Join Spence Checketts as he sits down with NBA players, coaches and front office executives for in-depth conversations about the league, the game, and life.
71 Available Episodes (71 Total)Average duration: 01:08:17
Apr 15, 2022
Jazz Postseason Primer with Tony Jones + Andy Larsen
01:15:02
The Athletic's Tony Jones and the Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen join Spence in-studio on the eve of the NBA Playoffs... - A look back on the regular season - Locker room vibe check - Jazz vs Mavs series preview - Quin scolds Andy- Tony has takes, Andy pushes back with facts - Is this the last dance? What changes will off season bring?
Feb 18, 2022
Reality Check Roundtable - Aaron Falk + JP Chunga
01:23:36
- Succession Power Rankings - Creating content/balancing coverage in modern SLC market - Donovan’s pod with Haynes - Don’s community voice- All-Woman broadcast of Jazz vs GSW- Progress towards diversity in SLC? - Who was JP’s better boss: Aaron or Spence?
Jan 13, 2022
Reality Check Roundtable with Julian Carr + Reece Peck
02:14:25
The Reality Check Roundtable returns with Spence, Julian Carr and Reece Peck- Pro Skier/Extreme athlete Julian Carr- Author/Professor Reece Peck- Misinformation > bad behavior- How to find accurate news- Rise of cable/social media- Utah's evolution as a state- Favorite lie you were told growing up+ more
Dec 08, 2021
Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Trey Fitz-Gerald
01:26:34
The fellas join Spence to discuss....- RSL 2021 season- Offseason preview- Analyzing the roster- Potential offseason moves- Rusnak/Other negotiations - Club ownership update + more
- Utah Football's response to tragedy- Bronco's return vs BYU- David vs Goliath in CFB- Ryan Smith's love letter to Donovan- White men dominating the local airwaves+ more
Aug 27, 2021
Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Aaron Falk part II
01:03:49
The Athletic's Chris Kamrani and the Trib's Aaron Falk join Spence for an hour long roundtable discussion... - Spence and the "Big Show"- Gordon Monson on BYU/LGBT- BYU and the Big 12- European soccer is back! - MLS is a hard watch - CK loves Puddle of Mud
Jul 23, 2021
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Roundtable Discussion Part 7
01:19:30
- NFL/SEC send strong message on vaccination- Are we headed for a fall with more restrictions? - Amy records pod with Utah AD Mark Harlan- Diversity(lack thereof) in media- Utahans on the clock w/ Donovan Mitchell- Fighting dangerous misinformation/propaganda
Jun 24, 2021
Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Aaron Falk
01:52:11
Chris Kamrani(The Athletic) and Aaron Falk(SL Trib) join Spence in-studio for another roundtable discussion on Reality Check...- Falk's new gig with the Trib- Utah Jazz season review- Ryan Smith's first offseason- Have we learned from bad fan behavior?- Euro 2020 / USMNT- RSL off to strong start+ more
May 05, 2021
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part 6
01:58:33
CK and Amy join Spence in-studio for part 6 of their round-table discussions.... - Community pulse since election- Disputing vaccine conspiracies- Chauvin verdict reaction- Dealing with online trolls- Sunshine and tacos make Chris happy- Amy's looming projects + more
Apr 30, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 10 / Morales + Beltran
03:07:53
In Episode 10... - Javier Morales- Tony Beltran- Freddy Juarez era begins - New young talent starts to find footing - MLS season interrupted due to COVID - Player protest first game back at Rio Tinto- Del Loy X96 interview fall out - What comes next? + more
Apr 23, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 9 / Beckerman + Rimando
02:16:25
Spence Checketts is joined by RSL originals Brian Dunseth and Trey Fitz-Gerald for The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake, a multi-part series on Reality Check…- EPISODE 9 - - Nick Rimando - Kyle Beckerman- Petke takes over for Cassar- Promising start, disastrous finish for Petke- Waibel rebuilds- Birth of Royals/Monarchs- Dunny is mad that Corey Baird scored a goal+ more
Apr 12, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 8 / Jeff Cassar interview
01:41:37
In episode 8... - Jeff Cassar interview- End of Cassar era- Craig Waibel takes over- Truth behind Javier Morales departure- Old guard to the new- Cassar's first comments since RSL firing + more
Apr 01, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 7 / Chris Kamrani interview
01:29:52
In episode 7..... - Chris Kamrani interview(Former RSL beat writer) - Transition from Kreis to Cassar- Final year under Garth Lagerway(GM) - Gordon Monson(SL Trib) credential pulled- Which iteration of RSL was the best(?)- An awkward ending between Dunny and Cassar
Mar 17, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 6 / Chris Wingert Interview
02:12:05
- Chris Wingert interview- Jason Kreis to Jeff Cassar- First year under DLH- A rivalry born with Sporting KC- MLS Cup loss to KC- Final year under Lagerway- Dunny the GM??? + more
Mar 10, 2021
RSL History Bonus Pod: Sit-down with RSL Interim President John Kimball
01:06:12
- Sit-down with RSL interim President John Kimball- Kimball's return to Real Salt Lake- Andy Williams departure- Dell Loy Hansen legacy- Vision of Dave Checketts- The 'RSL Way' - Future Expectations
Mar 03, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 5 /
00:54:30
- Latest on Andy Williams/RSL fallout- Dave Checketts > Dell Loy Hansen- Hansen tenure- What's next for new ownership+ more
Feb 18, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 4 / Clint Mathis Interview
02:03:15
- Clint Mathis chat- Defending MLS cup- CONCACAF- Best team in RSL history- 2013 heartbreak- Rivalry w/ Sporting KC- Kreis era + more
Feb 17, 2021
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part V
02:13:17
- A big announcement from Amy- The art of interviewing - Kamrani, blue whales and Bill Walton - NBA mandates National Anthem to be played.- Amy’s dad makes us feel soft- Jazz are good. Spence thinks that’s fun.- Spence regurgitate CK’s hot takes, apologizes.
Feb 04, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 3 / Garth Lagerway Interview
02:04:47
In Episode 3... - Interview with Garth Lagerway- 2009 MLS Cup title- Roster Construction- Playoff run- Rimando heroics- "Team is the star" vs "team of stars"+ more
Jan 27, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 2 / Jason Kreis Interview
01:51:14
In Episode 2: - 1 hour interview with Jason Kreis - Real Salt Lake / Real Madrid duo- Real Salt Lake vs Real Madrid(2006)- Dave Checketts and David Beckham put gold shovel in ground, stadium appears- Battle to build the RioT- Ellinger/Pastorino to Kreis/Lagerway leadership
Jan 20, 2021
The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 1 / Dave Checketts Interview
02:05:50
Spence, Trey and Dunny discuss the beginnings of Real Salt Lake. RSL founder Dave Checketts joins the pod for an hour. That and more in part 1 of The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake.
Jan 14, 2021
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part IIII
01:31:25
- Reaction to Jan. 6 insurrection - More danger on the horizon?- Trump impeached ... again.- How to speak truth to conspiracies.- NBA latest league to underestimate COVID- Jazz one of five teams with fans in arena. Will the league step in?- CFB season is done. Reflecting on the chaos.
Dec 22, 2020
NBA/Utah Jazz tip-off preview with Ryen Rusillo
00:55:45
An hour of local + national hoops talks with the Ringer's Ryen Rusillo...- Building a small market winner- James Harden...- Gobert extension- Jazz ceiling - Lakers vs everyone else? - NBA COVID concerns- Worst character in The Office and why it's Pam + more
Dec 17, 2020
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part III
01:19:33
- The vaccine is here and Amy is happy.- Vaccinate teachers ASAP- Lack of media access through COVID. New normal or temporary? - We enjoy interviewing athletes, but prefer them clothed.- Utah Royals on the move- RSL sale- Effective altruism/charity- Good riddance 2020
Dec 10, 2020
Brian Dunseth, Trey Fitz-Gerald and Real Salt Lake
01:08:49
Spence is joined by MLS/RSL analyst/former pro Brian Dunseth as well as longtime MLS/RSL front office man Trey Fitz-Gerald. - Utah loses the Royals. Will they return?- Complicated legacy of Dell Loy Hansen.- Latest on sale of RSL.- Don Garber comments. - Rebuilding RSL on and off the pitch.- Tease for next RSL project- Big words from Trey + more
Julian Carr(professional skier/entrepreneur) and Walker Willey(entrepreneur) stop by for a round-table discussion on 2020, COVID's effects on the local outdoor industries, public transit and air quality, Utah political landscape, post-pandemic life + more
Nov 25, 2020
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part II
01:36:04
- Covering Sports during pandemic- Utah vs ASU cancelled- Utah vs UW set- BYU CFP rankings- Jazz allowing fans- Amy vs Misogyny- Changing generations of conditioning+ more
Nov 11, 2020
Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion
01:51:06
Spence welcomes Chris Kamrani and Amy Donaldson for a round table discussion on COVID-19 in sports, what we learned from the 2020 election cycle, the current status of the state of Utah, possible solutions for positive progress + more - Spence Checketts hosts The Drive daily from 2-6 on ESPN700. - Chris Kamrani covers Utah football + more for The Athletic. - Amy Donaldson covers sports, politics + more for the Deseret News and hosts the Voices of Reason podcast. Subscribe, rate and review Reality Check wherever you get shows!
