Episodes

  • From Navy Pilot to Super Bowl Hero | Phil McConkey
    May 20 2026

    On this episode of Back It Up Binge Podcast, JB is joined by returning co-host Futures for an incredible conversation with former New York Giants Super Bowl champion Phil McConkey.

    Phil takes us through his remarkable journey from growing up in Buffalo and attending the United States Naval Academy, to serving as a Navy helicopter pilot before making the unlikely jump back into professional football at 27 years old. We discussed his return to the game after five years of military service and his connection to the Belichick’s.

    Phil shares what it was like entering the Giants locker room in the 1980s under Bill Parcells, battling through the legendary NFC East, and building relationships with teammates during one of the franchise’s greatest eras.

    We dive deep into the unforgettable Super Bowl XXI run, including behind-the-scenes stories from the Giants’ playoff dominance, the famous fake punt, trick plays against Denver, and Phil’s iconic moments in the game alongside Phil Simms and Mark Bavaro. Phil even tells the unbelievable story of what he discovered on the field during the postgame celebration.

    We close things out discussing life after football, including Phil’s work with veteran-owned investment bank Academy Securities and a fun Binge Burner Round featuring some Giants legends. A tremendous episode filled with football history, military service, leadership, perseverance, and stories Giants, and NFL fans will absolutely love.

    0:00 Introduction

    1:12 Growing up in Buffalo

    4:09 Choosing the Naval Academy

    6:18 The Naval Academy and McConkey Family Links

    7:43 Getting Back to the NFL

    10:41 What It Was Like Walking into the Giants Locker Room for the First Time

    14:30 Adjusting to an NFL Locker Room After Five Years of Military Service

    17:22 Who Became Phil's Close Friend on the Giants

    21:07 The WR or Special Teams’ Player Phil Made a Point to Watch

    23:04 Toughest CB/DB Phil Faced

    25:14 Was There One NFC East Team That Elevated the Giants The Week of the Game

    27:09 Release in 1986 and Returning to the Giants

    31:00 Team Mentality in 1986

    32:22 Memorable Plays from Super Bowl XXI

    41:14 Impact of Not Winning a Super on a Players Legacy

    42:41 Phil’s on Field Discovery After Winning the Super Bowl

    46:02 Playing for Bill Parcells

    49:33 Bill Parcells Motivating Phil

    52:14 Phil Simms

    54:55 Post NFL Career Discussion

    59:46 Binge Burner Round

    1:06:58 Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave a comment for Phil.

    Please FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

    #NewYorkGiants #PhilMcConkey #BigBlue #NFL #SuperBowlXXI #SuperBowlChampion #PhilSimms #BillParcells #LawrenceTaylor #NFC East #NavalAcademy #NavyFootball #Veterans #MilitaryToNFL #FootballPodcast #SportsPodcast #GiantsFans #BuffaloNY #NFLHistory #80sFootball #PhilMcConkeyInterview #PodcastEpisode #YouTubePodcast #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcast #BingeBurnerRound #backitupbingepodcast

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Undrafted to a No Hitter to a Movie Set: Talkin’ with Jim Colborn
    Apr 22 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with former Major League pitcher Jim Colborn for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the box score. From an unexpected brush with Hollywood, working on a major motion picture alongside an A-list actor, to his early sports influences, Jim shares the journey that took him from an undrafted player to the big leagues.

    We dive into his pitching style, his first Major League start, and what it was like playing under legendary manager Leo Durocher. Jim reflects on his breakout 1973 season, handling heavy workloads in an era when pitchers were built differently, and his unforgettable All-Star experience.

    Of course, we relive the pinnacle moments, including his 1977 no-hitter and what happened in the ALCS playoffs before discussing later career transitions, trades, and his time as a pitching coach mentoring the next generation.

    We close with a fun rapid-fire “Binge Burner” round featuring stories on baseball icons Henry Aaron, George Scott, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins and Ken Holtzman.

    This is a deep, candid look at a baseball life that spans generations filled with perspective, history, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

    Chapters:

    ~ Intro

    ~ Acting Career in a Major Picture With an A List Actor

    ~ Favorite Sport and Athlete Growing Up

    ~ Undrafted to Minor League Contract

    ~ Pitching Style

    ~ First Major League Start

    ~ Playing for Leo Durocher

    ~ Trade to Milwaukee

    ~ 1973 Season of Success

    ~ How Did Jim Handle the Workload

    ~ The Approach of a Starting Pitcher in the 1970s

    ~ 1973 All-Star Experience

    ~ 1977 No Hitter

    ~ 1977 ALCS Playoffs

    ~ Trade to Seattle

    ~ Pitching Coach & Some of the Players Jim Coached

    ~ Binge Burner Round (Henry Aaron, George Scott, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Ken Holtzman)

    ~ Closing Comments

    ~ Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment.

    Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

    #MLB #MLBHistory #nohitter #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #chicagocubs #milwaukeebrewers #kansascityroyals #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    1 hr
  • From Montana to the Mound - Jeff Ballard’s Journey to the Show
    Apr 15 2026

    What does it take to go from a baseball-less high school in Montana to the bright lights of Major League Baseball? In this episode, Jeff Ballard shares his incredible journey, from choosing Stanford over a draft offer, to starring alongside future legends like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire on Team USA, to carving out his place in the Orioles rotation.

    We dive into his breakout 1989 season (18 wins, Cy Young votes), what clicked that year, and the reality of sustaining success at the Major League level. Jeff also reflects on facing elite hitters like Don Mattingly, turning a triple play, and learning from managers like Cal Ripken Sr., Frank Robinson, and Jim Leyland.

    Plus, life after baseball, a geophysics degree, and a rapid-fire “Binge Burner” round featuring some of the biggest names of his era.

    00:00 Intro

    00:28 Favorite Athlete / Team Growing Up

    03:49 Path to D1 Baseball

    10:18 Choosing Stanford Over the Minors

    11:49 Collegiate Career at Stanford

    16:22 Jeff’s Thoughts on Stanford Teammate Jack McDowell

    16:49 Jeff’s Pitching Arsenal and the Radar Gun

    18:23 Playing for the U.S. Nat’l Team and Meeting Fidel Castro

    21:18 Call Up to the Majors for Jeff’s First Start

    25:08 Pitch Counts

    25:46 Joining a Staff with Mike Boddicker, Mike Flanagan and Scott McGregor

    27:31 The 1989 Season

    34:55 Trusting Your Pitches with Lower Velocity

    38:07 Career Highlight #1 Striking Out Don Mattingly Three Times

    40:29 Tough Batters Faced During Jeff’s Career

    44:30 Career Highlight #2 – Starting a 1-6-3 Triple Play

    46:02 Playing for Cal Ripken, Sr., Frank Robinson and Jim Leyland

    51:26 Success as a Batter

    56:40 Post MLB Career

    59:26 Binge Burner Round

    1:04:47 Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment. Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

    #MLB #MLBHistory #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #LeftHandedPitcher #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Here Comes the Judge From Dolphins Dynasty to the Courtroom With the Honorable Ed Newman
    Apr 7 2026

    In this episode, we sit down with the Honorable Ed Newman, former standout with the Miami Dolphins and co-author of Warrior Judge, written alongside his daughter Holly.

    This conversation goes far beyond football.

    We start with the story behind the book, why Ed decided to tell it, what the writing process revealed about his life, and how former teammates reacted to seeing his journey in print.

    From there, we dig into who Ed Newman really is, through the lens of family, discipline, and the values that shaped him long before the NFL. From his days at Duke University, where he balanced football and wrestling, to being drafted into a championship locker room fresh off perfection, Ed’s path was anything but typical.

    What makes his story remarkable is what came next.

    For years, Ed wasn’t “the guy.” He battled through limited starts, stayed ready, and trusted the process. When his opportunity finally came, he didn’t just step in, he excelled, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors later in his career.

    Along the way, you’ll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories and a “welcome to the NFL” moment.

    And just when most careers wind down, Ed does something few athletes ever do. He starts over and we explore his transition from the NFL to the courtroom

    Don’t forget to FOLLOW for more interviews and stories from the world of professional sports.

    Intro

    Ed’s Book, Warrior Judge

    Ed’s Family and Support System Growing Up

    College Years at Duke and What Ed Gave up

    Ed’s Draft Day Experience

    NFL Career Discussion

    Welcome to the NFL Moment

    The 12-minute Run

    A Don Shula Story

    The Period of Transition From Bob Griese to Dan Marino

    Plan B – Post Football Career

    Who was Ed’s Courtroom Bailiff

    Binge Burner Round & Closing Comments

    Outro

    #MiamiDolphins #NFLLegend #WideReceiver #DolphinsNation #NFLHistory #FootballLegend #HallOfFame #DolphinsFootball #NFLRecords #TouchdownSeason #NFLDraftStories #AquaAndOrange #NFLInterview #SportsStories #GridironGreats #PingPongTableStory #RecordBreakingSeason #FootballTalk #sportslegends #finup #phinsup

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Mark Clayton From 8th Round Pick to Record Breaking NFL Superstar
    Jan 29 2026

    We are Talkin Football with Miami Dolphins legend Mark Clayton for an unforgettable conversation about his incredible NFL career.

    The discussion begins with a legendary story before diving into Mark’s journey to the NFL. We explore being an 8th round draft choice and relive his record-setting touchdown season that cemented his place in NFL history. Mark also shares his thoughts on his ongoing Hall of Fame candidacy and teammates he played with.

    Whether you’re a lifelong Dolphins fan or a football history buff, this interview is packed with great stories and insights from one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play in the NFL.

    Don’t forget to click FOLLOW for more interviews and stories from the world of professional sports.

    00:00 – Intro

    00:25 – A Legendary Mark Clayton Story

    03:11 – Growing Up In Indiana and Mark's Basketball Game

    05:09 – College Career at Louisville

    08:30 – Draft Day Experience

    13:26 – Paul Warfield

    15:21 – 1983 Rookie Season

    17:52 – Mark's Style of Play

    20:27 – 1984 Breakout Season

    23:25 – Setting The Single Season TD Record vs Dallas

    25:05 – Super Bowl XIX

    26:23 – The Elusive Super Bowl

    27:07 – Becoming a Free Agent After The 1992 Season

    30:24 – Playing In Green Bay

    32:43 – Playing With Brett Favre

    34:55 – Playing For Mike Holmgren

    36:37 – A Don Shula Story

    37:05 – Playing With Mark Duper

    38:51 – Toughest Defensive Back Faced

    39:40 – Chatter On The Field vs The Jets & A Pete Carroll Story

    42:50 – Mark Clayton Backs It Up

    43:38 – Hall of Fame Discussion

    48:37 – Binge Burner (Nathan, Edmunds, Sharpe, White)

    50:25 – Closing Comments and Outro

    #MarkClayton #MiamiDolphins #NFLLegend #WideReceiver #DolphinsNation #NFLHistory #FootballLegend #HallOfFame #DolphinsFootball #NFLRecords #TouchdownSeason #NFLDraftStories #AquaAndOrange #NFLInterview #SportsStories #GridironGreats #PingPongTableStory #UnderdogToLegend #8thRoundPick #RecordBreakingSeason #FootballTalk #sportslegends

    FYI

    All material used in this episode fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    51 mins
  • From the Big Red Machine to Birdland, Talkin' Baseball With Ross Grimsley
    Jan 14 2026

    In this episode of the Back It Up Binge Podcast, JB talks with MLB great Ross Grimsley for a wide-ranging and unforgettable conversation that spans generations of baseball. We open with today’s game, diving into the Orioles’ hot stove moves and the growing concern over pitching injuries before rewinding to Ross’s roots growing up in Tennessee and being drafted by the Reds. Grimsley takes us inside the Reds’ clubhouse, reflecting on locker room leadership, postseason battles, and the expectations that came with early career success, including an NL Championship and World Series run. The discussion continues through his trade to Baltimore, the dominant Orioles pitching staffs, and a free-agency stop in Montreal, along with insights into the grind of pitching in the high-ERA 1970s. Ross shares vivid memories from the ’78 All-Star Game, playing for legends Sparky Anderson and Earl Weaver, and stories about icons like Johnny Bench. We close with some legendary tales from Grimsley’s career, a fun Binge Burner round, and final reflections from one of baseball’s most memorable left-handers.

    00:58 Intro

    01:31 Orioles Hot Stove Discussion

    10:28 Pitching Injuries

    16:54 Growing Up In Tennessee

    19:37 Drafted By The Reds

    24:15 Reds Locker Room Leaders

    28:19 NL Championship / World Series

    31:09 Early Career Success and Expectations

    32:20 Trade to Baltimore

    33:56 Baltimore Pitching Staffs

    36:34 Free Agency Move to Montreal

    39:16 Once a Pitcher, Always a Pitcher

    42:11 The 1970's ERA Baseball

    45:02 '78 All-Star Game Experience

    48:55 Playing For Sparky Anderson and Earl Weaver

    56:59 Johnny Bench

    59:39 The Legendary Stories of Ross Grimsley

    01:04:03 Binge Burner Round

    01:15:32 Closing Comments

    01:16:58 Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment.

    Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

    #MLB #MLBHistory #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #LeftHandedPitcher #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Talkin’ With NHL Great and Guinness World Record Holder Tom Chorske
    Dec 10 2025

    Thanks for joining us as we sit down with NHL great Tom Chorske for an unforgettable conversation packed with great stories and raw honesty. Hear about his Guinness World Record, his path through college and pro hockey, his battles in the ’93 &’94 Playoffs and Finals, and what it really felt like to lift the Stanley Cup. Hockey history—told by the man who lived it.

    00:00 Intro

    00:32 Guinness Book Record Holder

    03:19 Growing Up in Minnesota

    07:23 Listener Question

    09:44 College vs Pro’s

    10:37 Lessons Learned from Tom’s National Team Tryouts

    13:18 Playing for the Montreal Canadiens

    17:23 Trade to NJ and Playing for Three Different Coaches

    21:39 1993/1994 Conference Finals vs the NY Rangers

    23:04 1994/1995 NJ Devils Season

    26:53 Toughest Opponent

    28:29 Stanley Cup Experience

    31:05 Final Five Seasons of Career

    35:48 Playing for Herb Brooks

    38:02 Post Playing Career

    41:53 Coaching Aspirations

    43:08 In the Booth

    43:55 Binge Burner Speed Round (Stephane Richer, Claude Lemieux, Bobby Holik, Theo Fleury, Zdeno Chára)

    53:26 Closing

    53:52 Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to FOLLOW for future episodes.

    #TomChorske #NHL #HockeyLife #StanleyCupChampion #GuinnessWorldRecord #HockeyHistory #HockeyPodcast #NHLAlumni #MontrealCanadiens #NJDevils #NewJerseyDevils #CollegeHockey #ProHockey #HockeyStories #BehindTheScenesHockey #ConferenceFinals #94Playoffs #StanleyCupRun #HockeyTryouts #TeamUSAHockey #ToughestOpponents #HockeyJourney #HockeyLegends #PodcastEpisode #SportsPodcast #InterviewSeries #AthleteStories #SportsLegends #PodcastLife #NewEpisodeAlert #MustListen

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the material.

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    54 mins
  • Talkin’ with John Offerdahl from the Gridiron to the Grill
    Nov 12 2025

    In this episode we sit down with Miami Dolphins legend John Offerdahl, linebacker, restaurateur, philanthropist, and all-around force of nature, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans football, faith, family, and food. We kick off the episode with a discussion about his life after football and his Offerdahl’s Off the Grill restaurants (now with five locations!) and his founding the Hand-Off Foundation.

    Be sure to visit and contribute here:

    www.handoffmeals.com

    John then takes us back to his Wisconsin roots and how it was to grow up as the youngest of five and having all older sisters. We talk about his days at Western Michigan, where a half scholarship turned into a full ride, his Senior Bowl MVP performance, and eventually being drafted in 1986 by the Miami Dolphins as their first overall pick. He talks about the player that mentored him during his first camp, the influence of defensive coordinators Chuck Studley and Tom Olivadotti, and of course, his memories of playing for the legendary Don Shula.

    John also shares the unforgettable story of the day he risked his life to save strangers trapped in a sinking car — and we wrap it all up with a rapid-fire “Binge Burner” round covering bagels, burgers, and a few former teammates.

    Whether you’re a Dolphins diehard, a foodie, or just someone who loves an inspiring story of grit and gratitude, this episode’s got something for you.

    0:00 Intro

    0:48 John’s Restaurant, Foundation & How you Can Contribute

    08:51 Growing Up in Wisconsin

    15:58 John’s Best Sport in High School

    18:49 WMU, the Senior Bowl and Bo Jackson and the Leap of Faith Play

    24:41 Drafted by The Dolphins

    26:31 Rookie Season Experience and the Player That Mentored John

    28:41 Dolphins Defensive Improvement in 1990

    30:55 D-Coordinators

    34:10 A Coach Shula Story

    38:06 Inside the Huddle

    39:55 Toughest RB John Faced in His Career

    41:50 John the Hero

    44:56 Binge Burner Round – Food, Players and Music

    53:32 Outro

    Thanks for tuning in and be sure to hit the FOLLOW button.

    #JohnOfferdahl #NFL #miamidolphins #killerbs #MiamiDolphins #NFLLegend #DolphinsNation #FinsUp #FootballGreats #GridironStories #NFLInterview #ProFootball #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurLife #FaithAndBusiness #LeadershipInsights #BusinessInterview #OffTheGrill #PurposeDrivenBusiness #InterviewSeries #InConversationWith #BehindTheMic #PodcastInterview #ExclusiveInterview #RealTalk #Storytelling

    FYI

    All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the material.

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    54 mins