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The Socially Distant Sports Bar

248: Sparky’s Thighs (Pt 2)

Ep. 490
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🎙️ 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):

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:

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






🛍️ NEW MERCH ALERT

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









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