Adam Cheek's Sports Week

On the heels (hoofs?) of the Kentucky Derby, Jason Boleman returns to the podcast for the first time since last fall to talk about Secretariat, spotlighting the Virginia horse that won the Triple Crown in 1973.We get sidetracked a lot, but we do talk about when Virginia is mentioned in the movie, how the horse-racing scenes are put together, the performances by stars like John Malkovich and Diane Lane, and more. -------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Got to head out to CarMax Park for Banana Ball to kick off May! Got to chat with four players this time around, starting with Richmond's own Jackie Bradley Jr., the everyday outfielder for the Boston Red Sox through much of the 2010s (plus a 2016 All-Star and a Gold Glove winner, World Series champion and ALCS MVP in 2018). He became the first full-time former MLB player in Banana Ball when the Indianapolis Clowns took him in this year's draft.Then, I chatted with VCU alums and current Firefighter pitchers Ben Dum and Bradford Webb, both of whom have now played Banana Ball at both The Diamond and CarMax Park. I also get to talk with South Trimble, a Virginia Beach native who won an A-10 baseball championship with George Mason in 2023.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Justin Fensterman returns to the podcast to talk all things NBA playoffs at the start of Round 2!We break down the first round first, starting with the absolute barnburner of a series the Timberwolves and Nuggets put on. We touch on the three Game 7s, two blown 3-1 leads by the Magic and Celtics, the Thunder sweeping and LeBron still doing it with the Lakers.Then, we take a look at the conference semifinals -- if the Thunder can keep rolling on their way to a potential repeat, if the injured Timberwolves can hang with the Spurs, if the Pistons' youth will help them combat the Cavaliers' veteran leadership and the potential back-and-forth of the Knicks-76ers series. And, of course, we give some predictions for the conference finals and NBA Finals 🏀-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

On the latest Sports Movie Showcase, I'm joined by my friend Meghan Baker to talk about one of our favorites, Richard Linklater's Everybody Wants Some!! from 2016. It was released in a stacked year and flew under the radar, but it's an incredibly fun hangout movie centered around college baseball and never gets old.It was one of the early roles for cast members Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell and Wyatt Russell, and takes place on a Texas college campus around 1980 -- sort of a spiritual sequel to Linklater's 1990s classic Dazed and Confused. While there isn't a ton of baseball in the movie, we get one long, extended practice sequence, and all of our main characters are ballplayers.It's a hysterical film and we had a great time both rewatching and talking about it (plus its killer soundtrack)! I'll also have interviews with some of the actors, including Will Brittain, Temple Baker and Forrest Vickery, coming up soon  ⚾  -------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

My friend Ryan Quigley joins the podcast for the first time to preview the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs! Ryan's a Flyers fan, so we start off by talking about how Philadelphia turned things around this season, their first-round matchup with the Penguins and if they can make a run.On the Eastern Conference side, we also discuss whether the Hurricanes can finally get over the hump and make the Stanley Cup Final, how the Sabres put together such a stellar season and how the Lightning-Canadiens series might shake out.On the Western Conference side, Ryan and I break down the Utah Mammoth making the playoffs in their second season of existence; if the Oilers and Connor McDavid can finally get it done; the Stars-Wild matchup; and if the Avalanche truly are the favorite to win it all.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

Got to sit down again with VCU basketball head coach Phil Martelli Jr. a few weeks after the Rams played in the NCAA tournament! Martelli is coming off a 28-8 debut season with the Black and Gold, leading the Rams to an A-10 Tournament championship and Round of 32 appearance in March Madness.Coach and I look back at his first season -- from the way the team came together and the run VCU made in the tournament to his first experience with the Siegel Center atmosphere and some of his most memorable moments. We also talk about Phil's favorite spots in Richmond so far, his dad coming out to games, navigating the offseason / portal and more!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

VCU's Jacob Lee, ranked the preseason No. 7 catcher in Division I baseball, sat down with me in late February to talk about his second season on the Rams.The backstop batted .288 with 59 hits, 17 homers and 65 RBI last season, along with 333 putouts behind the plate. We discussed what brought him to VCU in the first place, working with head coach Sean Thompson -- they both began their respective roles at the same time last season -- and what he learned most from his freshman year, along with what he worked on most in the offseason.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

