The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

Mike Carpenter and Trevor Vallese reflect on the week that was, including Illini coaches and staff protesting and marching in Champaign and Luke Ford's Twitter response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mike Carpenter reacts to Lovie Smith's appearance on Mike Tirico's "Lunch Talk Live" on NBC Sports Network.  Later, he has a conversation with John Paul (former WCIA 3 anchor and reporter, retired professor at University of Illinois College of Media) about the current state of journalism.

Mike Carpenter opens up discussing Adam Miller, Ayo Dosunmu and Brad Underwood's reactions to the protests. Later, he welcomes on Antonio Adams (co-host of A Squared Podcast, federal sergeant) to talk about race and law enforcement issues.

Mike Carpenter talks with Isaac Trotter (Post Bulletin in Rochester, MN) on the protests in Minneapolis.  Later on, Harry Black and Trevor Vallese rank Big Ten football stadiums and discuss best case scenarios for the 2020 Illini football team.

Mike Carpenter welcomes on Boswell Hutson, publisher of Champaign Showers. They discuss the local media landscape, the future of the music scene in CU, and life in a "micro-urban" community like Champaign.

Mike Carpenter, Harry Black and Trevor Vallese react to the Illinois athletic department's plan to welcome back student athletes (along with a discussion as to what "student athlete" means).  Later, a bonus interview with Chuck Koplinski, film critic and co-host of the "Reel Talk" podcast.

Mike Carpenter welcomes back co-host emeritus Steve Breitwieser for a "state of the program" episode, focusing on the good news/bad news of Lovie Smith's recruiting and the remarkable turnaround for Brad Underwood's basketball team.

Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Harry Black recap the final episodes of The Last Dance.  They tell tales of the Legend of Gimpy Pippens, take a brief look at the history of the post-Jordan Bulls, and wonder if the "poisoned pizza" was poisoned after all.