The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Details, episodes & analysis

This week’s episode is Patreon-only.

Our contract with Wondery has ended, which means the ad-supported free feed is on pause — so for now, The Patreon Tapes episodes will never be available here. They’re exclusively for the amazing people who back us on Patreon.

👉 To hear the full show (and the next ones), join us at patreon.com/distantpod.

We’re even offering 25% off your first subscription with the code ACD83.

Patreon is the only reason this podcast can exist right now, and your support means the world. ❤️

🎟️ Live Shows 2026 → Tickets at distantpod.com/live

🛒 Merch & Hoffi Pod episodes → You can buy individual Hoffi Pod episodes or grab some merch if a full subscription isn’t for you: patreon.com/distantpod

Thanks for sticking with us — we couldn’t do this without you.

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 Bit of a change! 🚨

As we explained last week, our contract with Wondery has been terminated – which means the ad support that kept this free feed alive has gone.

While we work out how to bring the free version of the pod back, for the next few weeks full episodes will only be available on Patreon.

👉 Join us here: patreon.com/distantpod

💸 Use the code ACD83 for 25% off your first subscription.

This week’s full episode is The Patreon Tapes 2: The Shower Seat — and just to be clear: The Patreon Tapes will NEVER be available for free anywhere.

Patreon has always been the main reason we’ve been able to make this show, and right now it’s the only way we can keep going. Thank you so much to everyone who already supports us — we couldn’t do this without you. ❤️

Other ways to support the pod

👕 Check out our brand-new merch shop: sdsb2025.myshopify.com

🎟️ Tour 2026 tickets: distantpod.com/live

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 280: When’s It Going Out?

This week features cycling farewells, Lions, rugby memories, and plenty of sporting oddities.

Vote for us in the Listeners’ Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards – it only takes 30 seconds and really helps us out: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting

And don’t forget – the full story behind our titles (and loads of bonus content) is only available on Patreon.com/distantpod.

Part 1

• Elis: The end of ITV Cycling
• 
  
• Steff: Lions
• 
  
• Mike: What I miss about playing rugby
• 
  

Part 2

• Mike Documentary: Jake Paul: The Problem Child
• 
  
• Elis Book: The Official History of the Tour de France
• 
  

Part 3

• Steff: Budget Sky Sports
• 
  
• Mike: Kid at King of the Cone
• 
  
• Elis: Wales away to Kazakhstan, on the train
• 
  

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Episode 250

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero return with another episode of sporting chaos, dubious research, and laugh-out-loud banter. This week, we’re tackling everything from weightlifting in the '60s to a rugby upset that left Wales scratching their heads. Grab yourself a pint (or a cup of tea) and enjoy the ride.

"Like sitting in the pub with three blokes who’ve nicked your chair but made you laugh so much you don’t care."

✨ What’s on This Week’s Episode?

Here’s what’s in store:

• Larry Csonka’s NFL legend: Mike dives into one of the greatest football careers of all time.
• Weightlifting nostalgia: Elis takes us back to 1965 with feats of strength and plenty of retro charm.
• Rugby shocker: Steff relives the Northern Division's historic win over New Zealand in 1979.
• Plus: fencing rockstars, Bridgend beating Wales, Denis Law’s iconic career, and much more!

💡 Why Join Patreon?

Patreon is the best way to support the pod, and the perks are top-notch:

• Bonus Content: Get 30 minutes of exclusive material every week – more laughs, more clips, and more nonsense.
• Iconic Extras: Access Hoffi Pod and Michael Owen’s Movie Club whenever you like.
• Gift Memberships: Give your mates the joy of exclusive podcast gold.
• Direct Support: Every penny helps keep the podcast going (and Mike in his collection of retro cars).

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: The lads review sports films, whether they’re masterpieces or just mad.
• Hoffi Pod: Elis and Steff dissect their favourite non-sports clips while Mike tries to get a word in.

👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today to unlock it all and support the pod.

🚀 Why Wondery+?

Not into Patreon? Wondery+ offers:

• Early access: Listen every Tuesday before anyone else.
• Ad-free episodes: Just laughs, no interruptions.

🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!

PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):

• Mike: NFL icon Larry Csonka in action – Watch here
• Elis: Vintage weightlifting brilliance, 1965 – Watch here
• Steff: Northern Division’s win over New Zealand in 1979 – Watch here and full highlights

PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):

• Mike’s Documentary: Denis Law: The King – Watch here
• Steff’s Book Recommendation: There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraquib – Get it here

PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):

• Elis: Bruce Dickinson swapping the mic for a fencing foil – Watch here
• Steff: Bridgend’s shock win over Wales in 1989 – Watch here
• Mike: Cian Ashford’s dream goal – Watch here

📺 TV from Mike and Elis:

• Mike’s Scrum V Top 5: Watch here
• Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here

✨ Get ready for another week of sporting nostalgia, chaos, and absolute nonsense, only at The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉

🛡️ Get NordVPN with Our Exclusive Deal!

Protect your online privacy (or just watch sports from other countries) with NordVPN.

➼ nordvpn.com/distant

Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Episode 250

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero return with another episode of sporting chaos, dubious research, and laugh-out-loud banter. This week, we’re tackling everything from weightlifting in the '60s to a rugby upset that left Wales scratching their heads. Grab yourself a pint (or a cup of tea) and enjoy the ride.

"Like sitting in the pub with three blokes who’ve nicked your chair but made you laugh so much you don’t care."

✨ What’s on This Week’s Episode?

Here’s what’s in store:

• Larry Csonka’s NFL legend: Mike dives into one of the greatest football careers of all time.
• Weightlifting nostalgia: Elis takes us back to 1965 with feats of strength and plenty of retro charm.
• Rugby shocker: Steff relives the Northern Division's historic win over New Zealand in 1979.
• Plus: fencing rockstars, Bridgend beating Wales, Denis Law’s iconic career, and much more!

💡 Why Join Patreon?

Patreon is the best way to support the pod, and the perks are top-notch:

• Bonus Content: Get 30 minutes of exclusive material every week – more laughs, more clips, and more nonsense.
• Iconic Extras: Access Hoffi Pod and Michael Owen’s Movie Club whenever you like.
• Gift Memberships: Give your mates the joy of exclusive podcast gold.
• Direct Support: Every penny helps keep the podcast going (and Mike in his collection of retro cars).

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: The lads review sports films, whether they’re masterpieces or just mad.
• Hoffi Pod: Elis and Steff dissect their favourite non-sports clips while Mike tries to get a word in.

👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today to unlock it all and support the pod.

🚀 Why Wondery+?

Not into Patreon? Wondery+ offers:

• Early access: Listen every Tuesday before anyone else.
• Ad-free episodes: Just laughs, no interruptions.

🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!

PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):

• Mike: NFL icon Larry Csonka in action – Watch here
• Elis: Vintage weightlifting brilliance, 1965 – Watch here
• Steff: Northern Division’s win over New Zealand in 1979 – Watch here and full highlights

PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):

• Mike’s Documentary: Denis Law: The King – Watch here
• Steff’s Book Recommendation: There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraquib – Get it here

PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):

• Elis: Bruce Dickinson swapping the mic for a fencing foil – Watch here
• Steff: Bridgend’s shock win over Wales in 1989 – Watch here
• Mike: Cian Ashford’s dream goal – Watch here

📺 TV from Mike and Elis:

• Mike’s Scrum V Top 5: Watch here
• Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here

✨ Get ready for another week of sporting nostalgia, chaos, and absolute nonsense, only at The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉

🛡️ Get NordVPN with Our Exclusive Deal!

Protect your online privacy (or just watch sports from other countries) with NordVPN.

➼ nordvpn.com/distant

Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to Pint-Sized Distant Pod!

We’ve dived deep into our archive to bring you the best stories, hilarious anecdotes, and unforgettable moments from The Socially Distant Sports Bar. Perfect for newcomers, these curated clips are a great way to explore the highlights from earlier episodes.

🚀 Wondery+ and Patreon Perks

Enjoy early access and ad-free listening as part of your Wondery+ or Patreon Subscription.

📌 This Week’s Clip:

Taken from “Episode 222”, it’s a laugh-out-loud moment you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members

Every month, our top-tier Patreon members unlock two exclusive bonus shows:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: Elis, Mike, and Steff hilariously dissect a sports movie.
• Hoffi Pod: The lads share and chat about their favorite non-sports clips.

🎉 Ready to join the fun?

Sign up for the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today and get access to these bonus podcasts and more!

Start listening and discover why The Socially Distant Sports Bar is your ultimate destination for laughs, sports, and stories.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/distant Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Episode 249

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero are back with another episode of sporting nonsense, barely-researched opinions, and jaw-dropping clips. This week’s show dives into everything from rugby legends to the ridiculous sexism still alive in sport. Grab a pint and settle in – it’s going to be a good one.

“Sounds like a bunch of children bantering about a teacher in detention.”

✨ What’s on This Week’s Episode?

Here’s what we’ve got lined up:

• Buccaneers' balls – Mike unravels an NFL mystery.
• Eddie Hall gets a kicking – Elis explores the highs and lows of being a strongman.
• Sexism in sport: Steff brings us the jaw-dropping tale of a female ski jumper who won a set of towels instead of cash.
• Plus: rugby nostalgia, foggy NFL games, Brian Clough’s political moment, and much more!

💡 Why Join Patreon?

Patreon is the best way to support the pod, and it’s packed with perks.

• Bonus Content: 30 minutes of exclusive material every week – more laughs, more clips, more chaos.
• Iconic Extras: Access Hoffi Pod and Michael Owen’s Movie Club whenever you like.
• Gift Memberships: Treat a mate to endless entertainment.
• Direct Support: Every penny goes into keeping the pod going (and Mike’s cars).

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: The lads review sports films, whether they’re brilliant or bonkers.
• Hoffi Pod: Elis and Steff share their favourite non-sports clips, while Mike tries to keep up.

👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today to unlock it all and support the pod. 

🚀 Why Wondery+?

If Patreon’s not your thing, Wondery+ offers:

• Early access: Hear the pod every Tuesday, before anyone else.
• Ad-free listening: No interruptions, just laughs.

🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!

PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):

• Mike: The Buccaneers’ bizarre ball situation – Watch here
• Elis: Eddie Hall gets a kicking – Watch here
• Steff: A ski jumper wins a major competition and gets... towels. Yes, really – Watch here

PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):

• Steff’s Documentary: The Fog Bowl – Watch here
• Elis’ Book Recommendation: Go To War by Jon Spurling – Get it here

PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):

• Mike: NFL officials being as NFL as it gets – Watch here
• Steff: A deeper dive into the ski jumper’s shocking treatment – Watch here
• Elis: Brian Clough at the 1988 Labour Party Conference – Watch here

📺 Stand-Up Specials on TV from Mike and Elis:

• Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here

✨ Get ready for another week of sporting chaos and sharp observations, only at The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/distant Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Episode 249

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero are back with another episode of sporting nonsense, barely-researched opinions, and jaw-dropping clips. This week’s show dives into everything from rugby legends to the ridiculous sexism still alive in sport. Grab a pint and settle in – it’s going to be a good one.

“Sounds like a bunch of children bantering about a teacher in detention.”

✨ What’s on This Week’s Episode?

Here’s what we’ve got lined up:

• Buccaneers' balls – Mike unravels an NFL mystery.
• Eddie Hall gets a kicking – Elis explores the highs and lows of being a strongman.
• Sexism in sport: Steff brings us the jaw-dropping tale of a female ski jumper who won a set of towels instead of cash.
• Plus: rugby nostalgia, foggy NFL games, Brian Clough’s political moment, and much more!

💡 Why Join Patreon?

Patreon is the best way to support the pod, and it’s packed with perks.

• Bonus Content: 30 minutes of exclusive material every week – more laughs, more clips, more chaos.
• Iconic Extras: Access Hoffi Pod and Michael Owen’s Movie Club whenever you like.
• Gift Memberships: Treat a mate to endless entertainment.
• Direct Support: Every penny goes into keeping the pod going (and Mike’s cars).

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: The lads review sports films, whether they’re brilliant or bonkers.
• Hoffi Pod: Elis and Steff share their favourite non-sports clips, while Mike tries to keep up.

👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today to unlock it all and support the pod. 

🚀 Why Wondery+?

If Patreon’s not your thing, Wondery+ offers:

• Early access: Hear the pod every Tuesday, before anyone else.
• Ad-free listening: No interruptions, just laughs.

🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!

PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):

• Mike: The Buccaneers’ bizarre ball situation – Watch here
• Elis: Eddie Hall gets a kicking – Watch here
• Steff: A ski jumper wins a major competition and gets... towels. Yes, really – Watch here

PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):

• Steff’s Documentary: The Fog Bowl – Watch here
• Elis’ Book Recommendation: Go To War by Jon Spurling – Get it here

PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):

• Mike: NFL officials being as NFL as it gets – Watch here
• Steff: A deeper dive into the ski jumper’s shocking treatment – Watch here
• Elis: Brian Clough at the 1988 Labour Party Conference – Watch here

📺 Stand-Up Specials on TV from Mike and Elis:

• Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here

✨ Get ready for another week of sporting chaos and sharp observations, only at The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/distant Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to Pint-Sized Distant Pod!

We’ve dived deep into our archive to bring you the best stories, hilarious anecdotes, and unforgettable moments from The Socially Distant Sports Bar. Perfect for newcomers, these curated clips are a great way to explore the highlights from earlier episodes.

🚀 Wondery+ and Patreon Perks

Enjoy early access and ad-free listening as part of your Wondery+ or Patreon Subscription.

📌 This Week’s Clip:

Taken from “201: The Argus? No Offence But, The Argus? Not Even The Echo? ”, it’s a laugh-out-loud moment you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members

Every month, our top-tier Patreon members unlock two exclusive bonus shows:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: Elis, Mike, and Steff hilariously dissect a sports movie.
• Hoffi Pod: The lads share and chat about their favorite non-sports clips.

🎉 Ready to join the fun?

Sign up for the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today and get access to these bonus podcasts and more!

Start listening and discover why The Socially Distant Sports Bar is your ultimate destination for laughs, sports, and stories.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/distant Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Sparky’s Thighs

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh, What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero are back with a thigh-slappingly good episode filled with rugby legends, iconic football moments, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. In Episode 248: Sparky’s Thighs, the lads dive into the career of Welsh football great Mark Hughes, plus a whole lot more.

✨ What’s in This Week’s Episode?

This week, you’ll hear about:

• The magic and power of Mark Hughes in Welsh football history
• NFL’s behind-the-scenes action with Rich Russo
• Rugby brilliance from France v Wales 1987
• The rise (and fall) of Freddy Adu, the original football prodigy
• Hidden gems like Gypsy Jem Mace and Olympic rugby triumphs

If you love a mix of sports history, quirky stories, and gut-busting banter, this episode is for you!

🗓 Episode Schedule

• Part 1: Out Wednesday
• Part 2: Out Friday

💡 Can’t wait? Subscribe to WONDERY+ to hear both parts ad-free and early, every Tuesday!

🚀 Why Choose WONDERY+?

• Early access: Be the first to hear Parts 1 and 2 every Tuesday.
• Ad-free listening: All the stories, none of the interruptions.

💡 Why Join Patreon?

• Support the pod directly!
• Unlock exclusive perks like:
• 30 minutes of bonus content every week
• Gift a Patreon membership to your mates!
• Access to iconic extras like Hoffi Pod and Michael Owen’s Movie Club

🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:

• Michael Owen’s Movie Club: Hilarious reviews of sports classics.
• Hoffi Pod: The lads’ favorite non-sports clips, revisited.

👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today and unlock everything!

🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!

PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):

• Mike: Rich Russo and the NFL production truck – Watch here
• Elis: France v Wales, 1987 – Watch here
• Steff: Freddy Adu, football’s young prodigy – Watch here and here

PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):

• Elis’ Documentary: Legends of Welsh Sport: Mark Hughes – Watch here
• Mike’s Book Recommendation: Gypsy Jem Mace by Jeremy Poolman – Get it here

PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):

• Mike: Sushila Meena’s inspiring story – Watch here
• Elis: Mark Delaney’s unforgettable Cardiff v Chester moment in 1998 – Watch here
• Steff: Dupont winning Olympic gold in rugby sevens – Watch here

📺 TV Suggestions for More from Mike and Elis:

• Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here

✨ Get ready for another unforgettable episode of The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉

We’ve launched a brand new merch store — mugs, hoodies, prints and more!

If you fancy supporting the pod that way, head here 👇

🛒 sdsb2025.myshopify.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.