The Beat LA Podcast

Matt and Paul are back with another chaotic Bay Area therapy session, this time joined by one of the fastest-rising Bay Area sports creators on the internet, Dylan Is A Dragon. Before getting to Dylan, the guys catch up on Matt’s bizarre email invite to try out for a professional Greek basketball team, Paul attending what felt like a real-life Succession wedding in Boston, the death of Spirit Airlines, Timothée Chalamet choosing the Knicks over the Met Gala, and a few other signs society may be collapsing in real tim...

Matt and Paul are back with another great interview, this time with former ATP Pro and one of the most connected insiders in tennis today, Justin Gimelstob. From winning mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open with Venus Williams, to playing Davis Cup and now working across the business and storytelling side of the sport alongside Andre Agassi, Justin has seen tennis from every angle. 

The guys kick things off with their signature “big serve” question, if your life depended on one ace, who’s hitti...

Matt and Paul are back, checking in after time on opposite coasts. Matt returns from New York, Paul from San Francisco, both coming off directing work they mostly can’t talk about. The guys open with a left turn you didn’t see coming, diving into Broadway with Matt’s review of Dog Day Afternoon starring John Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, plus a quick hit on Death of a Salesman. Not exactly the usual Beat LA beat, but a damn good time.

(10:17) Then it’s back to what we do best. The Warriors rollercoaster. From the unbelievable play-in...

Fresh off a trip to Tennis Paradise, Matt and Paul return from the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs. Matt was busy scouting talent, keeping a close eye on Emma Raducanu and Anastasia Potapova, while Paul focused on the real talent, catching Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper and Frances Tiafoe. The guys check in, trade stories from the desert and pay a quick tribute to Chuck Norris before getting into it.

(8:28) Then Matt and Paul sit down with broadcasting legend Ted Robinson for a wide-ranging conversation across one of the most versatile careers in sports media. From the...

Fresh off a trip to Deer Valley, Utah, Paul joins Matt to check in on Giants spring training, the NFL Combine and what the 49ers might do in free agency. The guys also break down the Warriors post–Jonathan Kuminga trade vibes and try to make sense of Kristaps Porzingis latest health saga.

(15:48) Then Matt and Paul sit down with film producer, tennis aficionado and SFFILM board president Todd Traina for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of tennis and movies. They start with a high-stakes debate: if your li...

Matt and Paul are back in the saddle, checking in on life, the Super Bowl hangover, and what the hell has happened since the last pod. Paul gives us a tutorial on Sam Daronld's grandfather, the legendary Dick Hammer. (5:59) Producer Nick Conrad, fresh off working another Super Bowl, gives his report from San Francisco, the halftime show, Bad Bunny and the best parties. 

(11:55) The guys dive into an Olympics edition of Pet Peeves, including the wild “Penisgate” scandal involving ski jumpers, whether the Games have become too safe, and why there isn’t enough...

In this year-end episode, Matt and Paul close out 2025 the only way they know how: big takes, Bay Area chaos, and a full-blown Best of the Year breakdown.

The guys open with the San Francisco 49ers, asking the only question that matters: are we headed for the #1 seed or Wild Card City? They unpack Jauan Jennings weekly trash talk, whether this season is Kyle Shanahan’s best coaching job of his career, and if Brock Purdy has the juice to make a real playoff run. The fellas gi...

In this episode, Matt and Paul open with the state of the Bay. The 49ers are suddenly surging heading into the bye week, Jauan Jennings is talking like a WWE wrestler, and Kyle Shanahan looks like a coach who finally grew up and learned how to adapt. The guys also dive into the Warriors, who are stuck with a stagnant offense, no self-creation and the growing sense that the locker room might be tuning out Steve Kerr. Then it is Giants talk, including the surprising news that the team is not pursuing major free agents, even Japanese pitcher Tatsuya...

In this episode, Matt and Paul open with the San Francisco Giants hiring Tony Vitello. Is this the bold reset the franchise needed or a beautiful disaster waiting to happen? The guys dive into what this means for the Giants future and why Paul believes Buster Posey is about to transform into the official free agent whisperer. Then the guys move to the state of the 49ers. Is this team still in the playoff hunt or are we staring straight into doom and gloom? They break down the Brock Purdy vs. Mac Jones simmering quarterback controversy and give their...

Matt returns from New York empty-handed and Paul is furious, but there’s no time for gifts because the 49ers rollercoaster is officially back in freefall. The guys break down the emotional trauma of being a Niners fan: losing Fred Warner for the season, the weekly “who dies next” anxiety, and whether John Lynch should make a desperation trade or ride it out. They debate Statue of Liberty Mac Jones, the return of George Kittle and Brock Purdy’s swagger, Jennings vs. Shanahan sideline beef, and give their prediction for this week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Has the luck o...

We’re back! The guys dive straight into one of the wildest 49ers wins of the Shanahan era. (6:52) It’s a full-on lovefest with returning guest and diehard Niners fan Rawson Marshall Thurber, director of Dodgeball, We’re the Millers, Red Notice and the upcomingVoltron. Matt and Rawson were both at SoFi for the game and the fellas break down how Levi’s South took over the stadium and how a battered roster straight out of Average Joe’s Gym somehow took down the NFL’s Purple Cobras.

Mac Jones is officially H...

(1:07) Matt and Paul are back from summer break. Paul braved the Grand Canyon rapids, Matt sipped cocktails at the US Open and just like that… it’s football season, baby! The guys break down a wild 49ers win over the Seahawks: Brock Purdy looked like Montana, Jake Moody sent everyone on a roller coaster, and then got released the next day. Did this pod speak it into existence? We think so. You’re welcome. The defense is blitzing like maniacs, Robert Saleh is back to save the day, the offense is a mash unit (Kittle out, Purdy out, Jennings banged...

Matt and Paul are back in San Francisco and holding court from Original Joe’s in North Beach. Paul previews his next adventure, a trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, before the guys pull out their crystal ball to predict what’s next for the 49ers, Warriors and Giants.

Later, they welcome Bay Area news veteran Mike Mibach, the evening news anchor at KTVU Channel 2. He’s a proud St. Ignatius alum and lifelong Giants, Niners and Warriors fan. Mike shares stories from growing up in Novato and San Francisco and how those experiences sparked his cu...

In this episode, Matt and Paul sit down with San Francisco Giants legend Rich Aurilia for an all-timer of a conversation. Straight from the back booth at Original Joe’s in North Beach (5:59).

They talk about Rich’s Brooklyn roots, growing up a Mets fan rooting for the Bad Guys during their ‘86 World Series run, and his journey from St. John’s University to becoming an All-Star shortstop in the Show. He shares stories from his early days under the tutelage of Robby Thompson and Matt Williams, how hot his bat...

In this very special milestone episode, Matt and Paul celebrate 50 episodes of The Beat LA Podcast the only way they know how, by interviewing each other and emotionally oversharing for content. But before things get deep, they play the hits. They talk about the San Francisco Giants and try to figure out what exactly is going on with this team. Is Rafael Devers just in a slump, or is he really the diva Red Sox fans warned us about? He’s standing up Will Clark, struggling at the plate, and frustrating fans. Should we panic or be patient? With th...

Paul returns from Paris and Monte Carlo, dodges Jimmy Butler in the South of France and reports on attending the French Open. He brings back gifts for Matt’s big birthday, but the biggest gift of all? The San Francisco Giants going full blockbuster and landing Rafael Devers. We break it down: the trade, the contract, the power shift. Is this Buster Posey’s flex? And why teams wouldn't do this deal with Farhan. Can Devers carry the load or are we just dressing up mediocrity in a big bat and a bigger price tag? It’s spicy. 

(17:1...

It’s the Tennis Show—aka Paul’s Super Bowl—but first, Matt recaps his recent trip to New York, where the city’s energy nearly broke him. From watching delirious Knicks fans lose their minds in the streets to pillaging through the night at legendary spots like Finnerty’s (yes, bars stay open until 4am), Matt realizes he might be aging out of NYC nightlife. Still, he gave it a valiant effort and lived to tell the tale.

