I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 322

Austin does another episode while convalescing
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 322 (May 5, 2016)
Run Time: 1:23:31
Guest: Ted Fowler (8:59)

Summary: Steve Austin is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Ted Fowler has fixed his computer so the guys have a decent Skype connection to discuss deodorant, marketing ideas, Austin’s rehab and, for some reason, Fowler’s long-ago vasectomy. After the break and a bit more computer talk, the guys take a long, in-depth look at Leonardo DiCaprio and The Revenant.

Quote of the week: “Well shit, Teddy, now that we’re done talking about my surgery and your nuts, let’s take a commercial break real quick for the sponsors that keep this show on the air for free, that’s the way I’m able to deliver two cans of audio whoop-ass, if that’s what you want to call this, discussing Ted’s vasectomy. We’re gonna come back and we’re gonna break down The Revenant. I thought it was a hell of a goddamn movie.”

Why you should listen: The only reason to tune in is if you have an interest in hearing Austin and Fowler go deep on The Revenant. Perhaps you will enjoy Austin’s fake shoot on Rusev’s reaction to their WrestleMania interaction. And if you’re a dummy who thinks Mick Foley’s upcoming WWE Network interview with Shane McMahon is a sign Austin is on the outs, please listen to the response straight from the source.

Why you should skip it: Fowler isn’t offensive (unless vasectomy talk gets you queasy, but to be fair, Austin was just as graphic about his shoulder surgery, and at some point it’s just human anatomy), but the small talk is completely repetitive if you’ve heard any of Fowler’s recent appearances. And although it should go without saying at this point, The Revenant conversation is about an hour’s worth of spoilers. So, you know, alert.

Final thoughts: Take it or leave it. I’m not much of a movie person in general, and when I am, it’s not stuff like The Revenant. It’s always fun to hear Austin when he’s really excited about something, but I don’t envision this discussion appealing to anyone unfamiliar with the movie. But hey, they guy is dealing with shoulder surgery he didn’t expect, and he’s making the best of a tough situation. It’s not audio gold, but I’ve heard plenty worse.