Over The Middle

It's been a while since our last episode, but what better time to bring it back than right in the heat of March Madness! On this episode, Erik is joined by regular guest Jonathan Joseph to talk all things NCAA Tournament. After missing out on the best three weeks in sports a year ago, this year's tournament has delivered. The guys break down all the big upsets, Gonzaga's dominance, and UCLA's unexpected run. They also give their picks and look ahead to what should be a thrilling Championship game. NBA Trade Deadline and midseason report (42:00)- This year's trade deadline was very active and the guys discuss the biggest winners and losers. Find out which player didn't get moved that could have really helped a contender.

It's been almost 4 months since our last show, but with sports on the way back, we're here to get you ready for it. On today's episode, Erik is joined by Jonathan Joseph as they look ahead to everything going on inside the NBA bubble. We go over the biggest seeding games, the possible play-in tournament, players who have already opted out, and then predict a champion. In NFL news this week, the Patriots signed Cam Newton to a one year deal. Will the former MVP be able to lead them back to championship contention? The guys break down this classic Belichick move. Finally, in college basketball news, Emoni Bates, regarded by some as the best high school prospect since LeBron, committed to Michigan State on Monday. But will he ever play in college? The guys discuss the impact the new G-League program will have on college basketball.

It's the middle of March, which is usually one of the best times of the year in sports. We should be breaking down a bracket and giving our Final Four picks, upsets, and sleepers. However, sports were suddenly put on hold this week as the world battles a pandemic. Erik and Venkie are here to discuss a world without sports, speculate when it could return, and read listener suggestions for what to do now for entertainment. Not all sports are shut down though; the NFL starts its new league year this week (for now), and the guys look ahead to some of the biggest names in free agency. Finally, they give their picks for who they would've had in the Final Four this year.

The news of Kobe Bryant's sudden and tragic death rocked the world over the weekend. On a special episode today, Erik is joined by a good friend and lifelong Kobe fan, Viswa Sundaresan. The guys reflect on where they were when they heard the news and what their initial reactions were. They share their favorite memories watching him play and discuss what his legacy will be. It's truly one of the saddest stories in sports history and we bring you a real conversation on a really difficult subject.

For our final episode of the Fall 2019 semester, Erik and Venkie go in depth on why the NBA ratings are down this year, despite there being so many exciting teams and matchups. We also look at some of the most intriguing storylines through the first two months of the season, from the Lakers and Bucks dominance, to the Heat's hot start, to Luka's MVP campaign. Finally, we preview the NBA trade deadline with a look at who could be buyers and sellers, as well as some players who could be on the move. College Football Playoff (1:02:00)- The CFP is set with LSU facing Oklahoma and Ohio State facing Clemson in the semifinals. We give our picks for these games and the National Championship, and also discuss whether the Heisman is Joe Burrow's to lose.

"Feast Week" is one of the best weeks of the year on the sports calendar. This week, Erik is joined by Jonathan Joseph to recap all the action. The guys start by talking about Erik's experience at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, where he saw some of the best high school basketball players and teams in the country. College Basketball (11:00)- We're now a month into the college basketball season, and it's become clear that there are no great teams this year. The guys discuss the major upsets we've already seen, what's wrong with Michigan State and UNC, and which teams to keep an eye on. College Football (32:00)- It's conference championship weekend in college football, and with the reveal of the Playoff on Sunday, the guys talk about all the different scenarios. With the top 3 teams separating themselves, does it even matter who gets the last spot? NFL (45:00)- We're in the home stretch of the NFL regular season, and the playoff picture is starting to become more clear. Jonathan shares his thoughts on the Cowboys, a

This week marked the start of another college basketball season with the annual Champions Classic, featuring the top four teams in the country. The guys recap big wins by Kentucky and Duke, and a sensational performance by local product, Tyrese Maxey. Erik also gives his picks for the Final Four, Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-America. NBA (22:00)- With two weeks of NBA action in the books, we recap what we've seen so far, from the Suns' hot start to the demise of the Warriors dynasty. Also, are the Clippers and Lakers on a Conference Finals collision course? College Football (44:00)- The initial College Football Playoff rankings were revealed this week, and the guys give their reactions and also look ahead to this week's big showdown between LSU and Alabama.

It's time for the start of the 2019-2020 NBA season and we have you covered with a full preview! With so much to unpack, Erik and Venkie are joined by Will Kuehne, making his third appearance as guest host. The guys start by talking about the end of Golden State's dynasty and the now wide-open landscape heading into this season. Huge additions by the Clippers and Lakers have made Los Angeles the basketball capital of the NBA. The Sixers and Bucks look set to run the East. How will Russell Westbrook and James Harden play together in Houston? Can Giannis get even better and repeat as MVP? Will Zion live up to the hype? We discuss all these topics and more, and wrap by giving our regular season and playoff predictions.  Also, we are now on Spotify and Instagram, so be sure to check us out @over_the_middle_podcast!

With the NFL regular season nearly one-third of the way through and the college football regular season almost halfway done, the guys discuss everything going on in the world of football. They start by recapping the biggest results from Week 5, including the Packers continued dominance of the Cowboys, the Raiders surprising win over the Bears, and the Browns inconsistent start. They also touch on the historic fantasy performances from Week 5 and go over Erik's recent betting picks. Finally, the guys preview the upcoming trade deadline and some big names that could be on the move. College Football (42:00)- College football is heating up with some huge matchups ahead this weekend. The guys preview the Texas-OU and Florida-LSU showdowns. They also talk Heisman candidates and give their updated playoff predictions, with a couple of sleepers.

Week 2 of the NFL is in the books and it's an overreaction Monday. On today's show, Erik is joined by guest host and Over the Middle regular, Jonathan Joseph, to recap all the action. The guys start by recapping their best bets from the weekend. Then, with the news of Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger's injuries, they go over what it means for the Saints and Steelers going forward. We also introduce a new segment to the show, "Where Erik was right, where Erik was wrong," to track some of his takes he's stated on the show. Today, we highlight the Ravens hot start, Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, Chris Godwin, the new-look Packers, and much more. 

It's a new school year, and Erik and Venkie are back with an all new episode. The dog days of summer are over and football season is finally upon us! NFL Preview (3:00)- The guys start by reacting to the shocking news of Andrew Luck's retirement. What does it mean for the Colts and the NFL? They then dive into a full NFL season preview, giving their playoff predictions, as well as picks for MVP, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Erik also gives his best fantasy advice for those with drafts upcoming. College Football Preview (42:00)- College football season is here! The guys recap a wild game between Miami and Florida and look ahead to the biggest games in Week 1. They go over the top Heisman candidates and draft prospects, and conclude by giving their picks for the College Football Playoff.

Recently back from Las Vegas and the NBA Summer League, Erik is here and joined by guest co-host, Hrithik Poojara, making his second appearance on the show. The guys start by talking about all the big free agency moves and trades, and who the big winners and losers are. They discuss Kawhi Leonard and Paul George heading to the Clippers, and whether this makes them the favorites in 2020. Finally, Erik shares his big takeaways from the NBA Summer League, including Zion's debut and the insane amount of stars who came to watch him.

It's a full house on Over the Middle this week, and we are back with instant reactions to Thursday's NBA Draft. Erik is joined by second time guest Will Kuehne, and first time guests Matthew Ferreira and Nathan Hamilton. The guys break down the draft covering everything from the night's big winner and losers to potential busts and steals. Is there any chance Zion Williamson doesn't win Rookie of the Year? The guys don't think so, and they also give their picks for the All-Rookie 1st team.

The NBA season may be over now, but there's still so much to talk about. Venkie is back this week and joins Erik on the phone to recap the NBA Finals, discuss the Anthony Davis trade to the Lakers, and preview the NBA draft. Where will Kawhi Leonard play next year? Is the Warriors dynasty officially over? Are the Lakers the favorites going into next year? We have the answers to all that and more this week.

We're back with a new episode just in time for game 1 of the NBA Finals! Erik is joined by special guest host, Jonathan Joseph, to recap the Conference Finals and preview the Finals. The guys discuss whether the Warriors are better without KD, and break down the series with and without him. They then give their predictions for champion and Finals MVP. Finally, they talk about top high school prospect, RJ Hampton's decision to skip college to play overseas in New Zealand, and what it means for college basketball.

It's officially summer break now, but we are still gonna bring you new episodes as long as there is sports to talk about! This week, Erik is joined by special guest host and Portland Trail Blazers fan, Will Kuehne. They recap the second round of the playoffs, including Houston's choke job in game 6 and Kawhi's epic shot to eliminate the 76ers. They then preview both Conference Finals series and give their predictions. Finally, they discuss the NBA draft lottery, and its impact on teams such as the Knicks, Pelicans, and Mavericks.

Need something to listen to while you study for Finals? We have you covered. This week, Hirbod Bigvand, the CEO of Surfboard, joins the show. He talks about growing up in Iran and being a nationally ranked tennis player, as well as adjusting to life in the U.S. We talk about the successes and challenges of his startups, and what it feels like to be a young CEO. In the second half, the guys recap the first week of the second round of the NBA playoffs, specifically the Rockets-Warriors series (26:00).

On this week's episode, the guys are joined by Jonathan Joseph to preview the second round of the NBA playoffs. It's the opening weekend of Avengers: Endgame, and also the start of the highly anticipated Rockets-Warriors series. The guys discuss the vulnerability of Golden State and if they could be in the "Endgame." After breaking down each series, they talk NFL draft and discuss the biggest winners and losers (50:00).

It's a different style episode of Over the Middle this week. First, the guys are joined by UT Dallas student Harsh Gosar. His YouTube channel, "That Indian Guy," has amassed over 50,000 subscribers. He talks about his internet success as well as sharing some career advice and recent job interview stories. In the second half, the guys recap the first full week of the NBA playoffs and look ahead to some potentially great second round matchups (32:00).

The NBA playoffs are here! This week, the guys are joined by fellow UT Dallas Comet and podcast host, Hrithik Poojara. They start by recapping the Final Four and Virginia's championship run. Next, they break down each of the first round NBA playoff series and give their predictions (12:00), and also discuss the mess that is the Lakers. Finally, they wrap up with some NFL draft talk (1:42:00).