Best Armchair Champions Podcasts (2024)

1
Dean Zelinsky - founder of Dean Guitars and Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars 1:27:35

15d ago1:27:35

1:27:35

We are excited to have Dean Zelinsky on the show. While still in his teens, Dean founded his first guitar company, Dean Guitars, starting it from scratch. He talks to us about how a couple of trips to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan inspired his dream. After setting up his first factory in Evanston, Illinois, Dean went on to build iconic …

1
Jack Mcleod Podcast 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

On this Episode we are joined by the only Deaf and Hearing impaired Golfer to make the PGA tour here in Australia, Jack Mcleod. It's a great chat and inspiring to see a person chase their dream no matter what disability they may have.By Armchair Champions

1
Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio 1:07:07

2M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Taylor Hales is the studio manager and recording & mixing engineer at the world-famous Electrical Audio recording studio. He also fills a bunch of other roles at the studio. We talked with Taylor about how he got his start in music and his internship at Electrical Audio. He filled us in on the inner workings at the studio. And he shared many storie…

1
State Of Origin with Craig Gower 53:30

2M ago53:30

53:30

State Of Origin NRL teams have been named for game 1, so we got former NSW Blue and 2003 Premiership Winning Captain Craig Gower on to give us his thoughts about the squad named for both teams. The panel also hand out the Jordan Awards as well as the Derek, Goose and HAF Awards for the week. The Frizzy's are laid on the line to wrap out the show.…

1
Yasmin Clysdale chat 54:15

2M ago54:15

54:15

Champions this week we are joined by the Best on Ground from State Of Origin 1 Yasmin Clysdale. We talk about Origin last Thursday as well as her successful career to date. Yasmin was a lot of fun. We also hand out the Jordan Awards and the Goose/HAF/Derek Awards from the week before laying our Frizzy's on the line.…

1
After Hours with Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records joins us for the latest After Hours episode. Brandon's record label is out of Ohio and supports a number of awesome punk rock bands. It's a labor of love for him and he works hard to provide full support to his bands - from recording, to artwork, to tour bookings and more. Four Punkerton Records bands will be play…

1
Jay Bellamy Chat 1:03:58

2M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

This week we are interviewing Gold Coast horse trainer Jay Bellamy. Jay is an ex Harness Jockey who's transitioned into a successful Horse trainer. Great chat with Jay and a fantastic insight to the world of a horse trainer. The panel also hand out the Jordan, Derek, Goose and HAF awards for the week before talking some NRL…

1
Les Fear Chat 1:07:22

3M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Champions on this episode we are joined by Australia's best Boxing Referee Les Fear. Les talks about his career as a boxer, what led him to become a Referee and his experiences with fighters he's had the pleasure to Referee. The Jordan Awards are handed out as are the HAF, Derek and Goose AwardsBy Armchair Champions

1
Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop 1:02:19

3M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Stacey Dee is a singer and guitar player in the California punk band Bad Cop / Bad Cop. She's also known affectionately as Stacy Fucking Dee because, well, she's a badass! She's been playing in punk bands for a while now and Bad Cop / Bad Cop is one of the best. They've already put out 3 great LP's - Not Sorry, Warriors and The Ride - and they've g…

1
Jamahl Lolesi 55:48

3M ago55:48

55:48

Champions on this episode we are joined by the 2004 Canterbury Bulldogs Premiership winning player Jamahl Lolesi. Jamahl talks about his time at the Raiders, Bulldogs, Tigers and over in the Super League. We talk about the best players he's played with and gives Nathan Cleary a fair wrap too. The panel also hand out the Jordan, HAF, Goose & Derek A…

1
Jarrod Croker chat 1:02:57

4M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

On this episode we are joined by Canberra Raiders legend Jarrod Croker. We discuss his fantastic career and role models as well as current issues in the game and his life after football. The Jordan, Derek, Goose and HAF awards are also handed out before we lay our Frizzy's on the Line.By Armchair Champions

1
Jon Snodgrass of Armchair Martian, Drag The River, Scorpios and many friends & buddies 1:17:12

4M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Jon Snodgrass has a unique way of looking at life. He joins us on this episode and we talk about his philosophy about music, money, baseball and so much more. Jon has a lot of friends and sometimes has them play on his records - like Frank Turner. And Jon has a new record out, barge at will with Bill Stevenson (Descendents) on drums & bass. We also…

1
Rick Sims - lead singer & guitarist for Didjits 1:12:18

4M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Growing up in Mattoon, IL, Rick Sims (guitar, vocals) spent his early years drinking beer, smoking dope and practicing in the chicken shed in Sullivan, IL with his brother Brad (drums). Joined by Doug Evans (bass), they put together some crazy-ass music and the Didjits were born! From 1986 thru 1993, they put out five great records, including Hey J…

1
Sean O'Keefe - producer, engineer, mixer & drummer 1:11:01

5M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Sean O'Keefe joins us for episode number 42. Growing up in Wilmette, IL, Sean dropped out of Columbia College in Chicago to record his friends' bands. We talk about how he came to produce Take This To Your Grave for his friends, Fall Out Boy. We discuss what's involve in producing, engineering and mixing a record. Sean has also worked with a ton of…

1
Super Bowl 58 55:52

5M ago55:52

55:52

Champions we are Live from the Aussie Arms Hotel in Penrith to watch Super Bowl 58 between the Chiefs and 49ers. The day was outstanding and the atmosphere was fantastic!! We will definitely be running it back next year. We had lots of the guests from over the years come on for a chat and give their predictions on who will win and the score etc. En…

1
Jason Narducy of Split Single, Verbow, Verboten & more 1:06:33

6M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Jason Narducy has carved out quite a career for himself in music. His first band, Verboten (which he began as a pre-teen), was influential in getting Dave Grohl in started music. Subsequently he formed the acoustic duo Jason & Alison, Verbow, Rockets Over Sweden and his current project, Split Single. He's also played with or toured with the likes o…

1
Sport & Politics 49:36

6M ago49:36

49:36

Champions we are back for 2024!!! It's our 7th year and we have a big year planned. In this podcast we have the details where you can join us for Super Bowl. We also discuss the Sport Vs Politics debate after Pat Cummins comments about Australia Day. The Jordan & Derek Awards are handed out and the other hot topics in sport are talked about.…

1
Ken Draznik and Jimmy Wald from The Vertebrats & The Surly Bells 1:08:17

7M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Welcome to 2024 and our 40th episode everyone! We're so happy to be talking with Ken Draznik and James Wald from one of our favorite bands of all-time, The Vertebrats from Champaign, IL. We talk about how these guys got together with Matt Brandabur and Roy Axford and helped create a vibrant DIY music scene in Champaign-Urbana. We also talk about ho…

1
The Golden Awards 2023 55:01

7M ago55:01

55:01

Season 6 is over for us here at the Armchair Champions. So as always we end the Season by handing out the Golden Jordan Awards for the year. Who was the Greatest Sporting Achievement for the year? We also hand out the Golden Goose/HAF/Derek Awards for the year. Who had the biggest regrettable stuff up where they wished they had their time over agai…

1
After Hours -- fForest Fest with Stacey & Erik Olson 36:40

7M ago36:40

36:40

Did you ever wish you had your own music festival? Well, our friends Stacey & Erik Olson are living the dream! In 2022 they put together the first fForest Fest in Morris, Illinois with a few of their favorite punk/folk/Celtic bands. We talked with them about what it takes to run a festival, what makes fForest Fest different and what plans they have…

1
Vintage Lane Clothing 52:54

8M ago52:54

52:54

Blake Grech from Vintage Lane Clothing joins us in the studio on this episode. Blake tells us how he started his Sports Clothes business and how you can purchase some Rare Original sports Teams Merch. The Jordan Awards are handed out as is the Derek/HAF/Goose Awards. We finish off as always by laying our Frizzy's on the Line.…

1
Bruce Finkelman of 16 on Center, The Empty Bottle, The Salt Shed, Thalia Hall and so much more! 55:21

8M ago55:21

55:21

Bruce Finkelman decided on a late night drive down Western Avenue to open his iconic Chicago music club, The Empty Bottle. So he took the $942 he had in savings and made the plunge. Thirty years later, he's transformed that into the hospitality collective, 16 on Center, which includes a host of music venues and restaurants. Thalia Hall, SPACE, The …

1
Tommy Berry 49:17

8M ago49:17

49:17

Champions we have the Jockey in form on for a chat Tommy Berry!!!! He's pretty honest in the chat and doesn't hide away from his thoughts. We also hand out the Jordan Awards and the Derek/HAF/Goose Awards. The podcast is finished off with laying our Frizzy's on the LineBy Armchair Champions

1
After Hours with Jenn Sodini and Shawn Campbell of CHIRP radio & The First Time 35:52

8M ago35:52

35:52

In our latest episode of No Wristbands! After Hours, we got a chance to talk with two of our favorite people over at CHIRP radio - Jenn Sodini and Shawn Campbell. Jenn is the host of the fantastic CHIRP in-person storytelling and music event, The First Time. We chatted with Shawn and Jenn about what's involved in putting together that quarterly sho…

