The CW Pod

Chris Williams is joined by John Kurtz (Open for Business) for a deep dive into the future of the Big 12—and whether the league can truly compete in today’s college sports landscape. 🏈 Is the System Rigged? With massive revenue gaps between the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12, the guys debate whether the league can realistically catch up—or if the game is already decided. 📺 Big 12 Survival Strategy • Brett Yormark’s TV deals and long-term vision • Why Friday night games might actually help • How the league can maximize exposure and relevance 🏀 Basketball vs Football Debate The Big 12 has control over college basketball—but can that actually move the needle financially? Or does everything still come back to football? 💰 NIL, Transfer Portal & The Changing Game • Is player movement hurting fan connection? • Should contracts replace the current system? • Why rebuilding is faster—but loyalty is fading 🚨 Texas Tech QB Drama (Sorsby Situation) A major offseason storyline shakes up the Big 12. What it means for Texas Tech—and the league’s playoff hopes. 🔥 Bigger Questions • Can the Big 12 ever match the SEC/Big Ten financially? • Does college football risk losing its identity? • What actually matters to fans moving forward? CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Check out Open For Business with John Kurtz: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKurtzShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with Pastor Mike Janes for a thoughtful conversation covering anxiety, control, parenting, and how to actually find peace in 2026. 🧠 Why We’re More Anxious Than Ever From social media algorithms to constant bad news cycles, the guys break down why modern life keeps people on edge. ⚖️ Control vs Letting Go What can you actually control? And where do you need to step back? A practical conversation about managing stress without checking out of reality. ❤️ A Powerful Story About Grace A tragic real-life story leads to an incredible act of forgiveness—and a deeper discussion about perspective and peace. 👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting in a Different World How do you raise kids today with technology, fear, and constant information? From iPads to tracking watches, it’s a balance nobody has fully figured out. 📱 The Algorithm Problem Why your phone might be making your anxiety worse. 🎯 Finding Your “North Star” Whether it’s faith, values, or something else—why having a guiding principle matters more than ever. Plus, CW gets Mike's opinions on ghosts and aliens. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon, only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined by Mackenzie Eddie for a different kind of CW Pod—less sports, more life. 🏁 NASCAR Weekend Reflections Chris shares a special weekend with his daughter at the track—and the unexpected feeling of dread that hits when those perfect moments come to an end. ❤️ Parenting, Perspective & Guilt Why great parenting moments can feel heavy, how kids teach us more than we teach them, and the reality of watching them grow up faster than we’re ready for. 🧠 Modern Life & Mental Overload From social media anxiety to information overload, the conversation dives into how today’s world impacts how we think, parent, and live. 🚪 Closed Doors & Life Paths Chris reflects on nearly working in racing—and why not getting that opportunity may have led to something better. 🎙️ Plus: • Mom groups, microplastics & everyday paranoia • Therapy, self-awareness & finding balance • Why slowing down actually matters CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined by Scott Siepker for one of the most all-over-the-place episodes of the CW Pod. 🚀 Space, AI & The Future: From rocket launches to space debris fears, the guys go deep on where technology is headed—and whether humans are actually ready for it. 🤖 Are We Replacing Ourselves? A wild but real conversation about AI, automation, and what happens when humans don’t need to work anymore. Purpose vs progress. 🌍 War, Drones & Reality: How modern warfare is changing fast—from cheap drones to space-based tech—and why the next global conflict might look nothing like the last. 🎬 Throwback Movies & Nostalgia: Apollo 13, Top Gun, and why some ‘90s movies still hit… and others don’t. 🎙 Other topics include: • NASCAR trip memories + fatherhood moments • WrestleMania hype and pro wrestling nostalgia • Music rabbit holes (Joe Diffie, Avril Lavigne, and more) • Why humans might actually be the first intelligent life CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon, only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with new UNI Panthers men's basketball head coach Kyle Green for a quick-hitting conversation during one of the busiest weeks of his career. 🏀 The Opportunity of a Lifetime: Green talks about how quickly everything came together—and why UNI was the only job that could pull him away from T. J. Otzelberger’s staff at Iowa State. 🔥 Building a Program in 2026: From NIL to the transfer portal, Green dives into how mid-majors survive (and win) in the modern era—and why culture still has to come first. 💪 Identity = Defense: Expect a physical, tough, defensive-minded UNI team. Green explains how his time at Iowa State shaped his philosophy—and why effort and toughness are non-negotiables. 🏡 Why UNI Is Home: After 16 years in Cedar Falls, this isn’t just another job. It’s personal—and Green is focused on keeping the Panther “family” culture alive. 🎯 Recruiting Philosophy: High school players will still be the foundation, with the portal used to fill gaps—not rebuild entire rosters every year. 