The Obi One Podcast

History made for the Obi One Podcast as we bring you our first ever Taking the Mikel Live event in Dubai, brought to you by BetWinner. John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are joined by over 200 fans from Chelsea’s official Supporters Club in the UAE for an intimate evening of revelations, insights and laughter. Recorded prior to Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, John reveals the truth behind h...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy pick the bones out of Chelsea’s first match of 2025 as their winless run in the league stretches to four matches after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. ‘Hard work’ is John’s buzzword as Nicolas Jackson’s lean spell continues, plus Enzo Maresca’s apparent aversion to substitutions also comes under the microscope as does an injury that threatens to derail the Blues’ sea...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy kickstart 2025 by looking back over a festive period that wasn’t kind to Chelsea - or Manchester United. John also has his say on Noni Madueke’s recent troubles, his January transfer wish list and weights in on the nightmare that has befallen Ruben Amorim’s start to life at Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy welcome Arsenal and England great Sol Campbell onto the Obi One Podcast, and the former defender doesn’t disappoint. Campbell, an Invincible with the Gunners in 2003-04, opens up on a range of subjects, from turning his back on management to why he doesn’t believe he gets the credit he deserves. The 73-capped star also unpacks the story of his controversial move fr...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in London for this week’s Taking the Mikel episode. John meets Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and enjoys his hospitality as the Blues claim a 2-1 home win over Brentford. So what’s he really like? John reveals all plus the guys discuss Mykhailo Mudryk’s shock failed drugs test and it’s possible ramifications for the player and the club. And there’s plenty of f...

Steven Bartlett; entrepreneur, speaker, investor, author and the host of the popular ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast, is our latest special guest on the Obi One Podcast. Steven talks candidly about the experiences and decisions that shaped his life and career, and reveals the secrets behind his hugely popular podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Obi One Podcast John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy sit down with one of the greatest commentators ever, Martin Tyler, to discuss life in the gantry. From being the voice of Sky Sports’ football coverage for over 25 years to delivering some of the greatest lines in Premier League history, including the most famous of them all: ‘Aggggüüüeeeerrrrooooo’. Who can forget it? In this...

John Obi Mikel has his say on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with old rivals Arsenal. From some ‘friendly’ advice for ex-Blue Kai Havertz to question marks over Robert Sanchez’s suitability as the club’s long-term No1. John also opines about Cole Palmer’s quiet afternoon and asks for more in the big games from Chelsea’s main man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn is one of the most influential figures in boxing, and he’s the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. Eddie opens up on life in the industry, the lessons he learned from his father Barry, Turki Alalshikh’s role in shaping the sport’s future and answers the burning question: will Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury ever fight? As for the possi...

Fresh from his appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Chelsea great John Obi Mikel aims both barrels at Real Madrid, settles on Enzo Maresca’s ideal midfield pairing and gives his verdict on Europe’s hottest striker right now. So who gets his vote? Sporting’s goal machine Viktor Gyökeres or fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He’s the man who has a position named after him, and he’s also the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing the one and only Claude Makélélé. The former midfield metronome looks back on his career, from being unceremoniously jettisoned by Real Madrid to finding a home at Chelsea. He also opens up on the qualities needed for his position, what made Zinedine Zidane so unique and why he wasn’...

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for an exclusive, in-depth interview with Chelsea’s former Technical Director Michael Emenalo. In this wide-ranging conversation, Emenalo gives fascinating insight into his new role as Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League, what the job entails and what the overall vision is for the big-spending league. Was Kylian Mbappé ever a g...

Chelsea great John Obi Mikel has a smile on his face after Cole Palmer’s four-goal masterclass against Brighton. But he is calling for calm. And there’s good reason. John also picks through the wreckage of Manchester United’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Tottenham and believes it’s time for a former Chelsea boss to come out of hibernation and take up the reins at Old Trafford. But do you agree?...

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra reflects on his illustrious career in this hilarious sit-down with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. ‘Pat’ opens up on why he wanted to quit United just days after joining, his unique relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and reveals some of the secrets from the inner sanctum. Evra also reveals just how close he came to fighting Luis Suarez in a department store...

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict after his former side’s 3-0 at West Ham. He devours a huge slice of humble pie after Nicolas Jackson’s two-goal showing plus he can’t hide his excitement as Moisés Caicedo finally shows his true colours. As for Arsenal’s gamesmanship against Manchester City, John is under no illusions they learnt from the best: his Chelsea side - the original mast...

In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi Mikel reflects on Chelsea’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth. His verdict on Jadon Sancho’s match-winning cameo and why there are shades of Chelsea’s past with Messrs Drogba and Terry. Also, is Christopher Nkunku the answer to the Blues profligacy in front of goal? John also discusses the North London Derby and gives both barrels to Spurs defender Cr...

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill joins the Obi One Podcast to reminisce about his trophy-laden seven years at Stamford Bridge. From silencing the doubters to winning over José Mourinho, Cahill opens up on what life was REALLY like playing for the Blues. He also pulls no punches in his critique of one former boss and his ‘boring’ style. Not one to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...

In the latest episode of Taking the Mikel, the fellas take advantage of the international break to assess Nigeria’s fortunes on and off the pitch. John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict on the Super Eagles’ unbeaten start to their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and the hullabaloo surrounding their vacant managerial position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea great John Obi Mikel lifts the lid on what REALLY happened on transfer deadline day as his former club chased the signature of Victor Osimhen. Just how involved was he trying to lure his fellow Nigerian to Stamford Bridge? How close was the deal? And what now that Osimhen is off to Galatasaray? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in Doha to speak to BeIN Sports’ duo Richard Keys and Andy Gray. In this warts ‘n all conversation, Richard and Andy are incredibly candid about their controversial exit from Sky Sports in 2011, the mental toll it took on them and the anger they still feel over the way it was handled. The duo also give their thoughts on Manchester C...

There really was only one place to start in this week’s Taking the Mikel episode. 👀 John Obi reponds to being told to ‘shut his mouth’ by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Shots well and truly fired. The Blues legend also runs the rule over Chelsea’s 6-2 demolition of Wolves, hails the impact of Noni Madueke and has his say on rumours that Jadon Sancho could be Stamford Bridge-bound. The Erling Ha...

In his latest Taking the Mikel podcast, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel weighs in on the future of Raheem Sterling after his shock omission from Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener. Is there more to the story? And what’s next? John also gives his verdict on the overall performance in Chelsea’s the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, and questions the decision to appoint Enzo Fernan...

Arsenal and France legend Robert Pires is the latest big-name to join the Obi One Podcast as he opens up on life with the Gunners. From his relationship with Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry to the leadership of Patrick Vieira, Pires reminisces about the glory days at both Highbury and the Emirates. Arsenal’s Invincibles versus Man Utd’s Treble winners? Pires delivers his verdict on that, plus he dis...

In this Taking the Mikel episode, John Obi Mikel looks ahead to the brand new English Premier League season. He gives his verdict on Chelsea’s pre-season form, makes an impassioned plea to Blues target Victor Osimhen and questions the club’s desire to get rid of two players who “bleed blue”: Trevor Chalobah and Conor Gallagher. Mikel also calls on African Football Associations to up their game if...

In another exclusive for the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in the Spanish capital to speak to none other than Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Fresh from a record-extending fifth European Cup triumph as manager, Don Carlo was only too willing to open the doors to Real’s training ground for this wide-ranging and illuminating hour-long sit down. In it, Ancelotti lifts the lid on his approach...