PODCAST · sports
In The Loop
by Audacy
In The Loop delivers smart, opinionated Houston sports talk with a sharp focus on the teams and headlines driving conversation across H-Town. Hosted by John Lopez and Reggie Adetula alongside producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard, the show brings distinct perspectives, sharp debate and authentic Houston energy to every discussion. From Texans roster moves and NFL Draft strategy to Astros playoff races, Rockets evolution and major college football storylines across Texas, the show connects national sports news directly to Houston fans. Blending real debate, informed analysis and a strong pulse on the local fanbase, In The Loop covers breaking NFL news, MLB trends, NBA developments and the evolving Houston sports landscape with clarity and conviction.
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500
Full Show - Friday, July 17th
ITL reacts to a new report from Bill Barnwell after conversations with NFL executives about player trade values quickly turned into a debate over Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The guys discuss why opinions around the league are mixed, what Stroud must prove to re-establish himself among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, and whether the criticism is warranted heading into the season. B Scott joins the show for Around The NFL, shares his thoughts on Stroud, and brings his three biggest questions for the Texans before training camp. Reggie continues his Texans Re-Watch series by revisiting Houston's matchup with the Broncos, while Lunch-Time Confessions delivers another round of laughs before Houston Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen joins the show to discuss the World Cup, the Dynamo, and soccer's continued growth in Houston. ITL also debates one of the greatest Houston sports arguments: Who was the better defensive player, Hakeem Olajuwon or J.J. Watt? Plus, the crew looks ahead to the Astros' trade deadline strategy, discusses what Dana Brown could do to improve the roster, and wraps up with Figgy's Mixtape featuring an HVAC thief on the loose, a salute to a longtime Payne & Pendergast producer, and a farewell to the Nissan Altima.
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499
HR 1 – C.J. Stroud Trade Value, Expectations & QOTD
ITL reacted after Bill Barnwell spoke with NFL executives about player trade values, but the conversation quickly turned into a referendum on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The feedback from around the league was mixed, leading the guys to debate how Stroud is currently viewed across the NFL and whether the criticism is fair. ITL discusses what Stroud must prove this season to silence the doubters, regain his standing among the league's elite young quarterbacks, and re-establish himself as the franchise cornerstone Texans fans expect him to be. The hour wraps with today's QOTD: What do you need to see from the Astros in the second half? What would make you believe... and what would make you give up hope?
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498
HR 2 – Around The NFL, B Scott's Texans Questions & What's Popping
ITL welcomes in B Scott for another edition of Around The NFL, breaking down the biggest headlines from across the league as training camp draws closer. From league-wide storylines to the latest Texans news, the guys discuss what has their attention around the NFL. Then B Scott gives his thoughts on C.J. Stroud following the recent national conversation surrounding the Texans quarterback before presenting his three biggest questions about Houston heading into the season. ITL debates which questions are the most important to answer before Week 1 and what they could mean for the Texans' ceiling in 2026. The hour wraps with What's Popping, featuring the biggest stories from the worlds of sports and entertainment.
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497
HR 3 – Texans Re-Watch, Lunch-Time Confessions & Ben Olsen Joins ITL
Reggie shares his biggest takeaways after revisiting Houston's matchup against Denver. The crew shares another round of confessions, stories, and laughs. Houston Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen joins the show to discuss the Dynamo, the World Cup, and soccer's continued growth in Houston.
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496
HR 4 – Hakeem vs. J.J. Watt, Astros Trade Deadline & Figgy’s Mixtape
ITL debates one of the toughest defensive comparisons in Houston sports history: Who was the better defensive player, Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon or J.J. Watt? The guys compare their dominance, accolades, impact on their teams, and the way each player changed games at their peak. The conversation then shifts to the Astros as the trade deadline approaches, with the crew discussing what Dana Brown should do to strengthen the roster and whether Houston should go all-in for another postseason run. The show wraps with Figgy's Mixtape, featuring an HVAC thief on the loose, Figgy saluting a longtime Payne & Pendergast producer, and saying goodbye to the Nissan Altima.
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495
Figgy’s Mixtape: HVAC Thief, A Producer Salute & RIP Nissan Altima
Figgy's Mixtape, featuring an HVAC thief on the loose, Figgy saluting a longtime Payne & Pendergast producer, and saying goodbye to the Nissan Altima.
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494
What Did Reggie Learn Re-Watching Texans vs. Broncos?
Reggie shares his biggest takeaways after revisiting Houston's matchup against Denver.
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493
Lunch-Time Confessions
The crew shares another round of confessions, stories, and laughs.
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492
B Scott's Three Biggest Texans Questions
B Scott shares his thoughts on C.J. Stroud and the three biggest questions he has about the Texans entering the season.
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491
Around The NFL With B Scott
B Scott joins ITL to react to the latest headlines and biggest stories from around the NFL.
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490
QOTD: What Do You Need To See From The Astros?
ITL and listeners discuss what would make them believe in the Astros' second-half chances—or finally give up hope.
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489
What Does C.J. Stroud Have To Prove This Season?
ITL debates what Stroud needs to do in 2026 to change the narrative surrounding him and the Texans offense.
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488
NFL Executives Are Split On C.J. Stroud
ITL reacts to Bill Barnwell's report on C.J. Stroud's trade value and how NFL executives currently view the Texans quarterback.
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487
Full Show - Thursday, July 16th
ITL debates whether the Texans are truly building their own identity under Nick Caley or simply borrowing too much from the Patriots' blueprint. The guys discuss how New England's offensive philosophy fits Houston's personnel and whether the Texans are adapting proven concepts or trying to recreate a system that worked elsewhere. The conversation then shifts to the Astros as more details emerge from the Lance McCullers Jr. trade, including the prospect Houston received from Milwaukee, leading to a debate over whether Houston got enough in return. Listeners also weigh in on the QOTD: What's just dumb? Around The NFL covers the biggest stories from across the league before ITL reacts to Rockets forward Tari Eason's viral tweet that sparked plenty of backlash from fans. Later, Reggie continues his Texans Re-Watch series with a breakdown of Houston's matchup against the 49ers, sharing what stood out after revisiting the game and what lessons could carry into the upcoming season. Lunch-Time Confessions returns before the crew wraps up Hour 3 with another edition of Buy or Sell. The show closes by looking ahead to the Astros' second half, breaking down the biggest storylines after the All-Star break, including the trade deadline, playoff outlook, and key players who need to step up. Plus, Figgy's Mixtape features professional chefs revealing foods you should never grill, a former news anchor who lost her life savings to a scam, and more wild stories from around the internet.
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486
HR 1 – Patriots Blueprint, Astros Trade Fallout & QOTD
ITL starts the show by asking whether the Texans are truly learning from the Patriots or simply copying them. After more discussion surrounding Nick Caley's offensive philosophy and New England's influence, the guys debate whether Houston is adapting proven concepts to fit its own roster or trying too hard to recreate a system that worked elsewhere. Then the focus shifts back to the Astros after more details emerge from the Lance McCullers Jr. trade, including the prospect Houston acquired from the Brewers. ITL reacts to the return package, discusses whether the Astros got enough value, and what the deal says about the organization's direction moving forward. The hour wraps with today's QOTD: What's just dumb? That's the question... it's just dumb.
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485
HR 2 – Around The NFL, Tari Eason’s Tweet & What’s Popping
ITL goes Around The NFL with the biggest news and headlines from across the league, reacting to the latest stories making noise as training camp approaches. The guys discuss the biggest developments from around the NFL before shifting to the Rockets, where Tari Eason sparked plenty of reaction with a tweet that upset fans. ITL breaks down what Eason posted, why it drew so much attention, whether the backlash is justified, and what it says about the relationship between athletes and social media. The hour wraps with What’s Popping, featuring the biggest stories from sports and entertainment.
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484
HR 3 – Texans Re-Watch, Confessions & Buy Or Sell
ITL continues Reggie's Texans Re-Watch series as he breaks down Houston's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Reggie shares what stood out after revisiting the game, what he noticed from C.J. Stroud and the Texans on both sides of the ball, and what lessons from the matchup could carry into the upcoming season. Then it's another edition of Lunch-Time Confessions, with the crew sharing unexpected admissions, stories, and laughs. The hour wraps with Buy or Sell, as ITL debates the biggest takes, trends, and storylines from around the sports world.
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483
HR 4 – Astros Second-Half Storylines & Figgy’s Mixtape
ITL looks ahead to the second half of the Astros' season and breaks down the biggest storylines following the All-Star break. The guys discuss whether Houston has enough to make another postseason run, how the trade deadline could shape the roster, the importance of getting healthy, and which players need to step up down the stretch. ITL also debates what the biggest question facing the Astros is as they enter the final stretch of the season. Then it's Figgy's Mixtape, featuring professional chefs revealing the foods you should never throw on the grill, a former news anchor who was scammed out of her life savings, and more wild stories from around the internet.
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482
Figgy’s Mixtape: Don’t Put That On The Grill
Figgy's Mixtape, featuring professional chefs revealing the foods you should never throw on the grill, a former news anchor who was scammed out of her life savings, and more wild stories from around the internet.
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481
Lunch-Time Confessions
The crew shares another round of confessions, stories, and laughs.
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480
Reggie’s Texans Re-Watch: Texans vs. 49ers
Reggie breaks down his biggest takeaways after revisiting Houston's matchup against San Francisco.
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479
Tari Eason’s Tweet Has Rockets Fans Talking
ITL reacts to Tari Eason’s viral tweet and debates whether the criticism is fair.
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478
Around The NFL
ITL reacts to the latest headlines and biggest stories from around the league.
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477
QOTD: What’s Just Dumb?
ITL and listeners sound off on the things in sports and life that simply make no sense.
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476
Did The Astros Get Enough For Lance McCullers?
ITL reacts to the full details of the Lance McCullers Jr. trade and breaks down the prospect Houston received.
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475
Are The Texans Learning Or Just Copying The Patriots?
ITL debates whether Houston is building its own identity or borrowing too much from the Patriots' blueprint.
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474
Full Show - Wednesday, July 15th
ITL reacts to a blockbuster day in Houston sports after the Astros reportedly traded Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers. The guys break down why Houston made the move, what the Astros received in return, and how the deal impacts the team's outlook as the second half of the season begins. The show also takes time to remember Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice McNair, reflecting on her lasting legacy, leadership, and impact on both the franchise and the Houston community. Listeners wrap up Hour 1 by sharing their favorite "Sandlot" memories during the QOTD. Around The NFL covers the latest headlines, including Nico Collins earning recognition as one of the NFL's top 10 wide receivers, before ITL circles back with more reaction and updates surrounding the Lance McCullers trade. Later, Reggie continues his Texans Re-Watch series by breaking down Houston's matchup against the Seahawks after another update on the McCullers deal. Lunch-Time Confessions returns before ITL creates its own Houston ESPYs, handing out awards for the biggest moments, players, personalities, and performances across Houston sports. The show wraps with a discussion about Tom Brady's explanation of what makes a Patriots-style offense successful and whether the Texans have the personnel to make that philosophy work under Nick Caley. Plus, Figgy's Mixtape features a real-life story straight out of a Seinfeld episode involving a 76-year-old woman, another 70-year-old facing up to 23 years in prison, and more wild stories from around the internet.
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473
HR 1 – Astros Trade Lance McCullers, Remembering Janice McNair & QOTD
ITL reacts to breaking news after the Houston Astros reportedly traded Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers. The guys discuss what the move means for the Astros, why the organization decided it was time to move on, what Houston is getting in return, and how the trade impacts the club as it heads toward the stretch run. Then the show shifts to a much more somber topic as ITL reacts to the passing of Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice McNair. The crew reflects on her legacy, the impact she and the McNair family have had on the Texans and the Houston community, and the lasting mark she leaves on the city. The hour wraps with today's QOTD: What is your most distinct "Sandlot" memory from your childhood?
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472
HR 2 – Around The NFL, Nico Collins Recognition & More McCullers Reaction
ITL goes Around The NFL with the biggest news and headlines from across the league, including Nico Collins earning a spot among the NFL's top 10 wide receivers. The guys discuss whether Collins is finally getting the national recognition he deserves, where he belongs among the league's elite pass catchers, and what his rise means for the Texans offense heading into the season. Then ITL circles back to the day's biggest story as the crew reacts to more fallout from the Astros trading Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers. The guys discuss what Houston's long-term plan looks like, whether the move was the right call, and how the trade changes expectations for the Astros moving forward. The hour wraps with What's Popping, featuring the biggest stories from sports and entertainment.
