok on the Red Bull driver drama 23:33 - Exclusive interview with Williams driver Alex Albon 29:59 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Sporting Planet brings you 'The World's View on Sport'. In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (Europe), Edward Russell (Asia), and Todd Harris (USA) preview the US Open. From the next great men's rivalry, the wide-open women's field, to a controversial new Mixed Doubles format, plus why mental health is so important in professional tennis. Lots to discuss and plenty of opinions from across the globe. Here is a breakdown of the main topics. The epic rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and the chances of a dramatic third chapter. Whether Novak Djokovic can finally secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. The surprising reasons behind our hosts' opinion on Aryna Sabalenka's season. Journalist Ben Rothenberg joins us to analyse the new Mixed Doubles format that is dividing the tennis world. We hear from former US Open quarter-finalist Patricia Hy on why players like Madison Keys and Ons Jabeur opening up about their mental health is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Asia) kick things off by celebrating England's historic Euro 2025 victory. Then, we're joined by Premier League legend Shaka Hislop for the ultimate season preview of the men's game. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Lionesses' Historic Win: A look at England's Euro 2025 victory, its inspiring national impact, and the growth of women's football across the globe. Premier League Predictions: Shaka Hislop gives his expert take on Liverpool's massive spending, the title race, and his top four predictions. Arsenal & Man United: We dive into the transfer drama at Arsenal and the "toxic" situation at Manchester United. Player Welfare: We discuss the importance of player welfare in modern football, using Cole Palmer's form as an example. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Euro 2025 Recap 13:28 - Premier League Preview with Shaka Hislop 14:07 - Liverpool's Spending 19:34 - Arsenal's Transfer Drama 41:52 - Top 4 & Relegation Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Kate Allman (Australia), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Todd Harris (USA) tee up the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl! We also get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the tournament from LPGA caddie Harry Ewing. The team celebrates Australia's recent major success, debates outdated amateur money rules, and makes their bold predictions for the year's final major. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Amateur Money Debate: We delve into the contentious debate over whether professional-level amateur players, such as Lottie Woad, should be eligible to earn prize money at major tournaments. Asian Dominance: Our hosts discuss the incredible rise and dominance of women's golf, celebrating the surge of talent from Asia and Australia, including Grace Kim's recent win. LPGA Insider: LPGA caddie Harry Ewing provides an exclusive look into what it's like on the ground at a major, sharing what makes the Women's Open tick from a caddie's perspective. Predictions: The hosts and Harry Ewing share their bold predictions for who will conquer the links and lift the trophy in Wales. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Grace Kim's Evian Championship Win 07:22 - The Lottie Woad Amateur Prize Money Debate 16:23 - Why Asian & Australian Talent Dominates 18:17 - LPGA Caddie Harry Ewing on The Open's Elevation 21:38 - Predictions for The AIG Women's Open 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Kate Allman (Australia) wrap up the Club World Cup and Wimbledon before shifting the spotlight to the highly anticipated Women's Rugby World Cup. We're also thrilled to be joined by Australian rugby star Piper Duck to get an exclusive perspective from inside her team's camp. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Wimbledon & Club World Cup: We dive into the dramatic men's and women's finals at Wimbledon and debate the controversy around robotic line judges. We also wrap up Chelsea's comprehensive victory over PSG in the Club World Cup final. Women's Rugby World Cup: The team previews the tournament in England, discussing the Red Roses as favorites and the immense global growth of the women's game. Exclusive Interview with Piper Duck: Australian rugby sensation Piper Duck shares her insights on the Wallaroos' preparations and the challenges of being a non-professional team competing against fully professional sides. Influence in Sport: We look at the massive impact of US rugby star Ilona Maher on and off the field and how she's challenging perceptions with her positive messaging. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Sports Highlights 02:19 - FIFA Club World Cup Final 07:08 - Wimbledon Wrap-up 19:12 - Women’s Rugby World Cup Preview 26:51 - Interview with Piper Duck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Singapore) preview Men's golf's oldest major, The Open at Royal Portrush! We also sit down for a profoundly honest interview with golfer Chris Wood about his battles with mental health and the unique pressures of elite-level golf. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Open Preview: Our hosts make their predictions for who will win the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. They discuss favourites like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and whether a home player can win at golf's oldest major. Mental Health in Golf: Chris Wood, a former Ryder Cup star and a tie-for-third finisher at The Open, opens up about his burnout, losing passion for the game, and his journey to finding a better place. Individual vs. Team Sport: We explore the differences between individual and team sports, and how the pressure and isolation of being an elite individual athlete can affect mental health. Course Insights: We get a first-hand account from Chris about what makes Royal Portrush such a challenging and special course. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - The Open 2025 at Royal Portrush 06:08 - Interview with Chris Wood 13:44 - Demystifying Mental Health Struggles 19:31 - Chris Wood's Two-Club Story 22:03 - The Importance of The Open in America 24:09 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this electrifying episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Singapore) crisscross the globe to cover the biggest stories. We celebrate the OKC Thunder's first-ever championship, discuss the future of the WNBA, and preview the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore! We're also joined by sports reporter Hannah Hoover and NBA expert Dave DuFour for exclusive insights and analysis. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: NBA Champions: We celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's historic first title and analyze Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's sensational season. Our hosts debate whether this marks the beginning of an OKC dynasty. The Future of Basketball: A look at the breaking news of the WNBA expansion to 18 teams and the global growth of women's sports. We also discuss the "Achilles injury epidemic" sweeping the NBA. World Aquatics Championships: Our hosts preview the championships coming to Singapore, highlighting the excitement for the host country and global stars like Katie Ledecky and Leon Marchand. NBA Draft & Free Agency: An expert's take on the NBA Draft, including the strategy of "stockpiling picks," and what to watch for in the busy free agency period. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & OKC's Championship Win 02:49 - OKC's Championship Celebrations 05:12 - SGA's MVP Season 11:46 - Tyrese Haliburton's Injury & The NBA's Injury Epidemic 19:36 - Interview with NBA Expert Dave DuFour 31:00 - WNBA Expansion News 33:01 - World Aquatics Championships Preview 37:10 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Suhail Chandhok (India), and Kate Allman (Australia) preview the Wimbledon Championships! We celebrate the new era of men's tennis, discuss the unpredictable women's draw, and are joined by wheelchair tennis champion Diede de Groot. The team dives deep into the major headlines and stories you need to know from the All England Club. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The New Rivalry: We analyse the epic Roland Garros final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and what their rivalry could mean for the future of men's tennis. Wimbledon Predictions: Our hosts make their bold predictions for the men's and women's singles titles, with a look at the chances for home favourites and a returning Novak Djokovic. Sabalenka's Mental Game: A debate on Aryna Sabalenka's surprising performance at the French Open and whether her mental strength is a chink in her armour. Wheelchair Tennis: We hear from 42-time major champion Diede de Groot about the physical demands of playing at Wimbledon and the growth of wheelchair tennis in the Netherlands. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry 07:29 - Novak Djokovic on Carlos Alcaraz 12:33 - Coco Gauff's French Open Win 14:27 - Is Aryna Sabalenka Lacking Mental Strength? 18:22 - Wimbledon Singles Predictions 29:36 - Interview with Diede de Groot 37:11 - The Open Women's Draw 41:43 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this special bonus episode, host Suhail Chandhok (India) sits down with cricketing royalty Sir Andrew Strauss (UK) for a wide-ranging discussion on the game. They preview the highly anticipated India vs. England Test series and discuss the future of the sport as a whole. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: India vs. England Preview: Strauss gives his thoughts and predictions for the upcoming Test series, analysing India's formidable pace attack and how it will challenge England's batters. The "Bazball" Approach: The former England captain weighs in on the aggressive "Bazball" strategy and whether it can succeed against a world-class Indian side, especially now that England is No. 1 in the world. Franchise Cricket's Impact: A discussion on the rise of leagues like the IPL and The Hundred, and the challenge for administrators to balance international and franchise cricket without "flogging the players." Strauss's New Venture: Sir Andrew Strauss talks about his passion for the rapidly growing sport of padel, his new investment venture, and his thoughts on how to better serve sports fans. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:01 - India vs. England Series Preview 07:16 - The "Bazball" Strategy 09:39 - Planning for the Future after Key Retirements 12:10 - The Rise of Franchise Cricket 16:10 - Sir Andrew Strauss's Padel Venture 22:33 - Rapid Fire with Sir Andrew Strauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Kate Allman (Australia), and Suhail Chandhok (India) dive into rugby's biggest debates. Wallaby legend Ben Alexander joins us to preview the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and discuss the future of the sport as a whole. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Lions Tour Preview: We hear from Wallaby great Ben Alexander about the tour's immense importance for Australian rugby. The team debates whether the Wallabies can overcome the favoured Lions and what a clash of styles means for the series. The R360 Debate: A discussion on the proposed breakaway rugby league. Is this the innovation the sport needs to survive, or a flawed and delusional concept? Rugby's Global Growth: Our hosts discuss the development of rugby in emerging markets, with Suhail providing an exclusive look at India's new Rugby Premier League. Beyond the Rugby: The hosts also find time to celebrate Suhail's surprising table tennis championship win and Natalie’s genuine sadness over Thomas Frank’s departure from Brentford. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Highlights 03:15 - Suhail's Table Tennis Championship 05:51 - The Thomas Frank & Ange Postecoglou Drama 11:31 - British & Irish Lions Tour Preview with Ben Alexander 27:57 - The Growth of Rugby in India 32:00 - The R360 Breakaway League Debate 41:38 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) dive into the biggest stories from the football season. We celebrate the men's and women's Champions League winners and preview the new, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. We also mark a significant milestone: joining our community of over 100,000 YouTube subscribers! We're joined by Champions League winner Lianne Sanderson and The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas for exclusive insights. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Champions League Finals: A recap of PSG's record-breaking win over Inter and Arsenal Women's "shock victory" over Barcelona. We analyse the tactical masterclasses and what they mean for the future of both clubs. The Club World Cup Preview: A look at the new $1 billion tournament in the USA. We gain a global view of the competition's format and debate whether a new transfer window will lead to "hired guns" and squad manipulation. Football's Biggest Debates: We cover the ongoing debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's "failure" in Saudi Arabia, Manchester United's "embarrassing" post-season tour, and the dramatic title collapse of Ajax. Behind the Scenes: Natalie shares a story about a surprise cuddle with Jurgen Klopp, and Edward provides a sneak peek into his chat with F1 driver Alex Albon. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Community Milestone 06:19 - Men's Champions League Final: PSG's Victory 18:06 - Women's Champions League Final: Arsenal's Triumph 29:17 - The Ronaldo Debate 30:31 - Manchester United's "Embarrassing" Post-Season Tour 34:59 - Ajax's Eredivisie Collapse 37:44 - FIFA Club World Cup Preview 50:53 - The Club World Cup Transfer Window Debate 57:46 - Club World Cup Predictions Watch this podcast on YouTube 📲 https://youtu.be/7gqY-hcDHRw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices