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Wise Men Say

Wise Men Say
Sunderland AFC
Premier League
Sunderland
EFL Championship
Championship
Burnley
Football
FA Cup
Sheffield United
Coventry City
Playoffs
Leeds United
Sunderland A.F.C.
Manchester City
Arsenal
Middlesbrough
Newcastle United
Football Tactics
Plymouth Argyle
Football Management

The longest-running Sunderland AFC podcast, established in 2013. Up to three shows a week including previews, reaction shows, live shows and feature-length episodes with quality articles live on wisemensay.co.uk

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesDailyEpisodes1098Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerFootballSports

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Artwork for Wise Men Say

Latest Episodes

Stephen, Richard and Eleanor are back to talk over some more thoughts from over the last season, including some listener observations.

That's all from us for the 2025/26 season, we'll be back at some point over the summer. Keep checking out our Patre... more

Stephen, Rick and Eleanor have a nice chat about some of the things they've reflected on throughout the course of the season. There'll be another part next week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen and Gareth are back (we'd say for the last time this season but who knows while we're still in this bubble) and they round off that weekend. How has it got this and how nice it that to be framed in a positive way? Phil Smith from the Sunderla... more

Eleanor McCabe is joined by Jimmy Reay, Rory Fallow and Michael Hamflett as we celebrate Sunderland finishing seventh in the Premier League to secure Europa League qualification!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

James Reay
Fan of Sunderland, occasional reactor guest
Episode: EXTRA REACTION | SUNDERLAND IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE
Rory Fallow
Fan of Sunderland, occasional reactor guest
Episode: EXTRA REACTION | SUNDERLAND IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE
Michael Hamflett
Listener and participant, meets guests during recording
Episode: EXTRA REACTION | SUNDERLAND IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE
Jed McKenna
Wise Men Say crew member, part of the post-match discussion
Wise Men Say
Episode: EXTRA REACTION | SUNDERLAND IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE
Jon Ellenor
Guest/Panelist on Wise Men Say
Episode: PREVIEW | MANCHESTER UNITED (H)
Jonathan Lamber
Guest on episode
Sunderland fan or related role (as introduced
Episode: MONDAY (SUNDAY) SHOW | Hair Pulling & Hostile Towns
Kate Mason
Broadcaster and Tottenham perspective holder
TNT Sports / The Metro / The Athletic
Episode: PREVIEW | SPURS (H)
Chris Weatherspoon
Guest on the episode
The Athletic, formerly of Wise Men Say
Episode: REACTION w/ Danny Collins
Danny Collins
Former Sunderland player, 163 appearances 2004-2009
Sunderland AFC (former player)
Episode: PREVIEW | NEWCASTLE (A)

Hosts

Gareth Barker
Host with long-running involvement in the show, frequently guiding discussions and providing club-centric analysis
Rick
Co-host with recurring contributions across episodes, often driving match discussions and banter
Richard Easterbrook
Frequent host with reaction-based and preview commentary, often guiding group discussions
Jimmy Reay
Co-host with a strong presence on preview and reaction formats, adding fan-centric analysis

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 528 ratings
  • Speakman Gone Podcast

    I was a regular listener to your podcast but Gareth Barkers dismissal of Speakman left a really sour taste in my mouth. I understand some people might not like his Management speak, however the fella has helped take us from the doldrums of League 1 to Premier League. This was fobbed off as lucky and the work of the collective and that someone else might’ve done it quicker. Massive sour grapes because he doesn’t like Speakman’s LinkedIn persona.

    In my opinion, Barker detracts from the Podcast an... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Lotty46
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Top work

    Found their groove again keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    real elise
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Top of the list

    Still the best of the SAFC pods. They always get balance right when things are high and things are low

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clicka C
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Morose chat

    Cheer up lads, it’s not that bad

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Pc1973!
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Used to be decent

    Not listened for a while but what a shock I got. This used to be a decent podcast, professionally recorded with some excellent insight. Now it isn't. Such a shame but it seems to have been taken over by a gaggle of morons who record it in pub toilets. Get back to what you were good at.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Jabbo78
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many praise the balance of sharp analysis and entertaining banter, making it a must-listen for fans.
Listeners appreciate the deep SAFC focus and long-running consistency.
Some feedback notes sound quality and host dynamics can vary episode-to-episode but remains engaging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#184
United Kingdom/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#247
Australia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#72
China/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#110
Austria/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#135
Brazil/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#211
New Zealand/Sports/Soccer

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

FINAL PREVIEW: LET'S GO FOR EUROPE!
Q: Does that change anything after the latest news or lineup notes?
The panel suggests little changes to the team if injuries aren't severe, sticking with the core group and leveraging a bench capable of impacting the match late on, while emphasizing focus on securing the result.
FINAL PREVIEW: LET'S GO FOR EUROPE!
Q: What should we do, predictions, then?
The panel predicts a close game with Sunderland likely securing a narrow win, around 2-1, while acknowledging Chelsea could score; expectations center on a tense, hard-fought affair with the crowd driving the home side.
MONDAY SHOW | W/Phil Smith - Forest Collapse and Your Questions
Q: Is there room for Robbie and Isidore in the same side?
The panelists suggest it's unlikely in the current system; a three-at-the-back formation might be required, but it would represent a step backward tactically and may not be the preferred path forward.
PREVIEW | NOTT'M FOREST (H)
Q: Realistically, who can we aim to sign in the summer?
The hosts discuss options with some skepticism about high-profile targets, suggesting they might pursue suitable players from relegated or mid-table sides, while highlighting the need to balance ambition with financial practicality and long-term squad development.
PREVIEW | NEWCASTLE (A)
Q: Would you be tempted to go to a back five if injuries allowed it?
No, given Newcastle's forward threat and strengths, a back three would risk losing midfield balance; a compact back line with two centre-backs and wing-backs up against their wide players is preferred.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Wise Men Say

What is Wise Men Say about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on Sunderland AFC with a mix of previews, live reactions, and banter-driven analysis. Episodes frequently dissect match tactics, player performances, and European qualification hopes, while weaving in fan sentiment and club narratives. A notable strength is long-running consistency and a willingness to mix sharp football insight with humorous, offbeat moments, making it a trusted space for dedicated SAFC supporters and football aficionados who enjoy candid, opinionated panel discussions. The format often features multiple hosts and rotating guests, creating a lively, club-focused conversation that appeals to listeners who want both depth and personality in football coverage.

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How many listeners does Wise Men Say get?

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How many subscribers and views does Wise Men Say have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Wise Men Say?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Wise Men Say:

1. Haway The Podcast – Sunderland AFC
2. WTF Sunderland Podcast
3. The Roar Podcast - Sunderland Echo
4. We Are Sunderland
5. The Shipyard Cat

How many episodes of Wise Men Say are there?

Wise Men Say launched 11 years ago and published 1098 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Wise Men Say?

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What guests have appeared on Wise Men Say?

Recent guests on Wise Men Say include:

1. James Reay
2. Rory Fallow
3. Michael Hamflett
4. Jed McKenna
5. Jon Ellenor
6. Jonathan Lamber
7. Kate Mason
8. Chris Weatherspoon

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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