SI Media With Jimmy Traina

Episode 606 of “SI Media With Jimmy Traina” features an interview with The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis about the latest sports media news. Curtis talks about the latest developments in the Dianna Russini–Mike Vrabel story, Prime Video’s “technical difficulties” vs. NBC’s scorebug mistake during early first-round NBA playoff games, and ESPN’s massive promotion of WWE. In addition, Curtis weighs in on whether reporters should tip NFL draft picks and the decline of the NFL draft as a major television event. Following Curtis, Sal Licata from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include World Cup train tickets going from $12.50 to $150, the difficulties of logging into streaming services, WrestleMania 42, the New York Mets’ pathetic play, and the NBA playoffs. In addition, Jimmy reads some listener emails. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 605 of “SI Media With Jimmy Traina” features a conversation with ESPN NBA Insider, Shams Charania. Charania talks about getting his career started at such a young age, getting hired by Adrian Wojnerowski at 21 and how he feels about the day-to-day grind of being an insider and breaking the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade Charania also weighs in on the recent narratives about how insiders do their job. In addition, Charania weighs in on Doc Rivers taking a shot at him, his reporting on the Bucks and what’s going on with Giannis. Charania also shares insight on the NBA’s plan to fix tanking, LeBron James’ future and the league’s gambling scandals. Following Charania, Sal Licata, from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include Dianna Russini’s resignation from The Athletic,the putrid starts by the Mets and Yankees, Netflix’s upcoming Hulk Hogan documentary, Jimmy causing a problem for his dad and the “DTF St. Louis” season finale. Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 604 of “SI Media With Jimmy Traina” features a conversation with WWE Undisputed Champion, Cody Rhodes. Rhodes talks about his upcoming WrestleMania 42 match against Randy Orton and all of the controversy surrounding it thanks to the insertion of Pat McAfee by TKO into the storyline. Rhodes expresses his shock that McAfee made the WrestleMania billboard while also discussing whether the negative reaction to the storyline could end up being good for business. Rhodes also talks about his love-hate relationship with hosting a podcast, possibly getting into politics once he retires from wrestling, what it’s like to scroll through Instagram Reels and see videos of himself and his father, Dusty Rhodes, what old-school wrestling thing he’d like to see come back today, how he goes into shutdown mode during WrestleMania week, his daily coffee intake (which is shocking), how much his suits cost, warming up to a heel turn and much more. Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 603 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with SiriusXM and “New York Post” host, Adam Schein. Schein talks about balancing his daily schedule of doing radio from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then a live YouTube Show for the Post from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, Schein shares insight into his new role as CBS’ studio anchor for NFL highlights and how that job works. Other topics discussed with Shein include his daily coffee intake, Tiger Woods, whether the NBA playoffs will be Victor Wembanyama’s coming out party, why the Lakers’ injuries are do devastating, the start time of the NCAA Women’s Tournament and much more. Following Schein, Sal Licata, from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include everyone’s obsession with ballpark food, the Dodgers screwing an 81-year-old, 50-year season-ticket holder, the Masters, a college football coach’s unusual recruiting tactic and more. In addition, Jimmy reads listener email. Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/SIMEDIA or use code SIMEDIA at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 602 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with The Athletic’s sports media reporter, Andrew Marchand about all of the latest sports media news. Topics discussed include: Netflix’s awful broadcast of the Yankees-Giants game on Opening Night; what Netflix gets out of a deal with Major League Baseball; NBC’s return to airing MLB games; Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery and Grant Hill’s work on the Men’s NCAA Tournament; CBS and Turner’s very deep and impressive roster off college basketball announcers; Issues with the CBS/Turner Tournament studio show; the NFL trying to feature as many standalone games as possible and much more. Following Marchand, Sal Licata, from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s, Sal gives a report on what it was like to experience the ABS Challenge System in person at a recent Mets game. Jimmy breaks down his issues with a new commercial starring Larry David and talks about becoming obsessed with HBO’s new show, “DTF St. Louis.” Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/SIMEDIA or use code SIMEDIA at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 601 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with the new voice of Major League Baseball on NBC, Jason Benetti. Benetti talks about a highly unusual entry on his Wikipedia page, getting a last-minute call to fill in for Brian Anderson on the NCAA Tournament last week and his extremely busy schedule these days. In addition, Benetti talks about what he hopes Sunday Night Baseball on NBC will be, his philosophy on using analytics in a telecast, working with rotating analysts every week and much more. Following Benetti, Sal Licata, from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s segment opens with Jimmy interviewing a social media follower about a Larry David/sports bar story. Then, Jimmy and Sal discuss the NCAA Tournament and the start of the MLB seaseon. Sal follows up on his new relationship with Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy reads the latest Apple reviews. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 600 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with Mets broadcasters Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. The SNY trio talk about their popularity, working together for 20 years and their chemistry in the booth. Cohen, Darling and Hernandez also discuss how they feel about getting shut out of calling postseason games when national broadcasts take over, being filmed during big moments for social media clips and having a new director this season. They also share their philosophy on using analytics during a broadcast, being “homers” and criticizing the Mets. Hernandez also reveals how much he makes per year from “Seinfeld” residuals and talks about a recent chance encounter with Jerry Seinfeld in an elevator. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 599 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with NBC college basketball broadcaster, John Fanta. Fanta talks about wanting to be a versatile broadcaster who does it all, why he left Fox for NBC, using social media to help build his career, hearing from big names in sports media about his work, the difference between calling a college basketball game and NBA game and his work on NBC’s college football coverage. In addition, Fanta talks about this year’s NCAA Tourament, breaks down certain aspects of the bracket, reveals what he’d change about the Tournament, explains how he’ll watch the Tournament and shares his rules for enterting bracket pools. Fanta, who recently went viral for his preview of the St. Johns-UConn Big East Final, also reveals that he didn’t script the piece and it was all off the top of his head. He also shares some truly amazing Bill Raftery stories. Following Fanta, Sal Licata from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week, Sal talks about his new relationship with none other than Jerry Seinfeld. Sal also shares a horrible travel experience while Jimmy rants about the best steakhouse in New York, Peter Luger’s. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 598 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with Richard Deitsch from “Sports Business Journal” and CBC on all the latest sports media news. Among the topics discussed: NBC naming Jason Benetti as its play-by-play voice for “Sunday Night Baseball” while passing on hiring a full-time lead analyst in order to use local broadcasters each week; CBS’s decision to use Nate Burleson as a studio host for the NCAA Tournament; Why Pat McAfee’s value to ESPN continues to increase; What will Fox do for a No. 2 college football play-by-play caller with Benetti gone; Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale calling a First Four game together; the WBC and much more. Following Deitsch, Sal Licata from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week, the fellas talk about the NFL free agency, the NBA’s decision to cancel “Magic City Night” in Atlanta, the WBC, the Oscars and the absurd price of concert tickets. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 597 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with CNBC media and sports reporter, Alex Sherman. Sherman talks about the big deal with Paramount buying Warner Brothers Discovery and how that will affect sports fans. Will TNT events air on CBS? Will this cause streaming prices to increase? Will this affect CBS Sports Network? Sherman also talks about the NFL's impending major impact on all other sports regarding rights deals, the FCC looking into sports and streaming, the rise of Kalshi and Polymarket and much more. Following Sherman, Sal Licata from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show,” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include Sal’s non-vacation vacation, the WBC, the Yankees retiring C.C. Sabathia’s number, a ridiculous take from Bruce Pearl and more. In addition, Jimmy reads some reader emails and Apple reviews. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 596 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with Puck sports media reporter, John Ourand. Ourand explains what’s going on with the NFL television rights deals, which will take place later this year. Is there any chance CBS or Fox could lose their Sunday packages? How much more of the pie will streaming services get? Will the NFL diminish Sunday Ticket? Are we doing to see more playoff games on streaming platforms? In addition, Ourand shares thoughts on what ESPN will do with the NFL Network, which they recently purchased, the NBA’s new deal with Amazon and where things with Fox keeping the World Series and much more. Following Ourand, Peter Schrager from ESPN fills in for Sal Licata and joins Jimmy for the weekly “Traina Thoughts segment. Topics covered with Schrager is the non-stop NFL schedule, his best celebrity interaction during Super Bowl week, dealing with the big blizzard that hit the the East Coast, a couple of Larry David-esque moments, his iced coffee addiction, television recommendations and more. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 595 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with the owner and editor of Awful Announcing, Ben Koo. Koo talks about his day-to-day responsibilities, his philosophy on what the site should post and how he feels about amplifying disingenuous people in sports media. In addition, Koo discusses the relationship Awful Announcing has with the networks that air sports, whether he feels Awful Announcing is respected in sports media, whether he regrets anything the site he posted, the most popular post the site has put out, the most upset a story has made a network and much more. Following Koo, Sal Licata from SNY TV and “The Sal Licata Show” joins Jimmy for their weekly “Traina Thoughts segment. Topics covered in this episode include issues with trying to purchase MLB.tv thorugh ESPN, the run of celebrity deaths, an iPhone problem Jimmy is having, Sal’s wild use of “legend” to describe a WWE announcer and more. Sponsored by: Rocket Money (rocketmoney.com/simedia) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 594 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" is an all-Traina Thoughts post-Super Bowl episode with Sal Licata from SNY and “The Sal Licata Show.” Topics discussed include the Seattle’s win over New England, Bad Bunny’s halftime show, Super Bowl betting, a horrific “bad beat” for Jimmy that ended up getting mentioned on “SportsCenter” and DraftKings parlays being a total disaster on Super Bowl Sunday. Non-Super Bowl topics covered include good news for YouTubeTV subscribers, the rise of prediction market platforms and how Mark Wahlberg caused controversy for them last weekend, the Olympics, pricing at sporting events, an apology from Jimmy after a listener complaint, Jimmy getting a win after appearing on Richard Deitsch’s podcast, a “Scrubs” reboot and more. Sponsored by: Rocket Money (rocketmoney.com/simedia) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 593 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with NBC Sports’ host, Maria Taylor. Taylor, who will host the network’s five-hour Super Bowl pregame show, discusses her prep for the event, why Super Bowl Sunday is in some ways an easier gig than a regular NFL Sunday, whether she has thought about how many people will be watching the pregame show and the physical and mental nature of doing a five-hour show. Taylor also talks about her role as the Lombardi Trophy presenter for the first time in her career. Other topics discussed with Taylor include what it was like to work with Brent Musburger and Lee Corso, her exit from ESPN, the Sunday Night Football drawing attention for TikTok dances and much more. Following Taylor, SNY's Sal Licata joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, they discuss the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, another food incident for Jimmy, Will Arnett throwing out one hell of a teaser, the end of the “Washington Post” sports department and more. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/SIMEDIA or use code SIMEDIA at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 592 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation about all the latest sports media news with The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis Topics discussed include: Mike Tirico calling his first Super Bowl for NBC; Ratings for the AFC and NFL Championship games; Tony Romo backlash; Tom Brady’s improvement as an analyst; the problem with NFL rules analysts; college football’s strong ratings despite being a mess off the field; ESPN’s promotion for next year’s Super Bowl; the state of podcasts; The “Washington Post” reportedly shutting down its sports section; Radio Row and more. Following Curtis, SNY's Sal Licata joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, they discuss fallout from the massive snow storm, whether NFL playoff games should be played at a neutral site, blunders by Sean Payton and Sean McVay, Bill Belichick getting snubbed by the Hall of Fame, the Super Bowl and show recommendations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 591 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. Van Pelt talks about whether he will be moving into ESPN’s 5 p.m. slot that used to be occupied by “Around the Horn,” the pros and cons of that time slot and how close his former partner, Ryen Russillo, came to returning to ESPN and joining him for a new show. In addition, Van Pelt talks about the controversy involving Jacksonville reporter, Lynn Jones, complementing Liam Coen during a press conference, going through a health scare years ago, his addiction to Diet Coke, his favorite Bad Beat of 2025, Super Bowl betting and much more. Following Van Pelt, SNY's Sal Licata joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, they discuss dealing with the cold weather, reactions to recent podcast interviews with Mike Tirico and Laura Rutledge, the problem with NFL television rules analysts, the NFL conference championship games and Sal’s new show. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 591 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with NBC’s Mike Tirico. Tirico discusses what it’s like to call a dud playoff game (Chargers-Patriots) and being given the most anticipated divisional-round game in Rams-Chargers. Tirico also takes listeners through his epic call at the end of the Ravens-Steelers Week 18 game and the reaction to his performance. In addition, the longtime play-by-play caller talks about calling his first Super Bowl this February, what his Super Bowl Sunday will look like, with him doing Olympic hosting duties immediately after the Big Game, and whether he looks forward to possibly calling the most watched event in history. Tirico also weighs in on calling the Olympics and NBA action for NBC and his Michael Jordan interview that played out over multiple editions of the NBC pregame show. Following Tirico, SNY's Sal Licata joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, they discuss the NFL playoffs, old-school wrestling. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 589 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with ESPN host/reporter, Laura Rutledge. Rutledge talks about her crazy busy schedule during the football season, which includes hosting "NFL Live," "SEC Nation" and doing sideline reporting for "Monday Night Football" and how she balances it all. In addition, Rutledge talks about going viral a couple of times for video catching sprinting across the field after doing a halftime interview to get to the "SEC Nation" set to host the halftime show and having ESPN legend Chris Berman surprise her during "NFL Live" by doing play-by-play of her sprint. She also gives her take on drawing headlines with her sideline interviews with Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold during the season. Other topics covered with Rutledge: A halftime interview gone bad with John Calipari, which of her jobs is her favorites, dealing with Dan Orlovsky's bizarre food habits and much more. Following Rutledge, SNY's Sal Licata joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, the fellas discuss their Christmas and New Year's holidays, preview the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs and give out some television recommendations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 588 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" is the Sixth Annual Year-End Extravaganza with Peter Schrager and Andrew Perloff. In this episode, we each name our Sports Media Person of the Year for 2025, we talk about our favorite sports moments of the past year and riff on the top sports media stories. Just a few of the topics discussed include J.J. Watt's strong first season in the NFL booth, the Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson saga, the effect Caitlin Clark's absence had on the WNBA, ESPN buying the NFL Network, Red Zone adding commercials, the NBA's news broadcast partners and much more. In addition, we reveal our favorite shows, movies and podcasts from 2025 while also looking ahead to what to expect in 2026. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code: SPORTSILLUSTRATED Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 587 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" begins with a brief "Traina Thoughts" segment with weekly contributor, Sal Licata, before ending with a long mailbag segment. Topics discussed during "Traina Thoughts" include some Christmas shopping stories, Sal's night at Alex Rodriguez's Christmas party, Sal getting lots of coverage for his interview with Stugotz and more. In the mailbag segment we tackle questions regarding the futures of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt at CBS; who could replace Al Michaels on "Thursday Night Football"; favorite childhood sports memories; sports venue we'd most like to visit; favorite David Letterman guest; whether the NFL should eliminate the 4:05 p.m. game and go to all 4:25 p.m games; betting philosophies; Steve Kornacki; worst guest cancellation; should podcasts be called podcasts; Jimmy's NFL Sunday food situation; the status of the annual year-end podcast with Peter Schrager and Andrew Perloff and much, much more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy