[W]roundball w/ James McCool [MLB Playoffs, NBA Predictions, NFL Predictions]

Welcome back to [W]roundball as we are here with our season opener! With any opener we welcome a new guest to the clubhouse as James McCool of Paydirtdata.com joins us to talk MLB playoffs and even more!

A 100-win season doesn’t guarantee a World Series title. Arturo and baseball modeling expert James McCool explain what can matter more in October: strikeouts, bullpen depth, power, and how quickly a manager is willing to change the plan.

Arturo lays out five indicators he uses to size up a playoff contender, from strikeout-to-walk rates and run differential to performance against strong teams. James adds the factor stats can’t fully capture: attrition. In a short series, injuries, cold bats, and aggressive bullpen decisions can flip a matchup fast.

Who looks built for a deep run? They debate the Brewers, Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, Rays, Guardians, and Yankees, then talk through playoff series bets and how hedging can change your risk. James McCool, owner of Pay Dirt Data, brings a decade of DFS and sports betting experience, award-winning baseball writing, and a model-maker’s perspective. Arturo brings the numbers and a five-factor playoff framework; co-host Larry adds the fan-and-gambler perspective and steers the conversation into NBA and NFL contenders.

The sports talk is lively, but the central lesson is serious: regular-season records don’t tell the whole story when a postseason series can turn on a few high-leverage innings. If you want a sharper way to evaluate October teams and understand the reasoning behind a wager, press play. Betting involves risk; the hosts’ picks and analysis aren’t guarantees.

Tind them at:

https://www.paydirtdata.com/

https://x.com/Paydirt_DFS?lang=en

X com/AmericanNumbers

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

SOW w/ Jeff Hawkins [The Merger, Hollywood’s Collapse, Wrestling Sucks]

Larry hosts Arturo and returning guest Jeff Hawkins for a sprawling discussion about the proposed Warner Bros. and Paramount merger, California politics, Hollywood’s changing economics, streaming, media credibility, comedy, and professional wrestling. Jeff brings firsthand experience from Hollywood, comedy, software, and podcasting, while Larry and Arturo connect the industry shifts to wrestling promotion, audience behavior, and the value of being genuinely entertaining.

In this episode:

Why the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger may be driven as much by shaky financing, debt, and streaming survival as by creative strategy.

Jeff Hawkins explains why Netflix, Amazon, and Disney entered streaming with advantages that legacy Hollywood companies lacked.

How the collapse of DVD sales, syndication, cable, and other back-end revenue streams has made riskier films harder to finance.

Why combining Paramount Plus and HBO Max might create a stronger competitor to Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Disney, but cannot automatically save Hollywood.

The decline of Los Angeles as a production center, with only 18% of production remaining in the city and many studio facilities sitting empty.

Why studios keep relying on existing intellectual property while audiences increasingly reject recycled franchises, excessive paywalls, and microtransactions.

How streaming fragmentation can reduce the value of an IP by making it harder for audiences to discover, enjoy, and develop nostalgia for it.

Jeff’s experiences in Hollywood, comedy clubs, writing rooms, production, and the brutal reality of trying to build a career outside the industry’s inner circle.

Why performers and creators must adapt to their audience instead of blaming audiences for failing to understand the act.

The hosts’ argument that wrestling should prioritize selling impact, building emotion, and telling coherent stories over endless strike exchanges and spectacular moves.

Why the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame and other entertainment institutions often use narrow metrics that overlook popularity, influence, charisma, and audience connection.

What made PWG special, including its local identity, recurring talent, unpredictable comedy, and feeling of community.

Jeff’s case for larger-than-life wrestlers, meaningful physical presentation, and the lost appeal of stars such as Vader, Terry Funk, The Barbarian, and chunky Walter.

Find them:

X.com/crapgame13

X.com/americannumbers

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

SOW [Oracle Falls, #Blockthemerger, Political Theatre]

The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger may be running out of time, money, and legal cover. Larry and Numbers break down the last-minute settlement, the judge who could reject it, Oracle's shaky financing, and what the deal means for Hollywood workers, media power, and AEW's future.

A dozen state attorneys general have withdrawn their antitrust challenge, but the case is far from over. Advocacy groups, journalists, documentary filmmakers, and labor organizations are preparing an amicus brief arguing that Paramount's proposed consent decree does not address the merger's biggest problems. With an October 1 ticking fee approaching, every delay could cost millions and put even more pressure on Oracle, Paramount, and the Ellison-backed financing structure.

You'll discover:

- Why the consent decree may be too weak for the judge to approve

- How Oracle's debt, off-book leases, data-center spending, and reliance on foreign capital could threaten the merger

- Why a full trial and discovery could expose whether the deal's financing is real

- How the merger could affect actors, writers, SAG-AFTRA members, crews, and thousands of workers beyond Hollywood

- Why the upcoming midterms could radically change the political pressure surrounding the deal

- Why AEW may be in an unusually strong position for a renewal, regardless of whether the merger succeeds

- How private equity's focus on extracting value from WWE could damage the long-term strength of its intellectual property

Larry brings the perspective of a longtime wrestling and media observer, connecting the merger's potential impact to labor, creative control, data centers, and the future of wrestling television. Numbers provides the financial and legal analysis, examining the merger's funding, Oracle's market exposure, antitrust obligations, advertising data, and the contrasting business strategies behind AEW and WWE.

At stake is far more than a corporate acquisition. This deal could determine who controls major newsrooms, how original entertainment gets financed, whether creative workers lose more leverage, and which wrestling company benefits from the next wave of television and streaming negotiations.

The countdown is on, the judge's questions may reveal everything, and one ruling could turn a supposedly settled merger into a much larger fight. Listen now for a sharp, urgent analysis of the deal before the next move changes the entire story.

Find them:

X.com/AmericanNumbers

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

State of Wrestling: Streaming Audiences, Saudi Arabia, and WWE’s Fragile Media Deals

Arturo and Larry examine how wrestling audiences are increasingly moving from cable to streaming, why AEW’s reported performance may be stronger than Nielsen’s television figures suggest, and how advertising reveals the real value of each show. They also discuss geopolitical risks to WWE’s Saudi Arabia business, doubts surrounding the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger, WWE’s international streaming strategy, and growing questions about the Disney, ESPN, and WWE partnershi

We support BJ and his reporting and so should you! He is on assignment and you can follow what he is doing at bbethel.substack.com.

Find them:

X.com/AmericanNumbers

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

Bbethel.substack.com

X.com/legionaod

Commentary Booth: Fanbooking

If All In is the season finale, is All Out the season premiere?" In this episode, we share our hopes, dreams and a little prognosticating about All Out and beyond. We talk about fan booking and being pre mad. Are there too many belts? How many bad bitches can Mercedes fight? How will Swerve ruin Hangman and/or Hangman ruin himself?

Additionally, we talk about Char clones, season 5 of Dexter, and our foremothers the Spirk shippers.

Find everybody:

https://bsky.app/profile/wooster182.bsky.social

https://daneshartis.carrd.co/

https://lwsalinas.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/onlinecangf.bsky.social

So this is my episode to gloat after doing this for a year. I got 2 people to thank for this hobby.

The first person is Juan for being the guy to step up and record with me. REally good dude who is doing some really big things.

The second guy you probably have to plame is Drew who ca helped me conceptualize the show and make it a thing.

So this is a thank you to them.

A year of yapping this obviously came out way later than intended..

Nerd Talkusatsu w/ Rachel and Matt

On this episode it is henshin a go go baby. Yup we are talking tokusatsu, the end of super Sentai, and our favorite costumed supers from Japan.

Joining me In this is award winning cosplayer from kickout! 2.99 Rachel and Matt Dawson of the harvest podcast network.

Find them at;

https://bsky.app/profile/milkystar.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/legionaod.bsky.social

The Commentary. Booth All In Awards Gala

Anyways for a summary something like (first draft) “this week the girlies are joined by special guest Hilary to do the All In awards show! Who’s got the “Dandy Fits for Fancy Folk” award locked down? Who’s got a shift at auto zone after hitchhiking on a boat to the UK? And most importantly, who are the prettiest princesses inspiring our comrades in the fanfiction mines?

Plus, we learn about long-running fantasy series that WILL conclude after decades (cough George RR Martin), whether you need to watch anime to appreciate Kenny Omega, and give a shout out to moms who watch wrestling and/or sex comedies!”

Also follow the girlies on bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/thecommentarybooth.bsky.social

Find everybody;

https://bsky.app/profile/novelworm26.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/wooster182.bsky.social

https://daneshartis.carrd.co/

https://lwsalinas.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/onlinecangf.bsky.social

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

P[w]rescrition Quiz Show Bizarre Adventure [Anime]

This is a match between Kottonmouth and onlinecangf where they d-d-d-duel over who has more anime knowledge! Yes this is a weabattle!

You can also listen to both on their show The Commentary Booth here on this very channel!Q

Find them at:

https://ko-fi.com/scorchtheground2251

https://chalupa-and-scallop.webcomic.ws/

Nerd Talking: 3: Supergirl Interrupted

Join Jeremy, Larry, & Matt as we travel down the rabbit hole of nerdom! Joining the intrepid trio is a girl? Hope you got your cootie shots because Lauren is joining the boys today.

On this episode you get to hear our reviews on Supergirl, the latest in nerdom, i finally get to talk dragonball 40th, and our crazy pulls of the week!

Find everyone:

https://lwsalinas.com/

X.com/JerFinestone

X.com/legionaod

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

Part 3:

We welcome Trish (Trish and Sarah Podcast + Social Suplex Newsletter) for part 3 of our three part conversation.

In this episode, the Girlies get very excited discussing and brainstorming fan merch.

We dive into existentialism, the point of art, and how that translates to our Special Little Guys.

Lastly, we analyze the growth and development of talent like Maya World and Kevin Knight and how Mercedes Moné is growing steadily into a living legend.

Find everybody;

https://bsky.app/profile/wooster182.bsky.social

https://daneshartis.carrd.co/

https://lwsalinas.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/onlinecangf.bsky.social

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

SOW w/ Gutzdozer [Back to Business, DRAGONGATE, NJPW G1]

Joining us today are a lot of good people as we talk a lot of stuff about what is happening in wrestling

• SOW is back in business rfor a news roundup. We talk the latest news in pro wrestling. Specifically we are talking WWE and ESPN relationships. The wrestlemania numbers, and even talk chairs. But also with the new Disney CEO making moves finally we talk about ESPN looking for ways out of WWE.
• Gutsdozer, Arturo, Larry, And BJ are here to talk a bit about the g1 finals, what we think the future of Shun in shin nihon is our predictions for this reiwa generation. We also talk Dragongate and their Rey de Parejas Tag team tournament ans talk predictions and early impressions
• Naveth, Rambones, and me Talk all about the g1, how we feel about the tournament, who were the breakouts?

Find everyone:

https://youtube.com/@gutsdozer?si=IZuJFiyPViVTcj3s

X.com/bjbetheltweets

X.com/AmericanNumbers

https://t.co/TJQH3vfeez

Doc Talks w/ Wiggy Gator, Toronto, ON

Be kind-Wiggy

So Wiggy is one of my favorite people out there. A diehard deathmatch sicko. A real one. Somebody who i can call a friend and somebody I admire. She is also somebody who helped organize the Speaking Out movement in pro wrestling and somebody who believes outing these serial Abusers, harrassers, and overall bad people in pro wrestling

Wiggy is also a giant pokèmon nerd and somebody full of joy and life. We share a lot here about change. Just listen.

Joining us is also matt.