Nov 20, 2019
Recapping the first 13 games of the Jazz season + Tim MacMahon & Tom Haberstroh
01:09:06
The next episode of Reality Check is now here for you! The Utah Jazz are in the middle of their season, and we breakdown our impressions of the team after 13 games. Afterwards we have on Tom Haberstroh and Tim MacMahon to talk about the national story lines around the league.
Sep 06, 2019
We're back! + Quin Snyder Interview
01:13:36
We're back after a long extended break of the Reality Check podcast. Spence breaks down his coming to Broadway Media, and how he decided to accept the position with ESPN 700. Included in the podcast is Spence's conversation with head coach of the Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder.
Jul 18, 2019
Jerry Sloan Tribute + What is Utah's identity?
00:53:10
This week's episode of Reality Check, Spence and Braden breakdown what the Jazz's identity going forward, and a special tribute to longtime Jazz legend Jerry Sloan.
Jul 12, 2019
Russell Westbrook to the Rockets
00:41:21
Back with a breaking news podcast, Spence breaks down the Russell Westbrook trade to the Rockets, and hints at where CP3 will be going soon. How does Kawhi Leonard effect the rest of the West, and who truly are championship contenders. Finally, did the Thunder win the trade after all is said and done?
Jul 04, 2019
Ryen Russillo on NBA Free Agency
01:00:53
On this episode of Reality Check, Spence brings on Ryen Russillo to help breakdown all the madness around the NBA and try to make sense of what Kawhi Leonard may do.
Jul 02, 2019
NBA Free Agency Emergency Recap
01:16:46
On this episode of Reality Check, Spence breaks down all of the madness that went down on day one of the NBA free agency. From the Utah Jazz signing Bojan Bogdanovic to Ricky Rubio's massive new contract. Spence breaks it all down for you from the western conference to the eastern conference.
Jun 27, 2019
Free Agency Preview
00:41:04
This week on the Reality Check, Spence breaks down the last two weeks of the NBA including what the Utah Jazz should do this free agency with Derrick Favors, and what the rest of the NBA will look like come Sunday night.
Jun 13, 2019
Mike Breen
00:52:36
Spence talks to Mike Breen ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Bang!
Jun 03, 2019
Jimmer Fredette
00:45:13
A conversation with Jimmer Fredette of the Phoenix Suns.
May 30, 2019
A long form conversation with Jimmer Fredette
00:45:13
Spence sits down with BYU legend and Phoenix Sun Jimmer Fredette
May 23, 2019
Tony Jones
00:51:43
Spence catches up with Tony Jones of The Athletic.
Apr 25, 2019
David Stern
00:51:08
Spence and NBA Commissioner David Stern catch up, dig into the league from a macro perspective, and touch on Commissioner Stern's post NBA activities.
Apr 18, 2019
NBA Playoff Podcast #1
00:49:14
Spence dives into round 1 of the playoffs, matchups, outcomes, strategy and schemes. He touches on the Laker situation, Golden State giving up a 31 points, Kawhi's future W or L, how to tackle James Harden, Portland's backcourt, OKC woes and more.
Apr 11, 2019
Ryen Russillo
01:06:08
Spence catches up with old friend Ryen Russillo of ESPN and The Ringer.
Apr 09, 2019
Britton Johnsen
00:34:45
Spence catches up with former University of Utah and NBA Forward, Britton Johnsen.
Apr 04, 2019
Spence talks Zion Williamson, LeBron getting shut down, the possibility of a Warriors-Bucks Finals, Russell Westbrook's 20-20-20 and more
00:35:54
Spence talks Zion Williamson, LeBron getting shut down, the possibility of a Warriors-Bucks Finals, Russell Westbrook's 20-20-20 and more
Mar 26, 2019
Jeff Van Gundy
00:34:00
Jeff weighs in on recent trades in the NBA, how to decrease the number of meaningless games in the league, Jim Dolan's fan ban, players and social media, and much more.
Mar 22, 2019
Spence talks Russ Westbrook & the Utah Jazz fan situation, the current state of the Lakers, Phil Jackson back to LA (?), and Jimmer Fredett
00:36:38
Spence talks Russ Westbrook & the Utah Jazz fan situation, the current state of the Lakers, Phil Jackson back to LA (?), and Jimmer Fredette returning stateside to play for the Phoenix Suns.
Mar 14, 2019
Mark Eaton
00:36:15
Mark and Spence catch up on his era of Utah Jazz basketball, the new era, and what's happening with Mark off the court.
Mar 07, 2019
David Falk
01:15:05
David talks about his career, his relationship with Michael Jordan, current and former players, and much more.
Feb 28, 2019
Spence talks Lakers, LeBron's mogul phase, Zion Williamson, Player's Only, and Dirk Nowitzki
00:46:50
Spence talks Lakers, LeBron's mogul phase, Zion Williamson, Player's Only, and Dirk Nowitzki
Feb 21, 2019
John Starks
00:36:49
John and Spence talk about the path from humble beginnings to pop culture icon, the dunk, being a leader on a decade of great Knicks basketball, and much more.
Feb 14, 2019
Steve Young
00:46:23
Steve Young and Spence discuss his rise and legendary success in the NFL, Joe Montana, personal challenges and triumphs, and much more.
Feb 08, 2019
Post NBA Trade Deadline Reaction Pod
00:23:44
Spence gets into KD's media outburst, 27 total deals leading up to the official trade deadline, the new apparent strength in the Eastern Conference, trade hits and misses, and where the Lakers go from here.
Feb 07, 2019
NBA Trade Deadline Special, All-Star Draft, and Howard Beck
00:51:07
Spence runs the gamut on trade activity within the league leading up to the deadline, does a mock All-Star draft with Vik, and catches up with Howard Beck on storylines around the league.
Feb 04, 2019
Dennis Lindsey (Part 2)
00:39:34
In part 2 of their conversation, Spence and Dennis talk about the state of the Utah Jazz, the current season, long term plans going forward and much more.
Feb 02, 2019
Emergency Podcast #1
00:27:15
Spence calls in for an emergency podcast to discuss Rudy Gobert's All Star snub, Kyrie potentially teaming back up with LeBron, the likelihood of an AD to the Lakers trade happening before the trade deadline, the strategy behind the Jazz working to trade for Mike Conley, the Knicks trading away KP in a possible move for KD and Kyrie, the new look Mavs, and LeBron's return to action and the Lakers' playoff possibilities.
Jan 31, 2019
Dennis Lindsey (Part 1)
00:23:13
In part 1 of their conversation, Spence and Dennis swap personal stories and much more.
Jan 24, 2019
Mike Wise
00:51:34
Spence and Mike catch up on the state of journalism today, how covering the game has evolved over time, the LeBron vs. MJ debate, covering the Knicks for The New York Times and much more!
Jan 17, 2019
Spence talks Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving and their recent struggles, the 5 most entertaining players in the league, and NBA trade deadline
00:46:46
Spence talks Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving and their recent struggles, the 5 most entertaining players in the league, and NBA trade deadline activity.
Jan 10, 2019
Jason Kreis
00:40:51
Spence and Jason talk about his path to becoming a professional soccer player and eventual coach across the MLS and the United States men's national soccer team. Jason is currently tied for the fifth highest scorer in MLS regular season history, with 108 goals.
Jan 03, 2019
David Locke
00:49:56
Spence catches up with David Locke, CEO of Locked On Podcast Network and play-by-play announcer for the Utah Jazz.
Dec 26, 2018
Frank Layden
01:03:22
Frank Layden, Jazz legend and former head coach, joins Spence for an in-depth conversation.
Dec 20, 2018
Spence talks Anthony Davis to the Lakers, going from a losing culture to a winning one, Dolan selling the Knicks, whether everything NBA pla
00:38:06
Spence talks Anthony Davis to the Lakers, going from a losing culture to a winning one, Dolan selling the Knicks, whether everything NBA players say should make headline news, and the Boylen disaster in Chicago.
Dec 14, 2018
Frank Isola and Spence catch up on NBA headlines, coaches around the league, LeBron, the NFL and more.
00:36:33
Frank Isola and Spence catch up on NBA headlines, coaches around the league, LeBron, the NFL and more.
Dec 08, 2018
Spence shares his views on Rudy Gobert's ejection, whether small market teams get officiated differently, league surprises, league disappoin
00:42:21
Spence shares his views on Rudy Gobert's ejection, whether small market teams get officiated differently, league surprises, league disappointments, Allen Iverson's top 5 all time and how it's different from his own.
Dec 06, 2018
Spence talks Urban Meyer and the value add of a great head coach, Kevin Durant's comments on LeBron, the current NBA media landscape, and hi
00:37:54
Spence talks Urban Meyer and the value add of a great head coach, Kevin Durant's comments on LeBron, the current NBA media landscape, and his favorite Pat Riley story.
Nov 23, 2018
David Checketts (Part 2) on leaving the Jazz, working for the league and eventually the Knicks organization, Patrick Ewing, turning the Knic
01:15:04
David Checketts sits down with Spence to discuss his tenure with the New York Knicks & Madison Square Garden. Topics discussed include: leaving the Jazz (2:30), negotiating with Pat Riley and Patrick Ewing (9:09), turning the Knicks into a winning franchise (36:32), John Starks' 2-18 performance (41:02), Pat Riley leaving for Miami (45:19), the Jeff Van Gundy era (56:25), and Dave's legacy on the Jazz and Knicks franchises (1:07:58). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.
Nov 20, 2018
David Checketts (Part 1) on being the youngest NBA executive in history, his relationship with David Stern, turning around the Utah Jazz org
00:48:34
David Checketts sits down with Spence to discuss his early career at Bain and then the Utah Jazz. Topics discussed include: Dave's current work (5:01), his relationship with David Stern (8:12), the difficult early years with the Utah Jazz (21:41), making the Jazz relevant and formidable (26:41), Frank Layden's importance (32:39), and Dave's decision to leave the Jazz (43:27). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.
Nov 15, 2018
Spence talks Golden State chemistry, Gordon Hayward's return to Utah, and what's next for Melo. Plus Mailbag #1.
01:06:30
Spence talks about the Draymond Green-Kevin Durant situation (06:28), Gordon Hayward's return to Utah (23:47), Carmelo Anthony's legacy (40:08), and finishes things off with his first listener mailbag (49:29).
Nov 12, 2018
Jeff Van Gundy (Part 2) on the modern day NBA, Kevin Durant and the Warriors, Tim Duncan vs. Karl Malone, the impact of social media, Quin S
00:36:17
Part 2 of Spence's conversation with ABC/ESPN NBA basketball analyst and coach Jeff Van Gundy concentrates on the modern day NBA. They discuss the state of the league, Kevin Durant and the Warriors (1:39), Tim Duncan vs. Karl Malone (4:55), the impact of social media on the league (6:34), alcohol and addiction (19:01), current coaches (23:49), Donovan Mitchell (26:40), health scares (28:10) and whether Jeff will coach again (32:27). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.
Nov 08, 2018
Jeff Van Gundy (Part 1) on coaching against Michael Jordan, great Knicks rivalries, and his relationship with David Stern
00:51:12
ABC/ESPN NBA basketball analyst and coach Jeff Van Gundy sits down with Spence to discuss the Jordan-era. Topics discussed include: new generation of basketball fans (3:47), Anthony Mason (10:50), Pat Riley (13:55), the Knicks-Heat rivalry (16:11), coaching against Mike (20:50), the MJ vs Lebron debate (36:14), Reggie Miller as a "Knick killer" (40:14), and his relationship with former NBA commissioner, David Stern (46:06). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.
Nov 01, 2018
Introduction
00:14:49
Join Spence on his new podcast where he sits down with NBA players, coaches and front office executives for in-depth conversations about the league, the game, and life.
Apr 15 | 01:15:02
Jazz Postseason Primer with Tony Jones + Andy Larsen
Feb 18 | 01:23:36
Reality Check Roundtable - Aaron Falk + JP Chunga
Jan 13 | 02:14:25
Reality Check Roundtable with Julian Carr + Reece Peck
Dec 08 | 01:26:34
Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Trey Fitz-Gerald