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Courtside with Marc

Courtside with Marc

By: Marc Israel
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About this listen

A fan's view of the NBA and the people that make it so exciting.

© 2026 Courtside with Marc
Basketball
Episodes
  • Obba Babatunde: What 35 Years of Talking to Horses Taught Me
    Apr 9 2026

    You've seen Obba Babatunde on screen, but wait until you hear about his other life as a horse whisperer and professional rodeo competitor.

    The acclaimed actor and entertainer reveals his fascinating dual career with the all-Black Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, sharing wisdom that applies far beyond the arena. From explaining how Bill Pickett invented "bulldogging" by literally biting steers, to his core philosophy that "investment of time and consistency of behavior earns trust," Babatunde delivers insights about communication, respect, and building relationships.

    Key topics covered: • The hidden history of Black cowboys in America • Predator vs. prey psychology in horse behavior • Why most horse problems are actually human problems • Japanese business communication philosophy • The art of earning trust through consistency

    Thanks for listening to Courtside.
    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

    New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

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    19 mins
  • Glynn Turman: Partying with Kareem in 1965 and Why LeBron is "Built Like a Centaur"
    Apr 2 2026

    Glynn Turman has stories that will blow your mind — like attending Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's UCLA acceptance party in 1965 when it was so packed they ended up celebrating in the hallway of a Harlem project.

    At 79, this legendary actor just got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and describes LeBron James like poetry, calling him "built like a centaur but graceful as a gazelle." Glynn shares incredible stories from his New York roots, his 66-year entertainment career from Broadway's "A Raisin in the Sun" to Disney's current hit "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," and his evolving friendship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

    Key topics covered: • Kareem's 1965 UCLA acceptance party in Harlem • Growing up playing street games in Greenwich Village • 66-year entertainment career highlights • Current friendship with Kareem over shared interests in Black history and jazz • Lakers fandom and favorite players across eras • Current starring role in Disney's "Percy Jackson"

    Thanks for listening to Courtside.
    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

    New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Byron Scott: From Sneaking Into The Forum To Playing There
    Mar 26 2026

    Byron Scott drops some serious basketball knowledge and his GOAT take might surprise you. The 3-time Lakers champion explains why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest player ever and shares untold stories from his playing days with Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper.

    Byron went from sneaking into Lakers games as a kid in Inglewood to becoming part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. In this All-Star Weekend conversation, he opens up about his toughest opponents, his closest teammates, and why Larry Bird called Michael Cooper the best defender who ever guarded him.

    Key Topics: • Why Kareem is the real GOAT • Toughest opponents: Jordan, Miller, Isaiah Thomas • The "Three Amigos" bond with Magic and Cooper • Sneaking into Forum games as a kid • Modern NBA analysis: LeBron, Luka, KD

    Thanks for listening to Courtside.
    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

    New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
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