The 5 Betting Podcasts That Actually Helped Me Improve

I listen to podcasts during my commute, and at some point I realized I was filling that time with betting content. Most of it was useless—just guys yelling about their picks. But a few shows genuinely improved my betting approach.

1. Behind the Bets (ESPN)

Doug Kezirian has been covering sports betting for years, and his interviewing skills are underrated. The episodes with professional bettors and oddsmakers are gold. You'll learn how the industry actually works, not just how to pick winners.

Best episode type: Interviews with former oddsmakers explaining how lines are set.

2. The Favorites (Action Network)

This show covers the betting industry as an industry. Market trends, regulatory developments, new products. It's not going to help you pick this week's games, but understanding the broader landscape makes you a smarter bettor.

Best episode type: Analysis of betting handle and line movement patterns.

3. Bet the Process

A show focused on process over picks. They emphasize bankroll management, psychological discipline, and long-term thinking. It's the anti-hot take show.

Best episode type: Deep dives on specific betting strategies with actual data.

4. Beating the Book

Academics and quants discussing sports analytics. This gets technical, but if you want to understand the math behind betting, it's essential.

Best episode type: Explainers on specific metrics and their predictive value.

5. The Compound (from Meadowlark Media)

Hosted by professional bettors who are transparent about their process. They don't sell picks—they explain their thinking. Hugely educational for developing your own approach.

Best episode type: Season previews where they explain their futures bets and reasoning.

What I avoid:

Any show that's primarily about picks. If the main content is "I like the Packers -3 this week," I'm out. That's not education; it's just outsourcing your thinking.

Any show sponsored heavily by sportsbooks. Their incentives are aligned with getting you to bet more, not bet better.

Audio learning works for me because I can consume it during dead time. Find the formats that work for your lifestyle and commit to continuous education. The betting landscape changes, and staying current matters.