https://www.spreaker.com/show/shapiro-archives-sports-media-figuresenSportsCopyright Ari Shapirohttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/351cd88544c7419c1730cfcd829d4ea8.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/shapiro-archives-sports-media-figuresFri, 22 Jul 2022 01:37:21 +0000Ari ShapiroAri Shapirofeeds@spreaker.comAri Shapiro's exclusive daily interviews with media personalities across all walks of life.cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/casey-michel-interview-sept-10-2020
We discussed: his recent article entitled "The Oathkeepers Are Today's Blackshirts" featured in The New Republic and the rise of extremism, if he feels that North Americans should be mindful of the burgeoning paramilitary forces that represent ultra-right nationalism, how he's kept track of historical firsts when it comes to the Donald Trump presidency and how badly it's undermining democracy in America, the likely scenarios that will unfold during the upcoming November election, his feelings on the shamelessness of an era no longer bound by traditional history and rife with cultural revisionism, which aspect of society should be blamed for the current state of affairs in the White House, if he's more worried about China or Russia when it comes to the future, and how he wrestles with the dystopian realities confronted on a weekly basis through a steady diet of worthwhile video games and enthusiastic bird-watching.

Don't forget to follow Casey on social media (@cjcmichel) and check out all his brilliant work at caseymichel.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41296479Sun, 04 Oct 2020 21:45:07 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, analyst and investigative journalist Casey Michel, whose writings on global corruption, government kleptocracies, western relations and post-Soviet geopolitics have been featured on the BBC, NPR, MSNBC and countless other...
We discussed: his recent article entitled "The Oathkeepers Are Today's Blackshirts" featured in The New Republic and the rise of extremism, if he feels that North Americans should be mindful of the burgeoning paramilitary forces that represent ultra-right nationalism, how he's kept track of historical firsts when it comes to the Donald Trump presidency and how badly it's undermining democracy in America, the likely scenarios that will unfold during the upcoming November election, his feelings on the shamelessness of an era no longer bound by traditional history and rife with cultural revisionism, which aspect of society should be blamed for the current state of affairs in the White House, if he's more worried about China or Russia when it comes to the future, and how he wrestles with the dystopian realities confronted on a weekly basis through a steady diet of worthwhile video games and enthusiastic bird-watching.

Don't forget to follow Casey on social media (@cjcmichel) and check out all his brilliant work at caseymichel.com.]]>2792arishapiro,caseymichel,china,corruption,democracy,donaldtrump,election,nationalism,proudboys,russia,theoathkeepers,unitedstatescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/satin-jackets-interview
We discussed: the retro aspect of his music and the origin story behind the name "Satin Jackets", the genesis of Coffee and Feels and how his commitment to exploring melodies/chords/vocals has allowed him to transcend conventional genres of the industry, why his tracks have often been described as both celebratory and lovestruck, his earliest association with disco and his impressions of how music has evolved during the pandemic, how being an independent artist relying on social media helped him connect with legions of new fans, how he feels about where music is today and the importance of being in control of the creative process, and why growing his brand slowly and steadily has given him the passion to keep coming back for more.

Be sure to explore Tim's work via social media (@satinjackets), Spotify and countless other music sources.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/29705205Sat, 06 Jun 2020 17:11:53 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with critically acclaimed and avant-garde musician Tim Bernhardt aka Satin Jackets, whose mercurial creativity and refined European influence can be felt with every note, beat and melody featured in his ruggedly audacious compositions....
We discussed: the retro aspect of his music and the origin story behind the name "Satin Jackets", the genesis of Coffee and Feels and how his commitment to exploring melodies/chords/vocals has allowed him to transcend conventional genres of the industry, why his tracks have often been described as both celebratory and lovestruck, his earliest association with disco and his impressions of how music has evolved during the pandemic, how being an independent artist relying on social media helped him connect with legions of new fans, how he feels about where music is today and the importance of being in control of the creative process, and why growing his brand slowly and steadily has given him the passion to keep coming back for more.

Be sure to explore Tim's work via social media (@satinjackets), Spotify and countless other music sources.]]>1420arishapiro,coffeeandfeels,deephouse,deeptrance,disco,littleairplanes,satinjackets,timbernhardtcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/a-conversation-with-jesse-goldberg-stras_3
We talked about the gruesome state of the game and what cheating has meant to an entire generation of baseball fans, if the Toronto Blue Jays can justify his prediction for wins in 2020 versus mine (JGS: 88, AS: 78), what this season has in store for Shapiro/Atkins detractors, and what modern technology has done to expose the true layers of amoral and unethical behaviour that exists in today's game.

Be sure to check out Jesse's fine work at jessegoldbergstrassler.com and @jgoldstrass on social media. His latest books include: The Baseball Thesaurus and The Football Thesaurus.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today to receive my latest audio, video and existential creative efforts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23399913Mon, 02 Mar 2020 18:44:34 +0000Ari ShapiroMy latest conversation with critically-acclaimed broadcaster and author Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, who was recently named Ballpark Digest's 2019 MiLB Broadcaster of the Year. We talked about the gruesome state of the game and what cheating has meant...
We talked about the gruesome state of the game and what cheating has meant to an entire generation of baseball fans, if the Toronto Blue Jays can justify his prediction for wins in 2020 versus mine (JGS: 88, AS: 78), what this season has in store for Shapiro/Atkins detractors, and what modern technology has done to expose the true layers of amoral and unethical behaviour that exists in today's game.

Be sure to check out Jesse's fine work at jessegoldbergstrassler.com and @jgoldstrass on social media. His latest books include: The Baseball Thesaurus and The Football Thesaurus.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today to receive my latest audio, video and existential creative efforts.]]>1564arishapiro,baseball,cheatingscandal,houstonastros,jessegoldberg-strassler,mlb,torontobluejayscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/shapiros-daily-show-02-22

[00:38-12:35] A conversation with Chandler Worthy of the Toronto Argonauts
[12:40-31:31] Blue Jays and Maple Leafs round table with Luke Armstrong and Sam Mendelsohn

On this episode: a compelling discussion about football and philanthropy with Chandler Worthy who happens to be a wide receiver with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. You can find him on Instagram (@cworthy16) and be sure to check out his fine work with Kalari.ca where he's developing a mental health company aimed at working with students to improve their self-esteem and confidence in leading by example.

Also, writer and blogger Luke Armstrong (@armstrongthings) and sports broadcaster Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island) drop by to discuss the current scandal-plagued nature of a fresh new MLB season and why the Maple Leafs might be lacking the defensive pixie dust to help them deal with quality eastern conference foes.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive all my literary and video content free of charge. It's likely the best decision you'll make all week.

Music: "Little Guitars" by Van Halen (Diver Down, 1982)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23079168Sat, 22 Feb 2020 21:47:57 +0000Ari ShapiroShapiro's Daily Show: Saturday Edition [00:38-12:35] A conversation with Chandler Worthy of the Toronto Argonauts [12:40-31:31] Blue Jays and Maple Leafs round table with Luke Armstrong and Sam Mendelsohn On this episode: a compelling discussion...

[00:38-12:35] A conversation with Chandler Worthy of the Toronto Argonauts
[12:40-31:31] Blue Jays and Maple Leafs round table with Luke Armstrong and Sam Mendelsohn

On this episode: a compelling discussion about football and philanthropy with Chandler Worthy who happens to be a wide receiver with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. You can find him on Instagram (@cworthy16) and be sure to check out his fine work with Kalari.ca where he's developing a mental health company aimed at working with students to improve their self-esteem and confidence in leading by example.

Also, writer and blogger Luke Armstrong (@armstrongthings) and sports broadcaster Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island) drop by to discuss the current scandal-plagued nature of a fresh new MLB season and why the Maple Leafs might be lacking the defensive pixie dust to help them deal with quality eastern conference foes.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive all my literary and video content free of charge. It's likely the best decision you'll make all week.

Music: "Little Guitars" by Van Halen (Diver Down, 1982)]]>1926arishapiro,bluejays,cfl,chandlerworthy,houstonastros,littleguitars,lukearmstrong,mapleleafs,mlb,nhl,robmanfred,sammendelsohn,torontoargonauts,vanhalencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/alex-seixeiro-conversation-01-24-20_1
We discussed his thoughts on the Blue Jays and their torrid off-season, the Raptors and their sublime excellence night in and night out, and the Maple Leafs and their quest to end over half a century of futility, along with his candid position on the changing of the guard (Don Cherry, Bob McCown) when it comes to broadcasting personalities and sports journalism in Canada.

Be sure to check out Alex and his fine work on social media (@alexfan590) and across all Sportsnet affiliates.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today to receive my latest audio, video and existential creative efforts that will either make your day or quite possibly bore you to tears. Either way, you won't regret it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22107107Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:07:18 +0000Ari ShapiroMy latest conversation with celebrated Sportsnet anchor and radio/television host Alex Seixeiro, whose industry success, commitment to his craft and informed opinions make him a powerful conversationalist and a worthwhile authority on the subject of...
We discussed his thoughts on the Blue Jays and their torrid off-season, the Raptors and their sublime excellence night in and night out, and the Maple Leafs and their quest to end over half a century of futility, along with his candid position on the changing of the guard (Don Cherry, Bob McCown) when it comes to broadcasting personalities and sports journalism in Canada.

Be sure to check out Alex and his fine work on social media (@alexfan590) and across all Sportsnet affiliates.

Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today to receive my latest audio, video and existential creative efforts that will either make your day or quite possibly bore you to tears. Either way, you won't regret it.]]>2411alexseixsero,arishapiro,baseball,bluejays,cheatingscandal,mapleleafs,mlb,nba,nhl,raptors,sportsnetcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/a-conversation-with-sass-jordan
We discussed the staples of a Gen-X childhood growing up in Toronto during the 1980's, what inspires her to continue writing music, how the changing industry has affected her quest for authenticity, what drives her to embrace the creative process in an ever-changing world, how her emotional maturity transcended the usual trappings of soul-sucking fame, what it means to appeal to a brand new and younger audience while enjoying the fruits of the old, and what it was like to rub shoulders with some of the biggest artists on the planet (Foo Fighters, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones).

Be sure to visit Sassjordan.com to order your (kick ass) 180-gram coloured vinyl limited edition 25th anniversary of her seminal release "Rats", and check out Twitter (@sassjordan) and Instagram (sass.jordan) to catch up on the latest Sass Jordan tour dates, musical releases and other literary moments of zen.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18809615Tue, 13 Aug 2019 20:21:47 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with Juno-award winning singer, actress and television personality Sass Jordan, who is often referred to as Canada's Queen of Rock - and for good reason! This British-born rock singer from Montreal, Quebec is beloved on both sides of...
We discussed the staples of a Gen-X childhood growing up in Toronto during the 1980's, what inspires her to continue writing music, how the changing industry has affected her quest for authenticity, what drives her to embrace the creative process in an ever-changing world, how her emotional maturity transcended the usual trappings of soul-sucking fame, what it means to appeal to a brand new and younger audience while enjoying the fruits of the old, and what it was like to rub shoulders with some of the biggest artists on the planet (Foo Fighters, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones).

Be sure to visit Sassjordan.com to order your (kick ass) 180-gram coloured vinyl limited edition 25th anniversary of her seminal release "Rats", and check out Twitter (@sassjordan) and Instagram (sass.jordan) to catch up on the latest Sass Jordan tour dates, musical releases and other literary moments of zen.]]>1617arishapiro,canadianicon,sassjordancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/richard-lewis-interview-07-04-19
We discussed his recent article on Desmond Daniel "Etika" Amofah and how struggles with mental health and social media integrity are producing the next great medical epidemic, his candid thoughts on the perils of app-based addictions, how he keeps himself sane during his repeated forays into match-fixing scandals/gambling controversies/unethical program violations, the true damage that Facebook has caused an entire generation, if we've gone past the point of no return when it comes to regulating or defining the influence of modern social media, and what drove him to become a crusader against misanthropic corporations and unscrupulous profit-driven game developers.

Be sure to follow Richard (@RLewisReports) on Twitter, and be sure to visit his YouTube page for the latest video commentaries and eSport industry takes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18464514Fri, 05 Jul 2019 00:25:47 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with British eSports journalist and livestream commentator Richard Lewis, whose intrepid investigations and soothsaying work as the former host of ELeague and By The Numbers: CSGO, a weekly counter-strike: Global Offensive podcast, has...
We discussed his recent article on Desmond Daniel "Etika" Amofah and how struggles with mental health and social media integrity are producing the next great medical epidemic, his candid thoughts on the perils of app-based addictions, how he keeps himself sane during his repeated forays into match-fixing scandals/gambling controversies/unethical program violations, the true damage that Facebook has caused an entire generation, if we've gone past the point of no return when it comes to regulating or defining the influence of modern social media, and what drove him to become a crusader against misanthropic corporations and unscrupulous profit-driven game developers.

Be sure to follow Richard (@RLewisReports) on Twitter, and be sure to visit his YouTube page for the latest video commentaries and eSport industry takes.]]>3105arishapiro,esports,etika,facebook,richardlewis,socialmedia,twitch,twitter,youtubecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/ira-rheingold-interview-03-07-19-final
We talked about his love of fighting for consumer rights, his overall impressions of the Trump presidency, the changing tides of Democrat vs. Republican ideological struggles, his thoughts on the future of fairness and transparency when it comes to the average taxpayer living in North America, his candid take on the Equifax scandal, the concept of reverting to cretinism as global populism grows, the battle for truth and education in contemporary society, how social media remains a powder keg for the upcoming 2020 election, and the dangers of baseball's greed and lingering hubris.

Be sure to follow Ira (@IraRheingold) on social media, and visit consumeradvocates.org to learn more about an organization worth admiring for all the right reasons.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17364299Mon, 18 Mar 2019 23:51:02 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with consumer advocate and altruist Ira Rheingold, who is the executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates; a nationwide organization of more than 1500 attorneys who represent hundreds of thousands of consumers...
We talked about his love of fighting for consumer rights, his overall impressions of the Trump presidency, the changing tides of Democrat vs. Republican ideological struggles, his thoughts on the future of fairness and transparency when it comes to the average taxpayer living in North America, his candid take on the Equifax scandal, the concept of reverting to cretinism as global populism grows, the battle for truth and education in contemporary society, how social media remains a powder keg for the upcoming 2020 election, and the dangers of baseball's greed and lingering hubris.

Be sure to follow Ira (@IraRheingold) on social media, and visit consumeradvocates.org to learn more about an organization worth admiring for all the right reasons.]]>1997arishapiro,irarheingold,naca,unitedstatescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/gil-troy-interview-03-06-19-final_1
We discussed if there was anything left that surprised him politically or spiritually during the age of Trump, how his academic and literary background allowed him to sublimate a world filled with extreme ideas and unreasonable people, what inspired him to study world history and understand the basic question of conflict and resolution, if the dangers of historical revisionism keep him awake at night, his take on Samuel Huntington's clash of civilizations paradigm, if tribalism and the rise of authoritarian regimes is all but destroying the concept of centrism, how the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the demise of compromise changed the Israeli narrative permanently, his take on separating anti-semitic discourse with anti-Israel sentiment, and why Quebec took sovereignty off the table after decades of fervent nationalism.

Make sure you're following Gil (@GilTroy) on social media, and be sure to visit his website (giltroy.com) to enjoy his latest literary efforts and commentary on the world around us.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17292885Mon, 11 Mar 2019 22:52:13 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with celebrated writer and historian Gil Troy, who has received numerous international awards for excellence in commentary and is also a prolific author of such critically-acclaimed books as "Age of Clinton: America in the 1990's" and...
We discussed if there was anything left that surprised him politically or spiritually during the age of Trump, how his academic and literary background allowed him to sublimate a world filled with extreme ideas and unreasonable people, what inspired him to study world history and understand the basic question of conflict and resolution, if the dangers of historical revisionism keep him awake at night, his take on Samuel Huntington's clash of civilizations paradigm, if tribalism and the rise of authoritarian regimes is all but destroying the concept of centrism, how the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the demise of compromise changed the Israeli narrative permanently, his take on separating anti-semitic discourse with anti-Israel sentiment, and why Quebec took sovereignty off the table after decades of fervent nationalism.

Make sure you're following Gil (@GilTroy) on social media, and be sure to visit his website (giltroy.com) to enjoy his latest literary efforts and commentary on the world around us.]]>2364arishapiro,giltroy,israel,quebec,unitedstatescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/william-d-cohan-interview-03-05-19-final
We talked about his latest book (Why Wall Street Matters) and his thoughts on an increasingly polarized and rudderless United States government, what inspired him to leave his former life as a senior investment banker and continue his passion for journalism, where he finds the diligence to stay on top of significantly ambitious and controversial projects, how Canadians should perceive their neighbours down south while witnessing political chicanery at play, if North Americans should really be worried about a Warren Buffet style 'megacatastrophe' in the near future, his candidly unfiltered conclusions on the Trump presidency, and why baseball and the Boston Red Sox made him the happiest man in the Western Hemisphere.

Be sure to follow Bill (@WilliamCohan) on social media and visit his website (williamcohan.com) to find his latest published works, award-winning mantras, and compelling streams of worthwhile literary and audio appearances.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268424Fri, 08 Mar 2019 23:16:22 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with investigative journalist and best-selling author William D. Cohan, whose prodigious nature and intrepid literary skills have made him one of the world's foremost authorities on the true nature of Wall Street corruption and...
We talked about his latest book (Why Wall Street Matters) and his thoughts on an increasingly polarized and rudderless United States government, what inspired him to leave his former life as a senior investment banker and continue his passion for journalism, where he finds the diligence to stay on top of significantly ambitious and controversial projects, how Canadians should perceive their neighbours down south while witnessing political chicanery at play, if North Americans should really be worried about a Warren Buffet style 'megacatastrophe' in the near future, his candidly unfiltered conclusions on the Trump presidency, and why baseball and the Boston Red Sox made him the happiest man in the Western Hemisphere.

Be sure to follow Bill (@WilliamCohan) on social media and visit his website (williamcohan.com) to find his latest published works, award-winning mantras, and compelling streams of worthwhile literary and audio appearances.]]>1623baseball,wallstreet,whywallstreetmatters,williamdcohancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/stephen-witt-interview-final
We discussed the three most important figures who altered music forever; Karlheinz Brandenburg (altruistic scientist), Dell Glover (anarchic smuggler), and Doug Morris (greedy capitalist), what inspired Stephen to devote his life to researching and writing about the truth behind mainstream perceptions of security and privacy, his impressions of Tower Records and the end of old school retailing, why his lack of sentimentality for album nostalgia and classic rock bands shouldn't be mistaken for as weakness, the insidious nature of Apple and Google when it comes to meta-data collection and how it's influencing a new generation of music lovers, and his candid thoughts on the human condition when it comes to new ideas constructed on the backs of failing industries.

Be sure to follow Stephen (@stephenwitt) on social media and visit his website (stephenwittbooks.com) to order your copy of "How Music Got Free: The end of an industry, the turn of the century, and the patient zero of piracy" available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Powell's, Indiebound, and iBooks.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17244900Thu, 07 Mar 2019 01:17:45 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with critically-acclaimed author and journalist Stephen Witt, whose book "How Music Got Free" is a brilliant narrative history of music piracy and a true story about the scientists, smugglers, and corporate suits that you never...
We discussed the three most important figures who altered music forever; Karlheinz Brandenburg (altruistic scientist), Dell Glover (anarchic smuggler), and Doug Morris (greedy capitalist), what inspired Stephen to devote his life to researching and writing about the truth behind mainstream perceptions of security and privacy, his impressions of Tower Records and the end of old school retailing, why his lack of sentimentality for album nostalgia and classic rock bands shouldn't be mistaken for as weakness, the insidious nature of Apple and Google when it comes to meta-data collection and how it's influencing a new generation of music lovers, and his candid thoughts on the human condition when it comes to new ideas constructed on the backs of failing industries.

Be sure to follow Stephen (@stephenwitt) on social media and visit his website (stephenwittbooks.com) to order your copy of "How Music Got Free: The end of an industry, the turn of the century, and the patient zero of piracy" available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Powell's, Indiebound, and iBooks.]]>2120arishapiro,howmusicgotfree,stephenwittcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/tom-harrington-interview-02-14-19-final
We talked about his storied career which began in 1981, nostalgic experiences from Calgary-Montreal-Toronto, how the changing nature of broadcast journalism forced him to adapt, his thoughts on social media and the polarization of thoughts in politics and sport, if the growing threat of disinformation and populism has changed the way he reports the news, and his refreshingly honest thoughts on the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors.

Be sure to check out Tom (@cbctom) on social media and especially at cbcnews.ca where you can watch, listen, and enjoy this acclaimed professional in action.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17079762Tue, 19 Feb 2019 02:42:57 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with nine-time Gemini nominee and Canadian journalist Tom Harrington, whose work as the host of The World This Hour on CBC Radio and with The National has made him a television and radio staple with households across the country. We...
We talked about his storied career which began in 1981, nostalgic experiences from Calgary-Montreal-Toronto, how the changing nature of broadcast journalism forced him to adapt, his thoughts on social media and the polarization of thoughts in politics and sport, if the growing threat of disinformation and populism has changed the way he reports the news, and his refreshingly honest thoughts on the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors.

