20 of the best podcasts for culture and sports fans

Nightcap is a nighttime podcast hosted by former NFL superstars Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson. The show airs several times a week throughout the year, specifically during the NFL and NBA seasons. During their chats, the pair talk about the latest and greatest news in the league, current and former athletes, the day's biggest game moments, and even a little bit of pop culture.

In The GIST of It , hosts Ellen and Stephanie talk about trending sports topics, like Dearica Hamby's discrimination lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces and Jordan Chiles' Olympic medal scandal, and a handful of social issues as well, like the gender boxing controversy. If you enjoy hearing other people's perspectives on hot-topic issues and discovering new details about breaking news, this is the perfect show to play during your 30-minute break, summer walk, or quick cardio session at the gym.  

WNBA star Haley Jones went from beyond the arc to behind the mic in her podcast, Sometimes I Hoop. Her episodes, which range from 30 minutes to one hour in length, feature the who's who in women's basketball, like former Ohio State player Jacy Sheldon and NCAA forward Madison Booker talking about the league and its biggest stars.

We've all heard about Jason and Travis Kelce's podcast, New Heights. The two brothers talk about everything, including their NFL peers and popular reality shows like Love Is Blind.

On ESPN's Pardon the Interruption podcast — taken from the daily ESPN television staple — hosts Tony and Michael spend no longer than 30 minutes discussing the day's biggest headlines in sports and culture. But that's not all. They'll frequently talk about current events in sporting news that have taken the world by storm.

In Knuckleheads, two childhood best friends, Quentin and Darius, come together to host celebrities, athletes, and musicians and tell the wildest stories about sports, current events, and culture.

Former NFL players Daren Bates and Jalen Collins moved their friendship from the football field to the podcast studio to host their electric show, Raw Room. Like Nightcap, this production lasts a little over two hours as the hosts discuss key storylines in the world of sports and culture.

In addition to hosting Nightcap, Shannon Sharpe hosts a solo show called Club Shay Shay . There, he conducts in-depth interviews with the industry's biggest stars, like Megan Thee Stallion and John Cena.

In Sports! Sports. Sports?, listeners get to hear three unique perspectives "around sports, sports culture, and culture." The episodes are a bit longer, usually around an hour and some change, and they feature in-depth conversations about many things.

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson have always been outspoken, so the name of their podcast, All The Smoke, makes perfect sense. The former NBA players talk about all things sports, including football and basketball, but they also discuss some of the gossip, rumors, and pressing news surrounding players that catch steam on social media and in the press.

Bill Simmons hosts the most popular sports podcast out there and brings on big-name celebrities like Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks, and Ben Affleck.

We all paid attention to the drama surrounding Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys, and the quarterback's contract. If you're like me, you discussed the matter in your group chat with your closest friends, but now and then, a second (or third) opinion is essential. That's where Bomani Jones' podcast, The Right Time, comes into play. The former ESPN staffer breaks it all down on his show, from Noah Lyles and his bold personality to Bill Belichick and his new girlfriend. 

Sheryl Swoopes, former WNBA star and league legend, hosts the dynamic podcast with sports journalist Jordan Ligons Robinson and offers interesting perspectives on the league, its rising stars, and much more. 

If you're a fan of Major League Baseball and CBS' Big Brother, then this show is for you. Best friends Charlie and Tim discuss the latest happenings in baseball, like the White Sox's losing streak, and when they're done, they do a complete 180 and debrief the newest episode of the BB26. What more could fans of Aaron Judge and Julie Chen ask for?

We all know Stephen A. Smith, and whether you love him or hate him, his voice is influential in the sports world. On his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show , the television personality tackles a variety of topics, like the 2024 presidential election, Simone Biles, and A'ja Wilson's epic performance in this year's Olympic games.

Former WWE Divas Nikki and Brie host their weekly show on motherhood, reality television, and the occasional wrestling news and gossip. If you were tuned in to this past season of Love Island USA, you'll find plenty of episodes to go back and binge-listen to.

CBS launched its women-focused podcast, We Need To Talk Now, in April 2024, and it's everything and more. Hosts Ashley and Alicia talk about all things sports but like to zero in on women who are making an impact. 

JJ Redick no longer hosts his podcast The Old Man and the Three, but when he was recording new episodes, the former NBA player and Duke legend chatted about the NBA and current events with his co-host, Tommy. They also hosted some big names in the industry, including Sabrina Ionescu , Rich Paul, and Steph Curry.

Not only are Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart teammates, but the two New York Knicks players are also podcast co-hosts. In their show, Roommates, the two ballers join their third host, Matt Hillman, to discuss everything basketball while also talking a little bit about music and movies.

The haters will never be able to keep Angel Reese in a box. In addition to posing for Reebok, releasing merch with Reese's, and snagging over 60 rebounds in three back-to-back WNBA games, Angel found time to create and launch a podcast. In her show, titled Unapologetically Angel, the WNBA rookie will take her "voice back" by sharing her own stories straight from the source. Plus, she'll be bringing the biggest celebrities, like her besties in the rap and fashion industries, along with her.

"I really want to have guests across all different industries on the show– sports, music, entertainment, business, creators, and more," Angel told Complex. "But you know I’m definitely going to have to get my girls Meg (Thee Stallion), Latto, and Cardi B on here."