Hyphen Nation

For the one hundred and seventy fifth episode of THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST, it's time to talk sports! I'm joined by Marcus and our newly minted semi-regular co-host George Gerbo as we break down the highs and lows of 2020! There's a lot of basketball talk, some black quarterback slander on my part that I have no regrets about, and as usual, George tries to be the voice of reason within the madness. Nobody cares about the Super Bowl. And happy birthday Holly! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

HOT DAMN. It's a new day! On this episode of THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST, we go back in time! In September 2019, I was joined by Michael Lamerique and my semi-regular co-host Marcus Robinson to discuss Jay-Z's deal to work with the NFL. Before we got into the episode proper, however, Lam and I were talking with live mics, and then Marcus joined us, and then, with a resounding "'SUP JERKS?!", Errick Greenlee appeared out of nowhere! We talk about video games, wrestling, parenting, work... we're just all over the place. So I give you an inside look at Hyphen Podcast Group's Brain Trust. Over a year ago, with a pandemic the furthest thing from our minds. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

Once upon a time, people could get their information from reliable sources. Books, newspapers, the television... all these formats had some form of truth to them in return for a fee. Today, these formats still exist. And while the internet has caused us to push the boundaries of getting the most content for less, evil forces still seek to keep that same content unavailable... unless you pay. Giant intro aside, Marcus and I discuss ESPN's decision to move it's written content behind a ESPN+ fueled paywall, we dig deeper into more election anxiety (and even play some fun games with our sanity), and then reminisce over Grantland.com's 5 year death anniversary. All the best to you, Jason and Haley. Bill... I got nothing for you. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

With less than a week to go before the 2020 elections, THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST gets political! I discuss the fear of Donald winning a second term and how his reign has led me to be scared to go certain places in WV because I'm black and they could be pro-Donald. I lay it all on the table and even have a lively discussion with the chat who was watching along. The second half of this episode focuses on my continued allegiance to being a foodie, feeling like I've eaten everything in Morgantown, and I talk a little WWE as I cover the Hell In A Cell PPV. Recommendations: I forgot to say them. Next time baby. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

So I felt like it had been 5 minutes or so since I mentioned Jay-Z, so here's a whole BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST about Jay-Z! It'll be 20 years since the release of The Dynasty: Roc La Familia on October 31, a Hov album that was born from the scraps of a Roc-A-Fella Records compilation project. I give a little history of the Roc as a label, break down the tracklisting, and compare 2000 Jigga to other artists who were topping the Billboard charts. And I have to mention the Robert Goulet SNL sketch with the Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Will Ferrell, and Jay. How could I not? Recommendations: Holly Randall: Unfiltered - 139: Sasha Grey: Sex As Art, #BlackAF, and Quincy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

So I did this thing. I read a book. Said book being Dave Itzkoff’s Robin, a biography about the late comedian/actor, Robin Williams. But I try my best not to make this whole pod an audio book report. I talk about some of things I discovered about Robin, as well as the tragic events that led up to his untimely passing. I eventually pass along some wisdom I gleaned from the book that I think everyone could use. I also detail my trip home for my dad’s 70th birthday and mark some upcoming sad anniversaries. Recommendations:  Robin by Dave Itzkoff, White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA,  Carmi Soul Food, Pittsburgh, PA, The InBESTigators --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

The Eastern Conference Finals ended at the right time as the result of Heat/Celtics Game 6 launches me into an all out NBA Finals preview! On one side, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Western Champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. On the other, making their first trip to the NBA Finals without Dwyane Wade or LeBron, the Jimmy Butler-led Miami Heat. The Lakers are right where a lot of people expected them to be; the Heat crushed their side of the bubble to now compete for a fourth NBA championship in franchise history. I break it all down for to get you ready for tip-off Wednesday night. Recommendations: The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

I've been putting it off long enough. This episode of THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED GREATEST PODCAST brings us back to Star Wars to deal with The Rise Of Skywalker and the Sequel Trilogy as a whole. Marcus joins me to take this show from just another Star Wars episode to a Hot Takes themed Star Wars episode! JJ. Boyega. Ridley. Rian. Kylo. Luke. Han. Our Princess. Darth Vader. Palpatine. Even young and old Lando. Prepare to jump to lightspeed. This episode was brought to you by Spongebob Squarepants. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

The BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST returns on its new release day of Tuesday! In this episode, I talk about how difficult it is for me to watch sports, I reevaluate the impact of Tupac Shakur days after the 24th anniversary of his murder, and then I share the tales of my experiences as a child with the Death of Superman storyline. I even share some current thoughts on the Doomsday arc after I finally read the trade for myself after years of ducking it. This episode was brought to you by sheer will of force because I will be exhausted by the time you read this. Recommendations: Dom2K, Culture Surfing podcast, The Death of Superman, and the Fortress of Baileytude. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

The Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their playoff game against the Orlando Magic yesterday in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake and the ongoing demand for justice and some kind of change in America toward minorities. The NBA postponed the rest of the day's playoff slate and meeting's were held last night to see if the season could even continue. The WNBA followed suit with a powerful statement at midcourt of their respective bubble. Mookie Betts refused to play. The Brewers and Reds both refused to take the field. To mark this momentous occasion, me and Marcus try to talk our way through the moment and the consistent unrest that plagues our people in the United States. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

