Ari Shapiro: Recent Episodes
Ari Shapiro
Zod & Shapiro are Neil Waytowich and Ari Shapiro. They’ve finally combined forces to address the […]
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Zod & Shapiro are Neil Waytowich (@WaytowichNeil) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro)
They've finally combined forces to address the chronic and existential imbalance of societal lies, government misinformation and political hypocrisy that's permeated our world endlessly.
We welcome our shared glorious followers, recent admirers, and fellow soothsayers interested in our philosophical musings on life, the universe and everything.
This episode is our Canadian Federal Leaders Debate special which is bound to be as thrilling and worthwhile as Superman III, a film that had Richard Pryor in it and also predicted drone technological warfare and artificial intelligence.
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This show's quotes and segments:
1:07 - Moderator Shachi Kurl tries to get to the bottom of why Prime Minister Trudeau decided to inexplicably call an early election during the fourth wave of a global pandemic.
10:01 - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attempts to defend his over-stated climate policy using under-stated grade school analogies similar to that of your common neighbourhood bully.
15:42 - Trudeau calls out conservative opposition leader Erin O'Toole for wanting to honour indigenous people by raising all the flags across the country back to full-mast and watches him glare back with a "pot calling the kettle black" kind of look.
19:51 - CPC leader Erin O'Toole brings forth a succinctly reinforced financial plan that's meant to stave off the pandemic with a groundbreaking recovery strategy that balances the budget, caps support spending acts like it's 1998.
25:20 - Green Party leader Annamie Paul calls out Trudeau's feminist hypocrisy and ill-timed penchant for firing strong, powerful women armed who write perfectly timed political literature.
30:11 - NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who's known for his illusionary targets and utopian ideals, skewers the leader of Canada for his illusionary targets and utopian ideals.
36:20 - Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet alerts his opponents that without increasing resources (transfer payments) and a higher yield of subsidized Canadian living (more transfer payments), mums and dads will suffer a most ignominious pandemic fate. And he's not wrong.
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Zod & Shapiro are Neil Waytowich and Ari Shapiro. After many failed attempts earlier in […]
The post Zod and Shapiro: Episode 2 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Zod & Shapiro are Neil Waytowich (@WaytowichNeil) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro).
They've finally combined forces to address the chronic and existential imbalance of societal lies, government misinformation and political hypocrisy that's permeated our world endlessly.
We welcome our shared glorious followers, recent admirers, and fellow soothsayers interested in our philosophical musings on life, the universe and everything.
This is episode 1 of many to come. Please enjoy.
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This show's quotes and segments:
1:01 - Ontario MPP Rick Nicholls opens his mouth on a national stage and what flies out will leave you as crestfallen as we are.
5:21 - Fund-raising deception , CPC style; Ford's donors get their rude awakening through snake oil style shenanigans
7:40 - Trudeau gambles on an early election that's high on political opportunism and completely bereft of any sensible consideration
16:12 - Rob Ford and the awesome perks of governance with little accountability or oversight (aka raiding the coffers)
19:51 - Will Trudeau's scandals come back to haunt him? WE Charity, SNC Lavalin, the Two Michaels and a history of oddly timed Blackface appearances...
22:35 - Spavor and Kovrig in the Phantom Zone; what's to be done when it comes to defending the significance of being a Canadian?
24:48 - O'Toole's mantra still sounds like it should have been Peter MacKay
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Whiskey & Cream for August 9th, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:40-16:48: "An ounce of perception is worth a pound of obscure"
To the average human being living under the relentless scourge of a variant-multiplying pandemic, understanding and absorbing what mRNA, spike proteins and lipid nanoparticles are can be a most daunting and bewildering experience. From the outset, this modern day global health emergency that's affected every country on the planet has been handled dubiously by politicians acting as soothsayers, poseurs and hypocrites who want to assure us that they know what's best for us, even while abandoning the most fundamental principles and medical facts provided by established science and health authorities. Naturally, this has created a harrowing disconnect and some would say existential schism that's significantly undermined humanity's collective efforts to move into a bold and brave new future.
Rob Swanda (@ScientistSwanda) is an mRNA Biochemist and doctoral candidate who's completing his PhD at Cornell University. Back in December of 2020, he decided to post a YouTube video that provided a brief but succinct overview of how vaccines work and why taking them is a personal choice based on a decision that - ideally under normal circumstances - should be rooted in a profound understanding of science. In doing so, he's unlocked a powerful covenant with those of us interested in knowing truth before ideology, facts ahead fiction, and real coronavirus science in place of anti-vaccination superstition.
Music: "Into The Woods" by Tycho (Christopher Willits Remix)
17:01-32:11: "Baseball is ruled by 12 billionaires and plenty of nostalgia"
120 years ago, the Cleveland Indians baseball club was born and along with it a procession of legendary players who remain synonymous with the team to this day. Cy Young, Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau, Al Rosen, and Frank Robinson are just some of the legendary and towering baseball figures that have come to define the memories for generations of fans of both the team and the sport. Throughout their entire fabled history (one that's almost completely bereft of any winning flavour considering their last championship victory came in 1948), the Indians were instantly recognizable with their branding that always seemed to define how they were remembered; namely, the Chief Wahoo logo that was used from 1950 up until 2018. A potent and controversial symbol that also alienated and disrespected indigenous people all over the country.
Nick Francona (@NickFrancona) is a baseball journalist and Marine veteran who fought in Afghanistan. His intrepid skills of research and investigation has produced a commitment to finding the truth in a game that's become filled with chronic deceptions and daily lies when it comes to confronting the racism, sexism and domestic abuse realities that are nonchalantly swept under the rug and quickly rationalized by unscrupulous owners worried more about profit than any measure of social justice. Amidst all the hypocrisy and failure of moral leadership, Nick remains optimistic that the more fans and admirers of MLB appreciate the state of the game today, the more likely they are to understand why rebranding is absolutely necessary in order to set a true example for future generations, and that much more work needs to be done after simply painting over a legacy that should have been confronted a long time ago.
Music: "Journal" by Polar Inc.
32:22-41:45: "General Zod would have enjoyed ruling Canada"
Although Canada managed to get a grip on the most recent pandemic wave, it's left many in the province wondering what kind of political crucible is likely to remain when the dust settles. Most recently, a triumvirate of conservative-led provinces from Doug Ford in Ontario to Jason Kenney in Alberta and Brian Pallister in Manitoba have all tried the combined patience and humility of their coronavirus-riddled constituents who've become fed up with the powder keg of anti-vaccination movements brought forth by their rudderless leadership methods. In short, the fact that mandatory mask and vaccination efforts for front-line and essential emergency workers remains an opportunity cost in their neck of the woods is a sad reminder that ideology still trumps common sense in many parts of the country.
Neil Waytowich (@WaytowichNeil), also know as Neil Before Zod, is a Canadian political blogger and podcaster. He takes little solace in knowing that for a country where a majority of Canadians identify as conservative, their message has been tainted and corrupted by party leaders lacking a stable game plan or any legitimate promises for the future. And although the prospect of a better brand of compassionate and humble successor to the status quo seems like a reason to be positive about the future, Neil remains highly circumspect and abundantly skeptical that the worst may be yet to come and might possibly require a visit from Kal-El himself.
Music: "Borealis" by Nora Van Elken
41:50-54:09: "Toronto: world class and completely unaffordable"
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who lives in and knows about the city of Toronto that the cost of living in this world class wonderland comes at a steep and generally unattainable price. Instead of witnessing three levels of government working in tandem to help city dwellers with investing in their future, many already believe that we've ushered in a new and unprecedented level of austerity. With the lowest property taxes found in the most expensive neighbourhoods across the GTA, the question of how to recalibrate the wealth of Torontonians becomes paramount - especially when deluged with visions of homeless folk being evicted from sanctuary parks adjacent to extremely wealthy neighborhoods, profit-mongering real estate developers buying up scores of sub-divisions and converting them into rental homes, and ideologically-bound politicians ignoring the growing plight of the poor and disenfranchised in all corners of social media..
Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) is a journalist who writes for the Toronto Star and has his own official newsletter on all things emanating from city hall(@CityHallWatcher). To call him an expert wouldn't even begin to do justice given the time he's spent writing about the cosmopolitan juggernaut that is Toronto. But in his calm and dispassionate manner of analyzing the recent trends across the municipalities of the fourth largest city in North America - one that's world renowned for its finance, business, technology, and entertainment sectors, and also praised for its supposedly dynamic multiculturalism - he's also unearthed profound reasons to be legitimately concerned about a post-pandemic future around these parts.
Music: "Standing Outside a Broken Phonebooth with Money In My Hand" by Primitive Radio Gods, performed by Pressing Strings
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for July 25th, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:38-16:20: "No one loves Marineland"
It's very possible that at some point during the long history of a profoundly greedy private company whose sole purpose was to showcase extremely rare mammals to the masses for sheer profit, some Canadians actually thought fondly of Marineland. But when a deeper dive of modern technology mixed with whistleblowing tenacity reveals nothing more than an anachronistically ridiculous aquatic zoo that's shamefully taken advantage of every level of government to deflect the lingering array of cruelty, neglect and abuse taking place insider their hallowed halls- well, at someone you have to ask yourself: "How is Marineland still a thing?"
Phil Demers is a crusader for animal rights and a champion of Walruses. His tireless and indefatigable advocacy for all the suffering animals at Marineland who are nothing more than a means to a profiteering end, is a testament to a man who's fed up with the hypocrisy used to silence him in the media; primarily by a cabal of lawyers deployed to strategically minimize the public from knowing the truth. Between the presence of dirty, unsanitary water filtration and increasingly poor life support systems, all of Marineland's inhabitants - the beluga whales, the bottlenose dolphins, the sea lions and penguins, Kiska the last Orca and Smooshi the lovable Walrus; well, they simply won't stand a chance if something isn't done and soon.
Music: "Ocean" by John Butler
16:20-26:41: "Ignoring Gandalf is bad for The Shire"
As you probably know by now, Dr. Anthony Stephen Fauci is an American physician and scientist who is also an immunologist that serves as the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is also the chief medical advisor to the president. Why then is a man with over five decades of established and renowned medical experience in serving his country and fellow man so often vilified and pummelled in the mainstream American media? Why are there so many anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers and anti-science troglodytes strewn across social media all clamoring to remind us why their conspiratorial nonsense is badly damaging the collective efforts of an entire country to emerge from a crippling pandemic?
Aaron Parnas is lawyer, writer and social influencer based out of Florida. Although he identifies strongly with being a Miami-Dade Democrat in a country that's splintered ideologically, his understanding of the community forces at play when it comes to pursuing a progressive agenda based on empirical learning and historical facts is what bolsters his daily resolve. That, and mobilizing the public to be mindful of the frail and precious reality that is their quickly diminishing participatory democracy, and also to always herald science and logic to help better society one election at a time.
Music: "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles
26:41-42:11: "Engineering loyalty, dignity and gratitude"
It's hard enough to find gainful employment in a field that you may have spent decades trying to perfect. It's especially difficult when considering the obscene nature of the country's overpriced real estate market. For most people, the prospect of owning a home has become too daunting to even begin contemplating. It's hard enough to find security during dark times, now we're supposed to also find a way to handle a mortgage during a pandemic? What if a business existed that one day realized how genuine employee loyalty and endless gratitude could be leveraged by simply trying to help a family find real dignity in affording a home by helping them purchase it?
Nick Mocan is the President of Cozier: Consulting Engineers and is an unabashedly proud altruist. For him, the concept of rewarding employees by investing in their ability to purchase a home is a natural existential equation that is less about politics and more about humanism; more precisely, a desire to tap into the potential of what people are capable of when they know their employer has their backs.
Music: "Making Plans For Nigel" by XTC
42:12-53:57: "Release the Kraken and Harry Hamlin"
The changing nature of the NHL was on fierce display last week as the Seattle Kraken entered the fray as the league's latest expansion team. By the time they were finished, recognizable names like Giordano, Larsson, and Eberle has all changed hands, indicating a significant paradigm shift in why certain franchises were willing to part with older, highly paid promising talent in a competitive crucible where one's salary cap is everything. As a result, local fan favourites like Zach Hyman and Jared McCann are no longer a thing - even if their contributions are seen as vital to the cause.
Luke Armstrong is a writer, podcaster and blogger whose work has been featured with The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. His recent article on the expansion draft presented a primer that was based on a new drafting philosophy that not only differed in the method to which the Vegas Golden Knights constructed themselves to be competitive so quickly, but also revealed a long-term play for an untraditional hockey market that's looking for success through players arriving with heart and soul that was previously on display elsewhere.
Music: "Do It Again" by Steely Dan
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for July 14th, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:40-10:05: "We have to remember to stop because we have to stop to remember"
There was a time before the days of pandemic entropy and woe where the celebration of a traditional monotheistic reason to gather at the end of the week and drink wine while surrounded by loving friends and family was considered to be as symbolically celestial as it was psychologically necessary. The Sabbath has always stood the test of Judeo-Christian time in that its very existence is a testament to the need for human socialization and cathartic release. But in an increasingly volatile and beleaguered world where eight-second attention spans mixed with crushing rates of anxiety and despair tend to prioritize the work week, it has become more vital than ever for us to consider why the holy day of rest might be the last bastion in taking a precious moment and remembering why our history, values and identity deserve to be honored with a reason to gather and celebrate life - even when the candles have long dimmed and the future remains uncertain.
Judith Shulevitz is an American journalist, editor and culture critic who has written for The New Republic, New York Times Book Review and The New York Times. When she wrote "The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time" over a decade ago and considered the question of what a holy day of rest represents to human culture and our sense of tradition, she unwittingly stumbled upon a powerful narrative that looks at the importance of gathering around the hearth and relishing in the flickering flames of family unity and interpersonal growth that allows us to find solace in a brutally unforgiving world filled with historical revisionism and lonely hearts.
Music: "Paranoid" performed by 4Tune Quarter
10:07-21:41: "Vulgo superiorum suffugit"
It's hard enough to chart a path towards a successful post-secondary educational journey that ends with the promise of a financially sustainable career let alone identifying which area of life one wishes to become a proverbial subject matter expert capable of garnering respect and self-worth. Gone are the halcyon days of considering a college or university that is as affordable as it is established in its tenured professors, course flexibility and prestigious value. Instead, the United States has led the western world in revealing an inherent crisis in the very nature of how we learn, what we're taught and where we use our acquired skills and tuition experiences to create a prosperous life amidst all this societal disarray. Until we start unpacking the twin beasts of insurmountably crushing debt caused by over-zealous for-profit public institutions and the increasingly diminished scholastic freedom of speech and critical-thinking on campus, the prospect of a bona fide higher learning education that's worth pursuing will continue to remain precisely what it's become: a mug's game in a fool's paradise.
Dr. Mike Nietzel is president emeritus at Missouri State University and holds a Ph.D. In clinical psychology. He's authored and published books on higher education and contributes regularly to Forbes magazine while remaining a champion against the perils of an academic system that's floundering mightily and absolutely trending in the wrong direction. For him, it's all about looking at the scales of systemic unfairness and balancing them against a generational reckoning that's changed the way students and parents look at how higher learning is considered from both a political and existential reality.
Music: "School's Out" performed by Alice Cooper
21:45-29:18: "A Russian, a Canadian, and an American walk into a hockey rink..."
True to form - and really, this is how it should have ended - the NHL's best team, The Tampa Bay Lightning, captured their second Stanley Cup in a row thus earning the title of being the best pandemic team in the sport of hockey. And although their victory was sublime and came with major accolades from their peers and fans alike, there's still the bigger issue of why players like Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy aren't given their due as not only the best in class, but also the finest talent that the league has to offer considering the decades-long anti-Russian sentiment which permeates to this very day. While fans in Toronto continue to lament a 54-year old tradition of losing and being known as losers, the rest of the league needs to make sure it takes the time, effort and investment of honoring international contributions from athletes whose penchant for winning is reflected in their multicultural roots.
Michael Mazzei is a graduate of the Ryerson journalism program and sportswriter whose work can be found on The Leafs Nation, Maple Leafs Hotstove, CBC and The Fan 590. His passion for the NHL and Canadian hockey has become both a blessing and a curse in a modern culture that rationalizes mediocrity in a manner that's left him coldly analytical when it comes to the future. Being a Maple Leafs fans for the better part of one's life will do that, as does accepting the fact that NHL is as flawed a business organization as one can find when it comes to understanding the strange manner in which it often treats their players who aren't born in North America.
Music: "The Sound of Silence" performed by Charlie Melodia
29:20-35:59: "There's no punishment for bad journalism in the world"
Before the Rachel Nichols controversy jumped the shark and revealed to everyone that high-octane gonzo journalism has become less about the story and more about who's framing the narratives, ESPN was already in a heap of serious trouble. The network has steadily destroyed whatever credibility was constructed over years of dominant sports media by wading into a litany of controversies encompassing racism, sexism and nepotism at breathtaking levels of banality; just ask Doug Adler or Bob Costas or Maria Taylor how they feel. And although ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro joined the organization to bring forth less politics and more sports into the equation, it's abundantly clear that they've got a long way to go in addressing a culture where substance is devalued in the face of click-bait shenanigans.
Marshall Auerback is a fellow of Economists on Peace and Security who writes for international publications ranging from Muck Rack to American Compass to Forbes magazine. As a seasoned and literary critic of sports teams and narratives, it should come as no surprise that the contempt he holds for a time-honored leader in sports journalism is born elegantly out of the fact that there's no accountability for bad writing, horrible stories and incorrect takes in a world where polarized views of so-called industry propriety and morality dominate the underlying need for cold, hard transparency.
Music: "Pigeon Lake" performed by Daniel Steidtmann
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for June 19th, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:38-8:15: ""Canada and Islamophobia: Hypocrisy lives here"
How quickly so many have forgotten that a deranged, hate-filled gunman stormed a Quebec City mosque back in January 2017 and brutally murdered six men while injuring 19 others, splintering a close-knit Muslim-Canadian community already grappling with xenophobic prejudice in their neighbourhoods. By March of that year, a Liberal MP (Iqra Khalid) tabled a crucial parliamentary motion following the attack that directly condemned the "fear of Islam" as a form of religious discrimination and source of racism across Canada. Although Motion 103 was subsequently adopted and heralded as a progressive triumph of social and cultural solidarity over political grandstanding, it also resulted in 91 Conservative and Bloc Quebecois members voting against it, including the current leader of the opposition Erin O'Toole.
Karim Kanji is a celebrated political and cultural podcaster whose "Welcome To The Music" show has earned him legions of fans who appreciate his disarming candor and real honesty with guests. For him, the London, Ontario attack on a Muslim family that left a nine-year old boy orphaned remains a powerfully tragic reminder that Islamophobia is alive and well in a country that's always been high on good intentions and low on political results - especially when it comes to growing communities and embracing the multicultural nature of this country.
8:21-15:45: "A disease does not fully exist in America until it has a business model"
Biogen's Aduhelm has arrived like a bolt out of the blue and changed the way the world is looking at Alzheimer's disease. Suddenly, a horrific condition which has had little or no medical progress in treatment for decades and is the sixth leading killer in the United States has met its match and been challenged by the marvels of a pandemic world where science lifts us away from sheer futility and into the realm of endless possibility. However, three members of the FDA's advisory board resigned in protest when it was discovered that the drug had been approved for far broader use and without any substantial consultation. In fact, 10 out of their 11 members voted to reject the application and yet here we are. At $56,000 a year for treatment that doesn't even begin to address how badly a burden it will place on medicare or socialized medicine if you factor in physician, imaging and infusion center expenses that will more than double the overall cost. Many industry experts believe it's only worth around $8,000 in raw manufactured costs, leading many to seriously wonder: is this the latest snake oil from big pharma?
Dr. Jason Karlawish is an American physician and researcher in the field of bioethics, aging and the neurosciences. He's also written a series of critically-acclaimed books on the subject, including: Open Wound, Treating Dementia, and The Problem With Alzheimer's - How Science, Culture and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It. For him, it all comes down to trusting and believing in medical regulatory agencies that have traditionally held the best interests of their patients in mind well before aggrandizing their voracious need for profits, and to have government protect their citizens from the exploitation of big pharma and the scourge of false hope.
15:23-21:02: "Say it ain't so, Robby: the gradual extinction of the modern day baseball hero"
To be banned from Major League Baseball is a terrible thing - especially considering how morally, ethically and existentially the game has gone to rot. Fairly or not, the list of "undesirables" includes Shoeless Joe Jackson for dubiously cheating, Pete Rose for unrepentant gambling, Marge Schott for virulent racism, and Brandon Taubman for being a lying, cheating misanthrope whose conduct shamed the entire sport and a whole generation of disbelieving fans. And now we can add Roberto Alomar's name to the list as a reminder that fame, fortune and influence is fleeting when humility and decency are lacking, leading us all to a place where the emperor has no clothes.
Shi Davidi is an MLB columnist and insider with Rogers Sportsnet. As someone who's covered the Blue Jays legend for years, it comes as no surprise to him that fan nostalgia would cloud the reality of what unfolded to a man who's become synonymous with those glorious World Series championship years. Alomar's troubles are less about the "woke" culture we live in and more about a rapid disintegration of respect for the national pastime and their fans. For him, the struggle to reconcile a hero's fall from grace is never easy when the game is running out of role models for the next generation.
21:11-28:30: "An inspirational league for inspired players"
Basketball in Canada might single-handedly solve our collective problems with bigotry and prejudice. That might sound like hyperbole, but when measured up against other professional sports leagues (and most contemporary western governments for that matter), there's a community-first reality to the NBA that you don't find with football, baseball or even hockey. It's a business mentality that started with the belief that their players remain the most important facet of their success and that everything else is secondary when it comes to the welfare and integrity of the sport.
Dashawn Stephens is a Canadian journalist and social media influencer. In 2019, he founded PRSVRE, an athlete-empowered brand and sports-media platform based in Toronto that sheds light on the inspiration derived from collegiate sports and grass roots storytelling. In doing so, it's shaped an appreciation for the trials and tribulations that underprivileged youth and marginalized athletes face in their quest for excellence and made him into a true crusader for the importance of community-oriented and culturally vibrant philosophies in life.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Jawn Jang and Ari Shapiro bring you another episode of “Eastern Connection: Views from Ontario” — on this show latest show we discussed the tragic legacy of the Canadian residential school system with the recent discovery in Kamloops, British Columbia of the remains of 215 indigenous children in an unmarked grave. We also covered the trials and tribulations of the Doug Ford government as they continue to baffle observers while pivoting and waffling their way with parents, educators and children across the province.
(Recorded on June 4th, 2021)
Be sure to check out The Weekend Shift on Global News Radio 980 CKNW in Vancouver to enjoy a podcast experience that’s as real and authentic as you’ll find out there. Politics, sports, philosophy; no stone left unturned when it comes to exploring the established facts and genuine emotions of the world around us.
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Jawn Jang is joined by Ari Shapiro for the debut of “Eastern Connection” — Highlighting […]
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My latest appearance on Canadian radio media discussing the Roberto Alomar controversy and what it […]
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Whiskey & Cream for April 30th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:38-27:49: "Dignity with pride divided by equity"
Imagine having all the talent, vision and ambition in the world - only to have it scuttled by forces you have no control over. In some respects, I've just described a typical employee working for a digital media company today. You know, that realm which has been pillaged and exploited by a sad cocktail of corporate ownership, streamlined departments, and profit-oriented motivations. At a time when aspiring wordsmiths and creative minds are trying to find narratives worth writing home about, it seems that the industry has turned almost completely against them when it comes to finding a place where originality and passion are rewarded, rather than marginalized and bought out.
David J. Roth (@david_j_roth) is the co-owner of Defector Media and the co-founder of The Classical. Together with other writers who left Deadspin in 2019, he's created a media company that's less about sensationalistic fanfare and more about the search for cold, hard truths, offering him some measure of control in the spiraling wild west that's full of woke culture, virtue-signalling, moral relativism and historical revisionism. It makes me truly wonder - what keeps him moving in this world today with his dignity and professionalism intact?
27:50-38:15: "It all begins and ends with goaltending"
Let's not mince words. The New York Rangers went 54 years between winning Stanley Cups that spanned a period of time which began with World War Two and ended with the rise of Nirvana. For a fan of the team, waiting from 1940 to 1994 in order to taste a championship must have seemed purely inconceivable. Which brings us to the city of Toronto, where bleeding blue and white means entering the post-season with visions of grandeur and also a sick sense of deja vu. What was supposed to be a season for Frederik Andersen to redeem himself has become a voyage of reclamation for Jack Campbell. Either way, the fate of the team will depend on if their netminder ends up resembling Ken Dryden instead of Andrew Raycroft. Patrick Roy instead of Vesa Toskala. Dominik Hasek instead of Jonas Gustavsson. I literally could go on forever.
Allan Bester is a former goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although his time in hockey was short and sweet, he remains a true supporter for the integrity and impact of knowing the game between the pipes. For him, if a half-century drought is to end in the midst of a terrible pandemic, it'll mean having a player between the pipes that's prepared to put an entire hockey club on his shoulders and never look back.
38:16-54:33: "Secretariat would be proud"
Horse racing and gambling is synonymous for a reason; from the era of classical antiquity to our modernized pandemic reality, the sport has endured through the ages while generating considerable tax revenue - over $100 billion dollars is wagered annually in 53 countries. However, like baseball, it suffers enormously from a having a stewardship that's less concerned about the state and health of the industry, and more interested in profit-mongering shenanigans. As a result, what was once a spectacle for royalty has been commodified and dismissed by many as being simply backwards or out-of-touch with itself.
Robin Dawson (@RobinOnRacing) started his racing career in 1971 in France and is the author of Last Hurrah: A compelling tale of greed, control, self-preservation...and vindication. For him, a lifetime spent around majestic horses and understanding the kinship between man and beast ultimately inspired him to write his first piece of literary fiction. Although the perception of his industry may have changed over the years, his nostalgia remains a potent force in driving his craft and educating others with his love and affection for a fading equestrian legacy.
54:34-1:03:25: "Two for slashing, Five for dreaming"
How can you not admire what the National Hockey League has done when it comes to handling their second season during this pandemic? What should have been calamitous barriers to travel, gameplay and personnel has resulted in an astonishingly successful season that's proving to be a huge respite for fans. Seriously, this is front-line escapism when Toronto, Boston, Tampa Bay and other juggernauts of major cosmopolitan cities manage to show the faithful that there's a reason to believe in more than simply misery and woe. And that's not just a credit to the leadership of the league, but to every person that's made this season a success given the adversity which existed before them.
Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) is a digital hockey content writer for the Vancouver Canucks, Daily Faceoff and SportsBettingDime. As a social influencer, he loves finding videos and images that make fans forget the raging dystopia outside their windows and instead focus more on the glorious game before them. That's why he's committed to using his extensive platform and admiration of the game to make sure that others can revel in a league that clearly stands alone and ready for the playoffs.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for April 19th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:34-24:53: "Pragmatic Truths over Ideological Lies"
There are 124 seats in the Ontario legislature comprised of an incredibly unpopular and short-sighted Conservative majority government and a smattering of largely ineffective opposition. This, of course, is left over from the remnants of a slightly less unpopular Liberal regime that led to this tidal wave of populism we're experiencing today. The Green Party has one of those seats. That's right, in a province comprised of left-to-right forces scattered around moving, ideologically-wired fenceposts, the one party which is all about saving our children's future and defending our planet from human exploitation is only just getting started, and it knows it has a long way to go
Mike Schreiner (@MikeSchreiner) is the leader of the Ontario Green Party and the MPP for Guelph. In a province overwhelmed with unscrupulous politicians bent on flexing their dogma in the face of science and nature, he's a rare breed of leader - one that's willing to negotiate and compromise at all costs if it means preserving the future of the next generation. Because for him, it's always and only been about the air we breath, the land we inhabit, and the water we use to cleanse ourselves.
25:01-43:51: "Wake up and smell the Pravda"
The hypocrisy inherent to living in a dreadful era where we use social media to validate ourselves, our ambitions and our dogs and cats is quickly revealing why living in a technocratic age is killing us slowly and not so softly. With every turn in cyberspace, it seems as though the Facebooks and the Twitters and the Instagrams and the TikToks have aligned themselves to bring out the very worst in people by preying on their growing insecurities and lingering fears. In doing so, it's given birth to a degree of self-determination that's matched only by the level of self-immolation caused by horribly impressionable human beings who stopped being critical-minded a long time ago and take everything at face value.
Zeynep Yinesy (@zeynepmyenisey) is a luxury travel and lifestyle writer whose work has been featured in Maxim and countless other international publications. Her anti-woke nature reveals a fiery character that's fed up with all the pandering and posturing caused by social media overreactions. When she was recently banned from Twitter for impersonating herself, it opened the door to understand just how profoundly unfair and all-encompassing big tech had become. In struggling to understand the awesomely unmitigated power of forces that couldn't possibly know authenticity from fraud much like it struggles with facts versus fiction - it represents a stunning rebuke of supposed free speech guarantees that simply no longer exist or maybe never even existed in the first place.
44:02-1:04:21: "It's the best game you can name"
Hockey continues to rumble forward like a pre-ordained cultural fact of life that refuses to give in to the reality of the pandemic, and it's a marvel to watch. As the celebrated trade deadline passed and the fallout from the variant-riddled Vancouver Canucks remains fresh on the minds of NHL fans, players and executives alike, there can be no doubting that pure, wondrous escapism continues to be in great supply for a league that's weathered the storm of rule revisionism and syntax upgrades in an effort keep the faithful satisfied in their need for genuine competition and personal excitement.
Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) is a hockey author, blogger and podcaster who writes for the Montreal Gazette and Sportsnet. Becoming a father made him appreciate not only what the sport continues to mean in his own personal life, but in why he remains committed to his craft as a way of providing a true distraction for his readers and followers who value direct and no-nonsense expertise. For him, the prospect of witnessing his beloved Montreal Canadiens taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs might just be the glorious tonic needed to get all fans of the sport rallying together through the difficult dog days of a ruthless pandemic summer to come.
1:04:33-1:17:09: "Stormin' Norman versus the volcano"
For an audiophile enjoying the glory years of Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and Felix Potvin, there was nothing quite like tuning in to the post-game talk radio experience around these parts featuring hosts who left an indelible impression with their mighty, unfiltered passion for telling it like it is and not pulling any punches. Sadly, as our broadcast journalism landscape gradually devolved into a virtue-signaling battlefield controlled by penny-pinching corporate executives concerned more with the bottom line rather than industry integrity, a terrible thing happened that left many feeling to marginalized after having devoted most of their lifetime in the field.
Norm Rumack (@NormanRumack) is a professional sports journalist known better by Toronto sports enthusiasts of my era as "Stormin Norman Rumack" and is part of the old guard of golden-era radio and television hosts who've been rendered largely extinct thanks to big media buying up and owning big sports franchises and treating their employees as nothing more than a content-filling means to a financial corporate end. If you grew up around these parts, you probably know him by the sound of his unique and distinguished voice - one that still resonates and evokes imagery of epic on-ice calls and Saturday night conversations that, for many of us on this side of the pond, will never be forgotten or replaced.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XVIII appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for April 11th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:34-32:35: "When we don't heed the distant early warnings"
It's a terrible thing to be confronted with a reality where your freedoms are restricted, your children are at home and growing up without a proper education, and your small business and general livelihood is going down the tubes. But what's especially unnerving for so many of us is the stunning realization of just how divided this world is when it comes to tackling an existential problem that requires a sensible and disciplined solution. That's where Canada, the United States and most of Europe discovered the hard way that even with all the financial resources and human capital at their disposal, our inability to set aside political and social grievances has ended up conspiring against us in more than ways than one.
Dr. Eric Fiegl-Ding (@DrEricDing) is North America's leading epidemiologist and health economist who is also a Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists and was a researcher at Harvard Medical School and John Hopkins University. His now infamous tweet which signaled the virulent and infectious nature of the virus went largely ignored at first, which is why he remains vigilant and committed to educating the world about the true nature of the virus while debunking some of the propaganda and toxic myths associated with the pandemic.
32:36-45:15: "When Bubbe and Zayde are no more"
Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time for soulful commemoration and personal reflection on an event in history that is quickly slipping away like kernels of sand in a celestial hourglass. In their battle against the pandemic, Israel has emerged as leader in their vaccination efforts amidst a brutal paradigm of divided political forces in their society - and it's come at a terrible price. After spending an entire lifetime rising from the ashes of genocide, it seems so profoundly unfair to know that over 900 survivors met their end; alone and abandoned in a hospital bed and apart from their loving families.
Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) is a correspondent at the Israeli public broadcasting corporation. For him, the pandemic has brought out the worst in his nation's ideological divisions, especially when it comes to confronting the sad and gruesome reality that over the next 10-20 years, most accounts of the Holocaust will not come from the survivors themselves, but from those left to grapple with a growing wave of revisionist history and dubious authenticity thrown at them by the enemies of the state and Judasim.
45:16-52:50: "Lifestyles of the rich and famous and infected"
When it gets to the point that you're spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a golf membership during a pandemic, you're probably one of the exclusive and select few who are looking to migrate your wealth to the best possible spots on the planet. And considering that the coronavirus has infiltrated different regions of the world differently, it's fascinating to see where the wealthy are preoccupying themselves amidst a world that's buckling under the strain of endless financial stress.
David Scanlan (@ScanlanDavid) is the senior finance editor for Bloomberg news in Singapore. As someone who has covered the financial health of dozens of countries for many years, there's very little left that surprises him. In fact, his recent work has focused on highlighting the success of new gig economy industries - from Zoom to online retailers to Malaysian glove makers, everything it seems is being driven by high demand based on geographic and socio-economic incentives which are quick to reveal a fundamental division between rich and poor never experienced in the history of mankind.
45:16-102:15: "Cut from an entirely different pandemic cloth"
Adversity comes in all forms during these times of trouble, especially with certain industries that no longer value the human element in their business equations. If the pandemic has shown as anything, it's that modern sports journalism will never be the same once this is all said and done. With corrosive a trickle down effect from big, duopolistic media companies cutting their losses and streamlining their profits, to the surreptitious exploitation of genuinely talented men and women who were household names for decades; the media is definitely the message..and the message is closed for business.
Ashley Docking (@SmrAsh) is an award-winning, multi-sport athlete and collegiate basketball coach turned national broadcaster and social influencer. For awhile there, it seemed like her natural resiliency would bring her success in the monolith's media realm where creativity is almost always dictated and the fallout is easily cleaned up with a quick termination. But unlike others who disappeared without a whimper, she's going all-out to make her voice heard loud and clear when it matters most.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XVII appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for April 7th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:34-11:21: "Peanuts, crackerjacks and COVID-19"
Major League Baseball has returned...and with a mighty vengeance. First, it was all about bringing back a 162-game extravaganza season in the midst of the worst that a pandemic has to offer. Then, it involved confronting the state of Georgia and rescinding an All-Star game promise that's drawn the ire of Trump loyalists everywhere. And finally, they went along with having the Texas Rangers host their home opener in a brand new billion dollar facility with over 40,000 humans all eating, drinking, and potentially superspreading themselves into baseball oblivion.
Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) is a beat writer with the Toronto Star covering the Blue Jays and their seasonal travails. In her eyes, the city of Toronto has much to look forward to when it comes to competitive and worthwhile baseball around these parts. But in welcoming the return of peanuts, crackerjacks and the chance to one day root for the home team in person, she's also willing to confront certain gruesome realities that simply can't be ignored - including the profound risks taken by big business in pursuit of pandemic profits.
12:48-17:45: "On fire and passing the generational torch"
Here's the thing about the subject of voter suppression that seems be getting lost between the battle lines of left versus right: at the end of the day, it's all about democracy. It's really as simple and elegant as that. Now, you can go ahead and choose to debate the merits of how and why the United States chooses to tackle the grim reality of gerrymandering and the brutally unfair district demarcation that's transpired across the union for decades, but in the final analysis it really comes down to empowering people and having them succeed through elected officials who care more about their actual dignity than the almighty dollar.
Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) is lawyer, writer, podcaster and social influencer based out of Florida. His work with the MeidasTouch political action committee has galvanized his passion for reaching the largest possible audience when it comes to pursuing his agenda for fairness and justice in modern day America. Stuck between the conservative nature of the Gen-Y demographic and the predisposed liberal tendencies of the average Millennial, his thoughts on the passing of the proverbial torch from one besieged generation to another are as frank as they are indelible.
19:23-25:43: "One shift, one period, one breath at a time"
The NHL is doing many things right in the quest to keep their audiences happy during times of trouble. But a deeper look reveals that all that glitters isn't necessary gold. Minor league hockey franchises all over North America are folding left, right (and pardon the pun), centre, while recent virus outbreaks like the one that subdued the entire Vancouver Canucks team is a stark reminder that, in some ways, the worst is yet to come. And that means hockey will need to demonstrate the kind of leadership and resolve that's kept it ahead literally ahead of the game when it comes to running a business for themselves, their players, and most of all: their fans.
