Best Proficient Fans Podcasts (2026)

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Fantasy Football Championship Week 56:19

Play Pause

6h ago56:19

56:19

CB and Clay recap their Christmas weeks. The Detroit Lions miss the playoffs this year. Are injuries to blame? It's fantasy football championship week and we both have trophies to win. We make our NFL week 18 predictions.

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From the Archives: The Original Christmas Special (Rerun) 34:03

9d ago34:03

34:03

Bonus content for those who may have missed our very first holiday special, "A Very Yachty Christmas." From the original show notes: Our favorite convention from the late 70s and early 80s: Everything had a Christmas Special! And every year, they would rerun the same holiday special specials and we never got tired of them. It was tradition! Our yac…

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Fight Broncos Fight 1:12:56

3d ago1:12:56

1:12:56

CB and Clay aren't surprised at the Paul vs. Joshua boxing match. We're proud the Western Michigan Broncos football team made program history. Small schools continue to get blown out in the College Football Playoffs. Is Tua Tagovailoa done in Miami after being benched for rookie Quinn Ewers? We make our NFL week 17 predictions.…

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S6.E26: The All New Christmas Special! 49:27

10d ago49:27

49:27

The season finale to year six of Out of the Main features an all-new Christmas Special! We’ve done yacht rock Christmas, smooth Christmas, charity Christmas, CCM Christmas…what’s left? How about a trip down memory lane celebrating some of our favorite Christmas music — all genres — from the era we love? N.B.: Here’s Tom’s herein mentioned new “Tota…

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Moore Problems at Michigan 1:17:01

11d ago1:17:01

1:17:01

CB and Clay cover all the sports today. Ex-Michigan football coach, Sherrone Moore, was fired and now faces multiple criminal charges. John Cena wrestles his last match for the WWE. Will the Detroit Tigers re-sign Skubal? We recap our NFL week 15 predictions.

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Google Me 1:09:07

16d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

CB and Clay aren't feeling discouraged after the Michigan State vs Duke basketball game and are glad to take one on the chin early in the season. Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers upset Ohio State to win the B1G Championship. Should Notre Dame or BYU have made the CFB Playoff? We make our NFL week 15 predictions.…

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S6.E25: Perfect Album Side? - Duran Duran, Side 1 49:36

22d ago49:36

49:36

Back with another “Perfect Album Sides” episode, John and Tom discuss and dissect Duran Duran’s debut record, but wait—this gets confusing. We’ll look at the 1983 American reissue of the band’s 1981 premiere, which has difference mixes, different tracks, different track names, and different, well…just about everything. As a matter of fact, the very…

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Fitzgerald Time 1:13:43

1M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

CB and Clay continue to be impressed by Michigan State basketball after handling North Carolina on Thanksgiving Day. Schools hurry to sign their next head football coach, including Michigan State signing Pat Fitzgerald. We make our NFL week 14 predictions.

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We Like Bench Points 31:50

1M ago31:50

31:50

CB and Clay are done with Coach Jonathan Smith and his program at Michigan State. Izzo has his Spartan Dawgs playing with passion as they continue to roll past ranked Kentucky. We make our NFL week 13 predictions.

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S6.E24: Strings Attached 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

What role did strings play in pop rock music (and the like) in the 70s and 80s, and how did that differ from what came before and what was to come after? Like most things, strings took on a new art form and played a new role during the slice of recorded music history we celebrate around here. By listener suggestion, Tom and John walk through the ne…

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Run That Cy Young Back 1:11:31

2M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

CB and Clay hope the Tigers re-sign the two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Virginia Tech signs James Franklin as their next coach. Michigan State has the #1 recruiting class in basketball for 2026. We make our NFL week 12 predictions.

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Same Faces, New Places 1:16:50

2M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

CB and Clay are happy to see the Spartans battling on the hardwood against ranked opponent Arkansas. The NFL saw some blockbuster trades right before the deadline. We make our NFL week 11 predictions.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E23: Deeper Dive: Paul Davis 37:51

2M ago37:51

37:51

How much do you really know about the artist Paul Davis? Did you know, for example, that he once held the Guinness Record for most consecutive weeks in the top 40? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Join us this week for a deeper dive into Paul Davis, and see if you don’t just come away surprised by a “fun fact” or two! N.B.: Read the articl…

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Dodging Defeat 1:20:04

2M ago1:20:04

1:20:04

CB and Clay talk tailgating for college football games. The Los Angeles Dodgers defend their title and become back-to-back World Series Champions. The Miami Dolphins fire GM Chris Grier. What does this mean for the organization? We make our NFL week 10 predictions.By Proficient Fans

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Reset The Clock: Pro To Student-Athlete 1:06:43

2M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

CB and Clay discuss the SEC head football coach firing spree and how they aren't sure if Jonathan Smith will be a Spartan much longer. Chauncey Billups faces scrutiny after allegations tied him to an illegal gambling and poker ring. We make our NFL week 9 predictions.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E22: This Is How You Duet 42:19

2M ago42:19

42:19

Did our favorite era of music also include the peak of the duet as well? When you think of all-time great duets, which songs come to mind? John and Tom discuss what makes for a great duet, in their view, and explore why the 70s and 80s were perhaps the Golden Age of the Duet (as was the case with so many other things!). 👉 The guys count down each o…

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Sell The Team 1:13:59

2M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

CB and Clay discuss the upcoming state rivalry match between Michigan and Michigan State. How long of a leash does Coach Smith have in East Lansing after three seasons with little to no growth as a program? What the hell is going on with the Miami Dolphins and who is to blame? We make our NFL week 8 predictions.…

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Celebrating 7 Years 1:29:33

3M ago1:29:33

1:29:33

CB and Clay celebrate 7 years of Proficient Fans! Thank you to everyone who listens and supports us while two buffoons blab on about sports. The Detroit Tigers fall short after being eliminated from the postseason. Penn State fires Head Coach James Franklin after 12 seasons. The NFL has now seen its first head coach firing of the season, but are th…

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S6.E21: Three-Album Runs 42:16

3M ago42:16

42:16

The Rule of Three. Does it apply to albums from the golden era of rock and roll? Let’s explore! Sure to generate some discussion and debate, help us identify the Rise, Peak, and Fall in three-album runs from the 70s and 80s! N.B.: Give us your thoughts (and a follow!) on our Facebook page when we post about this episode! Listen and Subscribe: ⁠Find…

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Standing on Business 1:21:24

3M ago1:21:24

1:21:24

By Proficient Fans

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Taking The Hard Road 1:44:30

3M ago1:44:30

1:44:30

CB and Clay are disappointed the Detroit Tigers couldn't secure the AL Central, but celebrate clinching the playoffs. Who is the face of the NFL? We recap our NFL week 3 predictions and cover week 4.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E20: Sleepwalking Again, with Ole Børud 47:28

3M ago47:28

47:28

Ole Børud rejoins the podcast, this time to give Tom, John and listeners of Out of the Main a sneak peek at Ole’s new record, dropping September 26th. “Sleepwalking Again” drops everywhere, and you should drop everything to give it a spin, stream, download…and pick up the physical format! Tune in this week to hear the stories behind the record, inc…

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Turf Toe Troubles 1:02:18

3M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

CB and Clay aren't too thrilled about an 11pm EDT kickoff for Michigan State. Does the time zone difference give certain schools an advantage? The Detroit Tigers need to get focused if they intend on winning the division. We make our NFL week 3 predictions.By Proficient Fans

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Crawford vs. Canelo 1:07:54

4M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

CB and Clay reflect on Michigan State football having a lack of identity and what the program needs to do moving forward. CB has feedback on the Crawford vs. Canelo fight that took place over the weekend. Did Floyd Mayweather ruin boxing? We both taste defeat week one and we reflect on our teams and the NFL as a whole. We make our NFL week two pred…

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S6.E19: Buried Treasures, 80s Edition 45:27

4M ago45:27

45:27

By now you’re familiar with the concept of “buried treasures.” Well, as we coast out of summer and into fall, Tom and John provide their takes on an all-80s-inspired Buried Treasures episode (not yacht). They each approached it a bit differently, but tune in, if you care or dare! N.B.: Here’s Tom’s playlist of the songs that made into this episode,…

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Football Fever 1:06:29

4M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

CB and Clay are drowning in football and it's a beautiful thing. We take a look at Michigan State two weeks into the season and what to expect moving forward. The NFL season is underway and we discuss our fantasy football drafts and cover every week one game. We make our week two NFL pickem predictions.…

