Engel Angle

Meet Your Heroes: Stewart Copeland & the Art of Not Being Let Down | Engel Angle

Mac Engel — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Join Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel as he shares the highs and lows of meeting childhood heroes throughout his career, culminating in an unforgettable interview with Police drummer Stewart Copeland. From awkward encounters with baseball legends Eric Davis and Dick Vitale to heartwarming moments with Ernie Banks, Mac reveals the unvarnished truth about what it's really like when you finally meet the people you've idolized. Plus, hear exclusive clips from his recent conversation with Copeland about the Police reunion tour and why sometimes it's perfectly okay to be starstruck. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Top Gun Turns 40: Why Maverick's Celebration Scenes Are Total Bullshit | Mac Engel

Mac Engel — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:17:37 -0500

Mac has an evolved relationship with the popular Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun, which celebrates its 40th birthday this month.
The film came out when Mac was an aspiring movie critic for his middle school newspaper in Indianapolis.
As he grew older, and "Top Gun Maverick" was released, his views of the films changed. But a few things still gnaw at him.
(Plus, this gives him the chance to tell you that he once flew with the Blue Angels).

Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel shares his hilariously specific problems with the Top Gun franchise as the original movie turns 40 years old. From his teenage review that trashed the 1986 classic to his current appreciation for both Top Gun and Maverick, Mac reveals the absurd details that really bother him about these beloved films. Drawing from his own experience flying with the Blue Angels, he tackles everything from oxygen mask usage to unrealistically long celebration scenes that no movie critic has ever complained about before. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Stanley Cup Magic vs March Madness Upsets: Why NHL Playoffs Rule | Mac Engel | Engel Angle

Mac Engel — Wed, 06 May 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel makes a bold case for why NHL Stanley Cup playoffs deliver the ultimate postseason experience, even though hockey ranks fourth among major American sports. Drawing from 25 years covering everything from Super Bowls to Final Fours, Engel breaks down what makes playoff hockey special - from passionate fans in jerseys to golden goal overtime drama and iconic trophy celebrations. He also warns that college basketball's March Madness upsets, once the only postseason experience better than Stanley Cup playoffs, are disappearing as the NCAA expands tournaments to appease power conferences and preserve their survival. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

French Lick Origins: The Impossible Larry Bird Story | Keith O'Brien | Engel Angle

Mac Engel — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:39:17 -0500

Bestselling author Keith O'Brien reveals the untold origin story of Larry Bird's rise from poverty in rural Indiana, including his traumatic departure from Indiana University and near-disappearance into blue-collar obscurity before Indiana State coach Bill Hodges literally drove the streets looking for him. Through interviews with Bird's childhood friends, teammates, and coaches, O'Brien uncovers the hidden details of how the "Hick from French Lick" almost never made it out of his small town, offering a completely different perspective on one of basketball's greatest legends. Discover the fascinating backstory behind Bird's legendary 1979 NCAA championship game against Magic Johnson and how a traumatized teenager shooting baskets alone at midnight became one of the NBA's most iconic players. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

SAT test trauma & one of the NBA's bigger issues | Engel Angle

Mac Engel — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:47:06 -0500

Sports journalist Mac Engel shares two unforgettable stories in this episode of the Ingle Angle podcast: his catastrophic SAT experience as a 2.0 GPA high school student who overslept, forgot his ID, and scored an embarrassingly low 700, and his passionate defense of modern NBA basketball against constant criticism. Engel argues that today's NBA players are more skilled and athletic than ever, but explains why media coverage focuses on negativity over appreciation of the game's evolution. A hilarious and insightful look at academic disasters, sports commentary, and how nostalgia shapes our perspective on professional basketball.

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Where are they now? Former Sooners star Willie Warren

Mac Engel — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:25:58 -0500

Former Texas basketball legend Willie Warren shares his remarkable journey from McDonald's All-American to NBA draft pick to globetrotting professional player across 14 countries including Iran, China, and Kuwait. Warren reveals untold stories about playing alongside Blake Griffin at Oklahoma, his challenging NBA rookie experience with the LA Clippers, and candid insights about overseas basketball culture, AAU system changes, and why college players should prioritize professionalism over pure talent. A must-listen for basketball fans interested in the realities of professional basketball beyond the NBA spotlight.

