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The Socially Distant Sports Bar
253: Papering Over The Cracks (Pt 1)
🎙️ Welcome to The Socially Distant Sports Bar – Episode 253
Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero are back with another round of sporting nonsense, wild tangents, and clips that will leave you questioning reality. This week, we’ve got boxing legends, rugby icons, and a brutal cricketing demolition – plus, of course, the usual barely-researched takes and questionable wisdom.
"Like a sports podcast, if the sport was optional."
✨ What’s on This Week’s Episode?
- Bernard Hopkins vs. Buncey – Elis brings us an absolute classic in boxing trash talk.
- The legend of Dennis Bree – Mike introduces us to a man who plays rugby with his grandson.
- England getting absolutely battered – Steff choses Australia dismantling their old rivals.
- Plus: Jason Robinson magic, Tom Brady’s non-involvement in the worst documentary of all time, and a look at Lauren Price vs. Natasha Jonas.
💡 Why Join Patreon?
Patreon is the best way to support the pod and get extra content every single week:
- Bonus Episodes: 30 minutes of exclusive nonsense every week – more clips, more chaos, more laughs.
- Hoffi Pod & Michael Owen’s Movie Club: Immediate access to the best bonus pods around.
- Gift Memberships: Give a mate the gift of quality nonsense.
- Support the Pod: Every penny keeps the show running (and funds Mike’s ever-growing collection of ‘70s leisurewear).
🎥 Bonus Podcasts for Patreon Members:
- Michael Owen’s Movie Club: Reviewing sports films, whether they’re classics or crimes against cinema.
- Hoffi Pod: Elis and Steff dive into their favourite non-sports clips while Mike… does his best to keep up.
👉 Join the £8 or £10 Patreon tiers today and get the full experience.
🚀 Why Wondery+?
Not into Patreon? Wondery+ gives you:
- Early access: Listen every Tuesday before anyone else.
- Ad-free episodes: Just the good stuff, no interruptions.
🎉 THIS WEEK’S SHOW – Don’t Miss It!
PART 1 (OUT WEDNESDAY):
- Elis: Bernard Hopkins vs. Buncey – Watch here
- Mike: The legend of Dennis Bree – Watch here
- Steff: Australia hammer England – Watch here
PART 2 (OUT FRIDAY):
- Mike’s Documentary Pick: Becoming the GOAT: The Tom Brady Story – Watch here
- Steff’s Book Recommendation: How To Win by Dr. Kate Hays – Get it here
PART 3 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE):
- Steff: Lauren Price vs. Natasha Jonas – Watch here
- Elis: Jason Robinson doing what Jason Robinson does – Watch here
- Mike: Conor Moore's impressions – Watch here
📺 TV from Mike and Elis:
- Mike’s latest on Scrum V Top 5 – Watch here
- Mike’s Throwback Special: Watch on BBC iPlayer
- Elis’ Derwydd Special: Watch here
✨ Another week of sporting chaos, nostalgia, and top-tier nonsense – only at The Socially Distant Sports Bar! 🎉
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