Sports in the Waiting Room

Christopher Russo

Although Sports in the Waiting Room is definitely not the only sports talk podcast, host Chris Russo differentiates it by providing lenses of historical context and behind-the-scenes knowledge only a sportscaster can provide. The show uses heart, humor, and depth to break down the week’s events, as can only be discussed by a young broadcaster looking for a forum to more frequently share his thoughts as the world re-opens.

  1. Jun 10

    Episode 147 - Not Whole Chips & Flagrant Fouls

    Chris decides what a flagrant foul really is after watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and what the Knicks must control in order to secure the series. He also draws the surprising line attaching their now-over 13 game win streak to the Warriors’ one ahead of it. Chris goes into the Stanley Cup Finals with discussion regarding a second-hand connection to Brandon Bussi, why the Hurricanes gain the edge the deeper the series goes, and which Golden Knight is somehow a quiet x-factor. Insane headlines this week include: Brandon Aiyuk criticizing the 49ers for giving him $48 million, a judge 14 years into retirement resurrecting Brendan Sorsby’s career, and Patrick Mahomes getting a sweetheart deal of over $500 million.

    59 min

  2. Jun 3

    Episode 146 - Get to Work

    Chris returns after over 10 months to describe his journey from sadness to career triumph, including over 200 games called, over 25 Division I sporting events, and even the NCAA Division I Golf Regionals. He also breaks down the NBA Finals and discusses the slight advantage that may come specifically with Mitchell Robinson’s injury. This week, Chris goes over what makes the right goaltender to win the Stanley Cup in encapsulating the Knights-Canes series. Chris talks about Christopher Sanchez’s historic run and its coincidence with a certain job promotion. He’ll recap the Myles Garrett and AJ Brown trades, and the two people who needed them the most.

    58 min

  3. 07/16/2025

    Episode 145 - Moving On Up

    Chris bookends the episode by mentioning two major career changes for dear colleagues, and the opportunity to call Puck Cancer, a charity hockey game raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Also on the docket this episode: MLB All-Star Week, highlighted by a swing-off that may have taken an MVP award away from a more deserving candidate, as well as a stunning tribute to Hank Aaron and a dumpworthy Home Run Derby (in the best way possible).

    40 min

  4. 06/25/2025

    Episode 144 - Oklahoma is OK; Also a Reminder to Be a Decent Person

    Chris breaks down the end what is actually a 150+ year wait for Thunder fans (explanation forthcoming), the historical significance of SGA’s performance, and why Tyrese Haliburton’s game seven injury might not have impacted the series’ result. He also discusses the impact of the NBA’s improved parity and the remarkably coincidental timing of Kevin Durant’s move to Houston. Speaking of which, this week’s episode mentions the effects the Desmond Bane deal brought to the trade market, including a Celtic team whose championship window may be narrowing. Also on the docket, Chris holds a difficult conversation about fans’ attitudes toward athletes, most recently Ketel Marte. Finally, this week marks the announcement of a stacked Hockey Hall of Fame class including one long overdue inductee.

    57 min

  5. 05/07/2025

    Episode 143 - D-II Hailstorms & The Finals Before The Finals

    Chris recaps his weekend calling Pace University baseball and takes us through his second round NBA picks, including which series he thinks will feature the eventual champion regardless of victor. He also breaks down round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs while claiming only one team will use home ice to their advantage. Listen for this, thoughts on Gregg Popovich’s legacy, and more.

    56 min

  6. 04/30/2025

    Episode 142 - Draft Saturday & The Walt Disney Company’s Newest Employee

    Chris feels overjoyed after calling his first Iona softball game for ESPN+. He then expresses his excitement over the first week of the Stanley Cup & NBA Playoffs, including playing “I Told You So” regarding the Warriors’ and Timberwolves’ fortunes, and how the NHL TV partners will fare. Finally, Chris takes on an NFL Draft highlighted by the historic slide of Shedeur Sanders.

    59 min

  7. 04/17/2025

    Episode 141 - 115 Hockey Games, Antibiotics, & A Panic Attack

    Chris discusses the reasons for his extended absence, including three consecutive working Wednesdays, a month-long sickness, and his first (and hopefully last) panic attack. In the midst of all this came another year covering the Frozen Finals. Chris also discusses the extensive number of games he covered in hockey and otherwise as he moves toward the summer season. On the professional front, Chris makes picks for the established first round NBA & NHL series, highlights the MLB’s efforts to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, and recaps Tyron Smith & Logan Couture’s underrated careers.

    50 min

  8. 02/05/2025

    Episode 140 - 2 Fast 2 Furious & The NFL Isn’t Rigged

    Chris makes his triumphant return by echoing a thrilling announcement by the Eastern Hockey League. He also offers his Super Bowl (not getting sued for saying it) prediction and a surprising take on the Dončić-AD trade. So don’t be a Pat Hoberg and gamble everything away, listen to the episode.

    55 min
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About

Although Sports in the Waiting Room is definitely not the only sports talk podcast, host Chris Russo differentiates it by providing lenses of historical context and behind-the-scenes knowledge only a sportscaster can provide. The show uses heart, humor, and depth to break down the week’s events, as can only be discussed by a young broadcaster looking for a forum to more frequently share his thoughts as the world re-opens.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Russo
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christopher Russo
  • Show Website
    Sports in the Waiting Room