Section 415

The San Francisco Standard

The Standard's sports insiders take you on-site, on the road and behind-the-scenes with the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and Valkyries. Essential listening for Bay Area sports fans. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

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85 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes85

Newest first

Friday · 22 min
What 49ers training camp looks like as Kyle Shanahan recovers
David Lombardi joins Section 415 to break down 49ers training camp, starting with new details Kyle Shanahan shared directly with reporters about his car accident. Also, the state of the receiver and running back rooms as both positions incorporate new additions and manage injuries. 00:00 Intro 00:58 Inside the room: what Kyle Shanahan revealed about his accident 5:45 The coaches running the 49ers ship as Shanahan recovers 8:25 Klay Kubiak's rising reputation 10:23 Raheem Morris and the defensive scheme shift 13:08 The state of the WR room 16:42 The state of the RB room 19:05 Wrap-up and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 28 · 25 min
The Giants pivot from a Hall of Fame party to the trade deadline
As Buster Posey prepares for Monday’s trade deadline, it’s fascinating to think how different next summer could look for the Giants’ president of baseball operations. Instead of calling executives around the league to talk through trade possibilities, Posey might have to put the phone down for a few days so he can enjoy a weekend in Cooperstown. Assuming that Posey, who led the Giants to three World Series titles, is elected, there’s a possibility he’ll be joined by former San Francisco managers Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker, who will be on the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot for the first time. On “Section 415,” The Standard’s John Shea explains how the Giants handled Jeff Kent’s induction and how the organization is preparing for a much bigger celebration next summer in upstate New York. 00:00 Intro: Jeff Kent's Hall of Fame induction & the scene in Cooperstown 03:44 Jeff Kent's evolution since his playing days 06:41 Next year's Giants HOF class: Bochy, Buster, and Baker 09:40 Dusty Baker, most popular man in Cooperstown 13:02 Buster Posey's Hall of Fame case 16:59 Giants trade deadline outlook: who stays, who goes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 24 · 16 min
LeBron James picked the 76ers. Now what for the Warriors?
When LeBron James announced he was leaving the Lakers after an eight-year stint in Los Angeles, the Warriors emerged as a suitor. Nearly a month after James became a free-agent, he chose to sign with the … Philadelphia 76ers. Which factors led to James' decision and where do the Warriors go from here? The Standard's Danny Emerman joins "Section 415" to break down what's next for GM Mike Dunleavy and Co. 0:00 Intro: LeBron Signs with the 76ers 1:19 Why LeBron Chose Philadelphia Over Golden State 4:29 Bob Myers' Role in Luring LeBron to Philly 6:18 Grading the Warriors' Quiet Offseason 9:08 Warriors' Remaining Offseason To-Do List Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 23 · 25 min
Where the Golden State Valkyries stand at the WNBA All-Star break
Despite a fourth-quarter collapse that cost the Valkyries a shot at entering the All-Star break on a 10-game winning streak, Golden State has proven it’s one of the WNBA’s best teams. The Valkyries are 19-8 with 17 games remaining, and will spend the second half of the season attempting to secure home-court advantage for a playoff run. How far can Golden State go in its second season? Reporter Jane Kenny joins the “Section 415” podcast to analyze recent trends, potential playoff matchups, and more. 00:00 Intro 1:11 Biggest surprise of the first half: Kiah Stokes & Kaitlyn Chen 8:49 What's the Valks' ideal closing lineup? 11:39 What trends will carry, and what won't, to the second half? 17:44 Best potential playoff matchups for Golden State 20:04 What's the ceiling for this Valkyries team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 21 · 26 min
S415 Mailbag: Answering the SF Giants' trade deadline questions
What level of prospect can the SF Giants get back for Luis Arraez or Robbie Ray? Will they make a surprise trade and deal someone like Heliot Ramos or Willy Adames? On this episode of "Section 415," Kerry answers your most pressing questions on the Giants ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. 0:00 Intro 1:06 Any surprise trades beyond Arraez, Ray, and Mahle? 4:25 Can the Giants land a top-100 prospect? 7:01 Is it a buyer's or seller's market at the deadline? 8:20 What's the market for Heliot Ramos? 11:46 Which young relievers should Buster Posey target? 14:49 Any bad-contract swaps on the radar? 17:18 Would the Giants do a Schmitt/Miller for George Kirby trade? 19:07 What's the plan for 2027 if only the rentals get traded? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 16 · 24 min
LeBron James to the Warriors? The waiting game continues.
A long Warriors offseason is almost over. The team brought back Steve Kerr on a two-year contract, re-signed Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and selected Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in the NBA Draft. All that’s left is figuring out whether one of the greatest players in NBA history wants to sign with Golden State. Reporter Danny Emerman joined the “Section 415” podcast after a trip to Las Vegas where NBA executives, coaches, and players all discussed LeBron James’ next move. 00:00 Intro: Will LeBron Sign With the Warriors? 02:44 What Golden State Can Offer LeBron 06:55 Yaxel Lendeborg's Summer League Debut 09:35 Frank Vogel Joins Steve Kerr's Staff 10:58 Will Richard's Off-Season Development 13:36 Warriors' Size & Frontcourt Depth 15:52 LJ Cryer & Chance McMillan Summer League Buzz 18:44 2026-27 Season Storylines to Watch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 14 · 25 min
Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?
The Golden State Valkyries have won seven consecutive games and are in the midst of the best stretch in the franchise’s brief history. Natalie Nakase’s team plays dominant defense, has one of the league’s deepest rotations, and has a range of playmakers who have helped close out recent wins. Sounds like a championship-caliber team, right? On the “Section 415” podcast, reporter Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to analyze the Valkyries’ chances of shocking the league and winning a title in their second season. 0:00 Intro 0:41 Are the Valkyries a legit championship contenders? 1:49 Resetting expectations for the rest of the season 4:11 Valkyries and the deepest bench in the WNBA 7:24 Janelle Salaun: Instant offense off the bench 8:35 Kaitlyn Chen's player development story 11:26 Golden State's defense takes the next step 13:55 Shutting down elite scorers and bigger teams 18:10 Gabby Williams and the team's culture fit 20:05 What's left to prove for a title run Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 9 · 21 min
Buster Posey’s most important month with the Giants
Since Buster Posey shocked the industry and took over as the Giants’ president of baseball operations in October 2024, nothing has gone according to plan. But this weekend’s MLB draft and the Aug. 3 trade deadline offer Posey and GM Zack Minasian chances to improve the franchise’s outlook and lay the foundation for a turnaround. How will Posey navigate these pivotal decisions? The Standard’s John Shea joins “Section 415” to analyze what’s ahead. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Is this Buster Posey's most important month as Giants president 02:15 MLB Draft: Jackson Flora or position player? 09:43 Trade deadline: Robbie Ray and Matt Chapman 12:02 The case for keeping Luis Arraez 19:29 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 7 · 24 min
The USMNT leaves the World Cup. Was their run a success or disappointment?
It was a riveting start and a crushing finish for the U.S. men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Does a knockout-stage win qualify as progress? How did the Bay Area handle its duties as one of 16 host regions at the first-ever 48-team tournament? The Standard’s Kevin Nguyen joins the “Section 415” podcast to analyze the U.S. performance and the atmosphere at the six local matches. 0:00 Intro 0:29 Was this a successful World Cup for the USMNT? 1:24 The good: Group stage dominance under Pochettino 4:28 Trump, FIFA, and the Balogun red card controversy 7:18 The bad: US falls to Belgium in the round of 16 10:06 USMNT's goalkeeper and defense questions going forward 12:22 How did the Bay Area fare as a World Cup host? 16:37 Levi's Stadium's best atmosphere yet 18:59 World Cup fans and soccer as a mirror to the world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 2 · 22 min
WNBA veteran Kiah Stokes on life with the Valkyries
10th-year center Kiah Stokes has won three national championships with UConn and three WNBA titles with the Las Vegas Aces. Since joining the Valkyries last offseason on a one-year deal, Stokes has done a lot of winning with Golden State too. Stokes joined the “Section 415" podcast to discuss her first season with the Valkyries, reuniting with UConn teammates in the Bay, and how the WNBA has changed since she entered the league in 2015. 00:00 Intro 00:39 Free agency and Stokes' move to Golden State 01:16 Stokes' connection with Natalie Nakase 02:22 Impressions of the Valkyries as an outsider 03:55 Stokes' early basketball roots and family influence 04:53 College recruitment and choosing UConn 06:33 Winning three titles and playing for Geno Auriemma 07:26 UConn ties across the Valkyries roster 08:52 Draft night and getting picked by New York 10:51 Stokes on playing overseas early in her career 12:34 What the new CBA means to players 14:53 Difference between the Valkyries and other organizations 16:42 Gabby Williams' impact this season 17:48 Veronica Burton's growth at point guard 18:42 Life in the Bay Area and favorite off-day activities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 23 min
The future of USF Athletics under new AD Brent Blaylock
As college athletic departments attempt to keep pace with rapidly evolving rules and regulations, Brent Blaylock arrived at the University of San Francisco this month believing the Dons’ programs are well positioned to ascend in the West Coast Conference. Blaylock said he was drawn to USF because of its commitment to the WCC and its determination to build competitive regional programs. He detailed his plans for the Dons' 14 programs and 200-plus student-athletes on "Section 415." 0:00 Intro 0:38 Meet new USF AD Brent Blaylock 2:11 Charting the future of USF Athletics 6:36 Building community investment & NIL partnerships 8:43 How Blaylock views the evolution of the job of college coach 14:44 Outlook for USF men's basketball 18:27 Exploring San Francisco on his days off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 24 · 24 min
Is Yaxel Lendeborg the perfect Warriors fit?
The Warriors need a little bit of everything this offseason. That’s why Yaxel Lendeborg, the do-it-all wing out of Michigan, emerged as a logical choice when Golden State was on the clock with pick No. 11 in the draft. Lendeborg doesn’t have one standout trait, but he has a variety of skills that can help the Warriors right away. The Standard’s Danny Emerman joined the “Section 415” podcast to explain how he predicted the Lendeborg pick weeks ago and what he learned about the Michigan product throughout the predraft process. 0:00 Intro -- Warriors Select Yaxel Lendeborg at #11 1:50 Lendeborg Checks All the Boxes For the Warriors' Needs 5:26 The Viral Lacob-Dunleavy War Room Moment Explained 8:08 Lendeborg's Personality And His Journey From JuCo to NBA Lottery 13:05 Lendeborg's Fit and Role with the 2026 Warriors 16:48 Draymond Green's Player Option Decision 18:33 Post-Draft Roster Building and Second Round Outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 23 · 22 min
Who's at fault for the Giants' problems?
A year after the Giants acquired Rafael Devers from the Red Sox in a blockbuster trade, there are concerns about the slugger’s long-term fit in San Francisco. Who's at fault for Devers' struggles and the Giants' failures? Paul McCaffrey, the host of "Paulie Mac's Particles," joins "Section 415" to analyze everything that's gone wrong for a franchise that seems to have lost its way. 0:00 Rafael Devers & Giants at rock bottom 2:41 Who's to blame: Buster Posey, Vitello, or ownership? 5:29 One winning season in a decade & the bigger picture 11:00 Should Vitello be replaced? 13:52 Paul McCaffrey on finding humor in a bad season 15:46 How Paulie Mac built his unique sports + culture voice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 18 · 23 min
Bay FC & The 2026 World Cup: How the Bay Area is embracing soccer
Joelle Anderson isn’t just a pro soccer player. She’s also a soccer fan. Like most of her Bay FC teammates, the San Jose native was glued to the TV watching the USMNT earn a 4-1 win over Paraguay in its first World Cup match. As Anderson and Bay FC await a return to the field following a month-long pause for the World Cup, she joined the “Section 415” podcast to analyze the U.S. men’s impressive start and detail her journey from playing youth soccer in the South Bay to returning home to compete professionally for Bay FC. 0:00 Introduction 0:39 Joelle on watching the World Cup & the USMNT 3:34 Joelle's national team experience & watching Bay FC teammates on the USWNT 5:00 Growing up in San Jose & playing for De Anza Force 6:42 Getting drafted by Houston & scoring her first pro goal 12:40 The trade to Bay FC – coming home 14:40 Playing under Emma Coates & Bay FC's young core 18:55 Off the field: World Cup tickets, favorite spots & pregame playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 16 · 28 min
SF Giants trade deadline primer: Who will move?
A year after the Giants executed a blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers, Buster Posey is expected to have another busy summer ahead. This time, it's for all the wrong reasons. Barring a miracle, the struggling Giants will likely trade away top talent including Luis Arráez and Robbie Ray. It's possible the franchise commits to a rebuild, which could mean Posey would be willing to listen to offers on Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and even Logan Webb. On "Section 415," The Standard's John Shea previews how Posey and Co. will approach a pivotal August 3 deadline. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 Looking back at the Devers trade one year later 00:06:06 Could the Giants trade Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, or Logan Webb? 00:10:08 Why trading Logan Webb would be a mistake 00:13:21 Why the Giants must prioritize pitching in trade returns 00:17:49 Giants players opt out of Pride Night caps; fan and league reaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 12 · 27 min
How the NWSL built a winning culture
When Sarah Jones Simmer joined the National Women’s Soccer League as chief operating officer in 2024, the league was attempting to capitalize on surging national interest in women’s sports. Today, attendance and ratings are up, the league is expanding into new markets, and players are earning record salaries. In a live taping of "Section 415" at Charter's New Employer Brand Summit in New York, Simmer joined host Kerry Crowley on stage to discuss how the league office has courted new sponsors, earned the trust of players, and built a culture that can maximize the potential of women's soccer in the U.S. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Sarah Jones Simmer, COO of the NWSL 01:53 How the NWSL is Collaborating, Not Competing With the World Cup 06:57 Bay FC and the Evolution of Women's Soccer Infrastructure in the Bay Area 09:31 Sarah's Non-Traditional Path to Sports Leadership 11:44 Building Trust at Scale in a Large Company 15:01 Three Leadership Principles: Beehive Soccer, Roster Rotation & the Penalty Kick Rule 17:32 How the NWSL Chooses New Markets and Ownership Groups 20:04 AI in the Workplace and Why Live Sports Stands to Benefit 22:05 What Success Looks Like for the NWSL Over the Next 5–10 Years 23:48 Outro and Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 5 · 27 min
How the Valkyries built a commercial juggernaut
The Golden State Valkyries made the playoffs in their inaugural season, have sold out every home game they’ve ever played, and are the first women’s sports franchise valued at $1 billion. Who’s responsible for this immediate success? How did the Valkyries shoot past their competitors to become the WNBA’s most valuable team? On "Section 415," reporter Jane Kenny discusses the evolution of the franchise since owner Joe Lacob paid $50 million back in 2023 to establish it. 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Jane's profile of Valkyries President Jess Smith 08:39 Owner Joe Lacob & The Valks' Billion-Dollar Valuation 13:22 The Valkyries Team Culture 16:50 The Fit of Gabby Williams 19:47 Juste Jocyte and the Valkyries Draft Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 2 · 22 min
The most disappointing SF Giants season since ...?
The Giants are lost. Their highest-paid players aren't producing, they haven't cleared a path to playing time for prospects, and they've been flirting with last-place for weeks. What's next for Buster Posey as he evaluates a team that hasn't come close to meeting expectations? The Standard's John Shea joins "Section 415" to discuss changes the Giants can implement and where the 2026 club ranks among the worst Bay Area baseball teams he has covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29 · 28 min
S415 x Light Years: Analyzing the Warriors draft and offseason options
The “Light Years” podcast’s Sam Esfandiari joined guest host Danny Emerman on “Section 415” to discuss how the Warriors might approach the upcoming draft. Esfandiari also laid out what would constitute a successful offseason for Golden State and reflected on his decade of podcasting about the Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22 · 27 min
49ers breakdown: Minicamp, 2026 schedule, and OTAs
After 49ers rookies took the field in Santa Clara for the first time earlier this month, they’ll join veteran teammates at organized team activities (OTAs) next week. The practices lack the same level of intensity as training camp, but they provide an important learning opportunity for younger players and a chance for veterans to get acquainted with new coaches. The Standard’s David Lombardi joins “Section 415” to discuss which developments he’ll be tracking and how new coaches including defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will implement changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices