In Season 1 of "Binge Sesh," co-hosts Matt Brennan and Kareem Maddox pull back the curtain on HBO's "Winning Time" series about the L.A. Lakers of the 1980s, one of sports' most unforgettable dynasties. Every week, we bring you stories from the locker room, the soundstage, and the L.A. Times archives as we explore how "Showtime" transformed the NBA — and American culture.
Introducing: Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff
Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history.
Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking cover-up inside the nation’s largest jail system. From FBI informants and jailhouse brutality to corruption at the highest levels, this series reveals how deputies hid an inmate, intimidated federal agents, and ultimately brought down one of California’s most powerful sheriffs.
21 May 2025
Introducing: L.A. Crimes
Josh Mankiewicz and Richard Winton join Madison McGhee to discuss the Menendez Brothers case, exploring the known facts and lingering mysteries in this interview.
19 Mar 2025
Introducing, Boiling Point: Climate Change Is No Joke. Or Is It?
Columnist Sammy Roth interviews comedian Esteban Gast on the Boiling Point podcast about using humor to address climate change anxiety and make environmental solutions more engaging.
15 May 2023
Introducing "Foretold"
Faith E. Pinho introduces "Foretold," a new L.A. Times podcast, previewing Paulina Stevens's story of breaking away from a Romani community and uncovering a complex, multi-continental history.
9 May 2022
The show must go on | 'Winning Time'
The hosts discuss how the Los Angeles Lakers' success in the 1980s paved the way for the NBA's increased prominence in the 1990s.
2 May 2022
How to survive a plague | 'Winning Time'
This episode explores Magic Johnson's HIV announcement and its surprising aftermath during a time when the disease was considered a death sentence.
25 Apr 2022
Life during wartime | 'Winning Time'
This episode explores the real-life story of recreational drug use in the NBA, drawing parallels between Spencer Haywood's portrayal in 'Winning Time' and the U.S. war on drugs.
18 Apr 2022
Brought to you by ... | 'Winning Time'
This episode explores the surprising history of athlete endorsements, using Magic Johnson and Nike as an example.
11 Apr 2022
A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum | 'Winning Time'
This episode explores the vibrant atmosphere of the Forum Club and Laker Girls during the Showtime era, capturing the essence of Los Angeles culture.
4 Apr 2022
All about Kareem | 'Winning Time'
Solomon Hughes, portraying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, discusses the real story of the basketball star and civil rights advocate in an interview.
28 Mar 2022
Dr. B & the women | 'Winning Time'
Actor Gaby Hoffmann and writer Rebecca Bertuch analyze the accuracy of "Winning Time's" portrayal of women, offering insights into the show's blend of fact and fiction in this interview.
21 Mar 2022
All my coaches | 'Winning Time'
The hosts of Binge Sesh analyze the portrayals of Jerry West, Jack McKinney, Paul Westhead, and Pat Riley in HBO's "Winning Time," revealing the accuracy of the real-life Laker coaches' saga.
14 Mar 2022
Green monster | 'Winning Time'
This episode explores the historical basketball rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and their formidable opponents, including Red Auerbach and Larry Bird.
7 Mar 2022
When Jerry met Magic | 'Winning Time'
Author Jeff Pearlman discusses how Magic Johnson and Jerry Buss formed the Showtime Lakers, which revolutionized the NBA and inspired HBO's "Winning Time" in this interview.
1 Mar 2022
Binge Sesh Season 1 Trailer
Hosts Matt Brennan and Kareem Maddox preview the first season of "Binge Sesh," which explores the history, culture, and impact of HBO's "Winning Time" series about the 1980s L.A. Lakers.
Who has been a guest on Binge Sesh
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Josh Mankiewicz
Richard Winton
Esteban Gast
Paulina Stevens
Solomon Hughes
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
52 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact Binge Sesh
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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