1
Barely Civil with Connor, Isaac and Alex 1:01:17

9M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Milwaukee emo band Barely Civil joins us for No Wristbands! episode 36. Connor Erickson (vocals, guitar), Isaac Marquardt (drums) and Alex Larsen (lead guitar) share their thoughts on their great new single "Coasting Mostly", making new music, surviving the pandemic, the Milwaukee music scene and, of course, a few Chicago questions. Enjoy!! Time st…

1
Cox Plate with Libby Hopwood 52:34

9M ago52:34

52:34

Champions on this episode we invited friend of the show, the Foxy Libby Hopwood to come on and talk about the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. Horse Racing is in it's Prime Season and who better can tip some winners than Libby? We also hand out the Jordan Awards for the week and the HAF/Derek/Goose Awards…

1
Sheridan Gallagher 1:05:15

9M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

On this episode we are joined by NRLW Champion Sheridan Gallagher. After starting off playing soccer for the Matildas and the Wanderers, Sheridan threw her arm at Rugby League and hasn't looked back after winning the Premiership in her first year with the Newcastle Knights. We also hand out the Jordan Awards, The Derek/HAF/Goose awards for the week…

1
Monday MOURNING: A RUDE Awakening 33:49

10M ago33:49

33:49

SF DESTROYS DAL 42-10. This was the game they were looking forward to?!!! It's early, yes, but there are some serious discussions that need to be had for the Cowboys. Covered today are just a few of them...Follow me on Twitter: @ArmchairChampi1#DallasCowboys #NFL #Sports #SanFransisco49ers #Niners

1
Kenn Goodman of Pravda Records, The Service, The Imperial Sound and more. 1:05:07

10M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Kenn Goodman joins us to talk about the long history of Pravda Records. 2024 will be the 40th anniversary of Pravda and Kenn explains how it got this far. We also talk about his musical history and, of course, we chat about all things Chicago. Time stamps: 2: When did you start playing music? 6:11: You were sneaking into shows as a fake Rolling Sto…

1
GF Talk with Holli Wheeler 1:00:07

10M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

On this Episode we are joined by NRWL Sharks player and good friend of the show Holli Wheeler to talk about the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals. Holli also talks about her season and winning her Award. Jordan Awards are handed out as is the Derek, HAF & Goose Awards. We finish off by laying our Frizzy's on the line.…

1
Run It Back Week 2 43:53

10M ago43:53

43:53

On this Episode the panel discuss the first 2 weeks of the NFL. There's been plenty of upsets, injuries and teams just not performing. Tune in to see what the Panel's verdict is on your team.By Armchair Champions

1
Aussie Diamond Kiera Austin 53:59

10M ago53:59

53:59

On this episode we are joined by World Champion Australian Diamond Kiera Austin. Kiera talks about her tour to South Africa for the World Cup and her move to the Melbourne Vixens. As always we have a few laughs with Kiera and get some predictions off her for 2024. The Jordan Awards are handed out as are the HAF/Derek/Goose Awards for the week. The …

1
Chelsea Makira 48:03

10M ago48:03

48:03

On this episode we are joined by the U/19's NSW State Of Origin Player Chelsea Makira. Chelsea talks about her Experience at State Of Origin and also her goals going forward. Chelsea is a name to look out for in the upcoming years, that's for sure. The Jordan Awards are handed out as well as the HAF/Derek/Goose Awards. Enjoy the podcast.…

1
Run It Back 56:24

11M ago56:24

56:24

Armchair Champions, the NFL season is about to kick off for another season. Sheriff and The Captain have got the Trades, The teams to watch, the teams to miss and where the footy tipping comp is as we Run It Back for this SeasonBy Armchair Champions

1
Frank Turner 52:23

11M ago52:23

52:23

We are so damned excited to have Frank Turner join us for this one. We talk about his upcoming visit to Chicago to play Riot Fest, his opening gig for Bruce Springsteen, his thoughts on songwriters Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, his Lost Evenings festival in Anaheim, CA, his favorite Chicago music venue, his relentless touring and much m…

1
Rough Week... 9:18

11M ago9:18

9:18

Rough Week for the Cowboys... Plus, Preseason quick thoughts

1
FanZone with Elly Kirlis 53:58

11M ago53:58

53:58

On this episode we talk to another Armchair Champion and fan of the show Elly Kirlis. Elly talks about her passion in promoting sport, playing it and also talks about her amazing comeback from spinal surgery to get back on the Netball courts. The panel also hand out the Jordan Awards and the HAF/Derek/Goose Awards for the week. NRL and AFL is discu…

1
WBO Champion Jason Moloney 53:03

12M ago53:03

53:03

On this episode, good friend of the show and new WBO Bantamweight CHAMPION of the world Jason Moloney comes on to talk about the fight and more. The Jordan and Derek/HAF/Goose awards are also handed out. Who are they this wek? NRL is discussed in depth before the boys lay their Frizzy's on the lineBy Armchair Champions

1
Boob Tape 45:26

12M ago45:26

45:26

On this Episode Bec, Krackers, Viper and the Captain are on the panel to discuss the tape issue in the NRL and the disappointment the ladies had with it. The Jordan and HAF/Derek?Goose Awards are also handed out. The Women's Soccer World Cup gets a run as does the Ashes and the AFL.By Armchair Champions

1
Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer 56:21

12M ago56:21

56:21

Deanna Belos joins us to talk about her great Chicago punk band Sincere Engineer. Deanna is the songwriter, singer and guitarist in the band and began putting out records in 2017 with the album Rhombithian. Along with bandmates Kyle Geib (guitar), Nick Arvanitis (bass) and Adam Beck (drums), Sincere Engineer released Bless My Psyche in 2021 and the…

1
Commonwealth Snub 49:41

12M ago49:41

49:41

The panel is back to discuss the big snub of the Commonwealth Games by Melbourne. The NRL is discussed as it's getting into the business end of the season. The Jordan and HAF/Derek/Goose Awards are given too. Plenty of World sport discussed too.By Armchair Champions

1
Leor Galil - senior staff writer for the Chicago Reader 1:13:56

1y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Leor Galil is a senior staff writer for the Chicago Reader and has written there for a dozen years. His work as a freelance culture and music journalist has appeared in numerous publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone.com, The Washington Post, Forbes.com and many others. We had a great time talking with Leor about what it's like being a jo…

1
Who's on the Michaels side? 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

The panel are back for another week discussing all things State Of Origin 2. The Ben Hunt Saga is also discussed and those type of contracts. Reece Walsh gets some advice before the panel talks the ASHES and hand out the Jordan & HAF moments of the week.By Armchair Champions

1
Man Cave Dave 41:23

1y ago41:23

41:23

State Of Origin 2 is about to kick off, so the panel decided to crash Man Cave Dave's to watch the big game. Man Cave Dave talks about his awesome setup and what the inspiration was in doing it. State of Origin 2 is discussed and a half time and Full time wrap is handed out by the panel. Jordan and HAF awards are also handed out.…

1
Tayla Fraser & the GOAT 1:07:02

1y ago1:07:02

1:07:02

On this episode we are joined by NSW Swifts Young Gun Tayla Fraser to talk about the stunning season the Swifts are having. We are also joined by the GOAT Jeremy Latimore to discuss all things Rugby League. The Jordan and HAF moments are also handed out for the weekBy Armchair Champions

1
Beverly Rage from Bev Rage & the Drinks 1:02:12

1y ago1:02:12

1:02:12

We're very excited that we got the opportunity to talk with Beverly Rage (vocals/guitar) from queer garage-pop band Bev Rage & the Drinks for episode 31. We talk about Bev's musical journey from Canton, Ohio to Chicago, what it's like playing original music in drag and the challenges presented by today's political environment. We also cover Bev's f…

1
OK Cool join us After Hours to talk about Fawn 38:06

1y ago38:06

38:06

Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist from OK Cool are back with us After Hours to discuss their new ep Fawn. We go track by track and also talk about what they got coming up on tour. Time stamps: 3:15: Let's talk about fawn, track by track breakdown 3:45: Track 1: 333 6:10: What are the themes you are laying out in 333? 8: Track 2 normal c - When y…

1
Ben Ross 54:49

1y ago54:49

54:49

2003 Premiership Player for the Penrith Panthers Ben Ross joins us on this episode for a chat. Ben talks about that GF win against the Roosters as well as his career at the Sharks, Dragons and Souths. Its a really good chat with Ben and he's pretty darn honest too. Jordan & HAF moments are also handed out for the week and some NRL chat is on too. E…

1
Brendan Hands 2023 49:02

1y ago49:02

49:02

On this Episode Parramatta Eels Hooker Brendan Hands joins us in the studio for a chat. Brendan has cemented a spot at the Eels and has had a great season to date. It's always a pleasure having Brendan in the studio for a chat and this one is no exception.By Armchair Champions

1
Brian Case from FACS & Disappears 1:00:56

1y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

We had a great time talking with long-time Chicago musician Brian Case for episode 29. We talk about his musical history with 90 Day Men, The Ponys and Disappears. And we get into detail with his current band FACS and their new record Still Life In Decay. We also talk about record labels, touring and his son's band Lifeguard. And, as usual, all thi…

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