This week I sampled two podcasts that could be considered ”mainstream poker podcasts,” if there is such a thing. They are vastly different than the insider shows that I usually listen to, yet similar in ways as well. For someone that has been listening poker podcasts for many years it may be surprising to learn that I have never heard these two shows. Let’s dive in.
The Bernard Lee Poker Show was hosted this week by Steve Buchanan but features a recorded interview done by Lee with winner of the December 2011 Epic Poker League Main Event, Chris Klodinicki.
The news section of this podcast consisted entirely of tournament results. There was no mention of any real happenings in the poker world, not even a mention of any of the legislative workings that have dominated poker news of late. The news was followed up by a 45 minute interview with Klodinicki. If you are interested in how Klodinicki began his career that culminated (thus far) in winning a poker tournament, then you will find it interesting. If not, then skip it. I get the feeling that this is a typical episode and unless there is a guest that I am really interested in, I probably will spend my listening hours elsewhere.
Listen to The Bernard Lee Poker Show »
The Poker Edge with Andrew Feldman featured interviews with Gavin Smith and Chris Krafcik. This show was incredible! The best poker podcast I have listened to in a long time. Granted, I’m a fan of Gavin’s media persona, but this interview was different. Feldman’s skills as an interviewer really shined. He asks Gavin some personal questions about his backing and how much money he was making from Full Tilt. Also, for the second time in the last two weeks Gavin mentions that he is looking to get back into the podcast world in 2012. As a fan that is good news.
Next up was the interview with Chris Krafcik the North American Research Director at Gambling Compliance. It was very interesting for me to hear a more mainstream host asking questions about legislation. At the same time, I was still surprised that Feldman maintained such a mainstream understanding of the UIGEA. At one point he cautioned that though the DOJ’s recent letter opining that the Wire Act is confined to sporting events may clear the way for internet poker, the financial transactions associated with it are still restricted by the UIGEA. Thankfully, Krafcik pointed out the common misconception that the UIGEA only applies to “Unlawful Internet Gambling.” Overall it was a good show and I will keep it on my radar.
That’s all for this week. As usual, feel free to leave your own reviews, rip on mine, or suggest other podcasts for my listening pleasure.