Best The Dread Zone Podcasts (2026)

Charlie O’Leary, a former Republic Of Ireland kit-man under big Jack and all round Irish football legend, was our Second Captains Hero of 2025; he was even in the Gaiety to take a victory lap in front of 1300 people in October. But before then, Ken, Eoin and Branno were in his house on Dublin’s northside to talk to him about his incredible 101 year…

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Ep 3438: A Christmas Love Fest With Ken And Wilson - 29/12/25 1:01:24

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17m ago1:01:24

1:01:24

An annual Second Captains tradition continues today under new branding (RIP Scrooge Cast), as Jonathan Wilson joins Ken to discuss the post-Christmas football. Also touched on today: energy flows, Wilson's inability to take a day off work, the possible impact of AI on the game, Protestantism, whether 'reading' might in fact have been the problem al…

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163 - Bonus 31:23

3d ago31:23

31:23

// HARD TO START A LIFE ON SALARIES TODAY // BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS HOPE FOR A HOLIDAY BONUS // OR TAKE ONE, WHATEVER THE COST The Wrong Station climbs down the chimney with a new nightmare, "Bonus." Written and performed by Anthony Botelho. Celebrate 10 seasons of Wrong Station by subscribing to our Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/thewrongstation⁠. Explor…

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Whiteout 25:02

11d ago25:02

25:02

Whiteout takes place during a raging snowstorm, where a woman and her child are driving across the mountains. Then, an accident strikes. There's something outside. In the cold and the snow. It's angry. And it's deadly. This episode features the voice talents of Clive Standen (Vikings, The Morning Show, Dr. Who), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill, Dex…

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Ep 3434: Can Villa Keep This Up, Amorim Is For Turning, Pep Not Eternal, Rogers Better Than Bellingham, Jake Paul Nonsense - 22/12/25 1:11:29

12d ago1:11:29

1:11:29

Inside us all are two wolves. Unfortunately for Wolves the football team (despite Matt Doherty's reverse Churchill) it's the wolf that is currently the worst at football in all of Europe. Meanwhile, the Romulus and Remus of Serie A get their teeth into Evan. To talk about Ruben's back four, Villa's rise, Rogers V Bellingham and happy Pep we chat to…

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Salah's AFCON, A Country For Old Men, Fat Quiz, Ribald KENCALL 24:00

6d ago24:00

24:00

It was “Super-Friends Of The Show” week this week, between Killian Sundermann coming in for the Second Captains FAT quiz of the year, a chat with US Murph, our first ever festive edition of KENCALL and Oluwashina Okeleji on Salah's AFCON 2025 and Nigeria's legal route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup . We’ve had an amazing year on the podcast this year, …

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Extraordinary Experience 22:00

9d ago22:00

22:00

By Mark Ramsey Media

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Ep 3249: Send In The Second Rows, The Munster Project, Clutch Charlie Smyth - 15/12/25 46:29

10d ago46:29

46:29

Munster and Leinster both won their Champions Cup games over the weekend, both came through sticky situations against English opposition, but overall satisfaction levels are low. We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about Clayton McMillan's realistic outlook on the Munster project, Leinster's pre-Chistmas form, and they react to former Leinst…

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Episode 3428: Evan Hype Re-Up, Ruben's High Horse, Anfield Ceasefire, Xhaka Best Mackem, Uefa Cup Robbie 1:13:25

19d ago1:13:25

1:13:25

It looks like Celtic arrived at a good time for Evan Ferguson, while Robbie Keane seems to be having so much fun in Europe the question is how he will ever be tempted back to the league where he made his name. Morgan Rogers' Stan Collymore-like winner for Villa at West Ham reminds us that it's been a while since Ken read out some npG minus xG stats…

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162 - Droid 48:24

10d ago48:24

48:24

// YOU CAN RUN FROM THE MEMORIES // BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE // IT WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE "DROID," a new science fiction tale from The Wrong Station. Written by Jacob Duarte Spiel, and performed by Anthony Botelho. Celebrate 10 seasons of Wrong Station by subscribing to our Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/thewrongstation⁠. Explore bran…

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Salah Week, Ken Called It, Chess Cult 23:11

14d ago23:11

23:11

We’d another barn-storming week this week, with the main story being Mo Salah’s rapidly-deteriorating relationship with Liverpool Football Club, which we covered in depth. We had a brilliant chat with Danny Rensch, the co-founder of chess.com, which went from being a successful start-up to a billion dollar company during the pandemic, thanks largel…

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Requiem for a Traveler 14:05

25d ago14:05

14:05

Requiem for a Traveler follows a man as he discovers the value of time too late. Did you know that the brain remains alive for hours after the body dies? The brain thinks its body is still alive. Can you imagine? This episode features the voice talents of Clive Standen (Vikings, The Morning Show, Dr. Who), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill, Dexter), …

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The Gentlemen From Hell 31:45

23d ago31:45

31:45

This week we're partnering with the fine folks from The Gentlemen From Hell! You can out more about the show and other projects from the Maltopia team at https://www.maeltopia.com *** Three private detectives investigate the mystery of Cold Sparrow - a town that's entire population disappeared without a trace over twenty years ago. Together, the de…

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Ep 3423: Rio's World Cup Jitters, Munster Take A Bath, Rieko Arrives, Dingle At The Death - 08/12/25 57:44

17d ago57:44

57:44

Permutations Man had a rough week last week and he is back on air today to explain what happened. Ken asks if Rio Ferdinand was the worst possible choice for a complex World Cup tv draw? The Champions Cup is back, and Munster got a reality check inside the first 20 minutes against Bath on Saturday evening. Munster legend Dave Kilcoyne and Gerry Tho…

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Ep 3422: Villa's Glory, Ken Weeps for Europe, Mixed Zone Mo - 08/12/25 1:08:27

25d ago1:08:27

1:08:27

The memory of Friday's FIFA draw continues to linger like the smell of a dead rat under the floorboards. As he whines about middle-of-the-night kick offs, people are accusing Ken of being 'eurocentric' - but surely somebody has to be? Meanwhile Mo Salah seems to have torched his future at Liverpool by accusing the manager and club of throwing him u…

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Jimmy Dunne On The Miracle Of Budapest, A Szoboszlai Never Forgets, Hasan Piker On The American Berserk 25:53

21d ago25:53

25:53

We've seen it all this week on Second Captains, from ultrarunning with 100 mile world record holder Caitriona Jennings to 'American ultraviolence' with Hasan Piker on Ken's Politics Podcast, taking in our Sports Book of the Year Show and a brilliant follow-up chat with Ireland and QPR's Jimmy Dunne along the way. For six independent ad-free shows a…

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Detour 19:03

1M ago19:03

19:03

Detour recounts the tale of a man racing home to repay a debt, only to be detoured, risking the lives of his wife and young daughter. Can he save their lives before his time runs out? Detour features the voice talents of Clive Standen (Vikings, The Morning Show, Dr. Who), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill, Dexter), Mark Ramsey, and Michael O’Neill (D…

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Dark Sanctum - Audio Trailer 0:59

29d ago0:59

0:59

Dark Sanctum is an award-winning, pulse-pounding scripted horror anthology from creator Mark Ramsey and Dread Central, the leading digital authority in horror entertainment. Ramsey—whose storytelling sensibilities evoke the sharp spirit of Rod Serling—crafts each standalone episode as a cinematic plunge into the deep, dark unknown. Every episode of…

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Ep 3417: Caitriona Jennings On Her 100 Mile World Record, Saint Charlie, Rugby Loses Its Marbles - 01/12/25 48:45

24d ago48:45

48:45

Caitriona Jennings is the proud World Record holder over the terrifying distance of 100 miles and she spoke to us in studio about how and why she was able to run this distance, what it feels like mid race, and her harrowing London Olympics marathon experience. We discuss Charlie Smyth’s extraordinary journey from the Down senior Gaelic football tea…

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Ep 3416: Watching Pots Boil, Premier League Mad Men, Caicedo Erupts, The Como-verse - 01/12/25 1:13:24

24d ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Just as a watched pot never boils, an obsessively tracked Irish striker in Europe does not deliver goals under the desperate hungry eyes of the nation. Is it time for us to back off Troy and Ev and give them some space to do their thing? Maybe, but not today! James Horncastle joins us to talk about Roma v Napoli. How happy is Gian Piero Gasperini l…

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161 - Palaces Below 35:12

1M ago35:12

35:12

// WHY SETTLE FOR GREY SKIES // WHEN THERE IS SUCH COLOUR, SUCH BEAUTY... // JUST BELOW YOUR FEET? The Wrong Station descends into the deep, warm darkness in... "Palaces Below." Written by Alexander Saxton, and performed by Anthony Botelho. Celebrate 10 seasons of Wrong Station by subscribing to our Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/thewrongstation⁠. Exp…

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Liverpool Lack Anger, The Dutch Perspective On Slot, Tantalising World Cup 24:56

27d ago24:56

24:56

Welcome to our world service e taster show! To access all our shows go to secondcaptains.com/join To get some insight into the man presiding over Liverpool’s worst run of defeats in more than 70 years, we welcome Mikos Gouka, journalist with Algemeene Dagblad and author of the recently released Arne Slot: The New Era. There’s no contracts, no hidde…

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Ep 3411: Lest We Forget Evan, Trophies In November, Spreadsheet Early, Glasgow Kiss- 24/11/25 1:33:07

1M ago1:33:07

1:33:07

GOOOOOLAZZOOOO... OK Evan Ferguson's first goal for Roma was not quite in that category but we can say now that the Eternal City has officially entered Fergie Time. Meanwhile Troy Parrott scored another nice goal: is this an unprecedented attacking selection headache for Ireland? What's the deal with playing two strikers anyway? How many teams are …

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Ep 3410: Back In Your Boks, Scrumpocalypse, Ryan's Original Sin, Stop Start Rugby - 24/11/25 57:30

1M ago57:30

57:30

South Africa beat Ireland 24-13 but in reality it was a demolition by Rassie's men. Did the whole game hang on James Ryan's deserved red card, or could Ireland have done more to adapt to the situation against the world's best team? We chat to our man in South Africa, Craig Ray about the rash of reds and yellows, if refs get influenced by external n…

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The Dark Side of The Holidays Nobody Talks About - EP106 9:44

1M ago9:44

9:44

The holidays can be tough. It's a time we miss the people who aren't in our lives, broken traditions, and relationships that have fallen apart. There are so many reasons we can be swallowed up in dark thoughts. The great news is there is hope. Your thoughts don't have to manage you and God is always by your side to help you manage these dark times.…

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The Post-Hungary Glow, Next Up Czechia, Branno Comes For Ken's Throne, The Ashes Is Underway 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

It's been a beautiful, podcast-packed week on the World Service since Troy Parrott stole the nation's heart on Sunday afternoon in Budapest. Seven shows later, we're bringing you a taste of what member-led broadcasting looks like in a golden few days for Irish football. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the res…

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Ep 3404: Ireland Hammer Australia, Mack Is A Catch, Which 10 For SA, The Red Boks - 17/11/25 51:56

1M ago51:56

51:56

The Irish lineout was near perfect, their kicking game was on point, a few key players are back in form, they have a new fullback option in Mack Hansen, both 10's played well, they beat Australia by a record margin and the fans in Lansdowne Road went home happy for the second time in four days... the good times just keep rolling in Irish sport. We …

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160 - Thesmophoria 30:20

1M ago30:20

30:20

// A SACRED, SECRET RITE // A HUSBAND'S SUSPICION // AN OFFERING TO THE GODDESS The Wrong Station journeys into the hills and deep into the earth in... "Thesmophoria." Written by Alexander Saxton, and performed by Anthony Botelho. Celebrate 10 seasons of Wrong Station by subscribing to our Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/thewrongstation⁠. Explore brand…

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Ep 3403: Parrott Meets The Moment, Good Times Return For Irish Football - 16/11/25 52:16

1M ago52:16

52:16

Skill, heroics, late late glory... things like this don't happen to us, until now. Ken, Eoin and Murph record today's show in a state of joyous disbelief, and Branno joins us from Budapest to reflect on the goals, the emotion, the madness. Plus there's the playoff picture, Troy's week and the brilliant post match interviews. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

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Ireland 2-0 Portugal, Tantalising Football, Isak And Zlatan 21:36

1M ago21:36

21:36

We've recorded a lot of podcasts.... but the one we just posted today about all the great moments, all the heroes, all the Ronaldo comedy and all the joy of beating Portugal 2-0 is maybe our favourite ever. Our best of show includes a taste of that joy, plus some Ken education and a great chat about Swedish football, Zlatan and Isak. On Sunday we w…

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Stop Dreading the Holidays, Tips for Creating Calm, Connection, and Meaningful Celebration - EP105 15:31

2M ago15:31

15:31

Step into the holidays feeling empowered with confidence, a deeper sense of meaning, and true connection—no matter what this season brings. Discover actionable strategies to boost your confidence during the holidays, from reframing self-talk and setting healthy boundaries to thriving in social gatherings and cultivating self-acceptance. Make every …

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Ep 3398: Ireland's Quick Fix, Farrell's Few Words, Boks Are The Best - 10/11/25 52:03

1M ago52:03

52:03

Ireland eventually got the win over Japan on Saturday but all the same doubts remain about a team that has had very few good performances since the summer of 2024. Andy Farrell was honest with the media afterwards, stating “we need to get over ourselves and get on with the big boy stuff". We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about Farrell's f…

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Episode 3397: Shamrock Rovers Eat World, FAI EGM Draws US Attention, Man City The Peoples' Underdogs, Icicle Kick 1:20:35

1M ago1:20:35

1:20:35

It was a surprise to wake up on Saturday morning and find that US Senator Lindsey Graham had been putting the boot into the FAI. https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1986961533193032133?s=20 Graham was referring to the resolution that was due to be voted on at Saturday's FAI EGM, asking the FAI to forward a motion to the UEFA Executive Committee re…

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The Power Of Words Can Build Up or Destroy Your Self Confidence and Self-Worth EP104 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

How you speak to yourself and others shapes your self-confidence, self-worth, and overall mindset every single day. In this episode, discover the incredible power of your language for building confidence, nurturing self-esteem, and creating emotional resilience. Learn actionable strategies and proven techniques to flip negative self-talk, choose em…

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Infantino's Award, Why Bellingham, DJ' Carey's Motive - 06/11/25 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

It was a heck of a spread put out for our world service members this week with Infantino announcing the creation of a new FIFA peace prize and appearing on stage at the same event as Donald Trump in Miami last night, Champions League action featuring Yamal and Dan Burn, Liverpool outplaying Madrid, Trent getting booed, the DJ Carey sentencing, Irel…

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Ep 3392: Ireland Fade To Black, Clown Show In Chicago, Almighty Dollar, Sacha So FineBerg - 03/11/25 59:44

2M ago59:44

59:44

For an hour on Saturday Ireland looked comfortable, if not quite in control, against NZ, and then came a sliding doors moment as Jamie Osborne dropped a pass from Crowley, and within four plays the All Blacks were ahead and, as it turned out, home and hosed. Ireland have now lost to NZ three times in a row, and since the 2023 RWC have had very few …

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Ep 3391: Frank Tanks, Techno Fascism, Rice/Caicedo GOAT Battle, XG O'Neill, Sado-Brannochism - 03/11/25 1:12:38

2M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Players despise fans, we know that, but should they nevertheless feel compelled to salute them at the end of every game or can we all do without this level of insincerity? Bohemians sealed fourth place in the League of Ireland and will qualify for Europe if Shamrock Rovers complete the double next weekend, but this did not improve the mood of manag…

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The Fury 1:56:05

2M ago1:56:05

1:56:05

Let the Baron know what you think of the episode... he's dying to hear from you! From Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed comes THE FURY — the episode critics are calling “the most terrifying podcast ever produced.” Set on a storm-lashed New Year’s Eve in the early 1970s, a teenage girl and her step-siblings are left alone in an isolated country m…

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Halloween Snips on a Kaiser | Decade of Dread #31 29:53

2M ago29:53

29:53

Enjoy 31 episodes in 31 days as Wrong Station celebrates a “Decade of Dread”. // A FAIR MAID WATCHES FROM THE DARK STALKS. // A STRANGER KNOCKS; INVITING, INSISTENT. // AND THE KAISER STRIKES AGAIN. "Snips on a Kaiser," a grand return coordinated by The Wrong Station. Written by Alexander Saxton, Anthony Botelho, and Jacob Duarte Spiel, and perform…