Legends Of Sport With Andrew D. Bernstein

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.

Andy sits down with former Los Angeles Lakers Head Athletic Trainer – Gary Vitti – to discuss his upcoming book "32 years of Titles & Tears from the Best Seat In The House: What I Learned About Happiness, Leadership, & Greatness". Lessons from Pat Riley, Jerry West, Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Scott, Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and so many more!Gary expands on the path to his first year with the Lakers in 1984 under head coach Pat Riley, and how the position has evolved over 32 years. Hear stories of plane rides with Chick Hearn, Pat Riley’s 12+2+1 formula(16:05), the personal pain and trauma behind Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis(21:15), getting caught between Kobe & Shaq(43:03), and the importance of the ‘85 championship(46:08). PLUS, a few tales of Kobe Bryant’s world-class work ethic – including being waterboarded by Navy SEALS, and the reverse bear trap(40:24).

In honor of the USWNT capturing the World Cup we thought we'd revisit our chat with the great Hope Solo!

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with the "Nigerian Nightmare", NFL Legend Christian Okoye. Christian talks about growing up in Nigeria and his early days of playing soccer in his neighborhood. He also shares the evolution of his athletic career, and how soccer led him to track and field, which led him to the United States and eventually a career in the NFL. Christian shares a bit about his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as his motivation behind starting the California Hall of Fame.

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with Lakers legend, Rick Fox. Rick talks with us about growing up in the Bahamas in an interracial family (2:22). He talks about how he got involved with the game of basketball and how he was inspired by the path of his neighborhood friend, Mychal Thompson (5:25). Rick shares his experience playing under Dean Smith at UNC (11:25) and playing with Larry Bird on the Celtics (15:55). He also talks about playing for two of the most storied franchises in sports, and the motivation he had for signing with the Lakers (23:18). Lastly, Rick shares his exciting new ventures in the world of esports (33:53).

On this NBA Finals edition Of Legend of Sport, we are joined by the "LeBron James of Sports Broadcasting", Doris Burke. Doris talks to us about being the youngest of 8 siblings and how she picked up the game of basketball at a young age. (3:31) She shares how she received her scholarship to Providence College (6:45), and how she transitioned from basketball to a career behind the mic (10:49). Doris also discusses how she's seen the game of basketball evolve throughout the years (19:41). Lastly, Doris and Andy talk about being recipients of the 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award and what the award meant to them. (44:04)

Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic and compelling figures of the past half century both on and off the court. His tireless work ethic and determination led him and the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and numerous accolades over his storied thirteen year NBA career. That same mentality has led him to multiple careers after basketball as a massively successful entrepreneur, franchise owner, ambassador, philanthropist, and HIV activist amongst many other leadership roles. In this memorable interview, we sit down with Magic to hear the legendary stories behind the iconic photos Andy captured of him over the years, what drove him to be the best, and what continues to inspire him today. This is a can't miss two-part interview about learning, trying, and failing in order to succeed.

Kobe Bryant and Andy discuss their bestselling book collaboration, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play." Kobe shares his thoughts about his obsession with the process and craft that led to five NBA championships, his iconic work ethic, the importance of playing for Team USA, overcoming his Achilles injury, his final game, the meaning behind the Mamba Mentality, and his plans for the future.

Today we welcome long time sportswriter and author Rick Reilly to the podcast. Rick talks about his career at Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine, and being one of the first journalists to be the “back page” columnist of both (10:33). He shares his favorite subjects to write about, and reveals one of his most memorable stories that he covered throughout his career (12:17). Rick discusses his new book, “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump” (21:44), and shares stories from the first time that he played golf with Donald Trump (22:28). Lastly, Rick talks about how you can define a person's true character by playing golf with them (24:44).

On today's episode Andy chats with NBA legend, Jason Collins. Andy and Jason spend some time catching up and discussing their current thoughts on the NBA playoffs (3:59). Jason also talks about the special relationship with his twin brother Jarron, and how they grew up playing basketball together and competing alongside one another at the highest level (10:42). He touches on his NBA career (21:27), and talks in depth about his historic decision to come out publicly as gay and why the decision was important for him at the time (37:46). Lastly, Jason talks about the importance of allies and shares an inspiring story about his biggest ally, his brother (51:25).

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy chats with NBA Legend, Adonal Foyle. Adonal shares his experience growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (4:40), and how he was introduced to the game of basketball at 15 years old (9:10). He also touches on his first time coming to the United States (12:53), his decision to play collegiate basketball at Colgate (16:58), and his tenure in the NBA, playing with the Warriors, Magic, and Grizzlies (20:45). Adonal also discusses his passion for player development and his mission to help the NBA and its players navigate their careers both on and off the court (22:38).

In this episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy talks with one of the pioneers of women's basketball, Jennifer Azzi. Jennifer shares what she is most proud of out of all her career accomplishments (3:23), her decision to attend and play basketball at Stanford (5:17), and why she feels young athletes shouldn't specialize in one sport until they are older (7:06). Jennifer also discusses training for and playing in the 1996 Olympics (9:40), becoming a co-founder of the Women's Basketball League (11:22), her current involvement with NBA Cares and NBA Academies (17:54), and her most favorite role to date - being a mother (23:00).