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by Brian O'Leary
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- Apr 1, 202636 min
TO CATCH A FISH with author Mark Kurlansky
Mark Kurlansky on The Dying Art of Catching Real Fish Guest: Mark Kurlansky We had the great fortune to sit down with Mark Kurlansky, the man who wrote the definitive book on Cod, to discuss his latest release: TO CATCH A FISH (Storey Publishing, March 31, 2026). The Hollywood elite want you to believe fly fishing is a ballet of endless shadow casting. We tear that myth apart. We discuss the reality behind the movie A River Runs Through It. The beautiful, looping casts you see on screen will leave you tangled in a mess of your own line. This leads directly to O’Leary’s First Law of Fly Fishing: “Thou cannot cast thyself out of a tangle.” We also confront the grim reality of the Atlantic salmon. The corporate food complex wants you to believe the salmon at your local market is wild. It is farmed. The authentic, wild Atlantic salmon are vanishing across North America and Europe. Mark shares his rare experience of landing one in Scotland. Additionally, we briefly discuss the history of baseball in the Dominican Republic, drawing on Mark’s brilliant book Eastern Stars, and, later, the listener discovers why women may be rapidly taking over the fly fishing demographic. Key Takeaways: The 30-year anniversary edition of Cod is on the horizon. Why fly fishing is the ultimate battle of wits against an animal with a brain the size of a pencil eraser. Why A River Runs Through It teaches you the “why” of fly fishing, but completely ruins the “how”. The rise of women in the fly fishing world and how they are changing the sport. *** About the author: Mark Kurlansky is a former commercial fisherman, journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Cod, Salt, The Big Oyster, and dozens of other books of fiction and non-fiction. He’s won numerous awards, including the James A. Beard Award, ALA Notable Book Award, and New York Public Library Best Books of the Year Award, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Audubon Magazine, Food & Wine, The Los Angeles Times, and more. He lives with his wife and daughter in New York City and Gloucester, Massachusetts. *** Links: · TO CATCH A FISH: Essays on the Joy, Frustration, Curiosity, and Allure of Fishing https://amzn.to/4bHUugF · Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World https://amzn.to/4s5arCg · The Eastern Stars: How Baseball Changed the Dominican Town of San Pedro de Macoris https://amzn.to/3PVeWlz *** You survived another episode. Now do something with it. If you are ready to stop playing small and build a business that hits back, grab one of my two remaining $297 Platform Domination Consults for April. Go to BrianDOLeary.com/domination I will see you on the inside.
- Mar 8, 202641 min
The Lost Years of Larry Bird with Keith O'Brien
Guest: Keith O'Brien, author of HEARTLAND: A Forgotten Place, an Impossible Dream, and The Miracle of Larry Bird by Keith O'Brien (Atria Books, March 3, 2026) https://amzn.to/47ghvEE Podcast Release Date: March 7, 2026 Episode Length: 42 minutes *** EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Larry Bird is one of basketball's all-time greats, but there's a chapter of his story that's rarely told. Between 1974 and 1979, from his brief time at Indiana University through his magical season at Indiana State, Bird nearly walked away from basketball entirely. In this episode, Brian O'Leary sits down with journalist and New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien to discuss his meticulously researched new book HEARTLAND, which fills in this forgotten narrative with unprecedented detail. Through interviews with teammates, coaches, photographers, and dozens of people who were there, O'Brien paints a vivid portrait of a shy kid from rural Indiana who changed sports history—even though he never wanted the spotlight. We discuss Bird's poverty-stricken upbringing in French Lick, his time as a garbage collector, his legendary media boycott, the iconic Sports Illustrated photo shoot, and even a softball tournament in which he beat Joe Montana. This is Larry Bird like you've never heard him before. *** TIMESTAMPS: [0:00] Introduction and Sports Illustrated covers [7:38] Keith's journalism career: Salem to Boston Globe [10:21] Why Bird left Indiana University after just weeks [12:30] Bird's $75 arrival at IU and feeling out of place [14:27] Working as a garbage collector in French Lick [16:34] How Heartland reads like a novel [19:01] Writing the book without Larry's participation [20:23] Bird's famous media boycott throughout college [23:10] The legendary Sports Illustrated photo shoot (October 1977) [27:30] Lane Stewart's struggle to photograph Bird [28:46] The softball tournament: Bird vs. Joe Montana [30:49] Bird playing baseball