East Meets West Sports with Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan

Lane Kiffin Jumps Ship, Shadeur Sanders Levels Up, the Lakers Hype Machine — Oh, and Dogs Too!

From coaching shakeups and rising quarterback drama to LeBron’s latest title chase — plus a dog agility surprise you truly didn’t see coming.
In this jam-packed episode, Rick and Corey tackle the whirlwind of college football drama surrounding Lane Kiffin's controversial jump from Ole Miss to LSU. They weigh in on the fallout, motivations, and ethical dilemmas of mid-season coaching exits. 🏈
Then, the duo shifts focus to rising NFL talent Shadeur Sanders and they evaluate his development as a quarterback under the league’s spotlight, comparing him to peers and speculating on his trajectory. 📈
Later in the show, they dive deep into Lakers fever, assessing whether this star-studded team—led by Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James—can go all the way. 🏀
The episode wraps with a heartwarming and hilarious Pop That Culture segment featuring NBA star Tyrese Maxey’s unexpected appearance in a dog agility competition and a surprise revelation from Corey’s own past in amateur MMA. 🐕🥋
⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics
[00:00] Rick and Corey kick off with East Coast vs. West Coast banter and Springsteen trivia[00:02] Lane Kiffin’s coaching carousel: from Raiders to TN to USC to (lots more) to Ole Miss to LSU[00:07] Should Kiffin have finished the season? Debating loyalty vs. business decisions[00:14] Coaching ethics and fan betrayal — Corey challenges the “God told me” excuse[00:16] Shadeur Sanders’ QB development: poise, potential, and what comes next[00:23] NFL safety concerns: helmet-to-helmet hits spark debate[00:25] Are the Lakers real contenders? Big 3 chemistry vs. bench depth concerns[00:30] Pop That Culture: Tyrese Maxey competes in a dog agility show 🐶[00:33] Surprise twist: Corey reveals his amateur MMA past 🥋[00:36] Rick’s unexpected home run at Dodger Stadium ⚾[00:39] Final reflections, Rodney Peete memories, and warm sign-off
💡 Notable Takeaways
Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU was framed by conflicting narratives: personal ambition, competitive spirit, and public spin via faith-based rationale. The hosts dissect it all with humor and insight.
Shadeur Sanders is showing signs of growth, but skepticism remains. Is he a budding star or just another "game manager"?
The Lakers have a superstar trio, but Corey and Rick agree: without bench depth and better defense, a championship run might be a stretch.
Tyrese Maxey’s agility dog show appearance was the surprise serotonin hit of the episode. 🐾
Corey’s amateur MMA career? 🥋 Let’s just say it was forged in fire… or more accurately, in a dojo where he got his ass kicked by a future Olympian five days a week. That’ll turn anyone into a competitive fighter. 🥋😄
Rick’s home run at Dodger Stadium was the real deal—even Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda tried (and failed) to throw him off his game.. ⚾
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👤 Follow Rick Garcia: @RickGarciaNews on X (Twitter)
🎙️ Follow Corey Nathan: @coreysnathan on Substack, Threads, Instagram, X & more
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Cleveland’s QB Gamble & LA’s Power Play

Can Shedeur Sanders prove he's “the one” – or is Cleveland just buying time? Meanwhile, LA sports shake things up from the locker room to the front office.
In this riveting holiday edition of East Meets West Sports, Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan dive deep into the buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who made his first NFL start at QB with the Browns amid swirling controversy, legacy baggage, and sky-high expectations. Is he truly “who they’ve been waiting for”—or just the latest victim of hype?
From there, they pivot to LA’s sports scene, dissecting how the Dodgers’ analytics dynasty is reshaping the Lakers’ future following their acquisition. Can a World Series-winning front office build an NBA championship contender?
They round things out with reflections on sports gratitude this Thanksgiving—from New York family traditions to LA playoff dreams.