Find everyone:

https://x.com/Wiggygator

X.com/legionaod

SMES: Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs Rob Van Dam & Sabu [ECW Heatwave 98

Thank you Matt Dawson for making this request. We are heading back to the summer of 1998 with a Heatwave. One of those matches that lives on as proof that ecw was more than gore. Featuring some of the greats.

Here to call this with me and Matt, are TroublesWrestling and Loverboy Timothy Flowers.

Enjoy another bit of classic wrestling on Slam Masters Entertainment System

Find them at:

https://theharvestnetwork.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/loverboy_pw/?__d=1%2F%3Fhidemenu%3Dtrue

https://linktr.ee/TWWpod

Part 2:

ThGirlies welcome Trish (Trish and Sarah Podcast + Social Suplex Newsletter) for part 2 of our three part conversation.

In this episode, we discuss the preparation and politics of the Tanahashi Retirement article and Tunnel Talk’s Young Bucks interview as well as the real value of ratings and how they’re weaponized.

Additionally, we ask what should a challenger brand do to create fan loyalty?

And lastly, we torture mind-reading superspy Trish by peppering her with unwanted compliments

.Find everybody;

https://bsky.app/profile/wooster182.bsky.social

https://daneshartis.carrd.co/

https://lwsalinas.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/onlinecangf.bsky.social

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

Doc Talks w/ Andrew, Epic Pro LA

Fucking drive normal you fucking assholes-Andrew

We got a double here as we have Andrew the promoter of EpicProLA coming on to the show to promote his big show in Baldwin Park! He didn't come alone as Ultra Taro joins us for a deep dive into SoCal independent pro wrestling scene and a lot of shit talking!

Shouts to Mr. California

Find them at:

https://x.com/EpicProLA

https://x.com/loknloll

Commentary Booth [Fashion Redemption ]

On this episode, the Commentary Booth covers Redemption. Namely, we give our answers to the important questions: who had the dandiest outfits? who melted our hearts? And who made us scream and scare our cats?

Plus, we chat about the Odyssey, the horror of Nice Guys (tm), and what dog is Death Rider Will Ospreay!

Find everyone:

https://bsky.app/profile/wooster182.bsky.social

https://daneshartis.carrd.co/

https://lwsalinas.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/onlinecangf.bsky.social

https://linktr.ee/drlarryyacht

SMES: Mr. Perfect vs Bret Hart [Summerslam 91]

From MSG it is Summerslam 91! I am joined by Larry of the Worker's Club. As we talk this legendary match for the intercontinental title. We talk a lot. Bret really does have the best book.

Find him at:

https://theworkersclub.org/

Part 1:

The Girlies welcome Trish (Trish and Sarah Podcast + Social Suplex Newsletter) to the house party! 

In this episode, we learn the difference between Wimbledon and Wembley, discover Trish is a little bit Country but not Rock n Roll, and the preparation it takes to be a female fan. 

This is part 1 of a 3 part conversation!

Find everybody at:

Sneak Preview [The Super Junior Trilogy]

The P[w]rescription dives into the history of junior heavyweiight wrestling covering the scene. With a Trilogy of tournaments that stand the test of time. Larry, JML, and Arturo are back with another history lesson. They also have a lot of guests joining them.

The Evolution of Junior Heavyweight Wrestling: Insights from Super J-Cup 1994

Junior heavyweight wrestling has a rich history that has evolved significantly over the years. In this show, we talk the super j cup 1sr stage, a pivotal moment that showcased the talents of junior heavyweights from different promotions. We’ll dive into the context of the event, its significance in the wrestling world, and the implications it had for future wrestling events.

The Super J Cup 94 was not just a wrestling event; it was a turning point in the industry that emphasized the importance of junior heavyweights. As we continue to explore the evolution of wrestling, it’s crucial to recognize the contributions of these athletes. For those interested in the history of wrestling, this series is a testament to the popularity and legaxy of these legends of wrestling.