AFTER the 1979 championship game [33:40] The 3-3 release date and Bird's #33 jersey [34:25] The lasting impact on Bird's teammates [37:07] Where to find Keith's work and buy the book *** KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: Larry Bird's brief, unhappy time at Indiana University under Bob Knight Bird's return to French Lick and work as a municipal worker The industrial league basketball that nearly became his final chapter Indiana State's improbable 1978-79 undefeated season The 1979 NCAA Championship: Bird vs. Magic Johnson Bird's lifelong aversion to media attention The Sports Illustrated cover that changed everything Bird's love of softball and baseball The ripple effects of the Bird-Magic rivalry on the NBA How the 1979 Indiana State team still feels the impact today *** GUEST BIO: Keith O'Brien is a journalist and New York Times best-selling author whose previous books include Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose. He has worked for newspapers, including the Boston Globe, and has contributed to NPR and various magazines. He specializes in narrative nonfiction and long-form storytelling. *** BOOK INFORMATION: HEARTLAND: A Forgotten Place, an Impossible Dream, and The Miracle of Larry Bird by Keith O'Brien (Atria Books, March 3, 2026) Purchase Links: https://amzn.to/47ghvEE Author Website: https://keithob.com *** CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: 🌐 Website: BrianDOLeary.com 📧 Substack: @BrianDOLeary 🐦 X/Twitter: @BrianDOLeary 📺 YouTube: @BrianDOLeary 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Fountain, and everywhere podcasts are available 💡 Looking to make money on Substack? Check out Your Substack Success Blueprint at OLearyWriters.com — Use code EMAIL for $27 off! *** <stron
- Mar 5, 202644 min
Monte Burke on MEN OF TROY: Pete Carroll’s USC, Reggie Bush, and the End of Amateurism
Brian O’Leary interviews author Monte Burke about his book MEN OF TROY: The Epic Afternoons, Wild Nights, and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans (Grand Central Publishing, published January 13, 2026). Burke traces his own path into college football and writing, contrasts the atmosphere of college football with the NFL, and explains why coaches like Carroll and Nick Saban make compelling subjects. We discuss USC’s unique Los Angeles moment with celebrity-laced practices, the program’s rise under Carroll, and how the Reggie Bush scandal exposed flaws in college football’s amateurism model and helped foreshadow NIL-era changes, while sanctions punished players like Matt Barkley who had no role in violations. The conversation revisits defining games (the “Bush Push” and the Texas title loss), Carroll’s coaching style and staff, Pac-10 ripple effects, and ends with Carroll’s fishing life and Burke’s favorite fisheries. *** Buy MEN OF TROY at Amazon: https://amzn.to/47p8Mjs Find Monte Burke: https://www.monteburke.com/ *** Segments: Meet Monte Burke Growing Up With Football Why College Saturdays Rule From Saban to Carroll USC Takes Over LA Modern Era and Amateurism Reggie Bush and NIL Shift Sanctions Fallout on Players Inside Pete Carroll Interviews NCAA Politics and USC Anger Party Culture Backfires Agents Invade Heritage Hall Six Inches From Immortality Reggie Missing On Fourth Down Pete Carroll Defends The Call Carroll Legacy In Shadow Recreating Iconic Games USC Rivals And Pac-10 Shift Coaching Tree And Lane Kiffin Kiffin Pressure And Enemies Trout Fishing And Calming Down Raiders Job And Roster Reality Angling Talk And Farewell *** Find Brian D. O’Leary: 𝕏: https://x.com/briandoleary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@briandoleary Substack: https://briandoleary.substack.com/
- Nov 13, 202535 min
Behind the Curtain of the L.A. Lakers: The Buss Legacy & LeBron's Final Act with author Yaron Weitzman
In the latest episode of The Brian D. O’Leary show, we sat down with Yaron Weitzman in a wide-ranging interview that dove into the modern Lakers dynasty, the lasting imprint of the Buss family, and the evolving career of LeBron James. *** Featured Guest Yaron Weitzman: Author, NBA journalist, and insider on all things basketball, discussing his new Lakers book and the deeper drama surrounding LeBron, the Buss family, and team culture. Find Yaron on social media: · X/Twitter (@YaronWeitzman) · Instagram (@yaronweitzman) · TikTok (@yaronweitzman) *** Books Mentioned A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers (Doubleday, October 21, 2025) | Yaron Weitzman | A behind-the-scenes account of the recent Lakers’ journey, focusing on the politics, personalities, and tensions that have shaped the LeBron-era Lakers. Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports | Yaron Weitzman | A deep dive into the inner workings of "The Process," chronicling how the 76ers undertook an unapologetic rebuild to become a contender. Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP | Mirin Fader | A New York Times Bestseller tracing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey from poverty in Greece to world stardom—a nuanced look at his off-court and on-court evolution. Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks | Chris Herring | The definitive story of Pat Riley’s Knicks—physical, controversial, beloved, and often chaotic throughout the NBA’s golden era. Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty | Jeff Pearlman | The inside story of the Lakers’ 1996–2004 dynasty, documenting the unforgettable drama and cultural change led by Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Phil Jackson. I do not recommend any of Pearlman’s work, as I believe him to be a disingenuous, sanctimonious jerk … Oh, and a liar. But I’m dutifully giving you the resources. –BO’L *** Key News Stories Discussed The Luka Doncic Trade to the Lakers (February 2025): Lakers landed Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in a three-team blockbuster trade, sending Anthony Davis to the Mavericks—a move that shifted the balance of power in the West. For full details and quotes from both the Lakers and Mavericks front offices: See ESPN: “Luka Doncic to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavs in 3-team trade” (February 2025). https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43659380/sources-mavericks-trading-doncic-lakers-anthony-davis Dallas Mavericks Fire GM Nico Harrison (November 2025): Following the controversial Luka trade and mounting pressure from fans, the Mavericks fired GM Nico Harrison at a dramatic team meeting. For the backstory, front-office statements, and Harrison’s reasoning at the time of the trade: See ESPN: “Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison amid continued fan angst” (November 2025). https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46928742/sources-mavericks-expected-fire-general-manager-nico-harrison *** Chael Sonnen on LeBron – The "Same Guy" Allegation Viral Video/Podcast Segment: Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen claimed on the Flagrant 2 podcast that he and LeBron James “have the same drug guy.” Sonnen alleged LeBron uses EPO and other PEDs, a claim that’s made waves online but is unsupported by any formal evidence or NBA violations to date. For the podcast segment, see: https://x.com/MavsStan41/status/1633276225442521088? also … https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/shocking-claims-about-lakers-lebron-james-revealed/ *** If you have a Substack or want to get started on that platform, I just put together a 31-page guide about how to do it. Properly. It’s called Your Substack Success Blueprint
- Oct 27, 202546 min
The Men Who Made the NFL Unstoppable – Interview with author KEN BELSON
Ken Belson on How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Built the NFL's $10 Billion Empire EPISODE OVERVIEW In this compelling deep-dive conversation, Brian D. O'Leary sits down with Ken Belson, New York Times sportswriter and author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural and Economic Juggernaut (Grand Central Publishing, October 14, 2025). This wide-ranging interview explores the transformation of the NFL from a beloved sporting league into a ten-billion-dollar cultural phenomenon. Belson reveals the untold stories behind the three most influential figures in modern football history, their business strategies, their political maneuvering, and the existential threats now facing America's most powerful sports league. Runtime: Approximately 46 minutes Release Date: October 27, 2025 Guest: Ken Belson, New York Times Sports Business Correspondent and author of Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural and Economic Juggernaut (Grand Central Publishing, October 14, 2025) WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The Modern NFL's Foundation (1993-Present) Why 1993's labor agreement—not a Super Bowl or dynasty—marks the true beginning of the modern NFL How free agency, salary caps, and 50-50 revenue sharing created unprecedented labor peace The pivotal role of Steelers owner Dan Rooney and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in shaping the league's economics Jerry Jones: The Relentless Salesman How Jones "taught the NFL how to sell" despite alienating fellow owners The Rupert Murdoch deal that transformed television economics forever Robert Kraft's assessment: Jerry can "charm a dog off a meat truck" Why Jones doesn't chase money—he chases the chase The "Cowboys peanut butter" philosophy: monetizing everything not nailed down Robert Kraft: The Real Estate Wizard The brilliant 7-year strategy to acquire the New England Patriots How Kraft bought parking lots, then the stadium, then finally the team—leaving owners with nothing Why Connecticut and Providence offered