On Friday, July 24, The Chip Race podcast will air its 200th episode.
After more than a decade spent on the airwaves, the trio of hosts – David Lappin, Dara O'Kearney, and Barry Carter – will mark the milestone with yet another installment of high-quality poker content.
It hasn't always been an easy ride, but they've weathered the highs and lows of the poker podcasting world with deftness.
PokerOrg reached out to the trio to ask a few questions about the journey – and they responded with the characteristic wit and charm that has endeared them to so many in the poker community.
Consistency and authenticity
How does it feel to reach this milestone?
O'Kearney: Weird, because as a binary man myself it's episode 256 that I'm really looking forward to!
Is there a moment that stands out as especially important in the show's history?
Lappin: No, and I think that's a good thing. Our philosophy was to build up a loyal following by being consistent. We could have tried to make various splashes by being more click-baity or outrageous, but we knew that would only bring us a fickle audience. Even on the occasions when we encountered controversy we always handled the topic authentically.
Do you have a favorite interview from the hundreds you've conducted?
O'Kearney: The one with my wife for Episode 50. It's still, to my mind, not just our greatest interview, but the greatest interview in the history of humankind.
Lappin: I am terrified of Mireille so even if I didn't agree, I would I say I did.
'The North Star of The Chip Race'
What were your original goals in creating The Chip Race? Do you think you've met those goals?
Lappin: The North Star of The Chip Race is to experience everyone and everything to do with poker. That's the engine of the show. It's like podcasting Don Juan-ism. So, no, we haven't and we never will.
What has kept you motivated in producing content over the years?
Lappin: I can say honestly that we have never lost motivation. Making the show is hard work, but it's tremendous fun too. Speaking for myself, I get to hang out with my best friend and chat to interesting people. That's not a chore!
How do you plan to celebrate?
O'Kearney: I'll celebrate by liking the tweets of anyone who comments on it. I can't speak for Barry and David, but I will anyway. Barry will explain to his dogs for the umpteenth time why he's our best newsman and what a meme is. David will drunkenly interview himself in the mirror, quaffing gin, trying to get to the bottom of how brilliant he is and how clever it was that he used the phrase 'podcasting Don Juan-ism' in a poker interview.
What does the future of The Chip Race look like?
O'Kearney: 56 more episodes, obviously! To be honest, I'm surprised I've been able to put up with David this long, but now that we are here there's only 56 more to get to 100,000,000 (in binary!).
PokerStars in on the celebrations
In honor of the show's 200th episode, PokerStars will host an $11 Chip Race Special Bounty Builder this Sunday, July 26.
With the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary looming on the horizon, the site will award Daily Heat Phase 1 entries for players who knockout hosts Lappin, O'Kearney, and Carter or PokerStars Ambassador's Benjamin 'Spraggy' Spragg, Marle Spragg, and Sebastian Huber.
