Today is September 30, which is International Podcast Day. I’ve been listening to or been a part of several podcasts for the last nine years ago. I got my first iPhone around Christmas time in 2011 so I could start discovering the majesty of spoken word. Ever since then, I have been obsessed with this medium. Heck, my final paper in my Capstone Seminar class was titled, “Christianity, Communication, and Podcasts.” I thought I would reflect on this momentous day and pay tribute to the sports podcasts that have influenced my podcast style.
Marek vs. Wyshynski
This was the first sports podcast that I really sunk my teeth into. I was already a fan of Greg Wyshynski’s writing as the primary editor of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog. Now, I was immersing myself into the backroads of hockey and hockey media with him and Jeff Marek. Wyshynski’s irreverent humor was matched with Marek’s unmatched hockey trivia knowledge. I was a loyal listener for several years. Sadly, the band broke up a few years back. Marek’s responsibilities with SportsNet grew after Rogers Communications was awarded expanded NHL broadcast rights in Canada. Wyshynski landed himself a spot as ESPN’s lead NHL writer after Pierre LeBrun went to The Athletic. But if I hadn’t listened to them, I wouldn’t have known about how much shampoo it took to wash a baby bear.
2 and Out CFL Podcast
Those who know me closest are aware that I am a huge football nerd. I have even chronicled some of my nerdular nerdance on this website. I have also been to several CFL games, including two Grey Cups. After listening to an episode of The Happy Rant, one of the hosts mentioned this podcast called the 2 and Out CFL Podcast. I listened to one – ONE – episode and I immediately became a fan. The show is hosted by Travis Currah and “Brazillian” Ty. Besides their twice-a-week pod episodes during the season, they also interview players of both present and past CFL glories. In addition to their football knowledge, there’s a lot of nonsense. I’ve learned more about Travis’ food takes and Ty’s gambling habits but the nonsense is part of the show’s charm. If I get to go to the Grey Cup next year after #CoronaSZN ends, I hope to meet these two chaps and buy them each a beer.
Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard
This is my last one for now since I don’t want to go too long. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon this podcast but I’ve been a big fan of it since I started listening. I’m a fan of retro wrestling and I grew up watching the WWF’s glory days of the 1980’s and early 1990’s. One of the architects of that era was Bruce Prichard. Bruce was initially a behind the scenes guy as part of creative but was best known as his character Brother Love. This podcast features an interview style between he and co-host and podcast creator Conrad Thompson. One of my favorite things about the podcast is Thompson’s interviewing style; he wants transparency and no BS from his co-host. They’ve also managed to make many of Prichard’s colloquialisms into some pretty sweet merchandise.
Belly Up Sports Podcast Network
Which brings me to our neck of the woods. I recently started a podcast of my own on Belly Up Sports called No Credentials Required. My co-host Corey and I are only seven episodes in but we’ve enjoyed every minute of making each episode. I’m also grateful to the heads at Belly Up for allowing as much creative freedom as possible in whichever medium you choose.
You can find my podcast as well as a wide variety of podcasts on our Belly Up Podcast Network. We’d appreciate your listenership, especially on International Podcast Day. Happy listening!
Which sports podcasts are your favorites? In honor of International Podcast Day, leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter: @WhoIsRyanMcC. And as always, don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe to my podcast as well as the other podcasts on Belly Up Sports!
