The Burnt Ships Podcast

The Burnt Ships NFL Draft Preview Podcast is BACK for Year 2! 🏈 Gary, Non, and returning expert Brian Leverette (BDX) — former Virginia Tech football player, coach with deep NFL connections — break down everything you need to know heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. We start by taking victory laps on last year's predictions (Abdul Carter, Will Campbell's T-Rex arms, Kyle Manungai as a sleeper) before diving into this year's way-too-early Rookie of the Year picks, a full quarterback class breakdown, offensive line gems, pass rushers, tight ends, safeties, and sleepers nobody is talking about. ⏱️ *What We Cover:* 🏆 Victory laps from our 2025 predictions 🎯 Way-Too-Early Offensive & Defensive Rookie of the Year picks (Fernando Mendoza, Caleb Downs, Makai Lemon, Jeremiah Love) 🏈 Full QB Class Breakdown — Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Drew Aller, Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeyer 💪 Offensive Line Rankings — Mowingoa, Fano, Freeling, Kaden Proctor & more 🌟 Wide Receivers — Carnell Tate, Jordan Tyson, Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, Zechariah Branch & sleepers 🏃 Running Backs — Jeremiah Love, Emmett Johnson, Mike Washington Jr. & why RBs might be back 🔒 Defensive Line & Edge — David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Cassius Howl, TJ Parker, Gabe Akis 🎣 Tight End Class — Sadiq (Oregon), Eli Stowers & the sleeper Georgia TE 🛡️ Safeties — Caleb Downs, Dylan Kineman & box safety options 💎 Day 3 Sleepers — Dejon Stribling, Eli Heidenreich (Navy), Bryce Lance's little brother 🔥 Scorching Hot Takes — Running backs are back, expect big draft-day trades & a surprise QB starter Whether you're an armchair GM, fantasy football obsessive, or just a die-hard football head, this is the draft breakdown you didn't know you needed. 🎵 Burnt Ships makes music AND talks sports, culture, entertainment, politics! Subscribe and come back after the draft to see how we did. 0:00 - Intro and Last Year's Predictions 1:59 - Will Campbell's Playoff Struggles 4:05 - Rookie of the Year Predictions 2025 7:36 - Evaluating the Quarterback Class 12:15 - Fernando Mendoza QB1 Analysis 15:47 - Ty Simpson's Evaluation 19:45 - Drew Aller and Carson Beck Breakdown 23:48 - Garrett Nussmeyer's Potential 26:30 - Offensive Line Deep Dive 31:10 - Wide Receiver Talent Pool 36:40 - Running Back Class Reality Check 40:05 - Jeremiah Love's Star Potential 43:20 - Defensive Line and Edge Rushers 47:55 - Tight End Prospects Explored 51:30 - Safety Position Value 54:30 - Dream First Round Picks 57:50 - Day Three Sleeper Gems 1:00:35 - Scorching Hot Draft Takes Follow, listen, watch, like, share, amplify, support, and comment @ us in our socials here — https://monol.ink/burntships   / burntships     / burntships     / burnt_ships     / burntships   spotify shortlink https://rb.gy/pgv40y apple shortlink https://rb.gy/niwx6e   / burntships      / @burntshipsnon   Show some love and get your Burnt Ships swag here.

Premiering this Friday, March 13, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST, in our 23rd episode of the Pod, we break down a wide range of cultural and political conversations shaping the moment, starting with BAFTA controversy involving a Tourette’s outburst and the use of the N-word during the broadcast, sparking debate about accountability, risk management, and how institutions like the BBC handle sensitive situations. We examine what happened, who bears responsibility, and what the incident reveals about culture, race, and media institutions. We dive deep into the relationship between Black art, culture, and mainstream institutions; the history of artists like Sammy Davis Jr. navigating systemic barriers; and the legacy of hip-hop and Black creativity in global culture Of course, as we often do, we pack in more in this episode, honoring legendary engineer and producer Bob Power, the sonic architect behind classics from A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Erykah Badu, and the Native Tongues movement. His influence on hip-hop and neo-soul helped define multiple generations of music. As well as some sports analysis, breaking down the Patriots’ season, coaching decisions, and the challenge of balancing talent with experience, our thoughts on the NBA, Jaylen Brown’s MVP-level season, and the Celtics’ evolving chemistry. And finally, we close with a frank conversation about the current political moment, media narratives, and the growing disconnect between institutions and public perception.... If you enjoy smart, wide-ranging conversations about culture and society, subscribe and join the discussion! Whether about music history, culture, sports, race, and politics—the Burnt Ships' podcast covers it all through the lens of thoughtful debate and real-world examples! Tune in this Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12 pm noon EST for the premiere our 23rd episode of the Pod!

