The Sporting Almanac Podcast
@thesportingalmanac.bsky.social
A podcast diving into the history of sports, sporting events and their competitors, unearthing the traditions and stories that make them so special.
Out Now: The Ashes, Part 1
Next Week: The Ashes, Part 2
linktr.ee/TheSportingAlmanac
Out Now: The Ashes, Part 1
Next Week: The Ashes, Part 2
linktr.ee/TheSportingAlmanac
And what would be the consequences if he were to somehow win his case? Would F1 ever be the same again?
Part 2 here.
🎙 From Ep.31, the Brazilian Grand Prix. We talk why South America loves racing, trailblazers, Senna's lows and highs at home, and the greatest days of one of F1's finest circuits.
Part 2 here.
🎙 From Ep.31, the Brazilian Grand Prix. We talk why South America loves racing, trailblazers, Senna's lows and highs at home, and the greatest days of one of F1's finest circuits.
November 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
And what would be the consequences if he were to somehow win his case? Would F1 ever be the same again?
Part 2 here.
🎙 From Ep.31, the Brazilian Grand Prix. We talk why South America loves racing, trailblazers, Senna's lows and highs at home, and the greatest days of one of F1's finest circuits.
Part 2 here.
🎙 From Ep.31, the Brazilian Grand Prix. We talk why South America loves racing, trailblazers, Senna's lows and highs at home, and the greatest days of one of F1's finest circuits.
What is Felipe Massa's endgame in his Crashgate court case?
Does he actually have a chance of winning it?
Is it all worth gambling an exceptional public image on?
Seeing these maneuvers whilst remembering how he handled missing out in 2008 is hard for us to reconcile.
Part 1 here.
Does he actually have a chance of winning it?
Is it all worth gambling an exceptional public image on?
Seeing these maneuvers whilst remembering how he handled missing out in 2008 is hard for us to reconcile.
Part 1 here.
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
What is Felipe Massa's endgame in his Crashgate court case?
Does he actually have a chance of winning it?
Is it all worth gambling an exceptional public image on?
Seeing these maneuvers whilst remembering how he handled missing out in 2008 is hard for us to reconcile.
Part 1 here.
Does he actually have a chance of winning it?
Is it all worth gambling an exceptional public image on?
Seeing these maneuvers whilst remembering how he handled missing out in 2008 is hard for us to reconcile.
Part 1 here.
Ep.28 out now, on the Super League Grand Final.
This is the episode intro - we dive into how the two codes of rugby split and, more importantly, why it had to happen.
It's a story of myths of 1823, competing ideology and of how soccer blazed a trail the men who ran rugby didn't want to follow.
This is the episode intro - we dive into how the two codes of rugby split and, more importantly, why it had to happen.
It's a story of myths of 1823, competing ideology and of how soccer blazed a trail the men who ran rugby didn't want to follow.
October 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Ep.28 out now, on the Super League Grand Final.
This is the episode intro - we dive into how the two codes of rugby split and, more importantly, why it had to happen.
It's a story of myths of 1823, competing ideology and of how soccer blazed a trail the men who ran rugby didn't want to follow.
This is the episode intro - we dive into how the two codes of rugby split and, more importantly, why it had to happen.
It's a story of myths of 1823, competing ideology and of how soccer blazed a trail the men who ran rugby didn't want to follow.
Another clip from Episode 27, on the MLB postseason.
Jack tells the story of the Sultan of Swat, the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth. Here, the most retold story in all of baseball lore, the Babe calling his shot at Wrigley Field in 1932.
His full story is in the episode, on all good providers.
Jack tells the story of the Sultan of Swat, the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth. Here, the most retold story in all of baseball lore, the Babe calling his shot at Wrigley Field in 1932.
His full story is in the episode, on all good providers.
October 7, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Another clip from Episode 27, on the MLB postseason.
Jack tells the story of the Sultan of Swat, the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth. Here, the most retold story in all of baseball lore, the Babe calling his shot at Wrigley Field in 1932.
His full story is in the episode, on all good providers.
Jack tells the story of the Sultan of Swat, the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth. Here, the most retold story in all of baseball lore, the Babe calling his shot at Wrigley Field in 1932.
His full story is in the episode, on all good providers.
Clip from Episode 27, on the ongoing Major League Baseball postseason.
Ben telling the story of the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat, that if you believe the tale kept the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series for over 70 years.
For the full story, and more, see all good podcast providers 🎙⚾️
Ben telling the story of the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat, that if you believe the tale kept the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series for over 70 years.
For the full story, and more, see all good podcast providers 🎙⚾️
October 7, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Clip from Episode 27, on the ongoing Major League Baseball postseason.
Ben telling the story of the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat, that if you believe the tale kept the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series for over 70 years.
For the full story, and more, see all good podcast providers 🎙⚾️
Ben telling the story of the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat, that if you believe the tale kept the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series for over 70 years.
For the full story, and more, see all good podcast providers 🎙⚾️
OUT NOW
Ep26 - The Ryder Cup.
Our least impartial episode ever, and that's from the guys who decided they hated Collingwood two minutes into the last episode.
Cut us and we bleed blue and gold. The memory of the Miracle at Medinah still gives us chills. There is simply no golf like the Ryder Cup.
Ep26 - The Ryder Cup.
Our least impartial episode ever, and that's from the guys who decided they hated Collingwood two minutes into the last episode.
Cut us and we bleed blue and gold. The memory of the Miracle at Medinah still gives us chills. There is simply no golf like the Ryder Cup.
September 22, 2025 at 1:40 PM
OUT NOW
Ep26 - The Ryder Cup.
Our least impartial episode ever, and that's from the guys who decided they hated Collingwood two minutes into the last episode.
Cut us and we bleed blue and gold. The memory of the Miracle at Medinah still gives us chills. There is simply no golf like the Ryder Cup.
Ep26 - The Ryder Cup.
Our least impartial episode ever, and that's from the guys who decided they hated Collingwood two minutes into the last episode.
Cut us and we bleed blue and gold. The memory of the Miracle at Medinah still gives us chills. There is simply no golf like the Ryder Cup.
Ep25 out now, talking Aussie Rules ahead of the AFL Prelim and Grand Finals.
Ben & Jack showing their "diplomatic" side again (content warning: completely unnecessary language).
This one has Australian history, drug scandal, war stories and Jack trying to resist picking St Kilda as his AFL team...
Ben & Jack showing their "diplomatic" side again (content warning: completely unnecessary language).
This one has Australian history, drug scandal, war stories and Jack trying to resist picking St Kilda as his AFL team...
September 18, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Ep25 out now, talking Aussie Rules ahead of the AFL Prelim and Grand Finals.
Ben & Jack showing their "diplomatic" side again (content warning: completely unnecessary language).
This one has Australian history, drug scandal, war stories and Jack trying to resist picking St Kilda as his AFL team...
Ben & Jack showing their "diplomatic" side again (content warning: completely unnecessary language).
This one has Australian history, drug scandal, war stories and Jack trying to resist picking St Kilda as his AFL team...
The weight of chasing a dream took its toll so Madden retired from coaching in 1979 aged only 42.
But a new career awaited - as a broadcaster, touring the country in the Madden Cruiser, sharing nuclear turkeys and making the nation smile.
He always found joy, and gave it right back to us all.
4/4
But a new career awaited - as a broadcaster, touring the country in the Madden Cruiser, sharing nuclear turkeys and making the nation smile.
He always found joy, and gave it right back to us all.
4/4
September 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
The weight of chasing a dream took its toll so Madden retired from coaching in 1979 aged only 42.
But a new career awaited - as a broadcaster, touring the country in the Madden Cruiser, sharing nuclear turkeys and making the nation smile.
He always found joy, and gave it right back to us all.
4/4
But a new career awaited - as a broadcaster, touring the country in the Madden Cruiser, sharing nuclear turkeys and making the nation smile.
He always found joy, and gave it right back to us all.
