
House of Strauss
A podcast about sports, politics, the future and technology. www.houseofstrauss.com
Latest episodes

Feb 12, 2025 • 58min
HoS: Kirk Henderson on Going Viral Over Losing Luka
Mavs Moneyball Managing Editor Kirk Henderson went viral with his letter to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Since going viral with text is almost impossible these days, we talked about why Kirk’s heartfelt missive swayed the masses. What the hell went on in Dallas to cause this infamous trade of a superstar? What are the media stories connected to it? Also, how do Kirk and I rank those to blame for the trade in terms of culpability? 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

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
HoS: Wosny Lambre on Luka Dončić Trade
Big Wos of Ringer fame is here to break down what the hell compelled the Mavericks to trade away an MVP level player entering his prime. We get into why Mavs GM Nico Harrison may have done the unthinkable, and whether there are genuine concerns about the Lakers’ new franchise guy. A fine conversation with our favorite bon vivant.Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Could history ever validate this decision?* Apparently I’ve joined the conventional wisdom in hating Adam Schefter’s tweet about the trade* Are we now secretly rooting for Nico Harrison to somehow win this bad trade?* Were there cultural tensions between Nico and Luka? * Why was Nico perhaps ill suited for taking over the reins from Cuban* How much it annoys GMs when a player gets FAT * Why is Luka getting fat* Luka and…beer?* The issue with Nico being schooled in the Mamba Mentality * Luka is Zion Williamson with results* Did the Mavs make a “win now” move? * Media squeamishness around discussing the DEI issue* How do we feel about A'ja Wilson’s sneaker release? 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

4 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 46min
HoS: Razib Khan's Big History Reveal
Razib Khan, a genetic historian and writer at Unsupervised Learning, reveals groundbreaking insights into pre-modern European civilizations. He discusses how ancient Europe was once a vibrant hub of innovation, rivaling regions like the Near East. The conversation touches on the brutality of early societies, the genetic influences of migrations, and challenges to established historical narratives. Khan emphasizes that understanding our ancient lineage reshapes our perception of identity, linking genetics to the complex tapestry of human history.

Jan 29, 2025 • 27min
HoS: Freddie deBoer
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comFreddie stopped by and we had a great conversation about hating Chiefs dominance despite its evident merits, and all these other aspects of popular sports fandom. Oh, and we discussed his fantastic essay, “After Liberal Cultural Hegemony.” Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Are NFL dynasties bad for the game?* Why do we feel sorry for Josh Allen, winner at life?* Is Josh Allen to blame for what happened? * Benjamin Solak did not “read the room”* Travis Kelce Fatigue* You’re allowed to hate teams as a fan* Stop telling fans to “appreciate greatness” * Is the vibe shift bad for our respective businesses? * What was the period before liberal hegemony ended? What was the point?

Jan 25, 2025 • 35min
HoS: Nancy Rommelmann
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comAuthor/Podcaster Nancy Rommelmann stops by to discuss a myriad of subjects both morbid and inspiring. This is the week I am, out loud, sorting out the current cultural moment. Nancy, in all her wide ranging curiosity, is an ideal thought partner in this venture. Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Freddie’s “After Liberal Cultural Hegemony”* Last Boys at the Beginning of History* Will legacy magazines become interesting again?* What young men see in Trump* Meghan Markle's dry pie* Why Mark Halperin has the best political podcast * Cannibalism* Why do people do political violence?* Why is Nancy interested in violence as a writing topic?

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
HoS: Nate Jones
Nate Jones and I are both trying to figure out the current moment, an era that more or less kicked off on January 20th. Where’s the culture headed now that Trump is officially in power? What are the implications for athlete/sports culture? How is social media different now versus when we started to use it? Enjoy!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

Jan 16, 2025 • 23min
HoS: Spike Eskin
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comGreat talk that’s anchored by this week’s cancellation of Very Bad Eagles Fan. As WIP host, pod friend Spike Eskin is our ambassador to all things Philly culture, plus a myriad of other pressing topics. Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Does the NBA have a “massive negativity problem”?* The viral Eagles fan who called a Packers fan an “ugly dumb cunt” * This Eagles fan seems bad, but was the moment contrived?* We’re cancelling randos off viral videos again* Philly fans have a negative reputation. Do they like that reputation? * “History is fake”* There once was an ancient, burgeoning European civilization that was wiped out

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 32min
HoS: Nate Duncan
One of my favorite podcasts to date…Independent NBA Podcast Beast Nate Duncan chastises me over my pronounciation and takes. He also offers his solution to what ails the NBA, but there’s a lot more. Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Am I right to want hand checking above the arc?* What good reforms has the NBA made? * Are 3-pointers even the main issue?* Does Nate send soup back?* Is there a way to prevent Jimmy Butler situations?* Do NFL quarterbacks get paid too little?* Are dating apps good for society?* Is it more uncomfortable to strike up a conversation with a random woman in a bar, or a surly athlete you have to interview? * Nate doubts the power of conservative backlash against Caitlin Clark 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

Jan 10, 2025 • 1h
HoS: Ryan Glasspiegel
As NFL newsbreaker Ian Rapoport told the world on Friday, preeminent sports media critic Ryan Glasspiegel is leaving the New York Post for Front Office Sports. Ryan and I discuss the why of his leaving such an established legacy brand, and segue into the business of sports media coverage. Plus we talk about the lurid Fox Sports sexual harassment allegations, California wildfires, current political cultural moment and more. Enjoy! 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

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 12min
HoS: Lee Fang
Lee Fang, a talented reporter from The Eponymous Substack, dives deep into the controversial world of H-1B visas. He unpacks how this policy has sparked tension within the GOP, particularly between figures like Elon Musk and traditional conservatives. Lee explores the socio-political implications, asking whether Musk's priorities lie with America or Mars. They also discuss the relationship between tech culture and race, highlighting how populism is reshaping views on immigration. Expect insights on corporate exploitation and the contradictions within today's tech landscape!