Engel Angle

Mac Engel breaks down the viral controversy over Kansas football's civil war-themed hype video ahead of its Missouri rivalry game, and the fallout after Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz called it out post-game. Then, Mac dives deep into the evolution of sideline reporting, from Ahmad Rashad and Lisa Guerrero to Erin Andrews and ESPN's Holly Rowe, exploring double standards, social media's changing role, and why most sideline questions are painfully predictable. Packed with sports media insider stories, including a wild Drew Bledsoe benching moment from Mac's own reporting days, this episode is a candid take on college football rivalries, TV production...

Does journalism still have a place in sports and entertainment media, or has it been replaced by access-driven content and paid influencers? Mac Engel breaks down the TCU football media ban, ESPN's shifting role in the NBA's Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal involving Pablo Torre and the LA Clippers, and behind-the-scenes stories from interviews with Ryan Gosling, Kevin Hart, and Aaron Sorkin. A candid look at how power has shifted from newsrooms to teams, leagues, and brands, and why real journalism still matters even as entertainment programming and conflicts of interest dominate sports media today. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram dives into the rise of new media and what it really takes to build a career covering pro sports from outside the press box. He sits down with RJ Ochoa of Blogging the Boys, a remote Dallas Cowboys reporter who built a decade-long following without living in DFW, to talk journalism versus content creation, the AI threat to sports media, blogger stigma, and why humility and human connection still matter most in the influencer era. A candid, insightful conversation for anyone curious about the future of sports journalism, new media, and the Dallas...

Mac Engel takes a deep, personal look at Tony Romo following his DUI arrest and CBS suspension, weighing whether the network should fire its top NFL analyst and exploring why broadcasters often burn out after leaving the game. Engel also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his 2007 biography on Romo, tracing the quarterback's improbable rise from undrafted walk-on to Dallas Cowboys star and media sensation. A candid mix of sports media analysis and personal reflection on fame, gratitude, and the pressures facing former NFL players turned broadcasters. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mac talks to former long time NFL offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse, who played in the NFL from 2011 to 2020. He played for the Packers, Bengals, Giants, Raiders, Panthers, Patriots and Titans. He was a starter. He was a backup. He played in front of Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady.
Marshall lived the realities of the NFL life, from the money, to the online attacks, insecurity, to its loneliness.

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram sits down with Marshall Newhouse, an NFL offensive lineman who defied the odds by playing eleven seasons after being a fifth-round draft pick in 2011...

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is back from a exhausting trip to Sicily, where he shares a surprising celebrity encounter, visits ancient Greek and Roman ruins that still influence modern stadium design, and gets inspired by the real-life filming locations from the latest Indiana Jones film. Then Mac shifts gears to tackle the WNBA at 30 years old, arguing that the league's biggest obstacle to mainstream success is not sexism or misogyny, but rather a media and leadership culture too distracted by off-court narratives to focus on a product that is genuinely better than it has ever been. From...

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reflects on the joy and surprises of covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sharing why hosting in North America has exceeded every expectation. From Arlington's AT&T Stadium hosting more matches than Los Angeles, Miami, and New York to the hilarious reactions of international visitors discovering bottomless chips, free refill fountain drinks, and ranch dressing, this episode captures what makes American food culture uniquely fascinating to the world. Mac also digs into the real data on global obesity rankings, revealing that despite our supersized portions, the United States is not actually the fattest nation...

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is fully converted — the 2026 FIFA World Cup has won him over, and he sits down with British sports broadcaster Andy Kerr to break down everything from England's tournament chances to the legendary Tartan Army taking over South Beach. The two dig into the expansion to 48 teams, the flaws in American youth soccer development, the lasting impact of Brexit, and whether the NFL could ever plant a franchise in London. If you love soccer, sports culture, or just want a great transatlantic conversation about the world's game coming to America, this episode delivers. ★ Support this...

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram sits down with former U.S. Men's National Team player Eddie Lewis to reflect on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is now officially underway in North America. Lewis, who was part of the legendary 2002 U.S. squad that last won a World Cup knockout match, shares his journey from teaching himself soccer skills with a tennis ball at UCLA to breaking barriers as an American playing professionally in England. The conversation covers the state of youth soccer development in America, the cultural explosion of the sport, and what a successful tournament run would...

Join Fort Worth Star Telegram's Mac Engel on this deeply personal Father's Day tribute as he shares the remarkable story of his 93-year-old father, Ted Engel, a Depression-era kid from Staten Island who built an extraordinary life through sheer determination and sacrifice. Mac explores themes of generational toughness, family responsibility, and what it means to be part of America's greatest generation, revealing how his father's journey from a dysfunctional New York household to corporate success shaped his own perspective on work, sacrifice, and what truly matters in life. This heartfelt episode from the Engel Angle podcast offers both touching family...

Join Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel as he shares the highs and lows of meeting childhood heroes throughout his career, culminating in an unforgettable interview with Police drummer Stewart Copeland. From awkward encounters with baseball legends Eric Davis and Dick Vitale to heartwarming moments with Ernie Banks, Mac reveals the unvarnished truth about what it's really like when you finally meet the people you've idolized. Plus, hear exclusive clips from his recent conversation with Copeland about the Police reunion tour and why sometimes it's perfectly okay to be starstruck. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mac has an evolved relationship with the popular Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun, which celebrates its 40th birthday this month.
The film came out when Mac was an aspiring movie critic for his middle school newspaper in Indianapolis.
As he grew older, and "Top Gun Maverick" was released, his views of the films changed. But a few things still gnaw at him.
(Plus, this gives him the chance to tell you that he once flew with the Blue Angels).

Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel shares his hilariously specific problems with the Top Gun franchise as...

Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel makes a bold case for why NHL Stanley Cup playoffs deliver the ultimate postseason experience, even though hockey ranks fourth among major American sports. Drawing from 25 years covering everything from Super Bowls to Final Fours, Engel breaks down what makes playoff hockey special - from passionate fans in jerseys to golden goal overtime drama and iconic trophy celebrations. He also warns that college basketball's March Madness upsets, once the only postseason experience better than Stanley Cup playoffs, are disappearing as the NCAA expands tournaments to appease power conferences and preserve their survival. ★ Support this podcast on...

Bestselling author Keith O'Brien reveals the untold origin story of Larry Bird's rise from poverty in rural Indiana, including his traumatic departure from Indiana University and near-disappearance into blue-collar obscurity before Indiana State coach Bill Hodges literally drove the streets looking for him. Through interviews with Bird's childhood friends, teammates, and coaches, O'Brien uncovers the hidden details of how the "Hick from French Lick" almost never made it out of his small town, offering a completely different perspective on one of basketball's greatest legends. Discover the fascinating backstory behind Bird's legendary 1979 NCAA championship game against Magic Johnson and how a...

Sports journalist Mac Engel shares two unforgettable stories in this episode of the Ingle Angle podcast: his catastrophic SAT experience as a 2.0 GPA high school student who overslept, forgot his ID, and scored an embarrassingly low 700, and his passionate defense of modern NBA basketball against constant criticism. Engel argues that today's NBA players are more skilled and athletic than ever, but explains why media coverage focuses on negativity over appreciation of the game's evolution. A hilarious and insightful look at academic disasters, sports commentary, and how nostalgia shapes our perspective on professional basketball.

Former Texas basketball legend Willie Warren shares his remarkable journey from McDonald's All-American to NBA draft pick to globetrotting professional player across 14 countries including Iran, China, and Kuwait. Warren reveals untold stories about playing alongside Blake Griffin at Oklahoma, his challenging NBA rookie experience with the LA Clippers, and candid insights about overseas basketball culture, AAU system changes, and why college players should prioritize professionalism over pure talent. A must-listen for basketball fans interested in the realities of professional basketball beyond the NBA spotlight.

Mac talks to longtime New York Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro, who has been in the New York sports scene for more than 20 years. Mike has a new book out, "The Bosses of the Bronx," which covers the long tenure of New York Yankees owner, the late George Steinbrenner. Since George died in 2010, his sons have run the Yankees. When George was in his prime, no owner in sports was more visible or controversial. He was Jerry Jones before Jerry Jones. And George left a lasting impression on the current President of the United States.

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Mac talks to longtime New York Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro, who has been in the New York sports scene for more than 20 years. Mike has a new book out, "The Bosses of the Bronx," which covers the long tenure of New York Yankees owner, the late George Steinbrenner. Since George died in 2010, his sons have run the Yankees. When George was in his prime, no owner in sports was more visible or controversial. He was Jerry Jones before Jerry Jones. And George left a lasting impression on the current President of the United States.

Having run a few marathons before, Mac never thought he could complete a triathlon. Not a strong swimmer. On Sunday in Keller, Texas, Mac completed the St. Patrick's Day triathlon - 400 meter swim, 14.5 mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run - that was a total disaster. He also shares his thoughts about the recent LA Marathon "finishers" who received a medal despite not running the entire race.

Having run a few marathons before, Mac never thought he could complete a triathlon. Not a strong swimmer. On Sunday in Keller, Texas, Mac completed the St. Patrick's Day triathlon - 400 meter swim, 14.5 mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run - that was a total disaster. He also shares his thoughts about the recent LA Marathon "finishers" who received a medal despite not running the entire race.

0:00 — Completing My First Triathlon
Mac Engel opens the episode with the story of finishing the St. Patrick’s Day Triathlon in Keller, Texas.

1:59 — The Real Challenge: Overcoming Yourself
Why th...

Former NFL Network host, and morning anchor at ABC's station in Dallas, WFAA, Marc Istook joined Mac to talk about his career, the state of news media today, and his decision to take the leap to create his own media company.

Plus, Mac has some concerns after attending the Lady Gaga concert.

This episode of Engel Angle starts with a complaint — the kind every concert fan has had.

Mac Engel went to see Lady Gaga and didn’t hear the one song he actually wanted. Which leads to a broader question: why do artists — and frankly, a lot of people in media — keep changing the rules?

That brings in the guest.

Longtime North Texas broadcaster Mark Istook, who many viewers recognize from WFAA, joins the show to talk about his decision to leave a comfortable TV job and start his own media venture.

Istook e...

In this solo episode of Engel Angle, Mac reflects on legacy — who gets remembered, who gets overlooked, and why timing matters.

Mac opens with a tribute to Academy Award–winning actor Robert Duvall, revisiting Lonesome Dove, The Godfather, and Apocalypse Now, and sharing a deeply personal story about interviewing Texas football legend Sammy Baugh — the man Duvall used as inspiration for Gus McCrae.

From Hollywood legends to Hall of Fame politics, the conversation shifts to the flawed voting systems that determine who gets enshrined and who gets left waiting.

Yes, Bill Belichick’s Hall of...

Lindsay Graham's story of becoming an unofficial historian as one of the top history podcasters in America is as amazing as it is inspiring and charming.

In short time, Graham became the voice of some of the most popular podcasts, including American History Tellers, History Daily, American Scandal, and Business Movers. He's earned shoutouts from Ryan Reynolds, George Clooney and Amy Poehler.

Now, Graham is "going on the road" with live shows, including an upcoming one in Dallas.

Mac went to the movie theater to see the hyped new documentary, "Melania," the film about the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump. The movie has the same issues as an increasing number of other documentary films, led by "The Last Dance."

Mac went to the movie theater to see the hyped new documentary, "Melania," the film about the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump. The movie has the same issues as an increasing number of other documentary films, led by "The Last Dance."