🎙 Other topics include: • The importance of relationships and transparency in today’s game • Why toughness beats talent (if you have to choose) • Keeping former players involved like Seth Tuttle • The challenge of constant roster turnover • Why Iowa remains a sneaky great basketball state CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined by Iowa State great Georges Niang and Iowa Hawkeyes legend Jess Settles to break down the Cyclones and Hawkeyes as they prepare for the Sweet 16. Niang and Settles bring elite insight into what it takes to win in March, analyzing Iowa State’s matchup against Tennessee, the Cyclones’ identity, and how they can continue their run. What does the game look like with the status of Joshua Jefferson? On the other side, they dive into Iowa’s historic run to the Sweet 16, what’s clicking for the Hawkeyes, and how they could beat Nebraska. All this and more, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams discusses why it’s actually the transfer portal that is killing the little guys in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, a different type of “lifting me up,” all courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes MasterChef Season 13 Champion Grant Gillon to discuss his new partnership with Iowa Everywhere and what's to come. What was it like being in the same kitchen as Gordon Ramsey? CW picks his brain on his love for cooking and more, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of CW Pod, Chris Williams sits down with renowned oncologist Dr. Richard Deming of the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center for an inspiring and insightful conversation about living a healthy, meaningful life. Dr. Deming shares powerful perspectives on how attitude can shape outcomes, the importance of cancer prevention and early detection, supporting loved ones through difficult diagnoses, and practical ways to improve overall health and well-being. The discussion goes beyond medicine, focusing on mindset, purpose, resilience, and building a fulfilling life. If you're interested in cancer prevention, health and wellness, personal growth, leadership through adversity, and real-life inspiration from one of the nation’s most respected cancer doctors, this episode delivers valuable takeaways you can apply immediately. Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on health, leadership, and life on CW Pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams discusses the changing landscape of sports media as podcasts continue to overtake traditional radio in reach, influence, and audience engagement. On this episode of CW Pod, Chris breaks down why podcasting has become the dominant platform for sports talk and what it means for the future of local and national sports coverage. Plus, a deep dive into North Dakota State’s move to the FBS level - why the Bison are ready to make the jump from the FCS, how it could impact college football realignment, and why Chris believes it’s a smart move for the program long-term. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Subscribe for more college sports talk and analysis on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Iowa State’s win over Houston at Hilton Coliseum, Chris Williams breaks down what “Hilton Magic” really means and why the Cyclones continue to thrive at home under T.J. Otzelberger. Chris also discusses the growing challenges for Kansas State and fired head coach Jerome Tang, and how the Wildcats serve as a cautionary tale in modern college athletics. Plus, reflections from a dad after a birthday weekend and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams reflects on a surprisingly emotional night that he had recently at a concert with his family. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes longtime Division I coach and ESPN+ analyst Derrin Hansen to The CW Pod for a deep dive into Iowa State basketball. As the Cyclones enter the most challenging stretch of their Big 12 schedule, Hansen breaks down why Iowa State is playing at such a high level, what makes T.J. Otzelberger’s defensive system so effective, and how this team is coming together at the right time. The conversation focuses on defensive philosophy, player development, lineup balance, and what Iowa State needs to do to reach its ceiling in March. This is a detailed, basketball-centric discussion focused on how Iowa State wins, not just the results. New episodes of The CW Pod available weekly on Iowa Everywhere, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Overthinking's Mackenzie Eddie to discuss their thoughts on Landman, how AI is taking over the world, and Dry January. Can Mackenzie domesticate a coyote? All this and more courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams analyzes a recent Wall Street Journal article that gave valuations of every FBS football program. Where did Iowa and Iowa State end up, and why? Williams digs deep with the “why” on this week’s CW Pod, courtesy of Steeple Ridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with former Iowa State Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock to discuss his recent retirement, his football philosophy, and highlights from his 43-year coaching career. What's the reasoning behind sunglasses at night? All this and more presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams has a lot of problems with society...and now you're gonna hear about it. Hear all of CW's grievances with college football, halftime shows, the tipping problem, and more. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams makes his picks for the 2025 College Football Playoff, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Ben Bruns to discuss everything that has happened in this transitional period between Matt Campbell and Jimmy Rogers at Iowa State. What's next for the Cyclones? All of their thoughts and more presented by Steeple Ridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined and interviewed by his longtime mentor, Keith Murphy, regarding the release of his new book: “Fanatic: Stories from 20 Years Inside Iowa State.” The two discuss the process of writing and researching the book, what Chris hopes the audience gets from it, highlights from the last 20 years, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams dissects Kenny Dillingham's comments about local communities. Does he have a point? YouTube TV pushed back against ESPN and came out on top - while also looking out for the fans. Celebrating the death of the BCS and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams reacts and delivers his thoughts on Iowa's last-second loss to Oregon. Can Iowa get to the next level? Iowa State finally gets back in the win column. Touching on hoops and more presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams breaks down the big dispute between Disney and Google regarding ESPN and YouTubeTV. It’s another example of how only the fans get screwed. Also, did Nebraska really need to increase Matt Rhule’s contract buyout to $71 million last week? A lot of sports business this week on the CW Pod, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Overthinking's Mackenzie Eddie to talk about the paranormal. There's no way everything is a coincidence, right? Diving into Halloween, life, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams takes a deep dive into the Big Ten’s reported interest in acquiring money from a private investment firm. Not everyone is on the same page. What’s it mean for the future? Chris peels off layers of what he believes to be coded language form the Michigan Board of Regents. A lot to dissect today, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams dives into college football this week to discuss the James Franklin firing and what it means for the rest of college football. Will anyone catch Texas Tech in the Big 12? Touching on what Iowa State needs to do moving forward and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris sits down with his old friend, Drake head coach Eric Henderson, to look ahead at his debut season leading the Bulldog program. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes back Scott Siepker to discuss the return of Iowa Nice Guy and what's to come. Remember the good ol' days of football? Diving into the Dallas Cowboys documentary, CW's new book, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams discusses why Jimmy Kimmel and WWE hold the cards now - not the networks - before diving into Mike Gundy and Dabo Swinney's similar tailspins. Jeff Woody joins the show to preview Arizona and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams touches on how ridiculous conference realignment is and who is paying for it before diving into Brian Kelly's response to a reporter and his Big 12 power rankings heading into Week 4. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Andrew Downs for one last rehashing of the Cy-Hawk game. What does the future of Iowa Football look like? AD's thoughts on potentially the end of the Ferentz era and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Jeff Woody to break down the 2025 Cy-Hawk game from Iowa State's perspective before Chad Leistikow joins to discuss the Hawkeyes. What should each team be worried about? All this and more presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with ESPN's newest personality and former Cyclone Jeff Woody to talk about how he landed at ESPN, his views on the Big 12, Iowa State, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams makes all of his picks for season win totals ahead of the 2025 season. Is Texas Tech for real? Who makes a comeback this year and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach and NBA Champion Nick Nurse to discuss his foundation and his week back in Iowa before CW breaks down ESPN's monumental week in the media landscape. Presented as always by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams goes deep today on how the niche movement is a massive contributor to the slow death of traditional sports media in America. Presented as always by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW is live from Stadium Swim at Circa Las Vegas. VSiN's Tim Murray joins the podcast to discuss betting the 2025 college football season. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon and the Lonely Oak Distillery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams reacts to Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's comments about the College Football Playoffs from Big 12 Media Days. What does this mean for the conference? Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If Chris Williams was the Big 12 commissioner, how would he fix the league’s preseason poll? Well, he wouldn’t do away with it. Details in this week’s CW Pod, along with an interview of new Iowa Wild coach Greg Cronin, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever go through an entire work day where you go nonstop and at the end, feel like you got absolutely nothing done? Former Cyclone and NBA player Paul Shirley’s latest book, “The Art of Focused Work” approaches how to avoid such a common problem for people living in the year 2025. Chris Williams & Paul Shirley discuss screen time, mental overloads, evolution, AI, being more productive and a lot more, thanks to our friends at Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Iowa Everywhere's very own Mackenzie Eddie as they discuss the new Netflix documentary "Titan: The OceanGate Disaster." Why didn't anyone stop it? Touching on CW taking his daughter to Avril Lavigne, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes former Iowa Senator Nate Boulton to the show to discuss the big house settlement in college athletics. How will this impact our local teams? Is this a temporary fix for college athletics or could it lead us into a new-look future? Finally, Chris asks Nate about the legality of a Big Ten / SEC “super league,” and if Iowa could potentially bring a sports betting tax to consumers to fund college athletics in our state. All presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams dumbs down everything that’s happening this week at the SEC meetings in Florida, while longing for an equal superpower to the SEC like the Big Ten used to be. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams gives his unfiltered thoughts on how social media is the cause for "coach speak." Touching on tip culture in the US and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams analyzes why Brett Yormark is the perfect person to continue leading the Big 12 into the next decade. Is local media about to have a renaissance? Plus, CW tells a story from his daddy/daughter NASCAR weekend. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Alex Kuberski of Kuberski Brothers Lawn Care to give you tips to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams dives deep into the latest news from the NCAA and how it relates to the media before discussing Shedeur Sanders falling in the draft and TKO going global. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with Drake Men's Basketball Coach Eric Henderson to discuss his journey from being a second-grade teacher to landing the Drake job. Why he's excited to be a Bulldog, his approach to coaching, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes his friend Mark Freund to the show this week to preview WrestleMania, which will occur this weekend in Las Vegas. The two not only discuss the top storylines, but professional wrestling’s recent growth as a whole. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with 'Rory Land' author Timothy Gay to discuss Rory McIlroy and his struggles at The Masters. Breaking down why this could be his year in Augusta and more. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices