Mike Safo

msafoschnik
  • 4.8 (96)
  • SPORTS

Just a regular New York City guy who gets to interview some pretty amazing people... A conversation/hangout podcast with friends, athletes, authors, celebrities, fighters, and the world's most fascinating people "the greatest podcast ever" - My Mom

  1. 22M AGO

    Mike Safo with Nigel Short, Chess Grandmaster and Legend

    Joined today by Chess Grandmaster, and former number 3 player in the world, and current Director of Development for the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the legendary Nigel Short. Nigel and I chat into how we first met in the remote island of Kiribati, and from there, we talk about the incredible work he does bringing chess to every corner of the world. He shares what it’s like to build and support chess federations in over 15 countries and territories, the challenges he faces in developing regions, and the pride he feels watching those nations compete, and even win, on the international stage. We, of course, take a look back at Nigel’s remarkable career: learning the game at age five, rising as a prodigy, defeating a world champion at just ten years old, and becoming a Grandmaster by 19. He opens up about how chess shaped his life, what it means to live as a professional player, and his unforgettable World Championship match against Garry Kasparov, along with what he might have done differently. With that, we discuss how the game has changed from the 1980s to today, his global travels, countries still on his list that he needs to visit, and some unique personal moments, including meeting with President Trump and the Queen of England. All this and more with one of chess’s most influential figures.

    1h 34m

  2. 3D AGO

    Mike Safo with Daniel McCutchen, Former MLB Pitcher

    Joined today by former Major League Baseball pitcher, Daniel McCutchen. Daniel and I talk about his journey from growing up in Oklahoma to making it to the majors and then becoming a father of four and now running his own car wash business. He talks about going largely un-recruited out of high school and somehow turning that into a pro career where he got drafted four times, twice by the Yankees. We talk about his first call-up experience and the surreal moment of walking into a clubhouse with legends like Yogi Berra, Jason Giambi, and Mariano Rivera. Daniel also opens up on being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, finally making it to “The Show,” and his unforgettable welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment just two pitches into his career. He chats about the mental challenges of baseball, dealing with the highs of being called up and the lows of being sent back down. We also discuss life after baseball, including how he transitioned into business and became involved in a multimillion-dollar car wash venture, Major League Car Wash, which now has four locations and is preparing to open a fifth. Daniel shares how he once handed out business cards before even having a business, the importance of building relationships, and what it takes to turn a vision into a reality. We finish up with his thoughts on the current state of baseball, the most interesting people in his phone and the famous AJ Burnett story, where Burnett famously bought Daniel’s jersey number in exchange for a college trust fund being set up for Daniel’s daughter. All this and more with former Major League pitcher Daniel McCutchen. Follow Daniel on IG @: https://www.instagram.com/cutch82/

    58 min

  3. MAR 25

    Mike Safo with Al Snow, Wrestling Legend / Co-Owner OVW

    Joined today by wrestling icon and Co-Owner of OVW, Al Snow. Al gives us a journey through the wacky wrestling business. We hear about the match that inspired him, at 14 years old, that he was going to be a professional wrestler and what it took to finally break in. We hear about his first match in 1982 and the moment he finally got the call from WWF. Al talks about the life of a jobber, the differences between WCW and WWF, and what led him to take the reins at OVW. Al also opens up about the Netflix documentary, the recent referee controversy, and the infamous “Head” figure moment that made him a household name.Plus, we get into what it’s like mentoring the next generation of wrestling superstars, how today’s wrestlers compare to the past, life on the road, wild roommate stories and a ton of behind the scenes wrestling talk Al this and more from the legend.. Al Snow!!!

    1h 17m

  4. 11/18/2025

    Mike Safo with Buddy McGirt, Former Boxing World Champion, Hall of Famer & Trainer

    Joined today by former junior welterweight & welterweight world champion, Hall of Famer, and legendary boxing trainer Buddy McGirt. Buddy talks about what brought him to London, training fighters around the world, and what he misses most about living in Florida. We dive growing up in Brentwood, Long Island, famously starting boxing at age 12, and how his head size convinced him football wasn’t the move. He shares which fighters he tried to emulate, how borrowing boxing magazines and books helped shape a young James “Buddy” McGirt, and how the OGs in Brentwood kept him on track and out of trouble. Buddy reflects on turning pro at 18, traveling three hours a day to New Jersey for training, being 26–0 while fighting on the Tyson vs. Mitch Green undercard, and watching a young “Iron” Mike Tyson in action, realizing he was seeing something special. He opens up about dealing with his first loss to Frankie Warren, the 18-month grind to their rematch, and finally capturing the title in Texas—so focused he didn’t even stop to appreciate it. We talk about losing the belt to Meldrick Taylor, moving up in weight, and shocking the world as a 10–1 underdog by beating Simon Brown. Buddy shares stories about his titles, injuries, and his legendary fights with Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. After more than 5,400 days as a pro fighter, Buddy reveals when he knew it was time to hang up the gloves, how he transitioned into training, what he looks for in a boxer, and the difference between fighters then and now. We get into the famous Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight, what he does with his corner gear, and the emotional story behind getting the call that he was being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame—a dream that meant the world to him and his late mother. Buddy also talks about how Don King literally saved his life, clears up rumors about his past, and sets the record straight on that dinner with John Gotti and Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. All that plus the fight he wishes he could’ve seen live, why he hates treadmill running, life as a proud grandfather and soccer dad, and much more. Follow Buddy McGirt on Instagram and check out his official merch—links below! https://www.instagram.com/buddymcgirtboxing/

    53 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    Mike Safo with Jane Leavy, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Trailblazing Reporter / Sportswriter

    Joined today with New York Times best-selling author and trailblazing sportswriter, Jane Leavy. Jane talks about growing up in New York City, the foods she misses most, and what it was like to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Jane shares stories from her groundbreaking career at The Washington Post, covering everything from the Olympics to Ronald Reagan, and opens up about her new book, Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong with Baseball—and How to Fix It. We dive into why she chose not to write another sports biography, how this book turned out to be her toughest yet, and the epic road trip that inspired it. Jane also gives her take on today’s game, from Tommy John surgeries and the impact of analytics to the decline in African-American players and why kids should get free admission to spark a new love for baseball. Plus, she reminisces about writing her acclaimed biographies of Sandy Koufax and Mickey Mantle, reveals the coolest person in her phone, and shares an amazing piece of Mantle memorabilia from her collection. Don’t miss this episode with one of the best storytellers and baseball minds out there... Jane Leavy Check out Jane's site here: https://janeleavy.com/

    1h 15m

  6. 09/16/2025

    Mike Safo with Thor Pedersen, Only Person to Visit Every Country in the World Without Flying/ Author / Traveler

    Joined today by Thor Pedersen, the only person in history to visit every country in the world without flying. He's also the author of the awesome new book, The Impossible Journey: An Incredible Voyage Through Every Country in the World Without Flying. Thor opens up about what it really took to complete this one-of-a-kind odyssey, a journey he thought would take four years but ended up lasting a decade. We dive into the emotional and logistical challenges of traveling overland to all 203 countries, the complicated personal relationships he had to navigate along the way, and the deep reflections that shaped his book. Thor shares why this isn't your typical travel book, no party stories or Instagram chatter, but a raw, honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in between. We talk about: What inspired him to start this journey (including a life-changing trip to Southeast Asia)His time working for the United NationsStruggles with visas, malaria, loneliness, and even being stuck in Hong Kong for two years during the COVID pandemicHow he kept going, even when it got unbelievably toughBalancing a public journey with private life, including becoming a fatherThe unreleased (but hopefully soon-to-come) documentary about his journeyHis thoughts on the “193’ers” — people aiming to visit every countryAnd whether he has any regretsThor also talks about the process of writing the book, what surprised him most, and why it isn’t available in Danish — yet. This is a deep dive into the mind and heart of a man who pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in travel, and came back with stories that go way beyond geography. Follow Thor here: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga

    1h 14m

  7. 08/12/2025

    Mike Safo with Shawn "Showtime" Porter, Two-time Welterweight Champion & Podcast Host

    Joined today by former world welterweight champion, boxing analyst, and host of The PorterWay Podcast... Shawn “Showtime” Porter. We start off off with life after boxing, from Shawn’s successful podcast (The "PorterWay") and his boxing commentary to an unexpected venture into the suit business. He opens up about what he enjoys most about podcasting, his dream interview guests, and what sets him apart from other voices in the sport. when calling a fight. Shawn takes it back to his roots, growing up in Ohio, his love for the Cleveland Browns, and the must-try foods if you're ever in Northern Ohio. Shawn shares the story of his legendary amateur career, including his still talked about win over Oleksandr Usyk and what led to his decision to go pro. He talks about his insane start to professional boxing with 11 fights in one year, winning two world titles, epic nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and how he celebrated those victories. We dive into his faith, how it helped guide his journey, and how it’s now opening doors, including his debut role in an upcoming movie. All this, Plus: What really happens when you win a world title (including how and when the belt arrives), why he's allowed to associate with Michigan legend Charles Woodson, his favorite shows to binge, and where to follow all of Shawn’s current ventures. https://www.instagram.com/showtimeshawnp

    51 min

  8. 07/28/2025

    Mike Safo with Todd Marinovich, former NFL quarterback, Author, and Artist

    Todd Marinovich – Football, Art, and Redemption Joined by former NFL quarterback, author, and artist Todd Marinovich. Todd gives me real estate advice about moving to Hawaii, shares his favorite local foods, and confesses his weakness for California’s iconic In-N-Out Burger. We dive into family life, including a heartwarming (and hilarious) story about his daughter Coco painting his nails—and how his old NFL teammates would get a good laugh out of it. We also reflect on Todd’s last appearance on the show back in 2015, where we talked openly about addiction, the road to recovery, and the incredible progress he’s made since then. Todd opens up about his new book, "Marinovich: Outside the Lines in Football, Art, and Addiction" a raw and powerful look at football, art, and his battle with addiction. He shares what inspired him to write it, how emotionally draining the process was, and the feedback he’s received so far. We compare his journey with that of fellow athlete and recovery advocate Chris Herren, and discuss pivotal life choices—like why he chose USC over Stanford and what it was really like to be drafted by the Raiders. Todd sets the record straight on a few common misconceptions, including how he became a starting QB after just 10 college games. He also talks about attending a recent Raiders reunion, how that helped him heal, and tells a hilarious story involving Russell Maryland and his "welcome" to the NFL. Now more than just a quarterback, Todd proudly identifies as an artist, speaker, and motivator. He also reveals why he hasn’t taken a photo with a celebrity in over 30 years, the one piece of memorabilia he truly treasures, and where fans can grab a copy of his book. Follow Todd and definitely check out Marinovich: Outside the Lines—a story of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose beyond the game. Todd's site: https://www.marinovichbook.com/

    39 min
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4.8
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

Just a regular New York City guy who gets to interview some pretty amazing people... A conversation/hangout podcast with friends, athletes, authors, celebrities, fighters, and the world's most fascinating people "the greatest podcast ever" - My Mom

Information

  • Creator
    msafoschnik
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    340
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Michael Safoschnik (C/O Blogtalkradio)
  • Show Website
    Mike Safo