Eric Engels (@EricEngels) is a writer, radio host and senior hockey columnist with Rogers Sportsnet. As someone who professionally and personally covers the Montreal Canadiens and has dedicated most of his adult life as an authority on the sport of hockey, his opinion on the manner and method to which Gary Bettman and the league have battled the coronavirus is one balanced equally between a healthy sense of optimism and an idealistic desire to see things improve without sacrificing the integrity of the game he so dearly admires.
26:05-39:28: "And now for something completely different..."
Between Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford, it's become almost a picture of banality to hear the average Canadian sounding off on the nature of the job that our elected leaders are doing as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. The predictable criticism and fatalistic scorn of traditional red and blue pylons debating their ideological views at a time when some human beings are sleeping in makeshift tent in downtown Vancouver and Toronto is beyond surrealistic; as is the simultaneous realization of having to reconcile a mind-boggling reliance on outsourced and incompetent vaccine rollouts along with dubious lockdown strategies in the struggle to keep our fragile population healthy and safe.
Abhijeet Manay (@AbhijeetMonet) is the deputy leader of the Green Party of Ontario. For him, the battle of moving forward from dystopian times has little to do with human ideology and everything to do with our connection to nature. Slowly but surely, the growing trend of citizens more concerned with their children's future rather than the need for instant gratification is essentially the reason why his party is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds thus begging the question: can the Greens find a way to cut through the hot air of political hypocrisy and evolve into a mobilizing force that can one day offer the country something more than the usual string of false promises and smug excuses?
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XVI appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for April 2nd, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:35-12:21: "Raconteur Troubadour"
It never fails that during times of real trouble, we tend to lose perspective about a great many things that are important to us in life. But what always seems to remain is that aching need to feel inspired that, deep down inside, the human condition comes with a seemingly indomitable spirit and a will to survive, especially when we least expect it. The Paralympian athlete remains one of the better examples what happens when empathy and opportunity mixed with courage and dignity produces just the right kind of story that makes us all proud to be in this together.
Teddy Katz (@ktazt) is a journalist who worked at the CBC for over 20 years and is the owner of Think, Redefined. Crafting inspirational narratives has always been second nature to him, but with the arrival of the pandemic, it has become paramount in his quest to find a balance between right and wrong and good versus evil. His eternal love of storytelling has elevated his consciousness in ways that makes him a truly respected and admired raconteur during the darkest of hours.
12:22-24:19: "In basketball we trust"
Norman Powell of the Toronto Raptors was pretty much everything you could ever ask for in a beloved fan favourite. An anchoring force years in the making, his growth in the spotlight produced a player with the pedigree of a champion, the developed skills of an elite shooting guard, and the demeanor of a pure and absolute winner. So, you can imagine why the decision to trade him to the Portland Trailblazers resulted in an unprecedented outpouring of grief from the faithful. After all, trading an in-his-prime coalescing force that existed in a young nucleus featuring Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet was the kind of decision that left many scratching their heads in anguish and wondering what's next on the horizon.
Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) is a multi-sports, multi-platform author and basketball insider with Sportsnet for over a decade. Although the Toronto Raptors chose to part ways with such an entrenched fan favourite during the prime of his career, he remains convinced that the cultural reality of the sport in the hands of authentic, brave leaders will be the lasting legacy of an organization that an entire city has come to admire and cherish.
24:20-35:59: "Passing the literary torch"
Modern journalism has been under siege long before the pandemic, and it's only gotten worse. As profit-oriented, duopolistic media companies circle the wagons of discontent by downsizing talented employees and removing iconic outlets for sports with an almost slavishly nihilistic attitude, it makes one pine for the days when old-school writers stoked the collective imagination of a city through typed words, memorable interviews, and honest narratives that invited a critical and unbiased look at the remains of the day. But with the relentless rise of digital monetization inside heavily polarized camps of ideologically-bound content publishers, the freedom to enjoy the press has become a struggle for anyone who values critical-thinking and empirical conclusions.
Sean Fitz-Gerald (@SeanFitz_Gerald) is the senior national writer for The Athletic, has appeared in the National Post and the Toronto Star, and was named Canadian sports writer of the year in 2015. Sports journalism has always been embedded in his DNA; his entire family and ancestors resonate with creative and literary ambition that's fuelled his resolve for the longest time. But on the eve of yet another lockdown in one of the world's most populated and cosmopolitan cities, he's convinced that a love of the written word might also be the cure to what ails us most.
36:00-48:41: "King Clancy. Art Ross, and Franke Selke walked into a bar..."
In the struggle to remain relevant and pure during difficult times, the National Hockey League has quietly and surreptitiously achieved a balance where rival leagues have failed. Unlike football and baseball, notorious for their aggressively profit-oriented schemes to keep fans interested and involved at all costs, hockey has endeared itself enormously to those of us who value parity, possibility and potential in a sport. And as the playoffs loom on the horizon, it's no surprise that between a rising (and powerful) memorabilia market and the arrival of the most talented generation of players ever witnessed - now is the time for every generation to embrace the good ole' hockey game.
Dr. Mike Commito (@mikecommito) is an author, blogger, and a teacher of Canadian history and all things hockey. The spirit of the game was infused in his soul at a young age, which explains not only his lingering desire to chronicle its history, but also to identify the elements that sets the NHL apart from not only their competitors, but in the hearts and minds of their ravenously loyal fans.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XV appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for March 27th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:39-9:35: "When a strong minority silences a weak majority"
Oh, the glorious absurdity that remains Israeli politics. And now with their fourth election in two years, the world's most genuine version of participatory democracy once again finds itself rudderless and at cross purposes. Benjamin Netanyahu remains the quintessential "Teflon" braggadocio incumbent who's cobbled together a vast network of unholy alliances that not only betray his ideological views, but cements his place as an irredeemable opportunistic force during vulnerable and perilous times.
Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) is a Middle East correspondent with The Economist and the author of How Long Will Israel Survive? The Threat From Within. For him, Israel remains a fascinating study into how the more things change, the more they stay the same. In his recent book, he postulates and laments on the very historical and spiritually existential reality that's gripped the nation for the better part of multiple generations.
9:35-18:54: "Synonymous with baseball, he reveals only truths"
True admirers of the Toronto Blue Jays have long coveted the history and lore associated with the only baseball franchise in Canada. So when a local favourite sportscaster whose voice had become a staple with the radio broadcast and whose literary prowess established him a trusted authority was unceremoniously let go by the media company that owns the team..the outrage was palpable and fierce.
Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness) is a baseball columnist and podcaster who writes for the Toronto Star. His passion and love for the game is not only entrenched in the hearts and minds of countless fans who have come to appreciate his talents, but is also on display with a measure of humility when he's recognized as the voice that was synonymous with the team for the better part of two decades.
18:55-27:34: "An explosion of false and misleading narratives"
North Americans recoiled with horror at the site of yet another massing shooting in the United States. This time, it was the turn of Boulder, Colorado - and once again, the familiar narrative of racially motivated violence permeated the media cyber-waves as we steel ourselves to the white noise of conspiratorial conjecture and the relentless spread of social media disinformation.
Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) is a European journalist investigating online disinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremism for the BBC. He's mortified that not only does social media allow others to chronicle and display chillingly brutal acts of criminality, but that it sets yet another standard of exhibitionist viewing that does nothing more than sensationalize our appetite for violence rather than provide ointment for our grief.
27:35-33:15: "I haven't seen a winning baseball or hockey team in my lifetime"
It took a mid-season pandemic swoon for the Toronto Maple Leafs to realize their own limitations; that they remain an offensive juggernaut constrained only by the limitations of their goaltending. While Frederik Andersen has yet to win a single playoff round and the feel-good story of Jack Campbell refuses to go away, it's not hard to imagine a scenario where the team rides the hottest hand available - especially if that hand has a catchy nickname and is beloved by teammates.
Braydon Holmyard (@BraydonHolmyard) is a sports writer and editor for The Toronto Star. For him, the triumvirate of pro sports teams in the city has opened up endless possibilities for glory and escapism; that's why he remains vigilant that the local Original Six franchise in particular might make him forget this pandemic altogether.
33:15-40:52: "It's about unspoken hockey integrity"
When veteran NHL referee Tim Peel was caught articulating his thoughts on camera recently, the mountain of outrage that was generated by the subsequent viral video was as predictable as it was disturbing. Sure, he was scheduled to retire by season's end and was perfectly positioned to be the sacrificial lamb in this particular controversy, but the heavy-handed, sanctimonious manner in which disciplinarian Colin Campbell and the rest of the league responded to the issue at hand seems to mirror the level of self-righteous overreaction that's become synonymous with our modern social media culture.
Matt Best is (@bestofmatt) a video producer and podcaster who does work with the Mayo Media Network, Penalty Box Radio and Locked on Predators. His decision to expose evidence over YouTube of a professional league's unwritten rule that's frequently manipulated and generally accepted by fans as "a part of the game" ended up creating precisely the kind of quagmire that the NHL was looking to avoid.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XIV appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for March 20th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:45-16:12: "Lincoln would be proud"
By now you've probably heard about that scrappily intrepid American political action committee known as The Lincoln Project. Formed in late 2019 as a bulwark against Trumpism while ultimately endorsing future President Joe Biden, this band of political brothers named after the illustrious Abraham Lincoln is essentially bent on preserving democracy by respecting the country's constitution during a post-modern authoritarian wave that's swept across the globe much like the virulent nature of the pandemic.
Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) is the executive director and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. As a veteran of both conventional and political warfare, he remains a crusader of free and truthful speech - something that's in short supply across his country and over social media. That's why his heart and soul is about being more than just an anti-Trump Republican but in representing a strong and heavily patriotic number of traditional economic conservatives who deserve a party that's less about demagoguery and racism, and more about progressive agenda-building and the pursuit of real social justice.
16:13-23:51: "A species bent on psychological annihilation"
On some micro-level, it pays to be a human being. Our individualized, self-actualized thoughts offer a myriad of mental and physical realities that rely us to endorse a balanced measure of rational thought and primal instinct when it comes to dealing with everything from the coronavirus to which breakfast sandwich is worth your attention in the morning. But in the final analysis, an abdication of this characteristic of free will can also lead to a herd mentality resembling scared and desperate lemmings going over a cliff. And when the priority of the day is about educating yourself about health dangers and mitigating poor decisions with wise practices, you can imagine how frustrating it can be for the men and women of science.
Dr. Allen Frances (@AllenFrancesMD) is a writer, professor and America's most prominent psychiatrist. Aside from writing a number of books and medical journals on the importance of how mental health and wellness is diagnosed and treated, he's also become politically active in the fight against voter suppression and gerrymandering across the United States. In his view, our species doesn't stand a chance for survival if we keep ignoring the most basic and elementary ways of treating everything from pandemics to climate change to the rise of stone cold authoritarianism.
23:51-39:45: "A basketball culture second to none"
It may seem like the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship eons ago even if it's been only a year and a half. I suppose throwing in the arrival of a dystopian plague mixed with revealing traces of institutionalized racism will do that to even the most hardy of basketball crusaders, and this team is no exception. Even as they continue their 2021 campaign in Tampa during these unusual times, it's refreshing to know that the character and class of an organization that was built by Masai Ujiri and driven by Nick Nurse has continued to shine as a true example of human dignity during largely indignant times.
Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) is the voice and host of the Toronto Raptors basketball team on Fan 590 and Sportsnet TV. In covering the team for over 20 years, he's not only perfectly positioned to offer his perspective on the leadership and personnel nuances of the 2019 NBA champs, but to further elaborate on what's been a positive cultural impact across an entire country that's not only stood up to the pandemic but also challenged the conventional ways in which we look at athletes and their intangible contributions to society.
39:45-48:49: "Cosmic storms and our global reckoning"
There's an electricity in the Ontario air that I haven't felt since I was a very young boy. After years of assigning myself to an urbanized existence based around the notion that the city can protect us from the weather, I've come to appreciate why living in the country opens a small portal to the mind when it comes to understanding nature and why the symptoms of our organic existence are always on display around us - if we take the time to notice and analyze the sad and grim reality that is climate change.
Tom Eves (@EvesTom) lives in Barrie and is Canada's Storm Chaser. His penchant for investigating volatile weather patterns and earth-shattering climate events has made him a popular authority over social medias and on this side of the pond. In devoting a life to understanding the elements, he's endeared himself to tends of thousands over Facebook and beyond who seek a better awareness of the unpredictable reality that constitutes our cosmic storms and their global reckoning.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XIII appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for March 15th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:44-9:01: "A different kind of Kryptonian"
Once upon a time there was a civil servant who lived in Canada who dared to question what his government stood for and believed in. An organic on-line crusader of the old school who took a half dozen followers and turned them into tens of thousands of admirers; he unexpectedly began to grow into a national social media celebrity of sorts when it became abundantly obvious that a love of thinly-veiled sarcasm and delicious irony would serve him well in skewering a country's elites who insisted on manipulating the masses during a pandemic with their corporate doubletalk and penchant for dark and dirty lies.
