The Obligatory PSU Podcast

The Obligatory PSU Podcast features wide-ranging discussions of Penn State sports, Nittany Lions football in particular, and all things Penn State and Happy Valley from the cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Former Penn State and NFL defensive lineman Brandon Noble (’92-97), campus icon Mike “the Mailman” Herr, Mount Nittany Conservancy Board Secretary Kevin Horne, and seven-time Sam's Club Member Chris Buchignani. Along with a rotating cast of characters from around State College and across Nittany Nation, the guys focus on the stories, issues, and personalities surrounding the Blue and White fan experience.The Obligatory PSU Podcast delivers fun and insightful commentary on the teams, University, and place that are beloved by many thousands of students, alumni, and fans. There’s no pretense of objectivity or “journalistic” distance here; these guys are here because they care, and their Penn State knowledge and love shine through in every installment. The goal is to touch on a broad variety of topics relating to the Nittany Lions in conversations that are frequently funny and occasionally profound, all while enjoying a few (or more) adult beverages. If you’ve got Penn State in your blood, you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with us.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

KCReviewPSU

Best PSU football podcast

One of best and most authentic PSU podcasts out there. I especially appreciate the honest opinions and criticisms of Franklin and the football program (including their shortcomings for big games). Often their views are shared by many other PSU alumni and football fans who consistently support the team and are consistently disappointed. Please keep up the good work. Thanks!
DaveforPesident2020

Glad they’re back

Used to watch these jamokes on TV and then they disappeared. Happy to see them resurface on another platform and giving it their best effort to keep it free.
PSU / GIANTS FAN IN TX

OPSUP

It’s a five star podcast with the exception of Kevin Horne. His football knowledge is less than my dog Barkley. He constantly makes ridiculous nonsensical comments like Katron Allen can’t break tackles . I’m not sure he understands what he says or knows any better. In addition to his constant negativity and droning on about his dislike for the coaching staff. 5 stars to the rest of the crew.
Double E33

Obligatory Boys Are Back

A whiteout week surprise to see the new show notification pop up for my drive to work this morning. Just like getting together with my high school or college buddies after not seeing them in years. You guys didn’t miss a beat. Welcome back.
VanHornS57

Always fantastic! Sometimes even better!

Thanks for producing The Obligatory! Sorely needed and always appreciated. Now looking forward to both TV AND Podcast with the entire crew. Also… IMO, characterizing the former AD as a “necessary evil” was kinder than that era deserves.
NateW4055

Great Penn State Podcast

Can’t wait for these guys to come back!
libertarian 44

Awesome and fun podcast

Kevin needs counseling.
MattAppleUser5

A fun listen with fun guys

I listen to a lot of Penn State podcasts, some of which have better interviews, more useful information and are more prolific than Obligatory. But, Obligatory’s strength is that it is fun — more fun than any other Penn State podcast. All four hosts bring something to the table and they have great chemistry, which makes listeners feel like they are part of the group. It kind of sounds like you’re just eavesdropping in on their conversation, which makes listeners feel like they are getting to know the authentic version of these guys. We Are!
darthasenine

Great podcast for PSU football fans

Awesome podcast!! Check it out if you’re a PSU fan!
Kristi B '08

Mike the Mailman is the best

I ran into Mike at bar while at penn state and he made my college experience all the best. 14yrs later he’s still the best and told me about this podcast - listen to it while traveling!!!
Maryankees

Great but

Love the podcast especially when Kevin Horne is unavailable, not a fan of his sarcastic droning about Franklin or days gone by. He seems to hate the current staff and players, not a great fit for a Penn State podcast.
FTB Admin

Best, most honest, Penn State Podcast

The beginning of the podcast says “You’ve listened to all the other Penn State podcasts, now listen to one more.” While funny and cute, the intro undersells the product. This is the BEST Penn State podcast out there. It’s also the only one that’s honest and a true reflection of the fans. The cast chemistry is fantastic and there’s no redundancy in personalities — every guy has their unique role and POV. Chris, the pilot of the podcast, does a nice job keeping the conversation moving and setting up Brandon, Kevin and Mike for their opinions.
O'Blakely

Best PSU podcast there is

This group is a must listen. I’ve been tried a lot of different podcasts to follow PSU football and these guys are the best. Chris, Brandon, Kevin, and Mike are brutally honest and wildly entertaining. I feel like I’m venting or celebrating with them each and every week. Their TV show is also amazing. Looking forward to another fun year listening in 2021.
Bellefonte Bonnie

Better than 610 WIP

It’s so refreshing to hear an intelligent sports talk show with educated hosts, diverse topics, and keen knowledge of the subject matter. These guys are way better than the dopes who dominate Philly terrestrial sports talk radio (cough cough Bill from Mayfair). The Obligatory gang aren’t afraid to tell-it-like-it is, in a very John McCain-esque sort of way. There’s a ton of other podcasts about PSU football out there, but this is one you should definitely listen to. Why? It’s because deep down the Obligatory guys are “fans” at heart. With that comes #Unrivaled passion and loyalty. Give the show a listen, you won’t be disappointed!!!!
Tjtamasy

Greatest PSU podcast

There are lots of PSU podcasts. This is the best one. They call it like it is. No sugar coating anything and not media cheerleaders.
Burgh Lion

Great Penn State Content

If you are a Penn State fan and will desperately miss the football season, listen to these guys to commiserate and to reminisce about all things related to PSU
NBA_Pgh

Entertaining

Best Penn State podcast I have heard. Most every episode they get me to laugh or reminisce. The Olive Garden Mother’s Day anecdote was epic.
WeAre2004

Comfort Listen

What a great discovery for a Penn State fan. It is clear the hosts know and like each other and you feel like you get to know them too. Entertaining discussions & always fun listening to guys who love PSU! Recommended.
Troysius

Entertaining

The show is fun and interesting. The guys have great chemistry. You don't have to be a PSU fan to enjoy these podcasts.
Paul4PennState

Awesome

These guys a Penn Staters Penn Staters! They are passionate, knowledgeable and funny
VolleyballStar21

Can’t get enough!

This is my absolute favorite Penn State podcast. Notice I did not say, Penn State *Football* podcast. Don’t get me wrong, these guys cover plenty of Penn State football, but what separates them from the pack and what they do better than anyone else is capture the essence of the overall Penn State experience. When I listen, I feel like I’m transported back to State College, hanging out with fellow alumni and Mike the Mailman reminiscing about the good old days in Happy Valley. I mean, who doesn’t love Mike the Mailman? The stories they all share are wonderful and each of them bring their own unique perspective to all things PSU past and present, although the curmudgeon Kevin Horne could probably use a hug or two. It’s a pleasure to listen to these guys, I wish they did more. So grab your pen and your pencil.. this podcast is a must for all true blue Penn Staters out there. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mark_AV

These geezers are good

I love the sassy back and forth rhetoric these four display on television. I’d guess they are friends when the cameras turn off as well. You can just tell from their witty football-laced banter. If you’re jonesing for some good Penn State talk especially if you don’t live in the area, nothing is better than cracking open your favorite brew and listening to these guys and drinking along with them. I feel like I’m back with my college buddies BSing along with them.
Jaren5d

Love it

I could listen to Brandon give his insight all day. Great show and the guys have a great chemistry. The passion they have for the school comes through the speakers. WeAre
Worst app ever. EVER.

Great!

A podcast with Mike the Mailman? What’s not to love!
tckline

More than sports

I really enjoy listening to these guys. They bring varied backgrounds and experiences to talking about not only PSU sports, but to a wide range of subjects many related to PSU and State College but some not. Loved the GoT episode. Love Kevin’s beer talk. I enjoy the love of PSU and Happy Valley because I share it. Keep up the good work!
Mr. WPIAL

Real News Not Fake News

Living in Western PA you can't obtain accurate information and coverage about Penn State. I just discovered this show when it was aired on Triblive and loved it. The last episode that was aired on Triblive was catching up with Paris Palmer. I'm glad I located it through iTunes.
RichyA1000

Comfortable Listening...Not just PS Football

Just who are these fellows? Noble is certainly known as a football great and generations of undergrads recognize the Mailman. But Horne? And Buchignani? Listeners to this podcast will become familiar with these hosts and their often inartful broadcasts about all things Penn State, popular culture, and life in general. “Obligatory” is compelling and worth your time because of their formula: they don't try too hard. Their on-air foibles are endearing -- the most recent outdoor episode included Horne exclaiming loudly in disbelief as hawk speared a trout. When attention is finally turned to PS football, their analysis is incisive and illuminating -- they call what they see and aren't afraid to be critical. In the final analysis, this podcast is precisely what it is intended to be: a distinctly unapologetic, male dominated discussion of a panoply of topics, tangents, and craft beer.
Bigred555222

Got (horse) Milk?

I never thought I'd enjoy listening to the same 4 yuck yucks for hours every week, but I can't get enough! Love the podcast cuz I'm in my car all the time, wish there was more! And when you all milked a horse, I was sold! I hope you guys warmed your hands up first, thats livestock foreplay!
THE Andrew Boynton

The obligatory 5 star rating for the obligatory PSU podcast

What's better than a podcast hosted by none other than mike the mailman? A podcast hosted by mike the mailman and Kevin Horne and chris buchignani and all their amazing friends to talk all things PSU
Anthony Panichelli

Thank you guys

For giving us free Penn State Football #content
Ukulele1960

Better Together

Granted, I'm biased, but the TV show and podacast are a great combination. The schtick is that there is no schtick, leaving one to wonder, "How did I get here?" I will listen to this as long as I have ears.
Juan Pierre of Abington

That Veronica Vaughn

Love both the tv show and podcast. I appreciate Chris Horne’s input considering his experience playing on the team and in the NFL. But I stay for Mike ‘The Mailman’ his corkyness and positivity keeps the bad games a bit easier to stomach. I Honestly hope my children have at least half of the loyalty he has for the Nittany Lions - overall excited to keep this pod on my weekly work playlist