8A: TODAY Pop Culture & Lifestyle September 3: Retiring pilot shares her inspiring story | Inside the fun of fantasy football “punishments” | Fall home and fashion finds

0:00Hey, it's Christopher Kimball from Mostri Radio. It sounds like I'm bragging, and I am, with the number one most downloaded food podcast in America. You know, Mostri Radio travels the world in search of the very best food stories. You'll hear about smuggling eels on the black market, the secret intelligence of plants, and insider tips to eating in Paris. In every week, listeners call in with their toughest culinary mysteries. Discover a world of food stories by searching your podcast app for Mostri Radio. This week on Meet the Press. As the war with Iran heats up again and prices continue to rise, Kristen Wilker talks with Senator John Kennedy and Congressman Jamie Raskin. How could it all impact the midterms? Plus Steve Cornacky breaks down a new poll. This week on Meet the Press. Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts. Let's add a clock on today coming up. High state! Boca to a... My husband doing a fantasy football.

1:02Punishment. You know? Happy Sunday in this house. With the countdown on to the new NFL season, we're going to take you inside the wild world of fantasy football punishments. Who's had the worst punishment? I think it did. I just did the SATs. From the creative to the silly and everything in between. Oh, that plus meet the new Harry Potter, Lionel Richie sharing a positive update and the songs of summer are exclusive love at this year's top hits today. Thursday September 3rd, 2026. Oh, hello! Can't wait to celebrate with all those folks who've decided to spend a little time with us on the plaza on this Thursday. Want to look at all those smiling faces. I'm dragging it outlaw because I want to make sure everyone who showed up gets to it. Give them all their time. They came for us. They stood outside. Got to show them some love. Yeah, we'll get outside in just a bit. Lord, Jared, helping out while Savannah

2:04enjoys some well-deserved time off. Best time in the morning. Alright, guys, we got a lot. We got a power through Pop Start today. But some good stuff. We'll start with Harry Potter. It's back to school season for everybody, including the students at Hogwarts because, well, we're looking at the upcoming remake for the Harry Potter series. It's the HBO show that's going to turn the beloved books into seven seasons of TV with a new cast of wizards, including a young actor, Dominic McLaughlin, stepping into the role of the chosen one. Also seen there, Emmy winner John Lithgow as Dumbledore, the first season of seven set to be released on Christmas. Oh, let's come in on press. Which is how many days from now? A lot probably over the math. Okay. Next up is Lionel Richie. Earlier this week, the music legend, unfortunately, was hospitalized after appearing to struggle during a concert, TMZ reporting, Richie was taken by ambulance to the hospital where doctors advised him to rest. Now, at least we have a positive update to share. Lionel is back home in LA and, quote, doing great. We're sending him a bunch of love and wishing him the best is he recovers. One of the great guys. Is there yourself Lionel? Rest. Finally, Spotify's Labor Day approaches

3:05and pumpkin spice lattes take over. It's time for the official songs of summer based on streaming data and cultural impact. We can exclusively reveal the streamer's list of tracks that top the season, and it doesn't take a crystal ball to see. Ella Langley's shoes in Texas earned a spot. It's spent, of course, all summer Spotify's global hits and continues to break records and that huge run it's going on right now. They'll board hot 100. Now we're moving on to the next song made history at number one with our friends across the pond. Olivia Dean, this one with Sam Fender, called Rain Me In, became the longest running number one song in the UK this summer, solidifying its place on the list. Lastly, Spotify's most streamed song of summer. That's the new pedal that we find that song. I hate that I made you love me. It has been huge. It's helped her cross the 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify. So, come back to our anymore. The next listener, Dylan Trier, is going to get a Spotify account. Dylan's going to get on Spotify today. Today. This intro you're going to treat me to. I am. I'm going to find out they're going to give charts anymore.

4:09Welcome back. Welcome back 8th, 30. It's a Thursday morning almost to the weekend. We got happy crowd on the plaza. Happy crowd folks. They're going to be even happy tomorrow. Another great crowd expected. Country music superstar, Riley Green is going to hit that city concert stage. It's going to be a perfect way to kick off that long holiday weekend. Later on the third hour, Stephanie Mansour is going to get us moving with our newest start to day plan all about walking and string training to increase our long Jevite Plus. We will get some tips on mobility and nutrition from the folks who work with her on our very special app. All right, before we do anything else, I met this young lady when I came outside and I was like, oh, she looks familiar and it was a reminder of how old I am. What's your name? Bowen Ward. And how do we know each other? I used to be your intern when you read WIS News Station in Columbia South Carolina. What year was that? That was in 2008. 2008. That's how old I am. It's good to see you.

5:09What do you make you do anything weird? Was I go get my laundry and stuff like that? So many weird things. Oh, I got a talk. We got a talk. Great. Great exchange of regret. The NBA clearly doesn't hold this level. Didn't before we do anything else, I'm going to check in the weather. Yeah, a little humid in the Northeast. It is sticky and uncomfortable temperatures getting up into the 80s. But let's talk about the weekend as we look forward to a three-day weekend for some of you. Saturday we will see some isolated severe storms through the mid-Atlantic. Looks good in the Northeast though. The heat continues in the middle of the country and a little bit cooler than average out west. Then on Sunday, we are going to see that tropical like rain out in the Southwest. That will produce some heavier downpours also in the Southeast. We'll see showers and thunderstorms in the Northeast temperatures are in the 70s, low 80s. Looks beautiful and then on Labor Day itself Monday looks like a beach day for the East Coast up and down the East Coast. We are going to see a lot of sunshine and mild temperatures. Little stormy unsettled through the Southeast still hot down south in Texas. But the flooding rain will finally come to an end.

6:09And that's your latest forecast. Alright, Dylan. Thank you. Let's turn the page to read with Jenna and reveal the September selection. Jenna of course has that honor left this little gift. Subject. I cannot think of a more perfect book to welcome us to fall. The witches of Cambridge by one of my absolute favorites. Alice Hoffman is set in 1950s Cambridge and we follow two brilliant young women as they become immersed in a mysterious secret group of witches known as the Lillis Society. They quickly realize the witch trials of the past may not be as deeply buried as they once believed. It is a novel about love, friendship and finding your power. It is out September 8th. So scan that QR code or head today.com slash read with Jenna to preorder your copy and don't forget subscribe to our newsletter while you're there. It's the best way to stay up to date on our picks and events. Alright, Carson. That was for you. I know I'll be there. I'll subscribe. Alright, coming up here. We are heading into the cockpit with a beloved female pilot

7:10who helped mentor countless kids inspiring the next generation to fly along the way. Our Ryan Chandler has for remarkable story. But first this is today on NBC. This fall on NBC. You guys first. The premiere of Lion the Fire, a thrilling new crime drama. The world sees us as heroes, but they don't know what the job really costs. One family of federal agents. It's one thing to put yourself in danger. It's different when it's your family. Balance is duty to their country. Massacin is still out there. Stop! And each other. How do you protect the world and the people you love at the same time? Every case, it's home online of fire. Premiering Monday, September 21st on NBC. Hey guys, Willie Geist here reminding you to check out the Sunday sit down podcast. On this week's episode I get together with crossover country superstar Megan Moroni at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn

8:13to talk about her number one album. Her sold out arena tour and her rapid rise to the top of the music world. You can get our conversation now for free or every download your podcasts. Before the first snap of football season, get everything you need to know with NBC News's NFL kickoff guy powered by the experts at NBC Sports. It's the easiest way to get up the speed on the team's players, stats and biggest storyline shaping the season. Dive deeper into your favorite team with dedicated guides plus data insights to help your fantasy lineup too. It's the fastest route to being ready for football season and it's only for NBC News subscribers. Just go to NBCNews.com slash NFL Guy. We're back at 8.36 and back with a remarkable pilot who has been inspiring the next generation for nearly 40 years now. NBC's Ryan Chandler joins us now from Dallas Love field with her story Hey Ryan's a good one.

9:17Hey good morning. You know if you ask one of these pilots what it takes to fly a 737 one day, they'll tell you well. They had to stay in school, make good grades, have a little discipline, and a reason why you're doing it. It's pretty good advice for no matter what you want to do in life. And that's the message that one of these pilots first took to a fifth grade classroom decades ago. That's now leading to some full circle success stories, as she prepares for one last landing. Captain Nancy Martin-Bellitz is checking flight controls before takeoff, just like she has for the last 38 years with Southwest Airlines. She's flown millions of passengers all across the world, but her greatest legacy will be the people she put in the seat right next to hers. Very good. You are a natural. Captain Nancy brought the cockpit into the classroom. Jowing fifth graders all across the country, the magic of flight with Southwest's adoptive pilot program.

10:17An idea inspired by a chance encounter in 1991. I'm saying goodbye to some passengers. I just said the front of the plane. And this lovely lady comes up and says, wow, are you a female pilot? And I said, yeah, and she said, I'm a school teacher. Would you ever come and speak to my school kids? I think it would be inspiring. And I said absolutely. That moment started it all. And 35 years later, Southwest's pilots have mentored more than a million children. Showing kids the science and the skills that it takes to wear their wings or become whatever they want to be. Just organically, when you stand in front of these children and they see you, it inspires. The new rotation after about 20 degrees. And sometimes that inspiration comes full circle. Some of the kids Nancy inspired are now flying alongside her. Well, I want to be here without her. So I can't put it to words. It's been absolutely amazing. Jack Kekoska is now training junior pilots and working to become a captain himself one

11:22day. You're doing excellent. Thank you. This is amazing. This is awesome. We got to see him take one more step toward that dream. Landing a 737 in this simulator with captain Nancy by his side. And then we would exit right here. Wow. Wow. Great. So awesome. There we go. So awesome. See how he is? Don't tell me how easy he is. When you climb into the cockpit, is Nancy there with you? I feel her. She's in my soul, basically. I wouldn't be here without her, like I said. So absolutely. Every time you take the control, you remember her and the impact she had. Absolutely. And I got to say, she is a good teacher. She even taught me how to beat her co-pilot. There you go. Oh. Did we make it? Very natural. Hey. Welcome to Honolulu.

12:23Captain Nancy retires at the end of the year, but once she makes her final landing, the legacy won't be measured in flight hours. And by the people who earned their wings, because she showed them they could. I don't think you're ever really truly successful until you can give back. I love that. Defining success, not by what you're able to bring yourself, but you know you're really successful when you're able to give back to others. By the way, everybody, Southwest Adopted Pilot Program opens for registration on October 1st. So if you're a teacher anywhere in the country, you want to invite a pilot into your classroom. And then you can go to the South West website. Who knows? Maybe one of your fifth graders will be flying you somewhere someday. That was pretty cool. That was pretty cool. Nice landing, Ryan. Pretty sure that was a taxiway, but nice. Longage drinks were everywhere, but the plane was in one piece. We got it. Well done. Good story. Love that. Also with the new NFL season almost here, we're going to take you inside the game, inside the

13:28game. The wild world of fantasy football punishments. If you lose your league, let's just say some of these are going quite viral. Kaley Hartsong has got this one for us right after this. I love that. We are back now just about 15 with the return of our inside the game series. With the new NFL season almost here, a lot of fans are going to be taking part of course in fantasy football leagues. And this morning, we're highlighting a popular and viral trend that's tied to them. They're creative and humorous penalties for the poorest fantasy performers of the mall. It has become quite the thing. NBC's Kaley Hartsong here with that story. Some of these have gone really viral. They sure have. And we talked to some of those folks who have. As we're counting down to kick off, we're in this all-important window to draft your fantasy football team, which comes with a mix of high stakes pressure and lighthearted panic. And for a lot of these leagues, the real drama isn't who wins.

14:28It's who finishes last. This man dressed like the hungry caterpillar has been seen by millions. And while internet fame may sound like winning, he's actually a loser, a big loser. Boca up to a, my husband doing a fantasy football punishment. You know? Happy Sunday in this house. Yes, he eats a whole of the foods of the hungry caterpillar. So John, what is it like knowing millions of people have watched you eat a pickle in a caterpillar costume? I feel weird. At first, I was like, this is humiliating. And then I'm like, I could go viral for a lot worse things. So I'm okay with it now. John and Ella Lesky are from Chicago, where apparently losing fantasy football comes with consequences. Ella, were you aware of the possible punishment for John when his fantasy football week began?

15:29I remember him telling me about it like months ago. And I was like, that's so stupid. Like, that's not even funny. The Sunday that he did it, I was like still in bed. And he's like walking to the doors like three bags of groceries. I'm like, what are you doing with the costume? I'm like, oh, it's happening. An estimated 40 million Americans play fantasy football every season. And the price of losing, it's gone viral, like trick or treating in the middle of summer. Trick or treat? What? Trick or treat? Playing golf with strangers without a ball. Just barely miss the edge. Playing a 1000 piece puzzle together in a dark closet. And for Rob Dalto of New York City, as the loser of his league last season, he had decided for 24 hours at an eye hop. Or he 24 pancakes, whichever came first. Count is a beat. It's gonna be a long day. I do another order of the original buttermilk. Tell me. We need your help. Rob invited me to his league's draft day.

16:31For a group of friends that goes back 30 years, how much fun is this league just to keep you guys in touch on a regular basis? It's kept us connected through, I mean, high school to college, to weddings, to children, to pandemic, to growing families. It's kept us connected for an hour, third decade now. Who's had the worst punishment? I think it hit it. I think it hit it. I think the SATs. And of course, deciding who gets the coveted first pick gets competitive. You guys have a fun way of choosing your draft order, though. We do. Well, you had to choke two beers as fast as you can. Which is? There we go! Other leagues are getting creative with their draft order, too. Even asking NFL players for help. But back at Rob's draft, the real stakes are what happens to whoever finishes last. I think the loser should have to operate 118's to make $200 at night. You have to go to an open light night and do a stand-up set. Loser has to dress up as Elmo and spend an afternoon in Times Square.

17:37So last year, you were the lucky loser. Have you eaten a pancake since? No, not a single thing. Lucky for Rob, I have a particular set of skills acquired over a career as an NFL sideline reporter. Oh, wait, where was I? Hey, gotcha! I mean, if you're taking a quarterback for your first pick, you need a jaw challenge. You gotta think about the offer since the fall. And their productivity, Joe Boros, can either give the ball to Chiar Chase, Caleb Blue is gonna give the ball to Ramon Jinsley. Absolutely. I'm just saying what's next. Absolutely. I'd like to say I earned my key, but I wasn't prepared for this commitment. So if you lose this thing, what am I liable for? You're in the fight, you're in the fight, you're in the fight. You can't fail. I lose. Okay. Thank you for letting me be a part of the draft. Thank you, Caleb. You're wrong. Oh, thank you. You don't say how you feel, because I know this is it. I hope you're done losing. I'm really hoping Rob doesn't lose, but I'd like to think, gave him a few tips.

18:38I am nervous though, because I don't play in my own fantasy football league. This is as close as I'm doing. What wouldn't be fair if you weren't my favorite? You know the answers to the test. Well, well, well, let's not give you too much credit. But so here's what I loved learning. Rob and his buddies have been having so much fun doing this. His wife, Mary, noticed. She launched her own fantasy football league with her girlfriends. Now their challenge for the loser, their punishment rather, I should say, you have to run a 5K dressed as Dolly Parton. Oh, that's a good one. That's a good one. Yeah. Many women, they're thinking differently about these punishments. I mean, fantasy, I was just telling Laura one of the things I've always enjoyed about fantasy. It's community. It's people getting together, just get clean fond drinks and beers, eat some pizza, and you're become more invested in watching the games. My 12 year old son, he's in five leagues this year. Wow. Five. Five. I don't even know how you keep on the rest. Just because he's become like a fantasy addict. And you said Jack was just texting you? Yeah, just texting me off the draft today. Yeah. It's so popular. Don't let him around Kaling. I know. I'm not. Thank you, Kaling. Thank you, thank you.

19:38Can't wait for the NFL season. We will be there when it kicks off. Next Wednesday, Patriots facing the Seahawks. Super Bowl rematch. Right here on NBC and Peacock Kaling Hearts. And we'll be right there on the sidelines as this is where the unfilled, unfurled the banner. Are you sure, Joe? It is going to be a time in Seattle that 12s will be going wild. It's going to be fun. I'm going to remember I hated that game. It's going to pass. Yeah. Yes, it'll just came back to you. It's so real. Oh, yeah. That's why I'm like, OK. That's why you blocked it out. That's why you blocked it out. All right, guys, coming up, Chassie Post got a new shop this list. It's going to feature fresh, full fines to get ready for the season ahead. We'll get to that first. This is today on NBC. Hi, I'm Kate Snow, NBC News anchor and host of the NBC News podcast The Drink. This month I'm sitting down with actor, writer, producer Brendan Hunt. Most of you know him as Coach Beard from Ted Lasso, but there is so much more to his story. We sit down, we talk about all of it from his bumpy upbringing to his years in improv

20:40comedy and how a Hollywood rejection opened the door to co-creating Ted Lasso. It's an open, funny conversation about perseverance, creativity and the winding road that brought him right here. We hope you'll join us for the Drink, listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Every week on the Moth podcast, real people tell their stories live on stage. I burst into tears and I wasn't sure if I was crying because I hadn't been kissed in a really long time or if I had just never been kissed like that before. To hear fascinating, heartbreaking and sometimes hilarious stories from astronauts, teachers, farmers and people just like you, follow and listen to the Moth wherever you get your podcasts. This week on Meet the Press, as the war with Iran heats up again and prices continue to rise. Kristen Wilker talks with Senator John Kennedy and Congressman Jamie Raskin. How could it all impact the midterms?

21:41Plus Steve Kornacky breaks down a new poll. This week on Meet the Press, listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts. A weird back now coming up on 843 with a new shop this list and before the temperatures and the leaves begin to drop, we've got some fresh fall finds this morning to get you ready for the new season. Shopped today, Fashion Life Style Contributor Chastis Post is here with some just got some fashion essentials. She's got some home essentials. They're all from Target. Just scan that QR code that's right beneath me right there. Welcome back to us. Thank you and let's dive right in. Full fashion. I know sweater weather is around the corner and it's all about Cardi Core this fall and that's the cardigan. We are loving it and Craig, this is a really really good cardigan. This is from Universal Thread just it feels so substantial. Chunky. Yeah, it's still got a really flattering silhouette. So you can pair it with pretty much everything in your closet. You will see in this photo. I pretty much did. I styled it three different ways

22:47and I love that it's $35 comes in lots of autumn colors and sizes extra small through three XL. One of my big frustrations is when you leave this sweater in a drawer for a while. Yeah. It comes out to get all those first balls on it. Okay. Craig, we've got a $12 solution that is going to make your sweaters look like you. Have you ever fabric shaved before? Oh, sure. Okay. Well, get in here because it gets rid of, it shaves off all of those little buzz balls and that pie. It's totally satisfying to just a little bit. Totally satisfying and it makes your sweaters look like new and this is a really good one. It's from Conair. It's got three different speeds. I mean, a big shaving surface so you can get it done fast. It's well done. It's well done. And you know what's so cool? You can use it on any kind of fabric. So from clothing to furniture, we have someone who used it on their sofa. Let's get to some full stress. So we've got all the fall feels with these must have decor items from Threshold. And we love that these bring together elevated design and quality but starting at just $15.

23:52So as a candle creator, you will appreciate these. I love the vessel. Yes. Porsal in the pumpkin candles. So they bring that fall vibe and that fall sense. I mean, smell that. That is even nila pumpkin scent. And also by one, get 50% off of these. That's a deal. It's a deal. And then get in here. Feel these row pillows. That's right. I know. So soft. And this is a faux mohair. I mean, we love this plaid pumpkin shaped pillow. Also, we've got, you know, faux fur and, oh, yeah, you can do that. So good. And then I love the animal prints and tiger prints. And then Craig, you got to get in here. This is the most luxe and soft throw. I think I've ever felt right. This one is the Chanel chunky net. This is the faux fur. Okay. So next up, you're going to love this too because this is a gorgeous five quart cast iron Dutch oven. This is from,

24:55I know, no, it's under $50. It's from heart and hand with magnolia. And this is going to be the key to saving time in the kitchen because it's one pot cooking at its finest. Right? You can cook, go from stovetop to your oven to table top, cook everything from stews to fall off the bone chicken. And here's the deal. This looks and cooks like a much, much, much more expensive. Has Dutch oven, but it's under $50. So I can't get over it. And then last but not least, Craig. I love it. This is on wheels. What is better than storage, but storage on wheels and look, it's going to fly. It drives like a dream. Craig, you got to give this a spin. Check it out. Look, it's just $12. And again, this looks a whole lot like a very popular and much more expensive rolling bag. And this is $12. I can't get over it. It fits everything. And it just rolls right along with, yeah. Fantastic. Well done. Thank you to shop these first four picks and more,

25:58scan the QR code below or you can check out today.com slash shop this list. Mr. Dave, we are back after a quick talk of these messages. Over the years, I've met people whose lives were changed forever in a single moment in my new podcast before and after. I explore what happens after that decisive moment. Personal, powerful conversations with Colin Kaepernick, Jeremy Renner, Gabby Giffords, and others. Join me wherever you get your podcasts. Before and after with Lester Hold premieres Monday, September 14th, follow now to listen completely free or subscribe to Dateline Premium to unlock new episodes early.