Bandwagon Beach

Padres sale/ownership news & SDFC pummels Pumas

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this morning, I went live on Substack to talk about how and why my San Diego Padres pessimism is maybe turning into some optimism after Sheel ...

Day 108 of waiting for A.J. Preller's extension

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Monday! Well, kinda. I did not like the tenor of…well, anything really….that was coming out of the San Diego Padres FanFest at Petco Park th...

Yelling about Yu Darvish & the local media

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve been steaming ever since it turned out that Yu Darvish, who reportedly was planning to retire and void the remainder of his contract with the S...

Padres offseason recap (so far) + other stuff

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I’m still testing out a bunch of Substack features, including continuing to play with the live video. Today, following the news that the Mets had tr...

LIVE Venting Session: Padres & the world

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It had been long enough since I had yelled into a microphone and I missed doing it. So, I flipped on a live video (partially to test our the Substack ...

Jim Russell says goodbye to San Diego radio

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While John is still recovering from The Crud, Darren catches up with former colleague, Jim Russell, from the Jon & Jim Show on AM 760 and The Wrap...

Jim Russell says goodbye to San Diego radio

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While John is still recovering from The Crud, Darren catches up with former colleague, Jim Russell, from the Jon & Jim Show on AM 760 and The Wrap...

PREVIEW: Padres SP Michael King is back! What comes next?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's show talking about where they are in their Christmas shopping and how they're planning to tackle that i...

Padres SP Michael King is back! What comes next?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's show talking about where they are in their Christmas shopping and how they're planning to tackle that i...

PREVIEW: Fancy dress & darts from Ally Pally

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro don't know what to talk about today, which is how they end up spending a bunch of time talking about Los Angeles Rams WR...

Fancy dress & darts from Ally Pally

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro don't know what to talk about today, which is how they end up spending a bunch of time talking about Los Angeles Rams WR...

PREVIEW: Basking in the glow of the NBA Cup

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The New York Knicks are 2025 NBA Cup Champions and Darren Smith traveled from San Diego to Las Vegas to watch it happen in person. He and John Gennaro...

Basking in the glow of the NBA Cup

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The New York Knicks are 2025 NBA Cup Champions and Darren Smith traveled from San Diego to Las Vegas to watch it happen in person. He and John Gennaro...

PREVIEW: Broke team behavior

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Darren Smith gets ready to jet off to Las Vegas to catch the Knicks in the NBA Cup final, he sat down with John Gennaro and talked about a whole ho...

Broke team behavior

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Darren Smith gets ready to jet off to Las Vegas to catch the Knicks in the NBA Cup final, he sat down with John Gennaro and talked about a whole ho...

Weekend Recap: Padres rumors, NBA Cup travel plans & inspiration from Philip Rivers

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro reconvene after the weekend to talk about the sports that they watched, including the semifinals of the NBA Cup (leading...

Weekend Recap: Padres rumors, NBA Cup travel plans & inspiration from Philip Rivers

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro reconvene after the weekend to talk about the sports that they watched, including the semifinals of the NBA Cup (leading...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview and the importance of sports journalism

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off today's podcast with a conversation about sports journalism and sports media and the relationship between thos...

Weekend Preview and the importance of sports journalism

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off today's podcast with a conversation about sports journalism and sports media and the relationship between thos...

PREVIEW: Eric Gomez on Chucky's future with SDFC & Mexico, Philip Rivers' return to the NFL & new potential Padres ownership

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast episode with an NFL quiz and a conversation about Philip Rivers, who has unretired to join the ...

Eric Gomez on Chucky's future with SDFC & Mexico, Philip Rivers' return to the NFL & new potential Padres ownership

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast episode with an NFL quiz and a conversation about Philip Rivers, who has unretired to join the ...

PREVIEW: A San Diego Padres exodus?

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by talking about the future of Section 1904 and announcing a survey that will be sent to everyo...

A San Diego Padres exodus?

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by talking about the future of Section 1904 and announcing a survey that will be sent to everyo...

PREVIEW: Reckless Padres trade speculation & World Cup thoughts

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following a report from Kevin Acee in the San Diego Union-Tribune that A.J. Preller was working on a potentially "massive trade" that would be compara...

Reckless Padres trade speculation & World Cup thoughts

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following a report from Kevin Acee in the San Diego Union-Tribune that A.J. Preller was working on a potentially "massive trade" that would be compara...

Kevin Acee from the MLB Winter Meetings

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Monday! That means that today's episode of the podcast is free for all subscribers (both paid and unpaid). And, lucky you, we have on the show to...

Kevin Acee from the MLB Winter Meetings

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Monday! That means that today's episode of the podcast is free for all subscribers (both paid and unpaid). And, lucky you, we have on the show to...

Cesar Hernandez reacts to the World Cup draws for USA & Mexico

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After today's 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, Darren Smith chatted with ESPN's Cesar Hernandez about the draws for the U.S. Men's National Team and the Mexi...

PREVIEW: Cesar Hernandez reacts to the World Cup draws for USA & Mexico

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After today's 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, Darren Smith chatted with ESPN's Cesar Hernandez about the draws for the U.S. Men's National Team and the Mexi...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview: All quiet on the San Diego front

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro took a few minutes away from watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw to do a weekend preview. They'll be back with a react...

Weekend Preview: All quiet on the San Diego front

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro took a few minutes away from watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw to do a weekend preview. They'll be back with a react...

Mikey Varas reflects on the end of San Diego FC's season

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, Darren Smith sat down with Mikey Varas, the head coach of San Diego FC, while the team was packing their bags and heading into the ...

Mikey Varas reflects on the end of San Diego FC's season

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, Darren Smith sat down with Mikey Varas, the head coach of San Diego FC, while the team was packing their bags and heading into the ...

PREVIEW: Preparing for a chaotic World Cup

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Mexico, Canada and the United State of America, is set to have its draw tomorrow. The leaders of all...

Preparing for a chaotic World Cup

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Mexico, Canada and the United State of America, is set to have its draw tomorrow. The leaders of all...

PREVIEW: Padres check-in & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro respond to some recent video of Joe Musgrove, talking about what he wants to see in the next San Diego Padres owner, and...

Padres check-in & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro respond to some recent video of Joe Musgrove, talking about what he wants to see in the next San Diego Padres owner, and...

Waiting on everything

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk about San Diego FC, and the situation with Hirving "Chucky" Lozano that will be hanging over the team this offseaso...

PREVIEW: Waiting on everything

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk about San Diego FC, and the situation with Hirving "Chucky" Lozano that will be hanging over the team this offseaso...

The past & future of San Diego FC

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first ever season for San Diego Football Club came to an end on Saturday night, when they lost in the Western Conference final to Vancouver Whitec...

The past & future of San Diego FC

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first ever season for San Diego Football Club came to an end on Saturday night, when they lost in the Western Conference final to Vancouver Whitec...

PREVIEW: Giving thanks + Thanksgiving wine shopping guide

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro check in on each other's Thanksgiving day plans and talk about the NFL's slate of games for the day before celebrating a...

Giving thanks + Thanksgiving wine shopping guide

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro check in on each other's Thanksgiving day plans and talk about the NFL's slate of games for the day before celebrating a...

PREVIEW: Snap(dragon) Reaction: SDFC advances to Western Conference final

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After calling San Diego FC's thrilling 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC, punching SDFC's ticket to the Western Conference final of the MLS Cup Playoff...

Snap(dragon) Reaction: SDFC advances to Western Conference final

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After calling San Diego FC's thrilling 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC, punching SDFC's ticket to the Western Conference final of the MLS Cup Playoff...

Weekend Recap & SDFC/Minnesota United preview

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith checks in on how John Gennaro's ribs went over the weekend before the guys explore their own excitement over tonight's playoff game betwe...

Weekend Recap & SDFC/Minnesota United preview

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith checks in on how John Gennaro's ribs went over the weekend before the guys explore their own excitement over tonight's playoff game betwe...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview: Can SDSU make the College Football Playoff?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start the podcast by discussing the anxiety around smoking a rack of ribs but quickly get into a weekend preview by rank...

Weekend Preview: Can SDSU make the College Football Playoff?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start the podcast by discussing the anxiety around smoking a rack of ribs but quickly get into a weekend preview by rank...

PREVIEW: Keith Costigan talks 2026 World Cup & 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start today's podcast by trying to make sense of ESPN's new relationship with MLB teams and what it might mean for San D...

Keith Costigan talks 2026 World Cup & 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start today's podcast by trying to make sense of ESPN's new relationship with MLB teams and what it might mean for San D...

PREVIEW: Remembering Randy Jones & talking MLS Cup Playoffs

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off the episode by remembering their former coworker, San Diego Padres legend Randy Jones, who passed away this mor...

Remembering Randy Jones & talking MLS Cup Playoffs

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off the episode by remembering their former coworker, San Diego Padres legend Randy Jones, who passed away this mor...

PREVIEW: San Diego FC is a breath of fresh air

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by talking about some technical difficulties and jokingly being called out by a "rival" Padres ...

San Diego FC is a breath of fresh air

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by talking about some technical difficulties and jokingly being called out by a "rival" Padres ...

A very late Weekend Recap

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro had conflicting schedules on Monday, so the usual early Monday weekend recap got moved to late afternoon. As such, the g...

A very late Weekend Recap

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro had conflicting schedules on Monday, so the usual early Monday weekend recap got moved to late afternoon. As such, the g...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview: Rain!

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro preview the weekend ahead, starting with an explanation of what weep holes are and how to clean them ahead of this weeke...

Weekend Preview: Rain!

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro preview the weekend ahead, starting with an explanation of what weep holes are and how to clean them ahead of this weeke...

REACTION: Seidler family exploring sale of Padres

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

News broke this morning that the Seidler family is looking for investors to take ownership of the San Diego Padres, marking the end of the Peter Seidl...

REACTION: Seidler family exploring sale of Padres

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

News broke this morning that the Seidler family is looking for investors to take ownership of the San Diego Padres, marking the end of the Peter Seidl...

PREVIEW: Dennis Lin: "It's very Padres, if you think about it."

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dennis Lin from The Athletic joins Darren Smith and John Gennaro from the MLB GM meetings in Las Vegas to talk about the San Diego Padres hiring Craig...

Dennis Lin: "It's very Padres, if you think about it."

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dennis Lin from The Athletic joins Darren Smith and John Gennaro from the MLB GM meetings in Las Vegas to talk about the San Diego Padres hiring Craig...

PREVIEW: "A.J.'s decision" to hire Craig Stammen as Padres manager

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John's back from his trip to New Orleans and, after the guys talk a bit about what makes New Orleans so special and John talks about the World War II ...

REACTION: "A.J.'s decision" to hire Craig Stammen as Padres manager

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John's back from his trip to New Orleans and, after the guys talk a bit about what makes New Orleans so special and John talks about the World War II ...

Weekend Recap: Craig Stammen introduced & SDFC Advances

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Monday! That means it’s the Weekend Recap episode, which is always unlocked for everyone whether you’re a paid subscriber or just checking ...

Weekend Recap: Craig Stammen introduced & SDFC Advances

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Monday! That means it’s the Weekend Recap episode, which is always unlocked for everyone whether you’re a paid subscriber or just checking ...

Andy Green talks about new Padres manager Craig Stammen

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With John out of town, Darren talks with former San Diego Padres manager Andy Green about new San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen, who had Andy Gre...

Andy Green talks about new Padres manager Craig Stammen

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With John out of town, Darren talks with former San Diego Padres manager Andy Green about new San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen, who had Andy Gre...

PREVIEW: Padres (finally) hire a manager while SDSU tries to keep Sean Lewis

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Schaeffer from Jon & Jim on San Diego Sports 760am joined Darren Smith and John Gennaro today and we promise that there is plenty of San Diego...

Padres (finally) hire a manager while SDSU tries to keep Sean Lewis

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Schaeffer from Jon & Jim on San Diego Sports 760am joined Darren Smith and John Gennaro today and we promise that there is plenty of San Diego...

PREVIEW: Game Preview: San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers (Game 3)

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off today's episode with a conversation about Tom Brady (and Paris Hilton) cloning dogs and how this is all exactl...

Game Preview: San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers (Game 3)

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off today's episode with a conversation about Tom Brady (and Paris Hilton) cloning dogs and how this is all exactl...

Why can't the 7-1 SDSU Aztecs fill up Snapdragon Stadium?

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by highlighting the criticism of San Diego State's attendance by the head football coach of the...

PREVIEW: Why can't the 7-1 SDSU Aztecs fill up Snapdragon Stadium?

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast by highlighting the criticism of San Diego State's attendance by the head football coach of the...

Weekend Recap: Padres & SDFC are driving us crazy

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro battled some internet issues while recapping a wild weekend that included the Los Angeles Dodgers winning games 6 & ...

Weekend Recap: Padres & SDFC are driving us crazy

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro battled some internet issues while recapping a wild weekend that included the Los Angeles Dodgers winning games 6 & ...

Let's raise money for Rady Children's Hospital

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are lucky that the children of San Diego have a place like Rady Children's Hospital in town when the worst happens. Not just because of their exper...

Let's raise money for Rady Children's Hospital

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are lucky that the children of San Diego have a place like Rady Children's Hospital in town when the worst happens. Not just because of their exper...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview & the shifting power dynamics of players & coaches

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this extra long episode to get you ready for the weekend, Darren Smith and John Gennaro discuss the San Diego Padres' search for a new manager and ...

Weekend Preview & the shifting power dynamics of players & coaches

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this extra long episode to get you ready for the weekend, Darren Smith and John Gennaro discuss the San Diego Padres' search for a new manager and ...

PREVIEW: The real "San Diego discount"

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off the podcast talking about mischief they have gotten into, and avoided, when they were much younger. They then ...

The real "San Diego discount"

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro start off the podcast talking about mischief they have gotten into, and avoided, when they were much younger. They then ...

PREVIEW: Halloween candy, Padres manager search update & data (or data)

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast with a conversation about their preferred Halloween candy and their process for handing out can...

Halloween candy, Padres manager search update & data (or data)

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's podcast with a conversation about their preferred Halloween candy and their process for handing out can...

TV Talk: The Diplomat, season 3

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Since Darren Smith and John Gennaro both recently wrapped up watching season 3 of Netflix's show The Diplomat (after they had both recently binge-watc...

PREVIEW: The longest World Series game

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk about the nearly-seven hour long Game 3 of the World Series, eventually won by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Tor...

The longest World Series game

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk about the nearly-seven hour long Game 3 of the World Series, eventually won by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Tor...

Weekend Recap: SDFC & SDSU dominate while the Padres keep us waiting

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro recap the sports weekend that was in San Diego, starting with San Diego FC winning their first ever playoff game in fron...

Weekend Recap: SDFC & SDSU dominate while the Padres keep us waiting

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro recap the sports weekend that was in San Diego, starting with San Diego FC winning their first ever playoff game in fron...

Weekend Preview: The Cheesecake Factory menu of sports weekends

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro preview what John calls "The Sports Equinox Weekend" and what Darren refers to as "The Cheesecake Factory menu of sports...

PREVIEW: Weekend Preview: The Cheesecake Factory menu of sports weekends

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro preview what John calls "The Sports Equinox Weekend" and what Darren refers to as "The Cheesecake Factory menu of sports...

Amahl Pellegrino: "San Diego is the only club I wanted to play for in America"

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith chatted with San Diego FC winger Amahl Pellegrino this week and the two of them discussed Pellegrino's recent hot performance, his Scanda...

PREVIEW: The FBI arrests an NBA head coach & player

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro go through the news of the day, starting with the story about the FBI arresting Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chaunc...

The FBI arrests an NBA head coach & player

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro go through the news of the day, starting with the story about the FBI arresting Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chaunc...

PREVIEW: Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Preview (with Joe Lowery)

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's show with some gratitude and appreciation for people in their lives that are going through some stuff b...

Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Preview (with Joe Lowery)

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro kick off today's show with some gratitude and appreciation for people in their lives that are going through some stuff b...

PREVIEW: Outside-the-box ideas for the next Padres manager

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After talking a bit about the 2025 World Series matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk ...

Outside-the-box ideas for the next Padres manager

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After talking a bit about the 2025 World Series matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk ...

Weekend Recap: SDFC clinches 1st place & Padres begin manager search

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Smith and John Gennaro spend the first half of the podcast reflecting on a dominant win for San Diego FC in Portland on MLS Decision Day. The g...