SI Media With Jimmy Traina

Laura Rutledge, ESPN host and reporter known for her work on NFL Live and SEC Nation, shares the challenges of balancing her busy schedule during football season. She recounts hilarious moments, such as her viral sideline sprint and a surprise play-by-play by Chris Berman. Rutledge discusses her approach to high-pressure halftime interviews and her memorable exchange with John Calipari. SNY's Sal Licata joins later to chat about their holidays, NFL playoffs, and TV recommendations.

Episode 588 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" is the Sixth Annual Year-End Extravaganza with Peter Schrager and Andrew Perloff.In this episode, we each name our Sports Media Person of the Year for 2025, we talk about our favorite sports moments of the past year and riff on the top sports media stories.Just a few of the topics discussed include J.J. Watt's strong first season in the NFL booth, the Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson saga, the effect Caitlin Clark's absence had on the WNBA, ESPN buying the NFL Network, Red Zone adding commercials, the NBA's news broadcast partners and much more.In addition, we reveal our favorite shows, movies and podcasts from 2025 while also looking ahead to what to expect in 2026.Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATEDAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sal Licata, a lively sports media personality and regular contributor, joins the conversation with tales from a memorable Alex Rodriguez Christmas party. They discuss the future of CBS's football commentators, including Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, and debate whether NFL kickoff times should standardize. Sal shares favorite childhood sports memories and thoughts on the best David Letterman guests. The duo also tackles holiday shopping woes and the amusing realities of modern consumer experiences, all while sharing their favorite food picks.

Joe Buck, a veteran sportscaster and voice of Monday Night Football, shares insights on the upcoming Super Bowl, discusses the dynamics with Troy Aikman, and his emotional reaction to winning the Ford C. Frick Award. Sal Licata, SNY TV personality, reflects on his departure from WFAN and critiques the current sports media landscape. They also chat about an exciting NFL Sunday and holiday plans, while enjoying some laughs over Sal's invite to A-Rod's holiday party. It's a lively mix of sports and personal anecdotes!

The Miz, a longtime WWE superstar and reality TV star, shares insights into his storied career and his playful rivalry with John Cena. He reveals his attempts for a final showdown with Cena and discusses the humorous spoof his wife Maryse and he created on Total Bellas. Miz talks about his heel persona and how it shapes his performances in the ring. As a devoted Cleveland Browns fan, he also shares his thoughts on their recent struggles. Plus, he reflects on life changes, including his move to Las Vegas.

Ian Eagle, a seasoned broadcaster for CBS Sports, teams up with J.J. Watt, a former NFL star turned analyst, to discuss their transition into the broadcasting booth. J.J. shares challenges of calling games live, especially when covering his brother, T.J. Watt. Ian praises J.J.'s curiosity and preparedness. They also delve into balancing analysis with humor and their unique booth quirks, including J.J.'s 'hangry' moments before games. Later, Sal Licata joins to tackle NFL news, Christmas trees, and Philip Rivers' surprising return.

Rece Davis, a veteran sports broadcaster and host of College GameDay, reflects on his 30-year journey at ESPN, recalling his early days on ESPN2 and his iconic tenure on SportsCenter. He shares the challenges of replacing Chris Fowler and his favorite moments with Lee Corso. Discussion includes ESPN's alleged SEC bias, his thoughts on Lane Kiffin's exit, and innovative ideas for the college football playoff. Sal Licata from WFAN joins next, discussing his WFAN status, Thanksgiving bets gone wrong, and the latest trends in sports podcasts.

Burke Magnus, President of ESPN, shares insights on the complexities of network operations and rights deals. He addresses fallout from the YouTubeTV dispute and discusses exciting plans for more episodes of 'Inside the NBA.' Magnus also dives into talent management, highlighting Molly Qerim's departure and the challenges of integrating personalities like Pat McAfee. In the second segment, Sal Licata joins to chat about sports documentaries, Thanksgiving football, and challenges of the movie-going experience.

Episode 582 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with Prime Video's Al Michaels, a conversation with The Athletic's Richard Deitsch and the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment.Michaels, who is currently working on a year-to-year basis with Amazon, reveals that he would like to return next season to continue his broadcasting career. Michaels also discusses Prime's strong schedule this season, the work ethic of his partner, Kirk Herbstreit, having the NFL instruct him to offer an on-air correction during a recent game, working in gambling references, working on Christmas Day, his television career and what his Thanksgiving plate will look like.Following Michaels, Deitsch joins the podcast to talk about the latest sports media news. Topics discussed include how Amazon and NBC have done with their NBA coverage, the YouTubeTV-ESPN carriage dispute ending, Gus Johnson's decline, Fox's approach to sports broadcasts, the NFL schedule, the future of podcasts and much more.The podcast wraps up with the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment featuring Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY in New York.This week's topics include Jimmy having a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" restaurant moment, Netflix's new Eddie Murphy documentary, why it's good that the Chiefs are .500, a viral Jason Alexander video and more.Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'SPORTSILLUSTRATED' & Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/SIMEDIAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 581 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with "Good Morning Football's" Kyle Brandt.Brandt opens up the podcast venting about people sharing about their sports-viewing "set ups" and talks about what he goes through to watch games and explains why he likes his simple set up.Then the interview transitions to sports media talk with Brandt explaining what it's like to interview the top quarterbacks from around the NFL each week, revealing how he feels about seeing his former "Good Morning Football" colleague, Peter Schrager, on ESPN and sharing his thoughts on ESPN purchasing the NFL Network.Brandt also talks about having an MVP vote this season, whether he'd ever want to call games, working with Scott Van Pelt and why he loves the chaos of a wide-open NFL season.Other topics discussed with Brandt include Amazon Prime's documentary on John Candy, the best Leonardo DiCaprio movie and "The Ali G Show."Following Brandt, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY in New York joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment.This week's topics include the continuing YouTubeTV-Disney dispute, USC pulling off a truly bush league movie, Aaron Glenn starting fights with the New York media, show recommendations and more.Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'SPORTSILLUSTRATED'Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy