Reality Check with Spence Checketts

Utes basketball coach Alex Jensen talks about Utah basketball

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Utes basketball coach Alex Jensen talks about Utah basketball

Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni joins Reality Check

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni joins Reality Check

Utes head coach Morgan Scalley talks about Utah football

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:47:00 -0000

Utes head coach Morgan Scalley talks about Utah football

Utes head coach Morgan Scalley joins 'Reality Check with Spence Checketts'

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:39:00 -0000

Utes head coach Morgan Scalley joins "Reality Check with Spence Checketts"

Jazz Postseason Primer with Tony Jones + Andy Larsen

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:08:13 -0000

The Athletic's Tony Jones and the Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen join Spence in-studio on the eve of the NBA Playoffs...

- A look back on the regular season
- Locker room vibe check
- Jazz vs Mavs series preview
- Quin scolds Andy
- Tony has takes, Andy pushes back with facts
- Is this the last dance? What changes will off season bring?

Reality Check Roundtable - Aaron Falk + JP Chunga

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 00:05:26 -0000

- Succession Power Rankings
- Creating content/balancing coverage in modern SLC market
- Donovan’s pod with Haynes
- Don’s community voice
- All-Woman broadcast of Jazz vs GSW
- Progress towards diversity in SLC?
- Who was JP’s better boss: Aaron or Spence?

Reality Check Roundtable with Julian Carr + Reece Peck

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 23:38:43 -0000

The Reality Check Roundtable returns with Spence, Julian Carr and Reece Peck

- Pro Skier/Extreme athlete Julian Carr
- Author/Professor Reece Peck
- Misinformation > bad behavior
- How to find accurate news
- Rise of cable/social media
- Utah's evolution as a state
- Favorite lie you were told growing up
+ more

Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Trey Fitz-Gerald

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 22:07:23 -0000

The fellas join Spence to discuss....

- RSL 2021 season
- Offseason preview
- Analyzing the roster
- Potential offseason moves
- Rusnak/Other negotiations
- Club ownership update
+ more

Reality Check Roundtable - Aaron Falk + Amy Donaldson

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:12:36 -0000

- Utah Football's response to tragedy
- Bronco's return vs BYU
- David vs Goliath in CFB
- Ryan Smith's love letter to Donovan
- White men dominating the local airwaves
+ more

Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Aaron Falk part II

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 18:44:46 -0000

The Athletic's Chris Kamrani and the Trib's Aaron Falk join Spence for an hour long roundtable discussion...

- Spence and the "Big Show"
- Gordon Monson on BYU/LGBT
- BYU and the Big 12
- European soccer is back!
- MLS is a hard watch
- CK loves Puddle of Mud

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Roundtable Discussion Part 7

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 16:08:13 -0000

- NFL/SEC send strong message on vaccination
- Are we headed for a fall with more restrictions?
- Amy records pod with Utah AD Mark Harlan
- Diversity(lack thereof) in media
- Utahans on the clock w/ Donovan Mitchell
- Fighting dangerous misinformation/propaganda

Reality Check Roundtable - Chris Kamrani + Aaron Falk

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:10:46 -0000

Chris Kamrani(The Athletic) and Aaron Falk(SL Trib) join Spence in-studio for another roundtable discussion on Reality Check...

- Falk's new gig with the Trib
- Utah Jazz season review
- Ryan Smith's first offseason
- Have we learned from bad fan behavior?
- Euro 2020 / USMNT
- RSL off to strong start
+ more

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part 6

Wed, 05 May 2021 22:19:44 -0000

CK and Amy join Spence in-studio for part 6 of their round-table discussions....

- Community pulse since election
- Disputing vaccine conspiracies
- Chauvin verdict reaction
- Dealing with online trolls
- Sunshine and tacos make Chris happy
- Amy's looming projects
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 10 / Morales + Beltran

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 21:15:21 -0000

In Episode 10...

- Javier Morales
- Tony Beltran
- Freddy Juarez era begins
- New young talent starts to find footing
- MLS season interrupted due to COVID
- Player protest first game back at Rio Tinto
- Del Loy X96 interview fall out
- What comes next?
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 9 / Beckerman + Rimando

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:08:51 -0000

Spence Checketts is joined by RSL originals Brian Dunseth and Trey Fitz-Gerald for The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake, a multi-part series on Reality Check…

- EPISODE 9 -
- Nick Rimando
- Kyle Beckerman
- Petke takes over for Cassar
- Promising start, disastrous finish for Petke
- Waibel rebuilds
- Birth of Royals/Monarchs
- Dunny is mad that Corey Baird scored a goal
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 8 / Jeff Cassar interview

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:15:31 -0000

In episode 8...

