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Ever wondered what the NBA Finals sneakers of all time are? Or the story behind one of the greatest photos in NBA history? Or how to decorate sports shoes with a suit? The NBA and iHeartMedia’s new podcast, “Running Break with CJ and Alex,” aims to answer these questions and more.
There are so many podcasts out there that break down stat lines and records or numbers – and I love those. But a lot of the tunnel fit or the sneakers the players wear is how we enjoy the game,” said podcast co-host CJ Toledano. “There are ways you can be involved in the NBA 24/7, and I think we found that.”
Hosted by Toledano and Alex Wong, “Running the Break” focuses on the Xs and Os of the game and more on any and all off-court topics. Toledano and Wong aren’t just talking, though, as NBA players, broadcasters and others are already standing. Since its launch in May during the NBA playoffs, the podcast’s 13 episodes have included interviews with Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (golfing with the Curry family), TNT’s Adam Leftkoe (hanging with Shaq) and an NBA Finals fashion wrap-up discussion. With comedian Rob Haas.
However, the podcast couldn’t run without co-hosts Toledano and Wong — who joke that the offseason is “the time to raise the bar for basketball content.” But with their NBA content experience and NBA fashion expertise — including deep dives into specific topics like mid-1990s NBA jersey trends — they live up to their motto.
As for the best dressed NBA player of all time? Toledano and Wong disagree, with Toledano endorsing Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and Wong endorsing Hall of Famer and defensive maven Dennis Rodman.
Russell Westbrook (left) and Dennis Rodman (right).
“I’m going to go Russ,” Toledano said. “He takes chances, but then he knows how to do the basics right. It’s something you’ve never seen before. He did one.” Official photographer clothing fashion.
For Wong, Rodman took on the topic of how he helped inspire a league-wide outfit today.
“You look back at Dennis Rodman’s outfit – rock band tees, colored pants and trucker hats. These are the things most young players in the NBA now aspire to be. Fashion is just a statement for most people, right? I can’t think of anyone who defined himself better than Dennis Rodman.
In addition to hosting a podcast, Toledano is the founder of Watch – a creative studio focused on developing and producing sports entertainment content that ignites culture. He was previously the creative director of Home of Highlights and Bleacher Report, a content producer for the Detroit Pistons, and a stand-up comedian for 12 years.
CJ Toledano, co-creator of ‘Running the Rest’
“It all goes back to my childhood. I was the only Asian kid in my school, but I didn’t want to be called the only Asian kid — so I focused on what made me unique, which was my love of humor and basketball,” Toledano said. “I was a ’90s kid, so I wanted to dress up like Michael Jordan, which opened up the world of the game off the court to the interest in sneakers, memorabilia and trading cards. This podcast came from how I use the game.”
Wong is based in Toronto and produces another podcast, “The Raptors Show,” which is the No. 1 basketball podcast in Canada. He has written NBA articles for GQ, SLAM Magazine, Complex and more. He likes to tell unique and cool stories about NBA teams, including his feature on the Cleveland Cavaliers for GQ and their “Game of Thrones” fans.
“I remember watching ‘NBA Inside Stuff,’ and really enjoying learning about the players’ personalities behind the scenes. Growing up, most of the interest around basketball was collecting sneakers or jerseys and it’s nice to now be able to have a platform to have those conversations with our audience,” said Wong.
Wong’s book “Cover History” dissects the most iconic basketball magazine covers of our time. That book impressed Toledano and inspired him to want to work with Wong.
“That project is very different, and that’s why it came together. Alex goes deep into the corner of NBA fandom,” Toledano said. “We’ll have deep conversations about the most random NBA stuff.”
Toledano and Wong hope to “Running The Break” the relationship between basketball and fashion, both fashion allows players to express themselves and their personalities outside the court.
Vacation co-host Alex Wong on the run.
“You look at a 23-year-old player who may have just arrived in the NBA. It might be mixing streetwear with high-end stuff and designer names,” Wong said. “Then you look at a player who’s been in the league like Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James, they’ve got bigger guys, right? Everybody’s trying to get to individuality, and it’s good to see different age groups do it differently.
“These players must wear the same uniform during games,” Toledano added. Players are realizing the opportunity to communicate their identity and message once they step off the court, and it just starts with fashion.
Overall, Toledano and Wong aim to create unique NBA fashion and cultural content for the 2022-23 season. They hope to eventually speak with NBA stylists who work with the players and highlight the following WNBA players in the fashion space. For them, “Breaking The Break” will appeal to both hardcore and casual NBA fans.
“For hardcore fans, we’ll go into those deep cuts, but casual basketball fans can learn from the conversations we’re having.” “Our goal is for listeners to tune in and be entertained each week with a casual discussion of all things basketball.”
New episodes of “Running The Break with CJ and Alex” air every Wednesday and are available on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts and wherever podcasts are streamed.
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