Spolitics
iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice
SPOLITICS is where we don’t just stick to sports, but examine the world and all of its complexities through the lens of sports. Each week, this podcast will enthusiastically explore the intersection between sports, race, gender, sexuality and culture. In this narrative-style podcast, expect sharp commentary, novel conversations, and compelling guests that will drive nuanced sports conversations that drive culture.
Ep 17: The Politics of Healthy Arrogance
On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele shares the story of Bill Nunn, the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers scout who was the architect of the Steelers infamous “Steel Curtain” defense, which led to Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowls. Jemele also has a conversation with mega producer Will Packer, who talks about his new book, “Who Better Than You: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big,” and how he became a minority owner in the Atlanta Falcons. Will discusses his relationship with star actor and
Ep 16: The Politics of Creating Your Own Lane
On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele shares the inspiring story of Rose Robinson, who is believed to be the first Black athlete to protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. Jemele is joined by social media influencer Josiah Johnson, who also is host and executive producer of Gil’s Arena, the digital basketball show that stars former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Josiah shares how he built his influential social media brand, and gives advice to other influencers a
BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Super Bowl LIX
Jemele is joined by journalist Carron J. Phillips to discuss the Eagles dominating win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl, the overall political themes, if the Eagles are on the verge of dynasty, and a breakdown of Kendrick Lamar’s performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 15: The Politics of A Second Wind
On this week’s filibuster, Jemele explains how the Super Bowl halftime show became so popular. Jemele is joined by Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, who discuss her appearance this season on FOX's reality competition show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Jones explains the grueling physical and mental rigors she went through on the show, which chronicles 16 celebrities across sports, pop culture and social media as they try to survive a series of demanding training exercises led by a te
Ep 14: The Politics of Perseverance
This week in Jemele’s opening filibuster, Jemele addresses whether the NFL’s Rooney Rule — their version of DEI for coaches and front office personnel — should be abolished. Her guest this week is tennis pro Taylor Townsend, who recently won the Australian Open doubles championship. Taylor shares what prompted her to begin a tennis career, how she navigated some of the early obstacles in her career, which included being body shamed. Taylor also explains how she juggles motherhood and professiona
Ep 13: The Politics of Laughter
This week, Jemele answers some of her critics over an old tweet about Caitlin Clark in her opening filibuster. Jemele is joined by actor and comedian Ryan Davis, who is co-hosting a comedy series on Vice with Chris Spencer and Tiffany Haddish called “Black Comedy in America” that includes blockbuster interviews with Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Steve Harvey. Ryan reveals his comedic inspirations, and his thoughts on Andrew Schulz-Kendrick Lamar beef. Ryan also tells the story of his o
Ep 12: The Politics of Athlete Empowerment
This week, Jemele’s opening filibuster focuses on the origin story on how the NCAA came to be one of the most powerful and lucrative organizations in sports. Jemele is joined by attorney Paul McDonald, co-lead counsel for college athletes plaintiffs in the Johnson vs NCAA lawsuit, which, if successful, would force college and universities to classify college players as employees. McDonald explains the core thesis behind the athletes’ case, and shares how the NCAA is using the controv
Ep 11: The Politics of Fandom
This week, Jemele’s “The Filibuster” focuses on the NFL MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Then, CNN anchor and rabid Philadelphia sports fan Jake Tapper joins Jemele to discuss the state of sports in Philly. Tapper takes Jemele through the origin and evolution of his superstitious Philly fandom, and he shares a special message for Joel Embiid. Jemele also presses Tapper on whether he enjoyed witnessing the Eagles win the Super Bowl more than his wedding. Final
ANNOUCEMENT
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Ep 10: The Politics of Diplomacy
This week, Jemele's "The Filibuster" explains the fine line between sports diplomacy and sportswashing. Then, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove joins Jemele to offer her firsthand perspective on using sports for positive political gain. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove discuss the Department of Government Efficiency, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove offers her opinion on how Trump's stance on immigration contrasts with her goals for sports diplomacy. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove also forecas
Ep 09: The Politics of Fighting
On this week's "The Filibuster,” Jemele shares her thoughts on Caitlin Clark winning TIME's Athlete of the Year 2024. Then, Olympic gold medalist and world champion boxer Claressa Shields joins Jemele to discuss her biopic “The Fire Inside,” what she thought of actor Ryan Destiny's portrayal of her, which people in her life didn’t particularly like their portrayals, and why it was important to showcase her hometown of Flint, Michigan. Shields also reflects on fighting for
BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Capitalism and Oppression
In this special bonus episode, Jemele and John Hope Bryant discuss whether capitalism mimics oppression. John explains his belief in Black people as the world's moral compass, breaks down the difference between good and bad capitalism, and declares Jay-Z's "4:44" to be "a financial literacy album." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 08: The Politics of Money
Jemele spends "The Filibuster" exploring athletes' volatile relationship with financial literacy. Then, Jemele welcomes the foremost expert on financial literacy. John Hope Bryant, the author of "Financial Literacy for All" and CEO, Chairman and Founder of Operation HOPE. Bryant explains why he believes financial literacy is this generation's civil rights issue. John and Jemele also go back and forth whether Michael Jordan should have sold his controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
Ep 07: The Politics of Conflict
This week's "The Filibuster" focuses on the ongoing war in Gaza and challenges why it seems impossible to discuss without someone being labeled as an anti-Semite and a terrorist sympathizer. Jewish Currents editor-at-large, CUNY professor, and MSNBC analyst Peter Beinart and Jewish sports journalist Eric Adelson both offer their expertise. Then, former Olympic fencer and New York Times best-selling author Ibtihaj Muhammad joins Jemele. Ibtihaj connects her experience as the first-ever Muslim Am
BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of A Second Trump Presidential Term
In this special bonus episode, Jemele reacts to Donald Trump winning the 2024 US presidential election and breaks down what ramifications a second Trump term will have on the sports world. Jemele projects what may happen to Title IX, given Trump's desire to dissolve the Department of Education, and how Trump and the re-election of Texas Senator Ted Cruz could impact college athletes' continued fight against the NCAA to earn employee status. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 06: The Politics of American Basketball
Jemele's "The Filibuster" draws attention to the mounting gap between American and European basketball. North Carolina Central University head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton relays the changes he's seen in how young American hoopers are developed. Then, Jemele is joined by Craig Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, co-host of Ways to Win with John Calipari, and older brother to Michelle Obama. Craig reminisces on Michelle pushing him to be a bette
Ep 05: The Politics of Worth
Jemele uses this week’s “The Filibuster” to give a state of the union on player unions. Jemele is later joined by WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson, who explains why WNBA players opted out of their current collective bargaining agreement. Terri also reflects on the 2024 WNBA season and the evolution of women's sports being seen as a viable business. She also touches on her son, Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., following her in union footsteps and potential future in poli
Ep 04: The Politics of Investing in Women’s Sports
Jemele uses this week's "The Filibuster" to show decades' worth of receipts on women's sports being a viable investment. With the help of Jane McManus, an adjunct NYU professor, columnist, and author of The Fast Track, she explains why this year's women's sports boom can be sustained. Then, 776 founder and serial entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian Sr. joins Jemele. Alexis reflects on co-founding Reddit and how he translated the disruptive techniques he learned from tech into investing in Angel City FC
Ep 03: The Politics of Black Male Voters
For this week's "The Filibuster," Jemele digs into Black male voters' role in the upcoming presidential election — and calls out Black male athletes voicing support for Donald Trump. Respected journalist and political pundit Roland Martin, who hosts ROLAND MARTIN UNFILTERED, and Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II join Jemele to dive even deeper into why Black men are feeling disconnected from the Democratic Party. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II also shares his story of growing into his unlikely politi
Ep 02: The Politics of WNBA Leadership
First, "The Filibuster" finds Jemele explaining the inextricable links between women in politics and women in sports, with help from Errin Haines, the editor-at-large for the 19th, a nonprofit newsroom that covers gender, politics and policy. Jemele poses a simple yet crucial question: What's a better direction for women — moving forward or going back? Then, Jemele is joined by Seattle Storm All-Star forward and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike. They assess how the media covered the WNBA this seas
Ep 01: The Politics of El Gusano
Jemele opens the premiere episode of SPOLITICS with "The Filibuster," explaining the state of the union between politics and sports — a history lesson and a wake-up call. Then, Jemele is joined by her former ESPN and current Meadowlark Media colleague Dan Le Batard, host of THE DAN LE BATARD SHOW. Dan and Jemele bond over their inability to "stick to sports." Dan explains how his Cuban heritage influenced his worldview and why American politics have disheartened him. Jemele and Dan also reminisc
Introducing: Spolitics
SPOLITICS is a weekly sports and politics podcast hosted by sports journalist Jemele Hill, produced by iHeart Podcasts and the Unbothered Network. On SPOLITICS, sports and politics not only mix, they matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.