The HOVG Podcast: 2025 Top Ten Episodes (Part Two)

After ten years and close to 500 episodes, it would be really easy to coast and put out a “didja hear about this?” podcast, but we strive to do something different from week to week.

In the last twelve months, we talked to a World Series champion, someone who should be baseball’s next commissioner, your dad's favorite drummer, a f*cking demon(!) and a dude who called Veterans Stadium home. Literally.

Suffice it to say, once again, we covered it all and then some.

So, as the calendar changes from 2025 to 2026, it’s crucial to reflect on everything that has happened these past 12 months both on and off the diamond.

Most important…what were the TOP TEN, er, ELEVEN(?) listened to episodes of The Hall of Very Good Podcast?

Here you go!

HONORABLE MENTION. JEFF PEARLMAN (Episodes 452 and 481)

For some reason, the New York Times bestselling author joined the boys twice in 2025. The first time it was to talk about his new YouTube series. The second time…that Tupac book you owe it to yourself to go buy.

10. JEFF KATZ (Episode 471)

Fresh off Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2025, the Cooperstown correspondent joined the boys to talk about what makes a good speech great, sharing pleasantries with Paul Molitor, his annual porch party, the excitement surrounding Ichiro in Cooperstown, whether or not we could be seeing Pete Rose in the plaque gallery and, of course, who he thinks gets in a year from now.

9. JIM BINTLIFF (Episode 466)

Major League Baseball's "Mud Guy" joined the boys to talk about how a tragic on-field event spawned innovation, his family’s original involvement with (and eventual ownership of) Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud, what makes his particular mud the industry standard and approximately how much he harvests in a year.

8. SEAN HANISH and KELLY KAHL (Episode 463)

The team behind “Just a Bit Outside” joined the boys to talk about their love letter to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting to interview their favorite players of all-time, hanging out in Cooperstown with “Fat Waldo”, which member of Harvey’s Wallbangers would have made a great “Survivor” castaway and, naturally…brat pizza!

7. SHAWN K. CARTER (Episode 472)

"The Interrogator" joined the boys to talk about growing up in Pittsburgh, hanging out at Three Rivers Stadium, working for the Pirates, his relationship with Dave Parker and Dock Ellis, “The Cobra” finally getting into The Hall of Fame and his frustration that the Bucs haven’t retired number 39 yet.

6. CHRISTOPHER THORN (Episode 470) 

The Blind Melon guitarist and co-founder joined the boys to talk about traveling ballpark to ballpark with his pal, Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli, the thrill of watching Dodgers Stadium fireworks from his backyard, battling nerves before performing on “Saturday Night Live”, who talked the band out of canceling their 1994 “Late Show” appearance and why, sometimes, it might be best NOT to meet your heroes.

Who else made the list? Click HERE for the five most listened to episodes of 2025.

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This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.