The idea of flag football in the Summer Games may seem completely absurd. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The push to get this version of the sport in the 2028 Olympic program has already begun. What will determine its success or failure?Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Richard MacLeanAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal, Megan SchusterFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The idea of flag football in the Summer Games may seem completely absurd. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The push to get this version of the sport in the 2028 Olympic program has already begun. What will determine its success or failure? Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Richard MacLeanAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal, Megan SchusterFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Flag Football Could Be Coming to the Olympics. Yes, Really.

There will be 60 gold medals awarded in fighting events in Tokyo. But only one of these events features competitors who fight against nobody. It’s time to familiarize yourself with kata—and with a group of Olympians who put the art into martial arts.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Ariel TorresAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal, Megan SchusterFact Checker: Mike ItchueTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There will be 60 gold medals awarded in fighting events in Tokyo. But only one of these events features competitors who fight against nobody. It’s time to familiarize yourself with kata—and with a group of Olympians who put the art into martial arts. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Ariel TorresAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal, Megan SchusterFact Checker: Mike ItchueTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Karate Is Now an Olympic Sport. It’s Not What You Think.

There are a few select athletes who’ve gone pro in both football and baseball. There’s a small group of Olympians who’ve competed in both the Summer and Winter Games. But there’s never been anybody like Eddy Alvarez, the speedskating second baseman. And he’s about to forever cement his place in Olympic lore. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Eddy Alvarez Associate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are a few select athletes who’ve gone pro in both football and baseball. There’s a small group of Olympians who’ve competed in both the Summer and Winter Games. But there’s never been anybody like Eddy Alvarez, the speedskating second baseman. And he’s about to forever cement his place in Olympic lore. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Eddy Alvarez Associate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Meet the Most Unlikely Two-Sport Athlete in Olympic History

The Olympics features plenty of remarkable teams, but Team USA women’s water polo might just be the best of them. Its success stretches the limits of what’s possible … and it could be only the beginning.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Maggie SteffensAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Olympics features plenty of remarkable teams, but Team USA women’s water polo might just be the best of them. Its success stretches the limits of what’s possible … and it could be only the beginning. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Maggie SteffensAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Greatest Dynasty You Don’t Know Could Soon Get Even Better

What does it look like when all of the best players in a sport are on the same team? Team USA women’s hoops can help answer that question. Its dominance is more than just breathtaking. It’s a glimpse of a striking reality.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Jordan LigonsAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it look like when all of the best players in a sport are on the same team? Team USA women’s hoops can help answer that question. Its dominance is more than just breathtaking. It’s a glimpse of a striking reality.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Jordan LigonsAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

How U.S. Women’s Basketball Became a Dream Team Like No Other

The Olympics are all about celebrating athletic greatness. But that doesn’t extend to equestrian events. It’s time to fix an egregious mistake and give the majestic horses in Tokyo the medals they deserve.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Boyd MartinAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Olympics are all about celebrating athletic greatness. But that doesn’t extend to equestrian events. It’s time to fix an egregious mistake and give the majestic horses in Tokyo the medals they deserve.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Boyd MartinAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

 Give Olympic Horses Their Damn Medals Already

JuVaughn Harrison

No man has represented Team USA in both the high jump and the long jump since Jim Thorpe in 1912. But that’s exactly what JuVaughn Harrison will do in Tokyo. He’s not only defying a century of Olympic convention—he’s making it seem routine.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: JuVaughn HarrisonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Daniel ChinTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No man has represented Team USA in both the high jump and the long jump since Jim Thorpe in 1912. But that’s exactly what JuVaughn Harrison will do in Tokyo. He’s not only defying a century of Olympic convention—he’s making it seem routine.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: JuVaughn HarrisonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Daniel ChinTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

One Small Step for Mankind. Two Giant Jumps for JuVaughn Harrison.

In 2018, weight lifter Mattie Rogers found out that her weight class wouldn’t be part of the Tokyo Games. To chase her Olympic dream, she had to go to extraordinary lengths. Here’s her story.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Mattie RogersAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Dan ComerTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2018, weight lifter Mattie Rogers found out that her weight class wouldn’t be part of the Tokyo Games. To chase her Olympic dream, she had to go to extraordinary lengths. Here’s her story.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Mattie RogersAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Dan ComerTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

One Weight Lifter’s Transformative Journey to Achieving Her Olympic Quest

Simone Biles withdrew from both the team and individual all-around competitions in the Summer Olympics, telling reporters that she has the “twisties.” What does that mean? We brought on Emily Giambalvo, who’s covering gymnastics in Tokyo for The Washington Post, to explain.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Emily GiambalvoAssociate Producer: Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simone Biles withdrew from both the team and individual all-around competitions in the Summer Olympics, telling reporters that she has the “twisties.” What does that mean? We brought on Emily Giambalvo, who’s covering gymnastics in Tokyo for The Washington Post, to explain.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Emily GiambalvoAssociate Producer: Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Simone Biles Story and Why the “Twisties” Are So Dangerous

The rowers who don’t row may seem like the least impressive athletes at the Olympics. But one could be the key to preserving a Team USA dynasty. Welcome to the strange world of coxswains.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Katelin GuregianAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna Ress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rowers who don’t row may seem like the least impressive athletes at the Olympics. But one could be the key to preserving a Team USA dynasty. Welcome to the strange world of coxswains.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Katelin GuregianAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna Ress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

How to Win an Olympic Medal Without World-Class Athletic Skills

Short-form daily podcast that breaks down all the ways the Olympics are the most fascinating sporting event on the planet, with insight, humor, and commentary from the athletes.

