Listen Up! Sports Talk with Jesse & Scott

Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:18:00 +0000

Now that Listen Up! has officially come to an end, I wanted to thank everyone who helped make this show possible over the past four years and give some background on how the show came to fruition.

The idea for Listen Up originated on a random restless night where I couldn't sleep. Laying in my bed, I thought of potential ways to both continue my sports broadcasting career and share my love of sports with the outside world. It did not take long before the idea for a sports talk podcast came to mind. I knew, however, that if I was to start to podcast, I couldn't do it alone. When thinking of who would make a great partner/co-host, the thought process was quick and the choice was clear; my longtime friend Scott Heineman. If you know me or Scott at all, you know very well about our love and passion for sports, and that we like to talk about it...a lot.

The morning after I thought of starting this podcast, I pitched the idea to Scott. Without any hesitation Scott was in, and almost instantly, we were off and running. Without any representatives or booking agents on our side, Scott and I were able to secure many high profile guests, ranging from Professional Athletes, to Musical Artists, to Actors, and so on.

No, our show did not become the most popular podcast of all time or launch us into stardom, but that was never the point. The show was by no means a failure. We earned a substantial Facebook fan following and garnered listeners from all over the world, touching every single continent with the exception of Antarctica, all of this while spending our time recording the show in deluxe "studios" like random local Community College classrooms, local Library study rooms, and our own apartments. Once a week I got to talk sports and have fun with a good friend and share that with the world, and that was plenty for both us.

For 207 consecutive weeks we kept this show going, despite other jobs and obligations, and that is something that I'm very proud of. Sometimes the process of doing a show every single week, no matter what the circumstance, felt tedious, but not once during those four years did Scott and I ever have any arguments or disagreements about the process. That is a testament to our friendship and the basic reason why the show worked as well as it did.

Along with Scott, so many others helped the development of the show. From all the great guests you show to the right side of the website to all the great friends who helped out, this show was much more than just Scott and I.

Romtin Parvaresh, a mutual best friend of both Scott and I, not only appeared on the show numerous times, but he created the Listen Up! logo and helped us with content and our YouTube commercials as well. Omar Spahi lent his help in growing our Facebook and Twitter following, appeared on the show multiple times, and let us use his place for our final episodes. Marcus Kirkwood created the Listen Up! theme song, producing the beat, writing, and rapping the opening song which kicked off nearly all of our episodes. Everyone in my family was helpful, from my Parents, to my sisters Alana and Cleo, my Cousin Mallory and my Cousin Petey, who appeared on the show multiple times. Tricia Murphy-Kennelly, Nicole Lew, Jesse Behr, Wes Louie, Jon Finer, Jamie & Serena Shaevel, Tom McLaughlin, George Fuchs, Kevin Cooke, Harlow Sharp, David Hasid, Sabrina Dahan, Eric Rotelli, Anthony Mayes and many others all made an impact and helped out with the show in some capacity. Thank you all for the help and support throughout the years. Finally, thanks to the thousands of fans who tuned in from all over the world. You made this show possible and kept it going!

While the show is sadly coming to an end, the constant sports talk and debate between Scott and I, along with all our friends, will certainly continue. Thanks again to everyone for all the support, and thanks for Listening Up! Peeeeace!

- Jesse Kass

Listen Up! Episode 207 (The Final Episode) is up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:02:00 +0000

In the 207th and Final Episode of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman are joined by friend Omar Spahi. The three discuss the ongoing MLB Playoffs and give their take on the biggest stories in the NFL. The hosts then look at the Over/Under odds for the win total for each and every NBA team heading into the new season. Along with this, the hosts look into the future and predict the NBA Champions for the next 5 seasons. The hosts also talk about some of their favorite sports moments ever. Call of the Week features one of the most iconic plays of all time.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:01:00 +0000

Click here for the Final Episode of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 206 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:59:00 +0000

In Episode 206 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass and Scott Heineman are joined by friend Romtin Parvaresh to discuss at the hottest topics in sports. The trio talk about Derek Jeter's epic finish and his legacy as he leaves the game. The hosts also discuss the incredible comeback Wild Card win for the Royals and preview the First Round of the MLB Playoffs. Following this, the three discuss the NFL, including the Cowboys, Saints, Washington, and more. The hosts then discuss who is the best Point Guard in the NBA. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:59:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 206 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 205 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 06:54:00 +0000

In Episode 205 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman cover a range of topics including the upcoming MLB Playoffs and Derek Jeter's final games and the recent unjust criticism he has received from certain outlets and just how great Jeter has been in his career in contrast to those critics. The hosts also discuss the NFL, including the latest thoughts on Roger Goodell and if the Packers are in trouble. The hosts then discuss some NBA topics including the Miami Heat without Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and more. Derek Jeter's "Flip Play" is highlighted in Call of the Week.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 06:53:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 205 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 204 is up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 05:45:00 +0000