Mac's guest is Dr. Alex Kor, whose parents are Holocaust survivors. The late Mickey and Eva Kor survived separate camps until they were liberated; Eva was one of the "Mengele Twins," patients who were used as human experiments conducted by infamous Nazi Dr. Josef Mengela. Dr. Kor has made it a priority to tell his parent's stories, and to educate people about a topic that some survivors fear is being forgotten.

The insane state of college sports has its roots in the Olympic games The Winter Olympics is almost here, an ideal time to provide an update of how "we got here" in the highest levels of amateur sports. NCAA football and basketball looks nothing like what built it, and while change is inevitable Mac has one solution to a college sports problem that needs fixing.

Houston's beloved Astrodome needs a solution, and its counter to what should have been done because it's not the American way

The city of Houston is once again wrestling with what to do with one of its, and America's, most influential buildings - the Astrodome. It was closed in 2008, and sits there as a storage shed. In this episode, Mac explains why the Astrodome is so important not just to Houston, the entire American sports' landscape, and what should be done.

Mac brings back something he thought he had lost - an interview with best-selling author Sebastian Junger. In 2024, Junger's book, "In My Time of Dying," which covered his near death experience. There was one part to Mac's interview with Junger that stuck out, and it should resonate with all of us who question a life after our death.

The classic film "Rocky" turns 50 here in 2026, and Mac has an anecdote about meeting a figure from the famous movie that is consistent with some of his other chance meetings with some famous people that he had no clue who they were until later.

Mac became eligible to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame a few years ago, and on this latest ballot he changed his mind about the people who are linked to steroid use.

Mac pulls out "an oldie" for this episode. In 2022, he interviewed former Texas Longhorns linebacker and Philadelphia Eagle player Emmanuel Acho about a variety of topics, including the changes that were coming in major college sports. Acho's forecast was accurate. Acho has made a nice career for himself as a broadcaster, among other talents.

After the release of the college football playoff bracket, fans (and Notre Dame) threw a fit. Mac discusses the actual state of the second most popular game in America, right after he remembers a significant figure in the development of North Texas, Tom Hicks. Hicks died over the weekend in Dallas at the age of 79.

Olympic gold medalist and long time prize fight champion Oscar De La Hoya talked to Mac about the state of the sport, why people can't quit a sport as dangerous as boxing, and the thrill he found to replace the high that comes with it.

The Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic still bothers Mac. Because it's awful. On this episode, Mac lists the worst trades in the history of the Dallas sports franchises - the Stars, Texas Rangers, Cowboys and the Mavericks.

Best-selling author Jeff Pearlman joins Mac to talk about his new book "Only God Can Judge Me," about late hip hop artist, Tupac Shakur. Jeff's background is in sports, but he wanted to write a book about Tupac. Pearlman interviewed nearly 700 people for this book, which included a funny anecdote about trying to talk to Tupac's high school classmate, Jada Pinkett Smith. 

Plus Mac and Jeff exchange horror stories about book signing events.

0:00:01 Cold Open: “Do I Look Like My Dad?”
0:00:15 Meeting Your Heroes (And Why Jeff Pearlman Isn’t a Letdown)
0:01:17 Rocker...

Best-selling author Jeff Pearlman joins Mac to talk about his new book "Only God Can Judge Me," about late hip hop artist, Tupac Shakur. Jeff's background is in sports, but he wanted to write a book about Tupac. Pearlman interviewed nearly 700 people for this book, which included a funny anecdote about trying to talk to Tupac's high school classmate, Jada Pinkett Smith. Plus Mac and Jeff exchange horror stories about book signing events.

No one wants to hear about your fantasy team, or your kids athletic exploits in select sports. However - Mac tried something different to see what would happen. Can a fantasy football team full of nothing but white dudes win a game?

Mac talked to singer/actress, director, writer, editor Tane McClure about her fascinating career and life. A music career that started when she was 17 morphed into movies, TV, Legally Blonde, Cinemax After Dark, Days of Our Lives and seemingly everything in entertainment. She did it all.