264: Max Rushden (Pt 1)

Elis James (Elis & John, Oh What A Time), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth), and Steff Garrero return with another round of top-tier sporting nonsense, barely researched takes, and an absolutely brilliant special guest.

“Like a sports podcast, if the sport was optional.”

✨ This Week’s Special Guest – Max Rushden!

If you’ve enjoyed our guest episodes with Chesney Hawkes, Josh Widdicombe, or Sam Warburton, you’re in for a treat.

This week we welcome Max Rushden — broadcaster, podcaster, football obsessive, and all-round good guy.

Max is the long-running host of Guardian Football Weekly, where he teams up with our friend Barry Glendenning for football chat, laughs, and chaos. 

He’s also recently launched a new podcast with comedian David O’Doherty called What Did You Do Yesterday?, where they interview fascinating guests about a completely ordinary day.

🎧 Guardian Football Weekly

🎧 What Did You Do Yesterday?

Max’s broadcasting career has spanned BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT, Channel 4’s Jump Off, and iconic years hosting Sky’s Soccer AM. 

Known for his wit, love of the underdog, and eye for the ridiculous, Max fits right in at the Distant Pod.

🎟️ We’re Going on Tour in 2026!

We’re hitting the road with a brand-new live show in 2026!

Tickets on general sale now – head to distantpod.com/live for all the details.

📍 Tour Dates:

• Fri 20 March 2026 – Cardiff, New Theatre
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• Sat 21 March 2026 – Cardiff, New Theatre
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• Tue 7 April 2026 – London, Hackney Empire
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• Wed 8 April 2026 – London, Hackney Empire
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• Fri 24 April 2026 – Carmarthen, Lyric Theatre
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🎉 This Week’s Show – Don’t Miss It!

Max has brought some absolute gems to the show:

🥫 Baked Beans, Penalties – Max and Charlie Baker

🔗 Watch on X/Twitter

🐎 Man Versus Beast

Yes, humans really raced animals on TV in 2003. No, we can’t quite believe it either.

🔗 Watch on YouTube

⛸️ Steven Bradbury – Australian Speed Skating Gold, 2002

The greatest underdog gold medal of all time.

🔗 Watch on YouTube

(Yes, Joe Marler wishes he picked it, but no, it wasn’t actually his choice. And yes, technically Steff picked it for a live stream, but… we’ve lost the tapes.)

📖 A Little Extra Gift from Max

Max also shared this brilliant nostalgic piece that perfectly fits the vibe of the pod:

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