Our annual Super Bowl previewed on Feb 6, 2026 on YouTube! In this episode, we dove  deep into the exciting matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX (60). We broke down the game with our resident analysis-champ Brian Leverette, former D1 Virginia Tech running back and coach, and Gary's nephew, La'i King, former high school player himself and lifelong Seattle fan, repping the Seahawks side. Complete with our X-Factor and sleeper player picks, MVP winner, and final picks for the eventual winner—and more! Will Darnold be able to handle the Patriots blitz and overall pressure and get rid of the ball in time? Will Maye's scramble-game make the difference, and how will this likely defensive-slugfest evolve over the course of the game???

In this episode — with Non and Gary back in the building — we dive deep into a simple truth that most people forget: Silence… is always an option. From celebrity scandals to political commentary to the culture wars around art, comedy, and the Super Bowl halftime show — we unpack why staying quiet until the full story emerges can save you from looking foolish, misinformed, or just straight-up wrong. In this episode we cover: The Jussie Smollett Lesson Non shares how reacting too fast to breaking celebrity news taught him the importance of slowing down and waiting for facts. he Mark Sanchez Indianapolis Incident A wild story of first impressions, Twitter sympathy, and the very different truth that later emerged. A perfect example of how narratives can flip instantly.  Why So Many People Jump the Gun The parasocial pull of celebrity culture, tribal thinking, and why so many of us feel pressured to “have a take” before we know anything. Art, Comedy, and Why the Right Struggles With Both We get into the psychology of creativity, why conservative comedians often fall flat, and the difference between punching up vs. punching down.  Bad Bunny, the NFL, and Manufactured Outrage We talk about Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, why it makes perfect sense, and how some political pundits twisted it into culture-war bait. The Charlie Kirk / Ezra Klein / Ta-Nehisi Coates Debate A bigger conversation about political commentary, sincerity vs. performative praise, and how silence might have spared a lot of embarrassment.

In the second installment of our Deltron Blac interview, we go deep into his songwriting process and the archetypes of "scientist" versus "artist," how Blac pulls from both styles, his unique approach to composition, production, and lyrics, as well as his continued commitment to platforming new talent through live performance. We talk to him about his earliest childhood memories and the core experiences that shaped his artistry and journey in music, and so much more.

We waited a long time for this chance to finally pick the brain of one of our most amazing and talented collaborators, THE Deltron Blac, renaissance man-extraordinaire, MC, producer, music video director, and more. We had to break this up into two parts, and it does not disappoint! We go deep into his songwriting process, great behind-the-scenes, in-the-studio stories, why his collabs with Burnt Ships just "work," his motivation and coming-up story—his grind. It's a mentality that's led him over the years to working with greats like Dr. Dre and Bizzy Bone and more. And more than that, it's a commitment to bringing up the next generation, platforming and finding artists with the same drive and passion, something that Blac has always made a huge part of his foundation and career.

In episode 18 of the Burnt Ships Podcast, we dive into the making of our brand-new single “Lie Better.” Non and I break down how the song came together, what inspired the lyrics, and why it hits so hard when it comes to relationships, honesty, and emotional strategy. Let’s be real—relationships aren’t always black and white. Sure, being honest matters, but sometimes a little fib (or even a big one) feels like the kinder, smarter move. We’re not saying lying is the goal, but there are moments when bending the truth can actually protect feelings, keep the peace, or even bring people closer. So… when is it okay to “lie better”? We’re unpacking the messy, real-world side of love, honesty, and creation—soundtracked by some seriously good music from Burnt Ships.

The final installment of our 3-part 2025 NFL Draft Preview with our resident football expert, Brian Leverette, aka  @bdx47  on all socials. We go all in in this last of 3-parts and break down this year's exciting NFL Draft, complete with the latest mock drafts, player evaluations, and predictions that could shape the future of your favorite teams! We get into critical discussions surrounding top prospects like Travis Hunter, the potential impact of underrated players, and strategies for trading picks. Gain insights into why certain players captivate scouts and what makes them stand out in this year's draft class. We also highlight sleeper picks who might surprise everyone and have a significant impact in their NFL careers.