Neil Waytowich (@WaytowichNeil) is better known as Neil before Zod, a powerful social influencer in Canada on all things related to ideological politics and humanistic philosophy. When it comes to dissecting the truth and exposing hypocrisy in all forms, Neil is a throwback to an era where you were called out for bullshit and forced to pay the piper. He's a true empiricist living in an era where superstition and conspiracies may run amok like galactic villains, but if they happen to cross the path of this pseudo-Kryptonian while he's delivering his gospel of truth and fairness, they simply won't stand a chance.
9:02-19:31: "Introducing the 3HL Tour"
Imagine going to an arena and watching a 3-on-3 hockey tournament. Think about that that for a moment as I'll let it ferment in hockey-crazed minds across North America and allow you to savour what has been arguably the most important advancement in hockey since Jacques Plante and his revolutionary idea of wearing a protective hockey mask. The NHL turned a page in their history by endorsing a newly proposed format in June of 2015 that heralded a paradigmatic shift in the way the game is enjoyed. It instantly created more space on the ice, more goals scored during overtime, and more thrills and chills in way that's brought the faithful out of their seats and often to their knees.
Justin Fox (@itsJustinFox) is the CEO and Founder of the 3HL Tour - Ontario's first ever professional three-on-three hockey league that exists to bring small-town Ontarian communities together through their shard love of Canada's national sport. Be it in Collingwood or Sarnia, Orangeville or Georgina, Wasaga or Grimsby; this is a form of escapism not seen in many years and one that's meant to inspire young and old alike in their love of grass roots hockey.
19:32-28:29: "The guardians and destroyers of Dr. Seuss'
As the toxic winds of our cancel culture and penchant for historical literary revisionism grows, who knew that it was time for Dr. Seuss to become the latest victim of our collective existential angst. Who knew that a writer and illustrator of children's books, someone who identified as a Democrat his entire political life and fought endlessly against the forces of fascism - could also be found guilty of imperfections in his work. And while Theodor Geisel was always heralded as a champion of our collective childhood sensibilities in his prodigious works of cartoon satire and fable story-telling, it's sad to see how easily his reputation is being politicized between the forces of the offended left and the righteous right.
Brian Bradley (@brianjbradley) is a digital content publisher and podcaster with the Toronto Star. He's a pleasure to interview; not just because of his intelligent perspectives on freedom of speech and the daunting reality that is modern day racism, but because he genuinely offers reverence where it's warranted and not because it's been superimposed by the digital forces of the day.
28:30-33:59: "Rolling with the punches, jabbing with your words"
The pandemic has devastated an industry that once gave hope to many young writers and ambitious university grads looking for a career in sports journalism. But in an era where resiliency and perseverance will become their hammer and sickle, it's nice to hear about success stories in the form of a former athlete who embraced sports journalism on all fronts; as an accomplished writer, an engaging host and a bona fide media personality.
Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) is the co-host of Hockey Central on the FAN 590 and writes hockey for Sportsnet. For him, the city of Toronto is essentially right on the cusp of a golden era with their hockey, baseball and basketball teams. Never has it become more important to believe in the spirit of their accomplishments, and that has him excited about what the post-pandemic future has in store.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode XII appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream Round Table for March 5th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
Guests: Eric Rosenhek, Jesse Goldberg-Strassler & David Morassutti
Narratives: Toronto Blue Jays Baseball; the end of the radio experience courtesy of Rogers, why MLB continues to struggle through the pandemic when it comes to their publicity, and why a great reckoning is at hand if baseball doesn't get their priorities in order.
Duration: 34:48
WARNING: Listener discretion is advised. This podcast contains seriously blunt truths, excessively mature language, ruthlessly candid perspectives, and the kind of intellectual discourse that serves to enlighten, educate and punch through the darkness until it bleeds daylight.
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Whiskey & Cream for March 2nd, 2021 Host: Ari Shapiro 0:44-17:21: “Extraordinary times require extraordinary […]
The post Whiskey & Cream: Episode XI appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream Round Table for February 26th, 2021.
Host: Ari Shapiro
Guests: Stephen Burns and Marshall Auerback.
Narratives: Toronto Raptors basketball; Adam Silver's weaksauce apology to Masai Ujiri, Doug Smith and the tyranny of words when using social media, and why the sport itself is a blessing during dark times.
Duration: 31:47
WARNING: Listener discretion is advised. This podcast contains seriously blunt truths, excessively mature language, ruthlessly candid perspectives, and the kind of intellectual discourse that serves to enlighten, educate and punch through the darkness until it bleeds daylight.
The post Whiskey & Cream Round Table: Toronto Raptors Edition (02-26) appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for February 17th, 2021 Host: Ari Shapiro 0:42-7:38: “When familiarity breeds contempt” […]
The post Whiskey & Cream: Episode X appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for February 4th, 2021 Host: Ari Shapiro 0:46-11:08: “Discovering the tools left […]
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Whiskey & Cream for January 23rd, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:46-8:30: "There is increased fire here"
It's still very early in the abbreviated and pandemic-influenced NHL season, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are already feeling the weight of fickle fans who scrutinize their every win and loss in much the way you'd cheer for heavyweight fighters exchanging blows. But this year, there's a bona fide sense of urgency and a real commitment to team defense. Although the Northeast division will undoubtedly make it easier for them to avoid some of the juggernauts of the past such as Boston and Tampa bay, the team is poised to succeed if goaltender Frederik Andersen can do his best to resemble Grant Fuhr rather than Andrew Raycroft. But with all their young and highly coveted talented players, this would seem to be the year that they could find a way to win a single playoff round.
Luke Fox (@lukefoxjukebox) is an NHL writer with Sportsnet in Canada and has published a variety of books on rap music. In covering the team on a national level, he believes that there's increased fire in the way the team has been constructed under general manager Kyle Dubas, and that by adding players like Wayne Simmonds, Joe Thornton and Jimmy Vesey, he believes that the team added a measure of toughness, leadership and skill that offers priceless intangibility and fire in a payroll that's dominated by a nucleus of game-breaking talent short on professional success.
8:50-15:42: "A baseball team is a big company designed to make money"
Most fans of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 have come to accept the limitations and scope of what their baseball team is all about. After decades of playoff futility and cultural rot, the organization seems to be a shadow of its former championship self. You know, that glorious platinum standard set by the exploits of Carter, Alomar, Molitor and company. But then suddenly and as quickly as it came, the steady development of 80's talent and the cultivation of a family-oriented brand began to erase itself from the hearts and minds of an entire generation. For awhile there, it look like the sport itself was drifting into irrelevancy through doping, the cheating and the commitment to heartless austerity by billion-dollar corporate owners. Although 2015 brought a mighty reprieve to cynical fandom everywhere, the current front office has been besieged by lingering expectations of competitive play that hasn't existed for half a decade.
Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) is a writer and multiplatform contributor with Sportsnet. He's also the co-host of At The Letters podcast where he breaks down this team for a living. For him, the Blue Jays front office of Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins have been transparent with their intentions from the moment they arrived in Toronto, and although most people are turned off by their corporate doubletalk and public relations tone-deafness, it all comes down to a baseball team being a big company finding ways to make a profit. When asked about the recent George Springer signing and his outlook on the team in 2020, his responses were as refreshing as they are candid.
15:55-22:49: "Oh Canada! We stand on guard for thee"
Once upon a time, Canadians were known for the sport of hockey, maple syrup and peacekeeping. But as populism raged across the western world and took most of empathy and compassion with it, a nation respected for centrism and balance finds itself grappling with its identity amidst a global pandemic. It's not a stretch to think that if things get worse and more people become unemployed and homeless, that this country could find itself facing an existential crisis that strikes to the very core of what it means to be a liberal and conservative.
Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) is a social influencer and has worked with MLSE, Tennis Canada and the Canadian Olympic committee. His eloquent contempt for political misanthropes and posturing leaders comes from a belief that most Canadians have a generally favourable view of their government and are willing to work together and compromise. Perhaps that's why it's so disheartening for him to witness countless examples of elected leaders who continually let us down with their hypocrisy and lies.
23:07-28:51: "The power of a microstory"
Microstories might be better than teletherapy. I know that's a bold claim coming from someone who isn't a psychiatrist and hasn't published a book in his lifetime, but nothing seems to bring me genuine catharsis more than a compelling short story wrapped in the mental shape of a bite-sized piece of chocolate. In a world where doomscrolling has become a tradition and reading a book seems blase, it's nice to find true escapism through the musings of someone who combines delicious yiddishkeit humour with the cold, steel pragmatic irony of our modern times.
Eric Rosenhek (@TheHek) is the author of Dim Sum Stories, a series of heartfelt microstories available exclusively at arishapiro.ca. For him, the capacity to visualize intriguing narratives cobbled forth in small spaces offers him the chance to channel his stress and anxiety in all the best ways - through the promise of literary escapism where the white noise stops and all you can hear is the sound of your heart beating. Hearing his observations on the pandemic and what keeps him sane reveals a touching look into the mind of someone whose creativity defines the very essence of his soul.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for January 19th, 2021
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:36-13:20: "On the outside and feeling betrayed"
The inauguration is almost upon us and most Americans are waiting with bated breath to usher in what should be a new era in US politics. But as the steam goes out on the Donald Trump presidency and the reality of losing a fair and democratic election sinks in, it isn't a coincidence that anti-state and anti-law enforcement ideas are flourishing across all states of the union. The movement has taken on a decidedly militant turn across the board specifically because the outgoing administration crafted a brutal and convenient revisionist narrative that Trump supporters are stuck on the outside looking in on an election that was stolen and requires them to defend themselves and their honour. As a result, multiple forms of virulent militant activity ranging from The Oathkeepers to The Proud Boys are finding themselves with the kind of raison d'être that could end up creating a measure of public unrest not seen since the civil rights movement.
Brendan O'Connor (@_grendan) is freelance journalist and the author of Blood Red Lines: How Nativism Fuels The Right. He's covered right-wing extremism since the end of the Obama administration and believes that overstating the danger of what may come can lead to poor analysis and even worse conclusions. But what he does believe is that what happens next will be a period of turmoil, and that The Biden administration will likely not be defined by healing and reconciliation. In his eyes, there will be a greater and far more spectacular reckoning of political violence in the US for the foreseeable future.
13:21-19:31: "When lightning strikes twice"
Most Canadians don't realize how special and unique the Tampa Bay Lightning are as a professional NHL franchise, and with the return of hockey for a second season in a pandemic reality, there's a great deal to be said for an organization which values their fans as much as their profit levels and industry achievements. In a market devoid of hypercritical fans and a vicious media backbite, the Lightning aren't just winners on the ice - they are bona fide winners off it as well.
Dave Randorf (@DaveRandorf) is the play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Lightning and a celebrated Canadian sports broadcaster. He's never taken his success for granted and believes that in aligning his future with the Florida-based Stanley Cup champions, he can help fans of hockey feel better about their own personal struggles by enjoying a first class organization which has succeeded in winning the championship twice since the turn of the century. Which, for the record, is twice more than the Toronto Maple Leafs have accomplished since 1967.
19:32-26:21: "Coming back to normal, a little dark and colder"
It's hard to keep your mind fresh and spirits high when the numbing reality of covid statistics exist to remind you that all is not normal. It makes one really wonder: how much of this can we take without going back to the normal things - you know, the simple things. Like enjoying a breakaway in overtime, an extra innings nailbiter or the last few remaining seconds of an alley-oop, centre court play to win the game in regulation. Having sports back, even under such abnormal conditions, is essentially a return to normalcy that gives us the kind of distraction needed to help absorb the hypocrisy of our times - the fact that politicians and corporate profiteers are treating this time as business as usual.
Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio) is a freelancer with TSN and teaches at the College of Sports Media in Toronto. He's a highly respected sports journalist who finds himself becoming a colder, darker person when confronted with an endless barrage of pandemic statistics and political hypocrisies which make him pine for the simplicity of hockey, basketball or baseball. Amidst all the vitriol and hate associated with masks and vaccinations, he remains grateful that society can still rely on professional sports to bring us back to a time when arguing at the dinner table and mulling over the latest feats of athleticism were once the norm.
26:23-34:01: "The psychology of pandemic sports betting"
We've come a long way from the days when sports betting was frowned upon as a reckless or taboo indulgence. With 19 American states now legalizing the activity, it's clear the appetite for gambling has reached a whole new level with the pandemic raging throughout the winter. In the first couple of months alone, Table Tennis became the seventh most wagered on sport as people sought to find ways to wager money on competitive spectacles that reminded them of something other than negative media news and gradual societal decay.
Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) is the VP of Digital Content at VISN The Sports Betting Network and has done work with ESPN. For him, the concept of sports betting is all about psychology and economics and shouldn't be for the faint of heart. In a changing world of easy to use technology and unlimited access, his mantra of making informed decisions and playing within your boundaries is an absolute prerequisite for anyone who is serious turning this pursuit into a money-maker, and that having consistent success relies more on studying and learning the craft well before embarking on it.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for January 12th, 2021 Host: Ari Shapiro 0:36-7:50: “Freedom is about […]
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Whiskey & Cream for December 23rd, 2020.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:36-7:35: "A kinder, gentler brand of politics"
It always comes down to the fundamentals, that we're different from them. That's how it feels looking at the United States from a distinctly Canadian perspective. The pandemic has caused immeasurable harm to the very fabric of their society in ways that defies the imagination and begs the question: why isn't more being done to help their citizens during a time when compassion is needed more than ever. And why does their culturally innate suspicion of government and resistance to being told what's best for them - inevitably finds a way of steering them into the realm of greed, paranoia and conspiracy? Furthermore, one has to wonder if a correlation exist between populist and progressive governments when it comes to empathy in their political leaders?
Warren Kinsella (@kinsellawarren) is a celebrated Canadian lawyer, author and musician who has appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Ottawa Citizen and the National Post. He's collaborated and interacted with numerous prime ministers and political bigwigs during his time, and when it comes to understanding the true merits of effective governance, his take on the differences between Canada and the United States during this global pandemic is squarely focused at our existential differences and how having trust in government is essentially what separates our two democracies.
7:44-13:48: "The men and women of science were correct"
Toronto is heading towards a lockdown on Boxing Day, an announcement that sent shockwaves through those living in Ontario and across Canada. A first wave that was met head-on by the conservative government in the province has long been forgotten in the face of a second wave that's exposed a shocking level of excuses, pivoting and the passing of the coronavirus buck. With Ontario averaging over 28 deaths a day, the sense of urgency has never been greater even if the credibility of the messengers seems minimized by their tendency to speak out of both sides of their mouths.
Mary Ormsby (@MaryOrmsby) is one of Canada's most respected journalists who has covered Olympic games, World Cups, and major professional leagues across North America for over three decades while writing for The Toronto Star. She's spearheaded features about concussions, women in sports, homelessness and clergy abuse with award-winning features spanning over three decades of investigative journalism. For her, Doug Ford presents two phases - or "faces" as she calls them - that's tested her limits when it comes to political leadership. Whereas she felt he was the right leader at the right time for the first wave of COVID-19, his foot-dragging disposition and chronic insistence of ignoring the men and women of science who were correct is making her wonder why a lockdown didn't happen sooner.
13:51-18:22: "Always eliminate the window dressing"
Vaccine-hesitancy has quickly become one of the most controversial terms of the day, and when you eliminate the window dressing, it essentially bogs down to a tempting desire to reach for conspiracies over having the gumption to explore the real truth. Behind masks, behind social distancing, behind a vaccine to help keep us safe and healthy. But in an era where the written word has caused so much harm, are we perhaps underestimating the power of the spoken word?
Adam Corsair (@AdamCorsair) is a professional baseball and basketball podcaster whose literary passion for the Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays makes him an instant favourite here at Whiskey & Cream. His heart may be Canadian, but his family lives in Rhode Island - where faulty information and propaganda remains a daily battle for sweet, lucid sanity. His craft is reflected nicely in the gorgeous tonality and dissonant manner to which he passionately explains his plight in a world where fiction becomes fact in the click of play button.
18:35-22:44: "The Coronavirus Athlete"
Living during a global pandemic as a sports fan means settling for a new reality where your season, playoffs, rules and regulations seem permanently amorphous and subject to change. And that's left some armchair fans scratching their heads and wondering if an asterisk needs to be deployed as a reminder that these achievements are happening during exceptional times. But as the business side of hockey, baseball, football and basketball continue to forge ahead amidst all this societal doom and gloom, there's immense solace to be found in the astonishing power of sport and what it can do for a stir-crazy, cabin-fevered audience that can't leave the house to enjoy Pascal Siakam, Auston Matthews or Bo Bichette.
Jim Lang (@JimLangSports) is Canadian sportscaster, writer and radio host who has covered major sports... For him, escapism is about savouring the real stories of courage and fortitude that exist to help soothe our burgeoning layers of anxiety and depression. That means embracing the notion that things will get better if we support those who train, excel and overachieve in pursuit of sporting excellence. In doing so, he tips his hat to the modern day coronavirus athlete.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for December 18th, 2020.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:35-6:51: "A Hill To Die On: The Future of the NHL"
It's not hard to admire the way Gary Bettman and the NHL handled their season in the face of a global pandemic. Although they lost millions of dollars in playoff revenue, they ultimately succeeded in bringing their sport back to the masses in a way that made the Stanley Cup seem like a holy grail during dark times - and all you had to do was take one look at Victor Hedman's face after the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars to win their second Stanley Cup to really understand what it meant to the players and their fans.
But now there's trouble in paradise, as is the case with any league that has a profit-oriented group of owners who love real estate development taking on a powerful union of players who won't back down after the lockout fiasco in 2004. With a healthy league growing in non-traditional markets and hockey related revenues firmly and fairly where they should be, it's hard to fathom that the NHL could easily shoot themselves in the foot if they aren't careful.
Luke Armstrong (@armstrongthings) is a Canadian sports blogger and writer whose work has been featured on Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News. His recent article entitled "COVID-19's Impacts on the Future of the NHL" looks deeper at what sort of options exist for the NHL as they enter the daunting reality not trying to ruin a good thing.
7:03-11:55: "The Pandemic Never Ended In July"
It took Senator Republican leader Mitch McConnell six weeks to recognize the new President of the United States, and so it shouldn't come as a surprise that, finally, after nearly 10 months, their Congress is on the verge of putting together bona fide economic stimulus legislation that's presumably designed to take care of their weakest and most downtrodden citizens.
But considering that 40 million Americans are at risk of losing their homes due to an inability to pay their rent or mortgage, and that millions more are flocking to unemployment insurance and food banks, it's hard to imagine that the world's richest country has failed so miserably to help their own taxpayers - especially considering the way Canadians have witnessed their own federal government from the start of the year.
Emily Stewart (@EmilyStewartM) is a business and politics reporter for Vox News, and has been seen on MSN, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, to name but a few. Her recent articles on how the United States government is tackling COVID-19 from an economic perspective reveals a colder and harder reality where the concepts of empathy and fairness of leadership seems harder and harder to find as time goes by.
12:02-16:35: "The Tampa Raptors in the Land of COVID-19"
The Toronto Raptors basketball club will be spending their 2021 season in Tampa, and that means learning about COVID cases from afar and having to endure the physical loss of the only Canadian team playing in one of the worst pandemic outbreak states in the union. But that being said, it's also a chance for the NBA to prove that their league is a cut above the rest - and that a harmonious relationship between players and ownership has commissioner Adam Silver and company to dream bigger and bolder than ever before.
Josh Weinstein (@joshhweinstein) is the NBA editor for The Score and has written for the Raptors Republic. For him, the team is embarking into uncharted waters with their new digs down south, but he's optimistic that the league will continue to lead by example and show their fans that the future is bright and worth believing in.
16:48-21:35: "Profit over Practicality"
It's not a stretch to think that Major League Baseball and the National Football League really blew it when it came to monetizing their seasons. Sure, they wanted to bring back their respective forms of entertainment and escapism, but in the end of just seemed like a stumbling, bumbling mess of execution. The end results were appalling; endless cases of infection, oddly disjointed travel schedules, and a sense of general calamity.
Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island) is an NFL writer and sports betting analyst for Odds Shark, and he understood early on why baseball and football were choosing profit over practicality when it came to ushering back their limited seasons.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
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Whiskey & Cream for December 5th, 2020.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:35-8:51: "Music is medicine"
Canadian music correspondent, blogger and radio host Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) is celebrated as one of the country's best known and in-demand industry influencers. He shares his love of music in a candid way that's brought him real peace and serenity - even if he's not certain about what the future holds. In his world, it's all about survival of the fittest and staying resilient at time filled with cruel, lingering memories and ruthlessly shortened attention spans.
9:05-15:44: "A system so profoundly corrupt"
Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback) is a research associate and celebrated economist who writes for multiple front-line and mainstream publications across the globe - including The Nation and Counterpunch. His academic research and political opinions are as fair as they are pragmatic, which makes him a rarity in this world. And he understands better than most why Canadians should be fortunate they aren't more like their neighbours down to the south.
16:01-23:51: "An intrepid Torontonian"
Karim Kanji (@karimkanji) is a senior digital strategist by day and one of Toronto's most popular podcasters at night; his branded series Welcome To The Music offers him tremendous opportunity to interview actors, musicians, politicians and activists that have made him proud to call Toronto home. In doing so, he offers an organic perspective of how he's personally endured an entirely avoidable wave of coronavirus danger in his beloved city.
“Whiskey & Cream Theme” written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream: Episode 003 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
My latest appearance (12-02-20) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Corey Graham (@CoreyGraham) talking Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, the fate of the SkyDome, and those fabulous but extinct Montreal Expos.
We discussed the Blue Jays off-season strategy, what will become of the taxpayer-funded SkyDome in the face of looming real estate ambitions from their ownership group, why an Expos renaissance is in the works across most of Canada, why fans should remain excited about the Maple Leafs, and how Gary Bettman and the NHL shouldn't ruin the momentum of a pandemic-influenced season by not allowing millionaires to continue bickering with billionaires.
Be sure to check out Corey's fine show on TSN radio (@TSN1260) and don't forget to catch the latest episode of the Whiskey & Cream podcast at arishapiro.ca.
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Whiskey & Cream for November 30th, 2020.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:35-8:31
America's leading psychiatrist Dr. Allen Frances (@AllenFrancesMD) provides an unflinchingly scathing assessment of the Donald Trump presidency and explores how the country is dealing with the mental health fallout of a sustained period of anxiety and depression. He also delineates the fundamental differences between Canada and the rest of North America when it comes to struggling with the global pandemic. Note: "Twilight of American Sanity: A Psychiatrist Analyzes The Age Of Trump" published in 2017 is your tome of reference and is worth a deeper dive.
8:35-13:28
Conservative MP for Dufferin-Caledon and rural internet crusader Kyle Seeback (@kyleseeback) drops by to remind us all why internet in Canada remains a travesty, and how his grass roots efforts and social media efforts have rallied the cause for rural Ontarians struggling with affordability and accessibility. This segment is sponsored by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiinc).
13:35-18:53
Author of the Baseball Thesaurus and 2019 Minor League Broadcaster of the Year Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass) is in studio to talk about the pending extinction of the SkyDome and how the Blue Jays organization could approach the end of an era with reasons for optimism from the fans and hope for fellow Torontonians who cherish the memories brought forth from consecutive world championships in the 90's.
19:01-24:47
Sportsnet journalist and site expert of Tip of The Tower, David Morassutti (@d_morassutti) joins the show to elucidate on why the Toronto Maple Leafs remain the most inspiring draw in professional sports across a city that's three generations removed from the last time they won anything worthwhile. Some would say it's a tragic comedy, but this segment may change your mind.
"Whiskey & Cream Theme" written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream Episode 002 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Whiskey & Cream for November 26th, 2020.
Host: Ari Shapiro
0:28-5:31
Author and Montreal Expos historian Danny Gallagher (@dannogallagher7) talks about the resurgence of Montreal Expos memorabilia and what seems like a true renaissance of fan interest in the wake of his new book (Always Remember, New Revelations and Old Tales about the Montreal Expos).
6:50-8:01
Podcaster and AMI radio host Cam Jenkins (@NeutralZoneCamJ) offers his thoughts on the pandemic reality affecting disabled fans of spectator sports.
9:30-17:54
Writer and Pension Plan Puppets blogger Omar White (@TicTacTOmar) delivers an eloquent rant in his summation of the madness behind recent Toronto Maples Leafs free agent acquisitions and where this hockey team stands today.
18:42-20:23
Site expert of Editor-In-Leaf and writer James Tanner (@EditorinLeaf) chimes in with a brazen attempt to help digest the identity of this club after the surrealism of the Mike Babcock era and why he thinks fans need to have a more realistic perspective moving forward.
20:24-23:20
Texas Rangers assistant pitching analyst Richard Birfer (@richardbirfs) can't quit baseball and believes that neither should you.
23:20-28:10
Excerpts from a recent Toronto Raptors round table with members of Shapiro's League of Seven; lawyer and college basketball player Mick Sloniowksi (@MSloniowski), economist and writer Marshall Auerback (@mauerback) and producer and political consultant Jon Reid (@JReid416).
"Whiskey & Cream Theme" written and performed by Chris Henderson.
The post Whiskey and Cream Episode 001 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
My 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 mainstream news sources. His editorials on nationalism, populism and extremist have also been featured on The Atlantic, The Washington Post and Sports Illustrated.
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.
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It's time for the much heralded return of Shapiro Deluxe - Fifth Movement, UFC 251 Preview (07/10/2020). Dan Shapiro and Eitan Shapiro are back to discuss the latest card featured for this epic "Fight Island" extravaganza taking place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
We discuss: Jorge Masvidal versus Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title and how this fight shapes the entire card. The featherweight clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway after last year's UFC 245 title change. We dive into Petr Yan taking on the legendary Jose Aldo for the bantamweight title in the league's most competitive division and what possible outcomes might exist for this stellar and unprecedented event.
Be sure to follow Dan Shapiro (@dannyshap) and Eitan Shapiro (@trainerofsteel) across social media and exclusively available here at www.arishapiro.ca.
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My 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. As a crusader of the post-modern disco spirit which seemingly refuses to die, Tim's work has been traditionally characterized as new age house music - but really, it's house elevated to a whole new and powerful level of sumptuously gorgeous sound and dissonant beats that will leave you absolutely breathless and wanting more.
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.
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Another edition of Shapiro's Round Table which straddles the line between sports and politics with a side of existential musings.
I'm joined by legendary Canadian sportscaster and journalism professor Tony Ambrogio (Tony_Ambrogio), radio broadcaster at The Neutral Zone on AMI Radio and host Cam Jenkins (@NeutralZoneCamJ), and sports editor at La Portada Canada and analyst Eduardo Harari (@edharari).
We talked about: how different leagues are handling their proposed post-pandemic playoff formats, which organization has impressed the most and demonstrated the worst, is this the death knell for Major League Baseball and can they afford to lose a season at this junction in their history, why it seems insane to consider a return to normalcy at this stage from a sports perspective, and how fans should perceive ruthless monetization efforts that make little sense. In other words, plenty of baseball bashing.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. and receive all my latest literary, audio and video content. Tonight's round table was recorded on June 2nd, 2020, and is proudly brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiInc) - a better kind of internet worth discovering!
Theme: Fragments/Ascension (Thievery Corporation, 2013)
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My latest guest appearance (05-28) on AMI Radio (@AMIaudio) with hosts Ramya Amuthan (@allramz) and Brock Richardson (@neutralzonebr) talking about the newly proposed NHL and NBA playoff formats.
We covered my thoughts on both leagues, what the future holds in store for Adam Silver and Gary Bettman respectively, why the profit-mongering nature of certain leagues may prevent them from returning anytime soon (hint: MLB), and why neutral cities may prove to be the tonic every fan needs once this pandemic is officially declared over.
Be sure to subscribe to The Neutral Zone (AMI.ca/listenlive) and enjoy their fine work as an accessible television channel offering professional reading and original content to blind and partially sighted Canadians.
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Shapiro’s League of Seven: “Playing The Blame Game” (Episode #06)
Guests: Jon Reid, Chris Henderson and Marshall Auerback
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Recorded: April 17th, 2020 (33:25)
With the coronavirus now fully entrenched as a permanent part of our lives, it has become painfully obvious that the most vulnerable, downtrodden and disenfranchised members of society don't stand a chance in the wake of our lack of empathy and foresight. The League returns after a short hiatus to feature a lively round table where we discuss the concept of attributing and perhaps navigating the reality of how and why this pandemic is proving to be so difficult to overcome.
We discussed the legitimacy of the World Health Organization (WHO) throughout this pandemic, why the old world globallist institutions and post-1948 safeguards failed the world so miserably, the fiasco that reveals how poorly we look after nursing home and special care needs patients, how Donald Trump's insistence on re-opening the economy has put him in the crosshairs of individual states and their autonomy, and how the cultural rot of media personalities such as Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil has fractured the psyche and innate confidence of all Americans.
Theme: Into The Woods (Tycho, Weather, 2019)
The post Shapiro’s League of Seven: Playing The Blame Game appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Shapiro’s League of Seven: “In Search Of A New Normal” (Episode #05)
Guests: Mick Sloniowski, Marshall Auerback and Jason Woodell
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Recorded: April 4th, 2020 (41:45)
The League gathers a bevy of eminent members to break free from the cabin fever and swirling anxieties we're all feeling during these surreal times. We discussed conspiracy theories, losing creature comforts, how the perfect wartime analogy doesn't work when there's little unity and cooperation between countries of the world, how this pandemic is exposing our supply chain weaknesses and a lack of basic political cognition and will, why Doug Ford looks like gold and Donald Trump continues to pretend it's all about gold, how 30 million unemployed Americans will likely ensure that domestic abuse, suicide rates and general mental health challenges will likely remain our greatest existential threat. Trust me, it's not all doom and gloom.
Theme: Peaches (The Presidents of the United States of America, 1995)
The post Shapiro’s League of Seven: In Search Of A New Normal appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Shapiro's League of Seven: "Bring In The Cavalry" (Episode #04)
League members: Jon Reid and Luke Armstrong
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Recorded: April 1st, 2020 (29:51)
The League takes a closer look into how we as humans are battling cabin fever as it slowly metastasizes into a grim reality of utter boredom and lingering anxiety. We discussed the psychological toll this pandemic has taken on society as a whole and what to do with the prospect of martial law looming on the horizon in countries which consider themselves democratic. Meanwhile, countless authoritarian populist nations are busy making themselves sick with hubris and misanthropic myopia. Need more? Listen in.
Theme: death bed (Powfu, death bed - coffee for your head, 2019)
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Shapiro's League of Seven: "No man or woman is an island" (Episode #03)
League members: Jon Reid and Chris Henderson
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Recorded: March 27th, 2020 (30:32)
Another day, another lockdown.
Most of the western world is losing their respective battles with the coronavirus while other smaller nations continue to impress us with their fortitude, fastidious ways and transparency to their local communities. In lieu of this powerful variance between how different countries have handing this pandemic, it's abundantly clear that the idealistic notion of cooperative globalism has been reduced to a cynical mantra of everyone for themselves and let's hope fear and anxiety doesn't destroy the best laid plans of mankind.
It makes me wonder: what will happen when this period of life is over and is this really an opportunity for humanity's reboot in the areas of kindness, compassion and empathy while making health care the absolute most important political issue of our time moving forward - or will it be back to business as usual with 2% less humans and significantly less civil rights and freedoms?
Theme: Lovers In A Dangerous Time (Bruce Cockburn, Stealing Fire, 1984)
"No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's.
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee."
-John Donne (1624)
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Shapiro's League of Seven: "The Failure of Social Distancing and Donald Trump" (Episode #02)
League members: Chris Henderson and Bradley Huff
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Record: March 22nd, 2020.
Subjects covered:
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The coronavirus aka COVID-19 is raging, and social distancing is proving to me an unmitigated failure. While countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam are proving to show the world that they can slay the pandemic giant - other nations such as Italy, Iran and The United State of New York City are ensuring that an inevitable lockdown is n the horizon - the kind that will prevent you from having your pretentiously premium coffee brewed for you while limiting the glory of having beef vindaloo and garlic naan with your binge-watching weekend. These are dark times that could last half a year or longer before we flatten the curve as the cool kids like to say.
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What the hell went wrong? How did we know so much about the imminent arrival of this pandemic and why do we find ourselves handling it like lemmings hoarding toilet paper, bread, and other medical supplies while those who really need it are frustrated to roam the planet looking for an available hospital bed? Where's the empathy and compassion needed to overcome this crisis...and has it ever existed?
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How Donald Trump stumbled and bumbled has way into political oblivion, downplaying the severity of the situation and reducing the number of CDC workers...and yet it's more than likely he'll be re-elected in November when and if the elections are held.
Theme: Money City Maniacs (Sloan, Navy Blues, 1998)
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Shapiro's League of Seven: "The Day The Sports World Paused" (Episode 01)
League members: Marshall Auerback and Mick Sloniowski
Hosted by Ari Shapiro
Record: March 17th, 2020.
Subjects covered:
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The day the sports world disappeared.
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Flattening the curve; stay-at-home guidelines and cash reinforcements, debt write-offs - how should the world handle this development?
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The threat of social media when it comes to the disappearance of toilet paper and key goods.
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Italy and Iran's total failure; why South Korea's mandatory testing policy worked right off the bat.
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Israel cyber-monitoring; deploying cell phone monitoring technology - is that an Orwellian gateway?
Theme: Coffee and Feels (Satin Jackets, Golden Feel, 2020)
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Thrilled to be flanked by some seriously savvy and enthusiastic basketball insiders as we discuss the Toronto Raptors of the NBA and why they remain the best kept secret in the sports universe.
Joining me is beer league veteran and former college basketball player Mick Sloniowski (@Mickey_Slo), popular Canadian podcaster and blogger Karim Kanji (@karimkanji), and sportscaster and radio announcer Michael Asiffo (@michaelasiffo).
Together we discussed: why it's so bloody difficult for the team to earn respect south of the border, how baseball and hockey have failed where basketball succeeds, the brilliance of Adam Silver and the failure of Rob Manfred, how pandering to fans has become a lost art, why Nick Nurse deserves his own private island in British Columbia, and what to expect from the reigning champions when it comes to this year's playoffs.
Be sure to check out WelcomeToTheMusic.com and The Leg Kick podcast today.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. and receive all my latest literary, audio and video content at your leisure. It's free and comes with pie.
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My latest conversation with celebrated writer, author, and Montreal Expos historian Danny Gallagher, who began covering the team in 1988 and has been a regular contributor to the Canadian Baseball Network. His latest literary effort is Always Remembered: New Revelations And Old Tales About Those Fabulous Expos.
We discussed why the Expos have become an indelible part of Canada's baseball history, how 1969-2004 represented a treasure trove of memories for diehard fans, what could have happened in 1994 to change the fate of the franchise, and how much inspiration he's received over the years as a true archivist and chronicler of French baseball lore.
Be sure to check out Danny on social media (@dannogallagher7) and all his prolific work across Amazon, Indigo and other major bookselling retail outlets.
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today to receive my latest audio, video and existential creative efforts.
Music: "Circles" (Post Malone, Circles, 2019)
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My latest guest appearance on FM 105.9 The Region (Vaughan) with host Jim Lang.
We discussed the Toronto Blue Jays and why a .500 season isn't out of the question, if fans should be legitimately hopeful about the talent quotient on this team, why Shapiro and Atkins will be expected to finally deliver something tangible outside of corporate gobbledygook and incessant doubletalk, and we wrapped up by delving into the cynical reality of what Major League Baseball represents in 2020 and why you can still believe in peanuts and crackerjacks.
Check out Jim (@JimLangSports) on social media and be sure to follow his morning show on FM 105.9 The Region (@1059TheRegion).
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Shapiro'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 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)
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My latest appearance (02-17-20) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with Dustin Nielson (@nielsonTSN1260).
Remembering the legendary Tony Fernandez and how he touched the hearts of an entire generation of Toronto baseball fans with his class, dignity and talent. He will always be remembered as the greatest Blue Jays player to ever put on the uniform, and for being one of the most charitable and altruistic human beings you'll find on this planet.
Be sure to visit: https://tffoundation.ca/ and make a donation. The Tony Fernandez Foundation works with underprivileged and troubled children by nurturing and developing them through counseling, education, training, physical and spiritual activities. Tony's vision is to fulfill his childhood dream to enrich the lives of less fortunate children.
From his website:
Dear friends,
Our dear 'hermano y amigo' Tony Fernandez passed away on Sunday, February 16 as a result of complications from the polycystic kidney disease that Tony suffered from over the past number of years.
The Fernandez family is deeply grateful to the many baseball colleagues, friends and fans who have surrounded them with expressions of compassion, love and prayers.
Following the funeral in Tony's native Dominican Republic, we anticipate that plans will be made for a memorial service to take place in Toronto at a later date. Details, once finalized, will be posted on this website as well as to the Facebook Page of the Tony Fernandez Foundation - Canada.
