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A Deep Dive Into Fandom and Podcasting With The Ringer's Mallory Rubin — Spotify

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Based on Spotify Newsroom · Aug 26, 2026

Spotify’s Mallory Rubin discusses how podcasting deepens fan connections, sharing her journey from sports and fantasy fandom to hosting live shows and ceremonial pitches.

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A Deep Dive Into Fandom and Podcasting With The Ringer's Mallory Rubin — Spotify
Spotify Newsroom — Spotify
Key points
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In her roles as The Ringer ’s director of content and cohost of the House of R podcast, Mallory has spent her career diving deep into some of her favorite pop-culture properties (with plenty of detours to talk about her beloved Baltimore Ravens and Orioles).
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In the process, she’s had a firsthand look at the unique role podcasts play in strengthening the bonds between fans and their favorite things, from TV adaptations of fantasy novels to sports teams.
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After they wrapped, Mal took to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before joining the show’s fans—the Bad Babies—in the stands to take in the game.
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For the Record caught up with Mallory to talk about her fandom journey, the uniquely intimate qualities of podcasting, and the joy of seeing fans meet up in real life.

Mallory Rubin, director of content at The Ringer and cohost of the House of R podcast, describes her career as a blend of sports and pop-culture analysis, rooted in lifelong fandom. She reflects on how podcasting fosters intimate connections between hosts and audiences, noting the medium’s ability to create a shared experience that feels personal and communal. Rubin highlights the unique dynamics of live podcast recordings, such as her recent event at Camden Yards, where she combined a live show with a ceremonial first pitch, underscoring the emotional resonance of these interactions.

Rubin traces her fandom back to childhood, influenced by her father’s love of fantasy literature and sports, which shaped her early interests in series like *The Lord of the Rings* and *Harry Potter*. She recounts how these passions evolved alongside her career, from reading *A Song of Ice and Fire* during her time at *Sports Illustrated* to embracing the Marvel Cinematic Universe as she transitioned to adulthood in New York City.

She emphasizes the distinct qualities of podcasting, describing it as an intimate medium where listeners form deep connections with hosts and topics. Rubin and her cohosts aim to balance expertise with approachability, creating content that feels like a conversation with friends. This approach has cultivated dedicated fan communities, including listeners who met through earlier podcasts and now engage in shared activities like trivia groups and social gatherings.

Rubin also shares her unexpected journey into sports media, acknowledging the challenges of online feedback while celebrating the rewards of connecting with audiences. She discusses her recent foray into Formula 1 fandom, driven by *Drive to Survive*, and her family’s adoption of McLaren as their team, illustrating how podcasting can inspire new passions and shared experiences across diverse interests.

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