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The original Jerry Jones & Donald Trump | Engel Angle

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Mac talks to longtime New York Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro, who has been in the New York sports scene for more than 20 years. Mike has a new book out, "The Bosses of the Bronx," which covers the long tenure of New York Yankees owner, the late George Steinbrenner. Since George died in 2010, his sons have run the Yankees. When George was in his prime, no owner in sports was more visible or controversial. He was Jerry Jones before Jerry Jones. And George left a lasting impression on the current President of the United States.

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Engel Angle | The original Jerry Jones & Donald Trump

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:34:17 -0500

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Engel Angle: My first triathlon was an s-show disaster that I should have won

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:59:23 -0500

Having run a few marathons before, Mac never thought he could complete a triathlon. Not a strong swimmer. On Sunday in Keller, Texas, Mac completed the St. Patrick's Day triathlon - 400 meter swim, 14.5 mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run - that was a total disaster. He also shares his thoughts about the recent LA Marathon "finishers" who received a medal despite not running the entire race.

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My first triathlon was an s-show disaster that I should have won | Engel Angle

Stolen Water Media LLC — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:57:53 -0500

0:00 — Completing My First Triathlon
Mac Engel opens the episode with the story of finishing the St. Patrick’s Day Triathlon in Keller, Texas.

1:59 — The Real Challenge: Overcoming Yourself
Why the biggest obstacle in endurance sports is often mental, not physical.

4:31 — How Running Became Part of My Life
From getting cut from the 7th-grade baseball team to running the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon.

7:22 — The Pain and Reality of Running Marathons
Mac reflects on difficult marathon experiences and brutal race-day conditions.

10:17 — The LA Marathon Controversy
Why awarding finishers medals at mile 18 instead of 26.2 sparked frustration.

14:26 — Deciding to Attempt a Triathlon
Training for the swim, bike, and run—and debating whether to actually sign up.

18:31 — Race Morning Disaster: No Contact Lenses
Mac realizes he forgot his contacts and must compete nearly blind.

23:27 — The Swim: Blind, Nervous, and Trying Not to Panic
Navigating the chaos of the pool while struggling to see.

27:52 — The Transition and Bike Ride Begins
From the swim to cycling—including unexpected challenges on the course.

30:03 — Taking the Wrong Turn on the Bike Course
A missed turn adds 2.2 extra miles to the race.

32:49 — Starting the Final Run
Heading into the 5K run after the exhausting bike leg.

35:19 — Almost Finishing… But Not Quite
Mac accidentally runs toward the wrong finish line without his glasses.

36:25 — The Final Result and Race Times
Breaking down the final race time and placement.

38:45 — Why Finishing Matters More Than Winning
The real takeaway from completing a first triathlon.

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Engel Angle: Leaving a good media job to create your own media company

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:04:57 -0600

Former NFL Network host, and morning anchor at ABC's station in Dallas, WFAA, Marc Istook joined Mac to talk about his career, the state of news media today, and his decision to take the leap to create his own media company.

Plus, Mac has some concerns after attending the Lady Gaga concert.

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Leaving the Anchor Desk: Mark Istook Bets on Himself | Engel Angle

Stolen Water Media LLC — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:03:37 -0600

This episode of Engel Angle starts with a complaint — the kind every concert fan has had.

Mac Engel went to see Lady Gaga and didn’t hear the one song he actually wanted. Which leads to a broader question: why do artists — and frankly, a lot of people in media — keep changing the rules?

That brings in the guest.

Longtime North Texas broadcaster Mark Istook, who many viewers recognize from WFAA, joins the show to talk about his decision to leave a comfortable TV job and start his own media venture.

Istook explains why the old model of journalism is under pressure, why some broadcasters are choosing independence, and how digital media is creating opportunities that simply didn’t exist a decade ago.

It’s a conversation about risk, reinvention, and what happens when someone decides to bet on themselves.

Also: concerts, television news, and why sometimes Metallica decides not to play the hit you waited all night for.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 — The Concert Complaint That Started It All
Mac explains why missing one song can ruin a concert.

2:40 — Why Artists Change Their Setlists
From Lady Gaga to Metallica, expectations vs reality.

5:30 — Introducing Mark Istook
A North Texas broadcasting career that spans decades.