In Episode 204 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman talk about Adrian Peterson and yet another troublesome allegation for the NFL. The hosts discuss the Peterson situation and what it means for him, the Vikings, and the NFL. The hosts then break down Week 2 in the NFL with the weekly "Two Minute Drill" and a discussion of if some 2-0 and 0-2 starts for teams are for real. Following this the hosts recap Team USA's dominant run to Gold in the FIBA World Cup. The hosts then look at the MLB playoff push and give the weekly MLB Power Rankings. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 05:45:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 204 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 203 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:28:00 +0000

In Episode 203 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman give their thoughts on the Ray Rice situation and domestic violence as a whole in the NFL. The hosts also discuss the recent racially insensitive and racist comments coming from the Atlanta Hawks Front Office. The hosts then bring back the segment "Two Minute Drill" in discussing Week 1 in the NFL. The host also discuss a potential championship matchup between USA and Spain in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and give their weekly MLB Power Rankings. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:27:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 203 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 202 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:00:00 +0000

In Episode 202 of Listen Up! host Jesse Kass breaks down at the latest topics in sports solo with co-host Scott Heineman out for the week. Kass gives an NFL preview, going division by division to pick his top teams for the upcoming year. Predictions for week 1 matchups are also given. Along with this, Kass gives his weekly MLB Power Rankings, an update on the MLB Standings, and a look into the FIBA World Cup and how the USA is faring thus far. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 05:59:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 202 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 201 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:11:00 +0000

In Episode 201 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman break down the Kevin Love trade now that is finally official. The hosts also discuss the final roster for Team USA Basketball and look forward to the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Following this the hosts give their weekly MLB Power Rankings and take a look at the tight playoff races in both leagues. The hosts then discuss the bizarre story surrounding USC Football Player Josh Shaw and discuss some of the weirdest sports injuries and sports lies in history. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:11:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 201 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 200 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 06:02:00 +0000

It's Episode 200 of Listen Up! In celebration of 200 straight weeks of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman talk about 20 of their favorite moments/topics over the past four years of the podcast. The topics range from Lebron James joining the Heat, to Mariano Rivera's farewell, to JaVale McGee's antics, and much more. The hosts also talk about Major League Baseball by giving their Weekly Power Rankings which includes a new team at #1 in the Top 5. An old favorite is played for Call of the Week to close out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 06:02:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 200 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 199 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 06:46:00 +0000

In Episode 199 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman break down the latest news from the NBA, including the Cavs and Wolves agreeing on the Kevin Love trade, the Clippers sale to Steve Ballmer becoming official, and Kevin Durant dropping out for Team USA. The hosts also give their weekly MLB Power Rankings and talk about the close races in the both leagues for the Wild Card spots. The hosts then talk about the tragic crash with Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward Jr. and what it means. Finally, the hosts pay tribute to Robin Williams in Call of the Week.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 06:45:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 199 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 198 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:48:00 +0000

In Episode 198 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman break down the big moves from last week's MLB Trade Deadline and what it means for contenders like the Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers. The hosts also talk about the MLB Standings and look forward to the Playoff push. The hosts then discuss the gruesome leg injury for Paul George and how that affects Team USA and the Indiana Pacers going forward. The hosts also give their latest take on who will make the final roster for Team USA and discuss their thoughts on the NFL situations for Ray Rice and Dan Snyder. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:48:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 198 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 197 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 07:52:00 +0000

In Episode 197 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman break down the MLB Trade Deadline and discuss if star players like Jon Lester and David Price will be moved before the deadline passes. The hosts also give their weekly MLB Power Rankings and look ahead to the stretch run of the season. Following this the hosts delve into the NBA by talking about the latest on the Kevin Love trade rumors, the Lakers hiring Byron Scott, and Donald Sterling losing his court case to prevent the sale of the Clippers. The hosts then discuss the roster for Team USA Basketball going into their upcoming World Championship tournament and give their take on who should make the roster. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 07:52:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 197 of Listen Up!

Listen Up! Episode 196 up now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:39:00 +0000

In Episode 196 of Listen Up! hosts Jesse Kass & Scott Heineman discuss the top remaining NBA Free Agents and where they will end up and give the latest update on the Kevin Love trade rumors. The hosts also discuss the NBA with some "Would You Rather" and "True or False" themed questions. Along with this the hosts discuss Tony Dungy's comments about Michael Sam and give their weekly MLB Power Rankings. Call of the Week closes out the show.

SHOW LINK BELOW

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Kass) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:38:00 +0000

Click here for Episode 196 of Listen Up!