Be sure to check out Tom (@cbctom) on social media and especially at cbcnews.ca where you can watch, listen, and enjoy this acclaimed professional in action.]]>1695cbcnews,cbcradio,theworldthishour,tomharringtoncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/scott-cullen-interview-02-13-2019-final
We discussed his earliest days in the business and how he crafted his identity and brand through sheer diligence and hard work, the reckoning of sports journalism and how the seismic nature of the business forced him to adjust every step of the way, his candid thoughts the Maple Leafs and the omnipresent divisional threat that is Tampa Bay Lightning, his brutally honest take on the state of the Raptors and if Gasol is enough to vault them into the NBA finals, and his stone cold interpretation of the rebuilding mandate behind the Blue Jays and the non-competitive nature of modern day free agency in baseball.

Be sure to check out Scott (@ByScottCullen) on social media and enjoy his fantasy prognostications for the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17056447Sat, 16 Feb 2019 19:49:54 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer and fantasy expert Scott Cullen, whose prolific work as a contributor at The Athletic and correspondent with the National Hockey League is admired by legions of fans and followers across North America. We discussed his...
We discussed his earliest days in the business and how he crafted his identity and brand through sheer diligence and hard work, the reckoning of sports journalism and how the seismic nature of the business forced him to adjust every step of the way, his candid thoughts the Maple Leafs and the omnipresent divisional threat that is Tampa Bay Lightning, his brutally honest take on the state of the Raptors and if Gasol is enough to vault them into the NBA finals, and his stone cold interpretation of the rebuilding mandate behind the Blue Jays and the non-competitive nature of modern day free agency in baseball.

Be sure to check out Scott (@ByScottCullen) on social media and enjoy his fantasy prognostications for the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA.]]>3059nhl,scottcullen,theathletic,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafs,torontoraptorscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/bif-naked-interview-02-11-2019-final
We talked about her extraordinary powers of self-awareness which never allowed the media to dictate her image, breaking on the scene after the arrival of the Seattle grunge sound, the things in life that inspire her every day and night, her passion for human rights and social justice, why being an animal lover is a defining trait that continues to nourish her life, how a childhood filled with parental expectations molded her into a soul fighter, her love of baseball and the Blue Jays, and the existential feeling behind moving from Vancouver to Toronto after nearly three decades.

Be sure to check out Bif Naked (@bifnaked) on social media and visit her website at bifnaked.com. Her latest book is "I, Bificus - Song & Stories Tour" which looks back at her entire career and 10-album repertoire that will only further your understanding of why she's been called the Princess of Punk, the Rock Goddess, and the Legend.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17026520Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:13:36 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, humanitarian, actress, and Canadian rock star icon Bif Naked, whose music and philosophy has made her into a profound source of inspiration for millions of fans. With classic hits like Spaceman, I Love Myself Today, and...
We talked about her extraordinary powers of self-awareness which never allowed the media to dictate her image, breaking on the scene after the arrival of the Seattle grunge sound, the things in life that inspire her every day and night, her passion for human rights and social justice, why being an animal lover is a defining trait that continues to nourish her life, how a childhood filled with parental expectations molded her into a soul fighter, her love of baseball and the Blue Jays, and the existential feeling behind moving from Vancouver to Toronto after nearly three decades.

Be sure to check out Bif Naked (@bifnaked) on social media and visit her website at bifnaked.com. Her latest book is "I, Bificus - Song & Stories Tour" which looks back at her entire career and 10-album repertoire that will only further your understanding of why she's been called the Princess of Punk, the Rock Goddess, and the Legend.]]>2209bifnaked,canadianicon,ibificus,namaste,survivorcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/tao-of-stieb-02-07-19-final_1
We discussed his recent article (18 memorable Blue Jays moments from 2018), his thoughts on the gruesomely silent free agent market, the trials and tribulations of having two-thirds of the league in a non-competitive state, the dangers of an embittered and seething players union, why the aphorism "if you build it they will come" is ruthlessly ignored time and time again by front office executives, and what he expects from the team in 2019 and beyond.

Be sure to check out Tao of Stieb (@TaoOfStieb) on social media and be sure to read his latest articles and insights at Sportsnet.ca. It's about the most sensible thing you can do next to shaking your fists and yelling at a cloud in the sky.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17014379Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:51:58 +0000Ari ShapiroMy latest conversation with the inimitable writer, blogger, and baseball existentialist Tao of Stieb, whose literary prowess at Sportsnet is something to be savoured and enjoyed for those of you who appreciate the value of an honest and intelligent...
We discussed his recent article (18 memorable Blue Jays moments from 2018), his thoughts on the gruesomely silent free agent market, the trials and tribulations of having two-thirds of the league in a non-competitive state, the dangers of an embittered and seething players union, why the aphorism "if you build it they will come" is ruthlessly ignored time and time again by front office executives, and what he expects from the team in 2019 and beyond.

Be sure to check out Tao of Stieb (@TaoOfStieb) on social media and be sure to read his latest articles and insights at Sportsnet.ca. It's about the most sensible thing you can do next to shaking your fists and yelling at a cloud in the sky.]]>2225mlb,taoofstieb,torontobluejayscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/shiri-bartman-interview-02-07-19-final
We talked about her thoughts on the perception of autism today compared to 25 years ago, why so many misconceptions about autism still exist in today's society, her thoughts on how governments can support families in dire need of financial and psychological help, and how the Rob Ford government has ignored the reality that liberal and conservative families are equally affected by the challenge of autism.

Be sure to follow Shiri on social media (@ShiriBartman) and visit The Shining Through Centre for Autism (shiningthrough.ca) which is a recognized leader in the field of autism and providing service excellence in therapy, education, research, and awareness to children and their families.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16992646Sat, 09 Feb 2019 04:12:15 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with behavior analyst and autism awareness crusader Shiri Bartman, whose work as the clinical director at the Shining Through Centre in Ontario is a testament to her passion and expertise in helping children and young adults diagnosed...
We talked about her thoughts on the perception of autism today compared to 25 years ago, why so many misconceptions about autism still exist in today's society, her thoughts on how governments can support families in dire need of financial and psychological help, and how the Rob Ford government has ignored the reality that liberal and conservative families are equally affected by the challenge of autism.

Be sure to follow Shiri on social media (@ShiriBartman) and visit The Shining Through Centre for Autism (shiningthrough.ca) which is a recognized leader in the field of autism and providing service excellence in therapy, education, research, and awareness to children and their families.]]>1021autism,robfordgovernment,shiningthrough,shiribartmancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/hugh-burrill-interview-02-05-19-final
We discussed the surprising Montreal Canadiens and the upstart New York Islanders, how losing Tavares was a classic case of addition by subtraction, on the power of real sports escapism, the portrayal of Matthews and Marner on social media as a mitigating factor, his candid thoughts on the Super Bowl, why the Blue Jays aren't following MLSE's mantra, and the looming threat of work stoppages in hockey and baseball.

Be sure to follow Hugh on social media (@hughwburrill) and tune in weekday mornings at the Fan 590 in Toronto for his live radio show.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16961876Wed, 06 Feb 2019 02:50:39 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with veteran broadcaster and sports commentator Hugh Burrill, whose work with CityTV, Breakfast Television, and Sportsnet is enjoyed by Canadians from coast-to-coast. We discussed the surprising Montreal Canadiens and the upstart New...
We discussed the surprising Montreal Canadiens and the upstart New York Islanders, how losing Tavares was a classic case of addition by subtraction, on the power of real sports escapism, the portrayal of Matthews and Marner on social media as a mitigating factor, his candid thoughts on the Super Bowl, why the Blue Jays aren't following MLSE's mantra, and the looming threat of work stoppages in hockey and baseball.

Be sure to follow Hugh on social media (@hughwburrill) and tune in weekday mornings at the Fan 590 in Toronto for his live radio show.]]>1556austonmatthews,hughburrill,montrealcanadiens,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/warren-kinsella-interview-01-22-19-final
We covered a wide range of political elucidations and historical musing including: his candid thoughts on Kim Campbell, the fallout between Andrew Scheer and Maxime Bernier, on the growing extinction of moral leadership in an increasingly volatile world, understanding the rise of populism and the branding of Donald Trump, why Hillary Clinton lost the American election in 2016 and why Brexit could have been avoided, on the Democrats using 2020 as a springboard to balance the scales by fighting fire with fire, why becoming a career politician is a dreadful challenge, and why he believes that the political pendulum will eventually swing on the near horizon.

Be sure to check out Warren's fine work at warrenkinsella.com and follow him on social media (@kinsellawarren).

Please note that listener discretion is advised as this conversation is rated R for containing searing amounts of brutal honesty, worthwhile moments of progressive thought, and excessive layers of nostalgia and melodramatic introspection.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16827559Thu, 24 Jan 2019 06:06:39 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with lawyer, author, musician, and political commentator Warren Kinsella, who writes for most of Canada's major newspapers and is widely respected for his profoundly worthwhile literary efforts like Web Of Hate: Inside Canada's Far...
We covered a wide range of political elucidations and historical musing including: his candid thoughts on Kim Campbell, the fallout between Andrew Scheer and Maxime Bernier, on the growing extinction of moral leadership in an increasingly volatile world, understanding the rise of populism and the branding of Donald Trump, why Hillary Clinton lost the American election in 2016 and why Brexit could have been avoided, on the Democrats using 2020 as a springboard to balance the scales by fighting fire with fire, why becoming a career politician is a dreadful challenge, and why he believes that the political pendulum will eventually swing on the near horizon.

Be sure to check out Warren's fine work at warrenkinsella.com and follow him on social media (@kinsellawarren).

Please note that listener discretion is advised as this conversation is rated R for containing searing amounts of brutal honesty, worthwhile moments of progressive thought, and excessive layers of nostalgia and melodramatic introspection.]]>2114arishapiro,canada,populism,unitedstates,warrenkinsellacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/final-allan-bester-conversation-01-16
We talked about the daunting nature of his craft during a notoriously free-wheeling and high-scoring decade, the changing nature of modern goaltending, thoughts on how NHL front offices should regard the position, introspective musings on the glory of hockey masks, his admired heroes and coveted teammates, on the legacy of Harold Ballard and his personal relationship with him, and some candid perspectives on the city's Stanley Cup drought and what fans truly desire in the end.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16743311Fri, 18 Jan 2019 04:08:39 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with former NHL goaltender Allan Bester, whose time with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the mid-80's made him into a genuine local favourite that was always respected for his competitive spirit and indomitable will. We talked about...
We talked about the daunting nature of his craft during a notoriously free-wheeling and high-scoring decade, the changing nature of modern goaltending, thoughts on how NHL front offices should regard the position, introspective musings on the glory of hockey masks, his admired heroes and coveted teammates, on the legacy of Harold Ballard and his personal relationship with him, and some candid perspectives on the city's Stanley Cup drought and what fans truly desire in the end.]]>1589allanbester,arishapiro,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/01-02-19-dave-bidini-final
We discussed his thoughts on the history of sports mediocrity in Toronto, if the Blue Jays might learn from the Maple Leafs when it comes to fan-based organizational decisions, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and the pressures of media and fan expectations, why learning to lose is as important as trying to win, his perceptions of our fair city today compared to his youth, and how his inner creativity and fastidious ways carry him through life.

Be sure to check out Dave (@hockeyesque) on social media and make certain you visit West End Phoenix (@westendphoenix) to learn more about his splendid monthly community newspaper devoted to capturing the essence of Toronto and the people who make it indelible.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16615420Thu, 03 Jan 2019 01:12:39 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with musician and author Dave Bidini, former frontman of Rheostatics and a genuine bon vivant whose passion for sports alongside his prodigious literary achievements have earned him the right to be called one of the best Canadians...
We discussed his thoughts on the history of sports mediocrity in Toronto, if the Blue Jays might learn from the Maple Leafs when it comes to fan-based organizational decisions, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and the pressures of media and fan expectations, why learning to lose is as important as trying to win, his perceptions of our fair city today compared to his youth, and how his inner creativity and fastidious ways carry him through life.

Be sure to check out Dave (@hockeyesque) on social media and make certain you visit West End Phoenix (@westendphoenix) to learn more about his splendid monthly community newspaper devoted to capturing the essence of Toronto and the people who make it indelible.]]>1187bidiniband,davebidini,rheostatics,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafs,westendphoenixcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/josh-weinstein-interview-12-20-final
We discussed his thoughts on how the Raptors have stayed under the radar with their innate resiliency, on the nature of Kawhi Leonard and his impact around the NBA, why calling them the "Beasts of the East" is completely warranted, what might happen if Leonard leaves for presumably greener pastures, on the general perception of general manager Masai Ujiri and his legacy in Toronto, and what inspired Josh to become a professional basketball journalist.

Be sure to follow Josh (@JoshWeinstein) on social media and check out all of his fine work on Sportsnet from coast-to-coast.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16571907Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:46:33 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with freelance writer and editor Josh Weinstein, whose work with Raptors Republic and Sportsnet.ca has made him one of the foremost basketball authorities across Canada. We discussed his thoughts on how the Raptors have stayed under...
We discussed his thoughts on how the Raptors have stayed under the radar with their innate resiliency, on the nature of Kawhi Leonard and his impact around the NBA, why calling them the "Beasts of the East" is completely warranted, what might happen if Leonard leaves for presumably greener pastures, on the general perception of general manager Masai Ujiri and his legacy in Toronto, and what inspired Josh to become a professional basketball journalist.

Be sure to follow Josh (@JoshWeinstein) on social media and check out all of his fine work on Sportsnet from coast-to-coast.]]>1293joshweinstein,sportsnet,torontoraptors.cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/john-matisz-interview-final_1
We talked about his early impression on this NHL season and which team has surprised him the most, how Canadian teams have provided worthwhile narratives to keep fans satiated, if rebuilding pain is as much about perception as it is practical reality, why the average NHL contract is shrinking for anyone over the age of 25, how fear can be a powerful motivating factor for elite talent and their management groups, and why Gary Bettman chose the worst year to be honored for eternity.

Be sure to follow John (@MatiszJohn) on social media and check out his podcast (Puck Pursuit) at The Score and on Apple iTunes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16374904Tue, 04 Dec 2018 03:17:26 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with hockey writer John Matisz, whose fine work can be found at The Score Network where he provides national literary coverage of the sport from coast-to-coast. We talked about his early impression on this NHL season and which team...
We talked about his early impression on this NHL season and which team has surprised him the most, how Canadian teams have provided worthwhile narratives to keep fans satiated, if rebuilding pain is as much about perception as it is practical reality, why the average NHL contract is shrinking for anyone over the age of 25, how fear can be a powerful motivating factor for elite talent and their management groups, and why Gary Bettman chose the worst year to be honored for eternity.

Be sure to follow John (@MatiszJohn) on social media and check out his podcast (Puck Pursuit) at The Score and on Apple iTunes.]]>1524buffalosabres,johnmatisz,thescore,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/dom-luszczyszyn-interview-11-23-final
We discussed his thoughts on early NHL season predictions, the reality of Kyle Dubas and his efforts to sign all three of his budding young stars, the revolving door of coaching changes and GM justifications, his earliest experiences as a young journalist on the rise, and what inspired him to have a genuine passion for the game of hockey.

Be sure to follow Dom (@domluszczyszyn) on social media and check out his worthwhile perspectives at The Athletic NHL.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16301462Sat, 24 Nov 2018 21:38:46 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with freelance hockey writer Dom Luszczyszyn, whose affiliations include the CBC, The Hockey News, Hockey Graphs, and The Nation Network. He is currently writing at The Athletic while offering the masses his daily fantasy hockey...
We discussed his thoughts on early NHL season predictions, the reality of Kyle Dubas and his efforts to sign all three of his budding young stars, the revolving door of coaching changes and GM justifications, his earliest experiences as a young journalist on the rise, and what inspired him to have a genuine passion for the game of hockey.

Be sure to follow Dom (@domluszczyszyn) on social media and check out his worthwhile perspectives at The Athletic NHL.]]>1448domluszczyszyn,theathletic,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/mira-laurence-interview-10-30-final
We talked about how she deals with the daily grind of television and radio duties, her candid thoughts on the astonishing Canucks, on the importance of giving the fans a solid effort (night in and night out), why teams that have nothing to lose are usually the most underestimated, Eugene Melnyk's follies, the Vegas Golden Knights and their indomitable will, on dealing with the massive adversity of mounting injuries, and why hockey is the purest form of escapism.

Be sure to follow Mira (@laurence_mira) on social media and listen to her show on Sportsnet Tonight (weeknights/7-11pm; @Sportsnet650) along with enjoying her brilliant rinkside reporting with the big club.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16164405Thu, 08 Nov 2018 03:43:48 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with host and sportscaster Mira Laurence, whose work at Sportsnet 650 Vancouver and with the Canucks of the NHL has made her into a household name across Western Canada. We talked about how she deals with the daily grind of...
We talked about how she deals with the daily grind of television and radio duties, her candid thoughts on the astonishing Canucks, on the importance of giving the fans a solid effort (night in and night out), why teams that have nothing to lose are usually the most underestimated, Eugene Melnyk's follies, the Vegas Golden Knights and their indomitable will, on dealing with the massive adversity of mounting injuries, and why hockey is the purest form of escapism.

Be sure to follow Mira (@laurence_mira) on social media and listen to her show on Sportsnet Tonight (weeknights/7-11pm; @Sportsnet650) along with enjoying her brilliant rinkside reporting with the big club.]]>1535miralaurence,sportsnet650,vancouvercanuckscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/don-landry-final
We discussed his thoughts on the changing nature of sports journalism, what changed in his life that made him embark on a freelance career, if corporations are getting it wrong when it comes to assuming what radio listeners really want to hear, if it all just comes down to money and social media resiliency, what his poignant words of advice to young and old journalists would be when it comes to the industry grind, if the Toronto Argonauts can survive in this competitive sports market, his candid takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays, if he still has any optimism behind breaking certain streaks of championship futility, and his absolutely legendary impressions of Don Cherry, Vic Rauter, and Jerry Howarth.

Be sure to follow Don (@donlandrymedia) on social media and visit his website (donlandry.com) to appreciate his sublime versatility as a stadium announcer, voice-over artist, interviewer, and master of ceremonies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16144098Mon, 05 Nov 2018 23:21:59 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with freelance columnist and sportscaster Don Landry, whose decades of work as a highly recognizable radio host and play-by-play voice has made him a truly respected veteran broadcasting force across Canada. We discussed his thoughts...
We discussed his thoughts on the changing nature of sports journalism, what changed in his life that made him embark on a freelance career, if corporations are getting it wrong when it comes to assuming what radio listeners really want to hear, if it all just comes down to money and social media resiliency, what his poignant words of advice to young and old journalists would be when it comes to the industry grind, if the Toronto Argonauts can survive in this competitive sports market, his candid takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays, if he still has any optimism behind breaking certain streaks of championship futility, and his absolutely legendary impressions of Don Cherry, Vic Rauter, and Jerry Howarth.

Be sure to follow Don (@donlandrymedia) on social media and visit his website (donlandry.com) to appreciate his sublime versatility as a stadium announcer, voice-over artist, interviewer, and master of ceremonies.]]>1631donlandry,journalism,torontoargonauts,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafs,.torontoraptorscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/down-goes-brown-interview-10-29-final
We talked about the genesis of Down Goes Brown, why Joe Bowen remains the quintessential voice of the blue and white, where he found his raconteur's mojo, his candid take on the 2018-2019 edition of the team, if eternally suffering generational fans can still rely on 1967 as a plausible excuse for mediocrity, the parallels between the Maple Leafs and the Boston Red Sox, if the right minds are in control of the current front office, the daunting mathematics behind consistent playoff runs, and why he chose to write The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL book.

Be sure to follow Sean (@DownGoesBrown) on social media and enjoy his fine work at The Athletic (@TheAthleticNHL). Make it a priority today to pick up your copy of The Down Goes Brown History of The NHL at downgoesbrown.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16105471Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:16:19 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with hockey author and columnist Sean McIndoe, whose work with Grantland, Sportsnet, Vice Sports, and The Athletic under the "Down Goes Brown" pseudonym has captured the affections and loyalties of countless Toronto Maple Leafs fans...
We talked about the genesis of Down Goes Brown, why Joe Bowen remains the quintessential voice of the blue and white, where he found his raconteur's mojo, his candid take on the 2018-2019 edition of the team, if eternally suffering generational fans can still rely on 1967 as a plausible excuse for mediocrity, the parallels between the Maple Leafs and the Boston Red Sox, if the right minds are in control of the current front office, the daunting mathematics behind consistent playoff runs, and why he chose to write The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL book.

Be sure to follow Sean (@DownGoesBrown) on social media and enjoy his fine work at The Athletic (@TheAthleticNHL). Make it a priority today to pick up your copy of The Down Goes Brown History of The NHL at downgoesbrown.com.]]>1798downgoesbrown,seanmcindoe,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/katie-caldwell-interview-10-16-final
We discussed why the game has influenced her so profoundly over the year, the state of NHL brand marketing today, why the Oilers-Devils overseas promotion was a misstep for the league, how raw speed has changed things forever, her thoughts on the McDavid-Matthews supposed rivalry, hot takes and conclusions about the Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs, on the escapist nature of the sport, if front offices still remain tone-deaf to many cultural and societal challenges, and how her personal battle with adversity was punctuated by a steadfast commitment to family and hockey values.

