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Second String Opinions

Wisconsin On Demand

Alex Strouf -- alongside his friends and enemies -- provides a comedic and chaotic commentary on all things Wisconsin sports each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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  • 33 episodes
  • Avg 54 min
  • English

Episodes 33

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Thursday · 31 min

    The Packers Started the Fire, Now They’re Trying to Put It Out - Weekly Wilde

    Jason Wilde joins Alex Strouf after the Packers made an unprecedented overhaul of their offensive line, adding veterans Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton following three disastrous weeks of protection for Jordan Love. Jason explains why Brian Gutekunst deserves credit for acting, but not a victory lap for fixing a problem the Packers allowed to reach this point. They discuss how quickly the three veteran additions can actually help, where the blame belongs for Green Bay’s offensive line failures and whether the changes can salvage an offense with plenty of talent elsewhere. Plus, Jayden Reed is out for the season and will undergo neck surgery, Green Bay searches for answers at wide receiver and running back, and Jason explains why Jordan Love’s frustration is understandable as the Packers prepare for Tampa Bay.

  • September 30 · 53 min

    Ep. 418 Packers Hit the Panic Button on the Offensive Line + Brewers Hope, Badgers Hype?

    Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio and Will Sommers react to the Packers scrambling for offensive line help after signing veterans Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton. The guys debate whether the additions can protect Jordan Love, what the struggles say about Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst, and how Jayden Reed’s season-ending neck injury changes the Packers offense. They turn to the MLB postseason, including the Brewers’ potential matchup with the Padres, the Cubs’ struggles and Will’s suddenly meaningful White Sox baseball. Wisconsin’s road win over Penn State sparks cautious optimism about Luke Fickell, Colton Joseph and the Badgers’ upcoming schedule. Plus, One Word covers Mike Tomlin’s Minecraft world, Case Keenum and the Bears, J.J. McCarthy, and the Packers’ upcoming trip to Tampa Bay.

  • September 23 · 53 min

    Ep. 417 Last Man Standing: Can Matt LaFleur Fix the Packers?

    Alex Strouf remains the “last man standing” in Matt LaFleur’s corner, but even his confidence is being tested by the Packers’ offensive struggles and questionable late-game decisions. Alex, Josh DiMaggio and Will Sommers break down Green Bay’s offensive line problems, LaFleur’s play-calling and the encouraging starts from Lukas Van Ness and the Packers defense ahead of Thursday night against the Falcons. The guys also turn to the Brewers after they clinched an NLDS bye, discussing Robert Gasser, Milwaukee’s postseason pitching plans and which National League teams could present problems in October. Plus, One Word covers Caleb Williams’ injury reaction, Ichiro Suzuki, Sauce Gardner, Steven Adams and Romeo Doubs.

  • September 17 · 34 min

    The Packers’ Offensive Line Is Already a Mess - Weekly Wilde

    Jason Wilde joins Alex Strouf after the Packers blew a 17-point lead and allowed 29 unanswered points in a Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Jason breaks down an ugly performance from Green Bay’s offensive line, the decisions that led to Donovan Jennings and Jacob Monk starting at guard, and how much responsibility belongs with the players, coaches and Brian Gutekunst. Plus, Jason discusses the ongoing mystery surrounding Aaron Banks, Jordan Love surviving 18 hits and showing off his unusual “fadeaway” throws, Christian Watson’s explosive return, and encouraging Week 1 performances from Keisean Nixon and Edgerrin Cooper in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Then, a first look at what needs to change Sunday against the New York Jets.

  • September 16 · 1 hr

    Ep. 416 Packers Panic Button & Brewers World Series Dreams

    Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio and Will Sommers unpack another brutal Packers collapse after Green Bay surrendered 29 unanswered points to Minnesota, with the offensive line taking much of the heat. They debate Matt LaFleur’s fourth-down decision, Jordan Love’s performance under relentless pressure and whether Sunday’s matchup with the Jets already feels like a must-win. The conversation turns happier as Strouf makes the case that the Brewers’ improved offense, pitching and MLB-best record give Milwaukee a legitimate World Series opportunity, while Josh and Will remain skeptical. The guys also discuss Milwaukee’s postseason pitching and bullpen before wrapping up with One Word Wednesday, including Drew Brees considering an NFL comeback and Netflix revisiting the Stanford Prison Experiment.

  • September 10 · 33 min

    It’s Finally Time to Find Out Who the Packers Are - Weekly Wilde

    Week 1 is finally here. Jason Wilde joins Alex Strouf ahead of the Packers’ season opener against the Vikings in Minnesota to break down the biggest questions Green Bay is finally about to answer. Jason discusses the uncertainty surrounding an offensive line with Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele on the injury report, what to expect from Jonathan Gannon’s defense without Micah Parsons, and why he believes Tucker Kraft’s contract extension should already be done. Plus, the Packers’ unsettled running back rotation and rookie Brandon Cisse’s massive first test against one of the NFL’s best receiving corps.

  • September 9 · 1 hr

    Ep. 415 Packers Questions & NFL Season Predictions

    Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio and Will Sommers celebrate the start of the NFL season by breaking down what they know—and still need to learn—about the Packers entering Week 1 against the Vikings. The guys dive into Green Bay’s offensive line uncertainty, Jonathan Gannon’s defense, the running back situation and their season-long Packers predictions. Then, they pick every NFL division, conference championship matchups, Super Bowl winners and MVP candidates. Plus, can the Brewers’ pitching staff carry a 90-win team deeper into October, and how much confidence should fans have in Milwaukee’s postseason chances? The show wraps with One Word Weekly and a look at a loaded opening weekend across the NFL.

  • September 4 · 33 min

    Wilde on the Packers’ Biggest Questions Entering Week 1 - Weekly Wilde

    Jason Wilde joins Alex Strouf with the Packers just over a week away from their 2026 season opener in Minnesota. Jason explains why it is time for Lukas Van Ness to take a major step forward with Micah Parsons sidelined, what still concerns him about Aaron Banks and the offensive line, and why rookie corner Brandon Cissé has impressed him throughout the summer. Plus, Jason and Strouf evaluate Brian Gutekunst’s offseason, discuss the Packers’ uncertainty at running back following the Josh Jacobs situation, and look ahead to a season that could hinge on Jordan Love taking another step toward the NFL’s elite tier.

  • September 2 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep. 414 Josh Jacobs Fallout, Gutey’s Display of Urgency, & The Fake 49er

    Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio and Will Sommers react to Josh Jacobs landing on the commissioner’s exempt list and discuss why Packers fans should prepare for a season without him. The guys debate whether Marshawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and a running back committee could actually benefit Green Bay by putting more of the offense on Jordan Love’s shoulders. They also evaluate Brian Gutekunst’s aggressive roster moves and what they say about the Packers’ championship expectations. Plus, the crew previews Wisconsin’s season opener against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field and debates what would qualify as an encouraging start for Luke Fickell and the Badgers. The show wraps with the bizarre fake 49ers player story, One Word Weekly and the Brewers-Cubs NL Central race.

  • August 27 · 33 min

    Jordan Love Needs to Take the Next Step in 2026 - Weekly Wilde S3E1

    Season 3 of Weekly Wilde is here. Jason Wilde joins Alex Strouf to break down where the Packers stand as training camp winds down and the 2026 regular season approaches. Jason explains why Green Bay may be entering the season with even more questions along the offensive line than it had at the start of camp, what he likes about Jonathan Gannon’s new defense, and why Brandon Cisse has impressed. Plus, Jason and Strouf discuss the next step Jordan Love needs to take to move from a very good quarterback into the NFL’s true upper echelon, the latest on Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft, Trey Smack’s strong preseason, and a few under-the-radar Packers who helped themselves during training camp.

  • August 26 · 1 hr 1 min

    Ep. 413 Matthew Golden’s Breakout, Packers O-Line Optimism & Cooper Pratt Benched

    On this week’s Second String Opinions, Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers break down the biggest Packers storylines as the preseason winds down. The guys debate whether Matthew Golden is ready to emerge as Green Bay’s true WR1, why he was underutilized as a rookie, and whether the Packers finally have the offensive line and weapons around Jordan Love to become a top-five offense. Plus, has rookie kicker Trey Smack gone from a concern to an actual weapon? The guys react to his perfect preseason and Green Bay’s new rivalry uniforms before turning to the Brewers, where they debate Pat Murphy’s decision to bench Cooper Pratt for a perceived lack of hustle in a loss to the Mets. And, of course, Will takes the crew around the sports world with another edition of One Word

  • August 19 · 1 hr 4 min

    Ep. 412 Packers Cornerback Shakeup, Brewers Bounce Back & Preseason Takeaways

    Mr. Irrelevant has a new name! On the first edition of Second String Opinions, Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers dive into a rapidly changing Packers cornerback room. Rookie Brandon Cissé is emerging as Green Bay’s top option, while Kiesean Nixon finds himself taking second-team reps and wondering if he’s being “punished.” The guys debate Nixon’s future, why Packers fans may be directing too much anger his way, and whether Cissé can become the long-term answer Green Bay has been searching for at corner. Plus, Jordan Morgan continues to impress at left tackle, Trey Smack might have finally solved the Packers’ kicker problem, and the Brewers respond to last week’s panic with a monster turnaround, including a franchise-record 22-run performance. The crew debates whether Milwaukee has restored any faith in a deep postseason run before another wild edition of One Word.

  • August 12 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep. 411 Brewers Panic, LaFleur vs. Ben Johnson & Packers Preseason Preview

    On this week's Mr. Irrelevant, Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers sound the alarm on the Brewers after another ugly stretch exposes concerns with the starting rotation and a slumping offense. The guys debate whether Milwaukee's lack of aggression at the trade deadline has lowered the team's postseason ceiling and whether it's time to abandon World Series expectations. Plus, the Packers' preseason opener is here. The crew debates Ben Johnson's aggressive offensive philosophy compared to Matt LaFleur, whether LaFleur can finally unleash Jordan Love, and if Green Bay's revamped offensive line is actually an upgrade. They also discuss which Packers should see the field in the preseason before another chaotic edition of One Word.

  • August 5 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep. 410 Packers Panic? Trey Smack, Matt LaFleur & the Brewers' Deadline Debate

    On this week's Mr. Irrelevant, Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers dive into the Packers' rocky start to training camp, questioning Matt LaFleur's handling of rookie kicker Trey Smack and debating whether Green Bay is once again slow to make obvious personnel decisions. The guys also discuss encouraging early signs from Jordan Morgan and Matthew Golden, break down why the Brewers came up short in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, and debate whether Milwaukee values "controllable years" too much when a World Series is within reach. Plus, another hilarious edition of One Word Wednesday features Justin Herbert's engagement, Zach Hample getting denied a home run ball, a movie theater evacuated by a legendary fart, and much more.

  • July 29 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep. 409 Packers Training Camp Is HERE + Tucker Kraft Contract Drama

    Football is officially back as Packers training camp gets underway, and Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers break down everything from Day 1 in Green Bay. The guys react to Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur's opening press conferences, debate the latest on Tucker Kraft's contract extension, discuss Keyshawn Nixon's mysterious hamstring injury, and play a new game of "Does It Matter?" to sort through the biggest storylines entering camp. Plus, they debate whether the Brewers will actually make a blockbuster trade before the deadline, revisit the latest Freddy Peralta rumors, and wrap up with another entertaining edition of One Word Wednesday.

  • July 22 · 1 hr 16 min

    Ep. 408 Packers Hype, Matt LaFleur's Biggest Questions & Will's Ireland Adventure

    On this week's Mr. Irrelevant, Alex Strouf and Josh DiMaggio are live from Door County Distillery as Packers training camp sits just one week away. The guys debate whether Green Bay has officially crossed into Super Bowl contender territory, discuss Matt LaFleur's biggest questions entering camp, and break down why the offensive line, kicker, and cornerback remain the team's biggest concerns. They also revisit the never-ending Sal Frelick debate after his trip to the injured list, discuss Jacob Misiorowski's workload, react to LeBron James' free agency saga, and dive into SEC expansion talk. Plus, Will Sommers returns from Ireland with stories about working on a dairy farm, joining a bachelor party, buying a rugby ball, and everything in between.

  • July 15 · 1 hr 1 min

    Ep. 407 Jordan Love vs. Caleb & Brewers Make a Move

    Jordan Love's place among the NFL's top quarterbacks sparks a spirited debate after ESPN's rankings leave him behind Caleb Williams, leading to a bigger conversation about expectations, MVP potential, and whether Love is ready to become undeniable. The guys also discuss Matt LaFleur's offense, the Packers' lack of nationally recognized stars, and why 2026 feels like a defining season in Green Bay. On the Brewers side, they break down Milwaukee's first-half success, Jacob Misiorowski's workload management, and the club's very Brewers-style trade for Lance McCullers Jr. They wrap up by discussing the Bears' obsession with beating the Packers, Colston Loveland's comments, and why Milwaukee still needs to be aggressive before the MLB trade deadline.

  • July 8 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep. 406 The Most Important Packer Isn't Who You Think + Luis Lara Is Here... Now What?

    On this week's Mr. Irrelevant, Alex Strouf, Josh DiMaggio, and Will Sommers dive into a heated debate over Sal Frelick's future after Luis Lara's impressive MLB debut. The guys argue whether the Brewers should stick with Frelick or make room for their top prospect, discuss Brandon Woodruff's latest injury setback and what his role should be if he returns, and break down the Packers' most important players heading into training camp. Plus, Will shares the story of waking up to a smashed car window, One Word Wednesday returns with plenty of nonsense, and the crew somehow ends up debating World Cup soccer, Taylor Swift's wedding, and time zones. Business as usual on Mr. Irrelevant.

  • July 6 · 55 min

    State of the 2026 Green Bay Packers - Hour 1

    Alex Strouf, Jason Wilde and Gabe Neitzel open State of the Packers from Summerfest by debating Matt LaFleur’s fresh contract extension, the late-season collapse, and whether “finishing” is really something a team can practice. They weigh how much blame belongs to LaFleur versus Brian Gutekunst after injuries, offensive line issues and the Micah Parsons trade all shaped the 2025 ending. The guys then turn to Jordan Love, asking whether 2026 is the year he goes from good to great and starts elevating everyone around him. The hour also digs into Green Bay’s streamlined pass-catching group after extensions for Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, with Tucker Kraft expected to be next and defined roles replacing last year’s overcrowded receiver room. They close with the running backs, including Josh Jacobs’ uncertain offseason situation, Marshawn Lloyd’s mystery, and how much Chris Brooks can realistically handle.

Showing 1–20 of 33 episodes