Running It Back

Palmer Media
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Bimonthly

What can we learn from legendary sports players and performances? In each episode of Running It Back, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer bring us back to moments from the past to find the stories that resonate with the events of today. If you forget history, you may be destined to repeat it. So be sure to run it back with us before you play it forward in these tumultuous times.

  1. KNICKS SPURS NBA FINALS BREAKDOWN, PREDICTIONS, CRAZY COMPS

    1d ago

    KNICKS SPURS NBA FINALS BREAKDOWN, PREDICTIONS, CRAZY COMPS

    The dance card is officially set, and we are running it back to 1999! The 2026 NBA Finals are locked in: Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs versus Jalen Brunson’s rough-and-tumble New York Knicks. In this episode—unfiltered and pulled straight from the raw recording captured in "riverside_t_& michael_palmer_media.docx"—Mike completely throws objectivity out the window and goes 1,000% insufferable Knicks fan. Tarlin tries to inject some actual data with an objective breakdown rubric, but it’s hard to fight the "street meat seasoning" and pure destiny of Midtown bedlam. From Baby Yoda comparisons to ginger-on-ginger crime, the energy is completely unplugged. The 1999 Revenge Tour We are trading the Y2K panic for the AI apocalypse as the Knicks and Spurs meet again on the ultimate stage. The Pod Burn Book Find out why Draymond Green, Becky Hammon, and Brian Scalabrine are officially banned from the rotation. The Objective Rubric Tarlin breaks down the data on Mike Brown vs. Mitch Johnson, River Walk vs. Midtown, and who actually has the championship pedigree. Star Wars Fandom Only Why Jalen Brunson is a mix of Grogu and Captain Kirk, and why Trekkies aren't welcome here. Forged in Suffering The difference between a fast-ascent team and a squad that built its culture in the trenches of heartbreak. Time Stamps: 00:00 – The Dance Card is Set: Knicks vs. Spurs 01:10 – 1999 vs. 2026: From Y2K to the AI Apocalypse 02:05 – The Media Hate List: Done with Draymond and Scalabrine 03:45 – Bedlam in Midtown: Why it’s Knicks in Six 05:15 – Is Jalen Brunson actually Baby Yoda? 06:40 – The Coach Rubric: Mike Brown vs. Mitch Johnson 09:15 – New York Street Meat vs. The Alamo Dome 14:40 – History Repeating Itself: The 22-Year-Old MVP Narrative 21:15 – Team Culture: Forged in Suffering vs. Lucky Ascent 25:30 – Roster All-Stars and the Playoff Eye Test 28:15 – Final Predictions & Mike's Impending Wellness Check "Put the women and children to bed. Don't bring your family to Times Square for game six." Connect with us: Enjoyed the breakdown? Don't miss a single second of our post-Finals reaction. Follow Running It Back on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Smash that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and let us know who you have taking the Larry O'Brien trophy home!

