Awful Announcing Podcast: Taylor Twellman on Lionel Messi, MLS, Apple, Tom Brady, and more

Host Brandon Contes interviews head Apple MLS commentator Taylor Twellman. Brandon and Taylor discuss a wide range of topics including giving Tom Brady broadcasting advice, Lionel Messi in MLS, leaving ESPN for Apple, and more.

Here’s the full breakdown:

• :38: Excitement for start of MLS season
• 1:51: Transition from pitch to booth
• 3:29: Not giving bulletin board material when playing
• 5:41: Times Taylor gave bulletin board material
• 6:55: Robert Kraft’s involvement with the New England Revolution
• 8:27: Tom Brady
• 9:33: Broadcasting advice for Brady
• 11:17: Apple’s first season in MLS
• 12:30: Issues or complaints from fans about MLS on Apple
• 13:22: MLS embracing streaming
• 15:41: Lionel Messi effect for MLS
• 17:01: Can one player make such an impact for MLS?
• 18:26: MLS talent level compared to England
• 20:01: Messi with the media
• 20:53: Different feel when doing Messi’s matches
• 21:46: Transition from ESPN to Apple
• 23:41: Enjoying doing other shows like “SportsCenter” and “First Take”
• 25:33: Complaints from viewers
• 26:08: ESPN daytime programming not putting enough focus on soccer
• 27:45: Is talent or management more reluctant to talk soccer?
• 29:32: Talking soccer with Stephen A. Smith
• 30:47: Twitter post on leaving ESPN
• 32:20: “What are we doing?” clip
• 35:14: Realistic the USMNT should’ve won a World Cup by now?
• 36:54: What’s held the USMNT back from making the World Cup quarterfinals?
• 38:41: Working the World Cup as a broadcaster
• 40:05: United States hosting the World Cup
• 41:14: Reservations about going to other countries to play
• 42:47: Soccer industry handling concussions
• 44:36: Movement to make changes happen during matches?
• 46:12: Heading in youth sports
• 47:02: Diagnosed concussions
• 47:47: Effects from concussions
• 49:12: Support from others when speaking about concussions
• 51:08: MLS referee lockout and starting season with temporary refs
• 51:59: Inter Miami’s 2024 season
• 53:19: Messi backlash from China after missing Hong Kong friendly
• 54:07 MLS season starting in February
• 55:46: MLS players not named Messi that people should know about

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