Author Lars Anderson joins The Heart of Sports to discuss his new book, Brady: An American Story and the Price of Greatness. Anderson explains how Tom Brady’s childhood, family dynamics, years at Michigan, and relentless drive shaped the greatest quarterback of his generation, while also examining the personal cost of sustaining that level of success.

They also react to the Phillies’ offseason direction under Don Mattingly, including changes to the coaching staff, questions about Trey Turner’s future position, and the need to rebuild the bullpen. Plus, they discuss the Union’s remarkable unbeaten run, the Eagles’ injury-depleted roster, Tanner McKee’s opportunity, and Lane Johnson’s lasting impact on Philadelphia both on the field and through his openness about mental health.

The Heart of Sports honors the life and legacy of Bill Giles, the visionary Phillies executive whose creativity, kindness, and commitment to Philadelphia helped transform the franchise.

Phillies greats Larry Bowa, Doug Glanville, and Jamie Moyer join original friend of the Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond to share personal stories about the man behind some of the organization’s most enduring traditions. They reflect on Giles’ unforgettable promotions at Veterans Stadium, his role in bringing the Phanatic and Harry Kalas to Philadelphia, his contributions to the 1980 championship team and the family culture he built throughout the organization.

More than a baseball executive, Giles understood that a team represents its city. This tribute celebrates an innovator who cared deeply about the players, the fans, and the community, and whose influence can still be felt throughout the Phillies organization today.

On today's show we process the painful end to the Phillies season and ask whether this loss represents more than another early playoff exit. Then we look at a roster that failed to do the little things, the questions facing Dave Dombrowski, the future of several key players and why this may feel like the end of an era in Philadelphia.

The guys also break down the latest movement on the Protect College Sports Act, including transfer rules, athlete protections and the questions still surrounding the proposed legislation. They discuss the troubling situation surrounding Arizona State hockey, the responsibilities coaches and schools have to protect athletes, and some of the larger issues surrounding player safety.

Plus, Cavan Sullivan and the Union continue their remarkable run, the Eagles deal with injuries and defensive concerns, and the Sixers begin another season with familiar questions.

The show closes with a heartfelt remembrance of Bill Giles, his enormous impact on the Phillies and Philadelphia, his commitment to the community and the role he played in helping shape The Heart of Sports itself.

Jason Springer and Jeff Cohen examine the Phillies’ late-season collapse, their increasingly precarious playoff position and whether a struggling lineup and unreliable bullpen can recover in time. They also reflect on the historic accomplishments of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola amid an otherwise frustrating finish.

The guys also discuss the Eagles surviving extreme field temperatures and mounting injuries, the offensive line’s struggles and the return of Zach Ertz. Plus, they break down the proposed Protect College Sports Act, the Union’s remarkable comeback and Cavan Sullivan’s emergence, the problem with MLS playing through international windows, and the biggest stories from college football and the NHL.

Philadelphia Union star Kai Wagner joins the show this week to discuss his unexpected return to the club, the emotional welcome he received at Subaru Park, and how renewed belief helped fuel the Union’s remarkable turnaround. Wagner also talks about mentoring the team’s young players, bringing a fighter’s mentality to the field, making Philadelphia home for his family and supporting children affected by pediatric cancer.

Then we also debate the rising cost of attending games after Sixers ticket prices soared, the differences between European and American stadium experiences, and the growing complications created by gambling in college sports. Plus, they examine Aaron Nola’s late-season resurgence, the Phillies’ unsettled bullpen, and the race for home-field advantage in the National League Wild Card round.

On this edition of The Heart of Sports with Jason Springer & Jeff Cohen, we explore two very different stories connected by perseverance, leadership, and the impact sports can have far beyond wins and losses.

Award-winning NFL writer and longtime Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Paul Domowitch joins us to discuss his new book, Just Give Me a Chance to Fail: The Life of NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Sam Mills. Paul takes us inside Mills’ remarkable journey from an undersized player repeatedly told he couldn't make it to one of the most respected linebackers in NFL history. We discuss Mills’ Philadelphia roots, his relationship with Vic Fangio, the story behind “Keep Pounding,” his long road to Canton, and the legacy that remains more than two decades after his death. Paul also gives his thoughts on the Eagles and what to expect from their offense this season.

Then, Philadelphia basketball legend Phil Martelli returns to the show to talk about his new Philadelphia Coaching Academy and his mission to give volunteer youth basketball coaches the tools they need to teach the game the right way. Coach Martelli explains why youth practices need structure and purpose, what parents can do to support coaches without interfering, and why youth sports should be about development, joy, and education rather than scholarships and unrealistic expectations. We also discuss the changing world of college basketball and why Martelli believes coaches who remain transformational rather than transactional can still succeed.

The Heart of Sports continued our conversations from inside the Trenton Thunder dugout about baseball, preparation, and the relationships that shape the game.

Former MLB All-Star Preston Wilson joins Thunder manager and former teammate Shawn Chacón to reflect on their years together with the Colorado Rockies, the preparation behind Wilson’s success, and why creating the right clubhouse culture matters when developing young players.

We also talk with Thunder pitchers Billy Morris and John Higgins about chasing their baseball dreams, learning from coaches with major-league experience, and handling the mental challenges of a game built around failure. Thunder infielder Cy Turner even joins the conversation to explain what players really say during a mound visit.

This week on the Heart of Sports, we talk with PhillyVoice Sixers reporter Adam Aaronson about the franchise’s dramatic transformation, including LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and a much deeper roster. Then, from the Trenton Thunder dugout, AJ Swader and Julian “Juju” Stevens share their baseball journeys, the work required to pursue a professional career, and the mental toughness needed to keep chasing the dream.