It’s being called an “unexpected collaboration.”
The governor of California and a Super Bowl champion teaming up for a podcast weren’t on our 2024 bingo cards, but here we are.
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch announced they’ve started a podcast.
The iHeart Media production is called “Politickin'” and also includes their friend and agent Doug Hendrickson.
“Gavin Newsom like you’ve never heard him and Marshawn Lynch exactly how you’d expect him,” the caption on the Instagram announcement reads.
Lynch is known for his outspoken and blunt personality on and off the football field. Many will remember his famous line “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” during media interviews.
The trio released a one-minute trailer as well introducing themselves and the podcast’s concept.
“What does ‘Politickin” even mean?” asked Newsom.
“So, this how ‘Politickin” work out right? There’s bridge and gaps you sit down, come to the round table, you need to figure it out. I need to figure out where you coming from, right? But you need to figure out where he coming from. Your ‘Politickin” might be a little bit different,” Lynch explained. “You handle yours a different way. We bring each side our walks of life, like how we’re doing right now, and we figure out what we got going on. And what I’m going to call that is ‘Politickin.” Not because he a politician, but because that’s just what we do, complete.”
“With no politics,” Newsom added.
The podcast comes as Newsom was recently appointed as a campaign surrogate for President Joe Biden.
Lynch played in the NFL for 12 seasons as a successful running back who spent most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks.
He has branded his long-used nickname “Beast Mode” to develop a clothing line, cellphone service and other businesses. He’s also made major philanthropic efforts to give back to his hometown of Oakland, California, and in 2006 launched the Fam1st Family Foundation.
While he’s a well-loved personality, many took to the podcast’s Instagram page to slam the venture.
“Bro I love you but get away from that dude Newsom,” one follower wrote.
“It’s that the same guy that is destroying your city of Oakland?” wrote another.
“Run Marshawn! Run as fast as you can away from this!”
However, some fans supported this.
“Strangest combo I’ve seen in awhile but I’m totally here for it!” wrote one supporter.
“Maybe this is an opportunity to create change,” one follower wrote. “Y’all just going off and don’t even know what can happen and so what if they support Newsome or Biden we ALL have a choice.”
The podcast’s premiere episode is set to launch on July 15 wherever you get your podcasts.