Flyers control their own destiny! Kevin Kurz joins to talk Flyers; Phillies weak start; insider journalism discussion

·1 hr 47 min·5 clips

Rob Ellis argues the Phillies are not a good offensive team, just a streaky one that fails to apply pressure.

The episode opens with hosts Mike Sielski and Rob Ellis previewing topics including the Diana Rossini-Mike Vrabel controversy and an upcoming interview with Flyers reporter Kevin Kurz. They first dive into the Phillies' struggles, noting a 4-0 lead that evaporated in a loss to the Diamondbacks, criticizing the team's inability to put the ball in play and consistent offensive droughts. The hosts argue the Phillies are a streaky, not good, offensive team. They then conduct a 'Three Questions' segment, where Sielski compares Joel Embiid's injury-plagued career to Bill Walton's, selects Flyers goalie Dan Vladar as the team's best move this year, and predicts at least one of Nick Nurse or Daryl Morey won't return to the Sixers. The conversation shifts to the Flyers' playoff chances, with Ellis emphasizing they control their own destiny. After a break, they dissect the Rossini-Vrabel scandal, questioning journalistic ethics and public perception. Guest Kevin Kurz joins to discuss the Flyers, praising Vladar's signing and rookie Cutter Gauthier's immediate impact, suggesting Gauthier would be a top-two pick in a redraft. The hosts then take listener calls on the Rossini scandal, Phillies' farm system issues, Flyers' talent development, and the double standard for female reporters. The episode concludes with continued call-in discussion.

As heard by us

A lakeside reporting story turns into a focused debate about insider access, accuracy, and journalistic judgment.

The episode is most useful when it keeps one sports-media question in view: do fans care how insider information is gathered if the reporting turns out to be right?

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for the Dave Hackstall lake anecdote and the media-ethics question it keeps handing back to you.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Mike Sielski and Rob Ellis