(5:30) Then it’s time for the main event: tennis legend Brad Gilbert joins the show, along with his son <...

Paul is back from Korea and Japan—and he didn’t come empty-handed. He brought gifts and tales from abroad, including how he ended up on the Jumbotron at a Yomiuri Giants game dressed as a samurai, pitching lemonade to a stadium full of fans. Just another Tuesday for Paul.

Matt kicks things off by recapping the dramatic election of the new Pope in this year’s unofficial Pope Draft. The guys debate which character from Conclave the new pontiff most resembles—and ask the eternal question: could someone still become Pope if they... had a bit of a rom...

Matt and Paul are back—with a new sponsor, Daytrip Beverages—and they’re cracking open a wild one. First up, the NBA Playoffs: Can the Warriors survive the Rockets? Can Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler carry them to the next round? (3:59) Then it’s over to the San Francisco Giants, where Paul wonders if their hot start is real or if he’s just chugging the Kool-Aid. (9:59)

Next, the guys sit down with legendary director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dodgeball, We’re The Millers, Red Notice, Cent...

In this jam-packed episode, Matt and Paul kick things off with a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Val Kilmer, sharing favorite roles and iconic moments. Then it’s all gas, no brakes as they break down the Golden State Warriors’ playoff push, celebrating clutch wins over the Grizzlies and Lakers. Can Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler dig deep and get the Warriors out of the play-in madness?

On the baseball front, the guys are fully unhinged abou...

Paul takes the charter in from Palm Springs for this week’s episode as he and Matt break down the San Francisco 49ers Free Agency Exodus—disaster or silver lining? Matt calms Paul’s panic over the 49ers' offseason moves, debates the Mac Jones signing - he is not the next Sam Darnold, and explores trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk. Plus, does Kyle Shanahan need a wake-up call? 

Producer Nick Conrad shares exclusive details about Club 33, Disneyland’s ultra-private VIP club (5:56). Matt analyzes the Golden State Warriors resurgence, Jimmy Butler sightings in San Francisco...

In this episode, Matt and Paul chop it up with San Francisco native, actor comedian Al Madrigal. They discuss his upbringing in the city, his days at St. Ignatius high school and his diehard 49ers, Warriors and San Francisco Giants fandom. They get the real story behind his 2017 NFL Draft announcement of George Kittle, the Deebo Samuel and Jimmy Butler trades, his love of obscure Warriors jerseys and going to old Candlestick Park with his Dad. Al talks about his career in Hollywood, working on The Way Back with Ben Affleck, his comedy special Shrimpin Ain’t Easy and hi...

In this episode, Matt and Paul chop it up with actor Kareem Grimes from the hit CW show All-American! They recap the Eagles crushing the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Kareem breaks down the Kendrick Lamar halftime show, the Drake beef, Serena Williams, SZA and who they want to see perform next year. They talk their favorite commercials from the Martha Stewart Sketchers ad to the Mountain Dew Seal spot. Super Bowl Predictions for next season. Kareem drops a classic Prince story, Paul has a Tom Cruise story and Matt runs into Wesley Snipes. Other topics include Taco Bell...

In this episode, Matt and Paul have a fascinating conversation with 4-time world champion boxer Ricky Quiles. Ricky won WBC, WBF, WBO, NABO titles in the junior welterweight and lightweight divisions. He talks about his rough upbringing in Lorrain, Ohio. Magic Johnson giving him his nickname “Showtime” after watching him box at The Forum. Ricky gives us his insight on the boxing game today - who is the best pound for pound fighter right now and if Jake Paul is good for the sport. Ricky talks about getting sober and opening Ricky’s Boxing Gym in Los Angeles where he tra...

