Legends Of Sport With Andrew D. Bernstein

Andy invites one of the sports world's most revered trainers - Tim Grover! The man who trained Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, among others, tells us his secrets! Tim talks about the path to becoming Michael's trainer, his philosophy on training the elite, the differences between working with Michael & Kobe, his relationships with both men, and more! Hear Tim describe his first meeting with Michael Jordan in 1989, his three-tiered system for categorizing different types of competitors, and how obsession & fear play an important role in development.

Andy invites legendary sports photographer, "the poet laureate of sports" - Walter Iooss! The man with over 300 Sports Illustrated covers brings us behind the viewfinder! Walter takes us thru behind some of his most iconic photos - from Dwight Clark's "The Catch", to Michael Jordan's free throw line dunk, and many more! Walter discusses his path into photography, his Jordan book collab "Rare Air", his colleague/competition Neil Leifer, and his relationships with Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant. Hear Walter describe exactly what it took to earn the trust of two of the greatest athletes of all time, and how he was able to capture some of the most important moments in sports history.

Andy invites Sacramento Kings Head Coach Luke Walton! Andy & Luke talk about his early years growing up, his Arizona recruiting trip, his playing career with the Lakers, his relationship with his father, coaching and more! Hear Luke discuss moments from the 2009 & 2010 championships, how Phil Jackson helped him onto the path of coaching, and his memories of Kobe Bryant.

Andy invites comedian and life-long Lakers & Dodgers super fan - George Lopez! George talks about his path into stand up comedy, the start of his sports fandom, and an apology that changed his life. Andy & George discuss the Dodgers/Astors sign stealing scandal, the Lakers' 2009 championship run, and the legacy of Kobe Bryant. Hear George talk about his favorite era of Lakers basketball, his experience at Kobe's final game, and his new special "We'll Do It For Half".

Andy invites Tim Leiweke - CEO of Oak View Group! Tim is one of the top sports executives in the world, renowned for building championship teams and state-of-the-art entertainment events. Tim discusses his start in professional sports, highlights his time as President & CEO of AEG, and his new company, Oak View Group - which is revolutionizing the venue & area business worldwide! Andy & Tim also discuss David Stern, Staples Center, and his insights into how we return to sports!

Andy invites fellow NBA Photos Senior Photographer - Nathaniel S. Butler! Andy & Nat kick off our brand new photographer series with a discussion about the life and careers of the NBA's senior photographers from the past four decades! Hear the stories behind the most iconic photos in the sport's history! Nat takes us behind the viewfinder for an inside look at his journey as a sports photographer, how he came to join the NBA, and discusses his most iconic photos! Nat describes the work that went into capturing some of the league's most precious moments, working with the greats from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant to LeBron James! Andy & Nat also reminisce over their early days of lighting arenas, working with film, the creation of NBA Photos, and more!

Andy is joined by Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Kevin Love! Kevin tells us how he's staying physically & mentally active during the shutdown, and how he's opening the dialogue on dealing with the anxieties of the pandemic. Kevin talks about his personal journey with anxiety & depression, the impact of his Players' Tribune article, and his passion to normalize the conversations about mental health! Andy & Kevin also discuss his 2016 championship run with the Cavs, and the 2012 Olympic team! PLUS, Kevin shares a special NEVER BEEN HEARD story about Kobe Bryant, from after the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal game vs Spain. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Andy speaks with All-Star point guard for the Seattle Storm - Sue Bird! Andy and Sue discuss how she's managing the disruption in play, her competitive inspirations growing up, and her legendary playing career! Andy tells the story of meeting Sue for the first time while covering the AAU National Girls 11 & Under tourney in 1992. The two also talk about the departure of the Seattle Supersonics, her stint in the front office for the Denver Nuggets, the fight for the current WNBA CBA, the Hunger Not Impossible campaign focused on feeding hungry children, and she shares a few memories of Kobe Bryant.

On today's Legends Of Sport podcast, Andy chats with NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN! Andy & Dave talk about his journey as an NBA reporter; from early sports inspirations, to the fortuitous turn of events that led to his first job at NBA.com, how the job evolved over the years, and how he went from covering Kobe Bryant to LeBron James! Dave also discusses the process to publishing his book on LeBron, "Return of the King", the hurdles to resuming the current season, as well as his memories of Kobe Bryant.

Andy invites Golden State Warriors Vice President of Communications - Raymond Ridder! Andy and Raymond talk about how the Warriors have stayed connected to the fans and community during the pandemic, and his path as 29-year member of NBA PR! Raymond describes how he ended up with the Warriors, including the story behind his resilient pursuit of his first internship with the Lakers. Raymond also comments on "The Last Dance", how he relished the challenges of the slump years with the Dubs, and his memories of the late Kobe Bryant.

Andy invites Mandalay Sports Media Executive Vice President Jon Weinbach! Andy & Jon have a discussion about being a sports fan during the 1980's, his background as a journalist at the Wall Street Journal, and his path to becoming one of the most respected producers in the business. Andy tells a story about being injured on the job during batting practice at Dodger's Stadium, as well as when the NBA started capturing player arrivals. Plus, Jon discusses the history behind the creation and release of "The Last Dance", his inclusion in the project, and teases a few moments yet to come!