- Jeff Cassar interview
- End of Cassar era
- Craig Waibel takes over
- Truth behind Javier Morales departure
- Old guard to the new
- Cassar's first comments since RSL firing
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 7 / Chris Kamrani interview

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:20:28 -0000

In episode 7.....

- Chris Kamrani interview(Former RSL beat writer)
- Transition from Kreis to Cassar
- Final year under Garth Lagerway(GM)
- Gordon Monson(SL Trib) credential pulled
- Which iteration of RSL was the best(?)
- An awkward ending between Dunny and Cassar

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 6 / Chris Wingert Interview

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 22:48:34 -0000

- Chris Wingert interview
- Jason Kreis to Jeff Cassar
- First year under DLH
- A rivalry born with Sporting KC
- MLS Cup loss to KC
- Final year under Lagerway
- Dunny the GM???
+ more

RSL History Bonus Pod: Sit-down with RSL Interim President John Kimball

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:44:37 -0000

- Sit-down with RSL interim President John Kimball
- Kimball's return to Real Salt Lake
- Andy Williams departure
- Dell Loy Hansen legacy
- Vision of Dave Checketts
- The 'RSL Way'
- Future Expectations

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 5 /

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 22:24:21 -0000

- Latest on Andy Williams/RSL fallout
- Dave Checketts > Dell Loy Hansen
- Hansen tenure
- What's next for new ownership
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 4 / Clint Mathis Interview

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 23:21:50 -0000

- Clint Mathis chat
- Defending MLS cup
- CONCACAF
- Best team in RSL history
- 2013 heartbreak
- Rivalry w/ Sporting KC
- Kreis era
+ more

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part V

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:59:35 -0000

- A big announcement from Amy
- The art of interviewing
- Kamrani, blue whales and Bill Walton
- NBA mandates National Anthem to be played.
- Amy’s dad makes us feel soft
- Jazz are good. Spence thinks that’s fun.
- Spence regurgitate CK’s hot takes, apologizes.

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 3 / Garth Lagerway Interview

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 23:19:58 -0000

In Episode 3...

- Interview with Garth Lagerway
- 2009 MLS Cup title
- Roster Construction
- Playoff run
- Rimando heroics
- "Team is the star" vs "team of stars"
+ more

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 2 / Jason Kreis Interview

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 22:13:58 -0000

In Episode 2:

- 1 hour interview with Jason Kreis
- Real Salt Lake / Real Madrid duo
- Real Salt Lake vs Real Madrid(2006)
- Dave Checketts and David Beckham put gold shovel in ground, stadium appears
- Battle to build the RioT
- Ellinger/Pastorino to Kreis/Lagerway leadership

The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake / Episode 1 / Dave Checketts Interview

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:36:24 -0000

Spence, Trey and Dunny discuss the beginnings of Real Salt Lake. RSL founder Dave Checketts joins the pod for an hour. That and more in part 1 of The Comprehensive History of Real Salt Lake.

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part IIII

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:43:33 -0000

- Reaction to Jan. 6 insurrection
- More danger on the horizon?
- Trump impeached ... again.
- How to speak truth to conspiracies.
- NBA latest league to underestimate COVID
- Jazz one of five teams with fans in arena. Will the league step in?
- CFB season is done. Reflecting on the chaos.

NBA/Utah Jazz tip-off preview with Ryen Rusillo

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 23:07:32 -0000

An hour of local + national hoops talks with the Ringer's Ryen Rusillo...