sweetheart deals, but Kraft stayed in Foxborough Patriot Place: The revolutionary stadium-as-real-estate-development model How Kraft's unshared revenue strategy changed sports franchises forever Roger Goodell: The Senator's Son Goodell's childhood ambition letter: "I want to be NFL Commissioner" The political instincts he absorbed from his U.S. Senator father Why some NFL staffers called him "too nakedly ambitious" Goodell's strategy: schmoozing with owners at every opportunity Why can't he find his own replacement (or won't step down)? Prediction: The next commissioner will be a media expert, not a football insider Bill Belichick & The Jets Resignation The Leon Hess succession crisis that drove Belichick away from New York Was there tampering between Kraft and Belichick? The evidence examined Why Paul Tagliabue warned teams to "tread carefully" with Belichick The compensatory draft picks the Jets received—and why they got the short end The Los Angeles Stadium Saga Inside the 2016 Houston meeting, where Jerry Jones lobbied relentlessly for Stan Kroenke's vision Why the Rams-only bid beat the dual Raiders-Chargers proposal Paul Allen's rare appearance—and how "The Oracle" swung critical votes Jerry Jones, celebrating with a tumbler of scotch: "He's the salesman. He got his catch that day." How the NFL turned two stadium problems into one world-class solution Gambling's Stranglehold on Sports Why Jones and Kraft invested in gambling platforms before legalization How the NFL profits from sponsorships and game data sales—not direct gambling revenue The disturbing shift: from communal Sunday football to atomized, real-time phone betting "The book always wins. The sportsbook's going to win. Now you've got people pissed at the NFL." Brian's fear: economic downturns + player financial struggles = integrity crises The Cleveland baseball team scandal, Jontay Porter's lifetime ban, and the NCAA's dangerous new policy Why allowing college athletes to bet on footb
- Sep 27, 202532 min
Baseball in the ROARING TWENTIES - Interview with author Thomas Wolf
BASEBALL IN THE ROARING TWENTIES: The Yankees, the Cardinals, and the Captivating 1926 Season by Thomas Wolf (University of Nebraska Press, September 1, 2025) Quick recap The discussion between Brian and Tom Wolf centered on Wolf's new book about the 1926 baseball season, which explored notable players like Babe Ruth and the competitive dynamics between teams that year. The conversation delved into the broader sports landscape of the 1920s, including the rise of different sports and the challenges faced by black baseball players during this era. The discussion concluded with an examination of key figures in baseball history, including Rube Foster's role in forming the Negro Leagues and the alleged scandal involving Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. 1926 Baseball Season Highlights Tom Wolf discussed his new book, BASEBALL IN THE ROARING TWENTIES, focusing on the 1926 season, which he selected for research related to his previous book, The Called Shot: Babe Ruth, the Chicago Cubs, and the Unforgettable Major League Baseball Season of 1932 (Nebraska, 2020). He highlighted the compelling nature of the 1926 season, which featured notable players like Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby, and explored their rivalry despite never playing against each other in the same league. Tom noted that the season's dynamics, including the Yankees' and Cardinals' intense competition, made it particularly interesting. The discussion focused on the 1926 baseball season, particularly the dramatic career turnaround of Babe Ruth, who went from a poor 1925 season to lead the Yankees to first place in 1926, marking the beginning of his second-half career dominance. The conversation also explored the broader context of 1920s sports, including the rise of college football, boxing, and horse racing, as well as the emergence of the Negro Leagues and the challenges faced by black baseball players during that era. The discussion highlighted how the Black Sox scandal and Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis's opposition to integration effectively halted the progress toward racial integration in baseball, despite early efforts by managers like John McGraw and Connie Mack to sign black players. Rube Foster's Vision for Integration The discussion focused on Rube Foster, a pivotal figure in the formation of the Negro Leagues in 1920, and his vision for integrating baseball. Foster's health crisis in 1926 led to his decline and eventual death. Still, his legacy includes the first colored World Series in 1924 and an 11-game World Series between the Chicago American Giants and the Atlantic City Giants. The conversation explored Foster's ultimate goal of integrating the major leagues, which began to happen with Jackie Robinson in 1948, and his proposal for exhibition games between Negro League teams and Major League teams, which was rejected by MLB owners concerned about the impact of integration on their bottom line. 1919 Black Sox Scandal Investigation Brian and Tom discussed the alleged scandal involving Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, which Dutch Leonard claimed was a fixed game in 1919. They explored the history of the scandal, including Cobb and Speaker's retirements under pressure from Commissioner Landis, as well as the $20,000 in hush money paid to Leonard by Ban Johnson. The conversation highlighted the complex relationships and power dynamics between baseball executives and players during this period. 1926 Baseball Rivalry Insights The discussion turned to the rivalry between the American League and the National League. Tom and Brian explored the careers of several legendary players, the 1927 Yankees' dominance, and Babe Ruth's controversial stolen base attempt in the 1926 World Series. They also discussed the different styles and strategies of the two leagues, emphasizing the historical significance of the World Series when the leagues were more distinct in their approaches. # # # Ready for insights reserved for serious listeners only? Subscribe now and join thousands of readers who've discovered why Brian O'Leary's perspective is reshaping how thoughtful Americans understand our culture. Visit BrianDOLeary.Substack.com for exclusive written analysis and premium subscriber benefits. @BrianDOLeary on the Fountain App, 𝕏–Twitter, Substack, and YouTube. # # # Links</s
- May 12, 202531 min
The Heart of Performance: Jim Murphy on Inner Excellence
In the latest episode of the Brian D. O'Leary Show, Jim Murphy, the author of the bestselling book INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance in the Best Possible Life, discusses the widespread impact and philosophy behind his work. Highlighting how NFL star AJ Brown benefited from Inner Excellence's teachings during critical games, Murphy elaborates on the book's core system that promotes being fully present and mastering self for extraordinary performance. He compares his concepts to those popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits, emphasizing the importance of redefining success and learning from perceived failures. Murphy draws from his rich background as a former professional baseball player and coach, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped his understanding of sports psychology and human behavior. He emphasizes the importance of emotional stability, adaptability, and self-mastery both in sports and life. With his heartfelt insights and practical advice, Jim Murphy offers listeners the tools to navigate their lives with clarity, purpose, and resilience. Find INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life (Grand Central Publishing, April 29, 2025) at https://briandoleary.com/innerexcellence
- Feb 28, 20251h 16m
Reading People – Human Typology with Scott Fischbuch
After a long delay in production … Brian hosts Scott Fischbuch, a Jungian Typology expert, for an in-depth conversation on personality types and his methods. Scott explains his approach to personality typing, which involves analyzing preferences in conversation, turns of phrase, and behavioral mannerisms. Brian shares his journey into podcasting and reflects on how his personality type has evolved. Scott identifies Brian's personality type as ISTJ and explains the significance of introverted sensing and extraverted intuition. They discuss the impact of cultural influences on personality and the importance of effort and team dynamics in professional and personal settings. The episode touches on the nuances of effective communication and the role of empathy and sympathy in understanding others. Scott's site: ToolsWithScott.com Brian O'Leary – BrianDOLeary.com @BrianDOLeary on 𝕏–Twitter @BrianDOLeary on YouTube BrianDOLeary on Substack
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About The Brian D. O'Leary Show
The Brian D. O'Leary Show is where serious analysis meets uncompromising truth.Host Brian D. O'Leary delivers the unvarnished truth and unrelenting insight that other commentators won't touch—covering politics, economics, sports, culture, and faith from a perspective you won't find anywhere else.What You'll GetHard-hitting interviews with journalists, authors, and thought leaders who aren't afraid to tell the truthIn-depth analysis that cuts through media spin and cultural noiseExclusive content unavailable on mainstream platformsThis isn't another generic podcast. It's essential listening for serious readers who demand substance over soundbites. Each episode connects directly to The O'Leary Review's mission: delivering the analysis other pundits won't give you.Ready for insights reserved for serious listeners only?</st
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