Episode 46 - Andy Serling, horse handicapper

10/19/20 • 48 min

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We talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling.
He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America.
The New York Racing Association handicapper talks about falling in love with his home track of Saratoga, how race tracks without crowds are "sad" and how a horse's name impacts its odds.
Andy describes how much research he does on each race, why he backs his picks with money and his hopes for big crowds after Coronavirus.
And why he wants to share a Blanton's bourbon with Philip Roth at Saratoga.

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Episode 45 - Ruaridh Jackson, ex-rugby player and Glenturret whisky

We talk to former Glasgow Warrior and Scotland rugby player Ruaridh Jackson.
We talk about retiring early due to Covid and transitioning to a career in whisky and gin.
He tells us about the re-launch of Glenturret, Scotland's oldest working distillery, describes his frustration at the recent closures of the Scottish hospitality industry and the importance of alcohol for a winter in Scotland.
Ruaridh describes the highs and lows of his rugby career, mental health in sport and learning to drink whisky to unwind after games.
He tells us about his Garden Shed Gin business, ignoring criticism on Twitter and why he wants to share a Balvenie 14 with Bob Marley on a Scottish beach.

Next Episode

Episode 47 - David Kwong, puzzler and magician

We talk to the multi-talented David Kwong about puzzling during lockdown, missing live audiences and his love of bringing magic to the big and small screens.
David has leaned into the virtual world, hosting instagram live puzzles and now has a full set in his basement for the sold out 'Inside the Box' show.
He tells us about compiling puzzles for the New York Times, his favorite magic history stories and working on movies like Now You See Me - where he had to literally tape a coin to Morgan Freeman's hand - and shows like Deception and Blindspot.
We talk about the science of magic, taking advantage of faulty wiring in the brain and his TED talks about it.
And he tells the amazing story of Chung Ling Soo.
David drinks a Talisker 10 while I enjoy a Bunnahaibhain - which has the same Scrabble tile value as his name.