I sat down with Reese Ahalt, who was a member of the VCU Gold Rush dance team before joining the ROAR of the Jacksonville Jaguars on the NFL sidelines. We caught up just ahead of the team's Alumni Weekend performance at VCU's homecoming game against Fordham.Reese talks about some of the similarities and differences between dancing for VCU and cheerleading for the Jaguars, along with what brought her to VCU and then to Florida. We also discuss her career with the Rams, where she was a part of the Gold Rush for all four years at VCU, and how she got into the art form to begin with.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

I sit down with WVCW Sports' Ben Rekosh to talk about VCU's trip to the NCAA Tournament, huge upset win over North Carolina in Greenville, Phil Martelli Jr.'s extension and the offseason ahead for the Rams. As a VCU and WVCW alum myself, it was awesome to see Ben and company spotlighted by Martelli in his postgame presser, and we talk about what it meant to the radio crew.We cover a ton of ground in this episode -- first, Ben discusses Greenville, the lead-up to the Round of 64 game and VCU's incredible 19-point comeback over the Tar Heels, spearheaded by Terrence Hill Jr.'s 34 points. Ben and I then recount the second-round game against Illinois, where VCU hung with the Fighting Illini through halftime but faded late.Then, we turn our attention to the offseason: Martelli's extension will keep him at the helm of the Rams as VCU tries to run it back in the 2026-27 season, while NIL deals could target players like Hill and Nyk Lewis. We talk about what we really liked from the team this past season and how they could get even better next year.Follow me on Twitter: @adamncheekFollow Ben on Twitter: @Ben_RekoshFollow Ben on Instagram: @benrekosh.mediaFollow WVCW on Instagram: @wvcw_sports-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

GalaxyCon Richmond is back! I covered the event for the fourth year straight and caught up with some recurring podcast guests, along with a couple celebrities at the ribbon-cutting to open the weekend.First, Brian O'Halloran talked about his love for the Richmond restaurant scene and how he caught VCU-UNC at Penny Lane Pub on Thursday, along with appearing with fellow View Askewniverse-ers Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson at a convention for the first time in years.At the ribbon-cutting, I got the chance to walk with Lou Ferrigno -- the OG Incredible Hulk himself -- and early Flash actor John Wesley Shipp, who hails from Norfolk and considers the Richmond convention a homecoming. I also chatted again with Astravoid Cosplay, who's also from Virginia, about what she's been up to.VCU tournament breakdown coming later this week!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

VCU is headed to March Madness! After running the table in the A-10 tournament, the Rams are on their way to a first-round matchup with North Carolina as an 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament.I sit down once again with Ben Rekosh, co-sports director at WVCW at VCU, to talk about his time in Pittsburgh watching VCU get crowned conference champions and what he expects from the Rams in Greenville. We talk about the matchup with UNC, Coach Martelli's first season at the helm, players like Nyk Lewis and Terrence Hill Jr. who came up big in the conference tournament ... and our own bracket picks, too.VCU plays at 6:50pm ET on Thursday!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

My buddy Alex Soderstrom is back on the podcast for his fourth Sports Movie Showcase -- this time his first non-football movie with Hoosiers. The film turns 40 this year, but we thought we'd tackle it with March Madness just around the corner -- though this is my first time watching it.We talk about Gene Hackman's leading role as head coach Norman Dale and Dennis Hopper's Oscar-nominated supporting role (in the same year he was in Blue Velvet, no less), how the basketball scenes are put together and how it's an early example of typical sports-movie and underdog tropes. We also get into how it stacks up to other similar movies, talk about March Madness a little bit and more!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

Ben Rekosh, the current co-sports director of WVCW Radio at VCU, jumps back on the podcast to talk about the Rams' men's basketball season at length and preview the Atlantic 10 Tournament.We talk about what head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said in his press conference just before Ben and I recorded at the Siegel Center, as well as our takeaways from his first season at the helm of the team. Ben and I also break down the roster -- how the starting five has remained consistent over the course of the year and some of the standouts -- and look ahead to the tournament and (maybe) a potential NCAA Tournament berth.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

I caught up with Sean Thompson a few games into the VCU Rams' 2026 baseball season. The former VCU pitcher, who spent some time in the White Sox organization, was named as the Rams' head baseball coach last season.We talk about the roster turnover in the offseason and what Sean learned the most from his first year at the helm of the Black and Gold. Thompson also discusses what he and the team worked on most heading into 2026 and what he learned about coaching during his playing time at VCU.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

