On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What does Thanksgiving have to do with football — and why can’t we imagine one without the other? In this special holiday episode, host Jenna Duddleston welcomes football historian Jeremy Swick to unpack the incredible story behind America’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition. From college rivalries in the 1800s to the Detroit Lions’ first game in 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys’ business-savvy debut in 1966, Jeremy reveals how the NFL turned a holiday pastime into a national spectacle.
Together, they dive into the marketing genius that made football the heartbeat of Thanksgiving — exploring how the league captured family living rooms, mastered storytelling, and even created cultural icons like John Madden’s turkey legs. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just here for the mashed potatoes, this episode will change how you see the game playing in the background of your family’s feast.
Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the Unknown
Follow Jenna Duddleston:
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@jennacduddleston
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarTalkwithJenna
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtC2tCvfpUpc4Zfsc0IJdkA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartalkwithjenna/
Listen to Bar Talk with Jenna:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-talk-with-jenna/id1524053984
Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.