⏱️ Timestamps & Topics
Time
Segment
00:00 – 01:30
🎩 Opening Banter: Rick and Corey reunite, and Corey flaunts his Rumble Ponies pride
01:30 – 04:00
🏈 Shedeur Sanders Debut: Breaking down stats, the media circus, and locker room concerns
04:00 – 07:00
🤔 QB Leadership vs. Hype: What defines a true NFL leader? Can Sanders walk the walk?
07:00 – 11:00
🧠 Circus, Draft Slide & Deshaun's Influence: Why did Shedeur fall to Round 5? Is Watson a help or harm?
11:00 – 14:00
📊 QB Development & Teammate Trust: Kaepernick parallels, coachability & long-term upside
14:00 – 17:00
🧐 Is He the Guy? What the Browns must learn in 6 games—and the stakes of passing on a QB in 2026
17:00 – 19:30
🏀 Lakers Ownership Shift: Dodgers take control, Buss family drama, and a new analytics era
19:30 – 22:00
⚙️ Baseball to Basketball: Can MLB strategy win in the NBA? Corey’s cautious optimism
22:00 – 25:00
⚾ Human In, Human Out: How AI parallels the rise of sports analytics
25:00 – 27:00
📈 Legacy of Intuition & Gut Calls: From Dave Roberts to baseball's new age of decision-making
27:00 – 29:00
🙏 Thanksgiving Reflections: Family, sports, tradition, and what the fellas are thankful for
29:00 – End
🦃 Rick’s Gratitude & Wrap-Up: Rams, Dodgers, holiday football, and LA’s big dreams
💡 Notable Highlights
Shedeur’s Swagger vs. Substance:“I’m who they’ve been looking for.” One game in—and already proclaiming QB supremacy?
QB Culture Clash:Rick notes: “You don’t want flamboyance from your QB. Save that for wide receivers.”
NFL Legacy Trap:Draft drop, pre-draft attitude, and comparisons to past one-hit wonders (RG3, Bradford) raise red flags.
Dodgers' Takeover of the Lakers:What happens when LA’s baseball brains apply their World Series formula to hoops?
AI in Sports & Life:Introducing the concept of “Human in, Human out” and how analytics need balance with experience—on and off the field.
Family, Football & Tradition:Corey’s heartfelt story about watching Rangers and Knicks games with his brother continues a family ritual of yelling at the TV—with love.
🧠 Key Takeaways
Leadership defines quarterbacks.It’s not about flash—it's about film study, locker room respect, and consistency under pressure.
Cleveland needs answers fast.With two first-round picks looming, the Browns must know if Shedeur is the future—or just a phase.
Analytics aren't magic.LA’s front office shuffle shows promise—but success in one sport doesn’t guarantee it in another.
Tradition matters.Thanksgiving brings together food, family, and fandom in ways that enrich the sports experience beyond the game.
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Rams Stampede, Patriots Believe, and AJ Brown Won’t Leave It Be

Rick & Corey break down who’s real, who’s raw, and who’s riding emotion as the NFL playoff picture starts to crystallize.
Welcome to Episode 3 of East Meets West Sports! Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan return with another tightly packed, banter-fueled breakdown of the NFL’s power dynamics. This week, they dissect whether the Rams are really the best in the West, how the Patriots have crept into the East’s spotlight, and what AJ Brown’s sideline drama says about diva receivers in today’s NFL.
They also dip into pop culture with some hot takes on Saturday Night Live—from Alec Baldwin to Blues Traveler. No topic is too spicy for this duo. 🔥
⏱️ Timestamps & Topics
Time
Segment
00:00 – 01:30
🎙️ Re-intro: Meet your hosts
01:30 – 04:00
🐏 Rams stop Seattle: Defensive showcase, Stafford’s off day
04:00 – 06:30
🏃‍♂️ Kyren Williams & RB depth: Stock rising, playoffs outlook
06:30 – 08:00
🤯 Better off or no? Devante Adams replaces Cooper Kupp
08:00 – 11:00
🧱 Are the Patriots for real? A "loser’s schedule" or legit contender?
11:00 – 13:00
🚀 Drake Maye: Rookie QB stats, poise, and Josh McDaniels' influence
13:00 – 15:00
🧠 Coaching trees: Vrabel, McVay & the "follow-a-legend" debate
15:00 – 17:30
🔮 AFC Playoff Scenarios: Pats and Rams finish forecast
17:30 – 20:00
🧩 Philadelphia Eagles: Winning record—but AJ Brown drama unfolds
20:00 – 23:00
🎭 Wide Receiver Woes: Divas, distractions & team chemistry
23:00 – 25:00
🤝 Leadership Matters: How Stafford differs from Hurts
25:00 – 28:00
🎤 SNL Throwback: Favorite hosts, musical guests & cast memories
28:00 – 31:00
📺 Show longevity: Is SNL running out of gas—or due for a reboot?
31:00 – End
📣 Wrap-up: Where to find the show & audience shoutouts
💡 Notable Highlights
Rams’ Defensive Power:“You keep kicking field goals—that just means you’re three points closer to losing.” Rick drops a Peyton Manning gem as the Rams hold Seattle to FGs and assert their NFC presence.
RB Rotation Strategy:Blake Corum is emerging, keeping Kyren Williams fresh—and deadly. Corey calls it “postseason insurance.”
Devante Adams Arrives:Swapping Cooper Kupp for Adams? A bold move that’s already paying off.
Drake May Hype:“He’s the real deal—top of the leaderboard, great decision-making, and learning McDaniels' playbook? That’s NFL-ready.”
Patriots’ Skeptical Rise:Rick breaks down their “loser schedule,” but Corey sees potential in their balance and QB play: “I’m buying stock in New England before Indy.”
Eagles Under Fire:AJ Brown's drama prompts Rick to call him a “cancer” in the locker room. Corey tries to defend the young WR: “He’s just a 20-something under the microscope.”
SNL Fan Dive:Hosts debate best SNL eras—from Alec Baldwin’s 17 hostings to Eddie Murphy’s Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood.
🧠 Key Takeaways
Rams are real—but untested. Injuries and close wins leave questions about their playoff ceiling.
Patriots may sneak in. Weak schedule, but solid coaching and QB play keep them in the postseason convo.
Wide receivers can kill chemistry. Talent isn't everything—team harmony matters.
Leadership is make-or-break. Stafford’s poise vs. AJ Brown’s antics highlight the difference maturity makes.
SNL still sparks debate. Comedy is evolving, but the show’s cultural grip remains strong.
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Coaching Shakeups, Court Kings & Controversial Bets

Giants fall, Lakers ball, and gambling scandals brawl—just another day on the Rick & Corey rollercoaster.
Welcome to Episode 2 of East Meets West Sports! Rick and Corey are back with even sharper coast-to-coast sports takes. In this episode, they dive into the unraveling of the New York Giants' coaching staff, assess potential replacements (with some surprising picks), and explore the chemistry of the retooled Lakers. Then, they turn the heat up on a serious issue—sports betting scandals shaking up MLB and the NBA. All this, sprinkled with signature banter and plenty of truth bombs.
⏱️ Timestamps & Topics
Time
Segment
00:00 – 01:30
🎙️ Re-intro: Meet your hosts
01:30 – 05:00
🏈 Giants fire Brian Daboll—coaching carousel begins
05:00 – 09:00
🤔 The Russell Wilson experiment & Jaxson Dart's future
09:00 – 12:00
🌳 Coaching trees: Sean McVay vs. Belichick branches
12:00 – 16:00
🧠 McVay disciples vs. Belichick protégés: Who's worth hiring?
16:00 – 20:00
🏀 Lakers talk: LeBron, Luka & Austin Reaves breakout
20:00 – 25:00
🔥 Chemistry vs. Star Power: Can Lakers find balance?
25:00 – 29:30
🎲 Sports betting scandals—MLB and NBA under fire
29:30 – 31:00
🛡️ Can leagues defend the integrity of the game?
31:00 – End
👋 Wrap-up & where to find the show
💡 Notable Highlights
Brian Daboll Out: Once hailed as the Giants' QB whisperer, Daboll is now gone—Rick calls it "a move long overdue."
Jaxson Dart’s Future: Corey believes Dart has the tools, “but he needs a mentor, not a crash course in retirement.”
McVay's Coaching Tree vs. Belichick's:
Rick stumps for Mike LaFleur, the Rams OC, as a top candidate.
Corey dreams big: Bill Belichick with Chip Kelly or Josh McDaniels as OC? You heard it here first.
Lakers' Dilemma:
LeBron returning soon—but should they trade him for draft capital?
“Austin Reaves might be the best ball handler on the team,” says Rick. Corey agrees and sees star potential.
Sports Gambling Gone Wild: MLB's Emmanuel Clase and others caught in scandals. Corey compares it to the AI boom: “It’s not going away—so regulate it.”
🧠 Key Takeaways
The Giants need a cultural reboot, not just a new head coach.
Sean McVay's coaching tree is the NFL’s hottest commodity—LaFleur may be next in line.
The Lakers must choose between developing youth and chasing rings with aging stars.
Legalized sports betting has a dark side—leagues need tougher safeguards.
Coaching, not just talent, shapes careers—ask Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson.
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Dodgers Drama, NFL Midseason Madness & Jersey's Finest

Baseball legends are made, NFL underdogs rise, and Jersey pride takes the mic.
Welcome to the first episode of East Meets West Sports! From coast to coast, Rick and Corey dive into the heart of sports, mixing expert analysis with passionate fandom. In this premiere, the duo dissects the epic 2025 World Series showdown between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, explores midseason NFL surprises, and wraps things up with a fun musical detour celebrating Jersey’s greatest musical legends (Yeah, Bruce Springsteen makes the cut!).
⏱️ Timestamps & Topics
Time
Segment
00:00 – 02:00
🎉 Meet the hosts & podcast kick-off
02:00 – 08:00
⚾️ Recapping the Dodgers' wild World Series win
08:00 – 12:00
🔥 Hall of Fame projections: Ohtani, Yamamoto & more
12:00 – 14:30
🏈 NFL midseason: Are the Colts & Patriots for real?
14:30 – 17:30
🧠 Deep dive: Broncos' potential & Bo Nix analysis
17:30 – 19:30
🧩 NFC West chaos – Rams, Seahawks & 49ers
19:30 – 24:30
🎬 Pop Culture: Bruce Springsteen biopic debate
24:30 – 26:00
🎶 Why does New Jersey produce so many icons?
26:00 – End
👋 Wrap-up and where to find the show
💡 Notable Highlights
Rick Garcia attended Game 3 of the 18-inning thriller—calling it "an eight-game World Series."
Yamamoto’s MVP-worthy performance: 3 wins including the Game 7 closer role. Rick calls it, “the most rubber-armed pitcher in baseball.”
Corey compares the Dodgers’ epic play in the field to the infamous 1986 Buckner moment—but with a happy ending.
NFL Insights:
Colts = "Sell high" 📉
Patriots = "Well-coached sleepers" 
Broncos = "A team you don’t want to face in January"
Rams Revival: “They're a November team”
🎤 Musical Sidebar: Bruce, Sinatra, Bon Jovi...and a surprising shout-out to Blues Traveler from Corey.
🧠 Key Takeaways
The Dodgers' World Series run combined superstar power and gritty bench depth.
Fans: Stay faithful—making the World Series is an achievement, not a disappointment.
The AFC and NFC are more wide open than they seem—Denver, Seattle, and New England could shake things up.
Biopics of living legends? Rick's not a fan unless the story's complete.
Jersey breeds greatness. Blame it on the ports, diversity—or as Corey's brother says, "We're da best."
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