    29 min
  2. The Nova Knicks' Historic Run to the 2026 NBA Finals

    4d ago

    The Nova Knicks' Historic Run to the 2026 NBA Finals

    It is almost June, and that can only mean one thing: the NBA Finals are here. On this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down to process the immaculate, unexpected vibes of a New York Knicks squad that has defied expectations to play for basketball's ultimate prize. Why is Knick Nation so uncharacteristically quiet right now? Because they know exactly how fragile a postseason run can be. The guys break down how this team evolved from the top-down, starter-heavy grind of the Tom Thibodeau era into a selfless, 10-deep "Voltron" unit under head coach Mike Brown]. With the Knicks boasting top offensive, defensive, and net ratings in the playoffs, the conversation shifts to their potential Western Conference opponents: will they face a resilient but banged-up OKC squad, or the "Godzilla" presence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs? But it wouldn't be Running It Back without a detour through sports culture, personal milestones, and a healthy dose of perspective. Before diving deep into the hardwood strategy, Tarlin opens up about getting beat in HORSE by his daughter following his hip surgery, launching an unofficial injury rehab support group, and executing a passionate corporate takedown of Starbucks' existential mobile-ordering crisis. Whether you are a die-hard member of the blue-and-orange faithful or just love elite sports storytelling, this episode captures the exact blend of nostalgic history, advanced-stat breakdowns, and authentic banter you need. What’s Inside the Episode The Starbucks Living Room Rant: Tarlin calls out why hanging drapes and plants can't fix a business model completely dominated by mobile-ordering robots. 1994 vs. 1999 vs. 2026: Mike looks back at the heartbreak of the Patrick Ewing era—complete with the infamous June 17, 1994 OJ Simpson chase interruption—and contrasts it with the collective, selfless basketball of the current "Nova Knicks". The Mitchell Robinson "Granny Shot" Campaign: How a broken pinky might force Mitch to go full WWE Cowboy Bob Orton with a heavy hand club, and why MSG is ready for a Rick Barry-style free-throw revival. The Mike Brown Masterclass: A look at how Brown's player-coach mentality empowered Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the starters fresh for the fourth quarter. Generational Finals History: Celebrating Jalen and Rick Brunson as they become the sixth father-son duo to reach the NBA Finals. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to June: The Knicks are Finals bound. 01:00 - Tarlin’s quick hitters: Memorial Day HORSE matches and driving tests. 02:00 - Creating an injury support community and calling out Starbucks' identity crisis. 04:00 - Assessing Knick Nation’s quiet confidence and the scars of past postseasons. 05:00 - Mitchell Robinson’s broken pinky, WWE clubs, and the legendary "granny shot". 06:00 - Scouting the West: Banged-up OKC vs. Victor Wembanyama's Spurs. 07:00 - Nostalgia lane: The heartbreak of '94, the OJ chase, and the '99 miracle run. 09:00 - Deep dive into the numbers: #1 ratings and a 10-deep rotation. 14:00 - Top-down vs. Player-empowered leadership: From Thibs to Mike Brown. 16:00 - The "Nova Knicks" chemistry, KAT’s defense, and 2014 Spurs-style ball movement. 22:00 - All-NBA slights, media potshots, and the "team of destiny" narrative. 27:00 - Rick and Jalen Brunson join rare father-son Finals history. 29:00 - Bandwagons, 30th college reunions, and non-alcoholic beer survival tips.

    31 min
  3. BAM's 83 | Running It Back to Kobe, Wilt, and The Ethics of Going for the Record

    Mar 17

    BAM's 83 | Running It Back to Kobe, Wilt, and The Ethics of Going for the Record

    Bam Adebayo: 83 Points, No Apologies Did that actually just happen? In an era of load management, Bam Adebayo just sent a shockwave through the league by dropping 83 points on the Washington Wizards. Join Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray for an emergency session of Running It Back as they break down one of the most surreal scoring outbursts in NBA history. We examine whether this was a pure display of physical dominance or a manufactured "barnstorming" moment against a G-League-heavy roster. In this episode, we dive into the "A'ja Wilson Effect" and whether Bam went supernova specifically to show off for the WNBA GOAT in the stands. We also analyze the "purity" of the scoring output by comparing it to Kobe’s 81-point game and Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100 in a chocolate-scented gym. We discuss the reality of the Wizards' tanking efforts and how a lack of starters allowed Bam to rack up a record-breaking 43 free throw attempts. Finally, we look at what this says about Heat Culture, as Coach Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the roster rallied to help Bam plant his flag on the mountain. Whether you think it was a masterpiece or rec league stat-padding, you can't deny the greatness. Bam didn't apologize for the free throws, and we aren't apologizing for this pod. Read: Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game: The Associated Press Original Report (1962) Timestamps: 00:00 Emergency Pod Setup 01:10 Bam Showing Off 02:12 New Hip Update 02:55 How They Heard 03:58 Wizards Context 05:05 Breaking Down 83 06:40 Wilt Comparisons 08:19 What Makes 80 Plus 10:38 Kobe Purity Debate 12:26 Hershey Legend Talk 13:34 Box Score Deep Dive 14:32 Comparing 100 81 83 15:37 Kobe Comeback Context 15:58 Smush Parker Detour 16:18 Stat Lines Breakdown 17:56 Free Throw Backlash 19:17 Chasing Records Debate 20:08 Celebrate Bam Night 21:29 Playoffs Versus Regular 22:28 Sports Cliches Segment 23:22 Leadership Team Lessons 24:54 NBA News Cycle Wins 28:14 Final Thoughts Signoff Like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this one!

