The Ringer's Philly Special - Podcast Rankings and reviews

Really love the way this show has evolved over the last few years, adding in new voices that can have different opinions on the Eagles, Phillies & Sixers without devolving into the hosts shouting at each other. What’s become even more fun has been the weird anecdotes that come out naturally, whether its jeans vs chinos, unexpected bathroom etiquette, or the correct number of socks to wear (the answer will shock you!). Keep up guys!

I truly miss Solak, but the current flow of the show is amazing. The rotation of EJ, BLG, and Shawn is perfect. Each brings their own flavor and insider knowledge. Everyone is so personable, effective at communicating, and insightful. You have all struck the perfect balance of facts, honest opinion, and prognostications. Sheil and Cliffy Two Socks, keep the excellence flowing. We all love every minute!

P.S. I am so torn with Hurts. My buddies and I regularly discuss what the Eagles will do with his next contract. I am curious what you all think. Can the grass actually be greener? Is asking for a QB who reads defenses more quickly, doesn’t hold onto the ball forever, and can throw receivers open too tall of an ask?

I’m going to be very blunt in this review.

First the good..

•I follow Sheil Kapadia wherever he goes. Easily one of the best NFL reporters in my lifetime. So I am approaching this as someone who is an established fan of his work. My predisposition for anything he is associated with is to be overwhelmingly positive.

•EJ is on point. Having him on the podcast is a home run. Seriously. He’s great.

•In the time he is allotted to join the conversation, “Ace Producer” Cliff is also fantastic. In the limited time he’s on, it is very evident he has a bright future.

Now the flip-side..

Let me just make something clear before I dive into this. Ben was incredible. Elite of the elite. Both in his football insight and his personality/entertainment factor. Seeing him leave sucked. But its part of the business. And I completely understand its hard to replace someone that good regardless of whether its media, sports, medicine, sales, or any other field. Having said that, replacing him with Shawn has been brutal..

•It constantly feels like he’s trying to do an impression of Ben… while being nowhere near as talented or witty

•As a result, his banter ends up feeling fake, forced, and contrived. So much so that it ends up being uncomfortably cringe

•His analysis is so dull I come away learning absolutely nothing more than I did when I watched the TV copy

•He constantly hedges statements when asked pointed questions. He does so despite the **only** reason for the podcast in the first place is to be specific/detailed about what we’re watching. Give sincere opinions even if doing so may hurt the player’s and/or fan’s feelings. For example, in the most recent film analysis episode, Sheil asked him a specific question breaking down blame among Kellen Moore/Nick Sirianni/Jalen Hurts with all 3 as possible answers. What does Shawn do? Rather than actually picking one, he gave the politically correct answer of gently and delicately laying equal blame while not getting specific at all. Its such a cheap lame vanilla way to answer a question. Or to put that another way.. Its the complete antithesis of what was so good about Ben. If I wanted that sort of pointless disingenuous pandering drivel, I’d go watch Dave Spadaro.

Just to reiterate, I’m not trying to be unnecessarily mean. I approach this wanting to enjoy it. But the episodes on which he appears are not coming anywhere close to being good enough for me to choose to spend 60-90 minutes of my time consuming.

Great podcast! Ben, Sheil and Cliff have a fun dynamic together. Could use a little love for the 4th sport in town as the pod branches out in the off-season. Always plenty happening with the Flyers (former WIP host is president of ops, current goalie was sent to a Russian military reeducation program for trying to play in the NHL, and John Tortorella!).