House of Strauss

Dieter Kurtenbach, a YouTube analyst and co-host of the Dieter and Hutch channel, dives deep into the 49ers and NFL media dynamics. He discusses why the 49ers have been overlooked recently, emphasizing how national TV windows shape narratives. The conversation reveals insights into coaching strategies, such as Kyle Shanahan’s unique game preparations, and critiques the superficial nature of national media coverage. They also unpack the importance of authenticity in sports storytelling while debating the limitations of national access versus regional expertise.

The host shares a deeply personal story about his son, revealing the challenges and joys of parenting a child with autism. He grapples with the fine line between vulnerability and exploitation in family storytelling. The reflection on grief intertwined with gratitude offers a raw look at his emotional journey. He recounts the moment of diagnosis and the shift it brought to his life. Discussions around the fear of the future highlight both his worries and the support systems that uplift his family. Ultimately, he celebrates his son’s happiness and the strength found in community.

Spike Eskin, a sharp-tongued Philadelphia radio personality, dives into the chaotic world of Eagles fandom and the fallout from their recent collapse against the Cowboys. He tackles the Jalen Hurts debate, revealing internal tensions around his leadership and teammates' discontent. They also explore the absurdity of NFL narratives, the myth of situational quarterback skill, and the intricate dynamics of sports media. Plus, Spike recalls memorable moments from past controversies, all while reflecting on what defines true NFL success.

Joining the conversation is Mike Pesca, a veteran radio broadcaster and the insightful host of The Gist. He shares his thoughts on a recent podcast featuring Riley Gaines, critiquing its tone and implications. Pesca dives into the challenges of podcasting, emphasizing a lack of fact-checking that often skews narratives. They also explore the political ramifications of Gaines's activism in sports, the role of reporting in shaping public perception, and the evolving landscape of media engagement. Get ready for a lively discussion packed with media insights!

Here’s the audio for the YouTube show with Wos on, primarily, what we glean from Steph Curry’s DIVORCE…from Under Armour. Like, subscribe, listen…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

Yaron Weitzman, an NBA reporter and author of *A Hollywood Ending*, dives into the controversial LeBron-era Lakers, shedding light on the team's chaotic dynamics. He discusses Magic Johnson's struggles as an executive compared to his public persona, and how decision-making within the front office often leads to disaster. Legal threats from the team highlight the book's provocative content, especially regarding Jeanie Buss's depiction. Weitzman also critiques LeBron's branding choices, evaluating their impact on his legacy and the franchise's future.

We eagerly await Anthony Mayes’ return from honeymoon for our regular pods, but I was able to do the live YouTube show with 2Way. This was a good one with Ryan Glasspiegel on MLB vs. NBA, Sydney Sweeney vs. GQ journalist, and whatever this week in culture/politics means going forward. Enjoy + like/subscribe…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

Sharing the audio from the great YouTube live show with Amin (Like and Subscribe!). There will be a Substack pod gap this week, because Producer Anthony Mayes is on his honeymoon. Congrats to Mayes, we’ll be back at it soon, and the next 10 days or so should be more devoted to writing. 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

Bomani Jones, a sharp sports commentator and podcaster, dives into the NBA gambling scandal with keen insights. He questions the silence of the Portland Trail Blazers amid the controversy and discusses the troubling ties between organized crime and team dynamics. Bomani explores media complicity in rationalizing gambling sponsorships and argues that both the leagues and media must reckon with their reliance on gambling revenues post-2020. He highlights that despite the rapid growth of sports betting, many involved aren't actually profiting from the chaos.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.com2Way founder Mark Halperin was a big time journalist in network television media, originally making a name for himself covering the Bill Clinton campaign. The Game Change co-author is now a YouTube success, having produced what was, in my opinion, the best coverage of the 2024 election. I know of no other person better positioned to comment on what’s happened in political media, with a 30K foot vantage. And so I asked him a range of stupid questions, mostly under the banner of, “What the hell is going on?” Topics include but aren’t limited to!* When did the Media drift into party advocacy?* The lasting impact of the 2016 election on media* What killed the earnest practice of “both sidesism”?* Were you nervous on Election Day?* Two entertainment ecosystems, boomer and everyone else* Did the Media used to be better?* Are conservatives more open to debate right now?* News as act of curation (Twitter can spotlight racialized police killings, or it can spotlight immigrant crime)* Graham Platner’s bad week and the new skeletons in candidate closets* What do you make of the male flight from the Democratic Party?* What do you make of potential senior flight from the Republican Party?* What do you make of the No Kings protests?* Why is traditional media still hard to crack for Republicans?