No Challenges Remaining

Episode 160b: Wimbledon Volley 2: Querrey Stuns Djokovic

On his way to a calendar slam that many considered as likely as not, Novak Djokovic ran into the indomitable Sam Querrey. Yes, that happened. Ben and Courtney discuss the stunning win, both from a perspective of Novak's understandable letdown and Querrey's unlikely casting in this role, despite his undeniable talent and weapons. 

Also, an update on the rest of rain-soaked play, and the all important questions of where it leaves our concert plans. 

And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160b!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 160a: Wimbledon Volley 1: Marcus Willis (Cartman)

It's been a rainy start to Wimbledon, but there isn't deja vu to the Paris misery just yet, in large part because of the delightful story of #772 Marcus Willis, who won seven matches to win a trophy of sorts: a chance to face Roger Federer on Centre Court. It was the best sort of sports story, and it brightened an already rainy first week.

To talk about the remarkable rise of the man known as "Cartman," we hear from Willis himself, his girlfriend Jennifer Bate, and commentator Mike Cation, who incredulously called Cartman's infamous "RC Coke and a Snickers" breakthrough in Knoxville.

And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160a!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 159: Wimbledon 2016 Draw Preview Super-Duperness!

The grass is ready for Wimbledon, and so are Ben and Courtney for this draw preview show! First, the dudes. Who are the stumbling blocks for Novak Djokovic as he aims for a *fifth* straight Grand Slam title? Is Federer ready to be a threat? How are Dominic Thiem's chances of sustaining momentum? And what did the Brits, bar Murray, do to deserve such brutal draws?

For the ladies, it's Serena vs the field, once again. But there's plenty of room for that to be an incredibly compelling match-up, with tough seeds looming for Serena at the tournament's midway point. Who makes it out of the loadedly grassophilic second quarter? And can Garbine Muguruza reach another final? Or could a Venus or Madison Keys stand in her way?

Also, Brexit.

And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR159!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 158: Walking Wimbledon, From Lands Of Grass and Ice

With Wimbledon just around the corner, Ben and Courtney stroll through the grass lead up so far. Who has raised his or her stock most? How much can we read into these results? And what is it about the tranquility of Halle and Eastbourne that make them such idyllic warmups? Also: super takes on super coaches.

Then, we welcome back Wimbledon superstar Alex Willis, who catches up listeners on developments at the All-England Club over the last year (cool stuff afoot!), before we step back in time and reshare the walking tour she did last year. Then we rant about Icelandic stuff--both of us, somehow. 

And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR158!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 114: Wimbledon and the Coronation of Serena

As the year grows ever "grander" with Serena winning Wimbledon, Ben and Courtney come together after Wimbledon ends to discuss her incredible year, and what it means for both tennis and her legacy, which is finally getting the reverence it is due, as well as her tough road to the women's final. We also talk about breakout Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza, and the rest of women's second week action. On the men's side, we re-drop our jaws at Roger Federer's incredible semifinal against Andy Murray, and look at why it should have been unsurprising that Novak Djokovic summarily dusted him in the final to put himself ever larger in the marble pantheon of men's tennis greats. Also, we talk about the non-story of Nick Kyrgios tanking. Then we turn to some more personal business, with Ben discussing the backlash to his article about women's body image issues (starting 36 minutes in), and Courtney discussing her move from Sports Illustrated to the WTA. Don't look back in anger, Courtney. As always,  thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be! 

Episode 113: Stuck in the Wimbledon Middle Sunday With You

Ben and Courtney are together on Wimbledon's Middle Sunday to break down the first week of the tournament, which was a solid balance of upsets and setting up interesting second week matchups. We start with the women, including Serena Williams' escape against Heather Watson, Petra Kvitova's loss to Jelena Jankovic, and the opportunity-laden bottom half as well as the Serena-Venus fourth rounder. Then the men, including Nadal-Brown, what we think of think-piece inspirer Nick Kyrgios, and more! Lastly Ben rants about cake (shocking this hasn't happened before) and Courtney rants about women's soccer (this happens all the time). As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Episode 112: Wimbledrawn

Live from Court 14, it's the Wimbledon draw analysis show! Ben and Courtney are outside because it's cold inside, and a little water won't scare us, right? We talk about the women's draw first, which has Serena and Sharapova and all the other usual suspects. Will there be a Sister Battle? We disagree. Next up are the men, and those three guys (Djokovic, Federer, Murray) with great chances to win it. We also discuss Aussie drama and all sorts of other little tidbits heading into the biggest tournament of the year. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Episode 111: Inside Wimbledon

Just before they reunite again in SW19, Ben and Courtney bring you this treat of an episode from opposite sides of the world. After cameos by Rene Denfeld (of @WTAReactions) and Ernests Gulbis (of top-10 reambitions), we are taken on a tour of the Wimbledon grounds by Alex Willis, who is director of digital and content for the Championships (and Wimbledon.com). From Court 18 to Henman Hill to Centre Court to the Clubhouse, you'll "see" it all! Or, at least, a fair amount of it! Anyhow, the scenery is more interesting than what Courtney experienced in the Dakotas and Saskatchewan, as she'll tell you as we end the show. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Episode 80: We Are So Wimble-Done

After nine weeks at sea, Ben and Courtney are very grateful to be back on their home couches, soaking up Home Sweet America. But first, there's the matter of Wimbledon to wrap up! Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic won! Genie Bouchard and Roger Federer did not win! What does it all mean? And what on earth can we make of Serena's surreal doubles episode? We're not sure, but we try! As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be!

Episode 79: A Wimbledon Intermission

It's the middle Sunday of Wimbledon, and so Ben and Courtney sat down for a brief recap of the first act as they recharged their batteries for the second week. What do we make of Serena flopping at a Slam again? Is Li Na only a hardcourt specialist? And how good was Venus-Kvitova? Also, can Roger Federer actually win this thing? And how do we know when a player has won his or her last Grand Slam? As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be!