 Handball is one of the coolest Olympic sports. But the U.S. is never a medal contender. Why hasn’t handball caught on in the States? And what can be done to fix that?Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Ryan JohnsonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Dan ComerTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Handball is one of the coolest Olympic sports. But the U.S. is never a medal contender. Why hasn’t handball caught on in the States? And what can be done to fix that?Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Ryan JohnsonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Dan ComerTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

 Handball Rules. Why Isn’t Team USA Good at It?

Everyone knows that Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast of all time. But what truly sets her apart? Let’s break down everything that makes her so transcendent—both in the Olympic world and beyond.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Danyel SmithAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Daniel ChinTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone knows that Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast of all time. But what truly sets her apart? Let’s break down everything that makes her so transcendent—both in the Olympic world and beyond. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Danyel SmithAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Daniel ChinTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

What Makes Simone Biles the Greatest of All Time?

Katie Ledecky

Ledecky is already one of Team USA’s most decorated Olympians, but she’s never been able to swim her best event in the Summer Games. That’s about to change. And the results will be breathtaking.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Danyel SmithAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ledecky is already one of Team USA’s most decorated Olympians, but she’s never been able to swim her best event in the Summer Games. That’s about to change. And the results will be breathtaking. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Danyel SmithAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Katie Ledecky Is About to Dominate the Olympics Like Never Before

Carlin Isles had never heard of rugby sevens. Then he clicked a link that changed his life. What happened next could win Team USA a medal—and chart a path for a future generation of Olympians.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Carlin IslesAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carlin Isles had never heard of rugby sevens. Then he clicked a link that changed his life. What happened next could win Team USA a medal—and chart a path for a future generation of Olympians. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Carlin IslesAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Rugby Star Whose Olympic Path Was Paved by YouTube

3-on-3 basketball is about to make its Olympics debut. And FIBA wants to popularize the sport worldwide. Will it work? The answer could depend on what happens to Team USA.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Kara LawsonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3-on-3 basketball is about to make its Olympics debut. And FIBA wants to popularize the sport worldwide. Will it work? The answer could depend on what happens to Team USA.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Kara LawsonAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Can 3-on-3 Basketball Become an Olympic Phenomenon?

Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo. That’s amazing … and somewhat complicated. Does skateboarding need the Olympics? Or does the Olympics need skateboarding?Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Heimana ReynoldsAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo. That’s amazing … and somewhat complicated. Does skateboarding need the Olympics? Or does the Olympics need skateboarding? Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Heimana ReynoldsAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Rise of Olympic Skateboarding and the Debate Over Skating Culture

Think you know how a sport becomes part of the Olympics? Think again. Let’s break down that truly surprising process—and how it could lead to the first ultimate frisbee gold medalists.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Nob RauchAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think you know how a sport becomes part of the Olympics? Think again. Let’s break down that truly surprising process—and how it could lead to the first ultimate frisbee gold medalists. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Nob RauchAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

How Ultimate Frisbee Could Become an Olympic Sport

Softball is back at the Olympics for the first time since 2008! And the United States is favored to win! But the players aren’t just competing for a medal. They’re vying for the sport’s future at the Summer Games.Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Haylie McCleneyAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Softball is back at the Olympics for the first time since 2008! And the United States is favored to win! But the players aren’t just competing for a medal. They’re vying for the sport’s future at the Summer Games. Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Haylie McCleneyAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Kellen BecoatsTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Team USA Is Playing for Softball Gold. It’s Also Playing for Softball’s Olympic Future.

Racewalking sounds like the funniest Olympic sport. In reality, it’s absolutely brutal. What makes the 50k racewalk so perfect for the Summer Games? And why is the IOC getting rid of it after Tokyo?Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Evan DunfeeAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Racewalking sounds like the funniest Olympic sport. In reality, it’s absolutely brutal. What makes the 50k racewalk so perfect for the Summer Games? And why is the IOC getting rid of it after Tokyo? Host: Rodger ShermanGuest: Evan DunfeeAssociate Producers: Erika Cervantes, Lani RenaldoAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna RamgopalFact Checker: Julianna RessTalent Booker: Allyson Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Last Hurrah of the Olympics’ Most Underappreciated Event

What makes Simone Biles the greatest gymnast of all time? Why is Katie Ledecky set to dominate like never before? Who’s chasing history as a two-sport athlete? And how did skateboarding get into the Olympics? In this daily podcast series premiering July 19, we’ll talk to future medalists and answer your top questions about the Tokyo games. The Olympics are the biggest, weirdest, and most exciting sporting event on earth—let us show you why.Host: Rodger ShermanAssociate Producers: Lani Renaldo and Erika CervantesAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What makes Simone Biles the greatest gymnast of all time? Why is Katie Ledecky set to dominate like never before? Who’s chasing history as a two-sport athlete? And how did skateboarding get into the Olympics? In this daily podcast series premiering July 19, we’ll talk to future medalists and answer your top questions about the Tokyo games. The Olympics are the biggest, weirdest, and most exciting sporting event on earth—let us show you why. Host: Rodger ShermanAssociate Producers: Lani Renaldo and Erika CervantesAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Glicksman, Noah Malale, Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Introducing ‘The Ringer Guide to the Summer Games’

The Ringer Guide to the Summer Games

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!