The Beat LA Podcast

Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl
  • 5.0 (40)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

It’s only three syllables and two words, but there is one clear message behind it: BEAT LA. Join hosts Matt and Paul, two diehard San Francisco natives working in Hollywood, as they discuss all things 49ers, Giants and Warriors with a dash of movies, TV and pop culture. It’s a chant that belongs to the world and its singular purpose bands us together… “Beat LA!”

  1. 2d ago

    Music & Mayhem: A Life In Rock Radio with Legendary DJ Tim Virgin

    Matt and Paul are back and this week the sports world is serving up chaos on every front. The guys dive into the San Francisco Giants and ask the question every fan is wrestling with: are they actually worth watching right now? Matt argues that they're still one of the most entertaining soap operas in sports, while Paul breaks down why Buster Posey has managed to break his heart. They discuss Bryce Eldridge, Jung Hoo Lee, whether the Giants should sell at the trade deadline. From there, they hit the NBA Finals, debate whether a Knicks championship would be the last truly great drought-breaking title in sports, discuss the growing LeBron James to the Warriors rumors, the NBA Draft, and preview the World Cup, debating if the USMNT has a realistic shot of making a run. (30:52) Then Matt and Paul sit down with guest, rock radio legend Tim Virgin, longtime host on 97.1 The Drive in Chicago and KSHE 95 in St. Louis. Tim takes the guys on a hilarious journey through more than three decades in radio, from his early days in Toledo to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rock radio. Along the way, he shares stories about the wild Los Angeles music scene of the 1990s, partying at the Viper Room, getting a demo tape handed to him by a young Adam Levine before Maroon 5 existed, working as a music executive at Columbia Records, hanging out with David Bowie, and kicking it with Dennis Rodman during the Bulls dynasty years. He also talks about interviewing everyone from U2 to Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, and Dave Grohl, just to name a few. The conversation explores how radio has changed, the best interviews of Tim's career and which rock star smelled the best. It's a fun, behind-the-scenes look at a life spent around rock stars, athletes and some truly unbelievable stories from the golden age of radio. (1:23:55) Later, Matt and Paul get into Pet Peeves, including people walking too slowly in crosswalks, taking their shoes off in public, TNT's coverage of the French Open, and Matt's campaign to normalize calling people on the phone. In Best Things They Saw, the guys review Audacity, Dark Wizard, Legends, Cape Fear, and the Martin Short documentary, while Paul shares his favorite airplane movie recommendations and a review of The Lost Boys musical. It's a packed episode full of sports, music, nostalgia, celebrity stories, and the kind of random tangents that somehow make perfect sense on Beat LA. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 38m

  2. May 13

    Bay Area Sports Roundtable: Giants, Warriors, 49ers & The New Media Game with Dylan Is A Dragon

    Matt and Paul are back with another chaotic Bay Area therapy session, this time joined by one of the fastest-rising Bay Area sports creators on the internet, Dylan Is A Dragon. Before getting to Dylan, the guys catch up on Matt’s bizarre email invite to try out for a professional Greek basketball team, Paul attending what felt like a real-life Succession wedding in Boston, the death of Spirit Airlines, Timothée Chalamet choosing the Knicks over the Met Gala, and a few other signs society may be collapsing in real time. (9:38) Then Matt and Paul sit down with Dylan Is A Dragon for a full Bay Area sports summit. The guys talk about how Dylan built one of the biggest Bay Area sports communities online from scratch through cinematic Giants, Warriors, and 49ers content, what it takes to grow a sports media brand in the algorithm era, and the weird reality of becoming internet-famous talking about teams that actively destroy your emotional health. From there, they dive headfirst into the Giants. Is this team cooked? Is Bryce Eldridge the savior? Should the Giants tear it down and rebuild? Dylan defends Rafael Devers, pitches the path to a Wild Card run, and explains why he still somehow has hope. (41:36) The conversation then shifts to the Warriors and 49ers. Is there one last Steph Curry title run left? Should the Warriors go full Expendables mode and reunite the old core? Could Giannis, LeBron, or even Kawhi somehow end up in Golden State? The guys also break down the 49ers draft, Brock Purdy expectations, Joey Bosa possibilities, why Rams fans are soft for complaining about Australia games, and Mount Rushmores of Bay Area sports heartbreak and glory. It’s a hilarious, passionate, and very online Bay Area sports conversation with one of the new voices of Bay Area fandom. (1:05:51)) Later, Matt and Paul close things out with pet peeves and pet pleasures, including why the NFL Draft belongs at Radio City Music Hall, Andre Agassi unexpectedly promoting the podcast, and Best Things They Saw featuring Beef Season 2 and Your Friends & Neighbors. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 21m

  3. May 4

    Justin Gimelstob Unfiltered: Talking Tennis, Second Acts and the Agassi Story

    Matt and Paul are back with another great interview, this time with former ATP Pro and one of the most connected insiders in tennis today, Justin Gimelstob. From winning mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open with Venus Williams, to playing Davis Cup and now working across the business and storytelling side of the sport alongside Andre Agassi, Justin has seen tennis from every angle.  The guys kick things off with their signature “big serve” question, if your life depended on one ace, who’s hitting it? Justin breaks down the difference between “serve bots” and true clutch servers, why John Isner gets the nod, and what really separates power from precision under pressure. They also touch on his playing days, what it was like competing in front of Johnny Carson and why some players thrive in the chaos of Davis Cup while others never quite find that gear. From there, the conversation shifts into Justin’s long-standing relationship with Andre Agassi, from being a teenage practice partner, to facing him on tour, to now working together on the business and creative side of the sport. Justin shares how that friendship evolved, what they connected on post-career, and why Agassi’s story, told in his bestselling memoir Open, remains one of the most compelling and cinematic in all of sports. The guys dive into the ongoing efforts to adapt Open into a film, the upcoming Andre Agassi documentary on Apple TV and Rally, a scripted tennis drama in development at Amazon. They explore the themes at the core of Agassi’s story, identity vs image, control, reinvention, and why that journey feels more relevant now than ever in the social media era. The conversation also takes a broader look at why tennis still hasn’t produced its definitive movie. What films like Challengers, King Richard get right, where they fall short and what it would take to finally crack the code. Justin offers his take on the current state of the game, including who could break through to win a Grand Slam outside of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. It’s a candid, thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with one of the sport’s most insightful voices, covering tennis, storytelling, business and everything in between. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 34m

  4. Apr 23

    Warriors Fallout, Giants Heating Up, 49ers Draft Reload and a Broadway Detour?

    Matt and Paul are back, checking in after time on opposite coasts. Matt returns from New York, Paul from San Francisco, both coming off directing work they mostly can’t talk about. The guys open with a left turn you didn’t see coming, diving into Broadway with Matt’s review of Dog Day Afternoon starring John Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, plus a quick hit on Death of a Salesman. Not exactly the usual Beat LA beat, but a damn good time. (10:17) Then it’s back to what we do best. The Warriors rollercoaster. From the unbelievable play-in win over the Los Angeles Clippers, a moment that already feels like one of 2026’s best to the reality of the season ending and what comes next. Is Steve Kerr still the guy? Who replaces him if not? What’s the plan around Steph Curry, Draymond Green and a roster full of questions? Big swings like Giannis Antetokounmpo or go after veteran plays like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Also, is the NBA Lottery fixed? Matt and Paul hope so. (18:20) The guys shift to the San Francisco Giants, where something… might be happening. Energy is up, the team isn’t boring, and there are legit questions. Is this real or fool’s gold? Names like Drew Gilbert, Heliot Ramos and Bryce Eldridge come up as the future starts to peek through. Plus, Matt declares his appreciation for the chaos of umpire C.B. Bucknor. (32:30) Then it’s draft time for the San Francisco 49ers. With the NFL Draft this week Matt and Paul break down needs, options, trade scenarios and what the front office might actually do. Omar Cooper, Cassius Howell or move back and stack picks? The guys also build out a Mount Rushmore of all-time draft busts, featuring names like JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf. (39:20) Then Pet Peeves and and Best Things They Saw, where they hit Love Story, wrapping up the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette series, the Martin Scorsese doc on Apple TV, and whatever chaos is happening with Zendaya in her new film The Drama and Euphoria Season 3. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. ✌️🎧 📺 🎙️ Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    47 min

  5. Mar 27

    The Voice of Champions: Legendary Broadcaster Ted Robinson on the 49ers, Giants and Wimbledon

    Fresh off a trip to Tennis Paradise, Matt and Paul return from the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs. Matt was busy scouting talent, keeping a close eye on Emma Raducanu and Anastasia Potapova, while Paul focused on the real talent, catching Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper and Frances Tiafoe. The guys check in, trade stories from the desert and pay a quick tribute to Chuck Norris before getting into it. (8:28) Then Matt and Paul sit down with broadcasting legend Ted Robinson for a wide-ranging conversation across one of the most versatile careers in sports media. From the voice of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and Warriors to calling Wimbledon, the Olympics and the NCAA Tournament, Ted has truly done it all. The guys start with his iconic call of “The Catch III”, Alex Smith to Vernon Davis in the 2012 49ers vs. Saints playoff classic. What it was like inside Candlestick Park that day, plus behind-the-scenes stories from Jim Harbaugh’s team. Ted walks us through his journey from Notre Dame to calling minor league hockey in Oklahoma, to landing his first big break with the Oakland A’s after cold-calling owner Charlie Finley. He shares his “welcome to the big leagues” moment, including a wild story involving Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio. From there, he takes us through stops with the Warriors in the early ’80s, the Mets, the Twins, along with his time calling Giants baseball in the ’90s, offering stories on personalities like Rod Beck, Willie McGee, Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent and what he learned from managers like Dusty Baker, Tom Kelly and Tony La Russa. The conversation also dives into his long-running partnership with John McEnroe at Wimbledon, what it’s like sharing the booth with one of tennis’s most iconic figures, and who might emerge as the next contender to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Ted also shares the story behind his unexpected cameo in the Rob Reiner film A Few Good Men with Tom Cruise, making for one of the more surreal moments of his career. It’s a masterclass in broadcasting, storytelling and the moments behind the calls. (1:09:19) Later, Matt and Paul close things out with a mix of pet peeves and pet pleasures, including a heated debate on if Chipotle and In-and-Out are overrated, a Mount Rushmore of the greatest sports calls of all time from Vin Scully’s Buckner call to Al Michaels’ 1980 Olympics call. In Best Things They Saw, they review Project Hail Mary and Down DTF St. Louis. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 25m

  6. Mar 10

    The Man Linking Hollywood, Tennis and San Francisco: Film Producer Todd Traina

    Fresh off a trip to Deer Valley, Utah, Paul joins Matt to check in on Giants spring training, the NFL Combine and what the 49ers might do in free agency. The guys also break down the Warriors post–Jonathan Kuminga trade vibes and try to make sense of Kristaps Porzingis latest health saga. (15:48) Then Matt and Paul sit down with film producer, tennis aficionado and SFFILM board president Todd Traina for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of tennis and movies. They start with a high-stakes debate: if your life depended on one player in his prime, are you taking Nadal, Djokovic or someone else? That leads to a Mount Rushmore of tennis villains and why tennis has never produced a sports movie on the level of Rocky. The guys also get into Roger Federer’s Uniqlo deal, the criteria for getting into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and which players still deserve a spot. They preview the BNP Paribas Open and debate whether an American man will win a major or if the sport still belongs to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Todd also weighs in on what he’d change if he were tennis commissioner. (42:45) Todd discusses SFFILM and the San Francisco International Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in the Americas, whether festivals still matter in the streaming era, why this year’s lineup may be the strongest yet. Also the new San Francisco tax incentives he helped usher in with Mayor Daniel Lurie to bring production back to one of the most cinematic cities in the world.  (1:07:30) Later, in Best Things They Saw, the guys discuss the FX hit Love Story, the enduring fascination with JFK Jr., the new Sam Rockwell film Good Night, Good Luck, Don’t Die and Industry on HBO. They wrap things up by welcoming Beat LA’s new producer and editor Tanner Hall, who may already fit in with the show a little too well. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 20m

  7. Feb 16

    We’re Back! Olympic Madness, Warriors Delusions, 49ers & Giants Reality Checks and Dick Hammer

    Matt and Paul are back in the saddle, checking in on life, the Super Bowl hangover, and what the hell has happened since the last pod. Paul gives us a tutorial on Sam Daronld's grandfather, the legendary Dick Hammer. (5:59) Producer Nick Conrad, fresh off working another Super Bowl, gives his report from San Francisco, the halftime show, Bad Bunny and the best parties.  (11:55) The guys dive into an Olympics edition of Pet Peeves, including the wild “Penisgate” scandal involving ski jumpers, whether the Games have become too safe, and why there isn’t enough danger. Matt and Paul pitch brand-new Olympic sports like ice wrestling, ice fencing, Oklahoma drills in the snow, cash grab blizzards, and debate which events should be cut entirely.  Then it's Bay Area Sports. (20:33) They talk Warriors trade deadline sparks Giannis fantasies, Kristaps Porziņģis questions, Steve Kerr chaos, and what the hell the future actually looks like. (30:09) The guys wrap the 49ers season, talk closing windows, cap space, Kyle Shanahan discourse. (38:12) Baseball is back as spring training nears and the Giants offseason gets put under the microscope. Are they stuck in .500 purgatory or something worse?  Later, they run through the most recent TV and Film. (46:02) Including the Oscar Race, Hijack, Frankenstein, and more. The episode closes with a heartfelt goodbye to producer Nick Conrad, who’s moving on to greener pastures. Nick is an essential voice behind the scenes and helped build the Beat LA Podcast from the jump. We will miss you Nick! Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 1m

  8. 12/22/2025

    Best of 2025! 49ers Dreams, Warriors Panic & the Year’s Best Movies and TV with Nick Conrad

    In this year-end episode, Matt and Paul close out 2025 the only way they know how: big takes, Bay Area chaos, and a full-blown Best of the Year breakdown. The guys open with the San Francisco 49ers, asking the only question that matters: are we headed for the #1 seed or Wild Card City? They unpack Jauan Jennings weekly trash talk, whether this season is Kyle Shanahan’s best coaching job of his career, and if Brock Purdy has the juice to make a real playoff run. The fellas give predictions for the Colts matchup and map out the rest of the season and postseason. Then it’s panic time. What is going on with the Golden State Warriors? Is the season cooked? Is this the end of the Steve Kerr era? Can Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler save this thing, or is it time to blow it up? The guys run through trade targets and uncomfortable truths. Quick hits on the San Francisco Giants, the winter meetings, the trade market, and who Buster Posey might chase before spring training. (25:18) After that, it’s time for the main event. The annual Best of the Year with Beat LA producer and Sixth Man of the Year, Nick Conrad. The crew debates the best movies of 2025, including F1 and Paul’s undying love of Sinners. They jump to TV, breaking down favorites like Your Friends & Neighbors, MobLand, 1923, Adolescence, and The Pitt. They cap it with the best sports moments of the year, from Patrick Bailey’s walk-off against the Dodgers, to Buddy Hield going nuclear in the playoffs, to Paul witnessing tennis history at the French Open. In Pet Peeves of the Year, the guys unload on the Dodgers’ mentality and Netflix’s quest for global domination. Matt hands out the Beat LA Man of the Year to Daniel Lurie, and the episode wraps with quick reviews of Knives Out 3 and J. Kelly. It’s been a hell of a year. Thanks for listening, thanks for watching, and thanks to every guest who helped make 2025 our best year yet. Here’s to an even better 2026. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! Instagram: @beatlapodcast TikTok: @beat.la.podcast  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/

    1h 22m
See All (65)

5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

It’s only three syllables and two words, but there is one clear message behind it: BEAT LA. Join hosts Matt and Paul, two diehard San Francisco natives working in Hollywood, as they discuss all things 49ers, Giants and Warriors with a dash of movies, TV and pop culture. It’s a chant that belongs to the world and its singular purpose bands us together… “Beat LA!”

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Beat LA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Beat LA Podcast

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