On The Ball with Andrew Maraniss
"On The Ball with Andrew Maraniss" is a captivating podcast that explores the intersection of sports, history, and society through thought-provoking conversations. Hosted by Andrew Maraniss, bestselling author and director of the Vanderbilt Sports & Society Initiative, the podcast features a diverse lineup of guests—including athletes, authors, activists, and thought leaders—who bring unique perspectives on topics ranging from sports history and social justice to personal resilience and cultural change. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, history buff, or curious thinker, "On The Ball" is your ticket to meaningful dialogue and inspiring storytelling.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
57 episodes
Episode 58: Rob Chura
Former Vanderbilt placekicker Rob Chura joins the show to discuss his recent trip to the US-Mexico border. A football coach, teacher, and director of Global Education at Saint Louis University High School in Missouri, Chura took a group of stud...
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29:51
Episode 57: Michael Fletcher
ESPN Senior Writer Michael Fletcher joins On The Ball to discuss his recent article on legendary sports sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards. Fletcher calls Edwards, 82, “arguably the strongest advocate for Black athletes in history.” Battling cancer,...
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47:46
Episode 56: Adam Burns, Ethan Schulman, and Dylan Tovitz
Members of the Sports Business & Analytics student organization at Vanderbilt discuss their 2nd place finish at the SABR Case Competition in Phoenix and the purpose & work of their club.
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45:42
Episode 55: Geoff Macdonald
Geoff Macdonald, the former national championship-winning women’s tennis coach at Vanderbilt and the real-life “Most Interesting Man in the World,” joins the show.
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50:02
Episode 54: Dave Sheinin
Washington Post sportswriter Dave Sheinin discusses his recent three-part series, “Beautyball.” The analytics movement helped revolutionize sports. But now the all-consuming influence of those efforts is being blamed for harming the aesthetics ...
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34:13
Episode 53: Bob Kendrick
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins the show to discuss the past, present, and future of the Museum, the incredible success introducing Black baseball history to kids through a partnership with the MLB The Show v...
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40:21
Episode 52: Chris Kluwe
Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe made headlines recently when he was arrested after engaging in civil disobedience in his hometown of Huntington Beach, Calif., following his remarks at a city council meeting. Kluwe has been an outspoken advocate f...
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49:58
Episode 51: Tim Gay
Author Tim Gay joins the show to discuss his new book on PGA star Rory McIlroy: “Roryland: The Up and Down World of Golf’s Global Icon."
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26:48
Episode 50: Steve Dittmore
Author Steve Dittmore joins the show to discuss new book “Jim Gilliam: Forgotten Dodger,” on the Black Nashville native who succeeded Jackie Robinson at second base in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ infield and became a mainstay with the franchise as a ...
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43:09
Episode 49: Rex Chapman
Former Kentucky and NBA basketball star Rex Chapman joins the show to discuss his bestselling memoir, the traps that come with success and failure in life and basketball, and his recovery from opioid and gambling addiction.
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1:13:05
Episode 48: Dr. Tess Kilwein
Clinical and Sports Psychologist on their recent article in Psychology Today on "Sexual Violence Prevention in Sport"
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33:43
Episode 47: Gabriel Torres Colon and John Sloop
Vanderbilt professors Gabriel Torres Colon and John Sloop join the show to discuss the introduction of a new Sports & Society minor at the university.
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37:29
Episode 46: Megan Chopra
Megan Chopra, a high school student at Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., has written a book she hopes will inspire girls and illuminate the stories of women working in sports. The book is titled “Redefining the Field: The Triumphs and Tribul...
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24:49
Episode 45: Jesus Ortiz and Erik Sherman
Journalist Jesus Ortiz and author Erik Sherman join the show to discuss the life and legacy of former Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away Oct. 22 at the age of 63. Ortiz, founder of OurEsquina.com, credits his sportswriting career...
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33:08
Episode 44: LJ Rader
LJ Rader is the mind behind the popular Art But Make It Sports social media accounts. The 2011 Vanderbilt graduate joins us to discuss a hobby, matching sports moments with works of fine art, that has gone wildly viral.
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34:40
Episode 43: Pat Toomay and Christie Hauck
Former Vanderbilt football players Pat Toomay and Christie Hauck starred in the Commodores’ 14-10 win over Alabama in 1969. Up until Oct. 6, 2024, it was the last time Vanderbilt beat the Crimson Tide in Nashville. Toomay and Hauck share memori...
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45:40
Episode 42: Lou Moore
Historian and author Lou Moore joins the show to discuss his acclaimed new book: “The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback"
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47:46
Episode 41: Morgan's Message
Vanderbilt students Callie Drake and Paige Peters join the show to discuss their interest in mental health support for athletes, including their leadership with the Morgan’s Message nonprofit chapter campus. They discuss the pressures on athlet...
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30:45
Episode 40: Coleson Messer and Jackson Heis
Vanderbilt student-athletes Coleson Messer (basketball) and Jackson Heis (football) join the show to discuss the new Athletes in Business student organization they have co-founded. Former high school teammates at Highland Park HS in Dallas, Mes...
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27:13
Episode 39: Michael Gold
Michael Gold, co-founder of Future Fans, discusses how sports connects families and how his company’s “activity boxes” are creating a new generation of fans at a time when younger generations are less interested in sports.
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25:29
Episode 38: David Axelrod
CNN Senior Political Commentator on the '62 and '69 Mets, '24 White Sox, Jordan-era Bulls, and an accidental hard foul on Barack Obama in a pick-up game the day of a debate
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33:51
Episode 37: Jennifer Loredo
National Champion bowler and MVP of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Jennifer Loredo talks about receiving an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship to attend law school + her future career as an immigration attorney
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39:45
Episode 36: Sarina Samuel
Sarina Samuel, a member of the Vanderbilt rowing team, discusses life as a club sport athlete and her team’s recent national championship.
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38:16