The Press Box Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis on Launching the Sports Gabfest, the Benefit of Mutually Reinforcing Weirdo Tendencies, and Why They Hate the Hall of Fame
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Apr 3, 2025 
Josh Levin is the Editorial director of the Slow Burn podcast and author of The Queen, while Stefan Fatsis has penned several books including Word Freak. They delve into the quirks of sports media, expressing disdain for the Hall of Fame and discussing their unconventional paths in journalism. Their 'mutually reinforcing weirdo tendencies' shape their collaboration, enhancing their podcasting experience. They reflect on the evolution of their friendship and how their time on ‘Hang Up and Listen’ has influenced their current work, providing insights into both sports and media.
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Joel's First Appearance
- Joel Anderson's first appearance on Hang Up and Listen happened in 2017.
- The episode covered UConn's loss, the men's final, the Raiders' move, and dating apps' effects on athletes.
Naming the Show
- Hang Up and Listen's name, initially Sports Gabfest, was Josh Levin's idea.
- It was inspired by Slate's existing Gabfest shows and meant to capture informal journalistic conversations.
Second Read Sports
- Hang Up and Listen aimed to provide a second read, offering commentary and different perspectives on sports news.
- It was a sports show made by a non-sports publication, catering to those seeking deeper analysis.