Here are some quarantined from sports podcast essentials to keep you entertained
During this season, many people have more time on their hands than ever before, myself included. If you enjoy sports and miss them, try these podcasts out. Here’s one for each major sport you should check out. While you wait for sports to return, these should tie you over.
NFL: Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks
This is one of the best NFL podcasts in the business for a variety of reasons, but the biggest one is because these guys know their stuff. There are tons of quality NFL podcasts and I’m sure many like the “Around the NFL” podcast more. The reason I chose this one is that it offers a bit of a different perspective into things.
It’s hosted by two former NFL scouts. Now, they aren’t always correct on everything, but hardly any analyst is and these two guys have been around the business for a long time. The reason I like this one more than others is because of the scouting perspective. As former scouts, it’s interesting to hear how they value certain players and give the audience an inside perspective of what an NFL team or scout could look like.
They have had some great insights on this 2020 NFL Draft which is about the only sporting event that’s still going to happen (on April 23), so be sure to check it out!
Honorable Mention: Around the NFL, The Lefkoe Show, Stick to Football, The Rich Eisen Show
NBA: The Woj Pod
Everyone should be familiar with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski or at least should know him from his famous “Woj Bombs” on Twitter that light up the internet. The NBA has made Woj famous for reporting some of the biggest free agency deals or trades in the history of sports. But what most people don’t know is that he hosts his own podcast that features some of the biggest names in the game.
I chose this podcast to highlight during this quarantine simply for that reason. He will have legends on the pod more often than anyone else. During this time, all NBA fans can do is to watch old games and look back at history. A great way to do that is to listen to the pod to look through the eyes of those who have been a part of those moments.
Woj just did an episode with Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing this week talking about his rivalry with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan in preparation for ESPN’s 10-part documentary series on MJ and the Bulls which debuts this Sunday, April 19.
Honorable Mention: The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Low Post, The Jump, The Ringer NBA Show
MLB: Talkin’ Baseball
This was a difficult decision for me because I listen to several MLB podcasts, but I settled on this one because it will most likely be the most entertaining for people at home during this quarantine.
This podcast is hosted by Jomboy who is famous for his baseball breakdowns on the podcast and on Twitter. He’s a guy that speaks for baseball purists and he’s not afraid to criticize the MLB. I find him extremely entertaining because he is very smart and articulate. Every time he says something brutally honest, he backs it up with facts and theories that get your mind running to his conclusions. If you haven’t checked this podcast out and are a baseball fan, I suggest you do so.
His brand is on par with the game as well too because he does interviews with lots of role players, which is perfect for his die-hard baseball purist audience. I’ve been enjoying his interviews with some of the lesser-known players in the last few weeks and I think you would like them, too.
Honorable Mention: Intentional Talk, Starting 9, Statcast Podcast, Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney
NHL: Spittin’ Chiclets
If I’m honest, I don’t listen to many NHL podcasts. However, when I do, I most often listen to Spittin’ Chiclets. First of all, it offers great insight into the game from two former NHL players, but it also offers entertainment. The podcast is full of fantastic debates and very outspoken and passionate opinions. It’s truly the best NHL content at this time since the sport is shut down until further notice.
The crew can get very off-topic at times. But if you understand this going into it, you are a lot better off. I enjoy listening to their pop culture takes, which in many ways makes the podcast what it is.
Honorable Mention: Puck Soup, 31 Thoughts: The Podcast