The Bench Podcast

Christopher Magnuson
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast by a group of former coaches who love sports, current events, local happenings in our area and sharing great stories from the past.

  1. Mar 15

    Sunday Funday Pod

    We are back talking High School hoops, NFL Free Agency, College hoops and more....

    53 min

  2. Feb 21

    High School Hoops, NFL Draft, Duke vs Michigan,

    In this episode of the Going for Two Bench podcast, the hosts discuss the current state of winter sports, particularly focusing on high school basketball as teams prepare for upcoming tournaments. They share humorous anecdotes from travel ball experiences, analyze the performance of various teams, and delve into the dynamics of rivalries and strategies in high school basketball. The conversation also touches on the girls' basketball scene and concludes with a discussion on the NBA's proposed no-tank policy. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of the NBA, NFL, and college basketball, discussing player dynamics, coaching changes, and the implications of tanking in sports. They explore the challenges teams face in managing player injuries and performance, as well as the strategies surrounding the NFL draft and potential trades. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of sports documentaries and predictions for the upcoming March Madness tournament, culminating in a lively exchange of game predictions and personal anecdotes.

    1h 23m

  3. Feb 1

    High School Hoops heating up, NFL Coaching Hires, Red Wing Updates

    In this episode of the Going For Two Bench podcast, Christopher Magnuson, Cody Kugler, and Jim discuss the latest in high school basketball, including game highlights, player performances, and upcoming matchups. They also delve into the state of girls basketball and the impact of coaching changes in the NFL. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, energy management in games, and the critical role of free throw shooting as the season progresses. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the pressures faced by NFL coaches, particularly focusing on the recent coaching changes and the implications for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins. They explore the coaching carousel, evaluating whether recent hires are better or worse for their respective teams. The discussion also touches on the upcoming NFL draft and the challenges teams face in finding suitable quarterbacks. Additionally, the hosts make predictions for college basketball games and provide updates on the Detroit Red Wings, reflecting on their performance and future prospects.

    1h 14m

  4. Jan 25

    Trying to Thaw, High school hoops, CFP Reactions, NFL Coaching and Playoffs, Some College Hoops.

    00:00Welcome to Antarctica: A Chilly Introduction 02:49High School Basketball Insights: Local Games Recap 06:05Coaching Dynamics: The Importance of Team Improvement 08:57Rivalries and Attendance: The Atmosphere of Local Games 12:04Defensive Strategies: The Art of Coaching Basketball 14:55Game Plans and Adjustments: The Key to Success 17:51The Role of Post Players: Defense and Offense 21:14Switching Defense: Pros and Cons 23:45Gladstone's Performance: A Team on the Rise 26:58Upcoming Games: Anticipation and Predictions 29:58Girls Basketball: A Brief Overview 33:01Top Teams: Rankings and Analysis 35:59College Football Playoff Recap: Game Strategies 39:26Miami's Struggles and Adjustments42:00Special Teams Decisions and Game Impact 44:58Refereeing and Game Management 47:02Quarterback Prospects and NFL Draft Speculations 49:01Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics50:56NIL and Transfer Portal Challenges 01:01:01Dabo Swinney's Controversial Stance 01:03:06NFL Playoff Recap and Media Narratives 01:04:50Playoff Reflections and Quarterback Discussions 01:07:40Keys to Championship Games 01:10:52AFC and NFC Championship Predictions 01:15:15College Hoops Insights 01:21:00Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

    1h 29m

  5. Jan 19

    Late with Technical Difficulties, but persevering.

    In this episode of the Going for Two Bench podcast, hosts Christopher Magnuson and Jim Manzo dive into the latest happenings in high school basketball, particularly focusing on the impressive performance of Ethan Marta from Westwood, who set a school record with 46 points in a recent game against Negaunee.The discussion highlights the strategies and challenges faced by teams in the Upper Peninsula, including the need for effective defense and rebounding as key factors for success. The hosts also touch on upcoming matchups and the implications for playoff positioning, emphasizing the importance of adapting game plans against strong opponents. As the conversation progresses, the hosts shift gears to discuss college football, analyzing the recent national championship game and the implications of coaching changes in the NFL. They debate the effectiveness of various coaching strategies and the impact of player transfers on team dynamics. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about the NHL, focusing on the Red Wings' performance and standout players, while also touching on the broader landscape of college sports and the challenges of maintaining player safety amidst an extended season.

