There are just a few must-listen fantasy football podcasts that combine high-level analysis, actionable advice, and engaging episode premises. But the fact that Shawn and Ben have a show together feels almost like the Traveling Wilburys — immense independent talents having great fun together.

For those who play fantasy CHESS, not checkers. The best pod I’ve found, PERIOD.

This is a great podcast but Ben Gretch going on several 5-minute long, uninterrupted rambling rants covering way too many different topics without letting his co-host talk is just brutal. It’s not a 10,000 word Substack post it’s a podcast - let Shawn talk!

Sean and Ben are super smart and fun to listen to but the consistent over-valuing of rookies and over proven players in the middle of their careers is a gap in their analysis.

These guys are some of the best at what they do. Longform podcasts teaching you ideologically how to approach fantasy football, the types of cuts you want to take based on roster construction, profiles to bet on, how to capitalize on fragility, etc. Great content for experienced fantasy football players looking for critical analysis or beginners looking to get a lot better.

Epic material for free, what could be better?

Imagine taking Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s concepts in Antifragile, and applying it to fantasy football. That was the origin of Zero RB, and that was the brilliance of Shawn Siegele. Shawn continues to have bold takes and player stands to this day. His partner, Ben Gretch, while earnest and knowledgeable, sometimes makes this podcast hard to listen to. Ben needs to think through his positions before the podcast, not work them out for minutes on end during it. I could (and do) skip 30 seconds at a time repeatedly while Ben is talking and I end up missing not much. Ben is supposed to be about stealing the signal from the data, but all his verbosity ends up as noise. This sounds pretty harsh coming from a keyboard warrior sitting on the couch and enjoying free material, but it doesn’t mean I’m wrong.

Two guys who love to talk for 15 mins at a time about the RB5 on your fantasy bench

I’m always excited to see a new episode of Stealing Bananas in my queue. I really appreciate the high-level strategy discussion, especially for dynasty. 100% recommend subscribing. -A Shawn Siegele-adjacent drafter

two sharp people having very insightful discussions - always take something away i can use

One of the guys sounds like a frog and I when he talks too much I have to turn it off.

It’s that simple

Ben boasts the best laugh and projections in the business, while Shawn teaches listeners about the importance of structure, stars, and youth. Shawn’s brilliance occasionally appears methodical but his enthusiasm and excitement for his preferred players consistently shines through his coy collaboration style, none more so than when they air a live draft. In a market saturated with pandering, surface-level content, the two friends offer listeners in-depth, high-quality analysis by issuing constructive critiques affectionately cloaked in mutual admiration. It’s an immersed experience, reminiscent of a fireside chat. We as a community are lucky to have them.

Have you ever been in this situation? You think you know something well. Might even be thinking, hey I’m pretty good at this. And then you have a conversation with someone that makes you realize how little you really know and you are still a beginner? That’s what it was like the first time I listened to Shawn and Ben on Stealing Bananas. And what was it like getting a reality check that, “Wow, I have a lot to learn about Fantasy Football?” It was awesome. Instead of the endless 24/7 firehose of fantasy information that you can find yourself drowning in. Here’s a show that offers a lifeline and teaches you the high level concepts that can take your game to the next level all in one spot. Highly recommended along with Rotoviz and Stealing Signals.

Shawn and Gretch are always entertaining and SO chalk full of valuable information. If you want to take your fantasy game to the next level, make sure to subscribe to Stealing Bananas!

I like to think that everyone remembers the “evergreen in nature” (as FD said) original ZeroRB article from Shawn Siegele, but I still find myself guiding new people to Rotoviz and Shawn’s work. This is no slight on Ben - who himself is a real leader, and a great host with Shawn. Ben is an originator in his own right, but he does not have an ego and is also able to build off other great ideas. Look no further than how he describes his process of building out the RB Deadzone. While the landscape has changed, these two have continued to update and respond accordingly. They do so much more than tell you who to draft, they dive deep in the process and hold nothing back. In and industry where every edge is key, they willingly share their most valuable edges to the listener - and they continue to succeed! I am thankful to these two for opening my eyes to the dynasty world and Rotoviz triflex leagues on FFPC. Huge fan, keep up the good work.

When you hear the intro music to this podcast, you might be wondering: “oh no, did I leave an Incognito tab open accidentally?” No - the music might SOUND like an introduction to an adult film and the title DOES have “bananas” in the name, but this podcast is appropriate for all ages and all levels of fantasy GMs. Listen to Ben Gretch spend minutes working out ideas and chasing down tangents on fantasy football game strategy and player evaluations and then wait for Shawn Siegele to come in and summarize it all with incisive conclusions that solidify the foundation for having a successful fantasy football season. When so many other podcasts are chasing their tails and repeating the same groups of words, Stealing Bananas takes a step back and considers - are we right or wrong? Why? How can we adjust failing strategies or refresh outdated ones? How do we skate to where they puck is going? Are there pucks in football? Add this podcast to your rotation expand the way you think about fantasy football and your own mindset in general. There’s always “money” ideas in the Stealing Bananas pod.

Think of the podcast as a Venn diagram - Shawn and Ben are two mostly overlapping circles of knowledge and process forming the overinflated-football shaped center of the show, but the key is to steal and consume the unique fantasy “banana” that each one brings to the table. If you’re looking for an edge in fantasy, look no further than the banana-shaped edges of this show.

It’s fun to listen to actually different views and voices on the NFL. They’re not afraid to give opinions and it’s not what you will hear on every other pod. - @draft_research

Such great in depth discussions from Ben and Sean that i’m not even mad they stole my bananas!

I think I accidentally gave this 1 start. I meant for 5. Get me on Twitter with draft time @wvujonesy.

This has become my go to fantasy podcast. Both Shawn and Ben are smart, thoughtful and back up their thinking with data. It has changed how I play fantasy football. I regularly share episodes with my co-owner in my home league and it’s made us both smarter as we prepare for that 14 team auction. They are so good that I still listen to them even after my Kyle Pitts experience last year! 😜 And I’d be happy to write about my experience drafting with Shawn if I somehow got the opportunity.

Listening to Ben and Shawn provides awesome insight on how to be successful at fantasy football but also taught me how to be a better co-manager with my friends. It’s helpful to hear how they are both open to having their mind changed by something the other says. Would love the opportunity to draft a team with Shawn!

This is hands down, without a doubt, my favorite fantasy football podcast. You know how sometimes you hear something that blows your mind, yet makes so much sense it’s shocking you hadn’t thought of it before? Almost all of Shawn Siegele’s player takes hit me like that. He’s without a doubt the best fantasy analyst in the game right now. Ben Gretch is an amazing analyst in his own right. I get a ton of actionable intel from his advice. If you want to get better and fantasy football, I can’t recommend this podcast enough. (Shawn - I’m big into the high stakes FFPC leagues and would love to play in a league with you, hit me up!)

No exaggeration, these are two of the sharpest, thoughtful fantasy analysts in the business. Been following both Ben and Shawn for a number of years now and just really appreciate both their in depth strategy and player takes. Two of the best in the business. Must listen.

I've been listening to this show since the very start and cannot get enough. The back and forth between Ben and Shawn is like no other podcast I've listened to. Their knowledge along with the ability to communicate it in easy to digest ways is really valuable when dealing with a complex game such as fantasy football. They've made a big difference in the way I think on draft day and really prepare me for the twists and turns that come along with it!!! Thank you guys for the work you put in so we don't have to!!! Cheers from Nebraska.

Shawn and Ben are the best at thinking through fantasy football strategy. Their data driven approach helped me change the way I think about the game.

One of the reasons I enjoy Ben and Shaun’s shows is the openness they show each other. They are willing to get a little weird with ideas and thoughts. They respect each other enough to let those thoughts come out without pushing the idea to the side. They tease out the core concepts and ideas that allow the listener to progress their game forward. They both show humility that they could be wrong but are confident in applying their research in ways that will help you adjust to the ever changing game we love to watch and play.

Stealing Bananas is one of two pods I’d call essential in 2023. The other is Rotoviz Overtime, and I’d suggest subscribing to both. Podcast time to me is a pursuit of inspiration, looking for new ideas that lead me in different directions. Bananas is just the catalyst one needs to think differently about our hobby. Shawn Siegele and Ben Gretch do not color inside the lines. They regularly challenge conventional thinking and approach to fantasy management to your benefit. While one may not agree with every one of their takes, you’re virtually guaranteed to come away from each episode thinking about something differently. Reconsidering an evaluation or a strategy, considering new approaches, or simply gaining confidence in an approach you were previously employing. The important part here is, they inspire new thought and new ideas. Siegele is the steadier of the two, providing a sound platform they both build ideas from, while Gretch continues to push the boundaries in whatever direction they’re aiming for the day. Combine this pod with regular listens to Rotoviz Overtime and you’ll take your game to a new level.

Love this podcast! Shawn and Ben look at fantasy football in different ways and they both bring the heat in every episode. Great info and they will help you win your league. I guarantee it. 5 stars

“Stealing Bananas” has been extremely helpful in getting me to think outside the box when drafting/ranking. From Best Ball Mania drafts to dynasty, the thoughtfulness that goes into their draft strategy, and the way they talk through their thought process has definitely helped me a ton. Listening to live BBM drafts has been particularly thought provoking.

I was on the brink of quitting fantasy altogether before I found this pod, and subsequently Shawn and Ben’s written content. Their insights continually help me sort through the chaos to make decisions with confidence.

Shawn is a human hot take machine. Ben is the big data guy. These two are awesome and make analysis-driven hot takes that are really fun to employ. Since listening to them both, I’ve swept every home league I am in and am becoming increasingly competitive in high-stakes drafts. No such thing as #DraftSzn without Shawn and Gretch!

Whenever I meet someone looking to get deeper into fantasy, my first and immediate recommendation is Stealing Bananas. Not only are Ben and Shawn two of the best minds in the community, the dynamic between the two of them is simply unparalleled. They do an excellent job of entertaining whilst informing, as well as dissecting micro points and player takes whilst staying on the forefront of macro game theory. I cannot speak highly enough of both of these guys, the fact that we get them together on the same podcast is just pure gold. Keep up the great work gentlemen!

George Pickens. Highlights catches and an acceptable drop rate, on a team anchored by years-long successes. This is what appointment-listening looks like.

The best fantasy football show when it comes to fantasy theory and has taken my dynasty and redraft ability to the top level. Their shows where they project the first two rounds of next years draft are probably the most interesting shows in all of fantasy podcasts. They are always looking out for listeners and it is much appreciated.

Gretch and Shawn are one of the best duos in the industry providing high level content in a professional yet entertaining format. Must listen for all interested in fantasy football.

Listening to Shawn and Ben has changed how i play fantasy football. It isn’t for your average 1st or 2nd year fantasy footballer. They are both very good at this and aren’t going to dumb down the concepts. SBs is approachable, but you need to be ready to think in terms of range of outcomes, the fragility (or anti-fragility) of certain roster constructions, and broad league-wide trends. It comes through that these guys are friends and more than anything else it’s clear that they’re being genuine.

No other podcast (besides RV OT) comes close to Stealing Bananas in thinking fantasy football. Their unique blend of statistical analysis, watching the games, and general football enjoyment makes it incredibly easy and fun listen to and glean the concepts discussed. The breadth of their coverage of bestball, dynasty, and season long managed leagues makes it a must listen for those that play any of the three! I’ve yet to find analysts that can cover all different formats in the way that these guys can. What they lack in Irish accent, they gain in Analysis Quality Over Expectation (AQOE), and with multiple episodes per week, they’re not just an efficiency merchant, but a high-touch, high-efficiency workhorse, worthy of the 1.01 in ANY format.

Finally, a podcast that WON’T make you sick and kill you.

I remember when I first came across Rotoviz, and how it felt like I was reading some sort of hidden sacred text. My eyes were opened to an entirely new world of fantasy football analysis, and a unique perspective on how to approach the game. Ben & Shawn take all of that valuable information from the site, and fit it into an easily digestible audio format. The river of fantasy gold from this podcast will lead you to the promised land.

Shawn n Gretch are best in the biz. I listen weekly to get both of their player takes and draft strategies! Thanks guys for all you do! TouchofGreen!!

Ben and Shawn’s conversations are very enlightening and force you to think about fantasy football from so many different perspectives. Aside from top level player analysis, they provide top level strategic analysis . A must listen for anyone serious about fantasy football.

Shawn and Gretch form like Voltron to bring you the best fantasy show in the business- from in-depth, stat driven player taeks to the best strategy discussions you’ll find, it doesn’t matter if you’re an evergreen player just starting to deep dive into the finer details of fantasy football game theory or seasoned veteran of the game, every show will enlighten you and get you thinking about fantasy football differently. An absolute must listen

Have been an avid listener of the show for probably two years. I never miss an episode. Stealing Bananas is a mix of great player analysis but also macro discussions about the fantasy landscape as a whole. A blend of how to construct a winning roster, identifying profiles with upside to target, but also humility based drafting (a concept I have never heard of from other analysts). Listening to this show has transformed me as a fantasy football player and I can’t recommend enough. Proud do be one of the Banana Boyz!

Highly conversational podcast that extends beyond just which guys they like or don’t like. It did take me a little while to adjust to the format, but has influenced me to understand the nfl and the game of fantasy at a meaningfully deeper level.

Shawn & Ben are two of the finest fantasy analysts and their show is no different. The hosts allow their ideas to breathe and fully explain their takes, rather than opting for banter or arguing. It feels more like thinking out loud. They often deal with topics in a more philosophical way. This allows you to learn fantasy football in a way that you can adjust to the changes that happen each year. This will make you better.

Stealing Bananas is one of the sharpest fantasy football shows I’ve found. Ben and Shawn constantly assess their approach. Their angle on playing fantasy has helped me succeed in season-long and DFS. More structure would make the podcast easier to digest. At times there can be a lot of “stream of consciousness”. It’s a great show regardless.

I’ve never heard a fantasy podcast talk about their own fantasy team without providing for over 10 minutes. People listen for insight and entertainment, the most recent episode about their tournament team was neither. I get how people can provide reviews that are easy to dismiss, but I hope the podcasters consider a different approach because this was a terrible waste of time.

Sounds like they are recording in the hollow hull of a tin shipping frigate but the content and conversations are top notch.