House of Strauss

Audio version of this post is up.House of Strauss is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.houseofstrauss.com/subscribe

Congrats to Mr. ZigZag for winning our NFL Week 4 contest on sportspredict.com. What’s his prize? Well, should he choose to accept it, it’s a 30 minute phone conversation with yours truly. That’s right. You win a week, we talk on the phone, about whatever you’d like. So ZigZag and future Week winners: Email me at houseofstrauss@substack.com if this prize is appealing, though I completely understand if it is not. This week’s pod with Steve was a fascinating look at how this season’s NFL kickoff change has turbocharged the value of a select few kickers. Are these unsung peripheral performers actually now among the sport’s most valuable players? Could such a thing be true? We get into that, plus secrets behind my unsustainably high SMART score, the “Death of Expertise,” and whether the ability to predict truly equals expertise. Enjoy!Oh and I should mention that we’ll be discussing some of these topics and more on the BCC Chat. House of Strauss is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.houseofstrauss.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comAmin has been hysterical in his commentary role for these Pablo Finds Out episodes on BallmerGate. With a brand new one out on Clippers Media Day, we had to discuss. Topics include but not limited to…* Amin haunts my grieving dog death process * Jim Rome went into Old Jim mode ripping Ballmer* Why can’t the Clippers just explain why they’re innocent?* Uncle Dennis, the scapegoat* Did we think Kawhi knew?* Why couldn’t journalists within the NBA have been the ones to report this story out?* Why is Pablo rubbing some media people the wrong way?* Does the reality even matter anymore on whether Ballmer is guilty? * Amin and I tackle David Cross ripping fellow comedians for doing the The Riyadh Comedy Festival* Would Amin and I do the Riyadh Comedy Festival

Thought this was a good YouTube live with the Glasspiegel (uploaded for you to the HoS audio feed). But then again I am biased. Topics include…* Kimmel Kontinues (with Sinclair allowing him back on the air)* Disney’s rock and a hard place* Brendan Carr really botched it* Is Trump’s battle for network media…irrelevant? * Can the boomers be propagandized in either direction by traditional TV?* Are there…too many athlete podcasts?!* Caitlin Clark’s Nike models….don’t exactly look like Caitlin Clark?* Roger Goodell denies Tom Brady’s conflict of interestHouse of Strauss is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.houseofstrauss.com/subscribe

This week features Steve Kuhn, founder of SportsPredict.com and a sports betting aficionado. He delves into the secrets behind his impressive NFL picks and why prop bets might be more exploitable than traditional game outcomes. Steve also introduces a game-changing kickoff strategy from the Rams and explains its potential impact on field position. The conversation shifts to punting tactics, aggressive play-calling, and the psychology of celebrations, highlighting the complexities and nuances of modern football strategies.

Rob Henderson, a keen observer of culture and youthful masculinity, dives into contentious issues surrounding young men and political identity. He discusses the evolving fears related to maleness and its impact on bipartisan politics. Henderson shares his poignant experience meeting Charlie Kirk, highlighting the blend of grassroots and spectacle that captivated young audiences. The conversation touches on the authenticity of elite concerns for young men and the growing resentment linked to an 'overproduction of elites,' illuminating today's political landscape.

In this humorous discussion, Dave Dameshek, a spirited host from Pittsburgh known for his unique voice, dives into the world of accents and their cultural significance. He debates America's Mount Rushmore of regional accents and shares which one he’d prefer for his hypothetical wife. Dameshek critiques athlete broadcasters, pondering the duality of greatness in sports versus commentary. The conversation turns to the evolution of football kicking, questioning the validity of the 'tush push' and whether field goals are too easy. It's a lively blend of sports and identity!

In this discussion, Steve Kuhn, the founder of SportsPredict.com and a former hedge fund manager, shares his insights into NFL strategies. He explores the effect of new kickoff rules and how they impact decision-making, especially regarding 4th downs. Kuhn dives into nostalgic tactics like onside kicks and the psychology behind why coaches prefer predictable players. The conversation also highlights the unpredictability of football and the complex relationship between luck and skill in player performance.

Pablo Torre, a renowned journalist and podcast host from ESPN, dives into fascinating conversations about the intersection of media and culture. He discusses the allure of mystery in celebrity events, especially in the NBA, and the ethical implications it carries. Torre highlights gender dynamics in sports and true crime narratives, examining how they shape media consumption. He also reflects on the art of narrative in journalism, emphasizing authenticity and emotional engagement in storytelling, particularly within sports media.

In a compelling discussion, Tyler Dunne, a seasoned NFL journalist at Go Long Substack, delves into his eye-opening series on Caleb Williams, the Bears quarterback. He uncovers the nuances of NFL journalism, emphasizing the influence of social media on narratives. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities young quarterbacks face and the challenging expectations of leadership roles. Dunne also addresses the hurdles athletes with learning disabilities encounter, shedding light on the importance of authenticity in sports storytelling.