Fear the 'Fro: A Cleveland Cavaliers Podcast
Bob Schmidt
A Cleveland Cavs and NBA-centric basketball podcast from lifelong Cavaliers fan, Bob Schmidt. Reach Bob at [email protected], or @fearthefropod on Instagram, and X (Twitter). Join the 'Fro discord here: https://discord.gg/6Jaxgvw4T
Episodes
5 Cavs Questions (with Zac Markson of Locked On)
Boston, as per usual, had the Cavs number in their debut outing. But it's preseason, so who cares! Bob Schmidt is joined by Locked On's Zac Markson for a discussion of takeaways from the Cavs preseason debut and then, Bob peppers Zac with 5 Cavs Questions that span Watson's ceiling to Tyson's looming extensions talk. We hit the mailbag for a rant about DAZN and the paywall pandemic.
GAME ON: The Pod and the Cavs Return
Fear the 'Fro is back as preseason kicks off against the Boston Celtics! Bob discusses his expectations for the preseason and the season, and we hit some mailbags to talk all things Cavs!
Harden is Back: James Agrees To Cavs Return (3/$97mil)
Fear the 'Fro is back again, as the Cavs have agreed to terms with James Harden on a 3-year, $97 million dollar deal. Bob Schmidt is joined by Adam Auslund, as he breaks down the deal, and then talks about the departure of Max Strus.
Peyton Watson: Starting Small Forward
Peyton Watson is now a Cleveland Cavalier. Join Bob Schmidt for this emergency podcast as we break down the trade, talk about the Watson contract, the Cavs trade chips, and the 2026-27 Cavs new lease on life... plus Denver waiving the second apron white flag.
Watson vs. Kuminga: The Debate
Fear the 'Fro is back to talk about the Cavaliers pursuit of Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga. Which player would fit better in the Cavs system? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How will the CBA rules shape the outcome of this pursuit? Bob Schmidt dives in, and then we clean out some mailbag submissions.
LeBron Picks the 76ers. The People Are Deflated.
Bob Schmidt reacts to the news that LeBron James has spurned the Cavs to join Eastern Conference Rival, Philadelphia. Bob discusses the takeaways, spins some positivity, and answers mailbags which range from furious to indifferent.
Is LeBron's Choice Painfully Obvious?
The wait on LeBron James decision continues, but Bob Schmidt is back to make his case for why the only logical answer has been staring us in the face since the moment LeBron announced he wouldn't return to the Lakers.
The Return Of The King? Lebron & Dean Are On The Move
LeBron has informed the Lakers that he will be playing next season elsewhere, effectively ending his disgusting purple & gold era once and for all. Bob Schmidt discusses rooting for bad things for Los Angeles, Lebron's options as it relates to returning to Cleveland, Keon's departure, and then, mid pod, the Dean Wade news breaks.
Meleek's The Man: Cavs Select Thomas (with Cooper Klein of "Upside Swings")
Fear the 'Fro is here to talk Meleek Thomas. Joining Bob is Cooper Klein (@Alley_Oop_Coop) of "Upside Swings" to break down Meleek's game, and what to expect of his addition to the Cavs. We also go over other draft prospects not taken, from Brazile to Veesarr to Koa Peat. Then we discuss some other team's surprising draft strategies, and dive into the Jaylen Brown for Evan Mobley trade chatter.
A Cavs NBA Draft Deep Dive (with Jon Chepkevich of Rookiescale.com)
Bob Schmidt, of Fear the 'Fro is joined by Jon Chepkevich of Rookiescale.com to break down the Cavs 2026 NBA Draft Prospects. We get into nearly every possible name linked to the Cavs at pick #29. Conversations span Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar, Allen Graves, Joshua Jefferson, Tarris Reed Jr., Chris Cenac Jr., Alex Karaban, and Jayden Quaintance.
The Bobby Marks Annual Offseason-a-Palooza
In this episode of "Fear the 'Fro", Bobby Marks returns to the podcast joined by Bob Schmidt to dive headfirst into the complexities of the 2nd apron and how that is impacting the Cavs options this summer, from free agency to contract extensions. Bob & Bobby discuss Donovan Mitchell's potential deal, sharing insights on what it might take to keep him in Cleveland. Then we dicuss the pros and cons of extending contracts like Dean Wade's, and the implications of a James Harden contract on the what comes after. Marks confronts several hypothetical options, from top dollar to a waive and stretch. With Mitchell's future looming, Marks weighs the pros and cons of shopping him to other teams, while also discussing Dennis Schroeder's contract and potential trades. Chapters:0:32 - Player extensions2:02 - Fatherhood and personal life3:21 - Free agency scenarios21:29 - Contract numbers27:05 - Cap growth and regional sports networks28:48 - Cap growth projections30:53 - Cap implications of James Harden's contract extension33:27 - Doomsday scenario: waiving James Harden outright45:16 - Roster assessment and potential trades for Dennis Schroeder47:05 - Potential trades for Donovan Mitchell48:30 - James Harden's contract situation58:09 - Changes to the Cavaliers' roster
The Offseason Has Begun: Koby Altman Speaks
Koby Altman has surfaced for his end-of-season press availability. Bob Schmidt reads the tea leaves, interprets the answers, and turns to the mailbag for an early discussion of offseason expectations and plan of attack.
Swept Into A Summer Of Change (Cavs Eliminated By Knicks)
Fear the 'Fro and his jinx of a baby have returned, just in time to talk about the end of the season and the Cavs humiliating defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks.
Game 7 Jarrett Allen: It's A Thing (Cavs Beat the Brakes Off Pistons)
The Cavs ADVANCE, and "Game 7 Jarrett Allen" is now officially a thing. Gone is the "Donovan has never been out of the 2nd round" narrative. Gone is the "bigs are soft" narrative. Bob Schmidt, on the eve of the prodigal son's arrival, is here to celebrate advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the New York Knicks.
GAME 7 ALL OVER AGAIN (Cavs Get Smashed In Game 6)
Fear the 'Fro is back, trying to keep it together, after a very difficult loss in Game 6 puts the Cavs on the brink. This Sunday, they'll win or they'll go home. Bob Schmidt soaks in the misery with the Cavaliers faithful.
Cavs In Command: Cleveland Returns Home With A 3-2 Lead
Fear the 'Fro celebrates the first road victory of the Playoffs for our Cleveland Cavaliers. Bob Schmidt breaks down the game, and revels in victory with a closeout game on the horizon.
Donovan Leads A Historical Victory: Cavs Draw Even At 2-2
Fear the 'Fro celebrates a glorious Game Four victory as the Cavs hang a 22-0 run on the Pistons in the 3rd quarter, and even the series up at 2 games a piece. The mailbag is overflowing and the mood has improved dramatically.
ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS! (Cavs Protect Home Court)
We're back in it! James Harden... from goat to hero in a single game. Bob Schmidt breaks down the Game 3 victory with a host of friends, as the Cavs have set the stage to even the series on Monday.
James Harden: Sleeper Cell Saboteur?
Fear the 'Fro recaps the Cavs loss in Detroit, which puts them in a 2-0 hole. James Harden was atrocious. Like REALLY atrocious. Bob and the mailbag has some thoughts as the Cavs have their work cut out for them.
Cavs Fall To The Pistons In Game 1
The Cavs are still winless on the road. They dropped Game 1 vs. the Pistons, as James Harden struggled with ball control, and Jarrett Allen struggles with fouls. Fear the 'Fro breaks it down on this episode of the pod.
The 'Fro Sends The Raptors Home (BRING ON DETROIT)
Jarrett Allen LEGACY PLAYOFF GAME! Fear the 'Fro celebrates the game of a lifetime from our franchise center, Jarrett Allen, as his strong third quarter sent the Toronto Raptors home. We talk 'Fro, we talk Strus, we talk all things Game 7 victory! Plus an anthem.
The Best Phrase In Sports: "James Harden Game 7"
He made THAT SHOT? Really? RJ Barrett rips the hearts out of the Cavs with an end of overtime triple that dooms Cleveland. It's a do or die game, and a mostly "i wanna die" pod.
D-Day: Schroder Puts Game 5 Away For The Cavs
The Cavs NEEDED Game 5. They were down double digits... without Ingram... with a hampered Barnes, but they PULLED IT OFF. Who was the hero? DENNIS. SCHRODER. The mailbag is bursting with joy and concern as the Cavs have positioned themselves to close out the Raptors on the road this Friday.
Game 5 Preview with "The Raptors Show" (with Blake Murphy and Matt Bonner)
Fear the 'Fro is back for a gameday drop. Bob joins Blake Murphy and Matt Bonner of "The Raptors Show" to discuss where the Cavs sit heading into a pivotal game 5.
Tale of Two Cities: State of The Cavs-Raps Series
COPE POD! Fear the 'Fro discusses the disastrous Toronto trip, and the state of the series heading into a pivotal Game 5. We talk about the offensive frustrations, the recurring year over year themes of playoff execution failures, and reasons to be optimistic despite the taste currently in our mouths. TONS OF MAILBAGS IN THIS ONE.
The Raptors Respond: Toronto Blows The Doors Open In The Fourth
Fear the 'Fro reacts to a Game 3 loss in Toronto as the Cavs are slaughtered in the 4th quarter. Jamison Battle didn't miss in the fourth, and Scottie Barnes played like he heard all the slander I've been lobbing his way.
Cavs Head to Canada Up 2-0: Ingram No Shows
Fear the 'Fro celebrates a 2nd straight victory as the Cavs take care of their homecourt, and head to Toronto to try to make short work of the Raptors. Brandon Ingram continues to struggle. The stars continue to thrive, and Evan Mobley has outplayed Scottie Barnes in both games to open this series.
Third Quarter Thunder: Cavs Dominate Raps In Game 1
Fear the 'Fro celebrates a dominant 3rd quarter run that sealed the game for the Cavs in Game 1 of the Playoffs. Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports breaks it all down from Mobley vs. Barnes, to Max Strus, and the all-important Dean Wade. PLUS, a song.
Cavs-Raptors: The Definitive Preview (with Samson Folk)
Fear the 'Fro joins forces with Raptors Republic for a playoff preview of Cavs-Raptors. Bob is joined by Samson Folk to discuss all the things, from James Harden, Mobley vs. Barnes, the 5th starter, and the All-NBA Defensive team discussion.
The Playoffs Are Nigh for the Cavs (A End of the Season Discussion)
Bob Schmidt is back to celebrate a message being sent in a victory against the Hawks, and then we dive into a discussion on the playoffs, and the state of the squad.
Evan IS Disappointing: The Mailbag Pushes Back
Fear the 'Fro is back to answer a mailbag from Jonathan in the aftermath of the rise of a new pod enemy, namely Kevin O'Connor. Is Evan Mobley being assessed fairly? Is he a "disappoint". We go deeper. Plus Allen
A New Enemy Of The Pod Has Risen
Fear the 'Fro has heard the people's cries. The Enemy of the Pod has been awarded. Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, took aim at Evan Mobley calling him most overrated, disappointing player in the NBA. Bob Schmidt responds.
The Win Streak Continues (Cavs Hold Off Magic)
Fear the 'Fro returns from the Big Easy to witness the Cavs defeat the Orlando Magic behind a 42-point explosion from Donovan Mitchell. Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the win, and discusses the growing impact of James Harden and Evan Mobley.
The Keon and Dean Show: Cavs Smoke The Sixers
The Cavaliers opened the back-to-back with a turd. They followed it up by destroying the Sixers. Bob Schmidt breaks down the games, and teases the summer that awaits for Keon Ellis and Dean Wade, a pair whose fates are somewhat linked. Plus, a peek at the dysfunction in Sacramento which led Ellis to Cleveland in the first place, and Bob's thoughts on the Celtics debacle.Discord Link: https://discord.gg/gsraUzWAu
Missing: Cade Cunningham (Cavs Beat Pistons)
Fear the 'Fro puts a bookend on the regular season series against the Cavs, as the Cleveland cruises to victory on the struggles of Cade Cunningham. Bob Schmidt recaps the series, answers some mailbags, and looks ahead to playoff seeding.
The Class of the East: Two Regal Podcasters Talk Cavs & Pistons
Fear the 'Fro is joined by one of our very favorite guests, Bryce Simon of The Pistons Pulse to talk the Detroit Pistons, the Eastern Conference landscape, the Cade Cunningham MVP talk (and how it's short changing Donovan Mitchell), and Black History Month Jarrett Allen.Check out Bryce on The Game Theory with Sam Vecenie, or read his work on Motor City Hoops.
Black History Month Jarrett Allen
Fear the 'Fro breaks down the Cavs win over the Knicks, as the Cavs keep their blazing February going. Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade led the way for the Cavs as they dominated the second half and pulled away from New York.
The Wins Shall Continue (Cavs Thrash The Nets)
The winning continues as the Cavs notch their sixth straight victory, as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets, holding them to just 84 points. The mailbag is packed and the good vibes continue on the Fear the 'Fro podcast after this, the front end of a back-to-back.
Samuel Snipes: Certified Flamethrower (Cavs Roll Wiz)
Fear the 'Fro heads into All-Star break with vibes at a high point. Bob breaks down Sam Merrill's fantastic night, where he poured in 32 points and 9 triples, which overshadowed another perfect night from Jarrett Allen. The mailbag is stocked, and we empty the clip before the All-Star Weekend festivities.
The Quickest 180 You'll Ever Hear (Harden's Debut)
Fear the 'Fro reacts after the James Harden debut, which featured a whole LOT of Jarrett Allen, and the fourth quarter heroics of our new starting backcourt. Plus, some mailbags, and some clean up regarding Keon Ellis. PLUS A SONG!
The Mailbag Fights Back: Defending The Harden Acquisition
Fear the 'Fro is back, and the faithful are restless. Several of you took issue with my reaction to the James Harden trade, and in this podcast, Bob airs your grievances and responds to the pushback. Thanks to so many of you who participated in the cavspod.com audio mailbag.Discord Link: https://discord.gg/GtcuaTBYn
EMERGENCY POD: The Core Four Is Dead (Harden to Cleveland)
The core four is dead. Koby Altman made a shocking move on Tuesday, trading Darius Garland, the original member of the core four to the Clippers for 36-year-old James Harden. Bob reacts to the news about Harden, empties the mailbag, and then talks with Adam Auslund, host of Clippers Talk.
One of One: Jarrett Allen Makes History In A Win Vs. Blazers
'FRO LOVERS UNITE! Jarrett Allen gave us a 40-piece as the Cavs stormed to victory in Portland. The 'Fro pod rejoices in a night for the ages, from the often overlooked center. Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, discusses Sam Merrill, Craig Porter Jr., and Jaylon Tyson in this celebratory pod.
EMERGENCY POD: De'Andre Out, Schroder and Ellis In
Fear the 'Fro reacts to a HUGE trade, sending De'Andre Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder. We break down the basketball impact, the De'Andre Hunter era, and how this sets the table for the Cavs now, and into the future.
Dre for Rui? A Trade Rumor Analysis (plus Barkley comments)
Fear the 'Fro is back after his trip to Cleveland to break down the fallout from the Lakers game, some out of pocket media comments, and the rumors of a potential Cleveland for Lakers trade involving De'Andre Hunter. Plus, the mailbag suggests a new feature for the pod.
Bron Day: Fear the 'Fro-ad Trip As Bob Comes to Town (with Allen Sliwa)
The King has returned and the Fear the 'Fro pod has taken the show on the road. Bob is in Cleveland, and today he is joined by Allen Sliwa to talk about the Cavs and Lakers. Evan Mobley is down with a calf strain, and that should officially dead the Dean Wade rumors. Plus, some clean up on Jaylon Tyson's postgame comments about Most Improved Player.
The People's MIP: A Realistic Look at the Most Improved Player's Race
Three in a row! Ten of fourteen! The Cavs are trending up, and Fear the 'Fro celebrates an Evan Mobley gem in Sacramento followed by a complete team win in Orlando on a back-to-back. Then Bob explores the Most Improved Player award, and makes a case for where Jaylon Tyson should fall amongst the favorites.
Rivals you say? I THINK NOT.
Fear the 'Fro celebrates a win over LaMelo Ball and the Hornets. The Cavs dialed up the defense in an absolute rock fight. Plus, a programming announcement, and Bob takes up for Lebron after ESPN platforms some Buss family whining.
Jaylon Tyson Has Arrived! (Career High In Win Over Sixers)
Jaylon Tyson ripped out the hearts of the Philadelphia 76ers on a career-high scoring night. And he was the only one. The young guys did big work in edging out Philadelphia on a game-sealing dunk by Evan Mobley. We celebrate and ransack the audio mailbag. Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/CWc3jYf26
Primetime Pounding: The Cavs Destroy The Sixers
TAKE THAT Joel Embiid! The Cavs pounded the Sixers and won by nearly 30, as Cleveland gave a complete effort with multiple bright spots, and one glaring negative... injuries. Bob breaks down the game, reacts to some fake trade rumors, and talks about the young Cavs on the rise.