The Sport of Life: Chats w/ Comedians, Filmmakers, Sports Figures, Musicians, & Intellectuals

Matthew Schwartz chats with Trey Elling about CONFESSIONS OF AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, including: interviewing David Berkowitz, aka Son of Sam, prior to his 2002 parole hearing, exposing a doctor who was fueling the opioid epidemic, a story that forced more accountability from airlines regarding pets checked as cargo, causing Hulk Hogan to cry like a baby, how Trump and Bernie Sanders both stiffed the Tucson PD, and more.

Bill Buford chats with Trey Elling about DIRT: ADVENTURES IN LYON AS A CHEF IN TRAINING, FATHER, AND SLEUTH LOOKING FOR THE SECRET OF FRENCH COOKING, including: what started him on this journey, how he ended up at a boulangerie for his first stage and why Bob the baker was so important in him better understanding Lyon, taking part in a pig-killing ritual and drinking its fresh blood, understanding Paul Bocuse's importance to Lyon, lessons learned in French cooking school and working in the kitchen at a Michelin-rated restaurant, four culinary deaths that affected him at the end of his French journey, and more.

Dan Cortese chats with Trey Elling about STEP OFF! MY JOURNEY FROM MIMBO TO MANHOOD, including: how the town OB-GYN fueled his first Rock n Jock highlight as a little leaguer, epiphanies, an epic Billy Idol story, receiving an invaluable compliment from George C. Scott, becoming a dad, and more.

Best-selling author Max Brooks chats with Trey Elling about DEVOLUTION: A FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE RAINIER SASQUATCH MASSACRE, including: waging political battles over the book's title, tedious research that included actually hand-crafting every weapon created by the characters, evolving through devolution, receiving feedback from "Survivorman" Les Stroud, a possible movie adaptation, and more.

Matt Ridley chats with Trey Elling about HOW INNOVATION WORKS: AND WHY IT FLOURISHES IN FREEDOM, including: the truth about Edison and the light bulb (00:33), innovating e-cigs (04:51), potatoes (08:33), luggage with wheels (10:15), and coffee (16:10); the dog as one of man's best innovations (14:04), whether China is becoming the global leader of innovation (21:47), and more.

Filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld joins the pod to share details from BARRY SONNENFELD, CALL YOUR MOTHER: MEMOIRS FROM A NEUROTIC FILMMAKER, including... He and his dad comparing eating his mom's cooking to cannibalism (4:16). His prowess as a leg wrestler, including dominating Kelly Ripa (7:08). Cousin Mike the Child Molester (10:17). His first paying gig in the film, as the camera guy on a nine-day porn shoot (20:32). Scaring a roomful of kids to tears on the set of THE ADDAMS FAMILY (52:13). Behind the scenes stories from GET SHORTY (56:38). Terrorizing Will Smith and his family with Tucks pads (1:14:51). Publicly arguing with Larry David about who's more neurotic (1:17:54).

Dave Rubin joins Trey Elling to discuss DON'T BURN THIS BOOK: THINKING FOR YOURSELF IN AN AGE OF UNREASON, including: the difference between Catholic- and Jewish guilt, why a transgender Nazi helps explain the need for open dialogue, "woke" Thanksgivings, "catastrophizing," loving Clyde Drexler, and more.

Acclaimed journalist and author Joan Ryan joins Trey Elling to discuss INTANGIBLES: UNLOCKING THE SCIENCE AND SOUL OF TEAM CHEMISTRY, including: defining team chemistry, oxytocin's role, the seven archetypes of good team chemistry, why Barry Bonds wasn't a clubhouse cancer in SF, the power of expectation, and more.

Author Erik Larson chats with Trey Elling about THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE: A SAGA OF CHURCHILL, FAMILY, AND DEFIANCE DURING THE BLITZ, which takes a detailed look at the effects of Germany's aerial assaults on Great Britain during Winston Churchill's first year as prime minister. Larson also provides an update on the screen adaptation of THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY.

Actor and restauranteur Danny Trejo chats with Trey Elling about TREJO'S TACOS: RECIPES & STORIES FROM LA. The conversation includes: why he wanted to share the "secret" recipes from his Trejo's Tacos restaurants, the importance of food from his childhood and time in the pen, memories from the sets of HEAT and CON AIR, why he loves Austin, the time his boys mistook the "hook 'em Horns" hand signal for a gang sign on 6th Street, and more.