In this episode, Matt and Paul discuss the Los Angeles Fires and where we go from here.  Paul talks about having to evacuate his home due to the Sunset Fire. They discuss what was in their “go-bags”, give updates on the latest resources available to victims and how to donate. Later, they recap the high school drama at The Jimmy Carter Memorial Service. What do the San Francisco Giants do after losing out on Roki Sasaki and did they sign Justin Verlander because of Roki’s crush on Kate Upton. Other topics they dive into - Is Deion Sanders the nex...

In the Best of 2024 Pod, Matt and Paul are joined by their producer Nick Conrad! They talk the Best Sports Moments of the Year - Steph Curry and Novak Djokavic in the Olympics. They discuss their favorite films including Anora, Dune, Inside Out 2, Challengers and more! In Best TV of the Year, Matt and Paul continue their never ending debate over HBO's Industry, also Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Ripley, Fallout and a few other surprises. They make bold predictions for 2025! Is Lebron James coming to the Warriors? Will Paul rekindle his love affair with baseball? Are the Drones over...

Matt and Paul are back! They discuss who would survive better in prison and Jessica Lange’s hotness in the 1976 King Kong movie. In a new segment called “First Date”, they discover that they’ve never had Boba and Paul was in an infomercial with Chuck Woolery. Are the 49ers back after their win against the Chicago Bears? 49ers vs. Rams Thursday Night prediction. They love the San Francisco Giants signing of Willy Adames. Paul gives Buster Posey his flowers and role plays his pitch to Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Matt breaks down the Draymond Green dunk vs the Timberwo...

In this episode, Matt and Paul breakdown the garbage circus exhibition called the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. They debate Jake Paul’s next opponent, everyone from Joe Biden to Clint Eastwood. Are the 49ers dead? Has head coach Kyle Shanahan lost his fastball? Will the Niners beat the Green Bay Packers this Sunday? Matt still doesn’t trust the Golden State Warriors hot start. Later, they interview Beat LA therapist and good friend of the pod Nick Mouyiaris. Doctor Nick discusses the trappings of toxic fandom and how to find balance in your life. He gives us a ph...

In this episode, Matt and Paul get into the 49ers victory against the Buccaneers. Was Deebo punching the special teams players a good thing? Matt and Paul reminisce on their own grade school fights. They give their predictions for this Sunday’s 49ers vs. Seahawks matchup. They discuss the Golden State Warriors hot start? Should we buy in or will they break our hearts? Later they interview superstar entrepreneur Samantha Gutstadt. They discuss her roots in Toronto on the Canada National Tennis team. Her path from actress to writer to successful influencer, podcaster and content creator. She tells us ho...

In this episode, Paul and Matt put the Dodgers World Series title to bed and why the Yankees turned into the Bad News Bears. Does Paul love the San Francisco Giants new GM Alex Minasian? Are the Giants going to sign Juan Soto? Matt breaks down the Golden State Warriors hot start. Later they interview, Hollywood producer Mark Roybal. Over the years Mark has executive produced Doubt with Meryl Streep, Moonrise Kingdom, Like Crazy and No Country For Old Men. Recently, he produced the HBO shows The White House Plumbers, Mare of Easttown with Kate Winslet and coming next...

In this episode, Paul dresses as Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction for Halloween. They recap the 49ers victory over the hated Dallas Cowboys. Paul discovers that rubbing his wife’s head is the good luck charm for the Niners offense and they look at trade targets at the deadlines. They deep dive the important storylines from the World Series - the Freddie Freeman grand slam, Ice Cube vs. Fate Joe and Love Bars in Tokyo. Later, they interview music manager and former bass player for Steel Train, Evan Winiker. They discuss his New York Mets fandom, playing the David Le...

On the 1 year anniversary pod, Paul gives Matt gifts from Italy. Matt gives Paul nothing. They discuss the Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series, give their predictions and why we should all be Yankees fans for 2 weeks. They get into the 49ers year from hell. Have they hit rock bottom? And can they beat the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday? They interview Days of Our Lives star, actor Brandon Barash. They get into his upbringing in St. Louis, his days on General Hospital, his Lakers fandom and the Lebron and Bronny James debate. They plug his band The Day Players...