Listen to “Mark and Jair Explain Sports” Online

This past week, Mark and Jair discussed the NBA Finals as the Los Angeles Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead against the Miami Heat. The Lakers are looking to wrap up the series on Friday, hoping to win their 17th championship and Lebron James winning his fourth personal championship. 

Mark and Jair also discussed certain issues going on in the NFL with COVID-19 cases. The Tennessee Titans have plenty of COVID-19 cases going on within the organization. There are plenty of questionable scenarios happening with the way the NFL handles their upcoming games.

In Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have been battling the Rays. Mark and Jair have been looking to see what Game four would entail between the two heavyweights in the American League East. 

One thing that Jair has been annoyed about slightly, is the Free Agency hype around Trevor Bauer and the New York Mets. Jair doesn’t like Bauer’s antics on the field and off the field and gets tired of certain actions. 

Mark and Jair hope you all take the right amount of protective measures to remain safe throughout the circumstances we face today. We are sad to see a spike of COVID-19 cases rising again. Please be sure to wear masks and use protection at all times. 

Stay tuned for more episodes of Mark and Jair Explain Sports. Both Mark and Jair will come up with several different sports topics to discuss during their podcast. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @exsportsdrexel. Also follow their personal accounts @budd98, @jair.bd, @jairbrooksdavis.

Listen to “Ain’t That Something with Brandon Martinez” Online

Hi! Welcome back homies, I missed you! Last week was a great episode, right? Well this week is just as great! I am joined by my good friend, Abbey Haas. I first met Abbey back in the fall of 2018, when I first transferred here from my community college. We had a class together called Mass Media and Society which was taught by the legendary, Allen Stegeman. Although our relationship consisted of small talk for a little while, I would say it developed and blossomed into a thriving friendship when I became a PRSSA executive board member. The depth of a friendship is not determined by how long you have known one another and I am grateful every day that she is in my life.

I had Abbey over my apartment just one day after I moved into it (sorry about the mess, Abbey) and we had an absolutely amazing conversation. We learned so much about one another and found out that we have a mutual love for the Harry Potter series (who said a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor cant get along?). In this episode, we talk about having different societal and political views than our family members and how to tread those waters. We also hear about her enlightening trip to Iceland (this is a really interesting part of the podcast and I do not want to give too much away, so you have to promise me you’ll listen, okay?)

I promise you this episode will make you think, laugh, and smile. At the end of the day that is all I aim for. If I can make at least one person do all three of these things, then that means I’m doing my job as a “podcaster” right. When it comes down to it, this world is far too crazy for you not to just sit back, check out, and listen to something that makes you feel less alone. In the words of the late and great Mac Miller, this episode had me “cheesin’ from cheek to cheek.” I hope it does the same thing for each and every one of my listeners. You all mean the world to me and I cannot wait for you all to hear the upcoming content we have in store for you.

Thanks, homies.

Brandon.

Photograph courtesy of Armon Owlia for The Triangle

Listen to ‘Mark and Jair Explain Sports’ online!

This past week, Mark and Jair discussed what’s happening in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA. It’s very interesting to see both the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers in the third round before the NBA Finals. It will be interesting to see if Lebron James will end up playing for the title against the team with whom he won his first two titles. Think of the last time a superstar has been in this scenario — and we mean a legit superstar. Not a guy like Patrick McCaw, who won the 2017 and 2018 Championships with the Golden State Warriors, then won a third ring in 2019 with the Raptors against the Warriors. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are highly competitive teams.

In Major League Baseball, the regular season is wrapping up, and it’s eye-opening how the season is ending. Mark’s Philadelphia Phillies have gone through a rough stretch as of late and are limping in for a playoff spot. Jair’s New York Mets have had the same and are no longer in the race, but he should be happy because of new management coming to the franchise.

In the NFL, there are plenty of injuries going on. The NFC Champions have to deal with several injuries that involve Raheem Mostert and Jimmy Garrapolo. It’s going to be eye-opening to see how they do over the next few weeks.

Mark and Jair hope you all take the right amount of protective measures in order to remain safe throughout the circumstances we face today. We are sad to see a spike of COVID-19 cases rising again. Please be sure to wear masks and use protection at all times.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Mark and Jair Explain Sports. Both Mark and Jair will come up with several different sports topics to discuss during their podcast. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @exsportsdrexel. Also follow their personal accounts @budd98, @jair.bd, @jairbrooksdavis.

Listen to Ain’t That Something with Brandon Martinez” online!

You’re back? Oh, word? Glad to have you. For my second guest this week, I have my very good friend and podcast editor, Maddie Avarese. I first met Maddie about two years ago around Halloween at a small party (oh, how we miss the days of pre–COVID get-togethers). We found out that we both had a mutual appreciation for the heavy metal band Motionless In White. We kept in touch here and there until I reached out to her to be featured in a shoot for my photography portfolio. I guess the rest is rock-and-roll history, because we’ve been tight ever since!

In this episode, which is filled with shameless name-drops and shout-outs, Maddie explains to me the basis of astrology and accepts me, despite the fact that I am a moody Scorpio. (Just kidding…or am I?) Continuing on, we discuss the battle of embracing your personal brand without linking it to your professional persona, as well as feeling comfortable in your own skin. We’ve all been there, am I right?

We also discuss the difficulties of applying for co–ops in the midst of a global pandemic. Spoiler alert, she killed it and now has an AMAZING co–op. As the discussion goes on, we talk about her experiences as a Catholic school student and the challenges she faced attending a school she was not 100 percent comfortable in. After that, things get deep when discussing the instant gratification and taboos associated with religion, spiritualism, and sobriety. We also have a very good discussion about sexual empowerment, having “the talk” with parents, and how the future is female.

This episode addresses many things that people may be scared to discuss, but that’s okay. That is why I’m here — if we don’t address certain things, then no true progress can be made.

Listen to ‘Mark and Jair Explain Sports’ online!

This past week, Mark and Jair discussed things going on with the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA. It’s very interesting to see both the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 3rd round before the NBA Finals. It will be interesting to see if Lebron James would end up playing for the title against the team he won his first two titles with. Think of the last time a superstar has been in this scenario. And we are saying a legit superstar. Not a guy like Patrick McCaw who won the 2017 and 2018 Championship with the Golden State Warriors and won a third ring in 2019 with the Raptors against the Warriors. It’ll be interesting to see what happens but the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are highly competitive teams.

In other news around the NBA, news has come within recent days that

In Major League Baseball the regular season is wrapping up and it’s eye-opening on how the season is ending. Mark’s Philadelphia Phillies have gone through a rough stretch as of late and are limping in for a playoff spot. Jair’s New York Mets have had the same and aren’t in the race anymore but he should be happy because of new management coming to the franchise.

In the NFL there are plenty of injuries going on. The NFC Champions have to deal with several injuries that involve Raheem Mostert and Jimmy Garrapolo. It’s going to be eye-opening to see how they do over the next few weeks.

Mark and Jair hope you all take the right amount of protective measures in order to remain safe throughout the circumstances we face today. We are sad to see a spike of COVID-19 cases rising again. Please be sure to wear masks and use protection at all times.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Mark and Jair Explain Sports. Both Mark and Jair will come up with several different sports topics to discuss during their podcast. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @exsportsdrexel. Also follow their personal accounts @budd98, @jair.bd, @jairbrooksdavis.

Listen to “Mark and Jair Explain Sports” Online

It’s interesting to see what’s happening in the Major League Baseball season. Players have to play within their own division, and the rules this season are so different. For example, the extra innings scenario with a runner on second base to start off the half inning. Another thing that’s very different is the way the 30-man “taxi squad” is assembled. Well, the Miami Marlins have to figure out more than just the “taxi squad.” There are over 10 players, and staff members that have tested positive for COVID-19. The team recently played against the Philadelphia Phillies, and a lot of questions have come in regarding whether the Marlins will play their upcoming games.

In other MLB news, Joe Kelly was suspended for eight games due to throwing at Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. Many players in the league questioned the decision to suspend Kelly but not take major action against the Astros for their sign-stealing scandal. The league may have suspended him for provoking a scenario in which players from two different teams came into close contact partially.

In the NBA bubble, life is well. It looks like a small magic village there. They are close to Disney World. There’s supposed to be magic. This past Thursday, Louis Williams didn’t play in the Clippers vs Lakers game in the NBA restart. He was forced into quarantine due to being outside the bubble, caught hanging out and having dinner with rapper, Jack Harlow at Magic City in Atlanta.

In the NFL, there are lots of questions about starting the season. We do need to give Joey Bosa some credit in regards to getting his money. He recently got a five-year $135 million dollar contract extension with $78 million full guaranteed and $102 million guaranteed.

Please go to Spotify and listen.

Mark and Jair hope you all take the right amount of protective measures in order to remain safe throughout the circumstances we face today. We are sad to see a spike of COVID-19 cases rising again. Please be sure to wear masks and use protection at all times.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Mark and Jair Explain Sports. Both Mark and Jair will come up with several different sports topics to discuss during their podcast. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @exsportsdrexel. Also follow their personal accounts @budd98, @jair.bd, @jairbrooksdavis.

As things currently stand, the MLB and NBA are slated to return in late July. Despite that, there are still a large number of concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have dramatically increased in the south, especially in places like Florida, where the NBA happens to be planning their return at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Campus. The NBA is planning on making the sports campus a “bubble,” meaning that once the season resumes on July 31, players are permitted to remain in the bubble to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, our question for the NBA is about all the hotel workers and staff that are going to be taking care of the sports campus. They’re going to be coming in from outside the bubble, thus increasing the risk of the virus spreading inside the bubble. Only time will tell to see if the NBA’s plan works; otherwise, they might need to start planning to use a different city. Perhaps New York or Philadelphia?

It’s great to see that Major League Baseball finally has a plan in regards to the 2020 season. Although it’s great, how will it play out? Will teams be able to play in Canada, Florida, Texas, etc. amidst the number of COVID-19 cases rising? What is the plan? On June 25, former All-Star Alex Rodriguez spoke to Wolf Blitzer on CNN about playing in the conditions for 60 games. Will he be able to make it work? What about the new rules banning spitting and postgame showers? One has to wonder about all these factors.

Mark and Jair hope you all take the right amount of protective measures in order to remain safe in the circumstances we face today. We are sad to see a spike of COVID-19 cases rising again. Please be sure to wear masks and use protection at all times.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Mark and Jair Explain Sports. Both Mark and Jair will come up with several different sports topics to discuss during their podcast. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @exsportsdrexel

Listen to the season finale of “Last Call” online!

From Armon Owlia:

After beginning a section, after completing ten episodes, after everything: it’s time for me to hang it up for “Last Call.”

When I first came to the paper, I had no journalism experience. Seriously, I had none. My middle and high school didn’t have any publications, and journalism wasn’t a teaching option — more like a one- or two-month unit in English class. I didn’t even know I wanted to be a member of the media. All I knew was one thing: I wanted to write and open myself up to new experiences.

After the first few weeks at The Triangle, I knew that I had found my calling. More importantly, I had found my home. I went from being undeclared to a communication major halfway through my first quarter, and I haven’t looked back since.

The more I learned in my studies from all my professors, the more I succeeded, the more I failed — I was able to put it all into practice at The Triangle. There were lessons that became highly valuable to me. I learned how to better myself and better the relationships I make, knowing that we are all on the same team.

I’m proud to say I’ve become a stronger leader by not only learning to follow, but also teaching myself to create my own path, even if it conflicted with the one everyone else wanted to take.

Even when I knew that The Triangle wasn’t as popular as it should be, it was the other staff members who taught me not to take it personally. They made me realize the point was not to give people what they wanted, but rather, tell them the truth, no matter how ugly it was.

I am proud and confident that those who I have brought in will carry both Tri-Pod and “Last Call” forward, and to those who have tuned in for my shows, I hope you tune in when my successor, Brandon Martinez, takes over. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

From Brandon Martinez:

Joe Rogan has “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Dan Harmon of Rick and Morty fame has “Harmonville” and famed director of stoner comedy Kevin Smith has “SModcast.” Three huge names who spend their downtime rambling into a microphone about everything from the inner workings of artificial intelligence to whether or not Silent Bob of “Jay and Silent Bob” is actually a secret genius plotting to save mankind from itself (yes, that is actually an episode of SModcast, and it is surprisingly interesting.)

The thing is, everyone has their own niche. There are podcasts about literally everything. Do you think I am kidding? After a quick Google search for “podcasts about lamps,” I counted 13 podcasts that fit the bill. Yes, you got that right. 13 podcasts…about lamps. To be fair, they weren’t all about lamps, but they all had “lamp” in their title. Okay, I’m getting beside myself. No more lamp talk, I promise. My point is, there are podcasts for everyone. If you disagree, then you probably aren’t searching hard enough.

The great thing about podcasts is that nobody saw them coming. Think about it. It’s 2004. You just bought your brick of an iPod, and now you’re walking around center Philly listening to the sweet sounds of Chingy and Chamillionaire. You look around and see others are doing the exact same thing. Who would have thought that within 13 years, the sweet sounds of Chingy would be replaced with chill-inducing words of a true-crime podcast? Not even kidding. I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO TRUE CRIME PODCASTS. Seriously. I got nightmares from the movie “Casper Meets Wendy” when I was seven years old.

The better and more enticing a podcast is, the more work that you know that the host and producers put into it. I can only imagine the sweet gratification a host gets when they finish a podcast and see the view counter go up on YouTube or other streaming services.

Someone who knows this hard work personally is Armon Owlia. Armon is a newly graduated former writer for The Triangle, as well as the former host and creator of “Last Call.” Armon put in work for four years to get his podcast up and running in his senior year. After many setbacks, he finally succeeded. Completing two seasons before he graduated, he had guests like Ariel Kamen, journalism student Roy Aguilar, singer-songwriter Hannah Krupa and many more. Over their favorite drink, they talk about life, future aspirations and everything in between. The thing is, everything must come to an end. Although Armon has graduated, he wanted to make sure that his passion project continued to grow…in the right hands. I guess that’s why I’m writing this.

Armon has officially made me the new host of “Last Call.” And although I cannot promise that it will be the same without him, and I can’t say I’m not nervous, I will do my very best to keep the guests talking and the drinks full. My name is Brandon Martinez, and I need you to grab a drink and stay tuned because a new era of “Last Call” is on its way.