Be sure to follow Katie (@katielauriss) on social media and enjoy her profile as one of the most dynamic and professional authorities on hockey across North America.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16078421Mon, 29 Oct 2018 02:46:18 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with hockey sportscaster Katie Caldwell, whose affiliations include the Nashville Predators, TSN, and Sirius XM Radio. We discussed why the game has influenced her so profoundly over the year, the state of NHL brand marketing today,...
We discussed why the game has influenced her so profoundly over the year, the state of NHL brand marketing today, why the Oilers-Devils overseas promotion was a misstep for the league, how raw speed has changed things forever, her thoughts on the McDavid-Matthews supposed rivalry, hot takes and conclusions about the Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs, on the escapist nature of the sport, if front offices still remain tone-deaf to many cultural and societal challenges, and how her personal battle with adversity was punctuated by a steadfast commitment to family and hockey values.

Be sure to follow Katie (@katielauriss) on social media and enjoy her profile as one of the most dynamic and professional authorities on hockey across North America.]]>1393cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/scott-wheeler-interview-10-22-final
We talked about his thoughts on the daily social media fallout of modern hockey fandom, why Morgan Rielly should be joined at the hip with Jake Gardiner, on the endless struggles of an aging Hainsey and the always enigmatic Zaitsev, if it's unusual for him to see such an imbalance of financial resources allocated between defenders and attackers, why Trevor Moore's play could lead to a demotion for Leivo or Ennis, if Mike Babcock still has his full confidence and trust, and his candid take on the content-mill/paywall paradigm that exists in today's battle for internet reader loyalty.

Be sure to follow Scott (@scottcwheeler) on social media and check out his excellent articles and worthwhile observations at The Athletic (@TheAthleticNHL).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16067003Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:06:17 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, blogger, and sports journalist Scott Wheeler, whose prolific work at The Athletic as an expert on all things Toronto Maple Leafs and Marlies is a tribute to his love and passion for the game of hockey. We talked about his...
We talked about his thoughts on the daily social media fallout of modern hockey fandom, why Morgan Rielly should be joined at the hip with Jake Gardiner, on the endless struggles of an aging Hainsey and the always enigmatic Zaitsev, if it's unusual for him to see such an imbalance of financial resources allocated between defenders and attackers, why Trevor Moore's play could lead to a demotion for Leivo or Ennis, if Mike Babcock still has his full confidence and trust, and his candid take on the content-mill/paywall paradigm that exists in today's battle for internet reader loyalty.

Be sure to follow Scott (@scottcwheeler) on social media and check out his excellent articles and worthwhile observations at The Athletic (@TheAthleticNHL).]]>1427globeandmail,pensionplanpuppets,scottwheeler,theathletic,torontomapleleafs,torontostar,trevormoorecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/dana-bookman-interview-10-11-final
We discussed her impressions from the Women At-Bat event hosted by She's 4 Sports earlier in the summer, on the gruesome statistics surrounding girls who abandon sports at a young age, who is responsible for creating the right environment for civic health and recreation, if the rise of eSports is detrimental to her mandate, how she feels about the likelihood of a female MLB executive, on the importance of women finding true inspiration in a male-dominated professional sports world, the evolution of Toronto Girls Baseball as a league, and her candid take on the season that was for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Be sure to follow Dana (@TorGirlBaseball) on social media and visit TorontoGirlsBaseball.com when you have a moment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16036472Wed, 24 Oct 2018 00:06:00 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with Dana Bookman, the CEO and Founder of Toronto Girls Baseball and the Canadian Women's Baseball Association. We discussed her impressions from the Women At-Bat event hosted by She's 4 Sports earlier in the summer, on the gruesome...
We discussed her impressions from the Women At-Bat event hosted by She's 4 Sports earlier in the summer, on the gruesome statistics surrounding girls who abandon sports at a young age, who is responsible for creating the right environment for civic health and recreation, if the rise of eSports is detrimental to her mandate, how she feels about the likelihood of a female MLB executive, on the importance of women finding true inspiration in a male-dominated professional sports world, the evolution of Toronto Girls Baseball as a league, and her candid take on the season that was for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Be sure to follow Dana (@TorGirlBaseball) on social media and visit TorontoGirlsBaseball.com when you have a moment.]]>1559danabookman,torontobluejays,torontogirlsbaseballcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/cassandra-collins-10-05-final_1
We talked about her thoughts on why the public should be concerned about the declining statistics behind female sports participation that prompted her to volunteer all over the globe, why the 6:1 ratio of girls dropping out of sports over boys is an epidemic that needs to be addressed immediately, if governments have a responsibility to their citizens when it comes to universally sanctioned athletics, why the media is repeatedly crafting an unrealistic perspective of what it means to be fit in today's modern society, why Canada is rife with double standards about physical health and appearances, which of the big four sports in North America is likely to have a high-ranking female executive in their ranks as a role model, the concept of sport as an inspirational facet of life affirming goals and genuine relationship building, and her candid take on the recent eSports craze and what this could mean for our general health.

You can reach Cassandra online (cassandra.collins@fitspirit.ca) and with @FitSpirit on Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to follow her inspirational message via motivational conferences, events, and promotional activities across social media as a true emissary of healthy living.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16017999Mon, 22 Oct 2018 02:02:53 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with fitness advocate and health coordinator Cassandra Collins, whose work as an ambassador with FitSpirit is a testament to her passionate pursuit of gender diversity and the importance of girls' and women's health awareness across...
We talked about her thoughts on why the public should be concerned about the declining statistics behind female sports participation that prompted her to volunteer all over the globe, why the 6:1 ratio of girls dropping out of sports over boys is an epidemic that needs to be addressed immediately, if governments have a responsibility to their citizens when it comes to universally sanctioned athletics, why the media is repeatedly crafting an unrealistic perspective of what it means to be fit in today's modern society, why Canada is rife with double standards about physical health and appearances, which of the big four sports in North America is likely to have a high-ranking female executive in their ranks as a role model, the concept of sport as an inspirational facet of life affirming goals and genuine relationship building, and her candid take on the recent eSports craze and what this could mean for our general health.

You can reach Cassandra online (cassandra.collins@fitspirit.ca) and with @FitSpirit on Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to follow her inspirational message via motivational conferences, events, and promotional activities across social media as a true emissary of healthy living.]]>1197cassandracollins,fillactive,fitspirit,genderdiversity,healthylivingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/mary-ormsby-interview-10-09-final
We discussed her experiences in working for a pillar of mainstream journalism and how she bridges the gap between life's lessons and sports stories, on how she was able to forge ahead as a female reporter in a male-dominated landscape, her candid thoughts on the current state of the industry during the Age of Trump, her take on the spectacle that was the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and the consequent societal fallout, and how she genuinely feels about readers in the modern age.

Be sure to follow Mary (@MaryOrmsby) on social media and at The Toronto Star (thestar.com) where her articles will be sure to inspire and make you think twice about the world around us.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15968970Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:05:35 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with veteran writer, and columnist Mary Ormsby, whose prolific work at The Toronto Star for over three decades has cemented her status as one of the most dynamic and accomplished investigative journalists for cultural, historical, and...
We discussed her experiences in working for a pillar of mainstream journalism and how she bridges the gap between life's lessons and sports stories, on how she was able to forge ahead as a female reporter in a male-dominated landscape, her candid thoughts on the current state of the industry during the Age of Trump, her take on the spectacle that was the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and the consequent societal fallout, and how she genuinely feels about readers in the modern age.

Be sure to follow Mary (@MaryOrmsby) on social media and at The Toronto Star (thestar.com) where her articles will be sure to inspire and make you think twice about the world around us.]]>1246journalism,maryormsby,torontostarcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/jackie-redmond-final-10-09
We talked about her daunting transition from Canada to south of the border, how she feels hockey fans respond to her efforts in the US, feelings on the state of the NHL today and if she's encouraged about their growth and marketing direction, why her departure from the sports landscape in this country felt like losing a first overall draft pick, how she feels about the young season and the seemingly endless cavalcade of goal-scoring, her candid take on the state of Toronto sports today, and the importance of truly enjoying what one does for a living.

Be sure to follow Jackie (@Jackie_Redmond) on social media and check out the new and exciting Jack & Soph podcast (@Jack_and_Soph) where she collaborates with Sophia Jurksztowicz (@sjurksztowicz) on Yahoo! Sports and affiliates.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15937550Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:42:36 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with popular television and radio sportscaster Jackie Redmond, whose brilliant work and credibility at The Score and on Sportsnet led her south of the border where she is now a host at the NHL and MLB networks. Oh, and she's got a...
We talked about her daunting transition from Canada to south of the border, how she feels hockey fans respond to her efforts in the US, feelings on the state of the NHL today and if she's encouraged about their growth and marketing direction, why her departure from the sports landscape in this country felt like losing a first overall draft pick, how she feels about the young season and the seemingly endless cavalcade of goal-scoring, her candid take on the state of Toronto sports today, and the importance of truly enjoying what one does for a living.

Be sure to follow Jackie (@Jackie_Redmond) on social media and check out the new and exciting Jack & Soph podcast (@Jack_and_Soph) where she collaborates with Sophia Jurksztowicz (@sjurksztowicz) on Yahoo! Sports and affiliates.]]>1147jackandsophpodcast,jackieredmond,mlbnetwork,nhlnetwork,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/david-morassutti-10-01-final
We discussed his thoughts on the state of journalism today, his feelings on ageism and why the industry struggles mightily with finding young talent, candid takes on the Maple Leafs-Raptors-Blue Jays, his initial reaction to the DeMar DeRozan-Kawhi Leonard trade, why front office leadership is so very crucial yet scarce, and his opinion of the raw power and volatile influence of modern day social media in professional sports today.

Be sure to follow David (@d_morassutti) and check out his brilliant team of contributors at the Tip of the Tower website (TipoftheTower.com) on the FanSided network. Trust me, you'll thank me later.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15884015Fri, 05 Oct 2018 04:26:00 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, editor, and blogger David Morassutti, whose work as the site expert at Tip of the Tower and as an associate editor at Sportsnet has made him a true authority on the Toronto sports scene. He is also the proud graduate of...
We discussed his thoughts on the state of journalism today, his feelings on ageism and why the industry struggles mightily with finding young talent, candid takes on the Maple Leafs-Raptors-Blue Jays, his initial reaction to the DeMar DeRozan-Kawhi Leonard trade, why front office leadership is so very crucial yet scarce, and his opinion of the raw power and volatile influence of modern day social media in professional sports today.

Be sure to follow David (@d_morassutti) and check out his brilliant team of contributors at the Tip of the Tower website (TipoftheTower.com) on the FanSided network. Trust me, you'll thank me later.]]>1668davidmorassutti,schoolofjournalism,sportsnet,tipofthetower,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafs,torontoraptorscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/blake-murphy-interview-10-01-final
We talked about his thoughts on the Raps off-season and how it impacted him as a sports journalist, what the worst case scenario is with the Leonard-DeRozan trade, on the nature of melodrama in Toronto and how Dwane Casey was largely ignored and quickly forgotten, his definitive and candid take on Kawhi, the importance of chemistry on the current roster, why the game of basketball and the Raptors have been such a huge inspiration in his life, and his thoughts on the patron saints of pro wrestling (Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair).

