We're fond of podcasts here at Balls.ie, so we decided to put together a short list of some of the best ones which you should be listening to this year.
Of course, you should check out our very own sports podcasts on a variety of topics, such as football, GAA, NFL and Boxing. Be sure to check them out at iTunes and Soundcloud, and don't forget to hit the subscribe button.
The Sports Podcasts You Should Be Listening To This Year:
Guardian's Football Weekly - (Football)
The granddaddy of them all when it comes to football podcasts. Informative, funny and free-flowing, it has all
There are very few football fans yet to listen to the Guardian's podcast but if you happen to be one of them, then stop what you're doing finish reading this article and immediately download Football Weekly and let James Richardson soothe your soul.
MMAJunkie's Ben Fowlkes and Bleacher Report's Chad Dundas produce arguably the most entertaining mixed martial arts podcast around today. Despite both being prominent media members for some time now, they view the sport from the eyes of a fan. It is what makes the show so easy to listen to.
According to their own website,"The Eggchasers Podcast is a Rugby Union Podcast that doesn't take itself, or the game, too seriously". They're not lying.
The three hosts - Tim, JB and Phil - view the game as fans of the games and offer lighthearted coverage of rugby. To be honest, it's quite refreshing.
Whether or not you're a Dublin supporter, Ciaran Whelan's aptly named podcast is rather fascinating. The concept of the show is simple, one Dublin legend has a conversation with another Hill 16 favourite as they discuss their time in the blue jersey and beyond.
To date Alan Brogan, John O'Leary and Paul Flynn have appeared on 'Whelan in the Years'.
Around The NFL (American Football)
The NFL season may be winding down but it's always helpful to prepare early for the following season. Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler, Chris Wesseling, and Gregg Rosenthal. With four people in the one room, it can get rather chaotic as everyone is keen to voice their opinions. That being said, it often leads to a balanced and informative debate.
Another American football podcast worth checking out is ESPN's Fantasy Focus Football Show.
In the fitness crazed world we now find ourselves in, it is ideal to have experienced heads guiding us through the Triathlon and Ironman season. Both pods include news, training tips and event information. The host of Tritalk, David Warden views the sport through a very scientific way without glazing over the human aspect. For those of you that have adopted the swim-bike-run lifestyle, this should be as essential as your running shoes.
ESPN's senior writer Zach Lowe discusses all basketball related matters - primarily NBA. Lowe is generally joined on the phone/in studio by other respected members of the journalism community. As a result of changing interviewees each week, a variety of opinions are heard throughout the season.
While Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and veteran Boris Diaw have appeared on the show in the past.
For a more tongue-in-cheek styled NBA program, check out The Starters.
Okay, so technically this should be considered among the sports podcasts list. It's a Youtube channel but it feels necessary to include Global Moutain Bike Network for the sheer amount of content they share throughout the week. From the excellent Dirtshed show to tip, tricks and nutritional information, it is most definitely worth subscribing to if you frequent the trails.
For those more accustomed to road bikes, check out their sister channel Global Cycling Network.
The Art of Wrestling (Wrestling)
Former WWE wrestler Colt Cabana sits down with former colleagues and counterparts to discuss the industry, training and their life outside of the ring. To date the likes of Mick Foley, MVP, William Regal and the Insane Clown Posse have appeared on the podcast. Yet the most engrossing episode was the one in which CM Punk revealed all about Vince McMahon and the organisation.
Big Interview Graham Hunter (Football)
Graham Hunter moved to Spain from Scotland fifteen years ago. In that time he has established himself as one of the most respected journalists reporting on the Spanish game today. Hunter's own podcast, titled the 'Big Interview' is rather self explanatory.
Like the aforementioned podcast, Hunter interviews respective members of the footballing community - from players, coaches, etc. The Stilyan Petrov episode released in December is particularly interesting.
For those with an interest in Irish mixed martial arts in particular then SevereMMA's podcast is essential. Recently they produced their 100th episode, so Séan and Graeme are definitely doing something right. Undoubtedly one of the best mediums to stay tuned in to the mma scene both home and abroad.
Be sure to check out our very own sports podcasts on Soundcloud and iTunes.
