Spolitics

4.3 (147)
SPORTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

SPOLITICS is where we don’t just stick to sports, but examine the world and all of its complexities through the lens of sports. Each week, this podcast will enthusiastically explore the intersection between sports, race, gender, sexuality and culture. In this narrative-style podcast, expect sharp commentary, novel conversations, and compelling guests that will drive nuanced sports conversations that drive culture.

1D AGO

Ep 26: The Politics of Play By Play - Featuring Tiffany Greene

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into how some in sports are using their money to curry influence with this presidential administration. Jemele is later joined by ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Tiffany Greene, the first Black woman to do play-by-play in college football on a major network. Tiffany shares how she fell in love with play-by-play broadcasting, how she prepares for games across multiple sports, and what it means to be an HBCU graduate that does play-by-play commentary for HBCU football games. Tiffany also shares the inspiring story of how longtime Good Morning America host Robin Roberts impacted her career. In the final segment, Jemele reveals some of her favorite sports literature. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 17m
APR 17

Ep 25: The Politics of Civil Disobedience - Featuring Chris Kluwe

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele jumps into the case of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who held out from team meetings and practices because he reportedly sought to raise his salary from $2.4 million to $4 million. Iamaleave and Tennsessee parted ways, but is this the new reality for college football? Jemele is later joined by former NFL player Chris Kluwe, who recently was arrested at a Huntington Beach, Calif., city council meeting for performing an act of peaceful civil disobedience. Kluwe also shares why he feels he was blackballed from the NFL for his support of same-sex marriage and how he feels like the American public needs to resist during this tumultuous political time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 14m
APR 10

Ep 24: The Politics of Lawyering - Featuring Andrew Brandt

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes the Los Angeles Dodgers to task for visiting the White House after Donald Trump’s administration temporarily erased Jackie Robinson’s military history on the Department of Defense’s website. Jemele is then joined by sports business guru Andrew Brandt, who has worked in a NFL front office, negotiated player contacts, and is the executive director of the Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law at Villanova University. Andrew breaks down the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics, why he believes the Dallas Cowboys are worth $10 billion, and what revenue sharing will bring to college sports. Andrew also shares his choice for the Sports Business Hall of Fame, meaning which players who have secured great contracts despite not having the results to match. Plus, Jemele answers an intriguing question from a SPOLITICS listener: Who is her all-time Detroit Pistons starting 5? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 7m
APR 3

Ep 23: The Politics of Audacity - Featuring Kenny Mayne

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a 360-degree view of the transfer portal, looking at its impact on college basketball, including the upcoming men’s and women’s Final Four. Jemele is then joined by former SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne in a wide-ranging interview that covers Kenny’s career journey, the bold moves that led him to ESPN, the devastating injury that ended his college football carer and how it ties into the organization he began to help veterans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 18m
MAR 27

Ep 22: The Politics of Loneliness - Featuring Roy Wood Jr.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele breaks down what’s wrong with Fox Sports’ list of greatest women’s college basketball players ever and shares her own list. She is then joined by comedian Roy Wood Jr., who shares his passion for baseball, thoughts on why the sport needs a major African-American star, and his observations about the state of political media. Roy also discusses why he chose to focus his latest stand-up comedy special, Lonely Flowers, on the epidemic of loneliness in America. Finally, Jemele pays tribute to boxing great George Foreman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 29m
MAR 20

Ep 21: The Politics of Building Wealth - Featuring Troy Millings & Rashad Bilal

On this week's opening filibuster, Jemele breaks down the Department of Defense temporarily deleting the military history of Jackie Robinson. Later, she is joined by Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, the creators of the Earn Your Leisure platform. Rashad and Troy discuss their new book, You Deserve To Be Rich, a step-by-step guide that teaches people how to build their wealth. Rashad and Troy share anecdotes about their financial growth, share the top reasons people are intimidated when it comes to growing their finances, and common financial mistakes people make when they begin their investment journey. Jemele then closes out the episode by remembering former NBA player Junior Bridgeman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 10m
MAR 13