4/4
Under Al Davis with his "Just Win, Baby" mantra, Madden had success but could never quite get over the line, mainly due to Chuck Noll and the dynastic Steelers.
But in Pasadena in January 1977 it all changed, as the Raiders beat the Vikings in Super Bowl XI to give Davis and Madden their ring.
3/4
But in Pasadena in January 1977 it all changed, as the Raiders beat the Vikings in Super Bowl XI to give Davis and Madden their ring.
3/4
September 3, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Under Al Davis with his "Just Win, Baby" mantra, Madden had success but could never quite get over the line, mainly due to Chuck Noll and the dynastic Steelers.
But in Pasadena in January 1977 it all changed, as the Raiders beat the Vikings in Super Bowl XI to give Davis and Madden their ring.
3/4
But in Pasadena in January 1977 it all changed, as the Raiders beat the Vikings in Super Bowl XI to give Davis and Madden their ring.
3/4
Drafted by Philly in 1958, his chances of a playing career were wrecked by a practice camp knee injury.
So instead, he shadowed mentors like Norm Van Brocklin and coached his way up the ranks - impressing enough people along the way that he was an NFL Head Coach at 32 with the Oakland Raiders.
2/4
So instead, he shadowed mentors like Norm Van Brocklin and coached his way up the ranks - impressing enough people along the way that he was an NFL Head Coach at 32 with the Oakland Raiders.
2/4
September 3, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Drafted by Philly in 1958, his chances of a playing career were wrecked by a practice camp knee injury.
So instead, he shadowed mentors like Norm Van Brocklin and coached his way up the ranks - impressing enough people along the way that he was an NFL Head Coach at 32 with the Oakland Raiders.
2/4
So instead, he shadowed mentors like Norm Van Brocklin and coached his way up the ranks - impressing enough people along the way that he was an NFL Head Coach at 32 with the Oakland Raiders.
2/4
In Ep.22 we give you a bio of one of the most interesting, enviable and wonderful men in NFL history - the great John Madden.
A man who fell in love with football playing with friends in 1940s San Francisco, and who never seemed to lose that feeling - he found joy in the game like no one else.
1/4
A man who fell in love with football playing with friends in 1940s San Francisco, and who never seemed to lose that feeling - he found joy in the game like no one else.
1/4
September 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
In Ep.22 we give you a bio of one of the most interesting, enviable and wonderful men in NFL history - the great John Madden.
A man who fell in love with football playing with friends in 1940s San Francisco, and who never seemed to lose that feeling - he found joy in the game like no one else.
1/4
A man who fell in love with football playing with friends in 1940s San Francisco, and who never seemed to lose that feeling - he found joy in the game like no one else.
1/4
The story of Emmett Till is not an easy one to hear, but it's one that needs to be told.
Taken from this week's episode, it puts the America Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe built their careers in in its starkest light.
Taken from this week's episode, it puts the America Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe built their careers in in its starkest light.
August 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
The story of Emmett Till is not an easy one to hear, but it's one that needs to be told.
Taken from this week's episode, it puts the America Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe built their careers in in its starkest light.
Taken from this week's episode, it puts the America Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe built their careers in in its starkest light.
As well as Ashe, it is impossible to talk about the US Open without discussing another incredible trailblazer - Althea Gibson.
Born to sharecroppers in South Carolina, brought up in poverty in Harlem but her talent and drive took her to the top of white, classist Tennis.
More in Ep. 21, out now.
Born to sharecroppers in South Carolina, brought up in poverty in Harlem but her talent and drive took her to the top of white, classist Tennis.
More in Ep. 21, out now.
August 19, 2025 at 9:15 AM
As well as Ashe, it is impossible to talk about the US Open without discussing another incredible trailblazer - Althea Gibson.
Born to sharecroppers in South Carolina, brought up in poverty in Harlem but her talent and drive took her to the top of white, classist Tennis.
More in Ep. 21, out now.
Born to sharecroppers in South Carolina, brought up in poverty in Harlem but her talent and drive took her to the top of white, classist Tennis.
More in Ep. 21, out now.
Out soon - Ep. 21, Arthur Ashe and the US Open.