I sat down with Michael Belle, one of the longest-tenured VCU Rams men's basketball members, ahead of the team's final two home games of the 2025-26 season. The junior guard/forward is in his third season with the team and has found success from beyond the arc, making twice as many threes this year as his first two seasons combined.Mike talked about the differences between Coach Odom and Coach Martelli's leadership styles and his own expanding role within the team, especially as a leader with all the turnover last offseason. He also talks about his path to VCU from England and France, where he played against opponents like Bronny James; going to the A-10, NIT and NCAA tournaments over the course of the past two years; and what he's worked on the most this season.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

I sat down with VCU Gold Rush dance team captain Ryane Jones and lieutenant Zeariah Reeves to talk about their roles with the team -- from being leaders on the sidelines during the game to being the team's senior leadership outside the game.We talk about what goes into their on-court performance -- auditions, practices, gameday prep -- and how they balance the dance team with classes. I also ask them about how they got into the art form and what the Siegel Center atmosphere is like from their vantage point, along with and how they manage keeping up with the game, staying in sync with each other on the sidelines and memorizing choreography.Also check out my interview with one of their coaches, Christian Robb, and a conversation with the longtime coach of the team, Vicki Wells!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

My buddy Jackson Hardy joins the podcast this week to talk about Hustle, the 2022 basketball movie starring Adam Sandler! This completes a sort of Sandler / Safdies arc on the podcast, which started with The Smashing Machine, then went to Uncut Gems and Marty Supreme, and concluded with the (other) Sandler basketball film.Jackson and I talk about how well-crafted the movie is and how it has such a pure love for the game of basketball. We talk about its setting -- Philadelphia -- and how that plays into the 76ers being the film's central team; Anthony Edwards' acting turn (just kind of playing himself); how good Juancho Hernangómez is as Bo Cruz; and the craftsmanship behind the basketball scenes.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

After a quick Seahawks-themed introduction, I sit down with VCU freshman guard Nyk Lewis to talk about his 2025-26 season and joining Phil Martelli Jr.'s squad to begin his college career (listen for us cracking up when some of his teammates stopped to offer him food during the interview).He also talked about his thoughts on the Siegel Center's iconic atmosphere, starting a majority of the Rams' games this year and winning the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week award multiple times early on in the season.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

SB Nation's Mark Schofield is back! We vowed that if my Seahawks and his Patriots won their respective conference title games, we'd do another podcast previewing them facing off in the Super Bowl.We break down offense and defense for both Seattle and New England. For the Seahawks, we talk about if Sam Darnold can avoid seeing ghosts; how receiving weapons like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp can factor in; if Kenneth Walker III can carry the ground game; and how their "terrifying" defense will play a role with Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence and DROTY contender Nick Emmanwori.For the Patriots, we discuss if Drake Maye will even be healthy; how the running game with Rhamondre Stevenson can play a part; and we also talk about the turnaround of the team under Mike Vrabel's leadership from last season to this season. We also discuss how Super Bowl parties this Sunday should be renamed "Adam Cheek's Five-Hour Nervous Breakdown" instead.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

My friend Brandon Shillingford is back on the podcast for the Sports Movie Showcase's third straight Safdie spotlight!This time, we look at Josh Safdie's solo directorial venture from 2025 Marty Supreme, which scored nine Oscar nominations. We talk about Timothée Chalamet's lead performance and if it can land him the Oscar, Safdie's trademark anxiety-inducing direction, the table tennis scenes and the Safides as sports-movie directors.We also talk the Oscar nominations at large, get sidetracked a bunch and a lot more.Stay tuned for Brandon's work with Exposure Cinema and showings at Studio Two Three and other spots around Richmond!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

One of my favorite and most recurring guests is SB Nation's Mark Schofield, who is back on the podcast ahead of conference championship weekend in the NFL!As he's a Patriots fan and I'm a Seahawks fan, we give our predictions for how our teams will do this weekend, and look ahead to Super Bowl LX. We talk about whether the Seahawks can keep their best-team-in-the-NFL status and the domination going; if Matthew Stafford's veteran status can help the Rams win out; if the Patriots can avoid a massive upset in Denver; and if Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos can pull off what seems like the impossible.We also discuss how each of the four potential Super Bowl matchups will shake out, Sam Darnold's incredible comeback arc and break down the current silly season of coaching moves so far.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