9:15 — Life at WFAA and National Television
Working in local news and on national platforms like the NFL Network.

14:40 — The Decision to Leave Traditional TV
Why Istook walked away from the anchor desk.

20:05 — Betting on Yourself in Media
Starting an independent media venture.

26:30 — The Changing Economics of Journalism
Why legacy media is under pressure.

32:45 — Digital Platforms and Personal Brands
How journalists are adapting to the new landscape.

39:10 — What the Future of Media Might Look Like

44:30 — Final Thoughts on Reinvention

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Engel Angle: Honor Them While They’re Here

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:12 -0600

In this solo episode of Engel Angle, Mac reflects on legacy — who gets remembered, who gets overlooked, and why timing matters.

Mac opens with a tribute to Academy Award–winning actor Robert Duvall, revisiting Lonesome Dove, The Godfather, and Apocalypse Now, and sharing a deeply personal story about interviewing Texas football legend Sammy Baugh — the man Duvall used as inspiration for Gus McCrae.

From Hollywood legends to Hall of Fame politics, the conversation shifts to the flawed voting systems that determine who gets enshrined and who gets left waiting.

Yes, Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame omission sparks debate.

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Engel Angle: The Other Lindsay Graham: History, Hollywood & the Voice of America’s Past

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:56:27 -0600

Lindsay Graham's story of becoming an unofficial historian as one of the top history podcasters in America is as amazing as it is inspiring and charming.

In short time, Graham became the voice of some of the most popular podcasts, including American History Tellers, History Daily, American Scandal, and Business Movers. He's earned shoutouts from Ryan Reynolds, George Clooney and Amy Poehler.

Now, Graham is "going on the road" with live shows, including an upcoming one in Dallas.

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Engel Angle: "Melania" suffers from Lance Dance-itis

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:31:28 -0600

Mac went to the movie theater to see the hyped new documentary, "Melania," the film about the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump. The movie has the same issues as an increasing number of other documentary films, led by "The Last Dance."

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"Melania" suffers from Lance Dance-itis | Engel Angle

Stolen Water Media LLC — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:30:11 -0600

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Engel Angle: Remember the Past to Protect the Future

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:43:14 -0600

Mac's guest is Dr. Alex Kor, whose parents are Holocaust survivors. The late Mickey and Eva Kor survived separate camps until they were liberated; Eva was one of the "Mengele Twins," patients who were used as human experiments conducted by infamous Nazi Dr. Josef Mengela. Dr. Kor has made it a priority to tell his parent's stories, and to educate people about a topic that some survivors fear is being forgotten.

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Engel Angle: When Amateurism Finally Collapsed

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:38:44 -0600

The insane state of college sports has its roots in the Olympic games The Winter Olympics is almost here, an ideal time to provide an update of how "we got here" in the highest levels of amateur sports. NCAA football and basketball looks nothing like what built it, and while change is inevitable Mac has one solution to a college sports problem that needs fixing.

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Engel Angle: The Eighth Wonder That Time Passed By

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:15:32 -0600

Houston's beloved Astrodome needs a solution, and its counter to what should have been done because it's not the American way

The city of Houston is once again wrestling with what to do with one of its, and America's, most influential buildings - the Astrodome. It was closed in 2008, and sits there as a storage shed. In this episode, Mac explains why the Astrodome is so important not just to Houston, the entire American sports' landscape, and what should be done.

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Engel Angle: A Conversation Thought Lost: Sebastian Junger

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:56:35 -0600

Mac brings back something he thought he had lost - an interview with best-selling author Sebastian Junger. In 2024, Junger's book, "In My Time of Dying," which covered his near death experience. There was one part to Mac's interview with Junger that stuck out, and it should resonate with all of us who question a life after our death.

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Engel Angle: Standing Next to Greatness and Not Knowing It

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:19:08 -0600

The classic film "Rocky" turns 50 here in 2026, and Mac has an anecdote about meeting a figure from the famous movie that is consistent with some of his other chance meetings with some famous people that he had no clue who they were until later.

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Engel Angle: Steroids users are Baseball Hall of Famers, too

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:19:35 -0600

Mac became eligible to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame a few years ago, and on this latest ballot he changed his mind about the people who are linked to steroid use.

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Engel Angle: Emmanuel Acho predicted the expensive state of college sports

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:58:47 -0600

Mac pulls out "an oldie" for this episode. In 2022, he interviewed former Texas Longhorns linebacker and Philadelphia Eagle player Emmanuel Acho about a variety of topics, including the changes that were coming in major college sports. Acho's forecast was accurate. Acho has made a nice career for himself as a broadcaster, among other talents.

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College Football is NOT broken | Engel Angle

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:47:34 -0600

After the release of the college football playoff bracket, fans (and Notre Dame) threw a fit. Mac discusses the actual state of the second most popular game in America, right after he remembers a significant figure in the development of North Texas, Tom Hicks. Hicks died over the weekend in Dallas at the age of 79.

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Engel Angle: Golf is More "Thrilling" than Boxing

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:09:59 -0600

Olympic gold medalist and long time prize fight champion Oscar De La Hoya talked to Mac about the state of the sport, why people can't quit a sport as dangerous as boxing, and the thrill he found to replace the high that comes with it.

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Engel Angle: Mac Still Can't Believe The Mavericks Traded Luka Doncic

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:22:34 -0600

The Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic still bothers Mac. Because it's awful. On this episode, Mac lists the worst trades in the history of the Dallas sports franchises - the Stars, Texas Rangers, Cowboys and the Mavericks.

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Navigating the "N-Word" writing Tupac Shakur's biography | Engel Angle

Stolen Water Media LLC — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:19:00 -0600

Best-selling author Jeff Pearlman joins Mac to talk about his new book "Only God Can Judge Me," about late hip hop artist, Tupac Shakur. Jeff's background is in sports, but he wanted to write a book about Tupac. Pearlman interviewed nearly 700 people for this book, which included a funny anecdote about trying to talk to Tupac's high school classmate, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Plus Mac and Jeff exchange horror stories about book signing events.

0:00:01 Cold Open: “Do I Look Like My Dad?”
0:00:15 Meeting Your Heroes (And Why Jeff Pearlman Isn’t a Letdown)
0:01:17 Rocker, Rangers & First Impressions of a Bestseller
0:02:02 From Locker Rooms to Lakers: Pearlman in DFW
0:02:26 Building a Brand in Longform (Press Box Chronicles Shout-Out)
0:03:35 The Hits: Showtime, Three Ring Circus, Boys Will Be Boys & More
0:04:30 New Drop: Only God Can Judge Me (Tupac)
0:05:03 “Please Don’t Check Conversions”: Author Promo Pain
0:05:37 Book Tour Horror Stories: Fort Hood to Empty Chairs
0:06:25 Signing Sadness, Barnes & Noble Blues, and Surviving the Crickets
0:08:14 The Author Economy Is… Weird (Hello, Amazon Stockouts)
0:10:02 Reinvention Arc: TikTok, Haters, and Making It Pay
0:13:10 Accountability vs Clapbacks (Kurt Warner, Defector & Doing the Call)
0:16:08 Hats, Nostalgia & Jets Misery vs. Bengals Pain
0:17:49 Why Tupac? Myth, Mortality & The Power of 25
0:21:24 Fame vs. Formation: What Dying Young Does to a Legacy
0:22:41 Selling the Tupac Pivot (Agent Doubts, Publisher Greenlight)
0:28:28 Can You Hear the Words? Rap, Mumble, and Live Lyrics
0:30:17 “Culture Vulture?” How Jeff Earned Trust & Access
0:33:14 Sunset Lounge Roll Call (Ad Break)
0:35:20 700 Interviews Later… What Jeff Still Didn’t Get
0:38:52 Afeni’s House & A Hidden Grave in North Carolina
0:39:47 A 240/10 Childhood: Poverty, Chaos & Survival
0:41:03 The N-Word, Audiobooks, and Knowing Your Lines
0:43:31 Sports as a Doorway Out of Small-Town Racism
0:46:20 Eric Davis, Barry Bonds & Learning Empathy the Hard Way
0:51:01 Saddest Book Yet: The Cost of Telling Tupac’s Story
0:52:01 Dream Get: How Jeff Would Interview Donald Trump
0:53:44 Next Book: A Nashville-Newsroom Memoir
0:54:44 Be Nice. It Works. (Industry Karma FTW)
0:56:41 Outro: Fade to Black in the Sunset Lounge

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Engel Angle: Navigating the "N-Word" writing Tupac Shakur's biography

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:00:17 -0600

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Engel Angle: A Fantasy Football Story Worth Hearing

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:00:18 -0500

No one wants to hear about your fantasy team, or your kids athletic exploits in select sports. However - Mac tried something different to see what would happen. Can a fantasy football team full of nothing but white dudes win a game?

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Engel Angle: She inspired Journey, passed on Playboy & that's not the most interesting part about Tane McClure

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:53:01 -0500

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She inspired Journey, passed on Playboy, ’sang’ for The Terminator & that’s not the most interesting part about Tane McClure | Engel Angle

Stolen Water Media LLC — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:50:54 -0500

Mac talked to singer/actress, director, writer, editor Tane McClure about her fascinating career and life. A music career that started when she was 17 morphed into movies, TV, Legally Blonde, Cinemax After Dark, Days of Our Lives and seemingly everything in entertainment. She did it all. 00:00 – 🎤 Meet Tané McClure: Rocker, actress, editor… and the real-life definition of “plot twist.” 03:37 – 🎸 From Backup Vocals to Backlot Chaos: The wild career turns of Tané McClure. 07:07 – 🎥 When the Mic Drops and the Cameras Roll: How Tané went from stage lights to film sets. 09:03 – 💔 The Story Behind “Faithfully”: Inspiration, heartbreak, and the Journey that wasn’t just a band. 16:32 – 🎭 From Singing to Screaming (on Screen): Tané’s transition from music to movies. 20:07 – 💪 Doubt? Never Heard of Her: Staying creative when the world says “no.” 27:38 – 🤖 The Terminator Called—She Answered: How Tané’s music ended up on The Terminator soundtrack. 34:14 – 🍸 Free Shows, Cold Drinks, and Hot Takes: A Sunset Lounge detour worth sticking around for. 36:57 – ⚖️ Hollywood, Morals, and the Fine Print: When the script says “tasteful,” but… is it really? 44:55 – 🫣 So… About Those On-Screen Nudity Clauses: The career moves that make you double-take. 49:10 – ☠️ Dying on Camera Like a Pro: Tané’s most memorable on-screen deaths (and how to sell it). 53:15 – 💋 Love Scenes and Fight Scenes: Turns out both are equally awkward. 54:59 – 🌵 Cactus 1, Actress 0: The desert stunt scene that literally stuck with her. 56:46 – 🎬 Director Shenanigans 101: Tricks, tantrums, and “Can we get one more take?” 58:08 – 🏆 From Actress to Award-Winning Editor: When “cut!” becomes a career move. 01:01:36 – 📺 Tenacious T vs. The Networks: Fighting for HD broadcasts and Betty White memories. 01:04:25 – 🐇 Inside Hef’s World: The surprising empathy behind documenting Hugh Hefner’s life. 01:08:52 – 😈 Why We Love the Villains: The psychology of bad guys done right. 01:10:59 – 🌟 Full-Circle Moment: Tané McClure looks back at one wild, creative life. Contact us: tengel@star-telegram.com Instagram: @macengelprof x: @macengelprof Tiktok: macengelprof  Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw  Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Engel Angle: Another reason to be mad at your parents

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:05:23 -0500

Mac was born in Cincinnati, and fell into supporting one of the worst teams in pro sports, the Bengals. Just so much pain. And hurt. Misery.

The pain prompted him to come up with the Top 10 Worst Sports Franchise To Be Born Into as a Fan

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Engel Angle: It's OK for Mitt Romney to watch Dua Lipa in concert

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:13:04 -0500

For this latest episode of The Engel Angle, Mac faces hard truths about getting older. Home projects are zero fun. Playing basketball is more hazardous to his health than a 6-pack of beer. He looks like a failed Presidential candidate.

And there should be no shame in jamming out at the Dua Lipa concert.

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Engel Angle: Is Miss America Dead?

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:05:39 -0500

Mac talks to former beauty pageant contestant, and current beauty pageant consultant, Jamie Kelton. Having competed in many Miss Georgia pageants, she is well versed in the realities of this career path. She spoke candidly about the eating, the clothes, the "parents," the beauty pageant fans, and if this type of thing has a place in 2025 America.