We tell the story of a man whose name is inseparable from the tournament, its first Open Era champion and first black men's Grand Slam winner.
From childhood tragedy to trailblazing success and a life cut short by illness - he was an incredible man.
We tell the story of a man whose name is inseparable from the tournament, its first Open Era champion and first black men's Grand Slam winner.
From childhood tragedy to trailblazing success and a life cut short by illness - he was an incredible man.
August 19, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Out soon - Ep. 21, Arthur Ashe and the US Open.
We tell the story of a man whose name is inseparable from the tournament, its first Open Era champion and first black men's Grand Slam winner.
From childhood tragedy to trailblazing success and a life cut short by illness - he was an incredible man.
We tell the story of a man whose name is inseparable from the tournament, its first Open Era champion and first black men's Grand Slam winner.
From childhood tragedy to trailblazing success and a life cut short by illness - he was an incredible man.
🤔 Curious about a new sport but worried you'll get lost amongst the jargon and rules?
Well have no fear because here on the Sporting Almanac we value all listeners, newbies and old hats.
Here's our "How To" Rugby Union to seamlessly bring any newcomer up to speed with the sport.
Ep. 20, out now 🏉
Well have no fear because here on the Sporting Almanac we value all listeners, newbies and old hats.
Here's our "How To" Rugby Union to seamlessly bring any newcomer up to speed with the sport.
Ep. 20, out now 🏉
August 13, 2025 at 9:01 PM
🤔 Curious about a new sport but worried you'll get lost amongst the jargon and rules?
Well have no fear because here on the Sporting Almanac we value all listeners, newbies and old hats.
Here's our "How To" Rugby Union to seamlessly bring any newcomer up to speed with the sport.
Ep. 20, out now 🏉
Well have no fear because here on the Sporting Almanac we value all listeners, newbies and old hats.
Here's our "How To" Rugby Union to seamlessly bring any newcomer up to speed with the sport.
Ep. 20, out now 🏉
Before the 80s, gate receipts were shared and TV money was split equally between all 92 EFL teams.
Then big teams took a stand - first forcing a bigger share, then forming the Premier League.
By 2004, 36 out of 72 EFL clubs had experienced financial troubles - the true cost of the Premier League.
Then big teams took a stand - first forcing a bigger share, then forming the Premier League.
By 2004, 36 out of 72 EFL clubs had experienced financial troubles - the true cost of the Premier League.
August 6, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Before the 80s, gate receipts were shared and TV money was split equally between all 92 EFL teams.
Then big teams took a stand - first forcing a bigger share, then forming the Premier League.
By 2004, 36 out of 72 EFL clubs had experienced financial troubles - the true cost of the Premier League.
Then big teams took a stand - first forcing a bigger share, then forming the Premier League.
By 2004, 36 out of 72 EFL clubs had experienced financial troubles - the true cost of the Premier League.
Jack doesn't understand why there's even a debate as to who the Premier League’s best goalkeeper is. Isn't it obvious?
From Ep. 19 of the Sporting Almanac - the league's origin story, Leicester City's miracle and the best teams, players and managers discussed.
Out now:
linktr.ee/TheSportingA...
From Ep. 19 of the Sporting Almanac - the league's origin story, Leicester City's miracle and the best teams, players and managers discussed.
Out now:
linktr.ee/TheSportingA...
August 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Jack doesn't understand why there's even a debate as to who the Premier League’s best goalkeeper is. Isn't it obvious?
From Ep. 19 of the Sporting Almanac - the league's origin story, Leicester City's miracle and the best teams, players and managers discussed.
Out now:
linktr.ee/TheSportingA...
From Ep. 19 of the Sporting Almanac - the league's origin story, Leicester City's miracle and the best teams, players and managers discussed.
Out now:
linktr.ee/TheSportingA...
Ben "diplomatically" telling the world that we just love football more than you do...
🎙 Episode 18 of the Sporting Almanac Out Now
🏴 The EFL and Football Pyramid
Looking at the history, people, origins and why it goes so deep - both literally and figuratively.
