Pablo Torre Finds Out
The Athletic
Follow Pablo down the rabbit hole, beyond the game — every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday — on his award-winning video podcast, now part of The Athletic Podcast Network.You’ll get a deep-dive "talkumentary" episode, reported by Pablo and Curiosity Correspondents like Emmy-winning comedian Wyatt Cenac and Oscar-winning director Ezra Edelman, answering urgent questions such as: Are you smarter than an NFL quarterback? Does Giannis intentionally miss free throws to win free chicken for fans? And why does the FBI director play so much hockey? This storytelling has been honored by the Edward R. Murrow Awards and Peabody Awards. (Journalism!)Plus: Pablo hangs out with handpicked figures from sports, culture and politics like Sue Bird, Action Bronson and a U.S. Senator… plays Share & Tell with friends like Domonique Foxworth, Mina Kimes, Katie Nolan and Dan Le Batard (aka his boss)… and unveils the secrets of capitalism with David Samson and John Skipper on The Sporting Class.Follow PTFO…https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTorreFindsOuthttps://www.instagram.com/pablotorrefindsouthttps://x.com/pablofindsoutand subscribe to Pablo's newsletter: https://pablo.show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
Mercy for Sale: Inside Trump's Pardon Machine, with TrueAnon's Brace Belden
Brace Belden, a commentator and podcaster from TrueAnon, joins former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer to unveil the intricate web of presidential pardons. They dive into fascinating stories about beneficiaries like Daryl Strawberry and NBA YoungBoy, revealing how personal connections fuel access to clemency. Liz shares her ethical dilemmas, including resisting a high-profile request from Mel Gibson. They also dissect the lobbying tactics used to influence pardon decisions, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the system.
21 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 2min
The Briefcase, Ballmer's Social Network and Aspiration's House of Cards: Kawhi-Gate Part VII
Amin Elhassan, a former NBA executive and sports commentator, joins David Samson, ex-MLB team president, to dissect controversy surrounding Kawhi Leonard's alleged no-show deal with Aspiration. They explore the timeline of events, digging into what the Clippers knew and potential league violations. The conversation delves into Steve Ballmer's ties to both the endorsement and ongoing investments despite financial troubles, revealing a web of intrigue involving internal emails and connections that could reshape league dynamics.
Jan 8, 2026 • 53min
The Congressman Who Unlocked the Epstein Files
Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from Silicon Valley and a key figure behind the Epstein Transparency Act, joins the conversation to discuss his groundbreaking efforts to release Epstein files that expose elite misconduct. He critiques Congress's exclusion from war decisions and emphasizes the need for accountability among powerful individuals, framing Epstein’s case as a symbol of broader elite unaccountability. Khanna also shares insights on AI’s impact on jobs, proposing a tech social contract, and the importance of restoring public trust in democracy.
13 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 44min
The Points You Shouldn't Score: A New Year's Resolution
C. Thi Nguyen, a philosophy professor and author known for his insights on gamification and values, dives into the pervasive impact of metrics in everyday life. He explores how scoring systems influence everything from law school rankings to social media, often distorting our values. Nguyen argues that while metrics can enhance games, they can harm our humanity when applied elsewhere. He discusses the balance between competition and purpose, using anecdotes and examples to show how we can reclaim our narrative from hyper-optimization and algorithms.
Jan 2, 2026 • 58min
The Last Bromance: How Wrestling Corrupted the NBA Finals (PTFO Vault)
Neil Punsalan, a comedy writer and correspondent, dives deep into the intriguing intersection of pro wrestling and the 1998 NBA Finals. He questions whether Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone's wrestling antics compromised the integrity of the championship. The discussion include the marketing genius of Eric Bischoff, Rodman's wild crossover stint, and the dramatic on-court moments designed to fuel a wrestling storyline. With compelling eyewitness accounts, Neil presents evidence that challenges the legitimacy of one of basketball's greatest showdowns.
Jan 1, 2026 • 47min
Why Listening to Action Bronson Makes Us Happy (PTFO Vault)
Action Bronson, rapper, chef, and TV host, dives into his unique world of creativity, mixing art, food, and life in New York. He humorously explains his philosophy of not wearing pants and his obsession with VHS tapes. Bronson reminisces about his encounters, including a memorable meeting with Mike Tyson, and shares insights on his workout routine and love for Queens' cultural diversity. The conversation takes a playful turn as they explore the Accidental Bronson Twitter account, showcasing the humor behind his persona.
Dec 30, 2025 • 46min
How Shane Battier Learned to Lead, and Shut the F*** Up (PTFO Vault)
Shane Battier, a two-time NBA champion known for his defensive genius and analytical mind, shares captivating stories from his life and career. He opens up about his early struggles with anxiety, the wisdom behind his 'human yellow light' defensive philosophy, and how he transformed team culture. Shane's insights on leadership emphasize knowing when to speak and when to listen. He also touches on his surreal experience of playing pickup basketball for President Obama and dives into his post-retirement challenges, revealing the importance of therapy and authentic relationships.
Dec 26, 2025 • 47min
One Yard at a Time: A Mystery (PTFO Vault)
In this captivating conversation, sports journalist Sarah Spain and NFL coach Deland McCullough explore Deland's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in a struggling Youngstown to winning a Super Bowl. They dive into his emotional experience of discovering his adoption at age seven and the surprising revelation that his mentor, Sherman Smith, is his biological father. Their discussion touches on family dynamics, identity, and the power of reconciliation, all while hinting at the potential for a film adaptation that includes a quirky recruiting story involving Sir Mix-a-Lot.
Dec 25, 2025 • 58min
The Secret Album That the NBA's Best Executive Doesn't Want You to Hear (PTFO Vault)
Wyatt Cenac, a comedian and writer, joins acclaimed jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis to unravel the mystery of Sam Presti, the enigmatic general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They explore the fascinating story behind a rare album called 'Milk Money,' a musical venture by Presti that blurs the lines between jazz and hip-hop. Branford offers insightful critiques of the tracks while drawing parallels between music and teambuilding. The conversation reveals Presti's artistic side, showcasing how his passion for jazz informs his leadership style.
Dec 23, 2025 • 46min
Share & Christmas & Tell with Katie Nolan and Michael Cruz Kayne (and Jordon Hudson)
Katie Nolan, a sports media personality known for her engaging shows, joins comedian and podcaster Michael Cruz Kayne for a lively holiday special. They dive into absurd topics like the mysterious disappearance of a Christmas tree and Cletus's outrageous questions about body spray. The trio shares laughs during a live call with Cletus, unpacks humorous voicemail messages from fans, and even performs comedic readings. Their festive antics culminate in a playful sing-along, setting a joyful tone to close out the year.
