If you’re a devoted sports fan, chances are, at this stage of the game, you’re having serious withdrawal symptoms with so many sporting events being canceled due to the breakout of COVID-19. There’s no doubt about it, we’ve been blind-sided the world over by the seeming never-ending ripple effect of the disease. The sports industry and all its calendar events are yet another aspect of our lives that has been affected by the need to stay home and self-isolate. Stadiums are empty, fields are bare, pitches are deserted, and there’s not a hotdog stand or foam finger insight. Thankfully, sports podcasts are certainly not dropping the ball and are continuing to provide us with top-quality sports-related content during this worldwide pandemic. Today we’re sharing our favorite sports podcasts that really hit it out of the park when it comes to sharing top-notch sports content. These shows cover sports from across the board, so there should be something for all types of sports fanatics to enjoy.
1. On The Mark
To help us get in the swing of things, we’re starting our list off with the On The Mark Golf Podcast, brought to us by the PGA Tour. This show is hosted by Mark Immelman, the older brother and swing coach of Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion. A golf expert in his own right, Mark uses his podcast to give great advice to golfers and golf enthusiasts alike. He interviews some truly stellar guests who share their winning insight, from professional players to instructors and other well-known names in the industry. With his enthusiasm and passion for the game, Mark really draws out the best from his guests and there is always something to be gleaned from each episode. From tips to improve your swing or tricks to accurate hitting, the information is always clearly delivered from a variety of angles and no facet of the industry is left unexplored. If you want to stay on the green and stay out of the bunker, give this show a listen.
2. Playing a Round with Paige Renee
Sticking with golf, we have Playing a Round with Paige Renee, hosted by professional golfer, Paige Renee Spiranac. Having played college golf at both the University of Arizona and San Diego State University, as well as earning her first professional win at the Scottsdale’s Orange Tree Country Club, Paige Renee is armed with some great T & A (Tips and Advice) to help you improve your game as she shares her passion for the sport at all levels. This show is a great listen, not only for golfers but for all sports lovers. There’s a great mix of solid golf information as well as discussions on real-world topics, and it’s entertaining to boot! Paige is so passionate about the game, and with this podcast, she is chipping away at old and outdated opinions of the sport. If you want to improve your swing or you’re just looking for a really enjoyable listen, then this podcast should easily tee its way into your library.
3. The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Bill Simmons Podcast (hosted by Bill Simmons) claims the title of the most downloaded sports podcast of all time and is still regularly uploading episodes for our enjoyment. There are still fun-filled interviews with a whole host of celebrities, from pro-athletes to media icons – even Chris Harrison of The Bachelor fame hops on to join in the discussions – and they talk about all things sports, or more specifically now, the lack thereof. The most recent episodes focus on the near future of sports as a whole, and there are discussions on which sports will be likely to resume first, what this could look like, and the inclusion of coronavirus testing in the sports industry. It’s a great place to hear insightful yet entertaining discussions on all things sports and sports-related.
4. That Peter Crouch Podcast
That Peter Crouch Podcast sees Peter Crouch, Tom Fordyce, and Chris Stark laying down their guidelines to being a professional soccer player. Now retired, Crouch was a star player for a number of teams in the Premier League, but he’s also just really funny! Even if you’re not a soccer fan, the hilarious mix of banter between the panel is enough to put a smile on your face as you wait out the lockdown period. Besides the wit and general mayhem, it’s really interesting to get a look inside the world of professional soccer in the UK. The stories are hilarious (although there is a warning for language and adult themes!) but if you enjoy a spot of British humor, you should give this podcast a go, whether you’re a follower of the Premier League or not.
5. Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy
Keeping our focus on the soccer pitch, but this time on American soil, our next contender is Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy, a fairly new sports podcast by ESPN. Julie Foudy is a pretty phenomenal lady! Not only is she a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, but she was also a star player on the United States women’s national soccer team from 1987 until 2004, also serving as the team’s captain from 2000 until 2004. Wow! Being a powerhouse herself, her podcast features interviews with other phenomenal sports stars from gymnast, Simone Biles, to big-wave surfer, Laird Hamilton. It’s a pretty special show, bringing so many powerful voices into one place, where sports trailblazers share their biggest highs and lowest lows, with plenty of laughs in between. It’s informative, entertaining, and inspiring as we see how sports helped build some of the greatest characters of a generation.
6. Why Sports Matter
Even if you don’t follow sports in the slightest, you just might love Why Sports Matter. Brought to us by Gotham Chopra, Tom Brady, and Michael Strahan this podcast is the first narrative series from Religion of Sports. A new story is brought to us each week and built around a larger theme, and we’re told incredible stories through the voices of some extraordinary people. The topics are heavy and layered, but seen through the eyes of these athletes brings understanding, compassion, and perhaps, even healing. Sports in all its shapes and forms can move us to tears, whether happy or sad, can bring breakthrough, empowerment, and healing, and has the potential of uniting people in a way that nothing else does. The stories are moving and profound, and you’ll come away with plenty to think about. These episodes make for a really great listen, whether you love sports or not, there is no denying the positive impact sports can have on the world.
7. Beyond The Grid
If Formula One is more your speed, then you should definitely check out Beyond The Grid. This year’s F1 Championship has certainly been hit hard by the outbreak, but there have also been some incredible technical breakthroughs, such as the first virtual Grand Prix Race! But if you want more great Formula 1 content, then Beyond The Grid is where you should turn. Tom Clarkson delivers top-notch interviews in his role as host, and each episode brings us insider insight and fantastic stories from the world of F1. The in-depth personal conversations with the biggest names in the industry make this perfect for any lover of the sport as you’ll get to hear from current superstar drivers, leading team bosses as well as legendary figures from racing history. So even if the drivers are stuck at home, you won’t be left in the pit lane thanks to this standout show.
8. NFL: Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks
Former NFL scouts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks break down the latest news and action around the league from a scout’s perspective, alongside NFL player personnel executives in their podcast NFL: Move the Sticks. And thankfully, they’re still providing their standout content during quarantine! Both hosts have incredible knowledge of the game and provide great insight into both behind the scenes as well as on the field plays. They cover draft picks and in-depth analyses and offer their trustworthy point of view, making this the perfect fit for any serious football fan.
9. Puck Podcast
If you’re looking for nothing but talk about the NHL then look no further than Puck Podcast hosted by Eddie Garcia & Doug Stolhand. It’s full of expert analysis, great interviews, insightful opinions, and basically all the hockey-centered information you just won’t get anywhere else. Doug and Eddie are smart, funny, and always consistent, which is just what we need right about now! If you want hockey highlights (and lowlights!) stats, scores, and impartial input, then let these guys keep you up-to-date with everything about ice hockey, especially now that our regular sports viewing has been effectively put on ice.
10. The Lowe Post
If basketball is your game of choice then The Lowe Post will give you nothing but net. Host Zach Lowe from ESPN takes an in-depth look at everything basketball with the help of some fellow sports buffs. Known for his rational, straightforward talk, Zach’s impressive level of knowledge of the sport combined with his balanced coverage of all basketball teams makes this the Number One podcast for many die-hard fans. Besides being an expert writer, he is a gifted orator, which really takes his well-researched content to the next level. The conversation is always incredibly insightful, not to mention engaging and entertaining, so if you’re seriously missing the NBA action, The Lowe Post will keep you in the game.
The End Zone
So there you have it, our top sports-focused podcasts to keep our love of sports alive and kicking while we are all on a global time out. And while we’re staying home as a way to protect our fellow fans, we can still find alternative ways to experience the joy sports of all kinds brings us, and proving that even while we’re far apart, sports still have the power to unite us. So now the ball is now in your court. Make a bag of popcorn, grill up a couple of hot dogs, put on your team’s colors, and enjoy the vast offerings of these great sports podcasts from the best seat in the house.