Be sure to follow Blake (@BlakeMurphyODC) on social media and check out his literary prowess and media interviews on all things basketball at The Athletic (@TheAthleticTO).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15880780Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:16:59 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with Toronto Raptors writer Blake Murphy, who previously wrote for Raptors Republic, Vice, Dime Magazine, and Fangraphs before moving to The Athletic. We talked about his thoughts on the Raps off-season and how it impacted him as a...
We talked about his thoughts on the Raps off-season and how it impacted him as a sports journalist, what the worst case scenario is with the Leonard-DeRozan trade, on the nature of melodrama in Toronto and how Dwane Casey was largely ignored and quickly forgotten, his definitive and candid take on Kawhi, the importance of chemistry on the current roster, why the game of basketball and the Raptors have been such a huge inspiration in his life, and his thoughts on the patron saints of pro wrestling (Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair).

Be sure to follow Blake (@BlakeMurphyODC) on social media and check out his literary prowess and media interviews on all things basketball at The Athletic (@TheAthleticTO).]]>1264arishapiro,blakemurphy,raptorrepublic,theathletic,torontoraptorscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/stephen-r-burns-09-24-final
We discussed what inspires him to keep writing for others in an era where so few are actually reading, how he feels about the current state of sports journalism and the industry in general, on the subject of why the Blue Jays grossly underestimated their fanbase in 2018, his take on Mark Shapiro's relationship with the city, when he thinks a prospect stops being just a prospect, and why the DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard trade had a profound impact on his loyalties to the Toronto Raptors franchise.

Be sure to follow Stephen (@StephenRBurns) on social media and check out his adept literary prowess on Amazon and with Goodreads reviews.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15865701Thu, 04 Oct 2018 03:19:46 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with author and blogger Stephen R. Burns, who has published two critically acclaimed works of fiction (The Last Angel and City of Slaves) and is renowned for his soulful Toronto sports blogging. We discussed what inspires him to...
We discussed what inspires him to keep writing for others in an era where so few are actually reading, how he feels about the current state of sports journalism and the industry in general, on the subject of why the Blue Jays grossly underestimated their fanbase in 2018, his take on Mark Shapiro's relationship with the city, when he thinks a prospect stops being just a prospect, and why the DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard trade had a profound impact on his loyalties to the Toronto Raptors franchise.

Be sure to follow Stephen (@StephenRBurns) on social media and check out his adept literary prowess on Amazon and with Goodreads reviews.]]>1465arishapiro,cityofslaves,stephenrburns,thelastangel,torontobluejayscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/bryan-hatt-09-07-final
We talked about his existential thoughts on the Blue Jays in 2018, avoiding the prospect of a half-assed rebuild, how to digest the future of Mark Shapiro, if the front office can recover from what's transpired over 24 months of what could best be descirbed as absolutely shambolic baseball, putting stock in the power of the brand and what it's meant to him since childhood, his aching desire to witness post-season action in Toronto before the age of 70, rationalizing the decision to exercise massive patience with Vlad Guerrero Jr., how his passion for the game influences his comedy, and if a part of him truly believes that the team might simply be cursed for all eternity.

Be sure to follow Bryan (@BryanHatt) on social media and be sure to listen to the Chatting Practice podcast (@ChattingPod) on Apple iTunes - it's about the best thing you'll do tonight.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15841593Sun, 30 Sep 2018 02:58:01 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with comedian and podcaster Bryan Hatt; one of the hottest comics in Canada and a veteran of Yuk Yuk's iconic brand. He's filmed for Comedy Now!, CTV, CBC, and performed in major cities across the country and in epic comedy festivals...
We talked about his existential thoughts on the Blue Jays in 2018, avoiding the prospect of a half-assed rebuild, how to digest the future of Mark Shapiro, if the front office can recover from what's transpired over 24 months of what could best be descirbed as absolutely shambolic baseball, putting stock in the power of the brand and what it's meant to him since childhood, his aching desire to witness post-season action in Toronto before the age of 70, rationalizing the decision to exercise massive patience with Vlad Guerrero Jr., how his passion for the game influences his comedy, and if a part of him truly believes that the team might simply be cursed for all eternity.

Be sure to follow Bryan (@BryanHatt) on social media and be sure to listen to the Chatting Practice podcast (@ChattingPod) on Apple iTunes - it's about the best thing you'll do tonight.]]>970arishapiro,bryanhatt,torontobluejays,yukyukscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/ben-reiter-interview-final
We discussed what inspired him to dive deeper into the modern day baseball methodology when it comes to payroll/asset management, how his thinking evolved in contrast to the Moneyball realities of the game, his thoughts on Jeff Luhnow and the fateful decision to acquire Roberto Osuna amidst a character-driven modus operandi, why Ken Giles will be a valuable part of the future of the Toronto Blue Jays, and his candid take on the dwindling nature of batting averages and bases on balls over the voracious appetites for witnessing home runs and rampant strikeouts.

Be sure to follow Ben (@BenReiter) on social media and pick up a copy of his new book while enjoying fine work over at Sports Illustrated.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15836280Sat, 29 Sep 2018 02:57:33 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with Ben Reiter, senior writer for Sports Illustrated & SI.com since 2004 and author of Astroball: The New Way To Win It All, where he prophetically predicted in 2014 that the Houston Astros would win the World Series by 2017. We...
We discussed what inspired him to dive deeper into the modern day baseball methodology when it comes to payroll/asset management, how his thinking evolved in contrast to the Moneyball realities of the game, his thoughts on Jeff Luhnow and the fateful decision to acquire Roberto Osuna amidst a character-driven modus operandi, why Ken Giles will be a valuable part of the future of the Toronto Blue Jays, and his candid take on the dwindling nature of batting averages and bases on balls over the voracious appetites for witnessing home runs and rampant strikeouts.

Be sure to follow Ben (@BenReiter) on social media and pick up a copy of his new book while enjoying fine work over at Sports Illustrated.]]>1637arishapiro,astroball,benreiter,houstonastros,robertoosuna,sportsillustrated,torontobluejayscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/maurizio-bevilacqua-interview
We talked about his thoughts on the impact of professional sports and the taxpaying citizen, who should be responsible for keeping grass roots and community-oriented sports thriving, which player and team was his favourite growing up as a child, on the awesome power of nostalgia and what inspires him in life, thoughts on the double-edged nature of fan escapism, his candid (and mayoral) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs upcoming season, and his feelings on the crucial nature of political leadership and why it's vital that "one serves before they should lead."

Be sure to follow Maurizio (@mbmayor) on social media as he continues his fine work as a pre-eminent public servant working to make his community a better, worthwhile place.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15799713Tue, 25 Sep 2018 03:40:32 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with the Honorable Maurizio Bevilacqua, the Mayor of Vaughan and member of parliament for 22 years where he holds the record for most votes ever received by a municipal candidate in Canadian political history. We talked about his...
We talked about his thoughts on the impact of professional sports and the taxpaying citizen, who should be responsible for keeping grass roots and community-oriented sports thriving, which player and team was his favourite growing up as a child, on the awesome power of nostalgia and what inspires him in life, thoughts on the double-edged nature of fan escapism, his candid (and mayoral) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs upcoming season, and his feelings on the crucial nature of political leadership and why it's vital that "one serves before they should lead."

Be sure to follow Maurizio (@mbmayor) on social media as he continues his fine work as a pre-eminent public servant working to make his community a better, worthwhile place.]]>2300arishapiro,cityofvaughan,mauriziobevilacqua,mayor,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/mike-stephens-09-13-final
We discussed his initial thoughts on training camp, how far the Leafs have come in being legitimately recognized as a Stanley Cup contender, what he thinks might keep the team from being competitive this year, on the power of distancing a time-honored brand from a toxic environment and returning with a vengeance, which under-the-radar player has impressed him most during the pre-season, and the importance of having a winning culture at every level of a hockey organization from day one.

Be sure to follow Mike (@mikeystephens81) on social media and enjoy his brilliant coverage of the Toronto Marlies across all platforms.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15768617Thu, 20 Sep 2018 21:02:40 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer and blogger Mike Stephens, whose passionate work with The Leafs Nation, Editor in Leaf, and the FanSided network has made him into a highly respected authority on all things Toronto Maple Leafs. We discussed his initial...
We discussed his initial thoughts on training camp, how far the Leafs have come in being legitimately recognized as a Stanley Cup contender, what he thinks might keep the team from being competitive this year, on the power of distancing a time-honored brand from a toxic environment and returning with a vengeance, which under-the-radar player has impressed him most during the pre-season, and the importance of having a winning culture at every level of a hockey organization from day one.

Be sure to follow Mike (@mikeystephens81) on social media and enjoy his brilliant coverage of the Toronto Marlies across all platforms.]]>1354arishapiro,editorinleaf,leafsnation,mikestephens,torontomapleleafs,torontomarliescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/mark-master-09-12-final
We talked about his appreciation for fan value and their disposable income, if the Blue Jays can learn from the example of the Maple Leafs and Raptors, his candid take on William Nylander's future contract destiny, on the annual enigma that is Jake Gardiner, his appreciation of Kyle Dubas and thoughts on this grand rebuild, and a hot take on the US Open fallout and the future of tennis.

Be sure to follow Mark (@markhmasters) on social media and check out his splendid work on TSN including That's Hockey, and That's Hockey 2Nite.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15739008Tue, 18 Sep 2018 04:37:37 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with multi-sports journalist and hockey reporter Mark Masters, whose professionalism and candor is a true reflection of his venerable academic roots and industry ambitions. We talked about his appreciation for fan value and their...
We talked about his appreciation for fan value and their disposable income, if the Blue Jays can learn from the example of the Maple Leafs and Raptors, his candid take on William Nylander's future contract destiny, on the annual enigma that is Jake Gardiner, his appreciation of Kyle Dubas and thoughts on this grand rebuild, and a hot take on the US Open fallout and the future of tennis.

Be sure to follow Mark (@markhmasters) on social media and check out his splendid work on TSN including That's Hockey, and That's Hockey 2Nite.]]>1349arishapiro,markmasters,torontomapleleafs,tsncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/dave-feschuk-interview
We discussed his thoughts on the transition from baseball to hockey in the city of Toronto, if this was the absolute worst season he's ever experienced from the Blue Jays, on the concept of Brendan Shanahan versus Mark Shapiro, how to start rebuilding credibility with the fans to avoid the prospect of living through baseball irrelevancy, on the innate satisfaction of covering the Olympics, his take on tempering Raptors and Maple Leafs expectations this year, why injuries have become a rampant financial drain on payrolls everywhere, and on the growing legitimacy and massive popularity of eSports as a legitimized form of sports competition in the world today.

Be sure to follow Dave (@dfeschuk) on social media and enjoy his prodigious output with The Toronto Star.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15721681Sat, 15 Sep 2018 00:38:08 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with veteran journalist and Toronto Star sports columnist Dave Feschuk, whose talents and versatility are always on display with his thought-provoking articles and incredibly well-written perspectives on everything involving major...
We discussed his thoughts on the transition from baseball to hockey in the city of Toronto, if this was the absolute worst season he's ever experienced from the Blue Jays, on the concept of Brendan Shanahan versus Mark Shapiro, how to start rebuilding credibility with the fans to avoid the prospect of living through baseball irrelevancy, on the innate satisfaction of covering the Olympics, his take on tempering Raptors and Maple Leafs expectations this year, why injuries have become a rampant financial drain on payrolls everywhere, and on the growing legitimacy and massive popularity of eSports as a legitimized form of sports competition in the world today.

Be sure to follow Dave (@dfeschuk) on social media and enjoy his prodigious output with The Toronto Star.]]>1864arishapiro,davefeschuk,esports,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafs,torontoraptors,torontostarcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/luke-fox-interview-09-06-final
We talked about his feelings regarding the polarization of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, his take on the power of true franchise asset management, the modern day value of naming a captain, how the William Nylander saga is likely to play out, his take on the change of NHL philosophy when it comes to coveting forward depth, and his candid thoughts on internationalism and the next major evolution in the sport.

Be sure to follow Luke (@lukefoxjukebox) on twitter and check out his dynamic articles on Sportsnet affiliates across the country.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15705541Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:28:51 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with staff writer and managing editor Luke Fox, whose brilliant literary efforts at Sportsnet have made him into a household name for hockey insight and expertise. He's also a member of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association with...
We talked about his feelings regarding the polarization of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, his take on the power of true franchise asset management, the modern day value of naming a captain, how the William Nylander saga is likely to play out, his take on the change of NHL philosophy when it comes to coveting forward depth, and his candid thoughts on internationalism and the next major evolution in the sport.

Be sure to follow Luke (@lukefoxjukebox) on twitter and check out his dynamic articles on Sportsnet affiliates across the country.]]>1259arishapiro,lukefox,sportsnet,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/kyle-bukauskas-09-06-final
We discussed how he prepares for a new hockey season of on-ice engagements, if the Ottawa Senators will leave him with nothing but sad memories, his candid takes on all seven NHL Canadian teams, how to deal with the emotional roller-coaster of a long regular season, his feelings on the impact of social media with athletes in different sports, perspectives on the youthful nature of the game, and his authoritative take and prognostications with the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs season.

Be sure to follow Kyle (@SNKyleBukauskas) on twitter and enjoy his weekly coverage across Sportsnet affiliates and Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15696018Wed, 12 Sep 2018 01:40:15 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with rinkside host Kyle Bukauskas, whose excellent work with Hockey Night In Canada and Rogers Sportsnet has elevated his profile to new heights of industry credibility and journalistic insight. We discussed how he prepares for a...
We discussed how he prepares for a new hockey season of on-ice engagements, if the Ottawa Senators will leave him with nothing but sad memories, his candid takes on all seven NHL Canadian teams, how to deal with the emotional roller-coaster of a long regular season, his feelings on the impact of social media with athletes in different sports, perspectives on the youthful nature of the game, and his authoritative take and prognostications with the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs season.

Be sure to follow Kyle (@SNKyleBukauskas) on twitter and enjoy his weekly coverage across Sportsnet affiliates and Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts.]]>1439arishapiro,hockeynightincanada,kylebukauskas,sportsnetcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/adam-wylde-09-05-final
We talked about his thoughts on the emotional transition from a mediocre summer to a promising winter, on the level of hope in Toronto and if too much pressure on a franchise can almost invite failure, how the respective Toronto sports brands measure up against one another, and his candid take on how luck plays against the analytics campaign during a long NHL season.

Be sure to follow Adam (@AdamWylde) on twitter and check out his brilliant work as host of the Steve Dangle Podcast on Sportsnet.ca and across all major podcasting hubs and apps.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15691044Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:29:03 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with radio personality and host Adam Wylde, whose passion for hockey and innate media savvy is a testament to his character and success across Canada. We talked about his thoughts on the emotional transition from a mediocre summer...
We talked about his thoughts on the emotional transition from a mediocre summer to a promising winter, on the level of hope in Toronto and if too much pressure on a franchise can almost invite failure, how the respective Toronto sports brands measure up against one another, and his candid take on how luck plays against the analytics campaign during a long NHL season.

Be sure to follow Adam (@AdamWylde) on twitter and check out his brilliant work as host of the Steve Dangle Podcast on Sportsnet.ca and across all major podcasting hubs and apps.]]>1287adamwylde,arishapiro,sportsnet,stevedanglepodcast,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/ian-tulloch-final-09-04
We discussed his thoughts on the Maple Leafs window of contention, the challenge of cap system and if Toronto can lock up all three of their young superstars without difficulty, on the issue of being a tough enough team against sandpaper and glue types like the Boston Bruins, his expectations on the way Mike Babcock uses his assets compared to last year, and which Leafs player he believes will be a true darkhorse for fans to enjoy in the upcoming season.

Be sure to follow Ian (@regressian) on twitter and check out The Leafs Geeks Podcast on soundcloud along with his great literary contributions at The Athletic.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15683422Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:00:26 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, podcaster, and hockey analytics guru Ian Tulloch, whose work at The Athletic and with the OHL Mississauga Steelheads is a testament to his savvy expertise `on the game of hockey. We discussed his thoughts on the Maple...
We discussed his thoughts on the Maple Leafs window of contention, the challenge of cap system and if Toronto can lock up all three of their young superstars without difficulty, on the issue of being a tough enough team against sandpaper and glue types like the Boston Bruins, his expectations on the way Mike Babcock uses his assets compared to last year, and which Leafs player he believes will be a true darkhorse for fans to enjoy in the upcoming season.

Be sure to follow Ian (@regressian) on twitter and check out The Leafs Geeks Podcast on soundcloud along with his great literary contributions at The Athletic.]]>1867cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/omar-white-conversation-09-03-final
We talked about his experiences with PPP and AWH, what sets aside one brand of sports fandom from another, the polarized reality of different cities across the Canadian hockey landscape, if he thinks the Habs will surprise anyone or if the Leafs may end up struggling with the burden of expectations, his candid take on the current playoff format, and the enormous adversity of getting deep into the NHL post-season in the social media era.

Be sure to follow Omar (@olw93) on twitter and check out his literary prowess at pensionplanpuppets.com and awinninghabit.com today.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15671458Sat, 08 Sep 2018 17:39:26 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with writer, blogger, and hockey savant Omar White of Pension Plan Puppets and A Winning Habit, whose affiliations with SB Nation and FanSided have further underscored his brilliant work as a foremost authority on all things Toronto...
We talked about his experiences with PPP and AWH, what sets aside one brand of sports fandom from another, the polarized reality of different cities across the Canadian hockey landscape, if he thinks the Habs will surprise anyone or if the Leafs may end up struggling with the burden of expectations, his candid take on the current playoff format, and the enormous adversity of getting deep into the NHL post-season in the social media era.

Be sure to follow Omar (@olw93) on twitter and check out his literary prowess at pensionplanpuppets.com and awinninghabit.com today.]]>1506cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/jesse-goldberg-strassler-09-02-final
We discussed his candid take on the Josh Donaldson saga, how the front office was at cross purposes from the start, on the perception of player value when it came to Mark Shapiro's plan for contending and rebuilding, if an $18 million dollar qualifying offer would have solved everything, whether or not Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez can make this team competitive in 2019, if the claims of having the third best farm system in organized baseball will minimize the pain of transition, his rookie projections for under-the-radar names, if Russell Martin and Troy Tulowitzki are the cavalry or the fallout, and how Vlad Guerrero Jr. will stop attendance bleeding and keep the team from descending into irrelevancy.

Be sure to follow Jesse (@jgoldstrass) on social media and check out his website at jessegoldbergstrassler.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15657263Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:38:13 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with author, broadcaster, and podcaster Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, who is known around industry circles as a versatile and multi-talented force; he's written and published The Baseball Thesaurus, is the radio voice of The Lansing...
We discussed his candid take on the Josh Donaldson saga, how the front office was at cross purposes from the start, on the perception of player value when it came to Mark Shapiro's plan for contending and rebuilding, if an $18 million dollar qualifying offer would have solved everything, whether or not Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez can make this team competitive in 2019, if the claims of having the third best farm system in organized baseball will minimize the pain of transition, his rookie projections for under-the-radar names, if Russell Martin and Troy Tulowitzki are the cavalry or the fallout, and how Vlad Guerrero Jr. will stop attendance bleeding and keep the team from descending into irrelevancy.

Be sure to follow Jesse (@jgoldstrass) on social media and check out his website at jessegoldbergstrassler.com.]]>1795arishapiro,jessegoldberg-strassler,lansinglugnuts,torontobluejayscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/jamie-thomas-interview-08-31-final
We talked about his thoughts on how the Jets will handle the loss of Paul Stastny, why Winnipeg remains the gold standard for having the most talent-laden team in Canada, his take on Laine versus Matthews when looking back at their accomplishments, if the Oilers/Sens/Habs will fall victim to a dispassionate and increasingly disinterested fanbase, on the true value of luck in the NHL, and why he believes Kyle Dubas will be able to keep the Maple Leafs core together for many years to come.

Be sure to follow Jamie (@JamieThomasTV) on social media and watch him during the season at Jets TV (@NHLJets).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15642630Tue, 04 Sep 2018 23:00:03 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with veteran sportscaster Jamie Thomas, whose work with the Winning Jets as both an insider and host along with his prodigious Sportsnet & TSN exposure has garnered him the admiration of countless hockey fans across North America....
We talked about his thoughts on how the Jets will handle the loss of Paul Stastny, why Winnipeg remains the gold standard for having the most talent-laden team in Canada, his take on Laine versus Matthews when looking back at their accomplishments, if the Oilers/Sens/Habs will fall victim to a dispassionate and increasingly disinterested fanbase, on the true value of luck in the NHL, and why he believes Kyle Dubas will be able to keep the Maple Leafs core together for many years to come.

Be sure to follow Jamie (@JamieThomasTV) on social media and watch him during the season at Jets TV (@NHLJets).]]>1264arishapiro,jamiethomas,jetstv,winnipegjetscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/tony-ambrogio-08-31-final
We discussed his candid take on social media today and what it takes for someone to succeed in journalism at a time when the industry is in decline, if he could ever remember a baseball season filled with such calamity and woe, could the Blue Jays have done more from a public relations and asset management perspective to leave fans with a better taste in their mouths, and the reality behind banking on raw prospects when building a credible sports offering for the fans.

Be sure to follow Tony (@Tony_Ambrogio) on social media, and check out his fine work on TSN and TSN 1050 radio. His website can be found at tonyambrogio.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15632105Mon, 03 Sep 2018 15:45:04 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with prolific broadcaster, host, reporter, and writer Tony Ambrogio, whose journalistic efforts have spanned multiple decades across the North American landscape as a fixture for multi-sports coverage and credibility. We discussed...
We discussed his candid take on social media today and what it takes for someone to succeed in journalism at a time when the industry is in decline, if he could ever remember a baseball season filled with such calamity and woe, could the Blue Jays have done more from a public relations and asset management perspective to leave fans with a better taste in their mouths, and the reality behind banking on raw prospects when building a credible sports offering for the fans.

Be sure to follow Tony (@Tony_Ambrogio) on social media, and check out his fine work on TSN and TSN 1050 radio. His website can be found at tonyambrogio.com.]]>1742arishapiro,tonyambrogio,tsncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/roger-lajoie-08-31-final
We talked about the baseball melodrama that is the Josh Donaldson saga, on rationalizing the success and failure of a Blue Jays rebuilding phase, how the value of MLB managers has changed in the modern era financially for the worse while their intangibles still remain, the concept of rewarding young underachievers in the NHL with contracts better suited for veteran overachievers, and how the Maple Leafs penchant for drafting effectively has turned them into a true competitive hockey juggernaut.

Be sure to follow Roger (@TheRog590; rogerlajoie.com) on social media, and check out his fine work with the AHL's Belleville Senators, his teaching efforts at the College of Sports Media, and his sportscasting work live on the air at Sportsnet radio (@Fan590).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15623045Sun, 02 Sep 2018 05:04:31 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with author, teacher, and hockey executive Roger Lajoie, who also happens to be one of the most popular hosts at Sportsnet the Fan 590 radio in Toronto, and has been known to have me on his show from time to time. We talked about...
We talked about the baseball melodrama that is the Josh Donaldson saga, on rationalizing the success and failure of a Blue Jays rebuilding phase, how the value of MLB managers has changed in the modern era financially for the worse while their intangibles still remain, the concept of rewarding young underachievers in the NHL with contracts better suited for veteran overachievers, and how the Maple Leafs penchant for drafting effectively has turned them into a true competitive hockey juggernaut.

Be sure to follow Roger (@TheRog590; rogerlajoie.com) on social media, and check out his fine work with the AHL's Belleville Senators, his teaching efforts at the College of Sports Media, and his sportscasting work live on the air at Sportsnet radio (@Fan590).]]>1629arishapiro,belleville,fan590,rogerlajoie,sen,sportsnet,torontobluejays,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/tao-of-stieb-08-26
We discussed his expectations for the final month of the 2018 baseball season, his feelings on the Blue Jays now ranked third overall in farm system development across MLB, why fans must remebered that prospects are just prospects until otherwise proven, his candid thoughts on the future of Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson, the importance of the "sixth tool" of good health, the impact of certain albatross contracts coming to their merciful end, and the fate of Russell Martin and Kendrys Morales.

Be sure to follow Tao (@TaoofStieb) on social media, and always check out Sportsnet for his latest columns and existential perspectives on all things Toronto Blue Jays.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15602373Thu, 30 Aug 2018 03:44:23 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with Tao of Stieb, one of the most popular literary contributors to Sportsnet whose baseball insights are renowned for their gravitas, authenticity, and poignancy. We discussed his expectations for the final month of the 2018...
We discussed his expectations for the final month of the 2018 baseball season, his feelings on the Blue Jays now ranked third overall in farm system development across MLB, why fans must remebered that prospects are just prospects until otherwise proven, his candid thoughts on the future of Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson, the importance of the "sixth tool" of good health, the impact of certain albatross contracts coming to their merciful end, and the fate of Russell Martin and Kendrys Morales.

Be sure to follow Tao (@TaoofStieb) on social media, and always check out Sportsnet for his latest columns and existential perspectives on all things Toronto Blue Jays.]]>1471arishapiro,sportsnet,taoofstiebcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/austin-owens-08-20
We talked about his feelings on the novelty of landing John Tavares, if Kyle Dubas will realistically be able to sign all three of his young superstar guns, his thoughts on the power play between the old guard (Lou/Hunter) and the new (Dubas), his take on how the Maple Leafs have drafted philosophically in recent years, which under the radar prospects impress him the most, if the Maple Leafs defensive corps really has what it takes to win in the post-season, and if the Atlantic Division reminds him of the AL East in baseball as a serious barrier to success.

Be sure to follow Austin (@_AustinOwens) and listen to his great work with the Tip of the Tower (@TipOfTheTower) podcast alongside David Morassutti (@d_morassutti).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15583521Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:07:22 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with acclaimed writer, blogger, and podcaster Austin Owens, who recently joined The Score as a copy editor and is a graduate of the sports journalism program at Centennial College. We talked about his feelings on the novelty of...
We talked about his feelings on the novelty of landing John Tavares, if Kyle Dubas will realistically be able to sign all three of his young superstar guns, his thoughts on the power play between the old guard (Lou/Hunter) and the new (Dubas), his take on how the Maple Leafs have drafted philosophically in recent years, which under the radar prospects impress him the most, if the Maple Leafs defensive corps really has what it takes to win in the post-season, and if the Atlantic Division reminds him of the AL East in baseball as a serious barrier to success.

Be sure to follow Austin (@_AustinOwens) and listen to his great work with the Tip of the Tower (@TipOfTheTower) podcast alongside David Morassutti (@d_morassutti).]]>1462arishapiro,austinowens,thescore,tipofthetowercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/jim-lang-08-21
We discussed his perspective on the changing seasons of sport and how MLSE has upped the ante for basketball/hockey expectations across Toronto, if he gives any credence to a state of competition between franchises fighting for fan's disposable (and diminishing) income dollars, why it took so long for this supposed world class city to understand the value of long-term planning and strategic drafts, and his personal take on the nature of analytics in a cap-based system versus unlimited spending.

Be sure to follow Jim @JimLangSports, listen to him on 105.9 FM (The Region), and check it out his literary prowess with "Bleeding Blue" and "Shift Work" available from Simon & Schuster Canada.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15575583Mon, 27 Aug 2018 01:32:38 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with author, sportscaster, and radio morning host Jim Lang, whose previous work at Rogers Sportsnet and The Fan 590 has added to his profile as a widely respected and popular journalist across Canada. We discussed his perspective on...
We discussed his perspective on the changing seasons of sport and how MLSE has upped the ante for basketball/hockey expectations across Toronto, if he gives any credence to a state of competition between franchises fighting for fan's disposable (and diminishing) income dollars, why it took so long for this supposed world class city to understand the value of long-term planning and strategic drafts, and his personal take on the nature of analytics in a cap-based system versus unlimited spending.

Be sure to follow Jim @JimLangSports, listen to him on 105.9 FM (The Region), and check it out his literary prowess with "Bleeding Blue" and "Shift Work" available from Simon & Schuster Canada.]]>957105.9fm,arishapiro,bleedingblue,jimlang,shiftworkcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/pierre-page-08-21
We talked about his thoughts on the changing nature of hockey and if today's game is in good hands, if there exists a way to improve the sport without damaging the essence of what the NHL has worked to accomplish in terms of parity and balance, his thoughts on the much maligned concussion protocol and if the league is doing enough to protect their players, his candid perspective on the upcoming 2018-2019 Toronto Maple Leafs season, on the pressure of winning the hardest trophy in professional sports, his feelings on the other Canadian-based franchises and their ravenous fanbases, and how the John Tavares signing couldn't help but remind him of the great Eric Lindros.

Be sure to check out Pierre's fine work as the Founder of Peak Gold Performance (PGP) and the current head coach of the EHC Red Bull Munchen in the DEL German Hockey League.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15567959Sat, 25 Aug 2018 18:20:59 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with former NHL head coach, general manager, and sports director Pierre Page, one of the most highly respected and accomplished hockey professionals in the game today. We talked about his thoughts on the changing nature of hockey...
We talked about his thoughts on the changing nature of hockey and if today's game is in good hands, if there exists a way to improve the sport without damaging the essence of what the NHL has worked to accomplish in terms of parity and balance, his thoughts on the much maligned concussion protocol and if the league is doing enough to protect their players, his candid perspective on the upcoming 2018-2019 Toronto Maple Leafs season, on the pressure of winning the hardest trophy in professional sports, his feelings on the other Canadian-based franchises and their ravenous fanbases, and how the John Tavares signing couldn't help but remind him of the great Eric Lindros.

Be sure to check out Pierre's fine work as the Founder of Peak Gold Performance (PGP) and the current head coach of the EHC Red Bull Munchen in the DEL German Hockey League.]]>1256arishapiro,nhl,pierrepage,torontomapleleafscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/jim-tatti-08-20
We discussed his thoughts on the sports climate and general feeling on the dog days of August, if he was surprised at the Blue Jays failure to compete in 2018, why we've seen the rise of overpaid and underachieving athletes in Toronto, the tough sell of a typical Blue Jays ticket and his opinion of their business model, on MLSE stepping out and if the novelty of their moves has worn off yet, his thoughts on early Vegas prognostication, and if he thinks the baseball management team will learn anything from the Raptors and Maple Leafs.

Be sure to check out Jim's fine work @jimtatti and on TSN Radio 1050/1150.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15562359Fri, 24 Aug 2018 18:48:35 +0000Ari ShapiroMy conversation with legendary sportscaster and TSN host Jim Tatti, whose work in the industry has spanned over four decades. We discussed his thoughts on the sports climate and general feeling on the dog days of August, if he was surprised at the...
We discussed his thoughts on the sports climate and general feeling on the dog days of August, if he was surprised at the Blue Jays failure to compete in 2018, why we've seen the rise of overpaid and underachieving athletes in Toronto, the tough sell of a typical Blue Jays ticket and his opinion of their business model, on MLSE stepping out and if the novelty of their moves has worn off yet, his thoughts on early Vegas prognostication, and if he thinks the baseball management team will learn anything from the Raptors and Maple Leafs.

Be sure to check out Jim's fine work @jimtatti and on TSN Radio 1050/1150.]]>1181arishapiro,jimtatti,tsn1050cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/tao-of-stieb-interview-05-31-finalhttps://api.spreaker.com/episode/14978809Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:37:42 +0000Ari ShapiroJoining me on this episode is one of the most esteemed and dynamic baseball writers across Canada, the Tao of Stieb (@taooftstieb) from Rogers Sportsnet, who offers up exclusively candid takes on a multitude of pressing Blue Jays issues: his thoughts...2240arishapiro,taoofstiebcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/shapiro/ben-nicholson-smith-interview-05-24-finahttps://api.spreaker.com/episode/14895370Sat, 26 May 2018 19:41:11 +0000Ari ShapiroAri Shapiro speaks with Sportsnet's Baseball Editor, Ben Nicholson-Smith (05/24) who covers the Toronto Blue Jays from coast-to-coast. Topics covered: his thoughts on how fans should feel about an underwhelming May, how much baseball luck plays a part...788arishapiro,bennicholson-smith,sportsnet,torontobluejayscleanfull