This episode of The Starting Lineup delivers a mix of chaos, comedy, and high-level hoops talk as self-proclaimed “March Madness junkie” Todd Yearack joins the show. He kicks things off with unforgettable stories from his internship days alongside Ned Reynolds at KY3, complete with green screen mishaps, unexpected studio evacuations, and the kind of behind-the-scenes moments that remind you live sports media has always been a little unpredictable.

👉 Jump into the full conversation here and hear the stories for yourself.

From there, the focus shifts to the Final Four, where the conversation breaks down what makes this stage so different. The group dives into how playing in massive dome stadiums can impact everything from shooting depth perception to overall rhythm, adding another layer of pressure to already high-stakes matchups. It highlights how small environmental factors can quietly swing big games.

On the court, the spotlight turns to matchups like UConn Huskies men’s basketball vs. Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball, blending analysis with personality-driven debate. There’s also a broader conversation around fan perception and coaching styles, including the strong reactions that follow figures like Danny Hurley, and how that energy feeds into the overall tournament narrative.

The episode also looks ahead, diving into the Women’s Final Four and the growing impact of NIL on the sport. As top programs continue to attract elite talent, it raises bigger questions about competitive balance and what the future of women’s college basketball could look like. It’s a conversation that blends past, present, and future—packed with laughs, insight, and plenty of March Madness energy.