Andy invites Los Angeles Kings legend and longtime radio color commentator Daryl Evans! Daryl tells us how he's been staying active during the quarantine, and gives his insights into how the league may continue the 19-20 season. Andy & Daryl talks about his hockey inspirations growing up in the Toronto area, his playing career, and his famous game-winning playoff goal known as the "Miracle on Manchester". Daryl describes the various lives he lived in his post-NHL playing career; from traveling the world as a coach, to selling Cadillacs, and the serendipitous set of circumstances that lead to a 21-year career in the broadcast booth for the Kings. The guys also discuss his passion for charitable work, how he developed his signature style, and much more!

In spirit of "The Last Dance" - the documentary miniseries on the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 90's - Andy chats with longtime Chicago Bulls writer/author Sam Smith! Andy & Sam discuss the documentary, Michael Jordan's impact on society as an icon, his first assignment covering young Michael for The Chicago Tribune, the fate of the '84 draft, and the drama-filled '97-98 three-peat run. Sam describes his relationship with Michael over the years, including the fallout created by the release of his book "The Jordan Rules" in 1992. Sam also talks about his work with the Pro Basketball Writers Association, his current role with Bulls.com, and more!

Andy chats with Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike! Andy & Chiney talk about the ongoing shutdown of sports and its impact on the WNBA; Chiney tells us about her Nigerian roots, growing up in Houston, early basketball inspirations, her sisters Nneka & Erica, and memories of Kobe Bryant. PLUS, Chiney also discusses her achievements & future goals with NBA Africa, as well as her role as Vice President of the WNBA Players Association and how she's impacting the future of women's sports! Be sure to check out her podcast, "Certified Buckets"!

Andy invites Breethe Meditation App founder Lynne Goldberg to discuss the power of meditation! As we collectively heal from the unprecedented and traumatic events brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, maintaining mental fortitude has never been more paramount. Lynne discusses what meditation is, and why it's so important for your physical & mental health; she gives a brief introduction to the Breethe app, how it works, and their new  "Coronavirus Anxiety Package" - consisting of programs for self-care practices, dealing with anxiety because of illness, financial uncertainty, and many more! PLUS, Lynne tells listeners helpful tips for beginners(or re-starters), how the Breethe App got started, and about her book "Get Balanced, Get Blissed". Feel the feels! If you're a Healthcare worker, get the Breethe app FREE!

This week, Andy invites radio host, journalist, and fellow podcaster, Mike Pesca! Mikes discusses his New York Times Best Selling book "Upon Further Review: The Greatest What-Ifs in Sports History", a book of counterfactual sporting scenarios and the ripple effects that shoulda-coulda-woulda happened. From Muhammed Ali overcoming government conviction, Dwight Clark's "The Catch", Bill Buckner's missed grounder in the '86 World Series, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, and the "What-If's?" that didn't make the cut. The two also discuss the current shutdown of sports due to the Coronavirus pandemic, what sports means to society in terms of healing, and what the new future holds for sporting events. Be sure to check out Mike's podcast "The Gist"!

Today's guest on Legends Of Sport is New York Times writer & Hall of Famer, Marc Stein! Andy and Marc discuss the latest news from the NBA, including; the league's response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and possible changes to the NBA calendar. Marc dives into his journey as a journalist; from covering NBA Summer League at the OC Register, to a young Marc Cuban & the Mavs for the Dallas Morning News, to his transition to ESPN and the world of television broadcasting, and how he ended up at the NYT. Marc describes his passion for journalism and specifically covering the NBA, his relationship with his father, and his memories of the late Kobe Bryant.

Andy chats with long-time friend and colleague, Hall of Fame broadcaster Ralph Lawler! Ralph describes his journey as the voice of the Los Angeles Clippers for 40 years! Hear Ralph's broadcast journey from his years in Philadelphia, how he landed with the Clippers, his relationship with Bill Walton, his opinion of the Clippers' "Curse", how a chance encounter with Donald Sterling got him his job back, the Steve Ballmer era, his induction into the Hall of Fame, his wife Sweet Joe, and memories of the late Kobe Bryant.

On today's episode, Andy chats with Los Angeles Times Journalist Brad Turner! Brad and Andy discuss the fallout from the novel Coronavirus pandemic, and potential changes the NBA may adopt in response. Plus, the two explore Brad's journey growing up in Louisiana, his path into sports journalism, a special favor from former Laker Michael Cooper, how he began covering the Lakers & Clippers for the LA Times, the current state of the "hallway rivalry" between the teams, and his memories of the late Kobe Bryant.

Our first guest of Season 3 of the "Legends Of Sport" podcast will be 2x NBA champion Pau Gasol. Pau and Andy discuss some very timely topics such as: How does the current shutdown of basketball and all sports affect Pau as a professional athlete, Pau's inspiring story growing up in Barcelona and how he was influenced by the Dream Team, what is the status of his foot injury and his future plans to play again, Pau's charitable endeavors and his memories of the late Kobe Bryant.