Sumo Kaboom

Leslie and Laurie, Texan sisters and diehard sumo fans, talk about all things sumo.

About the show

Sumo Kaboom!

A weekly podcast dedicated to our favorite sport - sumo wrestling. We chat about tournaments, current events, history and our favorite wrestlers.

We are performers, improvisers, and creators and have absolutely no sumo training. But, we are huge sumo fans.

Having lived in Japan, Leslie loves the history and traditions of sumo. She also has a deep love for sumo karaoke singers. Laurie is fascinated by sumo wrestler fandom, the sumo training regimen and physicality of the sport.

Together, we serve up exciting sumo treats for sumo-curious fans. We share an enthusiasm for sumo and like all sisters, we work amazingly well together. All of the time. There are never any issues. Ever.

We also occasionally send out sumo related content. It is NOT hard-hitting sumo journalism and is usually very silly. If you want to receive our writing about all things sumo or receive notification when Sumo BINGO cards are available, join our Substack below. We won't ever share your info, because we hate spam, too.

Sumo Kaboom on social media

Episodes

  • 217: Oyakatas of the Futagoyama and Arashio Stables

    June 19th, 2024  |  33 mins 43 secs
    arashio, futagoyama, oyakata, stable

    Who are the sumo coaches? We see them around - these men wearing suits and speaking about their recruits. But, we don't know a lot about them, so let's learn together!

  • 216: What Happens After Retirement?

    June 12th, 2024  |  38 mins 57 secs
    after retirement, retirement

    After a short chat about Buccee's and some news, Leslie talks about what happens to sumo wrestlers after they leave sumo.

  • 215: Kotoeko and a Whole Lotta Retirement Goin’ On

    June 5th, 2024  |  32 mins 18 secs
    koteko, retirement

    Kotoeko announced his retirement. Two others had their retirement ceremonies recently.

  • 214: Days 10-15 of the May Basho

    May 29th, 2024  |  55 mins 20 secs
    basho, kotozakura, may, onosato

    There's a new winner in town. He's young. He's healthy. And every time we try to type his name, it autocorrects to Onomatopoeia.

  • 213: Days 4-9 of the May Basho

    May 21st, 2024  |  49 mins 17 secs
    basho, may

    Exciting basho, isn't it? Let's talk about what's going well and how many injuries are out there.

  • 212: Days 1-3 of the May Basho 2024

    May 15th, 2024  |  40 mins 31 secs
    basho, days 1-3, may

    The basho just started, and we're here to talk about what we've noticed.

  • 211: The May Banzuke, Tokihayate and Oshoma

    May 8th, 2024  |  43 mins 36 secs
    banzuke, may, oshoma, tokihayate

    Chatting about the banzuke and two new men to the top division, Tokihayate and Oshoma.

  • 210: Sumo Content Creators To Follow

    May 1st, 2024  |  39 mins 44 secs
    emilien grenot, hakkeyoi sumo news and stats, patricia dobashi, sarahlovessumo

    Want more sumo content for English speakers? Here are four people to follow.

  • 209: Sumo Wrestlers Sing!

    April 24th, 2024  |  34 mins 48 secs
    charity sumo, daieisho, hiradoumi, kagayaki, karaoke, onosho, singing, song, takayasu

    Sometimes we break down the singing rather than the sumo. Today is one of those days!

  • 208: A Tribute to Akebono

    April 17th, 2024  |  52 mins 46 secs
    akebono, john jacques, lynn matsuoka

    The sumo world lost a legend this week, the first foreign-born yokozuna, Akebono. Stories about Akebono from people who knew him as Chad.

  • 207: Sumo Media for Beginners

    April 10th, 2024  |  35 mins 44 secs
    media, sumo food channel, sumo research

    People often ask us how to watch sumo and how we do our research. Here's what you need to know.

  • 206: All Roads Lead to Isegahama

    April 3rd, 2024  |  43 mins 20 secs
    isegahama

    Isegahama stable has been in the news lately. So, who is the head coach there?

  • 205: Days 11-15 of the March Basho

    March 27th, 2024  |  50 mins 54 secs
    basho, bingo, onosato, takerufuji, terunofuji

    How on earth does sumo manage to pack so much drama into 15 days of sumo? What a historic win! We loved, loved, loved it.

  • 204: Days 4 - 10 of the March Basho

    March 20th, 2024  |  1 hr 5 mins
    kirishima, takerufji

    We should just title this: "What is wrong with Kirishima?" Or, "good god, Takerufuji looks fast!"

  • 203: Days 1 - 3 of the March Basho

    March 13th, 2024  |  41 mins 10 secs
    2024, basho, march

    Sumo is back and we are watching! Here's an assortment of what we loved about days 1 - 3.

  • 202: Takerufuji and the Banzuke

    March 6th, 2024  |  45 mins 26 secs
    2024, basho, march, takerufuji

    There's a new man at M17 for the March, 2024 basho - Takerufuji. Who is he?