2's Talk: Recent Episodes
Donnie Atkinson, Dean Holoien and Keith Mackintosh
The 222’s Organization now presents the “Two’s Talk” Fastpitch podcast for every player, parent, and fan of the summer’s greatest game. This podcast will talk about the current state of the game of fastpitch as well as it’s future. Great guests wand top-level instructors will be featured in every episode. Two’s Talk is hosted by Instructor Donnie Atkinson and Hall of Famers: Dean Holoien and Keith Mackintosh. When you listen to the podcast, it should feel like you’re having that conversation and sharing stories as you would under a tent at a tournament.
The Boys sit down with Team Canada board member, and the GM of the new Saskatoon Jacks Sr. Men's team, Brooks Penrod. A few shots fired across the bow for the coming season, great stories, laughs, and of course parting shots.
The fellas sit down with friend of podcast Peter Loubardias to talk about his new job, his role in the upcoming 1st Annual 222’s Banquet, recap the year on the men’s side, and discuss the state of the game. An hour is never long enough when Peter is on with the guys!
The boys dust off the mic's and recap the first half of the winter season. This episode also includes a Vegas Trip Preview and discussions on the impact that the alumni instructors are having on the athletes.
This week, the fellas take a look back at the year 2022. There is talk about the tournaments, all the tryouts, and the upcoming holidays. See you all in 2023. Merry Christmas from 2’s Talk.
This week - the boys recap a very successful trip to Southern California and preview what is coming up before the end of the year for the 2’s. Also, we finally get to talk to the guest Deano lined up in spring training... Buck Martinez! Great cast... great guest. You don't want to miss this one.
This week - the boys sit down to catch up on the Sacramento MnM & Turkey Bash Tournaments. We also get word from Coach Tosh on how the Sr. Women's National Team did in Guatemala. Disclaimer: Donnie gets picked last for Roommates on the upcoming trip. Tons of laughs as usual.
This week, the boys sit down to recap the team's first trip to Nashville and preview their upcoming trip to Sacramento. A podcast exclusive special guest coach is also announced for Frosty Fundamentals, and Donnie wears another parting shot.
This week, the fellas sit down with Canadian National Team Women's Coach and Assistant Coach at Florida State, Kaleigh Rafter. The guys also preview their first tournament of the season in Nashville.
In this week's episode, the fellas sit down with Team Canada Men's National Team coach, John Stuart, and discuss the roster selection and the upcoming championships in New Zealand. Laughs, stories, and an absolute mic drop of a parting shot from John at the end...
After a "unannounced" hiatus for the summer... the boys dust off the mics and get caught up on a busy couple of months. 2's Talk is back in session for the fall.
This week, the fellas sit down to catch up on the Canada Cup, Celebration Tour and the U19 Alberta Provincials. The boys also discuss "blinding lights in the night sky...".
The fellas sit down for several updates, and Jorde Chartrand visits to talk about the Canada Cup.
This week, the boys hit their 100th guest on the podcast. That meant it was time to bring back the always incredible, Peter Loubardias. The discussions focus on this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, the upcoming Canada Cup, dentists... and Hawkins Cheezies.
This week - the boys bring the ultimate roommate, Razor, back onto the cast and table a bit of a "surprise bag" of conversations. Topics include President's Cup Tournament, Blackfalds, and some third-round NHL predictions.
For our 100th episode, the fellas connect and get updated on some events coming up. There is also talk about Donnie’s GP Pirates qualifying for ISCs over the weekend - and the guys answer some questions they have received from parents in the program.
This week - The fellas sit down with 2-time Olympian and College National Champion, Jenn Salling, to discuss her Olympic experience and winning a National Title with Washington. The group also discusses what her next step in coaching with the Canadian National Team looks like.
This week, the fellas sit down with Canadian Men's National Team Coach, John Stuart and discuss the team's experience in Argentina at the Qualifiers. John also offers what the next steps are for the group as they prepare for the Pan Am Games in Santiago starting October 2023.
This week, the fellas sit down with Larissa Franklin. Larissa talks about her experiences being on the Canadian Olympic Team and her journey in the sport up to this point. "Fake Training Friday" - a bit she runs with is also discussed and its hilarious. Lastly - Larissa brings up an important note about mental health in the game.
Today, the fellas sit down with 2’s alumni and current Oklahoma University Stars player, Grace "The Hacksaw" Pollon.
Grace talks about her first year in a 4-year school, challenges, successes, and the grind. Her message cannot be missed.
This week, the boys connect with Chris Florence - owner of Atlanta Fastpitch and curator of all Georgia, southern hospitality and USSSA Fastpitch.
The Fellas sit down to catch up on the tournaments in Sacramento and Georgia. Tosh talks about his adventures at the border and the car rental window. Dean's fan boy moment at spring training, and a preview of what's coming this summer for the 2's.
While the boys are all on the road, we take another look into the 2's Archives this week. Jim Jones is back on deck for a conversation replay!
This week - the boys take a look back into the archives and revisit their conversation New York Gremlins - Gregg Leather and Vahram Robin Mateosian.
The discussions with Greg and Vahram range from the game to amazing practical jokes and everything in between. Greg also touches on his tenure as the Head Coach for the US Men's National Team. This was an entertaining cast, to say the least, and well worth the revisit!
This week - Jason Hill joins the fellas. Hill is one half of the Dust Up Podcast, Team Canada member, current ISC World Champion from the Hill United Chiefs, and National Champion with the Saskatoon Angels. Jason is one of the good guys in the game, and the conversation with Hill proves it!
On International Women's Day... the fellas revisit their FIRST Official to join the podcast. Frankie Billingsley. Fitting that we revisit one of Canada's top callers of "balls and strikes on a day about recognizing women around the world. In this archived audio - Frankie shares her perspective of the game from behind the plate as well as talks about her journey from the minor fields of Edmonton to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Frankie is a great example of where hard work and a great attitude can take you in this game and an exceptional role model for women in the sport.
This week, we REVISIT our first interview with Sportnet 960 The Fan on-air personality, Peter Loubardias.
"This is a walk down memory lane for everyone as Peter takes us on his journey from being a batboy for the legendary Harmony Centre Women’s team to calling last year's Olympic qualifiers in Vancouver and everything in between. Peter talks about his passion for the sport of fastpitch and how it always brings him home."
Looking back in the 2's Talk Archives, the boys talk to Kelly Chase and Kevin Kaminsky about all things NHL.