Kevin Harvick admits he thought "Happy Hour" podcast was "a terrible idea"

NASCAR champion turned broadcaster Kevin Harvick recently admitted that he initially thought his successful Harvick Happy Hour podcast was "a terrible idea" when it was first pitched to him. 

Despite his initial scepticism, the 2014 Cup Series champion's podcast, which is now in its second year, has evolved into a much-loved platform amongst NASCAR fans. 

During an interview with The Athletic, Harvick explained:

"I thought that podcast was a terrible idea when we started, but it has evolved into exactly [that sort of outlet]. And I think it’s because on the air, you never see and hear everything that’s happening because it’s happening so fast.

"There is this unbelievable pace of the booth in the way that the information and things are happening, so being able to digest that after the race, listen, see everything else that was going on — the topics pretty much shape themselves. It’s great to be able to dive into some of the more critical things, whether it’s NASCAR, driver, track, whatever that scenario is, to be able to have those conversations that are tough."

When asked to elaborate on why he wasn't keen on the idea at the beginning, he added:

"It seemed like a lot of work, and it is, but it’s not as difficult as you think it is. And it actually helps you prepare for the week. By the time I get to my production meetings on Tuesday, I have a pretty well-rounded idea of what happened over the weekend or what you’re leading into for the next week."

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Harvick's broadcasting career began while he was still competing full-time. In 2015, he made guest appearances on FOX Sports' coverage of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, becoming one of the first five active Cup Series drivers to do so.

After retiring from full-time racing at the end of the 2023 Cup Series season, Harvick joined FOX Sports as an analyst in 2024 alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer. On top of joining the broadcast team, Harvick launched the Kevin Harvick Happy Hour podcast presented by NASCAR on FOX in 2024.