Burning Bird

Callahan Winner, Dallas Roughneck, and future school superintendent Gabe Hernandez joins Steve and Shaggy to talk about Ultimate during the summer of anything else. They also discuss Gabe's extremely successful work with the AUDL Inclusion Initiative where he raised over $68,000, and they talk about what it would take to increase visibility for people of color in Ultimate. They also cover Gabe's future Olympic aspirations, Steve's filmography, and Gabe's future career as a musician.

Our first returning guests from outside the city of Philadelphia join us in Michael Kiyoi and Ken Porter, back on the pod; this time to draft! Shaggy sets the rules and the three go at it. You decide which team is best: the West Coast bombers from Michael, Ken's well balanced multi-generational and multi-faceted team, Steve's team of 90s heroes, or Shaggy's team of only the best players he ever watched. Plus some sneaky bonus picks from outside the realm of Frisbee. You won't want to miss this!

The boys are headed back to Atlanta this week as they are joined by a very special guest, AUDL All Star Matt Smith. He talks about his prodigious AUDL career, both on and off the field, going as far back as 2012, when he played in the inaugural AUDL playoffs with the Rhode Island Rampage down at Franklin Field. We also discuss the AUDL Inclusion Initiative and Matt's work as director of youth engagement for the league. He also strongly cautions Shaggy against getting into the league commissioner business. Finally, the trio ends with one of the most important topics on everyone's mind: what is your favorite unsanctioned fun tournament? Spoiler alert, Steve has a bunch of answers, doesn't let Shaggy talk, and doesn't even mention Wildwood! All this and more only on this weeks edition of the Burning Bird!

DISCLAIMER: Ken got caught in a pretty wicked thunderstorm about halfway through the podcast, which pretty seriously cuts into the quality of the recording. You'll hear it when it happens, and Steve does apologize, but just be prepared. Also we recorded this about 3 days before the league cancelled, which is a shame. This week, the crew is joined by Ken Porter, voted the 6th best male ultimate player of 2012 by Bleacher Report! Ken has played on the Charlotte Lions and the Detroit Mechanix, played for Ring of Fire, coached the Mechanix, and currently coaches D3 at Davidson. He is an extremely exciting guest to have on, and talks about his time in the AUDL and at NC State, the differences in playing and coaching, and what its like to be the fastest recorded person in Ultimate Frisbee. He also gives some great insight into coaching at D3, and finally answers the question "who would win at Ultimate: an AUDL team or an NBA team?" once and for all! Ken also talks about his work with the AUDL Inclusion Initiative, and how the scope of their responsoibil Ken also talks about his work with the AUDL Inclusion Initiative, and how the scope of their responsibilities changed in May with the murder of George Floyd and the surrounding protests. With his work in teen outreach at the YMCA, Ken is uniquely positioned to talk about how outreach impacts different communities, particularly at a youth level. Even though the storm makes it a little hard to understand, it is definitely worth a listen!

Steve and Shaggy recorded a bunch of episodes before the season was officially cancelled, and have decided to take a well deserved break. Therefore, we'll be playing those recordings out until Steve and Shaggy get back to recording more topical information. This weekend, former Phoenix star and current DC Breeze handler Ethan Fortin joins the podcast for some much needed clapping back against Steve and Shaggy. While the boys took potshots at the professional, Ethan listened to every episode and waited, compiling exactly the right amount of ammunition for the eventual clap back! Now he's on the pod, and he brings with him the fury of a hundred snide remarks and Steve Side-eyes. Plus, Shaggy and Ethan get really into Dungeons and Dragons, something that they've both invested nearly all of their Frisbee time into with the season cancelled.

This week Steve and Shaggy talk to someone from the far reaches of the great unknown, also known as the West Coast. AUDL Champion Michael Kiyoi, formerly of the San Jose Spiders and currently of the LA Aviators, joins the boys to talk about all the similarities and differences of Ultimate in the Golden State. From diving into the history of the sport, going as far back as the UPA (!) to  recounting war stories from the Spider's championship weekend in Chicago, Michael gives Shaggy and Steve more than they could possibly have dreamed of. They also discuss heavier topics, such as the AUDL Inclusion Initiative, and racism in America. Plus Steve and Michael work out a trade; Steve's 1998 Condors jersey for some current LA Aviators swag. It really is a must listen to of an episode.

The Phoenix Files are back! This week we bring out an episode we recorded way back in the middle of May with the coach of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, Pat Hammonds. A coach today and a player in June of 2018, Coach Hammonds lends a unique perspective on the game while Shaggy, Steve, and Harvish embark on their usual shenanigans. Harvish goes on a rant about how good Max Sheppard is, Shaggy gushes on Nardelli, and Steve and Coach Hammonds share war stories about Flyers Penguins games. Plus, get a breakdown on the 2018 Nix and Thunderbird roster constructions, and learn why Bailey Saul, the play by play commentator for the Phoenix in 2018, said that Pat talked some of the biggest smack on the field. All this and more only on the Phoenix Files: Game of the Week!

This week, the coach of the Atlanta Hustle, Miranda Knowles, comes on the podcast to talk ultimate as Steve and Shaggy try not to gush too hard over Miranda's prodigious resume. From Club titles to World titles; both as a player and as a coach, Miranda has accomplished just about everything, and the Bird crew wastes no time in diving into it. Get some insights into her time with Ultimate Peace, her work coaching Chinese youth teams, and which game was her all time favorite to win.  Plus, Shaggy gets her to reveal some strategic secrets about the Hustle, and Miranda gives the crew a special look into a possible new training program run by her bunny Avon.  All this and more only on this weeks episode of The Burning Bird.

This week, the head Team Physician, Dr. Sommer Hammoud, joins Steve and Shaggy to talk about Ultimate, health and safety, and how she ended up in Philadelphia. Dive into the specifics about how to protect your knees before returning to Frisbee from quarantine. Hear Dr. Hammoud refer to Steve as a "high school, collegiate, and pro athlete" for the decisions made regarding his knee. Shoulda given the guy a physical first doc! The crew also dives into her Division One soccer career at UCLA, working with the Red Sox and the Phillies, and how owner and fellow Doctor, Christina Chung, managed to snag someone of such impressive qualifications. All this and more on this weeks episode of the Burning Bird, People of Color in Ultimate series.

There were audio issues I couldn't fix during this episode. If you have trouble understanding at certain points, now you know why. The second feature in the Burning Bird People of Color series, defensive veteran James Pollard, and rising Phoenix phenom Nate Little, come on the podcast to discuss race in America, in Ultimate, and how people in Ultimate and people all over the country can do a better job. James also reminisces about playing high school Nate Little at sectionals, and Nate introduces Steve and Shaggy to Black n Mobile; a food delivery service for Black owned restaurants exclusively. This was a poignant and powerful episode to record, and we hope you enjoy listening.

Brice comes on the podcast and discusses his experiences with racism and the protests in Philadelphia. He also gives Steve and Shaggy a lesson in community engagement and how important the next generation is to the fight for equality in the United States. Then about half way through the podcast switches lanes and starts talking about Ultimate. Shaggy and Brice reminisce about Dunn's success as a thrower for the D line, and how Brice's position as a grizzled veteran lets him mentor all the youth on the team.

This episode was recorded last week, before George Floyd was killed and before the protests began. Both Steve and Shaggy agree that there are bigger things than ultimate, and throughout this week we will try and talk more about different issues. Stay Strong, Stay Together, Black Lives Matter. On this weeks episode, Mike Arcata comes on to talk about the COVID task force, discuss the finer points of ocean salmon, and claim that the Phoenix are the thickest team in the league and he could take anyone on in basketball. Then Matt Esser explains why he boofed it on America Ninja Warrior, what are his favorite Phoenix memories, and how Steve can handle his ant problem.

A very special episode of the Burning Bird this week as the Voice of the AUDL - Evan Lepler - joins us from North Carolina. With Steve's unparalleled research, we get to go all the way back to Evan's first broadcasting days; calling high school tennis as an eighth grader from his tree house. The crew discusses where Evan got his start, his first time calling a Frisbee game (its not what you think), his iconic corn hole moment, and more. Things get really heated when Evan turns the interview around and asks Shaggy how he thinks the Phoenix will do in the 2021 season. You won't want to miss this!

First up this week is a Phoenix Sophomore and Temple University fifth year: Brandon Lamberty. Brandon keys us in on his future political aspirations, the iconic ultimate studs of Wisconsin, and just how good his lefty scoobers really are, and who he's learned them from (hint: they're also on this episode). Then its the Pennsbury Pals: Marc Sands and Sean Mott, who managed to find time together in this socially distant world. These two get into everything, from high school ultimate to their mindsets involved in defeating the opponent. Finally, Marc and Mott have a surprise for the hosts, as they give Steve a quiz for which Phoenix player has which number. All this and more only on the Burning Bird!

As rain began to sprinkle the hallowed grounds of A.A. Garthwaithe stadium, the Phoenix and the Breeze trotted out to what would become one of the longest games in AUDL history. With lightening delays by the bucket load; Huc, Shaggy and Steve bring you one of the most intense games in Phoenix history. From dynamite plays to devastating fouls and so much more, its all here on another wonderful episode of the Phoenix Files. Bonus content! Steve tells us which is his least favorite coach in the NFL, and Shaggy rides to the defense of his mustachioed hero: Andy Ried. All this and so much more on The Game of the Week.

This week we're back to our old shenanigans as a trio of talented Phoenix players comes on to talk shop. First up is Ultiworld Club Breakout Player of the Year -Paul Owens- to talk about bowling and the everyday hustle of being such a good dude. Then Brandon Pastor, one of the funnest Frisbee players ever, discusses losing his prom date because of ultimate, and breaks down Shaggy's favorite play of the 2018 season. Finally, Matt Ballman comes on to talk about how he first met Coach Hampson, and who to bet money on in a theoretical AUDL tournament of champions. All this and more only on the Burning Bird with Steve and Shaggy.

On this very special family edition of the Burning Bird, Austin Lillis kicks off the pod with stories about how wrestling can help ultimate players, what makes lefty's so dominant, and why Steve is wrong about Dylan Freechild. Then Shaggy takes over as host and welcomes on Huc, from Phoenix File's fame, to talk to his brother, star Phoenix cutter Himalaya Mehta, about how gosh darn old he is. The two hit every aspect of Himmy's Philadelphia ultimate career; from his free Skippy's peanut butter coupons to Himalaya's scouting report for Harvish as an ultimate player. Last, but certainly not least, Shaggy interviews Steve about his mother and her AUDL moment, as well as how the Phoenix would fare in a tournament of moms. We hope you all had a very special Mother's Day, and we can't wait until the moms are back in the stands cheering on their kids.

A blowout and a bloodbath is whats on deck this week as we journey back to 2018 to watch the Montreal Royal struggle to overcome a hungry Phoenix team following a last minute win over New York by the Royal the night before. With coverage topics limited due to the absolute smack down laid on the visiting team, the gang is forced to meander down a litany of different paths to bring you the amazing content you deserve. Shaggy breaks down the future division for Huc, Steve gives us all some player bios on the 1994-95 college champions, and Huc tries to figure out, once and for all, what really is so difficult about playing in a back to back. All this and more on the Burning Bird presents the Phoenix Files Game of the Week.

This week on the Burning Bird; Lienert talks meatballs, Shaggy finishes his banana bread, and a trio of AUDL veterans call in to the studio to discuss what their second year in the league will be like. First Nick DiGiorgio breaks down which family member will win the DiGorgio quarantine olympics, Boyle brags about his dartsmanship, and Ellis dives in to what it's like to go to the championships. All that and more on episode 23 of the Burning Bird.

This week; Huc, Steve, and Shaggy are joined by professional ultimate player, multi time club champion, and multi time PADA league champion Andrea DeSabato to break down last years June 29th victory on the road against the Toronto Rush. The Phoenix never fell behind once against the championship caliber Canadians in this 26 - 24 thriller. Plus, the gang continues to tackle the tough questions such as: should Mott get the disc more? Should Connor Boyle start? And what would the AUDL look like if it went mixed. All this and more this time on the Phoenix Files Game of the Week.