Explore every episode of the podcast Rosters to Rings Podcast

Thad and Ryan welcome Detroit manager A.J. Hinch to the episode and discuss relating to players and management, tough discussions with key players, and A.J.'s unique rise in a time of legendary managers in MLB. Ryan and Thad also start the show with a new segment based on listener questions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Ryan welcome Greg Anthony to the show to discuss the current playoff rosters, Greg's unique origin story and his championship run at UNLV, as well as his perspective on his son playing in the NBA and his unique popularity as the voice of NBA 2K.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the debut episode of Rosters to Rings, hosted by long-time MLB executive Thad Levine and former NBA GM Ryan McDonough. In this kickoff conversation, Thad and Ryan share their unconventional journeys to the front office and reveal the behind-the-scenes reality of running pro sports teams—what fans see and hear is just 40% of the story. Get a preview of what’s to come this season as they pull back the curtain on the strategies, decisions, and pressures that define life as a GM.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Rosters to Rings Podcast with Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough bringing you the fan inside the world of professional sports front offices.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Tom highlight a special episode centered around the big NFL news of the Micah Parson's trade from Dallas to Green Bay. The GM's are joined by Dallas radio personality Jeff "Skin" Wade to not only discuss the trade and to also gauge the reaction of the Dallas fan base to the explosive news.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL GM Tom Telesco joins Ryan and Thad to break down the 53-man roster cutdown process, the toughest part of releasing players, and the guys swap swap candid stories about what it’s like when the tables turn, getting cut themselves from their GM roles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Ryan pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of draft day decisions in both the MLB and NBA. Ryan shares the inside story of a pivotal Celtics draft, including how the team handled dropping from the No. 2 to the No. 5 pick. Meanwhile, Thad breaks down the unique strategic approach baseball teams take during their draft process. It’s an insider’s look at how front offices think, plan, and pivot when the pressure is on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, the NBA on TNT, NBA 2K, and fresh off calling one of the greatest French Open finals ever, play by play veteran Brian Anderson joins Thad and Ryan on this week's pod. Brian discusses his origin story, how sportscasters interface with the front office, and his new role in calling tennis with the legendary John McEnroe. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan is back! Thad and Ryan kick things off by breaking down why NBA franchises are valued higher than MLB clubs, from global reach to media rights. Then they welcome Los Angeles Chargers GM Tom Telesco for a wide-ranging roundtable on what it takes to run a front office in three different leagues.

From his Bill Polian mentorship and the Colts–Patriots rivalry to modern ownership dynamics and risk analysis, Tom shares lessons that translate across all sports. Thad and Ryan close with their take on the MLB trade deadline winners.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Jon sit down with ESPN’s premier baseball insider Jeff Passan for an in-depth conversation about his journey from a local reporter in Fresno to one of the most trusted voices in the game. Jeff opens up about his rise through Yahoo Sports, the art and ethics of breaking news, building sources, and the importance of integrity in journalism.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this candid conversation, former Chicago White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn joins Rosters to Rings hosts Thad Levine and J.D. Daniels to reflect on his eventful tenure on the South Side. From navigating rebuilds and high-stakes trades to managing Jerry Reinsdorf's expectations in one of baseball’s most passionate markets, Hahn shares the inside stories behind the deals, the clubhouse culture, and the moments that defined his career with the team.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad is joined by former Texas Ranger GM Jon Daniels who is stepping in while Ryan is away. Thad and Jon welcome Texas Ranger legend Michael Young to the show who shares an amazing story of the balance of what a player has to consider for himself vs the needs of his team. Also Jon tells his story of becoming an MLB GM at the age of 28.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MLB great Torii Hunter joins the show to discuss his story of how he found baseball, was drafted, and then his unique journey from the minor leagues to MLB stardom, using adversity to fuel his dreams. Thad and Ryan also discuss the highlights from the MLB Draft and NBA Summer Camp updates.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Ryan discuss the latest news on the Washington Nationals, and welcome former CAA Co-Head of Baseball and current special advisor the San Francisco Giants Jeff Berry. Jeff shares his perspective on the role of the agent in negotiating with General Managers in baseball, his special relationship with Buster Posey, horse racing, and his amazing new baseball helmet The Equalizer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Ryan break down the latest NBA free agency news, discuss key post-Draft updates, and dive into a compelling conversation comparing the salary dynamics between NBA and MLB teams, including why its so great to be a current NBA player.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad and Ryan are joined by NBA veteran and champion P.J. Tucker, who shares his remarkable journey from the NBA Draft, to playing overseas in Europe, and ultimately returning to carve out a unique role in the league. P.J. opens up about the challenges and triumphs of his career, and how his gritty style and leadership have helped multiple teams make deep playoff runs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.