R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco

After six years, it's the end of an era for R2C2. The final episode of the season as CC and Ryan have decided to take a break from the podcast and leave the door open in the future to evaluate what comes next. This is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey it has been - with countless memories, incredible guests, fan moments, Q&A, and unwavering support from our audience. We can't thank you enough for your passion, loyalty, and commitment to rocking with us every Thursday all these years. So we dedicate this one to you and hope you've enjoyed the ride as much as we have producing this show. Thank you! Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining the pod in his R2C2 debut is someone who is widely recognized as the best third baseman in baseball and arguably the top defensive player in the game, Nolan Arenado. An 8x All-Star, 10x Gold Glover, 6x Platinum Glover, 5x Silver Slugger, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, with plenty of statistical accomplishments to go with it. After spending the first half of his career with the Colorado Rockies, Nolan reflects on being one of the leaders of the St. Louis Cardinals, connecting with the younger guys, the methods behind his consistency, playing with legends like Pujols and Molina, and facing CC in his career. Nolan is the gold standard of a professional on and off the field and provides a unique perspective into his career and navigating the Cardinals into a new era moving forward. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This guest needs no introduction. A rare interviewee and one of the, if not, the greatest baseball player of all time joins R2C2, Barry Bonds. A 14x All-Star, 7x NL MVP, 8x Gold Glover, 12x Silver Slugger, 3x Hank Aaron award winner, 2x NL batting champion, all-time home run record holder (762), single season home run record holder (73), and so much more. Barry breaks down the evolution of his hitting technique, game day routine, his era vs. today's generation, living out his baseball dream, and the role of analytics in the sport. He also details the business of the clubhouse, facing CC at the 2004 All-Star game, and the toughest pitchers he ever faced. A true historian of the game, Barry shares his rare perspective with CC and Ryan in the latest episode. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining CC and Ryan this week are two brothers who enjoyed great careers in the NFL following the legacy built by their father Howie and continue to be successful in everything they do, Chris and Kyle Long. The two reflect on how they seamlessly transitioned into the media space covering football analysis, launching the Green Light podcast, and how their contrasting personalities allow them to play off each other. The crew also dives into their passion for golf, reflect on the NBA playoffs, how the modern athlete has evolved, and the journey behind cultivating their love for football into fulfilling a dream. Chris and Kyle's inside perspective on their father Howie's influence details how the Long family has been able to have such an incredible impact on the game and why they remain connected to it all these years. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forming one half of the most endearing and fearsome brotherly duos in the NFL, tackling machine Quincy Williams of the New York Jets joins the pod to preview the upcoming season and reflect on his incredible journey to this point. Since the early days of being a Junior Olympic swimmer, Track Champion, and Football star, Quincy was always destined to translate his athleticism to the highest level. Coming off his new contract with the New York Jets, along with C.J. Mosley, Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, and his brother Quinnen, the team's dominant defense is now matched by the arrival of Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. Tune in as Quincy breaks down the story behind his new deal, transitioning from safety to linebacker, overcoming being waived early in his career, starstruck by Rodger's arrival, adjusting to championship expectations, and so much more. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3x Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl LIII MVP, 12-year NFL veteran for the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman joins the podcast with CC and Ryan. The episode opens with Julian's passion for his Bay Area roots, transitioning to Kent State, and his journey from QB to WR in the NFL. He also breaks down what it was like playing under Bill Belichick, the Patriots' culture, and how he was able to sustain a long, successful career against all odds. Julian's insight on special teams and returning punts is remarkable and provides an inside POV that is rarely spoken of. Edelman shares his perspective on Tom Brady's retirement and how his post-playing career has evolved, headlined by the Games with Names Podcast with comedian Sam Morril. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the NBA playoffs in full force, CC and Ryan are joined two-time champion and current co-host of TNT's Inside the NBA, Kenny 'The Jet' Smith. Kenny is fresh off releasing his new book Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me: A Memoir, with chapters reflecting on the extraordinary people who taught him invaluable life lessons, including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Dean Smith, and Charles Barkley. The crew also digs into the secret sauce behind one of the most popular studio shows of all time, including behind-the-scenes stories, offseason dynamics, and unforgettable pop culture moments. You won't believe the moment Kenny realized that Leonardo DiCaprio was a fan. An all-new R2C2 with the one and only Kenny Smith. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan are joined by the current undisputed lightweight boxing champion of the world, holding the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles at only 24 years old, Devin Haney. Devin recalls his early days of broadcasting boxing with Ryan and details how making history in the sport is something that has been engrained in him since day one. He reflects on his father as his coach, Floyd Mayweather as a mentor, overcoming George Kambosos in Australia, and how he has prepared to this point in the lead up to fighting Vasiliy Lomachenko. The level of training regimen and diet on a day-to-day basis is a fascinating subject that Haney provides perspective on. The episode closes with a discussion around the current state of boxing and how Devin plans to leave his mark into the future. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan are joined by 2x MLB All-Star and 3x R2C2 guest, Venezuela's own Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees. For many fans of the team who are anxious based on the early season mixed results, Gleyber provides a very poignant view on the clubhouse mindset, building up for the second half, the silver lining of injuries, and keeping the ultimate goal of a World Series title in perspective. At the age of only 26, he details how he has fostered a strong mentorship role on the team with Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, and Oswaldo Cabrera. He also speaks to his adjustments over the years between shifting positions, balancing hitting for average and power, avoiding chasing pitches, and how his family always keeps him centered during the highs and lows. Being a new dad over the past year has completely matured Gleyber's approach on & off the field and translates into the critical player he has become for the Yankees in present day. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan are joined by one of the most decorated Milwaukee Brewers of the past decade: 2018 NL MVP, 2x All-Star, 3X Silver Slugger, Gold Glove Award winner and much more, Christian Yelich. Yeli provides a really introspective look on how he has navigated his career since being drafted by the Marlins, reaching MVP form, battling adversity, and how the highs and lows have allowed him to evolve his mindset to maintain productivity over the years. He also details the Brewers' early season success, the influence of his manager Craig Counsell, and the club's culture leading to sustained postseason runs during his tenure. You don't want to miss his 'welcome to the big leagues' moment and advice for young players entering the big leagues today. An all-new R2C2 with one of the most stand-up players in the MLB, Christian Yelich. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the newest additions to the New York Jets and former Green Bay Packer, wide receiver Allen Lazard joins the show fresh off Aaron Rodgers making his arrival to the team official. Allen details the excitement around the squad, his free agency process, a special connection with Rodgers, the role of Nathaniel Hackett, and what the future holds for this new talented core. He also breaks down his story of overcoming adversity: from being undrafted, cut multiple times, and ultimately breaking through in primetime and making his name in the league. Welcome one of the newest faces to New York in the latest R2C2! Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atlanta Braves Third Baseman, World Series Champion, All-Star, All-MLB First Team, and Silver Slugger winner Austin Riley joins the pod and details his baseball journey from early childhood to incredible success in the big leagues at such a young age. He shares with CC and Ryan what it was like growing up in Mississippi, starring as a high school quarterback and punter, turning pro and forgoing college, playing positions all across the field, impressing Hank Aaron from day one, and what makes the Atlanta Braves culture and player development so impressive. Austin also details his combined passion for golf, honoring veterans, and giving back to the Atlanta community to host his first charity golf event at TPC Sugarloaf this summer. Get to know one of the faces of the Braves' outstanding young core and genuinely great people off the field in Austin Riley on the latest R2C2. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history and most accomplished businessman today is our latest guest on R2C2, the one and only Calvin Johnson. Megatron details his many pursuits on this episode: including being an exceptional snowboarder, golfer, starring as a baseball player in high school, participating in the NBA Celebrity All-Star game, finishing third on Dancing with the Stars, and so much more. Calvin's latest venture Primitiv is a CBD-based company focused on wellness that is revolutionizing the industry and helping athletes recover like never before. He also shares an honest reflection of the responsibility that comes with being a face of the Detroit Lions, retiring in his prime, and why he's at peace playing his entire career with one team. A really introspective look into one of the NFL's greats on the latest episode of R2C2. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, CC and Ryan are joined by one of the most prolific young relievers in baseball and a breakout star last year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yency Almonte. Yency breaks down how he reinvented his pitching arsenal after transitioning from the Rockies to LA, overcoming the lowest points in his early career, stepping into championship expectations, and why he believes the Dodgers' winning culture will propel the team this season despite losing core players. He also details his 305 roots and how competing alongside guys like Manny Machado and Nestor Cortés have helped shape who he is. The crew closes out by covering the impact of the MLB's new rules from a pitching perspective, Yency's father's baseball academy, and goals for the 2023 season. Get to know a fresh face in Los Angeles and soon-to-be household name in Yency Almonte on the latest R2C2. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball is back! To set the stage for the beginning of the season, CC and Ryan are rejoined by the latest star to join the Chicago Cubs, World Series Champion Dansby Swanson. Dansby details the week of a lifetime this past offseason, having married his wife Mallory, signing a lucrative free agent deal, and moving from his hometown Atlanta to Chicago. He also breaks down his thought process behind choosing the Cubs, respect for the front office, incredible admiration for all of the fans, and restoring the club back to its winning ways. We close out the episode with an insightful player-driven POV on the MLB's new rule changes and what we can expect moving forward. A brand new episode to get you ready for Opening Day and beyond! Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just days after being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants, CC and Ryan are joined by NFL Tight End Darren Waller. In a span of one week, Darren married WNBA star Kelsey Plum and found out that he'll be moving across the country to start a new football chapter with a team on the rise. The episode details his early impressions of Big Blue, expectations for the upcoming season, behind-the-scenes of the trade, navigating trade rumors and adversity in his career, and how all his personal & professional experiences have shaped who he is today. From his Darren Waller Foundation, Comeback Stories Podcast, youth scholarships, to numerous acts of service - Darren is devoted to using his own early struggles to help others overcome their issues with addiction. The episode closes out with a very poignant reflection of how Darren and Kelsey support each other as married professional athletes and how a practice squad warm up changed the trajectory of his career. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of NCAA March Madness, CC and Ryan are joined by five-time NBA All-Star, NBA & College Basketball analyst, Hall of Famer and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Reggie Miller. Now entering his fourth straight year partnering with Wendy's as the official hamburger and breakfast of the tournament, Reggie weighs in on all aspects of the field. From his biggest surprises, UCLA's potential, Duke's path to a deep run, Brandon Miller's star watch, to overall predictions. You don't want to miss Reggie's personal story around adopting the three-point line his senior year with the Bruins and providing an honest reflection of Klay Thompson sharing his belief of resembling Reggie in terms of their mutual competitive fire. An all-new episode to get you ready for the NCAA tournament. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CC is rejoined by Ryan following his first foray into broadcasting Spring Training this season and CC's recent Yankees trip to Tampa, with baseball's new rules in full effect. While everyone from media, coaches, players, and all personnel adjust, the consensus amongst the guys is that everyone will ultimately benefit and get some of their time back along the way. The episode continues with early NFL free agency reactions, including Derek Carr's shocking new deal with the New Orleans Saints and Geno Smith's incredible comeback story leading to the Seattle Seahawks resigning him to a well deserved payday. We close out with giving the New York Knicks the recognition they deserve for defying early season expectations, led by the stellar play of Jalen Brunson, and reflect on the latest with Ja Morant from a very poignant point of view based on CC's life experiences as a young athlete that rose to fame. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode, CC is joined by guest co-host Jayson Stark, sportswriter for The Athletic and host of the Starkville podcast. With Spring Training underway, the guys dig into baseball’s new rules on full display and some of the early moments reflecting how teams, players, and umpires are adjusting. They also cover topics ranging from banning the shift, what players will benefit with putting more balls in play, pitching deliveries, pace of play, and the overall impact on the sport as an entertainment product and vehicle to foster more participation on a youth level. As the start of the season nears, CC and Jayson set the scene for a whole new brand of the sport come Opening Day. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Jayson Stark Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, Paige Keffer, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB Spring Training is fully underway as CC and Ryan prepare to dig into a new baseball season full of changes to increase the entertainment value of the game. Does CC miss playing? Why has Ryan taken a Twitter hiatus? Is Full Swing on Netflix legit? The crew dives into these questions and more in the latest episode. They also walk us through the mentality of the modern athlete and why they're more empowered than ever to personify themselves within the sport and have audiences share in their mentality through the ups and downs. There's plenty of excitement around witnessing the implementation of baseball's new rules and what the guys believe will only improve the sport for years to come. Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco Producers: Jackson Safon, Sadye Zillo, and Ata Movassaghi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices