The 15th episode of the 2025 season features host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Nancy Hays. We're truly grateful to Nancy for agreeing to share her fandom journey with us, as well as a very special passion project of hers that connects to Chicago sports history. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or just have an overall love of sports, the…

After some of Brett Ballantini's idiotic, angry and/or questionable ramblings in our staff discussions, Malachi Hayes suggested a ... debate? ... of sorts, centered around the White Sox trade of Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays at the deadline last week. You don't have to listen to the podcast to determine who won the debate: If you are a "gut" …

Bayleigh and Chrystal return to talk about a busy few weeks in Major League Baseball. The Trade Deadline: Winners? Losers? What on earth is AJ Preller thinking? Carlos Correa returned to his cheating ex The Mariners made big moves The Phillies picked up several pieces, and the Twins had a fire sale The Yankees picked up some terrible pitchers, and …

Brett Ballantini, Joe Resis and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach gathered together to look back at the month of July in the White Sox farm system, with special attention paid to the surging Birmingham Barons. Topics? Yeah, we got 'em: A rundown of all six teams in the system, spotlighting the likelihood that due to some "tiebreaker" shenanigans in the Arizo…

Claire joined Chrystal to chat about the Mariners and help break down the upcoming White Sox series. Here is what they discussed: What's new with the Mariners How we talk about players during the trade deadline is a little gross The Mariners are good but not great right now Pitching matchups: Bryan Woo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert The 17-game s…

The White Sox roared ... well, squeaked ... through the trade deadline, sending off only Adrian Houser and Austin Slater and getting back all of three minor league pitchers (only one of them even listed on any teams top 50 prospects) and one utility infielder. Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, talk about the Wh…

Happy 100 episodes! Chrystal failed to acknowledge that in the episode, but we can all celebrate it here. Brett Haffner is back to chat with Chrystal about the Phillies and help preview the upcoming series. Here is what they talked about: What's new with the Phillies Weird games Kyle Schwarber's All-Star Game experience Is Bryce Harper coming aroun…

Nick Mear joined Chrystal O'Keefe ahead of the Crosstown Classic to talk about what's happening on the North Side and preview the upcoming White Sox series with the Cubs. Here is a bit of what they talked about: What's new with the Cubs The recent dip to second place and foundational cracks being exposed A hot streak from the Brewers Trade deadline…

The 14th episode of the 2025 season features host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach with a special edition of Ladies’ Night-turned-Family Night with guests Shaun and Sage Bollenbach. Melissa’s husband and son join her to discuss several topics related to the upcoming Crosstown Classic showdown between the White Sox and the Cubs this weekend at Rate Field. Wh…

It's been a while, but Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to discuss what's going on around Major League Baseball. Mac Miller Day and the White Sox putting up over 20 runs against the Pirates Red Sox lose 10-game winning streak, now have lost 2 in a row to the Cubs Are the Red Sox for real? Will Craig make additions at the deadline? Number 1 overall pi…

Jason Collette of RotoWire and FanGraphs joined Chrystal to talk Tampa Bay Rays baseball, preview the series, and catch up on what's happening around the league. Here is what they talked about: What's new with the Rays? Steinbrenner Stadium and the idiosyncrasies of playing at a smaller (and dome-less) ballpark Rating the offseason and addressing n…

In the 13th episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi/South Side Sox writer/podcaster Delia Ritchie joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, r…

Graves is back this season to talk about the Pirates and help break down the upcoming series with Chrystal. The Pirates and White Sox both sit at the bottom of the Central Division and have plenty of unfortunate similarities, and Graves does a great job of pointing out their commonalities. Here is what Chrystal and Graves talked about: What's new w…

The White Sox headed into the All-Star break needing just a .754 winning percentage the rest of the way to avoid a losing season. So with that in the bag, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, look to matters of the field, including the draft. The Sox are gaining a lot of praise from professional evaluators for fir…

Patrick joined Chrystal again to briefly discuss what's going on with the Guardians and help break down the series. Here is what they talked about: What's new with the Guardians A bad stretch and mounting frustrations Pitching has not been an issue Trade rumors Rating the offseason and trade deadline hopes Can the Guardians catch up to the Tigers, …

The gals on our minors crew abandoned us for June, so it's Joe Resis joining Brett Ballantini for a snapshot of the Sox minors that focuses heavily on the big names at the top of the system: A quick rundown of all six teams in the system, only one of which is in line for postseason play at the moment The incredible MLB debut of Colson Montgomery, a…

The 12th episode of the 2025 season features host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and her guest Robyn. We're truly grateful to Robyn for agreeing to share her fandom journey with us and discussing several topics related to our beloved — or, depending on the day, despised — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for …

Stephanie joined the podcast to chat with Chrystal about the Rockies and help preview the upcoming series. As a fan of both teams, Stephanie has the rare insight on cheering for historically bad teams, with only one World Series championship in her lifetime between the two. Here is what Stephanie and Chrystal talked about: What's new with the Rocki…

Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast correspondent, Will, took the cowards’ way out this week and recorded Sharing Sox before said Sox began a series at Dodger Stadium. Their prediction for that series may not be pretty, but the White Sox face no real pressure to win, as compared to when they next travel to Colorado and need to do wel…

Tavi, who gives tours of Dodger Stadium, joined Chrystal to share insight, fun stories, and to help preview the upcoming series. Here is what was discussed: Tavi's time on movie and TV sets relating to baseball What's new with the Dodgers Some timetables on pitching returns and Tyler Glasnow's rehab stint Ben Casparius Was Shohei Ohtani rushed back…

Well hey there, strangers, it's been a couple of months since our last mothership podcast. But with a day off falling right at the midpoint of the season and a platform change to Riverside.fm in progress, it seemed a reasonable time to sit down and talk White Sox baseball. To that end, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Kristina Airdo and Hannah Filippo join…

Britt, who contributes to the Casual Diehard/Willets Pen family, joined Chrystal to preview the upcoming series with the Giants and talk about how pitching is pretty cool. Here is what they talked about in a longer and somewhat silly episode: What's new with the Giants? Have you heard of a player named Rafael Devers? Buster Posey's new role Rating …

The 11th episode of the 2025 season features host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Julie Swieca-Gannon. We're really grateful to Julie for agreeing to come back midway through the season to continue sharing her journey with us and discussing several topics related to our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a …

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to opine about the last two weeks of baseball. Here is what the ladies talked about: The Rafael Devers of it all, featuring internet trolls Dennis Santana's suspension after trying to hit a fan The Dodgers and Padres feud, and how LA gets away with everything Will Tyler Glasnow ever be healthy? Sammy Sosa's return to …

Ruth Kapelus, board member and newsletter editor for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), joined Chrystal to discuss our neighbors to the north, the Toronto Blue Jays. Here is what was discussed: What's new with the Blue Jays? With the AL up for grabs, can the Blue Jays snag a wild card spot? Trade deadline moves Rating the offseason …

In the 10th episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi/South Side Sox writer, podcaster, and editor Kristina Airdo joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone. S…

After some jerk sabotaged a cable in his neighborhood the day before, West Coast correspondent Will Allan was able to fire up his copper wire to connect with duty geezer and father, Leigh ... on the Isle of Man! Yes, No. 146 is the first international edition of Sharing Sox and most likely the only international podcast in the South Side Sox/Sox Po…

Taylor Streiff, formerly of Redbird Rants, is back to talk about Cardinals baseball and help set up this next White Sox series with Chrystal. Somehow, there is nothing new but a lot going on in St. Louis. Here is a rundown of what Chrystal and Taylor discussed: What's new with the Cardinals? Ollie Marmol is getting better at making decisions, espec…

In the ninth episode of the 2025 season, Sox Populi podcaster Delia Ritchie joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and our special guest Kirsten Ramos. Kristen is the CEO of her own company, Elevate Performance Solutions, a community advocate for common-sense public safety laws to reduce gun violence, and the den mom of the 108. Melissa and Delia talke…

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about everything happening in Major League Baseball and the state of their respective Sox. A quick note: Towards the end of the episode, Chrystal brought up Pete Alonso tying David Wright for second place on the franchise home run list. Moments after the recording ended, Alonso nuked another home run, giving h…

We had the full South Side Sox minors crew together (Joe Resis, Kristina Airdo, Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Hannah Filippo) joining host and reluctant minor league recapper Brett Ballantini to discuss recent trends and the overall look of the system, along with discovering how badly Brett can beat a bad joke into the ground. With a full crew, we opted…

Michael "Lux" Farina joined Chrystal for a quick update on Kansas City and a series preview. The Royals will make the trip up to Chicago for a three-game set full of good pitching matchups. Here is what we talked about: What's new in Kansas City? Jac Caglianone's recent call-up and first MLB hit Who did Michael pick for last place in power rankings…

Brandon Day of Bless You Boys joined to discuss the Tigers and help break down the series. Having quite a year, the Tigers have stormed into first place in the AL Central, reminding everyone that they are the team to beat. And they're only getting healthier, and unfortunately, better. Here is what Chrystal and Brandon talked about: The Javy Báez re…

With the advertised deadline for trading Luis Robert Jr. gone, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and west coast corespondent, Will, start off looking at some other trade possibilities. Will suggests Miguel Vargas’ resurrection may not be for real and this would be a good time to trade him and get valuable returns. Leigh suggests one of the young …

Dream, of For The Numbers Fantasy, joined Chrystal to chat about the sorry state of the Baltimore Orioles and help preview the upcoming series. The White Sox and Orioles face each other in what could be a mid-off after a slow start from the O's, and well, Chicago being uninspiring after a painful, record-breaking season in 2024. Here is what we tal…

Jesse Spector joined the show to chat about the New York Mets and the upcoming series with the White Sox. Could Chrystal have answered all of these questions, considering her dual fandom? Yeah. But what is the fun in that? Here is what they talked about: What's new with the Mets? Hot April, cold May Juan Soto has had a slow start, and Pete Alonso h…

In the seventh episode of the 2025 season, Kristina Airdo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for everyone…

Bayleigh and Chrystal are back to chat about what's new in Major League Baseball: The Red Sox and White Sox are bad The Tigers managed to get it right What on earth happened to the Orioles? Rafael Devers drama Red Sox City Connects and how team stores suck Pete Rose Kolten Wong retires at 34 after not playing since 2023 The other side of 30 can be …

Berlin Kofoed, also known as Cube, joined to discuss the upcoming Chicago White Sox-Seattle Mariners series. Despite the piled-up injuries and lack of pitching depth, the Mariners still lead the American League West and have maintained a winning record. Here is what we talked about: What's new with the Mariners? Were offseason needs met? Would've, …

Sara Sanchez from Bleed Cubbie Blue joined to chat about the upcoming Crosstown series and what's going on over on the North Side. The Cubs have been on fire lately, leading the National League Central, but not everything is perfect at The Friendly Confines. Sara talked about the issues Chicago's other baseball team sees, and the chaos that always …

Is it sheer coincidence that with a White Sox fan in charge of things in the Vatican the team won three out of four prior to this recording? Duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and current Ohio Valley correspondent (while doing a play in Cincinnati) Will delve into the papal impact, as Will points out that suffering is a major factor in Catholicism…

In the sixth episode of the 2025 season, Allie Wesel, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach and guest Courtney Finnicum to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's…

Wick Terrell, editor of Red Reporter, is back to talk about the upcoming White Sox opponent, the Cincinnati Reds. The last time we chatted was ahead of the Eloy Jiménez appendicitis series in May 2023. But with a new manager (Terry Francona) and the absence of long-time Red Joey Votto, we're looking at a fresh team. Here is what we talked about: Wh…

In the fifth episode of the 2025 season, Hannah Flippo, South Side Sox writer/editor and Sox Populi writer/podcaster, joins host Melissa Sage-Bollenbach to discuss several topics related to baseball, sports, and our beloved — or despised, depending on the day — South Siders. Whether you're a die-hard White Sox fan or not, there's something for ever…

The incomparable Chris Towers joined the podcast to give an update on the Marlins, break down the series, and make jokes about being old. You might know Chris from his work over at CBS Sports and the Fantasy Baseball Today newsletter. Here is what we discussed: What's new with the Marlins Rating the offseason Is this a rebuild? Kim Ng's plague upon…

Continuing our 600th podcast celebration, Brett Ballantini had the Sharing Sox duo of Leigh and Will Allan on, for the very first time together, the mothership. We attempted to make zero references to the 2025 White Sox, but failed. Still, this is mostly contemporary White Sox-free: Revisiting the first episode, Sept. 9, 2020, and acknowledging tha…

To commemorate the 600th Sox Populi Podcast, we had podcasting mainstays Chrystal O'Keefe (Visiting Dugout, Soxy Chicks, Estrogen Power Hour, et. al), Joe Resis (Sox Pop on the Farm) and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach (Ladies' Night) on to discuss the past four-five years of podcasting at Sox Populi and South Side Sox. Brief acknowledgement was made for S…

Somehow it's been more than 10 months since our last Farm podcast, so we returned with authority — namely, three authorities (Joe Resis, Kristina Airdo, Hannah Filippo) and a host (Brett Ballantini). We spent an hour covering each affiliate ... yes, even the Winston-Salem Dash: An assignment for the missing Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, and a last chanc…

Friend of the pod Kevin O'Brien is back to talk to Chrystal about a division rival — the Kansas City Royals. After winning a series against the Houston Astros (thanks to the rain!), the White Sox embark on a four-game series against Bobby Witt Jr. & Co. Tune in to hear what Kevin said about the Royals and how this series might play out. Here is wha…

Recording on the day after Luis Robert Jr. stole a grand slam and then knocked in four runs himself, duty geezer Leigh Allan and his son and (while he’s in a play in Cincinnati) Ohio Valley correspondent, Will, call for the White Sox to trade Luis before another game is played, taking whatever a contending team will offer. Said urging by people who…