OverDrive - June 11, 2026 - Hour 2 - Jim Nantz/Darren Dreger
Jim Nantz, the legendary CBS broadcaster, joins OverDrive for a candid and colorful conversation that blends sports storytelling, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes revelations. He recounts the iconic 'glorious and free' call from Nick Taylor’s 72-foot putt at the RBC Canadian Open—a moment that became a career-defining phrase, born not from preparation but pure emotional spontaneity. Nantz reveals how his deep preparation with Trevor Immelman and his role as a narrative architect elevate the broadcast experience, while also sharing intimate stories from his Pebble Beach backyard, where golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and even Tony Romo have made hole-in-ones. The episode also pivots sharply to the NHL’s current chaos: Darnell Nurse’s trade request, the Edmonton Oilers’ internal turmoil, and the controversial player-led coach interviews that have sparked debate about power dynamics in professional hockey. Darren Dreger unpacks the fallout, including the NHL’s ongoing investigation into Mike Babcock and the ripple effects on the Stanley Cup Final, where Carolina and Vegas battle amid distractions. Nantz’s presence underscores the contrast between timeless sportsmanship and the modern game’s escalating dysfunction.
The phrase 'glorious and free' was not scripted—it emerged spontaneously after Nick Taylor’s 72-foot putt, triggered by the Canadian anthem playing in the background.
Jim Nantz prepares for tournaments by researching players’ unique stories and tendencies, not just stats, to create compelling narratives for broadcast.
Nantz’s backyard at Pebble Beach has hosted over 20 elite golfers and athletes, including Jack Nicklaus and Tony Romo, who’ve made hole-in-ones on his custom course.
Darnell Nurse’s trade request is a high-stakes negotiation: his $9.25M cap hit and no-trade clause make him nearly untradeable unless teams absorb significant salary.
The Edmonton Oilers’ players reportedly interviewed Mike Babcock and Peter Laviolette—marking a controversial shift where player influence may now extend to coaching hires.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening: Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final & Darnell Nurse Trade Rumors
The episode opens with a preview of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, featuring speculation on Carolina’s lineup, Freddie Anderson’s status, and the growing controversy around Darnell Nurse’s trade request. The hosts debate whether the Oilers will accept a salary dump or trade him to a team willing to absorb his $9.25M cap hit.
The 'Glorious and Free' Moment: A Story Behind the Call
“I just washed over me, and I said it glorious and free, and I thought, well, wait a minute, was that okay to say that?”
Jim Nantz’s Prep Process: Storytelling Over Stats
Nantz details how he prepares for major tournaments by researching players’ personal stories, not just performance data. He emphasizes his role as a storyteller who sets up themes for commentators like Trevor Immelman.
Pebble Beach Backyard: Where Legends Play
“He stood over the shot and he knocked it in the hole. No way. Come on. He did. I cannot make it up.”
Jack Nicklaus & the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal
Nantz reveals a personal moment of awe: presenting Jack Nicklaus with the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2015, calling him his boyhood idol and admitting he’s still intimidated by him.
“But when it did, I just washed over me, and I said it glorious and free, and I thought, well, wait a minute, was that okay to say that?”
“And he stood over the shot and he knocked it in the hole. No way. Come on. He did. I cannot make it up.”
“That bobblehead could be at a waste site. Or someone from TSN took it. Yes, exactly. Why did I bring this up? You knew it was coming.”
Hosts
Guests
Edmonton Oilers
organization
Darnell Nurse
person
Carolina Hurricanes
organization
Vegas Golden Knights
organization
Jim Nantz
person
RBC Canadian Open
other
Darren Dreger
person
Mike Babcock
person
Pebble Beach
place
Jack Nicklaus
person
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OverDrive - June 1, 2026 - Hour 2 - Justin Williams
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