Available everywhere, links in bio.
🎙 Episode 18 of the Sporting Almanac Out Now
🏴 The EFL and Football Pyramid
Looking at the history, people, origins and why it goes so deep - both literally and figuratively.
Available everywhere, links in bio.
July 30, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Ben "diplomatically" telling the world that we just love football more than you do...
🎙 Episode 18 of the Sporting Almanac Out Now
🏴 The EFL and Football Pyramid
Looking at the history, people, origins and why it goes so deep - both literally and figuratively.
Available everywhere, links in bio.
🎙 Episode 18 of the Sporting Almanac Out Now
🏴 The EFL and Football Pyramid
Looking at the history, people, origins and why it goes so deep - both literally and figuratively.
Available everywhere, links in bio.
The English Football season is back, and whether you dream big or hope to avoid disaster one thing is beyond dispute:
Nowhere in the world - for better or worse, for the joy, sorrow and anger it brings - is football ingrained so deeply as in England.
Ep.18, The EFL and Football Pyramid, out today.
Nowhere in the world - for better or worse, for the joy, sorrow and anger it brings - is football ingrained so deeply as in England.
Ep.18, The EFL and Football Pyramid, out today.
July 29, 2025 at 8:22 AM
The English Football season is back, and whether you dream big or hope to avoid disaster one thing is beyond dispute:
Nowhere in the world - for better or worse, for the joy, sorrow and anger it brings - is football ingrained so deeply as in England.
Ep.18, The EFL and Football Pyramid, out today.
Nowhere in the world - for better or worse, for the joy, sorrow and anger it brings - is football ingrained so deeply as in England.
Ep.18, The EFL and Football Pyramid, out today.
No one should go to a sporting event and not come home.
On Sunday 21st November 1920, 14 people never returned from a Gaelic Football match at Croke Park, including a player, Tipperary captain Michael Hogan.
They were unarmed and killed by British forces indiscriminately, including three children.
On Sunday 21st November 1920, 14 people never returned from a Gaelic Football match at Croke Park, including a player, Tipperary captain Michael Hogan.
They were unarmed and killed by British forces indiscriminately, including three children.
July 23, 2025 at 4:35 PM
No one should go to a sporting event and not come home.
On Sunday 21st November 1920, 14 people never returned from a Gaelic Football match at Croke Park, including a player, Tipperary captain Michael Hogan.
They were unarmed and killed by British forces indiscriminately, including three children.
On Sunday 21st November 1920, 14 people never returned from a Gaelic Football match at Croke Park, including a player, Tipperary captain Michael Hogan.
They were unarmed and killed by British forces indiscriminately, including three children.
9/9
Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski: Poland’s top bantam pre-war. Fought for survival in Auschwitz over 40 times, earning the grim title “All-weights champion of Auschwitz". Fought Leen there in an international class match in the midst of its horror. A Polish officer & resistance hero.
#NeverForget
Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski: Poland’s top bantam pre-war. Fought for survival in Auschwitz over 40 times, earning the grim title “All-weights champion of Auschwitz". Fought Leen there in an international class match in the midst of its horror. A Polish officer & resistance hero.
#NeverForget
July 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
9/9
Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski: Poland’s top bantam pre-war. Fought for survival in Auschwitz over 40 times, earning the grim title “All-weights champion of Auschwitz". Fought Leen there in an international class match in the midst of its horror. A Polish officer & resistance hero.
#NeverForget
Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski: Poland’s top bantam pre-war. Fought for survival in Auschwitz over 40 times, earning the grim title “All-weights champion of Auschwitz". Fought Leen there in an international class match in the midst of its horror. A Polish officer & resistance hero.
#NeverForget
8/9
Bep van Klaveren: The only Dutch Olympic boxing gold medallist (1928). Later became European middleweight champ. Dutch icon, respected by former Dutch amateur teammate and later lightweight rival Leen. Survived the war and revered as a national sporting hero, with a statue of him in Rotterdam.