    45 min

  6. Jan 4

    High School Hoops, Coach Manzo Strategy, CFP, NFL, 6 pack of picks

    Section 1: The Joy of Higher Days As the new year unfolds, we reflect on the brightening days ahead, signaling the return of high school hoops. With the weather still cold and windy, the anticipation of upcoming games brings warmth to fans and players alike. The podcast kicks off with a light-hearted banter among hosts Christopher Magnuson, Cody Kugler, and Jim, setting the tone for an engaging discussion. Section 2: Spotlight on Menominee vs. Ishpeming One of the highlighted matchups discussed is the anticipated game between Ishpeming and Menominee. Magnuson notes, "If they had betting in high school basketball, this would be an overpick," hinting at the high-scoring potential of the game. Menominee's ability to score 80 points even with key players absent showcases their depth and offensive prowess. The hosts emphasize that this matchup serves as a critical benchmark for Ishpeming, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses as the season progresses. Section 3: Strategies for Success A key point raised during the podcast is the importance of adaptability in coaching. Jim suggests that Ishpeming should experiment with different defensive strategies, such as zones or half-court traps, to challenge Menominee's offensive flow. The discussion underlines that even if the goal isn't necessarily winning, gaining experience and experimenting with strategies can be beneficial for player development. Magnuson concurs, highlighting that this game is an opportunity for Ishpeming to learn and grow. Section 4: A Reflection on Past Games Jim shares a personal coaching experience involving Joe Dumars' son, which emphasizes the unpredictability of basketball and the value of trying new strategies. His team's initial struggle with a zone defense quickly turned into a lesson in resilience, as they adapted and nearly tied the game against a formidable opponent. This anecdote serves as a reminder that the journey of growth in sports often includes unexpected challenges and learning moments. Section 5: Other Teams to Watch The podcast also touches on other teams and upcoming games that are generating buzz in the local basketball scene. Westwood's impressive defense against Iron Mountain and their upcoming matchup with Gladstone are highlighted as significant tests for the team. The hosts express excitement about the potential showdown between Westwood and Menominee, which promises to be a thrilling encounter later in the season. Conclusion: Key Takeaways As the high school basketball season continues, the insights shared in this podcast provide valuable perspectives for players, coaches, and fans alike. The importance of adaptability, the thrill of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats are central themes that resonate throughout the discussion. Whether you’re a player looking to improve or a fan cheering from the sidelines, the journey in high school basketball is filled with opportunities for growth and excitement.

    1h 20m

  7. 10/04/2025

    High School Recap, 6 pack winners, Making inferior teams competitive, NFL Parody

    In this episode of the Going for Two podcast, hosts Christopher Magnuson and Cody Kugler dive into the thrilling world of college football, sharing their excitement over recent games and discussing the implications of coaching decisions. They also explore high school football dynamics, emphasizing the importance of effective coaching strategies and player development. The conversation shifts to the NFL, where they analyze team performances, coaching challenges, and the overall state of the league. The episode concludes with final thoughts and shoutouts, encouraging listeners to enjoy the beautiful weather and the excitement of football season.

    1h 12m

  8. 09/11/2025

    MLB Playoff predictions, NFL Locks. First UPSSA poll, CFP Survivor

    Jim and Topher begin with MLB predictions with season winding down. Jim has a hot team making the playoffs down the stretch. We go over the UPSSA Football poll and feel this week will give a better vision of who is where. We move to college Football; we alter our CFP and talk about the big matchups and the overreaction of the media after 2 weeks. We give our NFL Locks, talk about must wins and give a shoutout to the D1 Rejects Pod!

    1h 3m
See All (53)

About

A podcast by a group of former coaches who love sports, current events, local happenings in our area and sharing great stories from the past.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Magnuson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Christopher Magnuson
  • Show Website
    The Bench Podcast