Came for the HR, stayed for the hockey, found myself deep DEEEEP into a Sci-fi story when it's never really peaked my interest before. Hooked on the banter, the satire, and the overdramatics that's grounded by the sensibility and respectfulness that's so clearly at the core of who these guys are.

Really been enjoying the sci-fi section and loved the HR content. Wish they’d stop relating everything to Harry Potter though. Especially since JKR is such an awful human. Can’t wait to listen to the rest of the Red Rising content!! It’s the most in-depth I’ve come across.

These guys are unironically the best podcast I’ve ever heard about sci-fi stories, and I have listened to a lot of them. They not only are fun and entertaining, but they have deep knowledge of tropes of the genre, and the literary analysis is really quite impressive.

A surprisingly endearing podcast for a group of elder millennial white men. In a world of idiot men with microphones, these loveable idiots have found the perfect dynamic to be charmingly funny, informative, sensitive, open minded, and considerate. Came from heated rivalry, stayed for brotherly ribbing, hockey talk, and now Red Rising review. I used to be a passing fan of hockey but now I love it and my knowledge/analysis of the league absolutely astounds my husband’s friends. Also, my hubby’s been trying to get me to read Red Rising for months but I really couldn’t get into it. This is the spark notes I was looking for - Dan and Chris are actually making me like the book.

Great guys, funny show, been listening to you guys since you started. Give my dude Mo Seider some more love tho. 100% agree with Dan. Defenseman who can play both sides like Seider are underrated. Plus Seider had the best overall defensive numbers last year of any defenseman and got the hardest minutes/deployments. Always overlooked by flashy goal scorers.

I have been listening to these guys for over a season. I love their perspective. It’s very much respectful to the game and its history but also understanding to the mindset of the common human while respecting the effort it takes the boys to make the NHL. Very very awesome pod with an Irish tinge as a third man.

Found this show from their Heated Rivalry watch videos which were amazing and hilarious. Kept listening for the hockey news, insights, and the light atmosphere! These guys really seem to know what they are talking about but keep it funny :)

Love these guys’ passion for and knowledge of hockey. As a long time hockey fan I’ve enjoyed hearing their perspectives on regular games, Olympics, playoffs, and interviews with players. They are such fans that it lends to energetic and sometimes silly conversations. Keep up the great work!

I wanted to listen to this with my son but we had to turn it off.

This podcast sucks and will never be good because they are trying to be friends with everyone. It’s just embarrassing. You need a few hit take, you need a little controversy, you need honesty. These dudes are complete ladder climbers

I’m from Florida and have never cared about sports before, let alone hockey. I got sick before the olympics and decided to watch your hockey 101 videos, the next weekend I made my boyfriend take me to my first game. I’m now a die hard San Jose sharks fan and have watched every olympic hockey game this year (I will be waking up at 8am on Sunday to watch Canada/USA live). Thank you guys for being so welcoming to the newcomers especially with the influx of young women, you’ve made me a hockey fan for life !

This Duo brings a great combo of hockey knowledge and humor to warrant a weekly tune-in. Their Milan bar and Yelp S. Boston dive bar tie in were great. Give them a shot!

Loved the interview with Jack O’Callahan

I was really unsettled by how they treated the actor who played Svetlana when she came on for an interview. They made her read romantic fanfic between one of the hosts and her character without warning her or letting her read it first. It was super uncomfortable and parasocial. I would’ve felt really weird if I were her and she just had to play along and be cool no matter what she was feeling. So strange that they would think that was okay or funny???

The hosts found a way to profit from a queer show while privately being homophobic and misogynistic. HR fans- let’s not make a wonderful and meaningful show about these podcast bros. They’ve gotten enough hype and attention from HR. I hope this incident prompts some self-reflection and growth but when does that ever happen!

After listening to a couple of straight guy podcasts where they reviewed HR, was not surprised to the juvenile reactions to the gay sex scenes. But was curious about what hockey guys reactions would be to the series, so decided to check you guys out. I can’t rightfully express how much I enjoyed your take on the series and your commentary. Loved that you went episode by episode without any prior knowledge of the story line since you had not read the books, but that you read the comments from the listeners to clear up any things have may said or assumed previously. I got a laugh from some of the your sex comments like, can gays do missionary? , or if you’re closeted do you still have gaydar? Loved it. The last two hockey games I watched were the 1980 USA-Russia Miracle on Ice game and the gold medal USA-Finland game two day later. I may have gone to an Atlanta Thrashers game back in the late 80’s, or it may have been an Atlanta Hawks game. Seriously, if there were more guys like you out there, this world would be a better place. I hope the NHL is looking hard at how to grab what could be a brand new audience. I’ll keep listening to you guys and learn a bit about the game.

Love this podcast! Arrived for Heated Rivalry and stay for the hockey.

I love these men talking about hockey and Heated Rivalry!

I just wanted to express my support as a gay man that didn’t believe the gossip rag OutSports libel against your podcast. I watched your reactions & they felt joyous & genuine which got me hooked on your program. Nobody should have their private conversations leaked & I despise the infantilization & paternalization of LGBT folks/minorities as if we are so fragile we can’t take an off handed comment about “blue haired Twitter” (which I found hilarious). As a creative director in Hollywood I can 100% confirm writers, producers, directors, etc. are ruining the medium by pandering to a minority audience - often met with review bombing upon release due to the writing & content being awful DEI boiler plate activism. The Acolyte & recent Star Trek release as perfect examples of ideological capture that is ruining the industry. Heated Rivalry didn’t do that. It was well written, well produced, brilliantly acted, & shows us all that art featuring diversity can be incredible when an ideological narrative is not being pushed on audiences. Keep doing what you do & know there are those of us out there that aren’t fragile, who are looking for great honest takes & appreciate your allyship. There will always be haters looking to bring you down that want to police your language & thoughts (even ones shared in private or between friends). I reject that Orwellian world & hope the LGBT community can become anti-fragile again in the future. I’ve subscribed to you on YT & Apple Podcast. I don’t have social media so this is my way of reaching out. At the very least you have one new gay fan. Cheers xo PS. I’ve now begun my hockey fan journey & am all in on the Sharks!

Found these boys from their reviews of Heated Rivalry. Then started listening to more of their stuff and I’m stoked to learn more about the sport in general. My Dad and sister are both avid hockey fans (Stars!) and it’s been really cool to start to connect with them on this. I live right across the street from the American Airlines stadium where the Stars play and going to start going to games with the fam. Thanks for helping me not feel completely helpless at the games!

Absolutely disingenuous about HR and just used it for clout. Revolting

Texts recently leaked showed this shows creators calling the Heated Rivalry creators “losers” and “cowards”. Why? Is a show about va hockey players some affront to your toxic masculinity? They had no problem cashing in before their toxic texts were leaked. No thanks. You’re the “losers”.

Was planning on listening but then I saw Dan's texts from before they realized how much money they could make off the heated rivalry hype and decided against it. Basically they're just less famous spittin chiclets

Really disappointed that the hosts pretended to be fans of HR for an audience while privately disparaging the show and the fans.

Don’t say one thing in private and then another on your pod to get listens/views. Even if your reaction once you started watching the show was authentic, the fact that you didn’t acknowledge and apologize for the problematic language you used to describe your initial reaction to HR is unacceptable. Please take responsibility for the words you said and the culture they perpetuate.

Not buying the fake hype over HR.

Shameful that these guys pretend to support Heated Rivalry and profit off it — aside from chasing followers and ratings, they’re selling unlicensed merch, and I’m sure none of that money is going to support queer organizations — when they’re privately saying awful things about the show and the people who love it. And making one of the stars who graciously agreed to come on their show read fan fic about her and one of these hosts is incredibly gross behavior. And instead of addressing the issue head on, they’re deleting all of the negative comments online. Weak stuff, boys.

I like how yall pretend to be an allys of the queer community and supporters of HR when the cameras are rolling just so you can profit off of a hot ticket item. “This is the trash they make because it panders, it’s provocative, and it checks inclusivity boxes” This is a fake, disingenuous podcast that has decided to profit off of a marginalized community.

You thought Heated Rivalry was trash privately but loved the ratings you got from having Robbie GK on. You know it’s just a silly show for us to feel good during difficult times. Calling you a homophobe would be pointless because it would fall on deaf ears however but it obvious you are Homopportunistic when it benefits the bag. Don’t bother apologizing either you wouldn’t mean it, this will all blow over soon, and we already have you marked for who you are.

Thank you for the HR reviews. I have been cracking up and smiling from ear to ear

Hudson (Shane) mentioned you on Jimmy Fallon. And here I am. You guys are awesome. No toxic masculinity.

Podcast excerpts started popping up in my social feeds recently because of a certain hockey-related tv series. I was very intrigued by the guys’ take on the show. What I took away from their podcast after listening to a few episodes was an appreciation for their love and knowledge for their sport, but also a willingness to incorporate and openly discuss this very popular show that is somewhat centered around hockey. I’ve learned a lot through the episodes I’ve listened to and y’all have a new listener and fan for life. Keep up the great work!!

I’m here for the HR reviews and I’m cackling! These guys are hilarious and catch things I didn’t even catch!

Originally started listening just for the HR scoop and commentary but have come to love listening to the banter between all three guys. Not even a hockey person but I still listen cause it’s so good!

Thank you for the heated rivalry commentary! I’ve LOVED listening to all three of you! I second what others have said, please do a hockey for dummies so those of us who didn’t grow up with it can learn and get into it!

Prior to Heated Rivalry most of my hockey experience was from Bob and Doug McKenzie. Would love if yall could help us newbies learn more. I love the episodes!

Thanks for giving us the episode walk through a of heated rivalry. You are making my week back at work so much better! Also for those who didn’t read the books at the end of episode 2 Shane is not only playing with his hockey stick he is also putting fingers in. 😈 keep it up boys!

Watching you guys review Heated Rivalry episodes so passionately and openly has given me faith in humanity and a newfound interest in hockey! Thank you for being the “sunshine” we didn’t know we needed!

It feels very full circle that my first hockey podcast I listen to is Empty Netters because Heated Rivalry is what got me into hockey in the first place. Their video reactions genuinely meant a lot to me. Seeing straight men not just be accepting, but openly rooting for gay love and getting invested in the story felt really special and made me feel welcomed and safe. As someone brand new to the sport, I’m so glad they’re the podcast helping me fall even more in love with hockey. 🏒💙

My newest obsession!

Here for the Heated Rivalry commentary but if you do a hockey for dummies episode I’ll listen :)

I know nothing about hockey and honestly don’t really care (I’m so sorry boys) but I’ve subscribed/followed everywhere else because of how wholesome you three have been in your Heated Rivalry reviews. You have modeled what every straight, cis, white dude needs to follow. As a woman you’ve given me some hope 🩷 keep being hilarious and awesome!

Hi. I just wanted to say a heart-felt thank you. Heated Rivalry brought me here, and I can’t tell you how important and healing it has felt to listen to three men talk about this show with such passion, respect, tenderness, and love.

This is the perfect accompaniment to a Heated Rivalry binge. As someone who knows nothing about hockey I love getting the extra facts. The chemistry between the hosts and is great and the podcast is funny and engaging. Thank you for acknowledging Scott Hunter in the shirt when he first goes into the smoothie place like that was crazyyyyy

Never thought I’d be here, but here I am. Empty Netters is not only teaching me about hockey, but has shown the world that men like this - true allies - exist.

Going to be another listener to admit I found this show through Heated Rivalry fanship…I know these guys must know how healing their unfiltered conversations about this show are for many of us

So I am a casual hockey fan (some years more than others) but I can tell that these guys are my people. They are about a community. They are going to make me fall in love with hockey again. They are all so likable and accessible. I started watching their Heated Rivalry stuff(love you strait sexy allies) and have just become re-energized about hockey. Thanks guys! I am excited to hear more hockey stuff!

I don’t write reviews, but I just want to give these guys a hand for their stellar Heated Rivalry recaps thus far. 10/10 no notes. These hockey bros approach the material with an open mind, interesting hockey insight and so many perfect takes. My cheeks are aching from smiling so hard for so long. Maybe I’ll even stay for the hockey talk once Heated Rivalry is over. Check these guys out!!!

These two guys are the best, and amazing interviews. If your a true hockey die hard empty netters is a must listen.

I love this show, it feels like hanging out with the boy, great takes and wild moments. 10/10 would recommend. Side note Dp truly is Patrick Bateman and Dennis Reynolds love child. It’s insane!