Part 2 of our NFL Draft Preview Extravaganza continues with our resident all-around NFL, pro-football guru, Brian Leverette, aka @BDX47 on all socials. We go all in in this 2nd of 3-parts and break down this year's exciting NFL Draft, complete with the latest mock drafts, player evaluations, and predictions that could shape the future of your favorite teams! We get into critical discussions surrounding top prospects like Travis Hunter, the potential impact of underrated players, and strategies for trading picks. Gain insights into why certain players captivate scouts and what makes them stand out in this year's draft class. We also highlight sleeper picks who might surprise everyone and have a significant impact in their NFL careers.

We go all in on this podcast episode with our resident all-around NFL, pro-football guru, Brian Leverette, aka @BDX47 on all socials. We break down the best players available on both sides of the ball, potential Rookie of the Year candidates, sleeper picks, and where we think the Top 10 will fall. Brian helps us evaluate the overall big picture regarding available prospects through each round, team needs, and all the intangibles like player character and senior-year performance. So jam-packed we had to break this episode up into three segments, all leading up to the first day of the draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Check it all out in this in-depth draft preview that you won't get anywhere else! We give you the skinny on players like Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Quinn Ewers, Jalen Milroe, Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., Josh Conerly Jr., Armand Membu, Tetairoa McMillan, and more!

Kendrick’s halftime Superbowl performance sparked debates and discussions across the nation. In Part 2 of our Superbowl LIX breakdown, we tackle all the different layers to what was going on, what you might have missed, and the key themes to the subtext underneath the obvious stuff. Some believed it was the greatest halftime show ever, especially how it intersected with current political themes. Other folks, not so much. We break down the set list, what we got right (and wrong) in our predictions, the reactions different people had to the show, and more. Was this an effective platform for protest–or was it even a protest? Tune in to the latest Burnt Ships podcast drop, episode 14.

Join us for an electrifying recap of the Super Bowl on Episode 13 of the Burnt Shifts podcast! Part 1 of 2 special episodes. In this first one, we break down just how the Eagles soared to victory with an impressive 40-22 win—and we're go deep into the action, the tactics, strategies that both teams used. What challenges did Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes face? What strategies led the Eagles to triumph? Non, Gary and superguest, Brian Leverette break it all down for you on the football side in this first half of a 2-part doozy. Buckle up as we explore all the thrilling highlights and key moments from this epic showdown!

We had to do it. We had to bring in our boy and former D1 Virginia Tech football alum, Brian Leverette. We break it all down, the history of the teams, what to expect on both sides of the field, the halftime show, and end with our picks. Can Mahomes and Hurts respectively handle the best defenses they've faced all playoffs? Will it be another nail-biter with last-minute heroics—and by whom? Is Saquon on a mission that ends in glory? We get to all of it. Y'all football fanatics can't miss this episode.

In Episode 11 of the Burnt Ships Podcast, Nonseq and I go on a much-needed deep-dive into the 2024 election results. Part-vent and therapy session, we do our best to unpack the undercurrents that shaped the voter behavior and societal sentiments that led to a Trump win. Amidst the chatter about policies and party lines, we try to delve deeper into the human complexities that influenced people's decisions and the relationships that voters have to information (and misinformation) ecosystems. As voters grappled with their choices, many found their friendships and social networks strained: Increased political polarization inevitably leads to rifts in relationships. Trump voters might face backlash from friends who felt betrayed by their choice, especially those who belong to marginalized communities implicated by the choice to vote Trump. Loyalties and the weight of political allegiances have consequences. If one side views a vote as a direct threat to their rights and community's well-being—is maintaining family or friend connections even possible? Moreover, cognitive dissonance became a central theme as voters navigated the conflicting information surrounding their preferred candidates. Many individuals hold on to their political beliefs despite evidence to the contrary, often relying on selective information that reinforces their stance—a tendency that can complicate conversations and lessen connection between people who are otherwise related either as family or friends: It's just difficult, to put it plainly, when hard conversations involve friends or family members whose perspectives diverge sharply. How can we engage in deeper research and reflection rather than simply dismissing differing opinions? Nonseq and I break down all that and more in this latest episode. https://monol.ink/burntships Follow, listen, watch, like, share, amplify, support, and comment @ us in our socials here —   / burntships      / burntships      / burnt_ships     / burntships   spotify shortlink https://rb.gy/pgv40y apple shortlink https://rb.gy/niwx6e   / burntships       / @burntshipsnon   Show some love and get your Burnt Ships swag here. https://www.theburntships.com/category/all-products

Episode 10 of the Burnt Ships podcast drops this Friday! Join us as we speak with Spotify Queen and Filipino voice extraordinaire, Trynket, who breaks down what it means to have artistic integrity, experience personal growth, and maintain resilience in the face of criticism and hardship. We break down Trynket’s journey in the music industry, her album project "Tea with Trynket," and the all the lessons she learned along the way. One of the most profound messages from the episode was the importance of trusting your instincts as an artist. Trynket emphasized that new artists often seek validation from others, leading to confusion and a loss of self-identity. Amidst the myriad of opinions, it's crucial to take a moment and ask yourself what truly resonates with you. She states, "At the end of the day, what you feel is right, what you feel is good inside instinctively, you should go with that instinct.” Recognizing your personal vision and motivations can guide you toward your creative path and potential. Overcoming the naysayers, Trynket pushed past the skeptics and critics to achieve success without prominent backing, using criticism as fuel to push harder, turning doubts into motivation for success. "You're going to go through so many haters and naysayers... Just add it to like the fuel that you're going to get later," she explains. This attitude not only strengthened her resolve but also led her to significant milestones, being featured on official Spotify playlists, being selected as an official SXSW artist, and more—showcasing the power of perseverance.

We're baaaack! With another installment of the best, most incisive, cutting-edge music, politics, sports, entertainment and cultural analysis you'll ever get. We break down the aftermath of the Kendrick-Drake feud and why his Juneteenth concert mattered; how the Celtics won the NBA Championship against the Mavericks and what their biggest hurdles will be for a repeat; and finally, a little politics talk with some easy, low-hanging fruit on why Candace Owens is always, regularly, on some bullsh—t: People...Don't. be. Candace.

The Kendrick and Drake feud was so epic we needed 3 podcast episodes to cover everything. In this 3rd and final (for now) breakdown, we analyze from top-to-bottom the final round of this, really, historic, heavyweight match, wherein we saw Drake come back strong with "Family Matters," a nearly eight-minute response, in which he alleged abuse and infidelity in Lamar’s relationship with his fiancee, along with an accompanying music video. Fresh on the heels of Kendrick's earlier responses in the week with "Euphoria" and then "6:16 in LA," Drake seemed poised to enjoy a little shine for the weekend and a break after putting in some apparent work. Part 1 https://youtu.be/rkAa94-tIXE Part 2 https://youtu.be/PJ8VCXk_f6A Kendrick wasn't haven't any of that, and not even half-an-hour after Drake's "Family Matters" dropped, Kendrick followed up with "Meet the Grahams," and then, as if that wasn't enough, less than a day later, with "Not Like Us," both banger tracks that might go down as some of his greatest work, let alone diss tracks. Drake did follow up the following day with "The Heart Part 6" but in what seemed like a much muted and lethargic tone, as if he was bowing out. The damage was done. We break it all down here in this last of 3 episodes on the Kendrick vs Drake battle-for-the-ages. Subscribe now and join the conversation! 

In this 2nd installment of our riveting exploration into the ongoing Drake and Kendrick Lamar rap feud, we dissect Kendrick Lamar's long-awaited response to Drake's provocations: "Euphoria." Part 1 https://youtu.be/rkAa94-tIXE Part 3 https://youtu.be/nHBjEexpR84 Lamar's "Euphoria" hit the airwaves like an opus in late April 2024, delivering a barrage of allegations aimed squarely at Drake, with layered wordplay and metaphor, questioning Drake's skills as a rapper, scrutinizing his use of AI, appearance, racial identity, and even his approach to parenting, Kendrick pulled no punches. "I got a son to raise, but I can see you know nothin’ ’bout that," Lamar raps, adding a personal dimension to the lyrical warfare. The title itself, a nod to the HBO series "Euphoria" of which Drake is an executive producer, only added fuel to the fire of intrigue to Lamar's retaliation. And with Kendrick teasing at the time that he'd go "back-to-back" with his tracks (more on that in Part 3), the stakes were never higher. Join us as we dissect every line, every beat, and every nuance of "Euphoria," unraveling all the deeper meaning and implications in play – subscribe now and join the conversation! A must-listen for any hip-hop aficionado! 