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471
HR 3 – McCullers Trade Update, Texans Re-Watch & Houston ESPYs
ITL reacts to the latest update surrounding the Astros' trade of Lance McCullers Jr. and discusses what the newest developments mean for Houston moving forward. The guys break down any additional details from the deal before Reggie continues his Texans Re-Watch series, this time revisiting Houston's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He shares what stood out after watching the game again, what he learned about the Texans, and how those takeaways could apply to the upcoming season. Then it's another edition of Lunch-Time Confessions, where the crew shares unexpected admissions and entertaining stories. The hour wraps with the ESPYs airing tonight, so ITL creates its own Houston ESPYs, handing out awards for the biggest moments, players, personalities, and performances across the Houston sports landscape.
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470
HR 4 – Do The Texans Fit The Patriots Blueprint? & Figgy’s Mixtape
ITL reacts after Tom Brady shared insight into what made the Patriots-style offense successful and the type of players it values. The guys discuss whether the Texans have the personnel to run that style of offense under Nick Caley, if C.J. Stroud is the right quarterback to maximize it, and whether Houston's roster is built to execute the philosophy Brady described. ITL debates if the Texans are closer to becoming that type of offense than people realize. Then it's Figgy's Mixtape, featuring a bizarre real-life story that sounds straight out of a Seinfeld episode involving a 76-year-old woman, another 70-year-old facing up to 23 years in prison, and more unbelievable stories from around the internet.
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469
Figgy’s Mixtape: Real Life Seinfeld & More
Figgy reacts to a hilarious story that could've been a Seinfeld episode, another senior citizen facing decades in prison, and more wild internet stories.
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468
Lunch-Time Confessions
The crew shares another round of confessions, stories, and laughs.
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467
Lance McCullers Trade Update + Texans Re-Watch vs. Seattle
ITL reacts to the latest developments in the Lance McCullers Jr. trade before Reggie breaks down his biggest takeaways from re-watching the Texans' game against Seattle.
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466
More Reaction To The Lance McCullers Trade
ITL continues breaking down the Astros' decision to trade Lance McCullers Jr. and what it means for Houston's future.
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465
Around The NFL
ITL reacts to the latest headlines from around the league, including Nico Collins earning Top 10 wide receiver recognition and more.
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464
QOTD: Your Best Sandlot Memory
ITL and listeners share the childhood sports memories that still stick with them today.
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463
Remembering Texans Co-Founder Janice McNair
ITL reflects on the life and legacy of Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice McNair following the news of her passing.
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462
BREAKING: Astros Trade Lance McCullers Jr.
ITL reacts to the Astros sending Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers and discusses what it means for Houston.
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461
Full Show - Tuesday, July 14th
ITL reacts to a Home Run Derby that exceeded everyone's expectations, discussing why the event was such a success and whether Major League Baseball has finally found the formula to make the Derby must-watch television again. The conversation then shifts to C.J. Stroud as the guys debate whether the Texans quarterback can handle the growing pressure and expectations that come with being one of the NFL's rising stars. Listeners join in for the QOTD by sharing the weirdest souvenirs or mementos they've ever kept. Around The NFL covers the latest headlines from across the league, including more developments surrounding Terrion Arnold after reports surfaced that members of his coaching staff were unaware of his release, leading to a discussion about what it could mean for the Texans. ITL also opens the phone lines to debate whether Texans fans and the media are treating C.J. Stroud with kid gloves and if it's time to hold him to a higher standard. Lunch-Time Confessions features the crew reacting to Jonah the Dog getting his own day at a baseball game before ITL debates whether soccer or baseball is on stronger footing in the United States right now. The show wraps with a discussion about the biggest challenge facing Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley this season and what he must do to elevate Houston's offense. Plus, Figgy's Mixtape features a former school superintendent with a story that doesn't quite add up, reports of a parasite spreading around the country, and more wild stories from around the internet.
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460
HR 1 – Home Run Derby Delivers, C.J. Stroud Under Pressure & QOTD
ITL starts the show reacting to a Home Run Derby that exceeded everyone's expectations. The guys discuss why this year's event was such a success, how it may have breathed new life into the Derby, and whether Major League Baseball has finally found the right formula to make one of its biggest showcases must-watch television again. Then the focus shifts to the Houston Texans as ITL asks a different kind of question about C.J. Stroud: can he handle pressure? Not pressure from opposing pass rushers, but the growing expectations that come with being the face of a franchise and one of the NFL's brightest young quarterbacks. The crew debates how Stroud will respond to heightened expectations and what defines a true franchise quarterback. The hour wraps with today's QOTD: What's the weirdest souvenir or memento you've ever kept?
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459
HR 2 – Around The NFL, Terrion Arnold Fallout & What’s Popping
ITL goes Around The NFL with the biggest news and headlines from across the league, reacting to the latest stories making noise as training camp approaches. The guys discuss the biggest developments from around the NFL before turning their attention back to Terrion Arnold. New reports reveal that members of his coaching staff were unaware of his release, prompting ITL to debate what that says about the situation and whether it could strengthen the Texans' interest in adding the former first-round cornerback. The crew discusses how Arnold would fit in Houston, what role he could play, and whether the Texans should seriously pursue him. The hour wraps with What’s Popping, featuring the biggest stories from sports and entertainment.
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458
HR 3 – C.J. Stroud Debate, Confessions & Soccer vs. Baseball
ITL opens the phone lines to debate whether Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is being treated with kid gloves. The guys discuss whether Stroud receives too much protection from criticism, what the expectations should be entering this season, and whether it's time to hold him to the same standard as the NFL's elite quarterbacks. Then it's Lunch-Time Confessions, where the crew reacts to Jonah the Dog getting his own special day at a baseball game, leading to another round of entertaining confessions and stories. The hour wraps with a bigger sports discussion as ITL debates which sport has the stronger footing in the United States right now: soccer or baseball.
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457
HR 4 – Nick Caley’s Biggest Challenge & Figgy’s Mixtape
ITL looks ahead to the Texans season and asks what the most pressing challenge will be for offensive coordinator Nick Caley. The guys discuss whether his biggest task is helping C.J. Stroud regain confidence, fixing the offensive line, creating a more consistent running game, or finding the right balance with Houston’s weapons. ITL debates which question Caley must answer for the Texans offense to take the next step and whether the pressure on him is being overlooked. Then it’s Figgy’s Mixtape, as Figgy tries to determine whether a former school superintendent is telling the truth about a strange situation. Plus, the crew reacts to reports of a parasite spreading around the country and more wild stories from around the internet.
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456
Lunch-Time Confessions: Jonah The Dog Day
The crew reacts to Jonah the Dog getting his own day at a baseball game, sparking another round of confessions.
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455
Are We Treating C.J. Stroud With Kid Gloves?
ITL opens the phone lines to debate whether Texans fans and the media are giving C.J. Stroud too much grace.
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454
Figgy’s Mixtape: Is This Superintendent Lying?
Figgy’s Mixtape, as Figgy tries to determine whether a former school superintendent is telling the truth about a strange situation. Plus, the crew reacts to reports of a parasite spreading around the country and more wild stories from around the internet.
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453
Did The Terrion Arnold News Change Everything For The Texans?
ITL reacts to reports that Arnold's coaching staff didn't know about his release and discusses what it could mean for Houston.
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452
Around The NFL
ITL reacts to the latest headlines and biggest stories from around the league.
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451
QOTD: What's The Weirdest Souvenir You've Ever Kept?
ITL and listeners share the strangest keepsakes and mementos they've held onto.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In The Loop delivers smart, opinionated Houston sports talk with a sharp focus on the teams and headlines driving conversation across H-Town. Hosted by John Lopez and Reggie Adetula alongside producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard, the show brings distinct perspectives, sharp debate and authentic Houston energy to every discussion. From Texans roster moves and NFL Draft strategy to Astros playoff races, Rockets evolution and major college football storylines across Texas, the show connects national sports news directly to Houston fans. Blending real debate, informed analysis and a strong pulse on the local fanbase, In The Loop covers breaking NFL news, MLB trends, NBA developments and the evolving Houston sports landscape with clarity and conviction.
HOSTED BY
Audacy
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