Ep 20: The Politics of Storytelling - Featuring Matthew Hatchette

With the NFL’s free agency in full swing, on this week’s filibuster Jemele remembers Curt Flood, the Major League Baseball player whose fight for free agency became the blueprint for other players to fight for their freedom. Jemele also explains why Flood deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame based on how his court battle with MLB changed th esport forever. Jemele is then joined by Matthew Hatchette, a former NFL veteran who transitioned into filmmaking and storytelling. Hatchette reflects on his time on the Minnesota Vikings with former teammates Randy Moss and Randall Cunningham. He also shares the triumphs and challenges he’s faced transitioning into entertainment. Jemele also answers a question from a “spolitician” about what would be a winning platform for a politician in this political climate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 17m
MAR 6

Ep 19: The Politics of Athlete Activism - Featuring Etan Thomas

On this week’s opening filibuster, Jemele makes the case for why MLB legend Pete Rose shouldn’t be inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously, despite pressure from Donald Trump. Jemele is then joined by Etan Thomas, a college star and former NBA veteran who has become one of the leading athlete-activists. Etan explains why speaking up always has been important to him, and how he navigated having strong opinions about race and politics during his playing career. Also, this week, a “spolitician” asks Jemele how she feels about so many former athletes getting into the sports media industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 25m

See All (32)

TRAILER

Introducing: Spolitics

SPOLITICS is a weekly sports and politics podcast hosted by sports journalist Jemele Hill, produced by iHeart Podcasts and the Unbothered Network. On SPOLITICS, sports and politics not only mix, they matter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10/10/2024

•

1 min

4.3

out of 5

147 Ratings

Outstanding: You Go!

11/20/2024

GJT499

Spolitics by Jemele Hill is a brilliant blend of sports and societal issues, seamlessly connecting the two in a way that feels fresh, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful. Hill’s approach to these conversations highlights how sports have intersected with societal topics for decades, offering historical context and nuanced perspectives that are both informative and compelling. The podcast’s ability to dive deep into these connections, while remaining accessible and engaging, sets it apart. Each episode brings a different angle to the discussion, backed by outstanding and knowledgeable guests who elevate the conversations even further. To date, the roster of guests has been nothing short of exceptional, contributing expertise and personal insights that keep listeners hooked. Jemele Hill’s talent as a storyteller and interviewer shines in Spolitics, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the crossroads of sports, culture, and society. Keep it up, Jemele—I can’t wait for more episodes!
Nuanced conversations about sports and politics instead of hot takes

Mar 11

JDarcyD

I started listening to Spolitics recently, and now I’m hooked! Jemele Hill dives right into the space where sports and politics intersect, a space I’m super-interested in but have trouble finding thoughtful conversations about. These are not hot takes, but nuanced conversations that also delve into how race, sex, and other demographics play into the situation. Jamele gets amazing guests - the recent interview with Etan Thomas was brilliant, I learned so much and it made me think very differently about topics I thought I already had a good grasp on, from Colin Kaepernick to athletes’ space in media roles.
She’s awesome

Jan 16

Male #3

I’ve always been a fan of Mrs. Hill. She’s always been really smart, really insightful and this podcast feels like the perfect vehicle for her unique insight.
Intelligent and Interesting

Jan 9

V.Devyn

Jemelle Hill’s take is compelling. I am thoroughly enjoying this fresh look at politics through the lens of sports.

SPOLITICS is where we don’t just stick to sports, but examine the world and all of its complexities through the lens of sports. Each week, this podcast will enthusiastically explore the intersection between sports, race, gender, sexuality and culture. In this narrative-style podcast, expect sharp commentary, novel conversations, and compelling guests that will drive nuanced sports conversations that drive culture.

Channel

iHeartPodcasts
Creator

iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

32
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Show Website

Spolitics
Provider

iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc