Episode 376 - The Good. The Bad. And the Heart of the Lineup

RUNDOWN

 

Mitch and Hotshot open with a Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest following a car crash, debating addiction, accountability, and whether his injuries and surgeries contribute to a potential dependency on painkillers. The conversation mixes empathy with frustration, as they explore the limits of wealth, resources, and personal responsibility. Mitch and Hotshot kick around Final Four structure—including why reseeding will never happen—while also noting UConn’s dominance and the imbalance of the current bracket. They mix in lighter observations like Charles Barkley’s noticeable weight loss before turning to baseball, where the Mariners split their opening series despite historically poor production from the heart of the lineup.

Mitch is joined by Brady Farkas and Joe Doyle after the Mariners open the season with a four-game split against Cleveland, despite getting almost nothing from the middle of the order. The conversation centers on slow starts from Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor, while Brendan Donovan emerges as an early bright spot. The guys also debate mounting criticism of manager Dan Wilson’s bullpen and lineup decisions, assess encouraging signs from the starting rotation and Emerson Hancock’s standout outing, and look ahead to a critical stretch against the Yankees and Angels.

Mitch and The Ringer’s Danny Kelly break down the upcoming NFL Draft, where uncertainty at the top—especially at quarterback—could lead to major movement. Kelly explains why this year’s QB class lacks a slam-dunk No. 1 pick, how team needs may outweigh pure talent evaluation, and which prospects could rise late in the process.

Mitch joins Jason Puckett to dissect the art of interviewing—specifically why trying to be funny can backfire and why cell phone guests almost always kill timing, pacing, and chemistry. The conversation turns into a masterclass on radio fundamentals, with Mitch explaining his strict “no cell phone” philosophy and how production control separates good interviews from disasters. Along the way, he mixes in classic storytelling—from awkward guest moments to legendary encounters with Dean Smith and Vern Lundquist—highlighting both the craft and chaos of live radio.

 

GUESTS

 

• Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast
• Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over Slot
• Danny Kelly | The Ringer / NFL Draft Analyst
• Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren'ts / Puck Drop

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

0:00 | Tiger Woods’ latest DUI arrest sparks a real conversation on addiction, while March Madness rolls on and the birthday game delivers.

22:02 | From Final Four format debates to Charles Barkley’s shrinking suits, Mitch and Scott pivot to a Mariners offense already raising questions.

36:42 | Mariners No-Table: Slow Bats, Early Panic, and a Needed Split. The Mariners split their opening series—but early struggles from the heart of the lineup and Dan Wilson’s decisions already have fans on edge.

1:01:28 | Danny Kelly: Quarterbacks, Trade Buzz, and a Murky Top of the Draft. Danny Kelly breaks down a quarterback-heavy draft class with no clear No. 1—and why chaos at the top could reshape everything.

1:26:26 | Jason “Puck” Puckett: Bad Interviews, Cell Phone Rules, and Radio War Stories. Mitch breaks down why interviews fail, why cell phones ruin everything, and shares classic KJR stories from Dean Smith to Vern Lundquist.

1:56:56 | Other Stuff Segment: Puka Nacua accusation update, Mariners TV broadcast mess, JSN becomes highest-paid WR, Sonics return vs OKC drama, Dodgers fan fights, Hubert Davis fired at UNC, Sherrone Moore arrest video RIPs: Joey Browner (65), Barrett Robbins, James Tolkan (94), Dash Crofts (85) HEADLINES: Man gropes Easter Bunny at mall; intruder sentenced for toe-sucking assault; FBI director Gmail hacked; cocaine sharks in Bahamas; armless/legless suspect in shooting case