Nearly a decade after one of the most iconic championships in baseball history, two central figures from that team are bringing fans back inside the magic. Anthony Rizzo and David Ross are hosting a new podcast, The Lovable Reunion, set to debut March 31 on The Volume.
The podcast coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Chicago Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory – a moment that ended a 108-year championship drought and forever changed the identity of the franchise. Now, Rizzo and Ross aim to revisit that unforgettable season from a perspective fans have never truly experienced: inside the clubhouse.
In The Lovable Reunion, the duo will reconnect with former teammates and key figures from that championship run, offering a deeper, more personal look at what it took to make history. The goal is simple but powerful – tell the full story, not just the one captured on highlight reels.
Inside the 2016 Run: Stories Fans Haven’t Heard
Each episode of the podcast will feature in-depth conversations with members of that legendary roster, including names like Jon Lester, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Jake Arrieta, as well as former manager Joe Maddon.
Rather than quick-hit interviews, the show promises long-form, reflective conversations that dive into the defining moments of the 2016 season. From game-changing decisions to behind-the-scenes dynamics, each guest will share their own perspective on how the Cubs finally broke “the curse.”
“Winning in 2016 is something I’ll carry with me forever,” Rizzo said. “There’s so much from that season people never really got to see.”
He emphasized that the podcast is about uncovering those hidden layers:
“The Lovable Reunion goes back inside that run. We sit down with the guys and talk through what it really took to get there. Every player had a role. Every moment mattered. Now those stories are finally being told.”
For fans, that means access to the emotional highs, the tension-filled moments, and the personalities that made the team special.
“The Cubs fans run deep. It’s just so much passion and so much joy that we brought Cubs fans and the city of Chicago – really, all over the country and the world,” Rizzo said. “They share their stories about their grandfather, their dad, and getting to watch with them and what it meant. So you get emotional hearing it, because it means so much to all the families. For us players living that, it’s a dream come true.”
Chemistry, Culture, and the Clubhouse Bond
While the 2016 Cubs were undeniably talented, Ross believes their success went far beyond statistics.
“It was the personalities, the chemistry between each guy in the clubhouse, and the belief we had in each other that made that run truly special,” Ross said.
That chemistry will be a central theme of the podcast. By bringing players back together, The Lovable Reunion aims to recreate the environment that fueled one of the most resilient teams in MLB history.
“The Lovable Reunion brings those relationships back,” Ross added. “It gives each guy space to tell his side of the story. You hear about the decisions, the emotions, and the big moments.”
Importantly, the show isn’t just about reliving victories; it’s about understanding how those relationships carried the team through adversity, including a dramatic seven-game World Series that tested every ounce of their resolve.
Expanding Athlete-Driven Storytelling
The Lovable Reunion is part of a broader push by The Volume to expand athlete-driven content across sports. The platform’s growing lineup includes shows like 4th and South, hosted by Leonard Fournette and Jarvis Landry, and The Bounce Back, featuring Udonis Haslem and John Wall.
Matthew Kline, Head of Digital at The Volume, highlighted the significance of the Cubs’ story and why it fits perfectly within the platform’s vision.
“2016 was a monumental time for the Cubs, for Chicago, and for baseball fans everywhere,” Kline said. “We’re excited to work with Rizzo and Ross to revisit that championship run, hear untold stories, and sit down with the people who were part of an extraordinary moment in sports history.”
The emphasis on storytelling, particularly from the athletes themselves, reflects a growing demand among fans for authenticity and deeper insight beyond traditional coverage.
Two Cubs Legends Announce Podcast for 10-Year Anniversary of 2016 Title