Trey Wingo of ‘Half-Forgotten History’ speaks about ESPN and his eye-opening interview with Ryan Leaf

September 8, 2021

As a host for over 25 years, Trey is excited to present his podcast, “Half-Forgotten History,” to share sports stars’ stories that previously didn’t have a space on other platforms. Trey loves to learn about people and wants fans to realize that professional athletes are multi-layered, and sports is just one facet of their interesting lives.

Trey was interviewed via video chat, and Dax and Alesha remarked on his background display that featured sports memorabilia and Emmys. Dax is a major fan of Trey’s and the whole sports world. And while Alesha said she’s not super into sports, she is eager to learn.

Alesha, Dax, and Trey discussed Ryan Leaf’s appearance on “Half-Forgotten History.” Ryan holds a special place in Trey’s heart. Trey started at ESPN in 1997 and Ryan was drafted in 1998, so he reported and followed Ryan’s career since the beginning. Trey was an NFL 2nd round draft pick in 1998, and this selection became a big debacle. Ryan didn’t play any draft games and many fans criticized him as a pick. Dax learned so much from Trey’s interview with Ryan and wasn’t previously familiar with his life’s rough patch and healing journey.

On Trey’s podcast, Ryan dug into what he was experiencing back then, and how he hit rock bottom before working through his inner demons and getting better. Dax recapped a portion of the episode. The hosts and Trey discussed the importance of mental health, and awareness around resources and treatment, especially during the pandemic and post-quarantine.

Now, Ryan has been sober for years and is helping other people with what he has learned through his honest journey. And for this, Trey is proud. Trey realizes the intense pressure athletes face during drafting, particularly when you’re fresh out-of-the-gate in your early 20s. What Trey finds most admirable about Ryan is his willingness to get well, take ownership of his life, and ask for help along the way. Ryan also wants people to realize they can get help and survive, too. Trey quoted Winston Churchill: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” That’s what Ryan did.

Of course, Trey’s interview would not be complete without sharing some of his favorite podcasts. Trey is a huge history buff, and enjoys Slate’s “Slow Burn.” Dax said it’s the second time in a week that someone recommended “Slow Burn.”

Trey listens to “The Immaculate Deception,” a series about a Scandinavian fertility doctor whose patients didn’t know he was inseminating them with his own sperm. Trey also tunes in to the latest episodes of “The Dropout” covering Elizabeth Holmes and the infamous Theranos trial.

Campside Media’s true crime podcast, “Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen,” is also on Trey’s list. Each season of “Chameleon” investigates sketchy characters who nearly get away with their scandal. The “Hollywood Con Queen” storyline unpacks the deceit of a Hollywood hopeful who swindled people into signing up for film projects in Indonesia and China that never came to fruition. Alesha said she’s definitely going to check it out. This season, the series heads to Las Vegas for a two-year FBI investigation in “Chameleon: High Rollers.”

Toward the end of the episode, Alesha speaks about her work with the Ronald McDonald House, and wanted to know more about Trey’s connection to the organization. Trey’s family lived in St. Louis and is so connected to the town, it feels like a second home. Some of his best friends had a child who died from cancer in the early ’90s, and the Ronald McDonald House was there for them. Trey explores how it was founded by former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Leonard Tose. Leonard learned that the Eagles’ linebacker Bill Bergey’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Leonard and Bill teamed up with McDonald’s help in the 1970s. It has been “a charity near and dear” to Trey’s heart!