In all Airness - Michael Jordan era NBA history

Adam Ryan

Conversations with former-NBA players, coaches and media. Topic-based episodes, too. Adam's focal point is Michael Jordan, but he covers the history of basketball with his unique Australian humour.

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Episodes

Tom Chambers - NBA All-Star MVP, 16-year veteran and Basketball Hall of Fame candidate - AIR135
07-02-2024
Tom Chambers - NBA All-Star MVP, 16-year veteran and Basketball Hall of Fame candidate - AIR135
Send Adam a text message.Let's welcome the legendary Tom Chambers to the show. A massive thanks to our mutual friend, Jeff Wells. Jeff was my guest on episode 128. We detailed his campaign for Tom to enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. We also spoke at length about Jeff’s awesome YouTube channel, TC24, devoted to the life of Tommy C. Without Jeff, today’s episode would simply not be possible. I strongly encourage you to subscribe to TC24 – it features a wealth of excellent clips and features on Mr. Chambers.This episode is sprinkled with audio snippets that add more context to my conversation  with Tom. In some instances, the audio is edited for brevity. Where applicable, most clips are available to watch – or listen to - in full on TC24.Please note that our conversation was recorded on January 21, 2024. As of that date, the stats I discuss with Tom - re the number of 60-plus point scorers - are correct. In recent weeks, remarkably, an additional five such games have been added to that exclusive list. TC discusses a wealth of topics in this episode. From a personal point of view, it may be the most enjoyable conversation in the history of my podcast.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Walter Davis - The life and times of North Carolina legend and six-time NBA All-Star (retrospective) - AIR134
22-11-2023
Walter Davis - The life and times of North Carolina legend and six-time NBA All-Star (retrospective) - AIR134
Send Adam a text message.On November 2nd, 2023, six-time NBA All-Star Walter Davis died of natural causes while visiting family in Charlotte. Today, I welcome back Adam Beechen - a great friend of the show. We discuss Walter’s life on-and-off the basketball court.Amidst his innumerable accomplishments, Davis was certainly no stranger to adversity. Despite battling substance abuse for the majority of his Phoenix Suns tenure, Walter averaged 20-or-more points per season in six of his 11 campaigns in the Valley of the Sun.A quick sidebar. Per Basketball Reference.com, on July 6, 1988, Walter Davis was the second player in NBA history to sign as an unrestricted free agent. He joined the Denver Nuggets one day after another would-be Suns legend, Tom Chambers, signed w/ Phoenix.In the lead-up to recording this conversation, I put out a call for listener contributions. Tim Gallagher kindly answered the bell. Tim has collected sports autographs for more than 50 years and is a Consignment Director for Robert Edward Auctions. You’ll hear Tim’s reflections on Walter Davis as an interlude within the episode. Tim will also feature as a future guest on my podcast. He has a wealth of incredible stories to tell.RIP, Walter Davis. The Man with the Velvet Touch.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Reggie Lewis' tragic death (1993) and impact on the Boston Celtics [expanded re-release] - AIR133
06-08-2023
Reggie Lewis' tragic death (1993) and impact on the Boston Celtics [expanded re-release] - AIR133
Send Adam a text message.Reggie Lewis tragically passed away 30 years ago (1993) at the age of just 27. This is an updated re-release of episode 27 with my great mate, Todd Spehr. We recorded our chat ten years ago to mark the 20th anniversary of Lewis' sudden passing.I’ve added numerous audio clips for greater context, edited our original conversation and improved its sound quality. We discussed the life and times of Reggie - from his days at Dunbar High School, to his tenure at Northeastern University and ultimately, rise from seldom-used NBA rookie to captain of the famed Boston Celtics. Todd mentioned the poem that Reggie’s widow, Donna Harris-Lewis, read to the Boston Garden faithful on Reggie Lewis Night in 1995. Audio of that poignant moment also now features.This is a fresh listening experience even for the most-diehard fan clamoring for a new episode – of which, to be sure – many more are planned for release throughout the rest of 2023. Most of the additional audio in this episode was sourced from TV broadcasts aired at the time of Lewis’ passing. They were thankfully preserved by Tim Theriault.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Conference Finals, NBA lottery, Ja Morant and Rick on Isiah - BB6
23-05-2023
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Conference Finals, NBA lottery, Ja Morant and Rick on Isiah - BB6
Send Adam a text message.The legendary Beef Brothers (Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland) return for episode six.01:49 2023 NBA Draft Lottery - Wemby to San Antonio Spurs06:21 Ralph Sampson (and Bill Walton) - similarities to Victor?07:16 Manute Bol was how old when he joined NBA?! Chuck Nevitt mention!08:37 Bill Garnett ('82 Draft - pick #4) and Jeff Ruland have beef!09:09 Rick offers Jeff tissues to get over the incident!09:33 Ja Morant brandishing a weapon (again) on social media13:27 Lakers and Nuggets - West Finals discussion15:03 Mile-high (in Denver) or just high?16:28 76ers' woes - fallout from Embiid's comments after ECSF G718:21 Heat and Celtics - East Finals breakdown (Beef Brothers masterclass)20:12 Do the Heat need a Herro?20:42 Coach Erik Spoelstra's impact21:22 Setting Suns?21:58 Rick and Jeff's on documentaries (don't ask Horn about The Last Dance!)24:01 Adam looks like Andy Cohen?! It's an Aussie roast!24:20 Listener question: Rick's opinion of Isiah Thomas (after The Last Dance)25:38 Listener question: Jeff on battling Darryl Dawkins and Buck Williams26:45 Rick's a big Chocolate Thunder fan. Buck Williams? Not so much!27:50 Horn does his best impression of the Aussie accent!Watch conversations online - episodes live on the Beef Brothers' YouTube channel. Here's episode six.We encourage your interaction - ask questions or add comments on YouTube and the Beef Brothers will respond in future episodes. If you prefer e-mail, reach Rick and Jeff by e-mailing Adam: inallairness@gmail.com - he'll collate your submissions to read out to the guys. A quick warning that ocassional language during this series is not safe for young ears.Follow: Instagram [Rick / Jeff / Adam] | YouTube [Beef Brothers / Adam]Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Playoffs (round one winds-up), Rick and Jeff's fun / frivolities - BB5
28-04-2023
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Playoffs (round one winds-up), Rick and Jeff's fun / frivolities - BB5
Send Adam a text message.The legendary Beef Brothers (Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland) return for episode five.01:12 2023 NBA Awards thus far03:23 Rick Mahorn nominated for Washington Wizards President?!05:12 Players who find a great fit on the right team06:23 Kyrie conundrum06:37 Jeff and Rick's role on 1980s Bullets08:55 2023 Playoffs - 76ers, Nuggets and Suns advance to round two09:47 Trae Young shocks Boston (Game 5)10:30 Celtics vs 76ers / Heat vs Knicks (round two preview)11:50 Heat's reliance on Jimmy Butler - who else can help?12:45 Importance of good health in the playoffs, Embiid's return14:18 Dillon Brooks' value and impact on Grizzlies' chemistry16:30 Whining to refs / Dick Bavetta and Joey Crawford stories18:33 Can the Kings dethrone the Warriors?19:51 Hat-tip to Butler and Booker / Suns vs Nuggets (round two preview)21:42 Rick and Jeff's funniest teammates!26:23 Listener question: Rick and Jeff's relationship with Wes Unseld28:04 Listener question: Origin of Rick's patented "pull-the-chair" move29:44 Listener comment: Appreciation for 1980s Bullets making playoffs31:54 Frank Johnson and Gerald Henderson brawl (1984 Playoffs)Watch conversations online - episodes live on the Beef Brothers' YouTube channel. Here's episode five.We encourage your interaction - ask questions or add comments on YouTube and the Beef Brothers will respond in future episodes. If you prefer e-mail, reach Rick and Jeff by e-mailing Adam: inallairness@gmail.com - he'll collate your submissions to read out to the guys. A quick warning that ocassional language during this series is not safe for young ears.Follow: Instagram [Rick / Jeff / Adam] | YouTube [Beef Brothers / Adam]Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Adam on Hard Quiz (TV). Michael Jordan, Scouts Australia, The Incredibles and Penny Farthings - AIR131
26-04-2023
Adam on Hard Quiz (TV). Michael Jordan, Scouts Australia, The Incredibles and Penny Farthings - AIR131
Send Adam a text message.Watch Adam's TV debut. Or, listen to this audio and learn how his adventure went. Can he justify his self-proclaimed title of Michael Jordan / NBA-history obsessive?!I recently made my first - and perhaps last - appearance on television. I was a contestant on Australia's top-rated game show, Hard Quiz. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's on-demand TV streaming service, ABC iview, describes Hard Quiz thusly: "Not satisfied with winning the 2022 AACTA Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Program, Tom Gleeson has combed the nation to find a new bunch of self-nominated experts willing to undergo the HARDEST test there is".My Hard Quiz appearance aired on April 12, 2023. It was recorded in-front of a live studio audience in early September, 2022. The description for episode 10 of series eight: 'Four contestants are after one Big Brass Mug and host Tom Gleeson is in the way. Expert topics this week are Scouts Australia, animated film The Incredibles, NBA superstar Michael Jordan and penny farthing bicycles!'No prizes for guessing my specialty topic. Thanks to my best mate of over 40 years, Nicholas, for encouraging me to apply for the show. A special thanks to Hard Quiz Contestant Producer, Zim, who ensured each contestant had a fantastic time on the day of recording.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Playoffs, Jeff denies MJ ('84) and Zeke punches Rick ('90)! - BB4
18-04-2023
Beef Brothers (Mahorn and Ruland) - 2023 Playoffs, Jeff denies MJ ('84) and Zeke punches Rick ('90)! - BB4
Send Adam a text message.The legendary Beef Brothers (Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland) return for episode four.00:50 NBA reg-season recap (best records, league leaders)01:18 NBA MVP picks for 2023 season02:41 League parity04:03 Did Suns win Durant trade?04:52 Will Kyrie and Luca remain a duo, win a title?06:28 Dwane Casey's replacement as Pistons coach07:17 Josh's Giddey nether regions / Beef Brothers inflicting pain08:13 Fashion sense (or lack thereof) in today's NBA09:47 2023 Play-in Tournament (last two games)11:43 2020 NBA Playoffs - Round one preview15:28 Wizards' outlook / free agency across the NBA18:59 Beef Brothers washing uniforms in the sink or shower?19:58 Who will win Wembanyama Sweepstakes?20:55 Kangaroo meat for Wemby?!21:10 Rick's and Jeff's off-the-court interests22:50 Listener question: Jeff on denying Jordan's first NBA jam ('84)23:56 Beef Brothers were "built to make posters", put players on their a$$!24:32 Listener question: Rick on Isiah Thomas punching him in the head ('90)[Ryan Van Dusen's awesome YouTube channel]25:46 JEFF UNFILTERED - Rules doesn't mince words re Isiah!27:25 Listener question: Beef Brothers t-shirts (latest re availability)28:21 Episode frequency to increase / special guest appearances, too!29:29 Power to the people, avoid kangaroo meat and subscribe to Beef Brothers!Watch conversations online - episodes live on the Beef Brothers' YouTube channel. Here's episode four.We encourage your interaction - ask questions or add comments on YouTube and the Beef Brothers will respond in future episodes. If you prefer e-mail, reach Rick and Jeff by e-mailing Adam: inallairness@gmail.com - he'll collate your submissions to read out to the guys. A quick warning that ocassional language during this series is not safe for young ears.Follow: Instagram [Rick / Jeff / Adam] | YouTube [Beef Brothers / Adam]Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland - Meat the Beef Brothers (new series) - BB1
30-10-2022
Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland - Meat the Beef Brothers (new series) - BB1
Send Adam a text message.The debut episode of a new series featuring the legendary Beef Brothers, Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland.Our goal is to regularly release episodes of 45 minutes or less. Rick and Jeff share their opinions on today's NBA, before we go back in time to explore the wonders of NBA history. The Washington Bullets' Beef Brothers were arguably the NBA's most-fearsome duo from 1982 through 1985. They teamed with Greg Ballard (RIP) to form an imposing front-line.Select episodes may feature special guests, Bullets-era teammates or adversaries from the halcyon days of Rick's and Jeff's careers. The audio is delivered here in podcast form, but you can watch our conversations online. Full episodes will live on the Beef Brothers' channel (episode two onwards), whilst an old-school-only-edit will appear on Adam's YouTube channel. Relevant links also appear beneath the video.Follow: Instagram [Rick / Jeff / Adam] | YouTube [Beef Brothers / Adam]We encourage your interaction - ask questions or add comments on YouTube and the Beef Brothers will respond in future episodes. If you prefer e-mail, reach Rick and Jeff by e-mailing Adam: inallairness@gmail.com - he'll collate your submissions to read out to the guys. A quick warning that ocassional language during this series is not safe for young ears.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Adam on 200 episodes and how fans can support the show
02-12-2021
Adam on 200 episodes and how fans can support the show
Send Adam a text message.Hey, it's Adam here. A quick podcast update for you as we near the end of 2021.It's official. My recent conversation with the great Jerry Colangelo was episode number 200 overall. It was the 127th edition of 'In all Airness'. The remaining episodes are a combination of detailed season-recaps, short-form stories and a few podcast updates.My great mate Aaron Stehn has featured regularly throughout the history of the show. We released a 30-episode series called #NB85 (devoted to Michael Jordan's rookie season). Our #NB86 series (you guessed it, chronicling the 1986 NBA seaon) is comprised of 15 episodes and #NB87 is a 13-episode run detailing the 1987 season. We're currently five episodes into #NB88 and hope to resume the series early next year. Shout-out to another great friend, Todd Spehr, for his support over the years, too.I created this show in 2012 because I couldn't find a podcast that offered what I wanted to hear as a diehard fan of old-school basketball. Looking back on the extensive episode list, I'm very proud of my podcast. There's been an incredible array of guests on the show - Hall of Famers, All-Stars, role players, journeymen and those who have made significant contributions to the history of the game, from off the court, too. I've also made some  fantastic friendships and acquaintances over the years.Recent updates to my website now allow fans of the show to support the podcast monetarily. Completely optional, of course. There are numerous costs involved to produce this show and with the recent rise of crowd-funded podcasts, I've finally jumped on board. You can 'Buy Me a Coffee' (more so a donation similar to the price of a cup of coffee). You can make one-off PayPal donations - if you'd prefer to make recurring payments, please contact me and that can be arranged. In the show notes of this episode, there are various affiliate links to basketball-related retailers here in Australia and the USA. By clicking on those links, you can support my show at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase within 24 hours of visiting a link, I'll receive a small commission.I also offer a free 30-day trial to Audible. Sign-up using my link and you'll get a credit to purchase any premium title (regardless of price). For example, if you're a fan of the legendary columninst - and repeat podcast guest - Bob Ryan, you can obtain his excellent book Scribe, by taking advantage of this Audible trial. Best yet, you can cancel anytime and still keep your purchase. If you wish to sponsor an episode of the show, that is also possible. Reach out to me and we can discuss specifics.Your support will help offset some of the costs involved in producing tSupport: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]
Jerry Colangelo: Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Team USA and more - Godfather of Arizona Sports - AIR127
11-11-2021
Jerry Colangelo: Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Team USA and more - Godfather of Arizona Sports - AIR127
Send Adam a text message.Let's welcome ‘The Godfather of Arizona Sports’, Jerry Colangelo. Jerry’s contributions to professional sports are immeasurable. In this conversation, we focus primarily on his incredible basketball journey. Jerry discusses his high school, college and semi-pro career, before detailing how he became involved with the birth of Chicago’s NBA franchise in 1966. He recalls how the Bulls nickname came to be and what it was like to be a day-one employee.We cover his move to Arizona where he was named GM of another expansion franchise, the Phoenix Suns. Jerry talks about the famed coin flip to obtain the services of Lew Alcindor (later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and how the Suns worked their way to an NBA Finals appearance in 1976 versus the mighty Boston Celtics. Jerry describes how he built the mid-to-late 80s Suns into title contenders and the big trade that brought Sir Charles Barkley from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Valley of the Sun.We briefly cover Jerry’s vital role in rebuilding Team USA. For more context, listen to this great conversation that Jerry had on The Crossover NBA Show (with Chris Mannix). He discussed how he turned the entire program around.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]