NewsSports NewsSports

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.

Play

Open in

47 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 47

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

August 27 · 26 min
Andrew Luck, and the superstar-to-executive pipeline
As the Stanford football GM, Andrew Luck oversees more than 100 players. The odds of any of them having a better college career than Luck are miniscule. In San Francisco, Buster Posey, president of baseball operations for the Giants, manages the 26-man roster and is responsible for a farm system that includes more than 150 prospects. There’s little chance anyone in the organization will enjoy a more successful career than he did. So why do they embark on this challenge? On "Section 415," Danny Emerman joins Kerry to discuss his profile of Andrew Luck, and the phenomenon of superstars who become executives in Bay Area sports. 00:00 Intro 00:28 Andrew Luck's uphill battle at Stanford 04:46 The duality of Andrew Luck 06:57 Buster Posey's difficulties running the Giants 11:41 Why role players often make better executives than superstars 19:24 Is the Bay Area uniquely full of athlete-executives? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 24 · 13 min
Jed York's arrest: What we know about the 49ers owner
Jed York’s arrest Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, is the latest, most significant development in a 49ers offseason shaped by turmoil. With fewer than three weeks until the start of the season, the owner on Monday pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. The disorderly conduct charge was amended from an initial charge of engaging in prostitution. On the “Section 415” podcast, David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the NFL’s potential discipline for York, prior instances of owners facing allegations of wrongdoing, and how the arrest will shape public perception of York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 21 · 27 min
Mike Krukow is retiring. How will the Giants replace him?
No one can replace Mike Krukow, but the Giants must hire a new color commentator anyway. Krukow, a former Giants pitcher who has worked as the team’s primary TV analyst for more than 30 years, will retire at the end of this season. His partner in the booth, play-by-play voice Duane Kuiper, will continue broadcasting and told The Standard’s John Shea he hopes to be included in discussions as the Giants consider how to replace Krukow. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Krukow's storied broadcasting career and legacy 10:05 Who would replace Mike Krukow? 18:47 Could Kruk and Kuip enter the Baseball Hall of Fame together? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 17 · 25 min
49ers training camp: Which rookies are impressing?
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t like to depend on rookies, but the 49ers may have no other choice this year. After receiver Ricky Pearsall suffered a season-ending PCL injury, top draft pick De’Zhaun Stribling is set to play an important role in Shanahan’s offense. Beyond Stribling, which other rookies have impressed during training camp, and which players must make improvements before they earn the trust of the coaching staff? On the “Section 415” podcast, David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the most significant preseason developments and the rookies most likely to provide immediate help. 0:00 Intro 0:26 Stribling's impressive preseason debut 2:44 Stribling's potential role in the 49ers offense 5:20 Jaden Dugger flashes on defense 7:43 Gracen Halton's flashes, Alfred Collins disappoints 13:05 CB depth chart after injuries 16:54 Kurtis Rourke's leg up on QB3 spot 21:54 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 14 · 26 min
The Warriors had an underwhelming offseason. What's in store for next season?
A quiet Warriors offseason has led to loud reactions from disappointed fans. Many Golden State supporters believe the team hasn’t done enough to surround superstar Steph Curry with talent. GM Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob have pushed back on that assertion and are pointing to the February trade deadline as an opportunity for the franchise to take its next big swing. “We have multiple ways to get better during the season, which is something we’ve done the last few years,” Dunleavy said Tuesday. On the “Section 415” podcast, Danny Emerman joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss recent comments from Dunleavy and Lacob and the 2026-27 Warriors schedule, as well as the death of basketball pioneer and franchise icon Don Nelson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 11 · 25 min
Golden State Valkyries playoff push: Preparing for the final stretch run
The Golden State Valkyries have won 12 of their last 14 games and are inching closer to securing their second consecutive playoff berth. Preparing for the postseason, however, is a tricky challenge for coach Natalie Nakase and her staff. The WNBA will pause its schedule for nearly three weeks in September so players and coaches can participate in the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. How will Nakase manage each player’s workload ahead of the tournament? What will Golden State’s rotation look like when the WNBA schedule resumes? On the “Section 415” podcast, reporter Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the difficult decisions the Valkyries’ leaders are navigating as they prepare for a playoff run. 0:00 Intro 0:27 Valkyries riding a hot streak into September 1:28 FIBA World Cup break looming near the end of the season 3:25 Golden State's second-unit advantage 6:11 Tiffany Hayes turns back the clock 8:01 Behind Janelle Salaün's journey to Golden State 11:59 Kiah Stokes' emergence as a defensive anchor 15:28 Projecting the playoff rotation 20:03 The case for Natalie Nakase as Coach of the Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 7 · 20 min
Inside San Francisco's women's sports boom
Five years ago, the Bay Area didn't have a women's pro sports team. Now, the Golden State Valkyries are the first $1 billion women's sports franchise and the region has been transformed into a capital of opportunity. In a special episode of "Section 415," host Kerry Crowley spoke with Valkyries president Jess Smith and San Francisco Signal president Stephanie Martin on the factors driving the local boom and how they're approaching the process of building franchises from the ground up and handling the inevitable challenges along the way. 0:00 Intro 1:20 Why Jess Smith bet on San Francisco and the Valkyries 3:06 Why Stephanie Martin is betting on pro volleyball in San Francisco 6:51 Behind building the Valkyries' brand identity 9:02 Building the Signal's brand and name 12:20 Facing challenges & preparing for growth and adversity 14:13 Jess's vision for women's sports in 5-10 years 16:06 Stephanie's vision for The Signal and pro volleyball's future 17:59 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 4 · 23 min
Analyzing the San Francisco Giants' dizzying trade deadline
Buster Posey hasn’t come close to building a winning team. But the Giants’ president of baseball operations has successfully traded major league players off disappointing clubs for promising prospects who could play pivotal roles in the future. Posey’s dramatic deadline selloff Monday made a bad 2026 team even worse, but it also helped the Giants stockpile pitching prospects who should be able to contribute when the team is better positioned to contend. On the “Section 415” podcast, John Shea joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss Posey’s dizzying deadline and how the sacrifices the organization made in trading Luis Arráez, Robbie Ray, Heliot Ramos, and others could pay off in 2027 and beyond. 0:00 Intro 0:51 Inside the Giants clubhouse as trades went down 4:14 Marcelo Mayer: The most intriguing deadline pickup 9:06 Buster Posey refuses to call this a rebuild. But it's a rebuild. 13:11 Should the Giants trade Logan Webb? Kerry and John debate. 17:54 Kent and Bonds reunite in the farm system 20:06 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 31 · 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

Showing 21–40 of 47 episodes