In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we welcome Paul Perillo—editor of Patriots.com and co-host of Patriots Unfiltered. Paul brings decades of New England sports experience to the mic, with stories spanning from Everett High to the Boston Herald newsroom and into Gillette Stadium’s media room.

We dive into his early athletic career, the hustle of breaking into sports journalism, and the evolution of youth sports and sports media. Paul reflects on working with legends like Bill Simmons, Michael Felger, Tony Massarotti, and Mike Reiss, all while bringing humor and humility to his journey.

Highlights include:

• Growing up in Everett’s sports culture • Playing baseball at BU & becoming team captain • Breaking into the Boston Herald • Covering high school, college & pro sports • Patriots insider stories & working with the Krafts

Whether you’re a sports fan, aspiring journalist, or nostalgic for old-school ball, this episode’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro 03:25 Growing up in Everett and early sports memories 08:45 Writing sports articles while playing for Everett 23:00 Baseball at BU and the story of becoming a college pitcher 36:24 Getting inducted into the BU Baseball Hall of Fame 40:25 Breaking into journalism at the Boston Herald 46:00 Working at the Herald with Tony Massarotti, Michael Felger, and Bill Simmons 53:45 Transitioning to the Patriots in 1999 1:04:30 Why all wide receivers are divas (except Larry Fitzgerald) 1:19:18 The 2001 Superbowl - The start of Patriot dynasty 1:30:30 Inside the Media 1:38:25 Patriots pick at #4 1:46:56 Advice for an aspiring sports writer

Links & Mentions:

🔵 Official website of the New England Patriots 🎙️ Patriots Unfiltered Podcast 🏒 Don Lucia speech on Player Development 🏈 The Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham 📰 Boston Herald Sports 🐺 Northeastern Athletics

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.

We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.

Highlights include:

• How Friends Talking Shop got started • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard • Street hockey stories (and injuries) • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper

Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro 07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie 13:12 The Stretch Zone 20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps 22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit 26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity 30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips 38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun 48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells” 54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer 1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist 1:07:59 Show Wrap Up

Links & Mentions:

🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast 🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor) 📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC 📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max 🧘 Stretch Zone 🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok) 🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper 📺 The Trial of Karen Read 🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Lee Richards, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the original guitarist for Godsmack. Lee takes us through his career—from the early days of forming one of rock’s biggest bands to stepping away for fatherhood, and now, gearing up for his first solo album, Lee Richards & Friends.

We explore his journey through music, working with legends, and how he balances rock and family life. He shares untold stories from the road, the inside scoop on writing hit songs, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the industry.

Highlights include:

• Godsmack Origins & Leaving for Fatherhood • The Reality of the Music Business • Songwriting Secrets & Collaborating with Rock Legends • The Craziest Crowd Lee Ever Played For • Balancing Music & Family Life • What’s next? Lee Richards’ debut solo album

Lee’s stories are raw, real, and full of wisdom—whether you’re a music fan, an aspiring artist, or just love a great conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Mack & G Show 01:00 – Meet Lee Richards: Godsmack Origins 08:20 – Forming Godsmack & Early Days in the Band 12:40 – Why Lee Left Godsmack for Fatherhood 17:04 – The Harsh Reality of the Music Business 19:50 – Lee’s Songwriting Process & Inspiration 33:50 – Working with Producer Dave Jerden 43:40 – The Most Surreal Crowd Lee Ever Played For 48:31 – Touring in the U.S. vs. Europe: Key Differences 53:45 – Lee’s Upcoming Solo Album Lee Richards & Friends 56:42 – How Lee Balanced Music & Fatherhood 1:03:42 – Advice for Young Musicians Today

Links & Mentions:

• Another Animal on Spotify • Dropbox on Spotify • Godsmack on Spotify • Dropbox - Wishbone • Another Animal – Black Coffee Blues • Another Animal – Broken Again • John Kosco & Lee Richards - Touché • Richards/Crane feat. Myles Kennedy - Black & White (Official Video) • Bamboozled.Boston Podcast • Jordan vs Bird C64 Gameplay • Russell Autobody in Pelham, NH • Fletch - Put it on the Underhills Tab

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