This week on Take It Personal, we’re breaking down Super Bowl night: the game (we’ll be quick), the commercials (why they felt oddly underwhelming), and the halftime show that had us fully locked in.

We talk the big ad themes (hello crypto/AI), the spots we actually remember, and the ones that mysteriously didn’t show up. Then we go full deep-dive on Bad Bunny’s halftime performance—sugar cane symbolism, a real on-field wedding twist, surprise appearances (yes, Lady Gaga in Spanish), and the flags finale that gave actual goosebumps.

After that, we pivot to the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies: why the celebrity choices felt confusing, Shaun White’s “infomercial energy” in the booth, and the Lindsey Vonn discourse—comeback mentality, risk, crash mechanics, and why the 40+ crowd felt seen.

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We’re recording this episode 48 hours after the Grammys, and it’s clear none of us watched the same show.

Between the Recording Academy’s YouTube premiere ceremony, the red carpet, CBS, Paramount+, and the group chat, the Grammys felt less like one event and more like five stitched together.

In this episode, Steph, Will, and Jamie break down:

• Why the pre-show and premiere ceremony felt more musically honest than the main broadcast
• How the Recording Academy actually works, and why music’s lack of a union still matters
• Standout performances from the night, including the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, Lauryn Hill’s R&B legends moment, Reba McEntire, and Tyler, the Creator
• Why the “New Artist” showcase exposed how strange Grammy categories have become
• Fashion hits, misses, and Cam Newton cosplay
• And our recurring question of the night: are they okay? — unpacking Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and more

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Sports aren’t just games—they’re emotional, social, and deeply personal. In this episode of Take It Personal crew, dig into the psychology of sports: why fandom becomes part of identity, how community turns wins and losses into shared experience, and why certain sports moments stay with us for life.

We talk about:

• How sports shape identity across different phases of life
• Why is community the multiplier that makes sports feel meaningful
• Team-first vs athlete-first fandom—and the generational shift behind it
• The Olympics as storytelling, politics, and national identity
• Serena Williams’ dominance and the emotional challenge of “what comes next”
• How modern media and streaming choices affect how we experience sports
• Why wearing team gear after a loss still matters

If sports have ever made you feel something bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

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