OGs Talkin' Ball

Mary Lou and Phyllis
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Basketball

A one-of-a-kind podcast hosted by Portland basketball enthusiasts and self-proclaimed OGs, that’s Old Grandmas to you, Mary Lou and Phyllis. Original Gangstas of the game, these two know hoops!   Each episode, these friends package up all things basketball, kind of like chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, before serving up their unique spin on players, coaches, games, fans, trends, books, movies and more.  While their focus is on the NBA (their hometown Blazers often get some extra love), they won't hesitate to dive into college or WNBA topics when the moment calls for it. Join Mary Lou and Phyllis for a lively, no-nonsense and surprisingly insightful take on the game they've loved for decades. After all, OGs know ball!

  1. Jul 8

    Episode 30: ALL STARS AND STAR TRADES

    In this 2 segment episode, the OGs discuss the WNBA All-Star voting and upcoming game where these stars are showcased. Then they shift gears and chat about NBA happenings.  Of course, Mary Lou and Phyllis are also enjoying the summer and ❤️ talking hoops!  WNBA     The WNBA's 2026 All-Star starters are set, featuring a dynamic mix of established superstars and rising stars earning well-deserved recognition. The OGs will break down what this year's All-Star roster says about the league's evolution while also sharing their thoughts on the latest headlines, standout performances, and the biggest storylines shaping the season. NBA     Mary Lou and Phyllis have plenty to say about the NBA Draft, Summer League, and the latest trade drama. From blockbuster moves to unexpected twists, this NBA offseason is playing out like a telenovela and you know the OGs are there for every page turn! 🏀🏀Summer is in full swing and the OGs are taking some time off. Until the Fall, our Podcast schedule will be once a month. Weekly drops will resume in October. 🏀🏀 Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  2. Jun 24

    Episode 29: Overtime Thoughts

    Becky Hammon - From Player to Coach    The OGs discuss Las Vegas WNBA head coach Becky Hammon’s career, her path to success, and the legacy she continues to build. Hammon made history in 2020 as the first woman to serve as a head coach in an NBA regular-season game after Gregg Popovich was ejected. Tune in to hear the story of one of basketball’s most influential coaches. Running Point   Mary Lou and Phyllis watched the first two seasons of Running Point on Netflix. Not sure what they'll have to say? Tune in to hear their thoughts on this popular series and whether it's worth adding to your watchlist. Summer League 101: What Every NBA Fan Should Know    Breaking down how the NBA Summer League developed, who participates, and why basketball fans pay close attention to these games. From rookies and draft picks to players fighting for roster spots, learn how the Summer League helps shape the future of the NBA. Summertime is in full swing.  The OGs are taking some time off and our Podcast schedule reflects the season.  Weekly drops will be back in the Fall and until then, once or twice a month will be it.  Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  3. Jun 10

    Episode 28 Two Leagues, One Game

    The NBA: Playoffs and New Draft Rules                                                    The impact of the NBA Finals, team legacies, and player narratives are a hot topic for Mary Lou and Phyllis. A break down of the NBA's new draft rules, exploring how the changes could affect player development, roster construction, and opportunities for the next generation of talent are also discussed.  The season may be ending, but there’s always so much to say! The W: A League Transforming Professional Sports                                            The OGs dive into the latest happenings around the WNBA, breaking down the league's hottest teams, standout players, and most impactful contributors. They explore the storylines shaping the season and what they mean for the league moving forward. 🏀🏀🏀Vacation time is here so the OGs are easing-off their recording schedule - about every two weeks until August and September when we'll just record once a month.  It must be summer!  🏀🏀🏀 Thanks for listening and we’ll keep you posted. Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  4. May 27

    Episode 27 BASKETBALL BUZZ

    WNBA Energy    Mary Lou and Phyllis talk about the 30th WNBA season that is bringing high energy, breakout performances, and major attention across the league. Veteran stars are holding it down while a new wave of talent is helping make this season one of the most exciting and competitive yet. The Next Generation is Here!    The OGs are hyped about the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where a new generation of stars is taking over. Is there a single dominant force?  The Knicks and Thunder would like you to think so, but the Spurs are in it to win it and the Cavs are in the mix of a wide-open postseason race. Also, curiosity killed the cat, but not the OGs — they couldn’t resist digging into how these teams got their names. 🏀🏀🏀With Spring in the air and the summer months coming, the OGs are easing-off weekly recording sessions to every other week until we take an official break later in the summer.🏀🏀🏀 Thanks for listening and we’ll keep you posted. Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  5. May 13

