Bill Walton on Basketball, The Grateful Dead, and Life (April 3, 2022)

[@davidcurtis7547]

Love Bill Walton and Al Franken . Two of the best at doing what they do , and Deadheads like me . Thank you , thank you , thank you

[@plm8550]

Bill's on a cosmic, psychedelic mind trip of optimism & gratitude that only love can fill.

[@SupergurlKara]

I saw Bill Walton seated in a casino bar in Las Vegas circa 1999. When he got up, it was clear he was in pain, and he walked very slowly. I'm glad his health has improved.

[@gulfmarine8857]

Bill Walton is a legend and a powerhouse of humanity.

[@bryanmachin3738]

I have to admit that when I was a kid I despised Bill Walton for beating Dr. J. in the 1977 NBA finals, and likewise I was no fan of the Celtics in the 80s either. HOWEVER, he is a great dude, so magnanimous, and so grateful for overcoming all of these back problems. What an inspiration, and just a fundamentally decent person!

[@MP-tf7cc]

Yeah 1977 and 1986 were special seasons in the NBA. Sorry about that 😂

[@bryanmachin3738]

@@MP-tf7cc True, but 1983 was the best season by far!! 👍

[@Valerie-mz4et]

Wow, this is the only man I’ve ever heard talking about women's basketball that much and with that knowledge. I’m so glad he got his back surgery and is still with us! Amazing!

[@janetplanet8746]

Bill is such a trippy mensch. I love you both. (only) 21 shows.

[@leebrock4783]

I'm always amazed at Bill's level of energy and positivity. He's kind of a regular guest of Dan Barrero on KFAN radio here in Minnesota, and he never fails to lift my spirits and level of hope for humanity. Thanks Al, awesome show. 🙏

[@bobnolin9155]

Wonderful interview. Walton is a treasure. Have a grateful day!

[@NoSacredCowFla]

I met Bill Walton once at a Dead Show in '78 or '79 in San Diego at Golden Hall. He was sooo tall and I was short and high. 🤣 Oh and "Eyes of the World" still raises the hair on my arms.

[@laurab1057]

I don't know anything about sports, so I never heard of Bill Walton, but my gosh, I love this guy! I had a similar experience, laid up for 35 years , so I relate to him. He is just wonderful and someone I would love to meet. I'm so glad I heard about him. Thank you Al Franken!

[@miket4560]

Thanks Mr. Frankin. What a great clip to start my day. Please keep making them and I'll keep watching them. It's a good deal. 🇨🇦

[@bettyveronica9880]

It's almost painful for me to have to wait for Al's podcast a whole week! 😉

[@frisco21]

About 1977 or so, I remember seeing Bill hitchhiking on a busy street in Portland. Shocked the hell out of me. I circled the block with the intention of offering him a ride but somebody beat me to it and had already snatched him up.

[@johnburns6488]

Your best podcast ever. I knew Bill Walton was a basketball superstar, but I learned he is much, much more than that. You handled the podcast perfectly…you stepped back and let him do his thing.

[@energyideas]

Lori Walton, champion of Freedom Dogs. So important, thanks for this podcast to highlight the org that supports the vets.

[@1961burn]

all-star knows what it's like to be a fan :) great interview, so hopeful

[@fatfreddyscat5767]

I don't need coffee this am...I played this at 1.5 speed✌️

[@adamsbrew]

Two of my very favorite peeps together for an hour! Fantastic! Thanks to you both. Haven't been to a Dead show since the 70's, but was able to get to over 15. Back when San Francisco was the center of the universe.

[@hifitommy]

THAT was one of the FASTEST 42+ minutes i have ever spent. i may not be a deadhead but i must have missed my chance. thank you Al and Bill!

[@robertking7269]

The music never dies you still have a chance

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Man, this was FANTASTIC... Thank You, Al... THANK YOU, BILL WALTON! Peace, Love & Equality for ALL... xo

[@scrubjay93]

OMG I love Bill! I have wanted to write to him to tell him a story for a long time. When he first came to Portland on the Trailblazers in the 70s, my dad and his friend owned Bill's apartment. One night dad picked me up at the Portland Zoo where I volunteered for the old Portland Zoo Research Center in junior high and high school. Before going home, Dad said he wanted to stop by Bill's apartment to make sure something had been fixed--can't remember what, maybe a thermostat. I think he probably wanted to introduce me to Bill too. He knocked, but nobody was home. MY DAD OPENED THE DOOR AND WENT INSIDE!! 😮I was maybe 15 years old--teenage girl. I didn't want him to go in, but I followed him in. I didn't touch a thing--I was nervous to be in there when nobody was home so I just stood in the living room. My dad was an absolute saint and everyone loved him--I don't even know if he knew it was against the law. He didn't touch anything either--just checked on whatever it was and then we left. His buddy was Al Miller, who had something to do with Portland Audubon--maybe board of directors or something. He probably played with my dad on the Pacific NW Volleyball League Portland team in the 60s/early 70s. The only things I remember were a big pile of basketball shoes spilling out of a closet, a couch that looked made for a giant (I was 5'2"), and a Native American photograph on the wall. Dad took me to one of the Trailblazer games too 😊 Everyone in my family was a big fan. I am a huge fan of Al Franken and wait impatiently every week for his podcast--I haven't even listened to this episode yet, but I was so happy to see it was with Bill Walton.

[@brucemclennan9715]

Nice story; I’m a big Bill Walton fan too, and Al Frankel fan as well.

[@JamesPriest-vk8dd]

RIP Big Bill .. Fire on the Mountain

[@princebowie9950]

Bill kept going back to bright side of road & see what love can do. He's amazing.

[@harrymontgomery5268]

He went to Mt. Helix high school in San Diego. My mom was a high school English teacher at Mt. Helix. He was in her class.

[@patriciamartinez-lx8dy]

Al this podcast was great and inspiring to listen to. Full of encouragement and humor. Really enjoyed listening to Bill Walton.

[@douglaslowe5]

i need some of what Bill is having, optimism wise!

[@mpetry912]

what a great guy he is ! full of energy, optimism and energy. Really enjoyed this one Al ! (for a change) thanks !

[@Lulu-ue2lj]

Omg I’m so happy to hear this. Thank you Al

[@thomassmith-s4i]

Bill for President. I am dead serious. Al for VP. You might think it should be the other way around, but... here are two old guys who can do the job, ten times over. Imagine a president 100% invested in all the right issues, and one with the sincerity and energy of Bill Walton.

[@mcdaniels6188]

"It's hard to play basketball with a broken back". Never tried it, but certainly can't doubt that wisdom!

[@perryolsen1370]

Franken and Davis! I grew up watching a vhs of that Radio City Music Hall concert with Franken and Davis introducing the Dead. And then there was the part at the break where one of them drops Jerry's guitar. "We're going to do an hour of comedy. We have a deal worked out with the Dead. The longer we're on the less they can play."

[@energyideas]

Old and in the way, great tribute to Jerry

[@vickiroberts7947]

What a great interview. I'm so happy mr. Walton got the surgery and the relief he needed to remain a positive force in the world. I've been suffering from severe back pain for years and years and know how debilitating it can be. If only we had the health care in this country so that everybody could have the same opportunity to get well, not just the connected and wealthy. I'm also legally blind due to stargardt's disease and have been thinking about a service dog since we just had to put our 14 year old beloved border collie, Rudy, down a week ago. So I found mrs. Waltons involvement in that organization very commendable. Rays of sunshine. I wish there were more people like them in the world.

[@zackamania6534]

We need Bill backing AL FOR 2024!

[@jameslyons3320]

Bill is brilliant and made me feel REAL GOOD!!! THANKS, AL✌️😍‼️

[@agentorange81]

Saw bill at a phish concert ,or i just fell asleep watching American dad lol awesome he is a nice guy for real

[@jayhalley2642]

Love you Al. New York in general and America in particular need you’re brilliant persona back in Washington D.C. Senator jilly gillabrand needs to be removed . Take her seat Al. Take her seat. Take her seat. Thanks Al.

[@bicycle697]

Couldn't agree more!!!!

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Turns out one of my favorite legacy NBA players is also a REALLY great and cool person! Thanks Al!!

[@Digital-Dan]

Great interview. Tom Tolbert, ex-warrior San Francisco sports broadcaster, does a great take-off on Walton, emphasize his non-stop colorful schtick. But there is greatness behind it.

[@zackamania6534]

11:00 Old And In The Way - great album by Jerry and Dawg

[@BlueBaron3339]

Was never into sports though the Boston Celtics were forced upon everyone where I grew up and I have very vague memories of Walton turning up at some key juncture or another to great effect. But that's not what I remember about Bill Walton. I hated jocks and this is really why I continue to detest sports. Jocks are thugs. Jocks are thick. They beat up me and my friends every friggin day, especially when we'd refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance during the Vietnam War. But Bill Walton was and remains a thoughtful, full-featured human being and I just love the guy.

[@citythink]

Here not long after Bill’s passing. Just an absolute gem of a human being. The pairing of two of my loves; basketball and the Dead. And of course Al… why do I always picture Al with a helmet with a satellite dish on it? 😂❤ I still think of Al whenever I write “Lying Liars.” Wish he would run again. RIP Bill Walton

[@stevenbell8208]

Walton speaks the "rare and different tune". Al and Bill..2 Heads living very interesting American lives. "I prepare for GD shows" = "I'm trying to get my Space together"(classic fan quote from the Dead Movie). This is a great, informative, and entertaining conversation. Ol' Bill can/will talk all day..and I'll listen.

[@cosmonaut9942]

Hey Al, you and I met backstage at a Dead show at Winterland. It was the closing of Winterland and you and Tom Davis did a bit. Three sets. Ended at daylight with breakfast for 2000. I love your podcast, especially when it's about the Dead.

[@dwdavis5977]

This is just wonderful. Positive Energy Galore! (PEG)

[@chillywillie6283]

I selfishly thought l had ten more years of listening to the wisdom, intelligence and insightfulness of Bill Walton so l am soaking up all the previously unseen interviews and Bill Walton stories l can find on the internet.

[@orffrocks5667]

very touching

[@OwenRob1975]

Bill Walton is an American treasure!!!!!

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

What an incredible human being. RIP Bill. Will always miss you.

[@user-livetoknow]

Wow, what a resilient man. And a beautiful human. Infectious inspiration. We need a pandemic of Infectious inspiration.

[@stevenwiedel3122]

Mr Walton has a mind like a steel trap, greased with acid and love. What a conversation!

[@DSJonesWriter]

Love Bill and Al!

[@stevenschultz1833]

This is the first time i saw this Last monday bill passed so sad im a big time college bb fan i loved thursday night when Bill Walton and dave pasch announced pac 12 i met Bill at a dead and co show and sat in back of him at a Grateful dead show he was such a nice person so sad

[@sneakerfacevids441]

Bill Walton will be missed !!

[@mikewarker4445]

Al ,please come back! WE NEED YOU! I’m afraid for the future of our country. We need people like you to bring us back from the edge of destruction. Remember Barry Maguire

[@miket4560]

Ps. Al's laugh is infectious. Very unique.

[@djdollase]

Oh my God, I love, Bill Walton! Always have! And now it just makes me a little sadder watching this to know he’s passed away!

[@billyroche1951]

Don't worry Bill the music never stops. Miss ya man.

[@gerryakamaya]

Great interview!!

[@carolbricker4434]

💟 from Portland

[@speedfreak8200]

Mid seventies standing in line for New Riders of the Purple Sage/Commander Cody at the Paramount (ptown) not one single stoner said anything to him or asked for autograph... we were just like (quietly) that's fucking Bill Walton... stoner etiquette gotta love it

[@PeteCalandra]

RIP Bill.

[@gingergeezer3685]

RIP Legend.

[@mike73ng]

Wow, Bill sounds so much like Jesse Ventura, don’t ya know. Same energy and everything.

[@ElaineMLove]

Thanks AL, what a SLAM DUNK!! Didn't know you were a Dead Head too , your right too we're ( Dead Heads) everywhere !!!

[@bettyveronica9880]

Awesome guest, excellent show..."for a change." 👍🏻💜

[@mikewarker4445]

Love your honesty too Bill W. Although you did break my heart once. I’m a sixer fan

[@KurtEckelmeyer]

Thanks Bill. And Al. And Jerry. It's been educational.

[@KurtEckelmeyer]

My bad. Should have included the whole band. The crew. Everyone. Thanks!😊

[@robertking7269]

Walton and Jabar as co president and Al as press secretary. Get America on track again.

[@scottcollins8565]

These two guys should be invited to your next party!

[@judithmurphy419]

Who knew Walton was So Smart 😃

[@DSJonesWriter]

I did great human

[@klindberg8711]

Does this dude have some kind of letter-combination?? He´s got that Gary Busy energy. And I knew Al wasn´t to be allowed to finnish this 22:57

[@kennethmardis2132]

Great interview

[@c.michellesparks2925]

Hey now Bill! We are everywhere!!

[@FakingANerve]

How in the hell did he even _attempt_ to play basketball 11 days after breaking his back?!

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Loved the "Dead" segment. I wonder what concert put Franken & Walton "on the bus"...

[@LarryPint84]

Back in 1998 the absolute funniest thing I’ve ever heard Bill Walton say is “Greg Oysterag can’t jump over a stamp”

[@user-livetoknow]

What is it about those Dead Heads!? I never really got into them. I was more of a Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, rock and roll kindof girl. There is no such thing as a kindof Dead Head. They are always all in, to infinity.

[@jaymatlock3182]

💜

[@davidhowald583]

we need you back in the senate al.... thanks to bill for all the great games. i was also born in 1952.

[@chinookvalley]

My best friend, a decorated VN vet, 73 yo ~ committed suicide a few weeks ago. He just couldn't shake the past. I wish I knew more, but he was deeply saddened by today's politics. I hope we never have to see another war, too many people's lives are destroyed, never to fully heal from the horrors they experienced. RIP MLD.

[@MaureenObrien-h1e]

I'm so sorry.❤ That's awful to hear! 😔

[@chinookvalley]

Hope. It's a good thing.

[@chuckrowland8362]

Bless

[@bh1935]

love bill

[@bhhNC]

Bill Walton for President.

[@DSJonesWriter]

He'd be a great one

[@benjaminbritt7862]

RIP Bill you shone like a star

[@airfoiling]

Our soldiers are not fighting for us, they are fighting for our oligarchs.

[@spicyirwin5835]

Thx that was deep! Iraq yes!

[@MaureenObrien-h1e]

Gaza ❤

[@zackamania6534]

Moral of the story: if you’re 6’8 or taller you better be a pro baller…

[@douglaslowe5]

Rifficus rose!

[@judithmurphy419]

Than You for your contribution to Celtics 😁

[@RJaeger1993]

RIP

[@tomlenhard7581]

I'm thinking a lot of LSD. And that's awesome, sometimes.

[@kimwentz442]

Is there a way i can communicate w mr al ? Im a 64 yr old advocate of our wild mustangs and burros. The blm is currently doing a horse holocaust...i am very concerned and apalled at their mismanagement. I am also a deadhead and live in the ca. Delta. I lived w john cutler the soundman for garcia band and worked for g.d. for 8 years. Im in such dispair over this issue, and have written to washington many many times only to receive a canned letter. Dont know if you can spare a moment, but i would be forever grateful for a chance to hear anything from you re: this issue. I felt much sadness for us when they ran you out of Washington. I hung w the dead during '80 to '88. My life was spent doing civil service here in bay area being a domestic h20 treatment plant op. Here in bay area. Im retired now, and these animals are my greatest passion. Ready to dedicate the remainder of my time to this cause, but feel so impotent. Hoping you have a idea or two on what i might try next. Thank you so much. Sincerely. Have a great concept that would keep geese away from airports as well. I grew up in marin.

[@maryrickert9220]

Chick Hearn from Aurora,Il

[@MustangTennisCIA]

is it possible to love someone and be totally annoyed listening to them? Bill Walton

[@romanclay1913]

Greatest basketball coach is...John Wooden.

[@yowzephyr]

Bill Walton seems manic here. Is he bipolar? Oh well. He's a great guy. His voice reminds me a lot of Dick van Dyke, another very likable guy.

[@ErikShen2907]

Old and IN the way..... bill dropping the Dead reference

[@davidwitzany5852]

3:25

[@papablue3015]

Cool! But having enough money not having to worry makes everything better!! I worked with bad back and a colon disease My whole life for minimum wage!! 2 and 3 jobs at a time! Sooo....💨!!!

[@karenhousley610]

17 shows (~):}

[@aprilnelly]

You can do better than Franken. Dont give up Bill