(Kinda) hot on the heels of Catch The Show 71, I'm joined by Lance Roberson of Def Pen Sports to discuss more Marshall Mathers than you can shake a stick at! While me, Marcus, and EG covered the 20th anniversary of The Marshall Mathers LP on Catch The Show, Lance wanted to talk about what is both of our favorite Eminem album, The Eminem Show. We break down 10 of our favorite (and least favorite tracks), go off on Joe Budden and battle rap tangents, and just generally nerd out about Em at the peak of his powers. This episode was brought to you Spongebob Squarepants and Jessie. Recommendations: The Eminem Show, Mood Muzik 1, and Mood Muzik 2. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

I sat down and turned on my microphone, opened my Google Docs, and an hour of awesomeness happened. I give my take on Lego Masters and why Will Arnett is only good as Lego Batman, spend a little time with Donald and his fateful trip down a ramp, tell Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo how I really feel about their anti-looting thoughts and Bill's idea of diversity at The Ringer, get into why R. Kelly has made me hate him even more, say an RIP to Katherine Johnson and Regis Philbin, and close things out with the ending of The Good Place. This episode was brought to you by The Eminem Show. Recommendations: Master Of None and Pharrell & The Yessirs - Out Of My Mind. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

In this episode of THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST, we don't want to be like Mike but we definitely want to talk about him. I'm joined by Marcus, Asti, and Gerbo as we break down our thoughts on The Last Dance! We talk about what the documentary lacked, what it managed to accomplish, and if it hurt or helped the legacy of His Airness. We round things out talking about our favorite sports documentaries and make plans to watch and review the upcoming Long Gone Summer. Marcus and I set this episode off about Trina and what the next steps should be to make this country safe for black people. This episode was brought to you by My Babysitter's A Vampire & Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. AND SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO NO NAME TIM FOR THE NEW THEME SONG! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

"I see no changes." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

If you've been keeping up, George, Marcus, and I have been conducting the Hyphen Book Club in favor of Ethan Strauss' new book The Victory Machine about Kevin Durant and his time with the Golden State Warriors. Ethan took the time to follow me and tell me he enjoyed the shows and thanked us for reading so closely! Being the mastermind that he is, Marcus suggested I ask Ethan to be on the pod, a few direct messages later, and Ethan agreed! So enjoy Marcus and George's interview with the author of The Victory Machine, Ethan Sherwood Strauss! My deepest thanks to the fellas for being there for this when I could not because of work. This episode was brought to you by the sound of silence. AND EVERYBODY CLAP FOR MARCUS FOR EDITING THESE LAST THREE EPISODES! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

The Showinmadlov Book Club rides again as we tackle chapters 3 through 5 of Ethan Sherwood Strauss' The Victory Machine. We talk a little about Steve Kerr becoming the head coach and what the idea of joy has to do with NBA basketball, plus we touch on the devolution of Kevin Durant and what factors made him into the man and player he is today. A huge portion of this episode veers to sneakers as a chapter dedicated to Under Armor, Nike, Steph, and KD turns into an all out discussion of our love for different shoes. This episode was brought to you by 2015 Golden State Warriors highlights. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

So long time listeners of Hyphen Nation knows what happens when I get into a funk and don't want to do anything podcast related. My semi-regular co-host Marcus "Showinmadlov" Robinson appears to save the day. I'm serious. Marcus noticed a new book hitting shelves called The Victory Machine: The Making and Unmaking of the Warriors Dynasty by Ethan Sherwood Strauss and sequestered myself and now 5-Time Guest Club member George "The Howitzer" Gerbo to read and write reports. Then he made us throw away our reports and share our feelings off the top. Chapters 1 and 2 are covered here; we'll be taking on Chapters 3-5 in a future episode! This episode was brought to you by Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

In the last of my previously recorded episodes, I take some time to tell the tale of the man who broke the color barrier in auto racing and one of the greatest racers in NASCAR history, Wendell Scott. From there, I talk about my sad love affair with Derrick Rose and my hopes of him playing in the All-Star Game being dashed... and then the whole season got suspended a few weeks later but I think it's still a worthwhile listen. This episode was brought to you by The Big Show Show and Mako: Island of Secrets. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

In a world not that long ago, my dear friend Tyler Kovar and I broke into WVU's Creative Arts Center to record his second appearance on Hyphen Nation. Okay, we just found an empty room but I digress! After scouring for at least 45 minutes, we found a band room in the basement, I pulled out my notes, and we talked about seasons 1 and 2 or Netflix's delightful Sex Education. We cover a lot but we left plenty of surprises for you to discover when you ultimately leave this episode to go watch every single minute yourselves. This episode was brought to you by OJ: Made In America Part 3. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support

Two nights removed from the Show of Shows, THE BARACK OBAMA APPROVED WORLD'S GREATEST PODCAST proudly presents the biggest number of guests on one episode thanks to the quarantine! I'm joined by Erik Fromme (x2), EG aka Catcher of Shows (x3), Errick Greenlee (x5), George Gerbo (x5), Mike Asti (x3) and my semi-regular co-host Marc Rob towards the end as we recap WrestleMania 36! WrestleMania Performance Center! WrestleMania No Fans Allowed! We cover all the high points for sure, talk some lows, and then give out letter grades and MVPs. I'll have to tell you; this episode is better enjoyed with a crowd though... at least a virtual one. This episode was brought to you by more OJ, Iron Man 3, and Freedom Writers. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hyphen-nation/support