I sat down with my friend Christina von Claparede-Crola -- aka Christina Louise in the Richmond music scene -- to talk about her upcoming single, "Half-Smoked Cigarettes," her Jan. 19 release show at Révéler in Carytown and being a part of the Richmond music scene since 2018.This is in collaboration with Richmond Magazine; I wrote about Christina's new song and show for the magazine's January issue (pick up a copy or read the article below!) and they allowed me to publish the full interview as part of the podcast.We also discuss Christina's songwriting process, how "Half-Smoked Cigarettes" took form, playing gigs throughout 2025, her goals & much more 🎵Read the Richmond Magazine piecePre-save "Half-Smoked Cigarettes"Buy tickets to the Reveler show-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Join me as I ramble about 100 episodes of Adam Cheek's Sports Week! I talked to some friends about how they've seen me change over the past couple years that I've been doing this podcast -- as a person, professionally, everything -- and that kind of serves as the basis for this episode.I talk about finding the balance between work and then doing this podcast in my free time while still making time for my personal life. I also had zero clue what I was doing when I started this podcast, and I still don't, but that's totally fine and I have a great time doing it. Here's to 100 more!-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

My buddy Alex Soderstrom is back on the podcast and back for another College Football Playoff preview for the second straight year! This time, Indiana unseated Ohio State for the top seed heading into the postseason, and we've got some fun underdog teams like JMU and Tulane in the mix.Alex and I break down the first-round matchups and the teams with byes the winners will face heading into the second round. And since he's a Georgia alum, he also details what he's seen from the Bulldogs this season and how Kirby Smart's coaching style has evolved since he covered football at UGA.We make our predictions and give our final four teams, as well as who we think will win it all in January. -------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

In a somewhat non-sports edition of the podcast, my buddy and Richmond musician Justin Paciocco sits down with me to talk about his new EP, X, and the two singles he's released from the record so far. He also talks about his career in the RVA music scene, some of his favorite venues and his upcoming release show at Révéler in early January.Justin is also a Rams fan, and since I'm a Seahawks fan, we trade some barbs about the upcoming Seattle/LA Thursday Night Football game. And as if that wasn't enough, he's also a University of Richmond fan, so we talk about the Spiders and VCU Rams' basketball seasons so far and look ahead to the Capital City Classic.Follow & check out Villages on Spotify -------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Continuing the Safdie trend on the Sports Movie Showcase lately, Brandon Shillingford returns to the podcast to talk about Uncut Gems -- what he considers one of the great American films of the 21st century.One of our favorite films from a stacked 2019 that included efforts from Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese, along with other stellar movies like Parasite, Marriage Story, Ad Astra and Knives Out, we discuss Adam Sandler's incredible starring turn as Howard Rater -- and his eventual Best Actor nomination snub.We also talk about the anxiety-inducing filmmaking, how relevant it is in today's world, Kevin Garnett's solid supporting performance and how the rest of the movie strikes a balance by also making viewers sympathetic toward Howard. We also spend some time rambling about what truly is the best year for movies since the turn of the century.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

After realizing I never posted my interviews from the postgame of Banana Ball's visit to Norfolk, here are my conversations with Andy Cosgrove, Ben Dum and Bradford Webb on the field and in the dugouts at Harbor Park!Andy ended up being named Banana Ball Rookie of the Year for his season with the Party Animals, and he was also on Love Island Australia prior to joining up with one of the sport's flagship squads.Ben was eventually named Pitcher of the Year once the season ended, and he's been on the podcast a few times -- I talked to the VCU alum about the game, which he got to pitch in, and more.Bradford, also a VCU alum, sat down with me before the game for an extended interview that aired in episode 82. We talked after the game about the serires at Harbor Park.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Ben Dum is back on the podcast, this time after his stellar 2025 Banana Ball season and Pitcher of the Year Award. The VCU alum played in the Twins' and Braves' systems for several years before joining Banana Ball, pitching for the Firefighters at MLB and minor-league stadiums across the country this past year.Ben toed the rubber in 10 of the 30 major league stadiums in 2025 and talks about the camaraderie with fellow VCU grad Bradford Webb, some of his favorite moments of 2025, returning to pitch at the Diamond and making the playoffs with the Firefighters.We also look ahead to 2026, where Ben was named a Coach Franchise player and will return to the Firefighters next season, as well as the team's upcoming slate of stadiums (including Wrigley Field) and their return to Richmond, this time to play at CarMax Park ⚾-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Initially recorded as one cohesive episode -- but due to some technical difficulties, lost to time -- my friends Brandon Shillingford and Adam Harrell join for two segments of the latest Sports Movie Showcase.We talk about The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr and directed by Benny Safdie. We discuss The Rock's performance, Safdie's first directorial effort away from brother Josh, its place among wrestling/fighting movies and more.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

VCU basketball senior Christian Fermin joins me for this episode ahead of VCU basketball's 2025-26 campaign. Fermin is playing for his third coach in four years, having been recruited by Mike Rhoades his freshman year, played under Ryan Odom his sophomore/junior seasons and now working with incoming coach Phil Martelli Jr.Ferm and I talk about how his role on the team has evolved, chasing a third ring in the Black and Gold and how his career has unfolded, particularly playing for three different coaches with the Rams. We also look ahead to the upcoming season, talk about how he always looks like he's having a blast out there and discuss some of his favorite moments so far.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

After Pam Grier in part 1, this episode features my other three interviews from Animate! x Nightmare Weekend Richmond 2025, with Fred Williamson, Astravoid Cosplay and Brian O'Halloran.Huge thanks to all three for chatting with me! Fred was gracious enough to spend some time talking about his football career with the Steelers, Raiders and Chiefs, where he won the 1966 AFL championship, and then his acting career, which included roles in films like From Dusk Till Dawn.Astravoid Cosplay and I caught up after her last appearance on the podcast in the spring and talked about her incredible zombie Wanda ensemble, while Brian O'Halloran and I also caught up about what the Clerks star has been up to in the View Askewniverse.Check out my video interviews with Pam, Fred and Astravoid Cosplay on YouTube here!Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

I got the opportunity to cover Animate! x Nightmare Weekend Richmond for the third straight year, and the legendary Pam Grier -- star of Jackie Brown, Coffy, Foxy Brown and so much more -- was gracious enough to sit down with me for an extended interview.We talked about her career and she told some stories, including how she landed her role in Escape from L.A. We laughed a lot, she talked about being cast by Quentin Tarantino, she discussed the industry and more.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

I always love having guests from my radio days on the podcast, and it was great to catch up this episode with Natalie Kalibat -- former ABC 8 sports anchor here in Richmond and current ESPN+ broadcaster, as well as the host of the "Diving in Deep" podcast.Natalie and I talked about her time in Richmond, including some of her favorite moments -- from covering NASCAR at Richmond Raceway to interviewing Alexander Ovechkin -- with the station, and also checked We also talk about both her and husband Rich Witten continuing to work in sports after their move to Miami -- her broadcasting and coverage, as well as Rich's role as head baseball coach at FIU -- and how her experience diving at USC lends itself to her expert analysis while covering the sport.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Marc "Cheats" Cheatham -- founder of The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast -- is back for a third straight year to talk Major League Baseball postseason action.Amid the ALDS and NLDS going on, we talk about how flat the Yankees have looked, the Blue Jays coming out swinging, the tough battle between the Mariners and Tigers and how fun the Seattle lineup is.Cheats and I also look at the NL side, where the Dodgers have pulled themselves together for the playoffs, the Phillies need to rely on their power hitters, the Cubs need more to rely on both offensively and defensively and the Brewers are coming off a strong Game 1 against Chicago.Finally, we look ahead to the ALCS and NLCS, as well as the World Series, and make some predictions.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Alex Soderstrom is back on the podcast to kick off October as we give our thoughts after seeing the football horror movie HIM, released in mid-September 2025 and starring Tyriq Withers, Marlon Wayans and Julia Fox (and produced by Jordan Peele, as if the movie's ad blitz didn't make that clear).Minor spoilers as we talk about a movie that tries to tackle (ha) a lot of things -- football's place in the American lexicon, the violence of the sport, toxic masculinity, exploitation, religious iconography, CTE, the price of fame and more -- and how much (if at all) it succeeds in doing that.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

In a generally non-sports edition of the podcast, I'm joined by Billy Bacci -- who has played music with some of my friends in Richmond, works on solo projects and has been in the scene for more than a decade -- to talk about a bunch of topics.We discuss his band Paint On It's new album "Sunshine Trash," as well as the interconnectedness of the RVA music scene, all the projects he's been working on and much more. We also get into sports a little bit and talk about his Mets fandom.This episode is separate from my article on Billy for Richmond Magazine.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

