Men's Journal's Blog, page 163

ESPN Producer Rips 'Angry Black Man' Stephen A. Smith in Leaked Audio

Stephen A. Smith may be ESPN’s $100 million man, but if leaked audio of a producer railing against the sports commentator is authentic, not everyone at the network appears to believe Smith is worth his paycheck.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Signs Record-Breaking New ESPN Contract

The recording, which was shared by James O’Keefe of O’Keefe Media Group, is reportedly the voice of ESPN producer and assignment editor Ryan Bertrand. It’s unclear who Bertrand is talking to or where the alleged conversation took place, but he is explaining who Smith is to someone. Here’s what he says:

We have this one guy, his name is Stephen A. Smith. He plays the Angry Black Man on TV. The ‘Angry Black Man’ stereotype is basically: you’re loud, you talk over people. What you say is not necessarily important; it’s more how loud you are and how… you deliver your speech. He does that pretty well. I think the higher-ups at ESPN and Disney see that he’s like this Angry Black Man.

He goes on Fox News probably like once a week. And he’ll talk about, like, Gaza. And he has no idea about Gaza. Talking about, like, his views on Gaza. And we’re like, ‘Brother, you were just talking about the Lakers three hours ago. What do you know about Gaza?'

Bertrand went on to explain Smith’s current beef with Bronny James and how “It’s just this whole embarrassing thing that we’re all rolling our eyes at.”

ESPN LEAKS: OMG Obtains Audio of @ESPN Producer Calling @stephenasmith an “Angry Black Man,” Says Staff “Think He’s Crazy” and “Has No Idea” About Politics

Amid Smith’s ongoing discussions about the Middle East, leaked audio reveals an ESPN producer questioning his credibility… pic.twitter.com/a0twbLJFPa

— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) March 21, 2025

Bertrand claimed that the ESPN staff all think Smith is “crazy” and “just trying to create attention,” though he did concede that attracting attention is part of Smith’s job “I guess” and that “he gets paid a lot of money to… create chaos, to create controversy.”

“So he’s like a grifter?” the woman Bertrand is speaking with asks, to which he replies: “Yeah, that’s a good way to put it. Very much, ‘Whoever’s buying my bullsh*t, I will sell you my bullsh*t.’ Which is like Fox News sometimes.”

Ouch!

Neither ESPN nor Smith has yet to formally respond to the audio, either to confirm its authenticity or to offer a formal statement about its contents. Bertrand, however, has privatized his Twitter/X page since the clip leaked and also deleted his LinkedIn profile.

No doubt that Smith will have plenty to say about the charges against him.

Popular Yoga Teacher Has 'Vanished' After Blind Date

A "beloved" yoga teacher has reportedly been missing for nearly a month, after going on a blind date.

Marcus Freiberger, a 45-year-old yoga teacher from Arizona, has been missing for nearly a month, according to friends and family members. The "handsome" yoga teacher was reportedly going to meet up on a blind date on February 21. The yoga teacher has not been seen since then.

The yoga teacher's dad, Dutch Freiberger, spoke to 12 News in Arizona on Thursday. 

“There’s no reason for him to disappear … Even if he did decide to go somewhere, he would’ve at least called his friend to take Thomas. That makes me really think there’s something more going on here, foul play of some sort,” Dutch Freiberger told 12 News.

The Phoenix native recently landed a job at a local yoga studio. He was reportedly doing well and was a major hit among those at the studio.

Marcus Freiberger had reportedly struggled in the past, as he was in between apartments at the time of his blind date. He had also reportedly struggled with drugs and money issues. Still, his father believed that he was doing well. His father said that he had "no reason" to go off of the grid.

“Typically, Marcus would call his mom … He loves to FaceTime, and he’d call her a couple or three days apart. Then all of a sudden the calls stopped coming in,” Dutch Freiberger told 12 News.

Marcus Freiberger (45) last contacted his family on February 21st before going on a blind date in Phoenix, Arizona. Then he vanished. Marcus left behind his dog, which is something he would never do. His family is very concerned. Please share. #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/rlWXzhZTV8

— Rose (@901Lulu) March 22, 2025

Anyone with information is asked to call 602-534-2121.

Men Convicted Of Stealing $6 Million Golden Toilet

The men who broke into a British palace and stole a fully functioning 18-karat gold toilet over five years ago have finally been brought to justice.

The toilet was a piece of art, titled "America," was created by Maurizio Cattelan, the Italian conceptual artist best known for another art piece, a banana taped to a wall, that was auctioned off last year for $6.2 million.

The art piece was installed at Blenheim Palace – the mansion where former British leader Winston Churchill was born – the day before the theft took place. It was insured for $6 million.

After a three-week-long trial at Oxford Crown Court, a jury found 39-year-old Michael Jones guilty of burglary and 36-year-old Fred Doe guilty of conspiracy to convert or transfer criminal property, according to the New York Times.

This comes after another man, 40-year-old James Sheen, already pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to burglary, transferring criminal property, and conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

During the court proceedings, lead prosecutor Julian Christopher told the court that the men used a car and truck to smash through the wooden gates outside the palace and then used sledgehammers and crowbars to smash one of the building’s windows to gain entry.

“This was an audacious raid which had been carefully planned and executed,” prosecutor Shan Saunders said according to the Associated Press. “But those responsible were not careful enough, leaving a trail of evidence in the form of forensics, CCTV footage and phone data.”

As Christopher noted, there was plenty of evidence pointing back to them. Authorities discovered Sheen’s DNA on a sledgehammer abandoned at the crime scene as well as in a stolen truck linked to the raid. Additionally, investigators recovered hundreds of gold fragments from a pair of his sweatpants.

While the men involved in the theft have been brought to justice, the golden toilet itself has never been recovered. It is believed to have been disassembled, cut up, and sold in pieces.

Ivanka Trump’s 5-Word Response to Tiger Woods-Vanessa Trump Romance

Tiger Woods is asking for privacy since making his relationship with Vanessa Trump Instagram official. But that didn’t stop Ivanka Trump, Vanessa’s former sister-in-law, from sharing her thoughts on the unexpected union.

As the Daily Mail reports, the First Daughter was one of the dozens of people to comment on Woods’ semi-confusing Sunday Instagram post, which both praised his new girlfriend—“Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side!”—and asked people to not talk about the relationship (“At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts”).

Related: Tiger Woods Goes Instagram Official With Girlfriend & Fans Are Baffled

Despite the request for privacy, Ivanka didn’t hesitate to make her feelings about the union public with her brief reply: “So happy for you both!” (which was followed by two smiling heart emojis).

Vanessa, a former model and actress, married Donald Trump Jr. at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. The couple, who have five children together, divorced in 2018.

Vanessa is no stranger to high-profile romances. Prior to her relationship with Don Jr., she was briefly linked to Leonardo DiCaprio and dated Saudi prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud between 1998 and 2001. But her love life has been low-key since her split from Don Jr.

Donald and Vanessa’s oldest child, 17-year-old Kai Trump, is a professional golfer as is Tiger’s 16-year-old son Charlie.

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 19: Ivanka Trump (L) and Vanessa Trump, wife of Donald Trump Jr., attend the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Ivanka, meanwhile, has long expressed her respect and admiration for Vanessa. In a 2016 interview with People, Ivanka described Vanessa as “a machine” (in a good way), adding “She’s Wonder Woman to me.”

While the new couple alert came as a surprise to some, those close to both Woods and Trump have known about their romance for a while. 

The two reportedly began dating shortly before Thanksgiving last year and live just a few minutes from each other in Florida, so are able to spend a lot of time together. Their children also attend school together at Palm Beach’s exclusive The Benjamin School, so the families have been close for a while.

“They just love hanging out, having dinner and schmoozing together,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They’re sticking close to home, have decided not to make it a thing and go out in public. Not just yet anyway.”

Garage Rock Icon Larry Tamblyn Dead at 82

Pioneering garage rocker Larry Tamblyn passed away on Friday at the age of 82.

Even if you don’t know Tamblyn by name, you likely know his musical handiwork—especially if you’ve ever been to a Red Sox or Bruins game in Boston. Tamblyn was a lead vocalist and keyboardist for the Los Angeles-founded band The Standells, whose 1966 hit song “Dirty Water” is played at the end of both teams’ home games, and other Beantown sporting events. (The Standells’ drummer, Dick Dodd, sang lead on “Dirty Water.”)

Related: Founding Member of Iconic R&B Group Dead at 64

Though “Dirty Water” was their biggest hit, the band—who pioneered the psychedelic sound that was popular in the 1960s—is often referred to as one of the earliest punk bands and said to have inspired punk rock legends including the Ramones and the Sex Pistols.

Tamblyn is the brother of Twin Peaks actor Russ Tamblyn, 90, and the uncle of actress Amber Tamblyn, 41.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 26: (L-R) Glenda Chism Tamblyn; Larry Tamblyn and Hettie Lynn Hurtes at a dinner following the Book Soup appearance of Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil hosted by Michael and Pamela Des Barres on July 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)

Mark Sullivan/Getty Images

As the New York Post reports, news of Tamblyn’s passing was shared by his nephew, Dennis, on Facebook, writing: “He lived an incredible life. He was in a band called The Standells, whose hit song ‘Dirty Water’ is still played to this day whenever the Red Sox or the Bruins win a home game. They also played on an episode of The Munsters.”

He concluded his post noting that, “You will be missed, Uncle Larry.”

According to Variety, The Standells played “Dirty Water” at Boston’s Fenway Park during the 2004 World Series. Perhaps the team thought it was good luck, as that was the year the Sox broke the so-called “Curse of the Bambino” and won their first World Series in 86 years. The band reunited in subsequent years to perform the tune live during Red Sox playoff games.

No cause of death has yet been shared.

‘Hot Mugshot’ College Student Lily Stewart Is Behind Bars—Again

When Lily Stewart, 20, was arrested for speeding on March 8, she had no idea her mugshot would gain her worldwide attention. But she’s back behind bars again, and made sure to up the glam factor.

TMZ, who was the first to report on Stewart’s original arrest, got the exclusive on Sunday morning when the University of Georgia student was arrested for a second time in just over two weeks.

Related: Georgia College Student Lily Stewart Defends Viral 'Hot' Mugshot

According to police records, Stewart’s new charges had nothing to do with her lead-footed driving style. This time, the sorority sister has been charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer and loitering/prowling, which are both misdemeanors.

After Stewart’s mugshot went viral following her first arrest, she reported receiving hundreds of DMs and messages—some of them funny, some of them lewd. This unexpected onslaught of attention, particularly the more vulgar kind, helped Stephen Morris, Stewart’s lawyer, get the charges against her dropped. (She was driving 84 mph in a 55 mph zone… just minutes after being pulled over for going 79 mph.)

Viral Georgia Sorority Girl Lily Stewart Arrested Again | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/F8hDpm8dsL

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 23, 2025

As of this morning, Stewart was still behind bars and being held on $4,000 bail. TMZ reached out to both Morris and the police for comment, but did not hear back.

On Friday, People ran an exclusive interview with Stewart, who claimed she didn’t really get what the big deal was. “There are some beautiful mug shots,” she said. “I don't think mine’s particularly stunning. I actually think it's a bad photo of me. If you see me in person, I don't really look the same as I do in that mug shot. I don't think it's a great photo of me.”

Perhaps she was trying to rectify that.

Don't Waste the Last Ounce of Your Favorite Whiskey. Try This Unique Technique to Make It Last Longer

Enjoying good whiskey is a journey. It can take you around the world and fill your shelves with bottles that tell a story, whether bourbon, Scotch, rye whiskey, Japanese whisky, or Canadian whisky. While having a good tasting notes journal is a great way to catalog your various tastings, an "infinity bottle" is a tangible way to make sure your dead whiskeys live on. 

What Is an Infinity Bottle?

An infinity bottle is a personalized mix of Scotch, bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys that constantly evolves over the years. While there are certainly no rules when it comes to an infinity bottle, there's a method I stick to. I take the last ounce or two from near-finished bottles and pour the remnants into my infinity bottle. 

I’ve been refreshing my personal infinity bottle since early 2020. Over the years, I’ve added various whiskies to the mix as I drink some and replenish it. My infinity bottle is never empty, hence the name, making it a living personalized bottle that showcases my whiskey journey. 

The bottle is currently home to about two dozen different whiskeys, including 10-year Rip Van Winkle, High West Campfire, Old Elk, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Weller Special Reserve, Heaven Hill Bottle-In-Bond, Smoke Wagon, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Tin Cup, and more.

Want the latest whiskey news, deals, and reviews? Sign up for the Whiskey Wednesday newsletter.

I used an old sample bottle to house the unique mixture. I’ve kept a log of what has gone into the barrel over the years and have also noted it on duct tape applied to the back of my infinity bottle.

How it tastes is almost secondary to my personalized mix, created which is a testament to the drams I’ve enjoyed over the years. I’ve had some blends that taste amazing, and others that are downright bad. But that's all part of the adventure. It’s fun to pull out my infinity bottle when friends come over to drink whiskey around the fire pit. 

A pour from one of my infinity bottles.

David Young

How To Create Your Own Infinity Bottle

Starting an infinity bottle is pretty easy, but there are certain steps to keep in mind to help it succeed. 