    29 min
  4. SUPER BOWL XL PREVIEW | NFL COACHING CAROUSEL | THAT'S MY QB | WE'RE JUST HERE SO WE DON'T GET FINED

    Feb 3

    SUPER BOWL XL PREVIEW | NFL COACHING CAROUSEL | THAT'S MY QB | WE'RE JUST HERE SO WE DON'T GET FINED

    Running It Back Super Bowl XL Preview! It’s Media Week 2026, and while the league builds the stage for Super Bowl XL, a coaching "Red Wedding" has left the NFL landscape looking like a chaotic game of musical chairs. In this episode, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray break down the fallout of the massive coaching turnover and a Super Bowl matchup defined by redemption stories and "Harvard-style" job interviews. The guys dive deep into the hiring trends of the year—from the rise of the quarterback-influenced front office to the confusing lockout of the winningest coach in history from the Hall of Fame . We're also paying homage to the 11th anniversary of the 2015 Marshawn Lynch era, reminding everyone that sometimes—"We’re just here so we don’t get fined" . Key Takeaways: 🏈 The Quarterback Bequeathment: In an act of "tremendous generosity," Mike hands Drake May over to Tarlin while betting his own reputation on a Sam Darnold redemption tour . 🤡 The HoF "Clown Show": Why Bill Belichick's first-ballot denial is being labeled a total farce and what it means for the future of coaching legacies . 🩸 The Coaching Red Wedding: From Eric Bieniemy’s demanding accountability to the "Harvard interview" essays in Cleveland, we track the bloodbath across the league . 🧬 Bloodlines & Systems: A look at the Kubiak family tree—Clint, Clay, and Klein—and how coaching dynasties are tightening their grip on the NFL . 📉 A Low Watermark: A candid look at the current state of minority head coaching hires in 2026 and why the numbers are hitting a historical low . Timestamps: 00:00 Tactical shovels and the "sharper, more substantive" way to dig out of a Brooklyn snowstorm 02:35 Tarlin’s "Titanium Hip" update: The bizarre experience of meeting a surgeon for 20 minutes and then being "released to the wild" 03:55 Media week and the all-time press conference GOATs: From "Practice" to "I'm just here so I don't get fined" 06:55 Bequeathing Drake May: Why Mike is holding onto the "distressed asset" of Sam Darnold for the Super Bowl 15:55 Bill Belichick and the Hall of Fame snub: Is the voting process a "clown show"? 18:45 The Red Wedding: Analyzing the Eric Bieniemy dilemma and the "accountability" he brings back to Kansas City 31:30 Mike McCarthy goes home: The "Yinzer" homecoming in Pittsburgh and the end of the Mike Tomlin era 37:45 The Rooney Rule final tally: Exploring the "low watermark" and the movement of coaches like Robert Saleh 39:15 Super Bowl predictions: Can Sam Darnold actually matriculate himself to the Vince Lombardi trophy? If your GM forced you to write a "Harvard-style" essay just to keep your job, would you cite your sources or just walk out like a coach heading to Cancun? Join the Conversation: 🚀 Follow the show on your favorite podcast app to catch every breakdown of this 2026 coaching cycle. ⭐ Leave a Review: Does Bill Belichick deserve to wait for the Hall of Fame, or is "Spygate" old news? Tap that follow button like a tactical shovel through Brooklyn ice—Subscribe to Running It Back so you never miss a conversation like this one.

    41 min
  5. THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK - NFL DIV ROUND DEBRIEF + COLLEGE NATTY EDITION

    Jan 19

    THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK - NFL DIV ROUND DEBRIEF + COLLEGE NATTY EDITION

    Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray are back after a crazy weekend of NFL football to do some after action review on the games from the Divisional Round, breaking down each of their QB's performance and prospects heaiding into the conference championships. Is Caleb WIlliams the new King in the North? Can Tarlin recover from CJ Stroud's dismal performance and Bo Nix's broken ankle? How is Mike's "pick some hosses" strategy holding up with Sam Darnold and Drake Maye advancing? And what's Tarlin's takes on Jarrett Stidham and Matt Stafford as we gear up for the next round? Tune in to find out! Then we divvy up the two Championship Game QB's for our first ever THATS MY QUARTERBACK - COLLEGE NATTY EDITION. Who's taking the bad boy, Carson Beck, and who's got Mendoza? There's consensus on who's going to roll here and it's not the Tide. But there's some surprises as both hosts aren't too enthused by Fernando Mendoza. SMASH THOSE LIKE AND FOLLOW BUTTONS! AND TURN NOTIFICATIONS ON. DON"T MISS THE LATEST TAKES ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM SPORTS ON RUNNING IT BACK. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:32 Divisional Round Quick Takes00:50 College National Championship Preview01:23 Quarterback Performances and Analysis01:58 Fantasy Football Insights02:43 NFL Playoffs and Quarterback Picks04:03 Josh Allen and Caleb Williams Comparison06:22 Team and Player Evaluations10:18 Houston Texans and Playoff Scenarios12:48 Remaining Playoff Teams Discussion13:04 Jarrett Stidham's Journey13:56 Sean Payton's Big Moves14:56 Backup Quarterbacks in the Spotlight16:17 Rams vs. Seahawks Analysis20:23 Indiana vs. Miami Showdown25:20 Coaching Carousel and NFL Updates

    27 min

  6. Jan 17

    THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK!!! - NFL PLAYOFFS Divisional Round | Plus Coaching Carousel Part 1

    Welcome Back to the Gridiron: Hips, Heists, and the King in the North Tarlin Ray is officially back on the other side of major surgery. Seven days after a total hip replacement, he moved from a walker to a cane, and now he is trading the PT exercises for the hottest NFL takes of the 2026 postseason. In this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray dive deep into the divisional round, debating the "That's My Quarterback" draft and dissecting the chaotic coaching carousel currently spinning out of control. From the "no a*****e policy" in front offices to whether Sam Darnold is a reclamation project or a playoff ghost, the guys look past the box scores to find the real stories. They discuss why Tennessee might be the most attractive job in the league and whether Caleb Williams is the future of Chicago or a fantasy football headache. Plus, Tarlin shares the humbling reality of relying on caregivers and why it took him ten days to finally get in the shower. Get ready for sharp analysis, a little modern medicine appreciation, and a lot of intellectual honesty. That's My Quarterback! NFL Divisional Playoffs Mike and Tarlin kick things off with the "Ethics Bowl" QB Draft where Tarlin bets on the cajones of CJ Stroud while Mike counters with the "twinkle toes" and scampering ability of Drake May. They move to the "King in the North" matchup, debating if Josh Allen is still America’s man-crush or if Bo Nix is ready to fly high at Mile High. The conversation shifts to the Rams and Bears as they weigh the veteran poise of Matthew Stafford against the rising Gen Z energy of Caleb Williams. Finally, they wrap up the games by looking at Sam Darnold’s history of "seeing ghosts" versus the underdog story of Brock Purdy, the 262nd pick in the draft. Coaching Carousel The second half of the show tackles the coaching carousel, starting with the massive $20 million culture-building hire of John Harbaugh by the New York Giants. They explore the end of the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh and whether the Rooney family might make a bold statement by hiring Brian Flores. They also analyze the curious case of Mike McDaniel, who looks less like a biology teacher and more like a character from Breaking Bad these days. The episode concludes with professional lessons on when to take the CEO jump and when to stay in "grooming" mode, using the career moves of Ben Johnson and Dante Moore as a guide. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Tarlin is back and reporting live after major surgery 03:55 – Is the hip replacement the new GLP-1 06:50 – Tarlin joins Instagram and struggles with the buttons 08:50 – Divisional Round: Texans vs Patriots (Stroud vs May) 14:15 – The King in the North: Josh Allen vs Bo Nix 17:35 – Rams vs Bears: Stafford’s veteran status vs the future of Caleb Williams 20:45 – Vikings/Seahawks/49ers: Sam Darnold vs Brock Purdy 26:50 – The Coaching Carousel: Harbaugh to the Giants and the Tomlin legacy 33:45 – The Rooney Rule, Brian Flores, and the No A*****e Policy 36:35 – Evaluating Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator strategies 39:15 – Career Advice: When to take the promotion vs when to wait for grooming Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    41 min
  7. THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK!!! | 2026 NFL QB Situations and Playoff Predictions

    Jan 10

    THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK!!! | 2026 NFL QB Situations and Playoff Predictions

    Welcome to a high-octane episode of Running it Back, where the lessons of sports leadership meet the chaos of the 2026 NFL postseason. Host Mike Palmer is joined by Tarlin Ray and Isaac Tellechea to break down the systems, the carousels, and the "crocodile tears" defining this year’s quarterback drama. QUICK CHECK-IN Tarlin gives a brief update on his upcoming hip replacement surgery. He is navigating a five-day prep window—which includes boarding his dog, Chia, to keep the recovery environment germ-free. QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSIES AND LESSONS LEARNED The episode's namesake harkens back to Terrell Owens’ infamous defense of Tony Romo. The crew uses this lens to examine today’s leadership dynamics: THE SUNK COST OF TUA: The Dolphins’ season is a "train wreck," leaving Tua Tagovailoa as an emergency third-stringer despite his massive contract. THE SYSTEM VS. THE TALENT: The crew debates if organizations fail quarterbacks more than the other way around. BRYCE YOUNG AND DREW BREES: Tarlin draws a parallel between Bryce Young and a young Drew Brees, arguing that elite "closers" need the right offensive coordinator to unlock their potential. THE CALEB WILLIAMS BLUEPRINT: In Chicago, Ben Johnson is credited with "speeding up" Caleb Williams by forcing faster decision-making. DURABILITY IS THE TOP ABILITY: Mike emphasizes that while talent is great, durability is the ultimate asset, comparing the "horse" that is Josh Allen to the injury concerns surrounding Jaxon Dart and Tua. 2026 PLAYOFF AND SUPER BOWL PREDICTIONS With heavyweights like Mahomes and Burrow out of the mix, the path to the Lombardi is wide open. Who do we got? Listen in to find out... "Josh Allen is like Jon Snow pulling the sword out for the big battle *Battle of the Bastards),. If you extend that analogy, then, clearly Matthew Stafford is clearly the Night King." — Mike Palmer. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro and Tarlin’s medical update. 00:08:00 - The "That’s My Quarterback" origin story. 00:15:00 - The Tua Tagovailoa tragedy in Miami and "Kafkaesque" Giants. 00:27:00 - John Elway, Drew Brees, and the importance of QB development time. 00:33:00 - The "Ben Johnson Effect" in Chicago. 00:39:00 - Super Bowl picks and Josh Allen’s legacy.

    41 min
  8. Lessons from CP3's Unceremonious Exit from the Clippers

    12/29/2025

    Lessons from CP3's Unceremonious Exit from the Clippers

    The latest episode of Running It Back dives into the "unceremonious" exit of Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, a move Mike Palmer views as a masterstroke in locker room management. Mike and Tarlin Ray are joined for the first time by Isaac Tellechea, the newest addition to the Running It Back team who will be helping behind the scenes and joining the occasional taping. Isaac jumps right into the fire, offering a Miami Heat fan’s perspective on what real veteran leadership looks like versus the "Too Alpha" style that might be holding CP3 back in his twilight years. The trio debates whether Chris Paul’s legendary high expectations have crossed the line into toxicity. Tarlin, the resident "Chris Paul Apologist," argues that a 6-foot point guard who controls the game with a legendary IQ deserves a sunset tour. Mike, however, isn't buying the "Point God" narrative without a championship ring to back it up, suggesting that CP3’s rigid style makes him less of a leader and more of a "ball-dominant" force that can eventually alienate a roster. The conversation covers the aging Clippers roster and the friction caused when Paul reportedly tried to switch defensive assignments for Kawhi Leonard, which legendary coach Jeff Van Gundy noted was outside Paul's latitude. Isaac compares Paul’s current stage to Udonis Haslem, questioning why CP3 hasn't transitioned into a "Yoda-like" player-coach role that elevates teammates without the alpha friction. The guys also engage in a lightning round ranking Paul against the likes of Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd, and John Stockton, while wondering if there’s a graceful ending left for him—perhaps babysitting Bronny on the Lakers. Episode Time Stamps [00:00:00] Welcome to Running it Back: Leadership and Point Gods. [00:01:00] Introducing Isaac Tellechea: The newest "eyeball witness" to the pod. [00:01:50] Fantasy Football updates and the status of Tarlin's dog, Chia. [00:02:40] The "unceremonious" Clippers exit: Chris Paul sent home. [00:05:00] Friction with Kawhi Leonard and Jeff Van Gundy's reaction. [00:07:50] The Alpha Debate: Does leadership require a "chip" for validation? [00:12:30] Comparing leadership: Steve Jobs and driving results through "toxic" environments. [00:15:30] "Too Alpha": Comparing CP3 to Jordan, Kobe, and Jalen Brunson. [00:18:40] The Udonis Haslem (UD) comparison: Learning to downshift leadership. [00:20:50] CP3’s Phoenix impact vs. his current statistical "downshift". [00:25:20] The Russ (Westbrook) vs. CP3 comparison: Wild energy vs. calculated dominance. [00:26:40] Lightning Round: Ranking the greatest PG leaders in NBA history. [00:30:50] Future Forecast: Would you hire Chris Paul as a head coach? [00:32:30] Final thoughts on CP3's legacy and wrapping up Isaac's debut.

    34 min
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5
out of 5
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About

What can we learn from legendary sports players and performances? In each episode of Running It Back, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer bring us back to moments from the past to find the stories that resonate with the events of today. If you forget history, you may be destined to repeat it. So be sure to run it back with us before you play it forward in these tumultuous times.

Information

  • Creator
    Palmer Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Palmer Media 2025. All Rights Reserved.