Podcast Spotlight: The Quarter-Lee Report

Sports fans can rejoice in finding a podcast as enthusiastic about the game as they are! Host Armon Lee breaks each episode into quarters to cover basketball, music, boxing, and everything in between. He is funny, outspoken, and—most importantly—a major sports fan. Episodes are weekly and can reach over two hours, but Lee is such a passionate host that listeners will never be bored. Whether he’s sharing hot takes on coaches and players or insights into the business side, listeners can tell how much he loves the game. This podcast is a safe space to celebrate the unrestrained joy and occasional pain that comes with being a die-hard sports fan!

Lee addresses listener questions and comments during his monologues, proving he’s built an engaged community. The production is well-planned as the sound effects and music have perfect timing, only making each show better. Check out The Quarter-Lee Report for a full dose of sports and entertainment at a quarter of the cost. 

We were fortunate to talk with Lee about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

LEE: I’ve always wanted to host a sports show. But early on my career path took me to go behind the scenes. I’ve been a sports producer for close to 15 years now, even winning two Emmys along the way. But I found that in the sports talk format there really isn’t a voice for many die hard fans such as myself. There’s a significant lack of diversity in the field, so with my earlier passion to be heard, coupled with my skill set at producing, I figured “why not now? Why not me?”

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to The Quarter-Lee Report

LEE: I feel like folks should listen to “The Quarter-Lee Report” because sports conversations by and large have become so tired and cliched recently, IMO. I HATE the “embrace debate” culture that has basically run roughshod over sports and our society over the past two decades. Plus, so many people take sports so seriously. I love sports but I also know that it’s not really something that I can yell and scream about all day. I like to think I’m not the only one who feels this way, too. I like to laugh, but I also like to think. And sports is an amazing vehicle to touch on many broader topics. So I believe listeners who desire something more than yelling and debating over LeBron vs Jordan all day, should give my show a listen. 

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

LEE: Three plus years in I’ve gotten nothing but positive reviews. Which is difficult because I want to grow the show. Don’t get me wrong, I love that it’s resonating with people. I love that. But I’m always trying to figure out the “secret sauce” you know? Trying to tweak things here and there to really get the show to pop. But ultimately, that will happen by consistently producing quality shows, and thus far the feedback I get has been extremely positive. I think people really enjoy the segmented nature of my podcast. It’s broken down into 4 quarters, so maybe you’re not the biggest boxing fan, if so you can skip quarter #2 and go right to whatever topic you’re most interested in. But I like to think I’m entertaining enough and compelling enough to get you to listen to the whole show through.

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

LEE: My setup is pretty standard you know? HP Envy laptop and a USB Behringer mixer. I’ve got a condenser mic with some beats by Dre headphones and along with Adobe Audition that’s pretty much it!

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

LEE: The biggest challenge for me has been gaining exposure. There’s so many pods out there right now and so many new ones debuting essentially daily that it’s tough for an indie like myself to breakthrough. I’m not an athlete, or a former anchor. At my core I’m just a fan. So how do you get other fans to spend an hour and a half weekly to listen to me? I know making consistent high quality fun shows will win people over. I’m that confident in the show, but getting my foot in the door and bringing home new listeners has been the biggest (and sometimes the most frustrating) hurdle for me.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

LEE: Sky’s the limit. I really believe in the show. And I think I have an authentic voice that often times gets ignored in the sports landscape. I visualize the success I want for the show, so there’s no way I’m going to put a ceiling on my dreams and goals for it.

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

LEE: I’m a big fan of the Million Dollars Worth of Game Pod. Also the “Okay Now Listen” pod from Netflix’s Strong Black Lead. ESPN Daily is also a good one. Plus some local DC pods such as “The Focus” and “Urban Sports Scene”

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

LEE: I know there’s a lot of competition for listeners— especially with sports. But if you’re tired of the same old same old, give my show a listen. From a production standpoint I really feel the show stands out. I mean that’s literally how I got my start. As far as the content we blend humor but also intelligent conversations that I’m not sure you’d find elsewhere. So check me out, I’m think you’re gonna enjoy what you hear.