    EPISODE 26   FULL COURT PRESS   

    The OGs shake things up, moving away from their usual three-part format to focus on just two topics this time. First, they break down the closing chapter of the NBA season, reflecting on highlights of playoff storylines and standout performances. Then a pivot to the start of the WNBA season, previewing key teams, fresh faces, and early expectations.  It’s a full-court look at one league wrapping up as another tips off.  SURVIVE AND ADVANCE     Mary Lou and Phyllis break down the transition into the NBA Playoffs highlighting which teams carried momentum forward and which stumbled under pressure. They then shift to the second round, analyzing key matchups, emerging stars, and how injuries and adjustments could shape the path to the conference finals.                                                                                      WNBA TIP-OFF TALK     The OGs discuss the start of the WNBA 30th season, highlighting the league’s growth, rising talent, and increased visibility. They cover early-season highs like strong performances and team identity, along with lows such as injuries and roster challenges. The episode also dives into team projections and a few early surprises—all with a mix of insight and excitement about the season ahead. 🏀🏀🏀With Spring in the air and the summer months coming, the OGs will ease-off weekly recording - about every other week. Later in the summer, a couple of official breaks will happen. 🏀🏀🏀    Thanks for listening and we'll keep you posted!               Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  6. Apr 29

    EPISODE 25: The WNBA, All Those NBA Awards, and the NBA Post-season

    The WNBA is Getting Ready   This week, final team rosters are being decided in the Women's National Basketball Association (the W). This conversation is devoted to training camps, practices, and contract signings as teams figure out who’s ready to contribute.  The Road to NBA Honors    Mary Lou and Phyllis take a quick look at NBA award selection highlights so far that include the season’s top performers in various categories - honoring players both on and off the court.   From Play-ins to Play-offs   The OGs summarize the very intense NBA Play-In Tournament, then shift to the current, equally intense, NBA Playoffs as the battle for the championship continues.            🏀🏀🏀With Spring in the air and the summer months coming, the OGs will ease-off recording weekly - more like every other week - until we take an official break later in the summer.🏀🏀🏀                                                                         Thanks for listening and we’ll keep you posted.   Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  7. Apr 15

    Episode 24: Is the Season Over or Are We Just Getting Started?

    Draft Combines for the NBA and WNBA  Mary Lou and Phyllis share the deets about Draft Combines where top prospects showcase their athleticism, skills, and measurements in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from across the leagues.   What’s Next for the W?  The upcoming WNBA season marks the league’s 30th year and its largest expansion yet with new teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. The OGs are intrigued and will discuss the Expansion Draft, Draft and upcoming schedule with 44 games starting in May. NBA News and Updates  It seems there’s never a dull moment in the NBA. In this segment, the OGs will zero-in on the Play-ins, Playoffs, and NBA Finals, after which the offseason brings roster reshaping through trades, the NBA Draft, and player development in the NBA Summer League. With Spring in the air and the summer months coming, the OGs will ease-off weekly recording - maybe every other week. There will be an official break later in the summer. Thanks for listening and we’ll keep you posted. Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

  8. Apr 8

    Episode 23: The Legacy of the WNBA and After March Madness

    Episode 23 The Legacy of the WNBA and After March Madness  Part 1 - The OGs dig deep into the  history of the WNBA(W); Part 2 - A discussion about the W’s draft and recent bargaining success; Part 3 - The conversation then moves to what happens to players after the Division I Tournaments.  The W from the Beginning  Mary Lou and Phyllis trace the WNBA’s evolution from its 1997 debut through decades of growth, advocacy, and rising visibility, as players steadily pushed for better pay, working conditions, and respect. This journey culminates in the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), widely seen as a landmark moment that reflects both the league’s progress and its ongoing fight for equity.                     Draft 101: The WNBA  A look at how the WNBA builds teams through the expansion draft that helps new teams form, the current draft process that brings in new talent, and, of course, free agency that allows veteran players choose where to play. All avenues are very interesting and not exactly the same as the NBA.   After the Madness: What’s Next for College Players?   The OGs break down what might be ahead for the top players from the men’s and women’s Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Next steps vary widely depending on a player’s goals and eligibility. Some will declare for the NBA or WNBA, while others may enter the transfer portal or return to their college teams to develop further. So many choices!  Follow us on Instagram #OGs Talkin' Ball

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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A one-of-a-kind podcast hosted by Portland basketball enthusiasts and self-proclaimed OGs, that’s Old Grandmas to you, Mary Lou and Phyllis. Original Gangstas of the game, these two know hoops!   Each episode, these friends package up all things basketball, kind of like chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, before serving up their unique spin on players, coaches, games, fans, trends, books, movies and more.  While their focus is on the NBA (their hometown Blazers often get some extra love), they won't hesitate to dive into college or WNBA topics when the moment calls for it. Join Mary Lou and Phyllis for a lively, no-nonsense and surprisingly insightful take on the game they've loved for decades. After all, OGs know ball!

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Lou and Phyllis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 OGs Talkin' Ball
  • Show Website
    OGs Talkin' Ball