Bep van Klaveren: The only Dutch Olympic boxing gold medallist (1928). Later became European middleweight champ. Dutch icon, respected by former Dutch amateur teammate and later lightweight rival Leen. Survived the war and revered as a national sporting hero, with a statue of him in Rotterdam.
July 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
8/9
Bep van Klaveren: The only Dutch Olympic boxing gold medallist (1928). Later became European middleweight champ. Dutch icon, respected by former Dutch amateur teammate and later lightweight rival Leen. Survived the war and revered as a national sporting hero, with a statue of him in Rotterdam.
Bep van Klaveren: The only Dutch Olympic boxing gold medallist (1928). Later became European middleweight champ. Dutch icon, respected by former Dutch amateur teammate and later lightweight rival Leen. Survived the war and revered as a national sporting hero, with a statue of him in Rotterdam.
7/9
Gustav Eder: German middleweight & Nazi favourite, defeated comprehensively by Leen in 1929 before avoiding the Dutchman's challenge for his European title in 1936. Fought Trollman in the infamous racialised 1933 bout. Retired to run a Berlin bar. Lived a long life, dying in 1992 aged 84.
Gustav Eder: German middleweight & Nazi favourite, defeated comprehensively by Leen in 1929 before avoiding the Dutchman's challenge for his European title in 1936. Fought Trollman in the infamous racialised 1933 bout. Retired to run a Berlin bar. Lived a long life, dying in 1992 aged 84.
July 15, 2025 at 1:57 PM
7/9
Gustav Eder: German middleweight & Nazi favourite, defeated comprehensively by Leen in 1929 before avoiding the Dutchman's challenge for his European title in 1936. Fought Trollman in the infamous racialised 1933 bout. Retired to run a Berlin bar. Lived a long life, dying in 1992 aged 84.
Gustav Eder: German middleweight & Nazi favourite, defeated comprehensively by Leen in 1929 before avoiding the Dutchman's challenge for his European title in 1936. Fought Trollman in the infamous racialised 1933 bout. Retired to run a Berlin bar. Lived a long life, dying in 1992 aged 84.
6/9
Eric Seelig: Jewish middle & light-heavyweight champ of Germany. Fled to the US after Nazi threats, fought on with a Star of David on his shorts like Leen. His wife, a top hurdler, was barred from the 1936 Olympics for being Jewish. They built a life together in the US until his death in 1984.
Eric Seelig: Jewish middle & light-heavyweight champ of Germany. Fled to the US after Nazi threats, fought on with a Star of David on his shorts like Leen. His wife, a top hurdler, was barred from the 1936 Olympics for being Jewish. They built a life together in the US until his death in 1984.
July 15, 2025 at 1:55 PM
6/9
Eric Seelig: Jewish middle & light-heavyweight champ of Germany. Fled to the US after Nazi threats, fought on with a Star of David on his shorts like Leen. His wife, a top hurdler, was barred from the 1936 Olympics for being Jewish. They built a life together in the US until his death in 1984.
Eric Seelig: Jewish middle & light-heavyweight champ of Germany. Fled to the US after Nazi threats, fought on with a Star of David on his shorts like Leen. His wife, a top hurdler, was barred from the 1936 Olympics for being Jewish. They built a life together in the US until his death in 1984.
5/9
Harry Stein: Jewish Berlin featherweight who sparred with Leen. Beat Paul Noack for the German title, defying racial propaganda. Later forced to flee Nazi Germany eastward. His life ended in exile sometime before 1948.
Harry Stein: Jewish Berlin featherweight who sparred with Leen. Beat Paul Noack for the German title, defying racial propaganda. Later forced to flee Nazi Germany eastward. His life ended in exile sometime before 1948.
July 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
5/9
Harry Stein: Jewish Berlin featherweight who sparred with Leen. Beat Paul Noack for the German title, defying racial propaganda. Later forced to flee Nazi Germany eastward. His life ended in exile sometime before 1948.
Harry Stein: Jewish Berlin featherweight who sparred with Leen. Beat Paul Noack for the German title, defying racial propaganda. Later forced to flee Nazi Germany eastward. His life ended in exile sometime before 1948.