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Former NBA GM Tommy Sheppard joins the show to break down the evolving situation with the Milwaukee Bucks, the realities of tanking and the pressure facing contenders this postseason. Plus, a full NBA Playoff preview including upset watch teams, breakout candidates, and the matchups that could define this year’s run.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad sits down with longtime colleague and Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto for Part 1 of a wide-ranging conversation on his journey through the game. Before becoming one of baseball’s most active front office leaders, Dipoto was a big leaguer with a deep understanding of the game from the clubhouse. He shares his sports origin story, experiences as both a pitcher and switch hitter, and what it was like navigating the realities of being traded as a player - insights that now shape how he operates as a general manager. Jerry also reflects on playing alongside and learning from legends of the game, including Jack Morris, Bobby Valentine, Mike Hargrove, Buddy Bell, Jim Leyland, Don Baylor and more.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad is joined by Duke football GM Binuk Kodituwakku for an insightful conversation on today's college sports landscape. From building Australian football teams to now building a roster in the NIL era, Binuk breaks down how Duke evaluates talent, uses analytics, navigates the transfer portal, and balances elite academics with winning football. A real look at what it takes to build a Blue Devil today.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad sits down with longtime MLB journalist and author Ken Davidoff to dive into the evolution of baseball on and off the field. From covering the New York baseball market to stepping away from the game due to burnout, Ken shares how the media landscape has changed and some of the moments that defined his career. They also get into some of baseball’s biggest debates today, including how Aaron Judge should be viewed in Yankees history, what it really takes to succeed in New York, and why the steroids-era Hall of Fame conversation still isn’t settled. Plus, Ken breaks down key lessons from his new book, 101 Lessons from the Dugout, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset, habits, and stories that shape the game at the highest level. 👉 Grab Ken’s book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/101-lessons-from-the-dugout-9798765163016/ 👉 Follow Ken: https://x.com/KenDavidoff   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL insider Adam Caplan joins the show to share his journey from sales to becoming one of the most trusted voices in football, now covering the Philadelphia Eagles and running Inside The Birds. Adam and Thad dive into the current NFL landscape, from coaching turnover and QB development to what teams get wrong. Plus, Caplan shares his experience on NFL Insiders, what goes into breaking news responsibly, and what makes the Philly sports market so unique.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Let Her Shoot' and 'Heat Check' host, media personality, and trailblazer Trysta Krick joins Thad Levine to talk about her journey through the sports media world, including her time at Barstool Sports and what it takes to build a voice in a male-dominated industry. They also dive into the buzz around Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance, Trysta gives a preview of the Women's NCAA Tournament, and wht to watch for in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Plus, a look at the looming WNBA CBA negotiations and the ongoing debate around revenue sharing in professional sports. Follow Trysta: https://linktr.ee/trystakrick?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=cbe463cf-175c-48a5-81ab-83eb2da97055   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this conversation on Rosters to Rings, host Thad Levine continues his in-depth discussion with legendary sports journalist Andrea Kremer. One of the most respected interviewers in sports history, Kremer reflects on the conversations that helped shape her remarkable career covering the NFL and the biggest stories in sports, including the moments when preparation, trust, and timing revealed the human side of iconic athletes and sports figures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 1 of this special two-episode conversation, Thad Levine sits down with Hall of Fame journalist and broadcaster Andrea Kremer, to trace the roots of one of the most respected voices in sports media. Before the Emmys. Before the NFL sidelines. Before breaking barriers for women in sports broadcasting there was a young sports fan who simply loved the game. Andrea shares what it was like growing up immersed in sports culture, how she found her voice in a male-dominated industry, and the moment she realized this wasn’t just a passion it was a calling.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mailbag episode of Rosters to Rings, Thad dives into some of the biggest storylines around Major League Baseball: The recent spike in hamate bone injuries — why they’re happening and how they impact hitters long-term What it could mean for the league if MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark steps down Why Lucas Giolito remains the last major free agent on the market and what that signals about today’s pitching landscape Early MVP candidates not named Judge or Ohtani — and who could realistically enter that tier Got a question for Thad? Submit your listener questions on social @rosterstorings or email us at [email protected]   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of this Rosters to Rings conversation, Adrian Beltré reflects on the moments that defined his legacy—from the joy of reaching the 2011 World Series to the heartbreak of Game 6 slipping away. Beltré opens up about the call that changed his life when he learned he was headed to Cooperstown, what it meant to finally hear his name alongside the game’s greats, and how he balanced an intense, locked-in approach with a genuine love for having fun on the field. He also shares insight into being represented by Scott Boras, navigating the business side of baseball, and how pride, preparation, and personality all came together to shape a Hall of Fame career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1 of this two-part Rosters to Rings conversation, future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltré sits down with MLB executives Thad Levine and Jon Daniels to tell the story behind the player fans came to admire—and opponents came to fear. Beltré walks through his origin story, from growing up in the Dominican Republic to signing as a teenager and navigating the brutal learning curve of Major League Baseball. He opens up about the resilience that defined his career, playing through constant injuries, physical pain, and setbacks while maintaining elite performance year after year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine continues his conversation with longtime NBA executive Tommy Sheppard, diving deeper into leadership, front-office life, and what it really takes to work in sports. Tommy shares a memorable story involving legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, reflects on handling adversity, and breaks down the principles that guide successful leaders behind the scenes. A must-listen for anyone curious about leadership, team-building, and careers in professional sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Rosters to Rings, former NBA executive Tommy Sheppard shares his origin story and the lessons learned from years inside NBA front offices. Joined by Thad Levine, the conversation explores what truly defines leadership in players—beyond talent, stats, and contracts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GMs Thad Levine and Jon Daniels are joined by Eagles VP of football administration and The Athlete Group founder Jake Rosenberg to talk all things team building in today's sports landscape.  Jake sits down to talk through his work with The Athlete Group and how college teams are dealing with this chaotic NIL world, what separates Eagles GM Howie Roseman from the rest, and look at how teams should be looking for new head coaches.  That and so much more on a fun episode of Rosters to Rings!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad is joined by NFL GM Tom Telesco to talk through the ins and outs of firing season in the NFL, as coaches and front offices have started to get let go from their teams this week.  First, Thad and Tom break down the College Football Playoff as we are down to four teams. They look at Indiana's remarkable turnaround and the paths Ole Miss, Oregon and Miami took to get here. Then, the GMs look at who's been fired so far in the NFL, what goes into these decisions and where teams are looking to go from here. Plus, we answer your listener questions!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.