Like any fan sports, particularly baseball, have consumed most of my watch time in my lifetime. Whether it be watching it on television or listening to it via radio or related topics via podcasts, it has been there. However even as a former Cubs fan losing is something that is not rare to me, but it does come with fatigue. I’ll admit besides watching/going to the games and listening to the normal run of pods on the White Sox (From The 108, Sox Machine, Pinwheels and Ivy, Good Guys Talk Back, CHGO, and Chicago Sports Bums) the Sox being 15-45 as of 6/2 kind of gives me a little White Sox fatigue in hearing about the issues they have that are constant.
So, I figured I would go into a few pods outside of the spectrum that I listen to that offset the brutal shit show that is White Sox Baseball. Check them out if you haven’t heard of them or let me know some of the pods you listen to outside of the normal scope of White Sox Baseball. All these pods are available via Spotify and Apple podcasts.
Darknet Diaries
As most of you know I am a nerd, more specifically a tech nerd. I read as much as I can on the current trends and topics in the tech world. As I continued to grow my knowledge the subject of the Darknet has always fascinated me but more towards the security aspect of the realm.
Darknet Diaries hosted by Jack Rhysider, gives a look into that world. The host reads true stories about ransomware, security breaches, hacks, etc. The reason I like this pod is because it is not just a retelling of the event like a news format, it is more of a story (think audio book but way shorter). Not only are the stories interesting but they also teach you about past attacks that may exist or evolve. So don’t expect a lot of tech jargon to overwhelm you, it’s a smooth listen.
Bill Burr's Morning Podcast
Now I know that this short list is going to kind of talk about the spectrum beyond sports, but this pod is an exception. Although sports don’t usually dominate the show, sometimes they do. I first discovered Bill Burr from his appearances on the Chapelle Show in the early 2000’s. I continued to watch his specials and other appearances in films/television. Burr in my opinion is today’s George Carlin, his viewpoints and fast whit are hilarious. His rants are epic, and his shit talking is legendary. If you love social commentary with some sports thrown in and a lot of comedy this is a pod for you.
Talking Sopranos with Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa
The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest if not the greatest television series in history. I love the show so much I regularly rewatch it. Yes, the show is over but as a fan you have that itch that is always looking for more about your favorite show. Talking Sopranos cures that itch for more. Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa do a deep dive into every episode with special guests such as show creator David Chase, Steven Van Zandt, Terry Winter, Vincent Pastore, and Robert Patrick just to name a few.
The two break down their iconic characters and the characters of the show. They analyze every episode in detail and give the listener a little peak behind the curtain. Imperioli is such an artist and lover of film, I personally could listen to him for hours just about his love of the art. This pod is a must for any hardcore Sopranos Fan.
TIMESUCK with Dan Cummins
I first discovered this podcast by accident when I was looking for a true crime pod to listen to, I listened to the Kemper episode and was hooked. If you don’t know Dan Cummins, he is a comedian from Idaho. The show consists of Cummins doing a deep dive into a subject which he calls a “Time Suck.” Cummins adds humor in a tasteful way to various subjects. He also is a hell of a researcher as he leaves no stone unturned.
Topics for this pod can be in the true crime area of serial killers, mass tragedies, and even conspiracies. His style of going through the story while into a comedy bit can catch you off guard and crack you up. Cummins is so underrated, and I wish more people knew about him. If true crime, conspiracies, or just flat-out wackiness is what you are into, this pod is for you.
Astonishing Legends Podcast
If you are a lover of the strange and paranormal this is what I would call the gold standard podcast for you. Forrest Burgess and Scott Philbrook deep dive into the strange world we live in. Topics include The Mothman, Vanishing of Ameilia Earhart, Oak Island, The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel, etc.
This isn’t your run of a mill podcast, both Burgess and Philbrook are from the entertainment industry and this podcast and production quality are top notch. They have a team of researchers that deep dive into the subjects they discuss, and they deliver them interestingly and keep the listener engaged. They also have those juicy note drops that people love. They have over 400 episodes and over 100 million downloads. I still find new interesting topics to listen to during work or working out. Whenever I am on a long car ride or train ride this is my go-to pod outside the realm of sports.
