Phantom Island

Rodger Sherman, author of the Sports! newsletter, joins Ryan Nanni on this episode to talk about the continued growth and expansion of almost every professional sport. Can our most popular leagues ever approach oversaturation of their audiences? What do lengthier schedules mean for completionists? And has Ryan found the best way to enjoy college football playoff broadcasts? Phantom Island is presented by Homefield and produced by Michael Surber.

Sometimes, Ryan Nanni becomes excessively intrigued by an oddball sports occurrence. On this episode, he's bringing one such instance to Steven Godfrey to discuss: the time Drew Brees and the Saints nearly finished a game perfect on third down. What made this feat possible, why is it unlikely to ever be surpassed, and how long does it take Steven to trash the Saints and Sean Payton?
This is a preview of the full episode, which is available to paid subscribers – go to phantomisland.show to sign up today. Phantom Island is presented by Homefield and produced by Michael Surber.

Andy McGrath, freelance cycling journalist and author of Tadej Pogacar: Unstoppable joins Ryan Nanni to review four decades of French futility at cycling's biggest race. What explains the drought of French champions at the Tour de France? Will 19-year-old Paul Seixas end that losing streak? And how badly do the French want to see one of their own finish in the yellow jersey? Phantom Island is presented by Homefield and produced by Michael Surber.

Steven Godfrey and Ryan Nanni review submissions from the Phantom Island audience focused on one topic: which team has the best narrative case to be the next to end a long championship absence? From division mates in the NFL to polar opposites in the NBA to a variety of baseball options, there are plenty of trophy-less teams to choose from.
This is a preview of the full episode, which is available to paid subscribers – go to phantomisland.show to sign up today. Phantom Island is presented by Homefield and produced by Michael Surber.

Ryan Nanni is joined by Ben Strauss, Sports Business Reporter for ESPN, to discuss the evolving art of measuring/promoting/analyzing sports viewership, but not before Steven Godfrey hops on to explain the dog-related weaknesses of the old Nielsen ratings. Phantom Island is presented by Homefield and produced by Michael Surber.