Your guide to the most popular podcasts in the region.
By Carter Seaton
HQ 126 | SUMMER 2024
If you are new to the growing world of podcasts and aren’t sure exactly what it’s all about, it’s simple — it’s radio programming on demand. Back in the day, you had to tune in when your favorite program was scheduled. Today, you can stream your favorite podcast whenever you wish. Think of any topic and there’s probably a podcast about it. Locally, we found six that are wildly popular, according to their rankings and the number of their subscribers.
My Brother, My Brother & Me
Locally, this one is the mother of all podcasts. The McElroy brothers, Justin, Travis and Griffin, began the podcast in 2010. That year, the show was consistently listed among the top 10 comedy podcasts on iTunes! Regular episodes of MBMBaM feature the siblings answering questions either submitted by listeners or found online. Their insights on how to live life are hilarious. It drops every Monday for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much advice they feel you need. Admittedly, you have to appreciate their brand of humor to take them seriously. In fact, they don’t expect listeners to follow their advice at all. It’s all done in fun with some explicit content. The show has become so popular that it has attracted such high-profile guests as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jesse Eisenberg, Marilu Henner, Al Roker and the late Jimmy Buffett. To find episodes, go to My Brother, My Brother & Me or search your favorite podcast platform.
SAWBONES
Dr. Sydnee Smirl McElroy and her husband Justin McElroy (of MBMBaM fame) are the hosts of Sawbones, the podcast that offers tongue-in-cheek medical advice to its listeners. According to its intro, Sawbones is “a tour of all the dumb, bad, gross, weird and wrong ways we’ve tried to fix people.” So, if you want your medical advice with a big dose of humor, this podcast is for you. Now in its 11th season, Sawbones is updated weekly and is rated “Clean” — well, except for occasional discussions of blood. Nothing in the advice offered should be taken seriously, however. As Justin says, “Can’t we just have fun and not try to diagnose your mystery boil?” To find episodes, go to Sawbones or search your favorite podcast platform.
Neat! The Boozecast
This podcast is in its second season and features Teylor Smirl, expert bartender, and her father Tommy Smirl, an admitted experienced drinker, talking about all things alcoholic. Want to know what a Pimm’s Cup is? Or the history of the daiquiri? They discuss it all. From the history of booze to details of specific cocktails, this podcast will give you great ideas for unusual drinks to try. It’s rated “Clean” and has a 4.9 popularity ranking. To find episodes, go to Neat! The Boozecast or search your favorite podcast platform.
Curb Stompin’ Cancer
Tia Szendi-Horvath has fought cancer for 14 years. Her partner in podcasting, Jodi Estep, participated in clinical trials after her cancer diagnosis. Together, the pair take on real talk about breast cancer, survival and how to stomp your way through the battle. The sassy-mouthed friends have been discussing serious issues like sex after cancer, chemo and menopause, as well as how to deal with your vanished eyebrows. It’s a serious subject made less scary by these two who have been and are still trying to kick cancer to the curb. Currently there are eight episodes, with more to come. Language is explicit. To find episodes, go to Curb Stompin’ Cancer or search your favorite podcast platform.
The ThunderCast
Billed by the founders as “The #1 Marshall University Athletics Podcast on Planet Earth” as well as “The Thundering Word on the Thundering Herd,” The ThunderCast launched on April 7, 2022. The show is produced weekly for Marshall fans and is hosted by self-described Herd nerds Rus Livingood and K.D. Hudnall. The length of each episode varies, but generally sticks within the 1- to 1.5-hour mark. The weekly format includes “Five Things Every Herd Fan Needs to Know This Week,” a special feature segment and “Around The Herd” for an all-encompassing Marshall sports update. Each season of the show starts anew on July 1 and is full of all the stats, insights and analyses you need to be ready for game day. To find episodes, go to The ThunderCast or search your favorite podcast platform.
Tri-State Time Machine
Despite the untimely death of founder W.G. Bunch earlier this year, the Tri-State Time Machine grinds on with co-host Vanessa Hankins. The brand of hilarity may change, but the emphasis will still be on memories of Huntington’s iconic landmarks, neighborhoods and bars. Podcasts began last year when W.G. began waxing nostalgic about growing up in Huntington. Over its first two seasons, guests joined Vanessa and W.G. to tell their stories of idyllic childhoods: sledding in Ritter Park, concerts at the Huntington Civic Center, how they used to celebrate Halloween and more. It was all done in fun and eschewed politics or controversy. According to Vanessa, that flavor will continue. So, if you grew up in the Tri-State, take a listen. Their stories will, no doubt, trigger a trip down your own memory lane. To find episodes, go to Tri-State Time Machine or search your favorite podcast platform.
Talk Huntington
This new podcast, launched in 2023, is hosted by Huntington’s top social media personality — David “Alligator Jackson” Williams. Produced by local marketing company MediaWorx, Talk Huntington provides in-depth interviews on topics observed by Alligator’s 52,000 social media followers. Some of the shows to date have covered local news, colorful personalities, popular restaurants, the music scene and more. Local, state and federal decision-makers have even been on the show to share their stories and answer tough questions. Some of the less serious questions pin guests down to name their favorite Huntington hot dog or participate in a live taste test. The podcast gained national attention in May for the now infamous Crisppi’s Chicken interview. That episode was picked up by several high-profile social media personalities and went viral, reaching 5 million people. To find episodes, go to Talk Huntington or search your favorite podcast platform.
These and other Huntington-based podcasts are available on Apple podcasts or by searching the Podcast app on your smartphone. Tune in. You won’t be disappointed.