- Building a small market winner
- James Harden...
- Gobert extension
- Jazz ceiling
- Lakers vs everyone else?
- NBA COVID concerns
- Worst character in The Office and why it's Pam
+ more

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part III

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:39:28 -0000

- The vaccine is here and Amy is happy.
- Vaccinate teachers ASAP
- Lack of media access through COVID. New normal or temporary?
- We enjoy interviewing athletes, but prefer them clothed.
- Utah Royals on the move
- RSL sale
- Effective altruism/charity
- Good riddance 2020

Brian Dunseth, Trey Fitz-Gerald and Real Salt Lake

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:24:40 -0000

Spence is joined by MLS/RSL analyst/former pro Brian Dunseth as well as longtime MLS/RSL front office man Trey Fitz-Gerald.
- Utah loses the Royals. Will they return?
- Complicated legacy of Dell Loy Hansen.
- Latest on sale of RSL.
- Don Garber comments.
- Rebuilding RSL on and off the pitch.
- Tease for next RSL project
- Big words from Trey
+ more

Julian Carr + Walker Willey round-table discussion

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 19:42:21 -0000

Julian Carr(professional skier/entrepreneur) and Walker Willey(entrepreneur) stop by for a round-table discussion on 2020, COVID's effects on the local outdoor industries, public transit and air quality, Utah political landscape, post-pandemic life + more

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion Part II

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:35:29 -0000

- Covering Sports during pandemic
- Utah vs ASU cancelled
- Utah vs UW set
- BYU CFP rankings
- Jazz allowing fans
- Amy vs Misogyny
- Changing generations of conditioning
+ more

Chris Kamrani + Amy Donaldson Round Table Discussion

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:43:00 -0000

Spence welcomes Chris Kamrani and Amy Donaldson for a round table discussion on COVID-19 in sports, what we learned from the 2020 election cycle, the current status of the state of Utah, possible solutions for positive progress + more

- Spence Checketts hosts The Drive daily from 2-6 on ESPN700.
- Chris Kamrani covers Utah football + more for The Athletic.
- Amy Donaldson covers sports, politics + more for the Deseret News and hosts the Voices of Reason podcast.

Subscribe, rate and review Reality Check wherever you get shows!

Recapping the first 13 games of the Jazz season + Tim MacMahon & Tom Haberstroh

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 02:45:12 -0000

The next episode of Reality Check is now here for you! The Utah Jazz are in the middle of their season, and we breakdown our impressions of the team after 13 games. Afterwards we have on Tom Haberstroh and Tim MacMahon to talk about the national story lines around the league.

We're back! + Quin Snyder Interview

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:52:27 -0000

We're back after a long extended break of the Reality Check podcast. Spence breaks down his coming to Broadway Media, and how he decided to accept the position with ESPN 700. Included in the podcast is Spence's conversation with head coach of the Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder.

Jerry Sloan Tribute + What is Utah's identity?

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 02:59:58 -0000

This week's episode of Reality Check, Spence and Braden breakdown what the Jazz's identity going forward, and a special tribute to longtime Jazz legend Jerry Sloan.

Russell Westbrook to the Rockets

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 02:04:42 -0000

Back with a breaking news podcast, Spence breaks down the Russell Westbrook trade to the Rockets, and hints at where CP3 will be going soon. How does Kawhi Leonard effect the rest of the West, and who truly are championship contenders. Finally, did the Thunder win the trade after all is said and done?

Ryen Russillo on NBA Free Agency

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 04:17:01 -0000

On this episode of Reality Check, Spence brings on Ryen Russillo to help breakdown all the madness around the NBA and try to make sense of what Kawhi Leonard may do.

NBA Free Agency Emergency Recap

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 03:19:29 -0000

On this episode of Reality Check, Spence breaks down all of the madness that went down on day one of the NBA free agency. From the Utah Jazz signing Bojan Bogdanovic to Ricky Rubio's massive new contract. Spence breaks it all down for you from the western conference to the eastern conference.

Free Agency Preview

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 21:00:21 -0000

This week on the Reality Check, Spence breaks down the last two weeks of the NBA including what the Utah Jazz should do this free agency with Derrick Favors, and what the rest of the NBA will look like come Sunday night.

Mike Breen

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:32:00 -0000

Spence talks to Mike Breen ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Bang!

Jimmer Fredette

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 01:14:04 -0000

A conversation with Jimmer Fredette of the Phoenix Suns.

A long form conversation with Jimmer Fredette

Thu, 30 May 2019 22:53:46 -0000

Spence sits down with BYU legend and Phoenix Sun Jimmer Fredette

Tony Jones

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:47:30 -0000

Spence catches up with Tony Jones of The Athletic.

David Stern

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Spence and NBA Commissioner David Stern catch up, dig into the league from a macro perspective, and touch on Commissioner Stern's post NBA activities.

NBA Playoff Podcast #1

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 01:13:09 -0000

Spence dives into round 1 of the playoffs, matchups, outcomes, strategy and schemes. He touches on the Laker situation, Golden State giving up a 31 points, Kawhi's future W or L, how to tackle James Harden, Portland's backcourt, OKC woes and more.

Ryen Russillo

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Spence catches up with old friend Ryen Russillo of ESPN and The Ringer.

Britton Johnsen

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Spence catches up with former University of Utah and NBA Forward, Britton Johnsen.

Spence talks Zion Williamson, LeBron getting shut down, the possibility of a Warriors-Bucks Finals, Russell Westbrook's 20-20-20 and more

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Spence talks Zion Williamson, LeBron getting shut down, the possibility of a Warriors-Bucks Finals, Russell Westbrook's 20-20-20 and more

Jeff Van Gundy

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Jeff weighs in on recent trades in the NBA, how to decrease the number of meaningless games in the league, Jim Dolan's fan ban, players and social media, and much more.

Spence talks Russ Westbrook & the Utah Jazz fan situation, the current state of the Lakers, Phil Jackson back to LA (?), and Jimmer Fredett

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 02:45:07 -0000

Spence talks Russ Westbrook & the Utah Jazz fan situation, the current state of the Lakers, Phil Jackson back to LA (?), and Jimmer Fredette returning stateside to play for the Phoenix Suns.

Mark Eaton

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Mark and Spence catch up on his era of Utah Jazz basketball, the new era, and what's happening with Mark off the court.

David Falk

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0000

David talks about his career, his relationship with Michael Jordan, current and former players, and much more.

Spence talks Lakers, LeBron's mogul phase, Zion Williamson, Player's Only, and Dirk Nowitzki

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:36:34 -0000

Spence talks Lakers, LeBron's mogul phase, Zion Williamson, Player's Only, and Dirk Nowitzki

John Starks

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0000

John and Spence talk about the path from humble beginnings to pop culture icon, the dunk, being a leader on a decade of great Knicks basketball, and much more.

Steve Young

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Steve Young and Spence discuss his rise and legendary success in the NFL, Joe Montana, personal challenges and triumphs, and much more.

Post NBA Trade Deadline Reaction Pod

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 03:44:28 -0000

Spence gets into KD's media outburst, 27 total deals leading up to the official trade deadline, the new apparent strength in the Eastern Conference, trade hits and misses, and where the Lakers go from here.

NBA Trade Deadline Special, All-Star Draft, and Howard Beck

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 08:04:35 -0000

Spence runs the gamut on trade activity within the league leading up to the deadline, does a mock All-Star draft with Vik, and catches up with Howard Beck on storylines around the league.

Dennis Lindsey (Part 2)

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 19:37:25 -0000

In part 2 of their conversation, Spence and Dennis talk about the state of the Utah Jazz, the current season, long term plans going forward and much more.

Emergency Podcast #1

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 01:38:27 -0000

Spence calls in for an emergency podcast to discuss Rudy Gobert's All Star snub, Kyrie potentially teaming back up with LeBron, the likelihood of an AD to the Lakers trade happening before the trade deadline, the strategy behind the Jazz working to trade for Mike Conley, the Knicks trading away KP in a possible move for KD and Kyrie, the new look Mavs, and LeBron's return to action and the Lakers' playoff possibilities.

Dennis Lindsey (Part 1)

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0000

In part 1 of their conversation, Spence and Dennis swap personal stories and much more.

Mike Wise

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Spence and Mike catch up on the state of journalism today, how covering the game has evolved over time, the LeBron vs. MJ debate, covering the Knicks for The New York Times and much more!

Spence talks Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving and their recent struggles, the 5 most entertaining players in the league, and NBA trade deadline

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 06:19:11 -0000

Spence talks Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving and their recent struggles, the 5 most entertaining players in the league, and NBA trade deadline activity.

Jason Kreis

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:16:00 -0000

Spence and Jason talk about his path to becoming a professional soccer player and eventual coach across the MLS and the United States men's national soccer team. Jason is currently tied for the fifth highest scorer in MLS regular season history, with 108 goals.

David Locke

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:23:03 -0000

Spence catches up with David Locke, CEO of Locked On Podcast Network and play-by-play announcer for the Utah Jazz.

Frank Layden

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0000

Frank Layden, Jazz legend and former head coach, joins Spence for an in-depth conversation.

Spence talks Anthony Davis to the Lakers, going from a losing culture to a winning one, Dolan selling the Knicks, whether everything NBA pla

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 07:47:00 -0000

Spence talks Anthony Davis to the Lakers, going from a losing culture to a winning one, Dolan selling the Knicks, whether everything NBA players say should make headline news, and the Boylen disaster in Chicago.

Frank Isola and Spence catch up on NBA headlines, coaches around the league, LeBron, the NFL and more.

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 04:33:00 -0000

Frank Isola and Spence catch up on NBA headlines, coaches around the league, LeBron, the NFL and more.

Spence shares his views on Rudy Gobert's ejection, whether small market teams get officiated differently, league surprises, league disappoin

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0000

Spence shares his views on Rudy Gobert's ejection, whether small market teams get officiated differently, league surprises, league disappointments, Allen Iverson's top 5 all time and how it's different from his own.

Spence talks Urban Meyer and the value add of a great head coach, Kevin Durant's comments on LeBron, the current NBA media landscape, and hi

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 07:17:00 -0000

Spence talks Urban Meyer and the value add of a great head coach, Kevin Durant's comments on LeBron, the current NBA media landscape, and his favorite Pat Riley story.

David Checketts (Part 2) on leaving the Jazz, working for the league and eventually the Knicks organization, Patrick Ewing, turning the Knic

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0000

David Checketts sits down with Spence to discuss his tenure with the New York Knicks & Madison Square Garden. Topics discussed include: leaving the Jazz (2:30), negotiating with Pat Riley and Patrick Ewing (9:09), turning the Knicks into a winning franchise (36:32), John Starks' 2-18 performance (41:02), Pat Riley leaving for Miami (45:19), the Jeff Van Gundy era (56:25), and Dave's legacy on the Jazz and Knicks franchises (1:07:58). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.

David Checketts (Part 1) on being the youngest NBA executive in history, his relationship with David Stern, turning around the Utah Jazz org

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0000

David Checketts sits down with Spence to discuss his early career at Bain and then the Utah Jazz. Topics discussed include: Dave's current work (5:01), his relationship with David Stern (8:12), the difficult early years with the Utah Jazz (21:41), making the Jazz relevant and formidable (26:41), Frank Layden's importance (32:39), and Dave's decision to leave the Jazz (43:27). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.

Spence talks Golden State chemistry, Gordon Hayward's return to Utah, and what's next for Melo. Plus Mailbag #1.

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 08:30:00 -0000

Spence talks about the Draymond Green-Kevin Durant situation (06:28), Gordon Hayward's return to Utah (23:47), Carmelo Anthony's legacy (40:08), and finishes things off with his first listener mailbag (49:29).

Jeff Van Gundy (Part 2) on the modern day NBA, Kevin Durant and the Warriors, Tim Duncan vs. Karl Malone, the impact of social media, Quin S

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0000

Part 2 of Spence's conversation with ABC/ESPN NBA basketball analyst and coach Jeff Van Gundy concentrates on the modern day NBA. They discuss the state of the league, Kevin Durant and the Warriors (1:39), Tim Duncan vs. Karl Malone (4:55), the impact of social media on the league (6:34), alcohol and addiction (19:01), current coaches (23:49), Donovan Mitchell (26:40), health scares (28:10) and whether Jeff will coach again (32:27). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.

Jeff Van Gundy (Part 1) on coaching against Michael Jordan, great Knicks rivalries, and his relationship with David Stern

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0000

ABC/ESPN NBA basketball analyst and coach Jeff Van Gundy sits down with Spence to discuss the Jordan-era. Topics discussed include: new generation of basketball fans (3:47), Anthony Mason (10:50), Pat Riley (13:55), the Knicks-Heat rivalry (16:11), coaching against Mike (20:50), the MJ vs Lebron debate (36:14), Reggie Miller as a "Knick killer" (40:14), and his relationship with former NBA commissioner, David Stern (46:06). Visit realitycheckpod.com to subscribe.

Introduction

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 04:47:00 -0000

Join Spence on his new podcast where he sits down with NBA players, coaches and front office executives for in-depth conversations about the league, the game, and life.