Damian: Imported from Norse Code show notes archive

2026-05-18T15:01:52Z

Imported from Norse Code show notes archive

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{{EpisodeInfobox
| number = 327
| title = The Ham Controversy / The Illusion of Work
| hosts = Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
| guests = Ben Solak
| type = Mailbag
}}

'''Norse Code Episode 327: The Ham Controversy / The Illusion of Work''' is an episode featuring an interview with NFL analyst Ben Solak regarding Patriots/Cam Newton news, followed by an extensive mailbag session addressing Vikings roster questions, COVID-19's impact on the NFL season, and various listener inquiries.

== Overview ==
The episode opens with an interview featuring Ben Solak from The Draft Network discussing Patriots and Cam Newton news. The majority of the episode consists of a comprehensive mailbag covering topics ranging from running game philosophy to COVID-19's impact on the upcoming season, along with the usual mix of football analysis and personal questions for the hosts.

== Segments ==
; Opening : Patriots/Cam Newton news interview with Ben Solak
; Mailbag : Extended listener questions covering Vikings roster, NFL strategy, and COVID-19 impacts
; Closing : Hulu Celebrity IOU Season 1 Episode 3 discussion

== Mailbag Questions ==
* Rahul - The running game doesn't matter, but the threat of the running game matters. While pithy, is this statement actually absurd?
* James Koonow - How much more optimistic about the season would you feel if the Vikings somehow acquire Desmond King?
* Allesandro - If the team has some struggles early on, do you think Kubiak/Zimmer would stick to their "establish the run at all costs" approach?
* Michael - Is there any data grading out a draft class a few years later comparing trade value vs. staying put?
* Damian Barrett - Will not having fans in the stadiums hinder or help a QB like Kirk?
* Wes - How should the dead air issue be handled if there are no live fans this fall?
* Matthew Coller's collar - How will COVID impact next year's draft? If there is no CFB season, will there still be a draft?
* Professor Poop - Which rookies should I be keeping an eye on if we have watchable practice or pre-season?
* Swervin - How does the new CBA affect players wanting to forego the 2020 season for health reasons?
* Ben - How do you view the Lions as a divisional threat considering their skill position players vs. the Matt Patricia effect?
* Luke Braun - Start, Bench, Cut for Week 1: Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson, Troy Dye
* Andrew Shad - What dumb non-story will become our equally dumb controversy in 2020?
* Tanner - How much money would the fanbase have to give Arif to continue covering the Vikings if they trade for Carson Wentz?
* Herkyalert - When cooking brats do you boil them first or just put them on the grill?
* Ron from Ohio - If Arif and James had to quarantine with Don from Ohio for the NFL season, who would do the cooking?
* Delta BC Dad - Follow-up: if you run out of meat during quarantine, who contributes their flesh first?
* Don from Ohio - What shouldn't I say when proposing to my girlfriend? Also seeking advice on hot tub and lawnmower purchases for new house
* Norm - Best neighborhood in Minneapolis or St. Paul
* Duke's Code - How is NDSU going to cheat this year?
* Kyle Slaybee - If CBS bought NorseCode, would you take the money or stay to host with corporate oversight?

== Key Bits & Lore ==
Don from Ohio appears prominently in the mailbag with questions about his upcoming house purchase and proposal plans, continuing his role as a recurring character in Norse Code lore.

== Production Notes ==
Episode timestamps noted: 58:26, 80:51, 108:45. Patreon supporter Wade Miller acknowledged.

[[Category:Episodes]]
[[Category:Season 2020]]

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Episode 327 - Revision history

Damian: Imported from Norse Code show notes archive