MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast
The very visual, very professional, and 100% kitten-free podcasts of MGoBlog, featuring the MGoPodcast with Brian Cook, Seth Fisher, David Nasternak, and Alex Drain, as well as The Teams historical podcast (Seth & Dr. Sap), The Michigan Hockeycast (David & Alex), and recorded versions of MGoRadio (Brian, Seth & Alex) and the WTKA Roundtable (Brian, Seth, Sam Webb, and Craig Ross)
WTKA Roundtable 7/10/2025: The Sleeves Were the Best Part
THE BOOK: Is done. Yes you can still get in on The Kickstarter (but not the name/sentence levels). Also a Kindle Edition is now live. MGoBlog.com/25
Lineup: Sam, Seth, Craig, and Miz. Brian's still on dad duty; Ira's on a plane.
Things Discussed:
Wink Martindale criticism: The Emotional Rollercoaster sweatshirt from Sack the Stigma is great but Wink is cutting off the sleeves, which are the best part. Wink Martindale praise: His defensive approach changed to be much more college late in the season. Can't be in his head but we think h...WTKA Roundtable 6/26/2025: I Like My Tackles Incorrigible
THE BOOK: Kickstarter is still active. MGoBlog.com/25
REMINDER: Michigan fans won the Charity Bowl, so we'll be getting together with Spencer, Holly, and Jason on JUNE 28, 6PM at the Ann Arbor District Library, then going to Venue for drinks at 8:00. Signup is here so I can give them a final count (we're at ~200 right now), or go to pizzawestern.com.
THE LINEUP: Brian still on break. Seth & Craig & Sam today.
NO SHOW NEXT WEEK: July 4th.
Things Discussed:
HTTV 2025: Craig's article on 1898 has a surprise for Buckeye Fans, because the N...Bonus WTKA Show: Hail to the Victors 2025 Preview
Thing Discussed:
Warde Manuel kindly filled in for us last Thursday so Sam invited me on this morning. We mostly discussed the article he wrote for HTTV 2025 (now Kickstarting) about Michigan's recruitment of Bryce Underwood, and all of the things that had to come together on Michigan's end to make that possible, as well as an assist from LSU and Michigan fans that nobody expected to close the deal. Also discussed every other feature in the book.
WTKA Roundtable 6/5/2025: Cryin Out for Kobe Assists
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Once again Michigan won the Charity Bowl, so we'll be getting together with the Fullcastians on JUNE 28, 6PM at the Ann Arbor District Library, then going to Venue for drinks at 8:30. Signup is here so we can plan a good numbers count, or just remember pizzawestern.com.
Things Discussed:
House: We're in prime recruiting season but schools are starting to tell kids the distribution money isn't coming to recruit against Michigan. What's the holdup? In a vacuum liars will come up with B.S. to sell. We're sure Ohio State is pushing for some kin...WTKA Roundtable 5/29/2025: The Yaxel Hour
Things Discussed:
On early: Talkin Detroit Tigers. How this went down: Yax started with college as a fallback, Michigan visit shifted things. NBA side of it stayed—if anything the measurements at the Combine improved his NBA stock. But Michigan convinced him. Laid out the red carpet. Coaches went to the Combine to support him. Did we out-recruit the NBA? Yes, because the NBA wasn't recruiting him, and we are very good at recruiting. Good sign for the future: Dusty May knows how to convince a fringe NBA guy to come back to college. Going to have an ad...WTKA Roundtable 5/22/2025: No More Hamburgers
Things Discussed:
Tigers: They go dormant for years but then they pop, and you gotta get a World Series when they do. Sign Skubal! Craig's long story about golf in Alabama. House Settlement: NCAA is going to relinquish enforcement to a commission/CEO run by the commissioners. Will it work? Without legislation they'll just get sued again. What some schools are going for is to have rules that nobody enforces except against programs they don't like. This was ideal for OSU/Bama/Georgia/LSU who could get a competitive advantage on programs that self-police, and occasionally could be u...WTKA Roundtable 5/15/2025: The Best of the Not Yet In It
Things Discussed:
Michigan vs Georgia recruitments revisited: things have definitely changed. We had to move heaven and Earth to get Will Johnson and that was a legacy. Sam shares a story that Harbaugh promised he was gonna be here and that got Will to pump the breaks on a USC-Ohio State decision. Remembering DJ Turner's recruitment. Yaxel? Is doing well at the combine. Think Michigan visit changed his mindset from "Michigan has to match" to "NBA has to match," but there's a very good chance that happens. Difference between early 2nd round and late 1st round isn't just m...WTKA Roundtable 5/8/2025: Real Americans Don't Like Cancer
Note: Do you hate it when politics are discussed in places you go for sports? Then skip this episode entirely or skip to 36:19.
Things Discussed after 36:19
Leak to Thamel says NCAA told Michigan they'll suspend Sherrone for CMU and Nebraska. Sam: Leak is overblown—it's part of the back and forth with Michigan, not something that's been accepted. Would we take it? Brian thinks it's harsh but if this ends it, fine—you kowtow to the power and move on. Thamel aside, let's go over what Sherrone did. Facts we are relatively certain of: Sherrone deleted all o...WTKA Roundtable 5/1/2025: It's Pronounced "Right Guard"
Things Discussed:
Bryce Spring Review: Underwood actually made some JJ throws. Players who stood out on film review: Deyvid Palepale, more impressed with Jalen Hoffman, Avery Gach (pronounced "Gatch") had lots of +2s and –2s, Jordan Young is always around the ball, made the 4th & 1 stuff. OL thoughts by position: RT & RG: Sprague and Efobi were moving people—impressive when they do it Benny, not so much Bobby Kanka. Efobi is the high ceiling/high floor option, could be Hattar or Link. Gach was getting shoved backwards by Chibi Anwunah, who might be good. Think the battle in fall...WTKA Roundtable 4/24/2025: Take Your Kid to Work Day
Special guest: Everybody wave hi to Mira.
Things Discussed:
Spring game: Craig watched the line, wasn't that impressed. Bryce was throwing flat; overthrowing McCulley is a sin. There's a guy across the aisle who's already mad. Seth thinks when the threw that small window past a dropping DE was good; Brian thought he didn't see the drop. Jadyn Davis: Didn't look that polished but much improved. Mikey Keene? Brian thinks he's not a P4 quarterback. Receivers? If you go in the portal you can get a bunch of CJ Charlestons at this point. McCulley had the o...MGoPodcast 16.30: Which One Of You Has The Juice?
2 hour and 14 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com.
Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, the Autograph: Fandom Rewarded app, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community...
WTKA Roundtable 4/17/2025: Shoulda Thrown It to Nico
Things Discussed:
Honoring the life of Mike DeBord. Long list of great players and coaches he created. Really kind man. Whoever you were, whatever you were doing, he wanted to make you better at it, and he leaves quite a legacy here. Bryce: What are you looking for? Want to see how he does against all the weird Minter stuff. I want to see him trapped against the right sideline, because that's how young Denard and JJ showed when they could do. Jadyn Davis: Sam says the confidence has been restored; the lack of confidence last year was...WTKA Roundtable 4/10/2025: Un Cadeau Un Cadeau What? Let's Go. Oh.
I made the cover thinking we were going to talk about spring ball and safety rotation. We just talked hoops.
Things Discussed:
Craig stopped being a Cleveland fan when they traded Rocky Colavito and says nobody will get that reference, Seth goes: "I like hamburger!" Aside: If you ever see a copy of Baseball Anecdotes by Daniel Okrent and Steve Wulf, I highly recommend you pick it up. Dusty May is able to multitask, unlike Tom Izzo. Realities of building a roster in 2024-25. Cadeau vs Donaldson: Michigan lost its top two shot creators in their two...Michigan HockeyCast 7.22: We Didn't Get To Say Goodbye
1 Hour and 28 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: Where is Everyone Going?Opener Alex Loves Pistons Those Who Left... Who Do We Get? Segment 2: Frozen Four, Stick Ball, et al
Some Teams Are Still Playing Baseball Catchup Softball Update Someone Name the Athletics!
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.29: Animorphological Basketballtorialism
2 hour and 14 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com.
Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, the Autograph: Fandom Rewarded app, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community...
WTKA Roundtable 4/3/2025: Those Who Stayed Again
Craig has an eye patch, Sam is ill.
Things Discussed:
Season Grade: A. Exceeded expectations, put up a banner, Sweet 16 after getting hosed by the committee. Dusty May is good at this: Michigan is really good in the last five minutes. They found guys they can use in ways other schools wouldn't have thought about. Knows how to put a roster together, which is critical in an age when you have to remake your roster every year. Why you have to rebuild your roster every year: The portal system isn't good for anyone. It's unfair to bl...Michigan HockeyCast 7.21: Apples for Teachers
1 Hour and 59 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: NCAA Tournament DebateNo Goal...ies for OSU and BU MSU Conundrum What Does Minnesota Have to Show? Allentown and Friends Segment 2: Let The Grading Begin
Two Second Lines Two Fourth Lines Goalies and Genres Roster Breakdown
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.28: A Younger, Hotter Matt Painter
1 hour and 46 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com.
Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, the Autograph: Fandom Rewarded app, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community...
WTKA Roundtable 3/27/2025: The Doop Doop Oopie-Woop
Things Discussed:
Auburn: They're Michigan if Michigan was everything they wanted them to be. No turnovers, extremely high efficiency. Michigan's turnovers are mostly still Michigan's. Lately the first 5 minutes of every game they're on pace for 60 TOs and then they are not a high-turnover team the rest of the game. UC San Diego: Michigan was a terrible matchup for them. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones is their top scorer and he was useless against Danny Wolf. They had a good shooting day and Michigan had turnovers to make it close. Texas A&M: Michigan put their effort into rebounding. A&M s...MGoPodcast 16.27: Late Risers
1 hour and 34 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com.
Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, the Autograph: Fandom Rewarded app, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community...
WTKA Roundtable 3/20/2025: Wearing Suits and Eating Shrimp
Things Discussed: Michigan wins Big Ten Tournament, it doesn't matter for seeding, and then the get the strongest 12-seed in the history of Kenpom. UC San Diego preview: They figured out how to deal with a 7-footer in the third game against UC Irvine, the other good team in their conference of California state schools plus Hawai'i, but they haven't faced two 7-footers. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones is their major usage guy who might end up having to play a lot of center because Nordin Kapic, their nominal big, is a 6'8"/245 stretch. PG Hayden Gray has the #1 steal rate in the...
Michigan HockeyCast 7.20: Waiting, Hoping, Praying
1 Hour and 19 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: What Happened Last Weekend?Opener Old Friends and Around the League Pairwise Rankings and Rooting Interests Who Might Go Where Segment 2: Stick Ball Sports and the NHL
He Said/She Said Hardball Rundown Softball Catchup NHL Chit-Chat
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.26: The Humans Are Dumb
1 hour and 28 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com.
Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, the Autograph: Fandom Rewarded app, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community...
WTKA Roundtable 3/13/2025: As a Canadian Citizen,
SKLARS TONIGHT
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Show's at 7:30, doors at 6:30, VICTORS books for sale and signing after the show. HOT TAKES segment during the show if enough MGoBlog fans are there. Tickets.
Things Discussed:
Basketball big picture: they're a good team, though they've been more of a 10-seed than a 4-seed since January because they hit their ceiling. Strategy has stagnated but tactics are good, wins close games. Take Michigan in the 1st round vs a 12 or 13 because they won't have someone who can stop Vlad. Tre Donaldson needs to play better—ball is...Michigan HockeyCast 7.19: Lions, Lions, and Lions... OH MY
1 Hour and 33 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: Defense? What Defense?Opener Puck Mismanagement So Many Goals for Everyone That OT Call Segment 2: No Bounceback Whatsoever
What Even Happened? Did You Expect That? Old Friends and Around the League Is There A Chance? Pairwise and Predictions
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.25: Mankind and the Undertaker
Sklars performing at Mark Ridley's in Royal Oak this Thursday at 7:30PM (doors open at 6:30) tickets: Supersklars.com We will be there having drinks with copies of VICTORS to sign after the show. If you can't make a weeknight they're performing 2 shows on Friday and Saturday night.
1 hour and 10 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their...
WTKA Roundtable 3/6/2025: The Right to Miss
Things Discussed:
They say I look like Mick Foley? I don't see it. Maryland: Vlad has to make >50% from two or you can't lose the shot disparity by ten, but you can't have both. Lots of mental lapses: Vlad on defensive boards, Wolf has 4 turnovers on 5 possessions, then Tre does something similar. Teams do things well. Illinois put on a clinic of what they do: spread it out, shoot a lot, and rebound bricks vs your guards. Maryland put on a clinic of what they do: Queen and Reece block a lot of shots and they get you switche...Michigan HockeyCast 7.18: Plant The Flag
1 Hour and 20 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: Low Event and OT Opener Nothing Happens Alternating Goals Finally, a 3x3 loss Segment 2: Almost Collapse Dominating Hockey Five Minute Review Old Friends and Around the League Ice Lions Again!
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.24: It Gets Worse
GoFundMes to support victims of the fires in LA who are part of the MGoBlog community:
General Fund. Reader's mother-in-law Anne Cohen. Reader Chef Robert. Reader Josh Bishop-Moser. Reader Mike on behalf of Mika Yoshitake & daughter Sora. Readers Liberty and Mark.1 hour and 21 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at...
WTKA Roundtable 2/27/2025: What if it's a Fetish?
Things Discussed:
MBB's shooting woes: they're at 27% going back to the last Rutgers game, Roddy Gayle is 1/24 in the Big Ten. It's a cascade: missed threes are creating runouts and Michigan has a massive difference between their transition defense (324th in the country) and their half-court defense (18th). Sam: Roddy's making them in practice. Tre Donaldson was their guy to get "bad buckets" but we think that opponents are taking even those away by packing the paint. Seth: Rutgers is a get-right opportunity because they'll need to help down low and that should create looks. RU preview: Dylan H...Michigan HockeyCast 7.17: Those Who Came Before
1 Hour and 41 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: Scores, Standings, PairwiseOpener Old Friends and the League Last Look at Ohio State Segment 2: Professional Wolverines
NHL Regulars Fringe NHLers Minor Leaguers
MUSIC
WTKA Roundtable 2/20/2025: The Izzoiest Izzo to Ever Iz a Zo
Things Discussed:
We believe MSU is likely planting diseases in Brian's kid's school. Michigan State preview: They can't shoot; they're 354th (I was wrong on the pod) out of 364 teams in 3P%. But caveat: Jase Richardson can shoot and has been playing more, Frankie Fiddler career-wise can shoot, Fears is at 35% and Kohler is at 34%. It's Hollomon and Carr and Akins who give them that profile, but when only one is on the court they're fine. They are physical. Purdue is physical too but MSU is that and DIRTY. MSU vs Purdue: great coaching job. Strategy was switching, thr...Michigan HockeyCast 7.16: Golden Goals and Golden Gophers
1 Hour and 33 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: Overtime WinnerOpener More Lack of Scoring Korpi to Stein and Goals Overtime Power Play Segment 2: Shootout Winner
Early Period Goals Cocaine OT and Shootout Old Friends and the League Four Nations Opinions
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.23: Yeah But Your Brother's A Doctor
GoFundMes to support victims of the fires in LA who are part of the MGoBlog community:
General Fund. Reader's mother-in-law Anne Cohen. Reader Chef Robert. Reader Josh Bishop-Moser. Reader Mike on behalf of Mika Yoshitake & daughter Sora. Readers Liberty and Mark.1 hour and 42 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at...
WTKA Roundtable 2/13/2025: Punking Back
Things Discussed:
Ohio State hires Matt Patricia: Brian: He'll have a Wile E. Coyote year with Caleb Downs but he's not a good coach. He does have a weird beard though. Seth if the idea is to capture what Michigan got in Wink Martindale they forgot the part where he invented the defense that Michigan runs. Craig: Nothing in his resume shows he's a good coach. Purdue game: Michigan had to try at least four defenses against Braden Smith to wear that guy out, finally got Danny Wolf to work. Seth: the zone was the most effective because...Michigan HockeyCast 7.15: Let's Get Ready To Rumble
1 Hour and 24 Minutes
With David Nasternak and Alex Drain
This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.
Segment 1: BAD...but Lucky!Opener Power Play Goals Korpi Wins It Is That Enough? Segment 2: Friday But More State Goals
Korpi Hangs On For 30 The Dam Breaks Old Friends and the League Gopher Redux
MUSIC
MGoPodcast 16.22: Grouchy Dave's Reservoir Dogs
GoFundMes to support victims of the fires in LA who are part of the MGoBlog community:
General Fund. Reader's mother-in-law Anne Cohen. Reader Chef Robert. Reader Josh Bishop-Moser. Reader Mike on behalf of Mika Yoshitake & daughter Sora. Readers Liberty and Mark.1 hour and 28 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at...
WTKA Roundtable 2/6/2025: Pick Your Tradeoff
Things Discussed:
Signing Day: Got the most talent on offense since…1998? Down the list:
OL: Two of the highest-ranked OTs in the history of the program, Gach was a Priority 1 for the program, Strayhorn is a center. RB: Jasper Parker the sites just missed; poorer man's Adrian Peterson. M thinks DJ is healthy. WR: Marsh was a big pull vs heavy hitters, Year 1 player. Browder needs development but Junior Hemingway upside. Washington is tall and can move well. TE: Owens is a Bredeson, really hurts that they missed on Olesh. DL: We love the heavy-handed build-a-bears th...MGoPodcast 16.21: The Tubes Are Empty
GoFundMes to support victims of the fires in LA who are part of the MGoBlog community:
General Fund. Reader's mother-in-law Anne Cohen. Reader Chef Robert. Reader Josh Bishop-Moser. Reader Mike on behalf of Mika Yoshitake & daughter Sora. Readers Liberty and Mark.1 hour and 9 minutes
The Sponsors
Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at...
WTKA Roundtable 1/30/2025: The S.O.S.T.
Things Discussed: Mostly we discussed the Dellinger Leak and Michigan's response to the NCAA re: Signgate. I'll have a UV later today on it.
Michigan has a very—extremely—strong case that they did very little wrong. Most of the in-person scouting was for teams not on their schedule, all of the evidence for a coverup is flimsy: Sherrone deleted texts: Only off his phone, because he knew they had imaging, those were provided to the NCAA, and they were completely innocuous. Mike Hart was told that Stalions was "extra" which: yeah. That's it! That's all the evidence! Most...
