March 28, 1939. Two teams are facing off for the final game of World Professional Basketball Tournament in Chicago, the first professional tournament to feature both white and black basketball teams. This is several years before the start of the NBA, and Jim Crow segregation was still the law of the land in many parts of the country. The New York Rens, an al ... Show More
Yesterday
The Dogs Who Saved Nome, Alaska
On January 5, 2026, Jirdes Winther Baxter passed away at 101 years old — the last known survivor of the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. A few years ago, we told the story of the Serum Run: the desperate relay of mushers and sled dogs who carried a life-saving antitoxin ... Show More
37m 21s
Jan 22
From Hitler to Hippies: The Surprising Origins of the VW Beetle | Presenting Business History
How did the VW Beetle go from Hitler’s dream car to beloved hippie icon? Today, we’re sharing an episode from a new podcast, Business History. Hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith bring to life the greatest innovations, the boldest entrepreneurs and the craziest mavericks in th ... Show More
38m 26s
Jan 19
Houdini Defies Death
January 25, 1908. Harry Houdini is the most famous magician in America. He’s known for his escapes – from handcuffs, boxes, jail cells, even a giant football. But the escape act is getting old, and ticket sales aren’t what they used to be. And on this day, an under-capacity audie ... Show More
28m 54s
Oct 2022
The NBA Forces a Fit Check
October 17, 2005. The NBA is going through massive changes. Michael Jordan is retired (again), and the league is getting younger. Stars like Allen Iverson represent the rise of hip-hop culture, which David Stern blames for the league’s dwindling viewership. His solution? Today, S ... Show More
29m 53s
Nov 2022
Jackie Robinson Tries Out for the Majors (History This Week Replay)
April 16, 1945. Jackie Robinson is ready. He’s won a tryout with the Boston Red Sox, and if he makes the team, he will become the first player to break baseball’s long-standing racial divide. Robinson puts his supreme athletic skills on full display… but never hears back from the ... Show More
29m 3s
Mar 2021
Kobe As NBA Logo, Jazz-76ers, Fan Questions | WHAT’S BURNIN’ | SHOWTIME Basketball
<p>WHAT'S BURNIN' is back. Matt and Stephen discuss Kyrie Irving’s comments about making the NBA logo and talk about if it should happen. Plus, they breakdown the sale of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and the Wizard’s recent strong run. Also, they lookahead to some of the final games ... Show More
37m 56s
Sep 2023
When the Game Was War — Lessons From the Greatest NBA Season of All Time
<p>While there may be some heated rivalries in today's NBA, the ferocity of competition doesn't compare to the hard-hitting contests that took place during the 1987-1988 season, when four rising and falling dynasties — the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, and Bulls — battled it out for ... Show More
57m 59s
Mar 2022
Day Two of 'Slapgate', College Basketball Memory Lane & NBA Teams Bottoming Out for Banchero
On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a few thoughts on Day Two of the Will Smith 'Slap heard 'round the Oscars' fallout. Somehow, Smith's slap has become even more divisive than the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate. Unfortunately, we've already reached the p ... Show More
27m 32s