

30 for 30 Podcasts
ESPN
Original audio documentaries from the makers of the acclaimed 30 for 30 film series, featuring stories from the world of sports and beyond. 30 for 30 offers captivating storytelling for sports fans and general interest listeners alike, going beyond the field to explore how sports, competition, athleticism and adventure affect our lives and our world. Sports stories like you've never heard before.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 56min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 6: Occasionally Brilliant
From the basketball-nerd mecca of the Sloan Conference to the always-brilliant mind of stats guru Bill James, Martin’s unusual legacy lives on—along with some of the questions that defined his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 47min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 5: The Last Manley
Our hosts take a trip to Kansas, where the women in Martin’s life speak about the man they knew and loved—and hunt for Martin’s buried treasure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 51min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 4: Clock Management
Martin’s blog shines a light on a troubled but brilliant mind—and a tumultuous life defined by passion and obsession.
The following podcast contains discussion of suicide and self-harm, which some listeners may find disturbing. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or is in emotional distress, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, or 988lifeline.org. Listener
discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 49min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 3: Almost Vulcan
Martin’s compulsive number-crunching lays the groundwork for people like Daryl Morey and Dean Oliver to later transform the sport, while the hunt for statistical meaning impacts his own life in profound ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 2: Shoot Your Shot
A young Midwesterner becomes obsessed with basketball, with an opportunity to make history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 45min
CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN Episode 1: The Imperfect Arc
Explore the curious origins of the modern 3-point shot through the life of Martin Manley, an eccentric genius whose insights transformed basketball. Discover the inspiring journey of a synesthetic innovator advocating for long-distance shooting. Reflect on the game’s evolution from its humble beginnings to a global phenomenon, highlighting key milestones and cultural significance. Dive deep into the pivotal moments of the NBA in the 1980s, showcasing figures like Larry Bird and the impact of revolutionary gameplay strategies.

Jul 10, 2025 • 2min
TRAILER: CHASING BASKETBALL HEAVEN
Today, the 3-point shot is king in the NBA. But has it ruined basketball?
The tale of a reclusive genius who predicted basketball’s future, then vanished. What he left behind: A website. And maybe buried treasure.
From 30 for 30 Podcasts, Chasing Basketball Heaven follows two sports reporters as they take an unforgettable trip through basketball history and uncover the lengths a person might go to be remembered.
Available July 22nd.
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Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 9min
MARCH 11 2020 (Re-air)
Five years ago, Americans woke up on March 11 2020 in one reality and, by the time they went to sleep that night, they were living with a new one. Hear the story of the day everything changed — the day the NBA shut down and the pandemic became real — as told by those who lived it.This episode originally aired December 21, 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024 • 47min
GIRL v. HORSE Episode 4: RACE DAY
Race Day arrives. Nicole travels to Big Hill Lake, Kansas to compete in a 50-mile race against horses. All the training, medications, and strife have built up to this moment.The trail opens and Nicole begins the race of a lifetime. But can she beat even one horse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024 • 45min
GIRL v. HORSE Episode 3: TIME ON LEGS
In order to run a 50-mile race against a horse, Nicole must first figure out how to safely train by herself and how to run next to horses.Her epilepsy makes this challenging. Some days are good and some days are bad. So Nicole does what most athletes do when they hit a low: she gets a trainer.Enter Coach Sarah Scozzaro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices