The Obligatory PSU Podcast

Penn State professor emeritus of Kinesiology Dr. R. Scott Kretchmar drops in on the podcast as news breaks of the Big Ten's Fall cancellation to talk about the present and future landscape of college sports.

Show Notes

Some technical issues held up release of this latest episode, recorded literally as the first news of the Big Ten season's cancellation reached the public. The late-breaking news fit perfectly, however, with the knowledge and background of previously-scheduled guest Dr. Scott Kretchmar, a distinguished Penn State emeritus professor of Kinesiology. Dr. Kretchmar reacts to the prospect of a Fall without football in Happy Valley and beyond alongside Chris, Noble, and Mailman, offering perspective on what it may mean from numerous angles, including that of the fans. The conversation then shifts to the changing landscape of college athletics and the potential for a sea change on the heels of a crazy 2020. Specifically, the panel digs into the #WeAreUnited PAC-12 Players Tribune letter. Scott offers the benefit of his academic background and years representing Penn State's faculty to the NCAA, while Brandon gets fired up defending the value of the college football experience.

Dr. R. Scott Kretchmar, a retired professor and former chair in Penn State's Department of Kinesiology, is one of the leading sports philosophers in the country. He is a founding member and former president of the Philosophic Society for the Study of Sport and past president of the Philosophic Academy of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. He has published several books and papers and been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career. He also served as Penn State's faculty representative to the NCAA for many years.

HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Chris Buchignani

GUEST: Dr. R. Scott Kretchmar

What is The Obligatory PSU Podcast?

The Obligatory PSU Podcast features wide-ranging discussions of Penn State sports, Nittany Lions football in particular, and all things Penn State and Happy Valley from the cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Former Penn State and NFL defensive lineman Brandon Noble (’92-97), campus icon Mike “the Mailman” Herr, Mount Nittany Conservancy Board Secretary Kevin Horne, and seven-time Sam's Club Member Chris Buchignani. Along with a rotating cast of characters from around State College and across Nittany Nation, the guys focus on the stories, issues, and personalities surrounding the Blue and White fan experience.

The Obligatory PSU Podcast delivers fun and insightful commentary on the teams, University, and place that are beloved by many thousands of students, alumni, and fans. There’s no pretense of objectivity or “journalistic” distance here; these guys are here because they care, and their Penn State knowledge and love shine through in every installment. The goal is to touch on a broad variety of topics relating to the Nittany Lions in conversations that are frequently funny and occasionally profound, all while enjoying a few (or more) adult beverages. If you’ve got Penn State in your blood, you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with us.