In what will probably go down as 1 of—if not THE—greatest Rap Beefs of all time, we unpack the origins of what turned out to be an epic, for-the-ages feud between Kendrick and Drake. Find out how we went from Kendrick's early days opening for Drake and Drake dropping a verse on Kendrick's "Poetic Justice" to real (or imagined?) big feelings after Kendrick's seeming diss on Metro Boomin's "Like That," complete with a response by J. Cole (and then immediate retraction and apology!) and of course, Drake's fairly prompt response with "Push Ups" and the A.I.-assisted "Taylor Made Freestyle." Tune in as we go all-in on a Burnt Ships deep-dive in this first of three episodes examining all the nitty gritty details, the power dynamics, complete with lyrical breakdowns, and the nuanced, complete backstory that you won't get anywhere else. A must-listen for any hip-hop aficionado! Subscribe now and join the conversation.

Frequent Burnt Ships' partner-in-crime, collaborator extraordinaire and recently-minted SXSW Music Festival feature artist, Mami Mia (aka Bay Area Sweetheart) joins Nonseq and Gary for our first Artist Interview ever, part of an ongoing series of interesting conversations with creatives like Mami who move and shake our musical worlds—and more. Mami talks about her creative process, what it was like getting the news about being selected and then preparing for SXSW, the one of the biggest and most revered musical festivals in the world her different musical faves, food, colors, likes and dislikes; what she loves about her Burnt Ships collabos; how our latest single together, Ain't No Option (featuring Mami and Deltron Blac), and more. Subscribe to the Burnt Ships Podcast with producers/songwriters Nonseq and Gary King today for more invigorating talk on music, sports, relationships and more, all with humor and insight!   Get your Burnt Ships swag here. https://www.theburntships.com/category/all-products Follow, listen, watch, like, share, amplify, support, and comment @ us in our socials here — Spotify https://rb.gy/pgv40y https://www.instagram.com/burntships/ https://www.tiktok.com/@burntships https://twitter.com/burnt_ships https://www.facebook.com/burntships https://soundcloud.com/burntships https://www.youtube.com/@BurntShipsNon Apple Music https://rb.gy/niwx6e

Our first in an ongoing series of episodes on relationships: We tackle a few relational DO's and DON'Ts. What are the broad differences between men and woman when dating? Non and Gary explore the various ways in which men's and women's communication styles, expectations, upbringing, and the culture shape how relationships play out over time. Respect and disrespect, honesty and lies, loyalty and betrayal—all flip sides of the relationship coin that can make or break the whole thing, qualities and traits that play out in an infinite spectrum of ways. As Nonseq says: "There's no universal relationship template." Everything depends. Come rock with us on Episode 4 of the Burnt Ships podcast. We appreciate you. Thanks for listening, and keep pushing, wherever you are in your romantic life. You'll get there!

Burnt Ships' 3rd Vlog/Podcast episode. Nonseq + Gary pay homage to the greatest Rap Beefs and Diss Tracks of all time, with breakdowns of the crazy backstories behind the most infamous and BEST feuds of all time in Hip Hop. We discuss and rank them. Let us know in the comments if we missed any, if you agreed or disagreed with the breakdowns!

Our 2024 Super Bowl LVIII Episode! Non vents at-length about all the chatter this week after the Big Game about Mahomes-as-the-already-greatest of all time. Is it premature? Or is Mahomes knocking at the door—already? We break down the Brady comparisons, whether the Niners (or Shanahan?) choked or not—with apples-to-apples comparisons on the merits between the early eras of the Pats vs the first 3 chips for the Chiefs. Also, our next single too, “Not in Love,” drops Tuesday, February 27th on all major streaming platforms.

Our first ever Podcast episode (Vlog on YouTube), Burnt Ships' aka Non and Gary break down their origin story as a production/writing duo, what makes their collaboration tick, their musical influences, all while holding court with real-talk on all the latest music, culture, sports happenings. From strippers who blew Non's mind with clarity and insight about relationships and changed his "blue-pill ways" to the shank-who-failed vs Derek Chauvin, Non and Gary trade funny, irreverent anecdotes and talk-story about all manner of things, a mashup of Non's east coast wit and sarcasm and Gary's laid-back island-style meditations on music, love, life, and more.