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NFC Breakdown & Predictions 1:03:29

4M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

CB and Clay gear up for Michigan State football. Micah Parsons was traded to the Packers for a player and two future first-round draft picks. Is Micah still CB's most dominant player in the NFL? We breakdown the NFC and make our divisional predictions.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E18: Feeling Plucky, with J-M Sutcliffe 49:16

4M ago49:16

49:16

Super db’s J-M Sutcliffe returns to the podcast, this time to demonstrate various rhythm guitar techniques, most notably the single-note palm mute that so permeates yacht rock and the like. Or, as Tom likes to call them, “the plucky plucks.” Want to see the plucky plucks in action? Be sure to watch the video version this week. Link to our YouTube c…

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AFC Breakdown & Predictions 1:28:05

4M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

CB and Clay are gearing up for college football with Michigan State and Western Michigan facing off Friday night. Are there other schools in the country we are looking forward to watching outside of our following? With the NFL season about to start, we break down the AFC and make our divisional predictions and select our AFC Champion.…

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Fantasy Football Chatter 1:02:08

5M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

CB and Clay get right to business with fantasy football chat this week. We take a look at a few dynasty leagues we're in and discuss the importance of depth on your roster. Browns name Flacco their QB1. Michigan receives a slap on the wrist and escapes serious punishment from the NCAA.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E17: In Memoriam: Chuck Mangione 52:33

4M ago52:33

52:33

Accomplished trumpeteer and flugelhornist Tony Guerrero joins the podcast to help us remember the recently lost legend that was Chuck Mangione. Having had the opportunity to play with both Grant Geissman and Charles Meeks, the man knows of where he speaks! Tune in to help us celebrate the life of one of music’s greatest maestros. Rest in peace. N.B…

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No Practice Necessary 1:13:10

5M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

CB and Clay talk about fantasy football and how exciting it is. The Cleveland Browns QB room is getting crowded as they submit their current depth chart. Are they giving Shedeur Sanders a fair shot in practice to develop? The UFC and Paramount+ agree to a blockbuster contract agreement, earning Dana White a multi-billion dollar payday.…

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Trade Me 1:12:27

5M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

CB and Clay are sad to see someone attempting to shoot up the NFL Headquarters in New York. In light of Christian Wilkins being let go from Raiders, we discuss the line between being funny and professional. Terry McLaurin and Micah Parsons are both seeking a trade. Will these two find new homes and why aren't their current teams signing them?…

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S6.E16: Odds and Ends 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

Typically reserved for the end of the year, the decks needed clearing in July this year. Tom and John rifle through some stored up odds, ends and tidbits full of miscellany, potpourri and sundry. John spends most of his time re-litigating the Jeff Lynne content, as is his won’t. Listen and Subscribe: ⁠Find the podcast platform of your choice here⁠.…

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Building vs. Buying 1:02:48

5M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

CB and Clay talk about the difference between building a team and buying a team. After going through some rookie drafts in our fantasy football dynasty leagues, we discuss roster depth and how to approach it.By Proficient Fans

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Diamonds Are Forever 1:11:38

6M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

CB and Clay salute Dustin Poirier and his tremendous career. We discussed the BMF belt and how the fight played out between Holloway and Poirier. The Steelers finally lock down T.J. Watt for another three years with a $123 million contract extension.By Proficient Fans

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S6.E15: ELO + Jeff Lynne, Part II 46:53

5M ago46:53

46:53

In Part Two of our two-part episode, John and Tom explore the rest of the timeline in ELO’s run and the later career of Jeff Lynne, both as solo artist and highly sought after producer. There most certainly was a “Jeff Lynne Signature Sound,” and we’ll dig through it all this week! Listen and Subscribe: ⁠Find the podcast platform of your choice her…

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Dirty Birds 39:53

6M ago39:53

39:53

CB and Clay enjoyed themselves Sunday at a local golf outing. Deion Sanders wants to see the NCAA start to get a hold of college football again, speaking to his thoughts on having a salary cap in college football, using NFL rules, limiting the transfer portal, and more. Did Atlanta handle the Kirk Cousins situation properly?…

