The BSM Top 20s are generators. They generate clicks, comments, and conversation in our industry. Every year, JB reaches out to dozens of PDs and executives to generate those lists.
I thought it might be fun this year to add a new twist and let talent get in on the conversation. Everyday a new Top 20 was released, I turned to a few talents in those same categories with a simple question: If you had a vote, who would be #1 on your ballot?
The 2020 lists are over after today. The final BSM Top 20 this year is the original sports podcasts. This is probably a situation where we say “shame on you for being surprised” if you were taken aback by the top of the BSM Top 20 looking like the top of the iTunes sports podcast chart. Pardon My Take took home the top spot when we asked PDs and executives to weigh in. Now, let’s see what other podcasters have to say.
RIC BUCHER – BUCHER & FRIENDS
This an easy choice: No. 1 pick for a sports podcast is JJ Redick’s Old Man and the Three. That calling it merely a “sports” podcast doesn’t quite do it justice is one reason. Admittedly, landing on a show name that effortlessly synthesizes the title of a Hemingway novel with who Redick is — an NBA vet best known for his long-range shooting — also appeals to my writerly sensibilities, but I started listening long before this latest independent and newly named iteration because of what I get when I hit the play button.
What is that, you ask?
Expert production. A voice with an inviting resonance and a dry wit. An assortment of intriguing high-profile guests from both inside the NBA (from Dr. J to Zion Williamson) and out (Malcolm Gladwell to Stacey Abrams).
My ideal podcast is what I call “a conversational interview,” where the host finds a way to draw unique insights and funny reminiscences from his or her guests by sharing snippets of his personal experiences; it requires throwing simple yet effective dimes while nailing a few big shots along the way. As a player, Redick’s game is far more versatile than his shooting rep would suggest. The same subtle versatility is what puts his podcast at the top of my list.
JASON ROMANO – SPORTS SPECTRUM
I think the best sports podcast is The Bill Simmons Podcast. The reason why I think it’s the best is because of Bill’s ability as an interviewer to facilitate a conversation on a variety of topics. He’s engaging, funny and his guests are the kind of people you’d want to hang out with at a party and talk sports with.
I’ve been most impressed with Bill’s ability as an interviewer to not do the typical cookie-cutter type of interviews you see in many of the mainstream media. His conversation with Tony Romo a few months ago was the perfect example of how great of an interviewer Bill has become. I’ve been a fan of his for many years because of the content he creates, but his show is still the best sports podcast out there right now.
SARAH SPAIN – THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID WITH Sarah Spain, ESPNW
While there’s certainly a temptation to shout out the kingdom over which I reign as The Commish, The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, which continues to be brilliant and groundbreaking and hilarious…I’m going to say the show that’s currently blowing my mind on a regular basis is ESPN Daily, with Pablo Torre at the helm.
It’s consistently interesting and informative, whether it’s stat-heavy episodes like Mondays with Bill Barnwell, where he breaks down the weekend’s NFL games better than anyone with a clarity, insight, sense of humor and depth of knowledge that consistently impresses, or one issue episodes like Pablo’s fantastic conversation with Ramona Shelburne about Kelly Loeffler and the Atlanta Dream. The show is built on incredible reporting, concise and carefully edited information, strong point of view, occasional quirky and comedic angles, and a lot of heart. It’s a go-to for me every day.
ADNAN VIRK – THE GM SHUFFLE
It’s The GM Shuffle with me and Michael Lombardi. Mike is the smartest football mind I’ve ever been around. Plus we have a shared affinity for the greatest show of all time – The Sopranos!
ANDY STAPLES – THE ANDY STAPLES SHOW
If you pitched Big Cat and PFT Commenter to a traditional sports talk program director, you’d get a hard no. Fortunately, they didn’t need approval from such a person. Instead, they came to us as a podcast at a time when most sports podcasts were either compressed versions of radio shows or something that felt like homework to impress the NPR listeners (who, to be fair, were among the earliest podcast adopters).
The entire gist of the show is that sports are ridiculous and fun, and while the show’s universe has expanded, the prime directive hasn’t changed. A lot of us forget the whole fun part. These guys never do, which is why they regularly kick our asses.
And there you have it! I cannot thank the talent that were willing to put their names on their opinions enough for participating in this exercise this year. It certainly added a whole new twist to the BSM Top 20.
Podcasting is a field that is so full of content that it is impossible to make sure every great show got its due. For instance, my favorite podcast, The Shutdown Fullcast, didn’t even crack the BSM Top 20. If you want to sound off on who we may have missed, feel free to do so in the comments below.
Demetri Ravanos is a columnist and features writer for Barrett Media. He is also the creator of The Sports Podcast Festival, and a previous host on the Chewing Clock and Media Noise podcasts. He occasionally fills in on stations across the Carolinas in addition to hosting Panthers and College Football podcasts. His radio resume includes stops at WAVH and WZEW in Mobile, AL, WBPT in Birmingham, AL and WBBB, WPTK and WDNC in Raleigh, NC.
You can find him on Twitter @DemetriRavanos or reach him by email at DemetriTheGreek@gmail.com.