I sat down with Richmond Flying Squirrels manager Dennis Pelfrey -- who was on the first-ever episode of the podcast -- in the dugout of the Diamond to talk about the team's 2025 season.Pelf and I talked about the team's 2025 campaign, including his becoming the Squirrels' all-time winningest manager earlier in the year and how he approached the team's rebound in the second half.We also talk about the final homestand at the Diamond, which has been Pelf's managing home for the past four years, and what it's been like for him to helm a team making a push for the Eastern League playoffs.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Alex Soderstrom returns to the podcast -- and the Sports Movie Showcase -- for another film (after Remember the Titans), choosing The Blind Side this time around.It'd been ages since I'd seen it, so it was interesting to see how (mostly badly) it's aged over the past decade and a half, especially given Michael Oher disputing a lot of what was portrayed in the film.We discuss how safe this movie is, the performances (which are mostly good, despite everything), the actual weird lack of football in a movie about football and much more ... and Alex will return for our next movie episode -- also about a football film -- in a few weeks 🏈Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

In this special, extended episode, former VCU, Red Sox, Padres and Orioles pitcher Cla Meredith sat down with me for nearly two hours to talk about his career in Major League Baseball -- the good, the bad, the ugly and plenty of incredible stories from his time in the pros.I've talked with Cla before in various capacities, but this was the most in-depth chat with him yet. From being drafted by the Red Sox, his first baseball card being wrong and an interaction with Prince Fielder, to his time in San Diego, playing with the Roberts-Markakis-Jones core in Baltimore and deciding to go back to school and eventually became a firefighter in Henrico ... Cla had some awesome stories and went in-depth about his journey as a relief pitcher in this uncensored, no-holds-barred conversation.-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

James Taubl -- you know him as Jimmy Strings from Banana Ball's Texas Tailgaters -- sat down with me a few weeks after his team played in a showcase at the Diamond.We talked about his time playing college ball at Sacred Heart and his subsequent time working for MLB Network, and also discuss what led him to Banana Ball. He plays the fiddle and pitches for the Tailgaters, so he breaks down how he works the fiddle into his on-field persona and much more ⚾Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

When Banana Ball returned to Virginia in Norfolk, I sat down with VCU alum, former Texas Rangers MiLB pitcher & current Firefighters pitcher Bradford Webb to break down his career. We also realized that I broadcasted one of his starts for VCU's WVCW Radio during the A-10 Championship in 2021.He talked about what brought him to Richmond to pitch for the Rams during his graduate year; getting signed by the Rangers and his time in their organization; and how he found his way to Banana Ball after that time. He also talks about how he decided on his mullet-mustache combo, what baseball means to him and much more. ⚾Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3Follow Bradford on socials: @b_webb_9-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

During our Sunday (Aug. 3) drive home from MLB's Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, myself and my friends Adam, Jason and Alex (all past podcast guests) talk about our experience at the unique Braves-Reds matchup at NASCAR's iconic short track.Was it truly the baseball version of "Fyre Fest" like some were saying? Definitely not, but we do give our takes on how it could've been improved, talk about the positives and more. We did get a hotel overnight and made the decision to go back for the rest of the game before heading back to Richmond, so we did get to experience the entire event.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Can't believe I hadn't had Parney on the podcast before now, but here we are -- Todd Parnell, the man himself, former CEO of the Flying Squirrels and Richmond icon, joins to talk about how his role with the team has changed the last two years, what he's up to and looking ahead to CarMax Park.Parney also gives some really in-depth perspective about his life in baseball, the relationships he's built within the sport and how those connections have transcended time. He also discusses celebrating both the Diamond's 40th anniversary and the Squirrels' 15th season, the community support in RVA, tells some stories and so much more.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3Check out the Parney Time Podcast on Spotify and Apple-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

After Banana Ball visited Richmond for the first time in late June, I sat down with Tyler Rigot -- former University of Richmond pitcher and current Firefighters pitcher in Banana Ball -- to talk about his career and much more.We discuss the adjustment from regular baseball to Banana Ball, some of the personal touches he adds to the game, how he found his way from the college diamond to the national Banana Ball stage and what the Firefighters have coming up on their schedule ⚾Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3Follow Tyler on Instagram: @bigrig_29Follow Tyler on TikTok: @tyler.rigot-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

Christian Robb, who was part of the VCU Gold Rush Dance Team from 2004-08, sits down with me to talk about her time as an athlete on the sidelines of VCU basketball games, serving as a lieutenant for the team and eventually returning in an assistant coaching role. She also talks about working with head coach Vicki Wells, as well as past podcast guests like Naome Mesfin and Kayla Brazil!We also talk about the evolution of music for the team and get into what was popular when she was on the team, and also break down some of her favorite moments that she was on the sidelines for. Christian also discusses how her career path led her back to the Black and Gold sidelines and much more -- including trying out for the Bucs in Tampa Bay Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

The Tostado Section (™) guys are back! Evan Zalewski and Andy Blum return to the podcast for another edition of the Sports Movie Showcase, where we talk about one of the best baseball films ever made.We discuss Brad Pitt's performance, where the hell Bennett Miller went after making this and Foxcatcher (two bangers) and then seemingly vanishing forever, how it handles baseball itself and the all-timer of a scene with Scott Hatteberg's walk-off homer.This doesn't mean we shy away from what grinds our gears, like the movie borderline pretending that the Zito-Mulder-Hudson shutdown rotation didn't exist at all. But we still love it and wax poetic about Moneyball, random baseball players (remember Chad Bradford?), why baseball movies are so great, Flying Squirrels-related stuff and much more.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

After we saw 'F1' and Brad Pitt on the Short Pump IMAX screen in Richmond on Saturday, I sit down with my friends Adam Harrell and Jason Boleman, who both return to the podcast to talk about the movie.We don't get too far into spoilers, but discuss our thoughts on the movie, the IMAX experience and all the technical aspects that were aimed at providing audiences with the most immersive experience in terms of both visuals and sound.We also talk about the performances, our favorite elements of the movie, what it could've potentially done better and how it stacks up to the rest of the racing film subgenre.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Banana Ball came to Richmond for the first time last weekend! I was fortunate enough to cover it for the podcast for one of the games, and had such an awesome time talking with some of the players, seeing the amazing turnout and, of course, watching my first-ever Banana Ball game.Huge thanks to the Firefighters for the access and accommodation, all the guys for taking the time for interviews and to Bradford Webb for tossing me a game ball afterward. This episode has four parts, four conversations, all with Firefighters pitchers:- VCU alum (and ACSW podcast veteran) Ben Dum, who spent time in the Twins and Braves' organizations and was returning to the Diamond for the first time since his days as a Ram- VCU alum Bradford Webb, who pitched in one of VCU's A-10 championship games in 2021, spent two years in the Rangers' system and was also playing at the Diamond for the first time since his VCU days- University of Richmond graduate Tyler Rigot, who just finished up his college career in the spring of 2025 and got the call to pitch for the Firefighters- and a postgame conversation with Ben and Bradford, asking them what it was like to be back at their home turf as Rams for the first time. Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco 

Andrew Rapisarda performs vocal and guitar duties in the Richmond-based band Mekong Xpress, and he joins the podcast for a two-way episode: after I interviewed him for Richmond Magazine a few months ago, we talked about sports so much that I knew there was a podcast episode in there.So, a week after he and the band performed in the penultimate Friday Cheers show of the 2025 season, I catch up with Andrew to talk about a little bit of everything: how the show went and their experience playing in front of the crowd at Brown's Island; his musical influences and the band's history; how the Richmond music scene has evolved and how interconnected it is; and a ton about our favorite sports teams, ranging from the Commanders to UVA sports and the NBA playoffs. We also wax poetic about Jethro Tull, Steely Dan and more.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco

VCU Gold Rush and Washington Command Force alum Jordan Frauenheim joins to talk about her career dancing on the college basketball sidelines at the Siegel Center and on the NFL sidelines for five seasons at FedEx Field! You all might remember Jordan also appearing on my old radio show back in late 2022, as Jordan Shortnacy. Huge thanks to her for jumping back on with me as we discuss her nine total years in sports.We talk about what led her to VCU in the first place and how she balanced her sideline career as well as studying dance itself (and how the two applied to each other); the path that brought her to the NFL and eventually becoming a captain at that level; and what she's been up to after retiring from the Command Force after five years.She discusses what goes into being an athlete within the discipline of dance, as well as the audition process for both squads, some of her favorite moments, the atmosphere of the Siegel Center and so much more.Follow me on X: @adamncheekFollow me on Instagram: @adamcheek3-------------------------Original intro/outro music created by Christina von Claparede-Crola and Justin Paciocco