First, consider the bottle you want to use. Over the years, I've used everything from a 1.75 liter Kirkland Signature Canadian Whiskey bottle to a small sample bottle. While any size bottle will work, I’ve found small ones work better for several reasons. One, it keeps less air from oxygenating your whiskey. Second, since you are only adding an ounce or two at a time, it can take years to fill a big bottle compared to months for a small one. 

Also, having a smaller bottle encourages you to drink from it more often and add more varied whiskeys to it more often. I’ve known people who will save a bottle that is special, rare, or has significance to them and use that for their Infinity Bottle. Just make sure to clean the bottle before starting and then have an airtight cork or lid for it.

Though you're blending various spirits in an Infinity Bottle, you are not technically “blending” whiskey. True whiskey blending is an art that takes time, practice, and intention. Major brands like Johnnie Walker employ master blenders, which are highly coveted and skilled positions. That’s not the point of an infinity blend. Dumping old whiskey in to see what comes out is most of the fun. 

With that in mind, I'm still a little selective about what goes into my infinity bottle. One practice to consider is keeping separate bottle for Scotch and bourbon. While the spirits are similar, their flavors are quite different and can clash at times. I’ve learned the hard way that a peaty Islay Scotch can soon overpower any other ingredient. 

I list all the whiskeys that go into my infinity bottle on a piece of duct tape.

David Young

I’m even a bit discerning with high-proof or really strong bourbons. Sometimes, if whiskey is really powerful, I'll put less into the Infinity Bottle than I might with a standard bourbon.

Over time, you find a nice balance and approach to how you blend your personalized infinity bottle. I started by just adding any whiskey in it, but throughout the past five years, I’ve been more careful, only adding whiskeys that I really like or want to live on.

Lastly, once you have your bottle started, make sure to drink it and share it. It can be easy to just leave it on the shelf or only try it once it’s just right. However, it's a living bottle that's intended to constantly change.

By trying the infinity regularly, you can better decide which whiskeys to add and which ones to leave out. In theory, you will end up with a truly unique bottle that not only tastes good but is a testament to all the past bottles you’ve enjoyed throughout the years. 

Related: Tariffs Pose Existential Threat to Craft Distillers. How Can They Survive?

Professional Dating Coach Reveals 3 Things Women 'Secretly' Want

What do women want from the men they're dating? Professional dating coach Blaine Anderson is here to help with that.

Anderson, a former travel industry worker, has built up her own dating coaching business. "Dating By Blaine" launched a couple of years ago. Anderson, who lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, has built up a huge following on social media, where she gives out plenty of helpful tips and advice.

The professional dating coach has also appeared on "Shark Tank." She sells her own dating coaching system, where she personally works with men of all adult ages. However, much of her advice comes on social media, too.

Anderson recently named three things that women "secretly" want from men.

Blaine Anderson giving out advice.

Blaine Anderson.

Anderson revealed the three things that women "secretly" want from the men they are dating.

1. "Daddy energy"

Anderson says that most women want a "strong, masculine" man who can provide for their family. Of course, this can be a different kind of energy for most guys, but most women want a man who will want to help lead a family.

2. Not always being available

You want to be around for the woman you are dating, but early on in the relationship - or dating pursuit - you shouldn't be too available. You should have your own friends, hobbies, obligations and more.

"This shows you're a busy guy whose time is valuable," Anderson said.

"Scarcity will make her want you more."

3. Being protective

This feels similar to the "daddy energy" one, though Anderson says that it's about walking a woman to their car or stepping in when someone makes her uncomfortable.

"She wants to feel protected by you," Anderson said.

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A post shared by Blaine Anderson • Matchmaker & Dating Coach For Men (@datingbyblaine)

Anderson's tips won't work 100 percent of the time, though she's helped hundreds of men find love in a genuine way.

I Tried The Glen Grant's $50,000 New Scotch. Here's My Honest Review

A proper pour of well-aged Scotch is more than just a drink. It’s a work of art. In the case of The Glen Grant’s latest release, a spectacularly rare, 65-year-old single malt, it’s impossible to pinpoint where the creative spark ends and the actual liquid begins. So, it’s only natural that the iconic Speyside producer would opt to unveil its $50,000 showstopper at Art Basel Hong Kong—one of the world’s largest international art fairs.

The grand reveal takes place later this month, but I scored an advanced taste of the expression and have some vital details to share. Is it a transformative bottle for your home bar, or a stunning exhibit for your home gallery? 

The Glen Grant 65 spent the duration of its life maturing in a single French oak sherry butt. Yet it wouldn’t be entirely accurate to characterize the liquid as a sherry bomb. Yes, it holds the deep mahogany hues typical to that style and is generous in its aromas of molasses and plump raisins. But upon the palate, it's balanced, refined, and subtle. It unfolds in layers: first with marmalade-smothered brioche, then with darker cherry fruit, and finally with whispers of cedar smoke in a gentle but firm finish.

Want the latest whiskey news, deals, and reviews? Sign up for the Whiskey Wednesday newsletter.

The dram is as delicate as a flowering orchid—which is fitting, since it's the inaugural release in The Glen Grant’s Splendours Collection, which is a thematic reference to the 27-acre Garden of Splendours maintained on the distillery since the 1880s. 

From a production standpoint, the subtleties make sense. The 111-proof spirit was aged at the facility’s oldest stone dunnage warehouse, where temperatures are cool and damp and fluctuate minimally throughout the ages. In such conditions, interaction between whisky and wood is slow and steady.

The bottle was designed and crafted by acclaimed glasswork studio Glasstorm.

Courtesy Image

The angel’s share persists nonetheless. The whisky was originally distilled in 1958. By the time that newly-minted master distiller Greig Stables was ready to draw from the cask, just enough whisky remained to fill 151 bottles. Each of them, of course, had to be something spectacular in its own right. To achieve this end, The Glen Grant enlisted the singularly qualified aid of John Galvin at Glasstorm. The award-winning designer imagined an ovular pendant for the single malt. It is capped by sharp metallic points on either end, but maintains a crystal globule at its core to proudly flaunt its liquid contents.

The handcrafted decanter is balanced upright within a round wooden base, meant to evoke a Möbius strip, a nod to the timelessness of nature. But the symbolism doesn’t stop there. The wood is crafted from a species that thrives in the Garden of Splendours. Metallic surfaces of the bottle are engraved with Himalayan blue poppies, which were originally planted at the distillery in 1886 by second generation master distiller and passionate botanist James “The Major” Grant.

Stark contrast between wood, metal, and glass firmly confirms the notion that this presentation wouldn’t be out of place in an art gallery. Which is exactly where it will live next week in Hong Kong. Though I’d hardly consider myself an art critic, I'm quite confident in declaring that The Glen Grant 65 will be the most delicious exhibit on display during that time. 

Related: How to Drink Scotch Whisky: Experts Share Their Best Tips

Hallmark Stars Flood Colleague With Support After Wife's Death

Hallmark star Brennan Elliott is receiving lots of support from colleagues as he navigates the loss of his wife. Elliott announced via Instagram on March 22 that his wife, Camilla Row, had died after battling cancer for over eight years. 

Elliott received an immediate outpouring of love from his Hallmark colleages and fans. 

Former Hallmark star Cameron Mathison wrote, "This brought me to tears my beautiful friend. We've talked many times through her journey and I just love you all so much. I'm so so sorry for your loss and may you hold onto her beautiful memories for a lifetime."

Nikki DeLoach, who starred in Hallmark's The Gift of Peace alongside Elliott, added another touching message. "I'm so so sorry, my friend. Absolutely gutted for you and the kids. Wrapping you up in all my love and prayers."

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A post shared by Professional experiencer (@brennanelliott2)

Royal Matchmaker star Will Kemp commented, "Mate, sending you and the family all the love & strength there is in the world. My arms are flying across the seas to hug you tight my friend."

Cindy Busby, who has starred in numerous Hallmark projects including Marrying Mr. Darcy, wrote, "Brennan, my friend, ugh, there are no words! This is so heartbreaking for you and your beautiful family. Your love & care for Cami has always been absolutely inspiring! What an immense loss. Sending love & healing!!!!"

Former Hallmark star Jen Lilley also left a sweet and lengthy comment on Elliot's post. "Oh my goodness Brennan, I am so sorry and heartbroken for you all to read this. I will be keeping you all in my prayers constantly." 

Lilley continued, "This is a wonderful tribute and I know Cami and Jesus are proud of you and the kids and how much love you share then, now, and for all eternity."

Hannah Swensen Mysteries star Victor Webster shared, "Sending you and the family tons of love my friend. I know how heavy your heart is and I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Oh my sweet friend I love you so much. This is the nightmare. Please know I am right here for you and the kids and holding you so tight in my heart right now," wrote Ashley Williams.

"Oh Gosh, I'm so so sorry Brennan. My heart is breaking for you and your family," noted Tamera Mowry-Housley.