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Engel Angle: How a female CPA from Australia who lives in Canada became a sports betting expert

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:13:57 -0500

Mac talks to Jo Madden, a resident of Calgary who has a unique story of leaving the world of accounting to become an expert in sports wagering. She sets betting lines, and picks games of all shapes and sizes. You can find her at WagerTalk, BettingPros, and her own YouTube channel.

Plus, she and Mac discuss Bill Belichick's new girlfriend.

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Engel Angle: College football's inexplicably always-expanding bowl season

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:31:58 -0500

College football is here, and while the sport is awash in problems it's popularity remains almost unchanged. It's the second most popular sport in America, behind only professional football.

Mac's guest is Nick Carparelli, the executive director of Bowl Season. If it has anything to do with bowls, he has something to do with it. Nick talked to Mac about the current state of college football, and why the bowl schedule does nothing but grow and add more dates.

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Engel Angle: A podcast 30 years in the making between 3 high school friends who "made it" in sports journalism: Part II

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:51:09 -0500

Mac continues his conversation with high school friends Adam Alexander and Jake Query. Adam is currently the most prominent TV play-by-play voice for NASCAR, and Jake calls IndyCar racing and hosts his own sports radio talk show in his native Indianapolis.

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Engel Angle: A podcast 30 years in the making between 3 high school friends who "made it" in sports journalism

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:32:02 -0500

Mac is joined by Adam Alexander and Jake Query for the first of two episodes. Adam is currently the most prominent TV play-by-play voice in NASCAR. Jake hosts his own radio sports talk show in Indianapolis.

The connection? Mac, Jake and Adam graduated from Indianapolis North Central high school in 1991, and were in the radio/tv/film classes at the J Everett Light Career center as juniors and seniors. They aspired to have a career in sports journalism, and more than 30 years later they are doing what they wanted to do.

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Engel Angle: Can a middle aged white man do Livvy Dunne's ab workout?

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:00:10 -0500

Rather than take time off in the summer, Mac returns to try something else in his bid to fight the waistline. Mac believes in the power of exercise, and setting attainable goals while you go. On this episode, he tries former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne's ab routine. Will he live or die?
(FYI: This episode works MUCH better with the video).

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: One of the most influential people in college athletics

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:00:09 -0500

At Big 12 Media Days, Mac chats with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark to discuss the state of major college football, the future of the college football playoff, and the best advice he ever received.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle:

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:15 -0500

Award-winning and best selling author Mark Kriegel joins Mac to discuss his new book, "Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson."

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle:

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:15 -0500

Award-winning and best selling author Mark Kriegel joins Mac to discuss his new book, "Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson."

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Should the media be "fans" of the games they watch and cover?

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0500

With the NBA Finals starting, Mac jumps into a topic that has changed over the last two decades: Cheering in the press box. He grew up a Pacers fan, and he's not afraid to say he has "Pacer Pride." This sort of thing has been taboo in sports journalism, but we need to stop kidding ourselves.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Should the media be "fans" of the games they watch and cover?

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0500

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Why I'd Fail at Being a Blackjack dealer in Vegas

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 29 May 2025 11:16:04 -0500

Mac was recently a card dealer at a faux Choctaw casino inside a party tent at the Charles Schwab Challenge PGA Tour event in Fort Worth last week. It did not go without incident. Mac has enjoyed a lot of odd experiences just like this, mostly because he doesn't know how to say "No," isn't afraid of looking stupid, and because he might get a good story out of it.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Why I'd Fail at Being a Blackjack dealer in Vegas

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 29 May 2025 11:16:04 -0500

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Ron Thulin

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 21 May 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Ron Thulin has been in sports broadcasting for more than 60 years.

He has called Olympics, baseball games in Cuba, major college football but he's most known for calling the NBA on TNT. When media mogul Ted Turner created TNT in the late '80s, Thulin was hired as a play by play voice.
Ron talked to Mac about his career, and the relationship between TNT and the NBA, which ends soon. The NBA will no longer televise its games on TNT after this season. Ron discussed that, his TV show with Barry Switzer, and life on the road in the NBA.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Ron Thulin

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 21 May 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Ron Thulin has been in sports broadcasting for more than 60 years.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Mission Impossible 8 is good but here's the problem with Tom Cruise

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:16:27 -0500

Mac watched an advance screener for the 2025 summer blockbuster movie, "Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning." And while his experience in the theater was a mess, thanks to the person sitting next to him, he enjoyed the movie. What he doesn't like is one particular part about Tom Cruise. And it's not what you think.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Mission Impossible 8 is good but here's the problem with Tom Cruise

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:16:27 -0500

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: How Do You Know if Someone is "Washed"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

After attending the AC/DC concert in Arlington, Texas with his 16-year-old daughter, Mac got to thinking about what it means to be "washed up."

There are ages and stages to this moving target that all of us can't avoid.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: How Do You Know if Someone is "Washed"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

After attending the AC/DC concert in Arlington, Texas with his 16-year-old daughter, Mac got to thinking about what it means to be "washed up."

There are ages and stages to this moving target that all of us can't avoid.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Being shushed by Master's champion Rory McIlroy

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Now that Rory McIlroy has won the biggest golf tournament on the planet, The Masters, Mac is compelled to share a funny story about his "time" with the golf great. This "run in" happened during the PGA Tour event amid the fun that was the time of COVID, in June of 2020, when things were just a bit different.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Being shushed by Master's champion Rory McIlroy

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The Boy Wonder by Tim MacMahon

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:11:14 -0500

ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon has his new book on NBA All Star Luka Doncic done and finished. It was printed, and then he received a phone call that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka to the L.A. Lakers. A new chapter was added, and now Tim has the timeliest book of the year on shelves, "Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness." Tim joined Mac to talk about the book, and why the Mavericks made the biggest trade in NBA history.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The Boy Wonder by Tim MacMahon

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:11:14 -0500

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Explaining the growing success that is "Meow Wolf"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Mike Kopelman is the CFO of one of the growing sensation that is "Meow Wolf" and he talks to Mac about this odd phenomena. What started out as a unique tourist destination in Santa Fe, New Mexico is blossoming into an interactive entertainment option with spots in Denver, Las Vegas, Houston, Grapevine, Texas and soon to be Los Angeles.

Plus, Mac explains the torture of having a name that no one can spell correctly.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Explaining the growing success that is "Meow Wolf"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Plus, Mac explains the torture of having a name that no one can spell correctly.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Your Sports Bucket List

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0600

If you are planning a trip, here are the sporting events that you need to attend, and you don't need to be a fan of either team to enjoy the experience.

Mac lists his favorite "bucket list" sporting event destinations.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Your Sports Bucket List

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0600

If you are planning a trip, here are the sporting events that you need to attend, and you don't need to be a fan of either team to enjoy the experience.

Mac lists his favorite "bucket list" sporting event destinations.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The Real Reality of being an NFL "WAG"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:01:00 -0600

Kim Alexander was married to, and had two kids with, former NFL player, Elijah Alexander. She had "the fairytale" life. And then reality hit her family when Elijah was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that took his life, in 2010. She talked to Mac about the realities of being married to an NFL player, and going through the hell of caring for, and ultimately, losing her husband to cancer.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The Real Reality of being an NFL "WAG"

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:01:00 -0600

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Engel Angle Bonus: Valentine's Day From Hell

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:50:55 -0600

On this episode of The Engel Angle, Mac recounts an especially brutal Valentine's Day from his youth, when he looked like THIS.

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Engel Angle Bonus: Valentine's Day From Hell

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:50:55 -0600

On this episode of The Engel Angle, Mac recounts an especially brutal Valentine's Day from his youth, when he looked like THIS.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Engel Angle: John Isner on Dirk, the match he can't avoid, & hitting a serve 157 m.p.h.

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:24:00 -0600

With the Dallas Open this week in Frisco, retired American tennis pro John Isner talked to Mac about his long, fascinating career that may never have happened had he pursued what people his height normally do - play basketball.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Engel Angle: John Isner on Dirk, the match he can't avoid, & hitting a serve 157 m.p.h.

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:24:00 -0600

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The women's golfer who hopes to play with the men on the Legend's Tour

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:44:10 -0600

LPGA Tour veteran Angela Stanford retired from the game last year, and she joins The Engel Angle to talk about her more than 20 year career. A graduate of TCU, she has the distinction of having been in a sorority in college, something that likely would never happen today with a top tier NCAA Division I athlete. She has thoughts about the state of the sport, as well as her desire to potentially play in the Legends Tour. She and Mac also discuss the controversial topic of transgenders in sports.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: The women's golfer who hopes to play with the men on the Legend's Tour

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:44:10 -0600

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Don't kid yourself, the Dallas Cowboys are still "The Big Room."

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:26:46 -0600

In the latest edition of The Engel Angle, Mac does a throughline of the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job, which is now open after Mike McCarthy and team owner Jerry Jones could not come to an agreement about much of anything. Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman said on ESPN that he does not believe the Cowboys head coaching job is "coveted," for the obvious reason: Jerry Jones. Aikman has a point, but despite the many peculiar particulars of the job, the Dallas Cowboys are still the most visible team in North America's most visible pro sports league.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Don't kid yourself, the Dallas Cowboys are still "The Big Room."

Sunset Lounge DFW — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:26:46 -0600

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Concussions & the top 10 Christmas movies

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

For this latest episode of The Engel Angle, Mac discusses the reality of having a concussion. It's not fun. Because it's Christmas season, he lists his favorite Christmas movies.

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[PREVIEW] Engel Angle: Concussions & the top 10 Christmas movies

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

For this latest episode of The Engel Angle, Mac discusses the reality of having a concussion. It's not fun. Because it's Christmas season, he lists his favorite Christmas movies.

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Engel Angle: Thaddeus Matula

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:00:10 -0600

The SMU alum and Dallas resident unknowingly became one of the key figures in the return of the Mustangs' football program to national relevance. In 2010, Matula directed the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, "Pony Excess," the story of the SMU football team's infamous Death Penalty. SMU is currently the surprise of the entire college football season having been invited to the 2024 college football playoff. The award-winning filmmaker spoke to Mac about the film, among other topics.

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Engel Angle: Thaddeus Matula

Sunset Lounge DFW — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:00:10 -0600

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Engel Angle: Dana Benbow

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:48:48 -0600

Dana Benbow had never written a book before but was handpicked by Jeanette Lee, "The Black Widow" to write her memoir. The long time sports journalist at the Indianapolis Star worked on the book with Lee, while she was in the hospital receiving chemo treatments. The book is out now, and Benbow talked to Mac about this unique process as well as her career covering sports in the Midwest. She shares some great stories about former Colts QB Andrew Luck, fellow Ball State University alum David Letterman, and what stood out about Tom Brady's locker.

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Engel Angle: Dana Benbow

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:48:48 -0600

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Engel Angle: Deion Sanders

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:33:47 -0600

On the latest episode of The Engel Angle, Mac weighs in on a topic that is the rage of college football: Deion Sanders. Props to the second year coach at the University of Colorado for making that once dead program thrive. Also, let's not kid ourselves about Deion. Nearly every single big time college coach is a liar and a hypocrite, but what Deion did to Jackson State was just so wrong.

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Engel Angle: Deion Sanders

Sunset Lounge DFW — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:33:47 -0600

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Engel Angle: Anna Bright - Pickleball Pro

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 20:24:43 -0500

Pickleball is a thing, and it's thriving. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) comes to Dallas for its world championships this week, and the little game created in 1965 is pushing tennis off the court. Literally. Former Cal tennis player Anna Bright gave up the sport after college, and now she is one of the best pickleball players in the world. She talked to Mac about her career, making the jump from tennis to pickleball, and why this sport is growing so fast much to the dismay of tennis.

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Engel Angle: Anna Bright - Pickleball Pro

Sunset Lounge DFW — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 20:24:43 -0500

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Engel Angle - Jeanette Lee

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:19:17 -0500

She will never get the credit but Jeanette Lee was before her time.

Known all over as The Black Widow, Lee became a sensation in sports before Instagram, TikTok or any social media app. The woman who became one of the top pool players in the world has a story you may not believe. Lee appeared on The Engel Angle to talk about her new memoir, her life growing up in New York and the journey to becoming a household name through pool.

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Engel Angle - Jeanette Lee

Sunset Lounge DFW — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:19:17 -0500

She will never get the credit but Jeanette Lee was before her time.

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The Engel Angle: Halloween

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:05:00 -0500

This is Spooooookyyyyy

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The Engel Angle: Halloween

Sunset Lounge DFW — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:05:00 -0500

This is Spooooookyyyyy

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