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
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Atamifuji and Tobizaru
November 9th, 2022 | 43 mins 58 secs
atamifuji, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tobizaru, tournament
Who is this new guy Atamifuji? And what can you tell me about Tobizaru?
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Murray Johnson Interview
November 2nd, 2022 | 46 mins 40 secs
comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, murray johnson, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
If you listen to English sumo commentary on NHK World, you know his voice. We got to chat with Murray Johnson about the art of commentary, sumo and more.
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The Halloween Episode with Cryptids of the Corn
October 26th, 2022 | 47 mins 2 secs
butts, comedy, cryptids of the corn, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, kappa, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
All about kappas, Japanese mythological creatures that are loosely associated with sumo wrestling.
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Celebrations and Riots
October 19th, 2022 | 35 mins 59 secs
1805, brigade, ceremony, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, kagami baraki, me, nhk, podcast, riot, sake, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Sake and fire! Hammers and brawls! Firefighters vs. sumo wrestlers. This week, we're talking about the Kagami Baraki ceremony and the Me Brigade Riot of 1805.
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Sumo Fan Events
October 12th, 2022 | 50 mins 20 secs
comedy, fan event, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, jungyo, kaboom, karaoke, nhk, old maid, ping pong, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
From jungyos to fan events, this week we talk about getting up close and personal with your favorite rikishi.
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Tamawashi
October 5th, 2022 | 37 mins 56 secs
baker, comedy, crafter, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, shibatayama, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tamawashi, tournament
Tamawashi's story is very unique among the world of pro sumo wrestlers.
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Aki Basho Days 11-15
September 26th, 2022 | 56 mins 49 secs
2022, aki, basho, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, henna, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, ozeki, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, takayasu, tamawashi, tournament, wakatakakage
We're still a bit giddy about this one. The Aki tournament was a blast!
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Aki 2022 Days 4 - 10
September 21st, 2022 | 52 mins 40 secs
4-10, aki, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Our signature "breakdown" of days 4 - 10 - what we liked, what we loved, and who we are watching.
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Aki Basho Days 1-3
September 14th, 2022 | 48 mins 14 secs
aki, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
It's sumo time again and we still love it!
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Mitoryu and Kotonowaka
September 7th, 2022 | 34 mins 37 secs
comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, kotonowaka, mitoryu, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Learn a little bit about Mitoryu, the newest addition to the top division, and Kotonowaka, who is rising through the top ranks.
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Chiyotairyu and Hiradoumi
August 31st, 2022 | 40 mins
chiyotairyu, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, hiradoumi, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Everything you ever wanted to know about Chiyotairyu. And who is this new guy, Hiradoumi?
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Sumo Trivia!
August 24th, 2022 | 45 mins 23 secs
comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament, trivia
We're playing Sumo Trivia today! Test your sumo-related trivia brain!
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Ash Warren and The Way of Salt
August 17th, 2022 | 53 mins 9 secs
ash warren, comedy, culture, grand sumo, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament, way of salt
Need a good book about sumo and Japan culture? We're talking to Ash Warren, who wrote the book you need.
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Naruto and Gagamaru
August 10th, 2022 | 40 mins 2 secs
comedy, gagamaru, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, kotooshu, naruto, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Continuing with our Eastern European theme, we focus on Kotooshu, or Naruto oyakata, and Gagamaru.
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Eastern European Wrestlers and Tochinoshin
August 3rd, 2022 | 48 mins 49 secs
comedy, eastern, europe, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, improv comedy, japan, kaboom, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tochinoshin, tournament
Why are there so many wrestlers from Eastern Europe? And, who is Tochinoshin? Why do people adore him?
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Days 11-15 of the Nagoya Tournament and BINGO Winners
July 27th, 2022 | 56 mins 42 secs
basho, comedy, grand sumo, grand sumo highlights, ichinojo, improv comedy, japan, july, kaboom, nagoya, nhk, podcast, sumo, sumo kaboom, sumo wrestling, tournament
Breaking down the BINGO and the sumo in the final few days of the Nagoya July tournament.