RUNDOWN
Mitch and Hotshot Scott celebrate America’s 250th birthday before bouncing into Mariners baseball, Seahawks training camp, and the looming U.S.–Belgium World Cup matchup. Mitch hilariously admits he’s too self-conscious to watch soccer in public because he has no idea when he’s actually supposed to get excited, then the pair roll through another edition of birthday trivia.
After a 5-1 week that included back-to-back shutouts of Toronto, Mitch, Joe Doyle, and Brady Farkas examine a Mariners rotation that suddenly looks like one of baseball’s best while debating Randy Arozarena’s All-Star selection, Julio Rodríguez’s concussion, and which pitchers could still earn late invitations to Philadelphia. The conversation then shifts toward the trade deadline, lineup decisions, potential bullpen upgrades, and whether Seattle can survive a difficult road trip through Miami and Tampa.
With training camp just weeks away, Mitch and ESPN Seahawks insider Brady Henderson assess where the defending Super Bowl champions stand, from Devin Witherspoon’s unresolved contract and the impact of offensive coordinator Brian Fleury to the competition brewing throughout the roster.
After FIFA overturns Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card suspension, Mitch and Matt Stretch Johnson revisit their previous conversation to explain why the ruling dramatically changes the United States’ outlook against Belgium. Stretch breaks down why the matchup favors the Americans, explains the different ways to bet knockout-stage soccer, previews a potential quarterfinal showdown with Spain or Portugal, and shares why Seattle is about to host one of the biggest sporting events in the city’s history.
GUESTS
- Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast
- Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot
- Brady Henderson | ESPN Seahawks Insider
- Matt “Stretch” Johnson | Longtime Seattle Sports Radio Personality
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:00 | America’s 250th birthday, Mitch’s World Cup anxiety, and another legendary birthday trivia session.
17:28 | Mariners No-Table: A five-win week eases the panic, but bigger questions await before the All-Star break.
45:12 | Brady Henderson: Why the Seahawks’ biggest questions still haven’t been answered.
1:09:34 | Matt “Stretch” Johnson: The U.S. catches a massive break—and suddenly a World Cup run feels real.
1:33:16 | Other Stuff: Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis and football health risks, Matt Miller fantasy football charity league investigation, LeBron James thanks the Lakers after departure, LeBron’s legacy and next team speculation, Ja Morant traded to Portland, Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto, Jaylen Brown traded to Philadelphia, Cristiano Ronaldo announces final World Cup, USA-Belgium World Cup preview, Spain vs. Portugal quarterfinal implications, Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise, Mexico fans disrupt England with fireworks outside team hotel, Calais Campbell family tragedy. HEADLINES Chris Brown ordered to pay $13 million after housekeeper attacked by his Caucasian shepherd, $3 Goodwill jacket expected to sell for $250,000, Woman claims cocaine found in her body was placed there during a sexual encounter, Former Hawaii real estate executive accused of having affair inside luxury homes listed for sale. RIPs Keith Mitchell (former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker), Leroy Irvin (former Rams cornerback and return specialist), Jim Walden (former Washington State head football coach), Victor Willis (lead singer and co-founder of Village People).