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S6.E14: Artist Exploration: ELO + Jeff Lynne 57:39

6M ago57:39

57:39

Hello, Mr. Radio! You can’t have a podcast about music artistry and sophistication and not cover Jeff Lynne at some point. In Part One of our two-part episode, John and Tom explore the career of Jeff Lynne — before during and after Electric Light Orchestra. Tune in to learn the tricks of the trade, the science behind the madness, and the man behind…

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Dame Time's Up 58:19

6M ago58:19

58:19

CB and Clay recap their holiday weekend and some of the shenanigans that went down. We give some brief insight on recent NBA transactions across the league. Will anyone want to sign a 34-year-old Damian Lillard by the time he's recovered from his Achilles injury?By Proficient Fans

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Steelers All In 26:04

6M ago26:04

26:04

CB and Clay record twice in one night due to some slippery fingers. The Steelers are going all in this offseason to load up their roster as they trade for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith both in one day. Will T.J. Watt and the Steelers come to an agreement on a contract extension or has the organization spent too much on the rest of their roster?…

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S6.E13: Flying Solo, Five on Five 39:37

6M ago39:37

39:37

Did the art of the solo in pop/rock music peak between 1975 and 1985? And why did it become something of a lost art thereafter? John and Tom discuss the history and importance of the solo (any instrument) in modern music history, each sharing five of their favorite solos for purposes of demonstration and admiration. What do you think are the elemen…

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SenSHAItional 1:53:10

6M ago1:53:10

1:53:10

CB and Clay dive deep into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's tremendous season and debate if he is the face-of-the-league now. The Buss family has officially sold the L.A. Lakers franchise for $10 billion. Jon Jones retires from the UFC, but did he dodge a fight against Tom Aspinall to defend his belt?By Proficient Fans

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Panthers Double Down 1:06:23

7M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Proficient Friends Vol. 2. CB recaps his epic Disney trip and the insane amount of steps he hit each day! Can the Pacers win two in a row to win the NBA Finals if Haliburton's injury keeps him out of the lineup? The Florida Panthers defeat the Edmonton Oilers to win their second straight Stanley Cup.…

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S6.E12: Artist Focus: Ned Doheny 40:50

7M ago40:50

40:50

Where does Ned Doheny fit into this ongoing conversation? Might he be one of four on yacht rock’s Mt. Rushmore of under-the-radar solo acts? With that often “proto”-identifying sound…definite embrace of the yachty R&B vibes…that omnipresent acoustic guitar rooting down the rhythms? He’s a bit of an enigma, which is why Tom and John took a deeper di…

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Program or Professionals? 1:20:01

7M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

CB and Clay catch up on the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Finals. Is the East stronger than the West in the NBA? Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers and we are confused as to why Pittsburgh isn't truly addressing the future of their QB position. The NCAA pays out a multi-billion dollar settlement to collegiate athletes and starts to lay down pla…

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Haters Gonna Hate 1:03:28

7M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

CB and Clay have two championship matchups: Thunder vs. Pacers and Oilers vs. Panthers. We reflect on the playoffs and make our championship predictions. Are the Miami Dolphins headed towards a rebuild? Caitlin Clark has already set records and the WNBA owes her a huge thank you after seeing her contribution to the league's bottom line.…

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S6.E11: Ghost Stories 42:57

7M ago42:57

42:57

Were there ghosts in the music machine back in the 70s and 80s? Most certainly…more than you know. This week, John and Tom share their favorite ghost stories: uncredited session performances on some of music’s most famous tracks, no less — and likely, some of which you never knew were there! It's Halloween in May! (or something) Listen and Subscrib…

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SGA: MVP 1:28:18

7M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

CB and Clay congratulate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for winning MVP, but was Jokic more deserving? We cover all of the proposed NFL rule changes and discuss how the rules will look going into the 2025 season. The NFL is allowing one player from each team to try out for the USA Flag Football Olympic team.…

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Proficient Friends 47:00

8M ago47:00

47:00

CB and Clay are basically turning Proficient Fans into Proficient Friends this episode as we cold-open to our recent golf outing and The Last of Us Season 2. The MLB finally releases the Hall of Fame ban on "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and Pete Rose. We recap the matchups in the Western Conference and Eastern Conference in both the NBA and NHL.…