Wise Men Say
The longest-running Sunderland AFC podcast, established in 2013. It offers up to three shows a week including previews, reaction shows, live shows, and feature-length episodes. The podcast also features quality articles on its website.
Episodes
Memberships, Transfer Targets and Argentina in the semis
Stephen Goldsmith and Richard Easterbrook bring you another close season chat as they discuss the new Sunderland AFC membership tier and what it could mean for supporters; we briefly discuss a transfer target of the club; then take a look at England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lack of Transfers, Finn and England in the WC
Stephen and Rick have a quick discussion on the lack of transfers (wouldn't be a long one would it). Also, promising youngster and Mackem Armenian, Finn Geragusian signs a new deal. Then it's onto England's win in Mexico and a bit of what's next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sunlun Players Smashing the WC, Pink Kits and England
Stephen and Jonathan catch up to talk Sunderland, not that there's a lot to catch up on. Pink kits will always divide people. But aren't the lads smashing it over in the World Cup? They discuss that and a little bit about England (and Scotland). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Two Years Of Regis Le Bris...
As Sunderland AFC marks two years since appointing Regis Le Bris as head coach, we take a look back at that week in 2024, how we, a French football expert and fans of Le Bris' previous club Lorient reacted to that latest managerial appointment - and what the man himself had to say.Fair to say some of the opinions have aged terribly, but some have aged like a fine wine! Hosted on Acast. See acast.c
FIXTURES REACTION | W/Kevin Ball
Stephen and Rick are at the Fixtures Breakfast at the Beacon of Light, home of the wonderful Foundation of Light. They bring you their instant reaction to the fixtures and catch Kevin Ball, along with Foundation COO, Jamie Wright. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is anyone up for the World Cup?
As World Cup fever sweeps the globe, we've swapped club for country and talk about the three-country jamboree currently taking place over the pond. Stephen and Rick are joined by Dawson Pies for an American perspective, while there's loads of stuff about first tournaments, a potential opportunity to right some historic wrongs at the Azteca Stadium and what we've all made of the tournament thus far
Chris Hughes: Massive Lads Fan
Stephen and Rick met Chris when they did that YouTube thing in London. The former Love Islander is always spotted watching the lads and as you'll find out, he's done the hard yards! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Look At Sunderland's Finances W/Chris Weatherspoon
Chris Weatherspoon... sorry that's The Athletic's finance writer, Chris Weatherspoon is back and we're finally letting him do a full pod on the finances. What does the 7th placed finish and European football mean for the books? Do we have to sell? Lots to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PART TWO - 25/26 Observations, Thoughts and Reflections
Stephen, Richard and Eleanor are back to talk over some more thoughts from over the last season, including some listener observations.That's all from us for the 2025/26 season, we'll be back at some point over the summer. Keep checking out our Patreon feed for some extra bonus content - see you next season! Thanks for all your support on what has been a quite incredible year supporting Sunderland.
PART ONE - 25/26 Observations, Thoughts and Reflections
Stephen, Rick and Eleanor have a nice chat about some of the things they've reflected on throughout the course of the season. There'll be another part next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY (TUESDAY) SHOW: EUROPE, I SAY, OLE OLE!
Stephen and Gareth are back (we'd say for the last time this season but who knows while we're still in this bubble) and they round off that weekend. How has it got this and how nice it that to be framed in a positive way? Phil Smith from the Sunderland Echo joins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EXTRA REACTION | SUNDERLAND IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE
Eleanor McCabe is joined by Jimmy Reay, Rory Fallow and Michael Hamflett as we celebrate Sunderland finishing seventh in the Premier League to secure Europa League qualification! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 2-1 CHELSEA
Eleanor, Richard and Micky react as Sunderland achieve qualification for the Europa League with a 2-1 win over ten-man Chelsea at the Stadium of Light! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FINAL PREVIEW: LET'S GO FOR EUROPE!
Rick and Stephen are joined by Lee Howey to discuss this massive game. Let's do it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW: Dreams of Europe and Spider Man Masks
Well, well, a game away from Europe if results fall right. Stephen and Gareth talk more about the win at Everton and whether Europe is a possibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | EVERTON 1-3 SUNDERLAND
Eleanor McCabe and Jimmy Reay react as Sunderland take a huge step towards European qualification with a 3-1 win at Everton! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | SUNDERLAND 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED
Stephen Goldsmith and Gareth Barker reflect further on the goalless draw between Sunderland and Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED
Eleanor McCabe and Richard Easterbrook discuss the goalless draw between Sunderland and Manchester United! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | MANCHESTER UNITED (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith and Jon Ellenor as Sunderland host Manchester United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League this weekend.There's also a trip back in time to a historical match between this weekend's opponents, while we field your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WMS SPECIAL: A Month of May
Relive the glorious month of May 2025 through the words of WMS pods. Coventry arrogance, Hjelde's can heist, Trafalgar Square antics, it's all here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY (SUNDAY) SHOW | Hair Pulling & Hostile Towns
Who'd have thought a draw at an already relegated side would throw up so many talking points? Treacherous journeys, home fans-only pubs and a debatable red card. Few involved in this one, Stephen, Eleanor, Mick and Lambo. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | WOLVES (A)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Jon Ellenor as we look forward to the third instalment of the Midlands Trilogy that has so far seen Sunderland lose twice, conceding nine goals in the process. Can they end that run at Molineux?There's also a trip back in time to a previous trip to Wolves, and we make those all-important predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in
MONDAY SHOW | W/Phil Smith - Forest Collapse and Your Questions
Phil Smith joins us to put the Forest debacle in the bin. Let's try not to let it distract us from what's been a great season. Then we answer some of your questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 0-5 NOTT'M FOREST
Eleanor McCabe and Richard Easterbrook react as Sunderland suffer their heaviest home defeat in Premier League history as Nottingham Forest take a huge step towards safety with a 5-0 win on Wearside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | NOTT'M FOREST (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Jonathan Ellenor as we look forward to Sunderland's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the Stadium of Light on Friday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | ASTON VILLA 4-3 SUNDERLAND
Stephen and Gareth reflect on a Premier League classic that went the way of Aston Villa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | ASTON VILLA (A)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Jonathan Ellenor to look ahead to Sunderland's trip to Aston Villa on Sunday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | More on Sunderland Beating Spurs
Stephen and Gareth return to talk about another Premier League win for Sunderland. Spurs are in all sorts of trouble, how is it to be on the other end of this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 1-0 TOTTENHAM
Eleanor McCabe brings you all of the reaction from the Stadium of Light, joined by Micky Lough and Richard Easterbrook as Sunderland see off Tottenham with a 1-0 victory to send them 10th in the Premier League table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | SPURS (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith as we look ahead to Sunderland's home encounter against relegation-threatened Tottenham at the Stadium of Light. We get the latest Spurs news from journalist and broadcaster Kate Mason and there's a trip back in time to a classic outing against Sunday's visitors! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REGIS LE QUIZ 2025-26 GRAND FINAL
Three of the top names on our 2025-26 leaderboard battle it out to be crowned winner of the inaugural Regis Le Quiz Grand Final. Who's your winner? Glen, Paul or Jordan? Let's find out who knows their Haas from their Ellborg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FRIDAY SHOW | Still garn on about Sunday...
We don't usually do Friday shows, but with no match for another fortnight and the good feeling from Sunday's 2-1 win at Newcastle still knocking about the place, we thought we'd break with tradition. Stephen is joined by Richard and Jimmy to talk us through their own experiences of Sunday, both inside St James' Park and back in Sunderland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio
MONDAY SHOW | NEWCASTLE 1-2 SUNDERLAND
Stephen and Gareth talk even more about our latest Derby victory over Newcastle United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | NEWCASTLE 1-2 SUNDERLAND
Eleanor McCabe and Stephen Goldsmith react as Sunderland completed the double over Newcastle United with a 2-1 victory at St James' Park! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION w/ Danny Collins
Gareth is joined by Danny Collins and Chris Weatherspoon at The Fire Station following Sunderland's 2-1 win over Newcastle United! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION w/ Lee Howey
In the first part of a series of post-match reaction pods today, we caught Lee Howey after the final whistle at The Fire Station to get his thoughts, alongside Richard Easterbrook, Micky Lough and WTF Sunderland's Ross Black! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | NEWCASTLE (A)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith and former Sunderland defender Danny Collins as we gear up to the Tyne-Wear Derby at St James' Park! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | SUNDERLAND 0-1 BRIGHTON
Gareth and Eleanor discuss Sunderland's third consecutive home defeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | BRIGHTON (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Jonathan Ellenor as the lads look ahead to Sunderland's fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | PORT VALE 1-0 SUNDERLAND
Stephen, Gareth and Eleanor discuss Sunderland's cup disaster at Port Vale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SPECIAL EPISODE: The Lasses Who Love Sunderland
In this special episode, Eleanor McCabe is joined by Melissa, Sophie and Kelly-Leigh to have a conversation about what it's like being supporters of the greatest football team the world has ever seen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION / PREVIEW | Post Leeds United, pre Port Vale
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Michael Lough to react to Sunderland's 1-0 win at Leeds United as the Black Cats reach 40 points in the Premier League. There's also a bit of chat about the impending FA Cup tie at Port Vale at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | LEEDS PREVIEW
A draw at Bournemouth and a decent display. A shocking and disgraceful refereeing/VAR performance is an unavoidable topic. So Stephen, Gareth and Jonathan discuss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | BOURNEMOUTH (A)
Richard Easterbrook and Jimmy Reay look ahead at Sunderland's trip to Bournemouth where Regis Le Bris has a raft of injuries to contend with. There's a trip back in time to a previous trip to the south coast, while the lads field some listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | SUNDERLAND 1-3 FULHAM
Stephen and Gareth are joined by Journalist James Hunter to reflect further on the defeat to Fulham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 1-3 FULHAM
Eleanor McCabe and Richard Easterbrook react to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Fulham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | FULHAM (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jonathan Ellenor as the lads look ahead to Sunday's visit of Fulham to the Stadium of Light. There's also a Cottagers' input from Elizabeth from Fulhamish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | Sunderland Beat Oxford
A nice little routine win for Sunderland in the 4th round of the cup. Oxford were crap, frankly, and tried their best to bully and disrupt. But the lads got through it with relative ease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION AND PREVIEW | SPEAKMAN GONE, LIVERPOOL VIEWS, OXFORD PREVIEW
Stephen Goldsmith, Gareth Barker and Jonathan Ellenor react to the departure of Kristjaan Speakman, discuss the Liverpool defeat and preview the FA Cup tie away at Oxford United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | LIVERPOOL (H)
Stephen Goldsmith, Richard Easterbrook and Eleanor McCabe look ahead to Sunderland's Premier League fixture against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light while there's reaction to the Black Cats' 3-0 defeat at Arsenal at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | ARSENAL 3-0 SUNDERLAND
Eleanor McCabe and Stephen Goldsmith react as Sunderland were beaten 3-0 at Arsenal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEW POD: A Tale Of Two Captains
Earlier this week, we sat down with Kieron Brady, who has been digging into achidden Sunderland story.Most of us know the name Raich Carter, the local lad lifting trophies and leading the side out at Wembley in 1937. But that same year, another captain from Wearside was leading a very different mission. Captain Frederick Robinson.While the team chased cup glory, Robinson was sailing towards the Sp
PREVIEW | ARSENAL (A)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith and Jimmy Reay as the lads look ahead to Sunderland's trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY (TUESDAY) SHOW | REFLECTIONS ON AN EASY WIN AND TRANSFERS
Stephen, Gareth and Eleanor met in the pub to talk about the comfortable 3-0 against Burnley. They were joined by ex player Kieron Brady as they also evaluated the latest transfer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MATCH MEMORIES | SAFC V BURNLEY | SIMON CRABTREE
A new feature launches with memories of another home against Burnley. Who can forget Carlos Edwards with one of the most iconic goals the Stadium of Light has ever seen? Well equally as iconic is the commentary of Simon Crabtree on the radio, alongside the great Lord Gary Rowell. He reminisces with Stephen over that night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | BURNLEY (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Matthew Keeling (remember him?!) as the lads look ahead to the Monday Night Football encounter against Burnley at the Stadium of Light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | Sunderland Lose and Players Leaving?
Stephen and Gareth discuss the 3-1 defeat to West Ham. How key was Xhaka's absence? Was the starting eleven right? Some players are linked with the exit door. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | WMS x Top Flight Time Machine
We invited our pals from Top Flight Time Machine as Andy and Sam's respective clubs prepare to battle it out in the Premier League this weekend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | Sunderland Win Again, Transfers and Season Reflections
Stephen and Gareth meet up for a drink and a chat about Sunderland's win against Crystal Palace. They also just reflect more on the season and discuss about potential January transfer business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 2-1 CRYSTAL PALACE
Eleanor McCabe is joined by Micky Lough and Richard Easterbrook after Sunderland come from behind to see off Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | CRYSTAL PALACE (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Jimmy Reay and Jonathan Ellenor as Sunderland host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. We also discuss some injuries to Regis Le Bris's squad and a very troubling departure... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | SUNDERLAND BEAT EVERTON ON PENS
Stephen, Gareth and Jim discuss Sunderland's penalty shootout win at Everton. Onto the 4th round, and with an unexpected strong team being put out, could we? Possibly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | EVERTON (A) - FACR3
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith, Jimmy Reay and Jonathan Ellenor as the lads react to Sunderland's 3-0 defeat at Brentford and look ahead to the trip to Everton in the FA Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | SPURS REVIEW/BRENTFORD PREVIEW
Stephen, Gareth and Rick look back at the 1-1 draw at Spurs. There's also a midweek trip to Brentford to look ahead to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION/PREVIEW | Man City (H), Spurs (A)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Stephen Goldsmith, Eleanor McCabe and former Sunderland defender Danny Collins as we look back at the 0-0 draw with Manchester City, and preview the Black Cats' trip to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MINI PREVIEW | w/ Amos from The City Ramble
Here's a bite-size episode where Richard caught up with Amos Murphy from The City Ramble to see what's changed for City since the teams last met just over three weeks ago... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | Look back at Leeds, Man City preview
Stephen Goldsmith and Gareth Barker are joined by Richard Easterbrook after Sunderland maintained their unbeaten home record with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, and assess the squad depth as the fixtures come thick and fast with a New Year's Day clash at home to Manchester City on the horizon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 1-1 LEEDS UNITED
Eleanor McCabe and Richard Easterbrook react as a patched-up Sunderland hung on for a 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WMS CHRISTMAS QUIZ | 2025
It's back. Stephen hosts, Gareth, Jim and Jonathan play along. How did you do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW | RESPECT THE POINT
Stephen and Gareth look back to Sunderland's 0-0 at Brighton. Meh. Another point on the board. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | BRIGHTON (A)
Richard Easterbrook and Jimmy Reay look back over a happy week on Wearside and preview Sunderland's trip to Brighton at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW: Sunderland Win in The Derby
Stephen, Gareth and Rick talk some more about the 1-0 win over Newcastle or whatever they're called. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 1-0 VISITORS
Eleanor is joined by Richard, Micky and Jimmy as we react to a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | WEAR-TYNE DERBY
Stephen, Gareth and Richard are joined by former Sunderland defender Danny Collins alongside Ashes legend and Newcastle supporter Steve Harmison as they look ahead to the first Wear-Tyne Derby in the league since 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY SHOW: Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland
Gareth is Joined by Jimmy Reay to reflect on defeat at the Etihad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION | MAN CITY 3-0 SUNDERLAND
Eleanor is joined by Richard and Michael as Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | MANCHESTER CITY (A)
Eleanor McCabe and Stephen Goldsmith look ahead to Sunderland's trip to Manchester City at the weekend, while there's reaction to the Black Cats' 1-1 draw at Liverpool in midweek. Richard Easterbrook speaks to Amos Murphy from The City Ramble podcast, while there's another contestant taking on Regis Le Quiz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONDAY/PREVIEW SHOW: Sunderland Beat Bournemouth, Liverpool Next
Back to winning ways in the Premier League, as Sunderland come from 2-0 down to beat a very decent Bournemouth team. Stephen and Gareth take their discussions from the pub and are joined by Dawson Pies, over from the United States for his first ever game. There's also a nice, easy trip to Anfield to discuss as The Lads play an in-and-out Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
REACTION | SUNDERLAND 3-2 BOURNEMOUTH
Eleanor is joined by Richard and Michael as they react to Sunderland's victory over Bournemouth in which they turned around a 2-0 deficit. Magnificent stuff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREVIEW | BOURNEMOUTH (H)
Richard Easterbrook is joined by Eleanor McCabe, Micky Lough and Jonathan Ellenor as we preview the visit of Bournemouth to the Stadium of Light. There's another contestant taking on Regis Le Quiz while we take a trip back in time to look at a previous visit to Wearside by the Cherries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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