Thank you.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38,39)
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My 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 Toronto sports.
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.
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My first round table of 2020..and it's a slobberknocker, folks.
Joining me to discuss the shame and humiliation of the broken national sports pastime that is Major League Baseball is acclaimed sportscaster and legendary TSN reporter Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio), country music star and Blue Jays blogger Chris Henderson (@baseball4brains), and former minor league basketball player and lawyer Mick Sloniowski.
Together we discussed: how to adequately deal with the hubris and hypocrisy of a sport gone to rot, what a suitable punishment should be for players directly involved with these shenanigans since 2017, why Rob Manfred is a pitiful excuse for a league commissioner, what MLB should do with advanced technology governing the extent of rampant greed in the sport, how Jose Altuve went from an inspirational human being to a bucket of second-grade used pine tar, and why the Houston Astros as an organization deserve a special place in baseball hell.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. and receive all my latest literary, audio and video content. Tonight's round table was recorded on January 17th, 2020 and is proudly brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiInc) - a better kind of internet worth discovering!
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On this latest round table, I'm joined by national hockey writer John Matisz from The Score, dynamic blogger and epic soothsayer Luke Armstrong, and former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender and 80's nostalgist Allan Bester.
We discussed: the dismissal of Don Cherry and what it means to the average hockey fan, why the writing was on the wall when it came to his politics, the fallout from having a Canadian icon bite the marketing dust, why the Toronto Maple Leafs remain a dysfunctional hockey team, if Mike Babcock will remain as the coach of this mediocre group of overpaid athletes, and why Allan enjoys Fox News and thinks we're all a bit too sensitive.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. to receive all my latest literary, audio and video content. Tonight's round table is brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiInc) - a better kind of interent, and SevenView Jeep Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - isn't it time you bought a real car?
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On this latest round table, I'm joined by TSN sportscasting legend Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio), blogger and basketball guru Mick Sloniowski (@MSloniowski), and site expert of Editor-in-Leaf James Tanner (@James_Tanner123).
We discussed: if the Maple Leafs are victims of a falsely constructed social media narrative, what the real future of Mike Babcock looks like, the importance of timing when it comes to free agent additions, why Sheldon Keefe deserves to be mentioned more than just a passing footnote, how benching Jason Spezza set back everything, why the Raptors remain the most likeable team in the country, how Pascal Siakam is on the verge of superstardom, and the legacy of Blue Jays frugality and how it's destroyed baseball in Toronto in a league where more teams tank than actually compete.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. to receive all my latest literary, audio and video content. Tonight's round table is brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiInc) - a better kind of interent, and SevenView Jeep Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - isn't it time you bought a real car?
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On this latest round table, I'm joined by critically-acclaimed blogger and writer Luke Armstrong (@armstrongthings), TSN stalwart and sportscasting legend Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio), and celebrated author and soothsaying economist Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback), who all serve up hot takes on the recent signing of Mitch Marner and the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
We discussed: their respective hot takes on the Mitch Marner deal (six years, $10.893 million AAV), how they feel about this roster as it's presently constituted, on the prospect of rewarding players before they've won anything, if Mike Babcock feels any pressure halfway through his epic contract, should pressure exist for an organization that hasn't won a championship in 53 years, on the veteran presence of a Tyson Barrie and other wily mercenaries, how backup goaltending could be the difference maker when it comes to Neuvirth, and who they think will be the darkhorse on this ruthlessly talented team of multi-millionaires.
Don't forget to subscribe to arishapiro.ca. Tonight's round table is brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@cloudwifiInc) - a better kind of interent, and SevenView Jeep Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - isn't it time you bought a real car?
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Five different takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs blue line and how fans should feel about their chances defensively during the 2019-2020 season.
Special guests: James Tanner (James_Tanner123), Mark Do Couto (@MarkDoCouto), Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81), Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens) and Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
This episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@CloudwifiInc) - Toronto's most progressive internet service provider and by Seven View Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - Ontario's finest Jeep dealership located in the heart of Woodbridge, Ontario.
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Five different takes on how Canadians wrestle with a lack of competition and the presence of industry duopolies in their daily lives.
Special guests: Mark Do Couto (@MarkDoCouto), Mick Sloniowski (@MSloniowski), Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains), Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback) and Geoff Falbo (@gfalbo13).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
This episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@CloudwifiInc) - Toronto's newest and most progressive internet service provider, and by Seven View Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - Ontario's finest and most reputable Jeep dealership located in the heart of Woodbridge.
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My 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 the border as a legendary Canadian musician and personality.
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.
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Five different takes on the spectacularly dull and largely uneventful NHL off-season to this point.
Special guests: Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81), James Tanner (@James_Tanner123), Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens), Mark Do Couto (@MarkDoCouto) and Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
This episode was brought to you by: Cloudwifi (@CloudwifiInc) - Toronto's newest and most progressive internet service provider, and by Seven View Chrysler (@7ViewChrysler) - Ontario's finest and most reputable Jeep dealership located in the heart of Woodbridge.
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My latest appearance (08-09) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Tom Gazzola (@TomGazzola) sitting in for Dave Jamieson.
We discussed the historic start to Bo Bichette's career, the feeling around the Blue Jays clubhouse as the last vestiges of the Alex Anthopoulos regime were traded away, my candid thoughts on the recent Stroman-Sanchez-Biagini exorcism, the bizarre fallout from Igor Ozhiganov/Nikita Zaitsev's involvement with the Maple Leafs, and why a Russian cultural bias tends to only exist in the minds of largely mediocre NHL players.
Be sure to check out Dave's excellent show on TSN radio (weekdays at noon) and be mindful that he once put out a raging barbecue fire with nothing more than an old dish towel and a steely glance.
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My latest appearance on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Andrew Mitchell (@Lowetide).
Talking Blue Jays baseball at the MLB trade deadline; the fallout from the Aaron Sanchez trade, how fans should remember acquiring Derek Fisher, why the Marcus Stroman trade reeks of defeatism, the dangers of using position players to lure pitching prospects, why fans have grown tired of corporate doublespeak and misdirection, an ode to Justin Smoak as the last man standing, and flushing the last remnants of Anthopoulos engine oil to mark the transition from old guard to new.
Be sure to check out The Lowdown with Lowetide on TSN 1260 radio (@TSN1260).
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My latest appearance (07-25) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dave Jamieson (@jamieson1260).
We explored the likelihood of a Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard trade as the deadline fast approaches and how the Blue Jays should reconcile their need to rebuild without sacrificing a fan favourite.
Be sure to check out Dave's excellent show on TSN radio (weekdays at noon) and be mindful that he once put out a raging barbecue fire with nothing more than an old dish towel and a steely glance.
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Five different takes on the relationship between Marcus Stroman and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Special guests: Jason Lee (@Jasons_Jayshub), Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass), Brent Cardy (@BrentCardyShow), Karim Kanji (@karimkanji) and Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
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Five different takes on the future of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.
Special guests: Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio), Ian Tulloch (@IanGraph), Mark Do Couto (@MarkDoCouto), Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens) and Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
The post Take 5: Mike Babcock’s Legacy appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Five different takes on how fans should feel about the 2019-2020 edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Special guests: Tony Ambrogio (@Tony_Ambrogio), Ian Tulloch (@IanGraph), Mark Do Couto (@MarkDoCouto), Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens) and Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
The post Take 5: Affirming the 2019-2020 Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Five different takes on Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Special guests: Luke Armstrong (@armstrongthings), David Morassutti (@d_morassutti), Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81), Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback) and Omar White (@olw93)
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and cell phone.
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My latest appearance (07-12) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dave Jamieson (@jamieson1260).
We jibjabbed about the Toronto Blue Jays; thoughts on their talent pool and prospect development, the inevitably sad fate of Marcus Stroman, and if Charlie Montoyo will ever find a way to leave his incremental mark on a moribund franchise.
Be sure to check out Dave's excellent show on TSN radio (weekdays at noon) and be mindful that he once put out a raging barbecue fire with nothing more than an old dish towel and a steely glance.
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Five takes on the nature and quality of the Toronto Blue Jays rebuild during the 2019 MLB campaign.
Special guests: Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame), Richard Birfer (@richardbirfs), Hayden Godfrey (@haydengodfreyy), Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback) and Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive future Take 5 episodes straight to your e-mail and on your cell phone.
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My latest appearance on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Tyler Yaremchuk (@tyleryaremchuk).
Talking baseball; we covered the upcoming home run derby with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the state of the Toronto Blue Jays rebuild, different kinds of trade collateral with their current roster, and what to expect from the delightful core of young players (Gurriel Jr., Biggio, Jansen, Tellez) making significant strides throughout the regular season.
Be sure to check out The Lowdown with Lowetide on TSN 1260 radio.
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Five takes on Kawhi Leonard's decision to part company with the Toronto Raptors.
Special guests: Josh Weinstein (@joshweinstein), Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback), Mick Sloniowski (@MSloniowski), Hayden Godfrey (@haydengodfreyy) and Geoff Falbo (@gfalbo13).
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My 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 made him into one of the most critically-acclaimed and trusted internet personalities around.
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.
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On this latest round table, I'm thrilled to be joined by novelist, blogger and pocaster Stephen Burns (@StephenRBurns) along with former Canadian college basketball player and beer league veteran Mick Sloniowski (@MSloniowski) on the show.
We explored: the fallout and missed opportunity that was game two of the series, how social media warned us of the inevitable incompetence of the Tony brothers, the issue of the NBA dropping the ball on quality officiating, Kawhi Leonard versus Draymond Green when it comes to humility against hubris, if the novelty of this playoff run will ever subside and what it means for generations of fans to come, the power of sport to harness tribalism in all the right ways, how much baseball stands to lose as basketball's popularity rises, on the living saint that is Marc Gasol, the importance of likable players as a dynamic marketing tool, and the need to give Masai Ujiri his own platinum statue while examining his extraordinary legacy in Toronto.
Be sure to check out SCooP (Sports, Culture and Politics) - the latest podcast offering from Stephen Burns.
Music: A Beautiful Mine - RJD2
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Dimsum Stories: The Audio Experience - Volume 1
Five microstories of ambient introspection and emotional consideration from author and wordsmith Eric Rosenhek. Whether you're on the bus heading to work, tossing and turning for a fitful sleep, or you just need a break from the perils of living in the modern age - these stories of personal transcendence and nostalgic reflection might be precisely what you need.
(0:00-1:06) Blame Me (Ambience: Basketball Stadium by n Beats)
(1:09-2:17) The Perfect Ending (Ambience: Albinoni Adagio in G Minor by Veselin Demirev)
(2:20-3:23) The Angry Musician (Ambience: Me & The Devil Blues by Robert Johnson)
(3:27-4:28) Brave Elder (Ambience: Shamanic Drums & Deep Trance by Meditative Mind)
(4:32-5:42) The Warning (Ambience: Pslams 104 by Yamma Ensemble)
Created and written by Eric Rosenhek. Produced and narrated by Ari Shapiro.
The post Dimsum Stories: The Audio Experience – Volume 1 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Enjoy the latest Toronto Blue Jays round table recorded on May 20th, 2019 and brought to you by Jays Journal and arishapiro.ca.
Settle in and join host Ari Shapiro and his guests: country musician star and site expert Chris Henderson (@baseball4brains), scouting director and minor league expert Richard Birfer (@richardbirfs), and celebrated writer and public speaker Hayden Godfrey (@haydengodfreyy).
Together, they tackle the issue of resting Vlad Guerrero Jr. hot on the heels of winning AL Player of the Week and in front of a national holiday crowd, how to analyze the reported 25% decrease in attendance over last year and what baseball is doing to combat diminishing interest in the sport, evaluating the fourth year of the Shapiro/Atkins era, why the fourth largest market in baseball has an actualized payroll of $65 million dollars, what to do with Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez as the only legitimate trading chips on the roster, looking back at Roberto Osuna and the price that was paid for making a "moral" baseball trade, and their general speculation on the quality and nature of this enigmatic rebuild.
Be sure to visit jaysjournal.com and arishapiro.ca for your latest in Blue Jays insights, editorials, and analysis.
The post Toronto Blue Jays Round Table: Rebuilding Pride – But At What Cost appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Enjoy the latest Toronto Blue Jays round table recorded on May 20th, 2019 and brought to you by Jays Journal and arishapiro.ca.
Settle in and join host Ari Shapiro and his guests: country musician star and site expert Chris Henderson (@baseball4brains), scouting director and minor league expert Richard Birfer (@richardbirfs), and celebrated writer and public speaker Hayden Godfrey (@haydengodfreyy).
Together, they tackle the issue of resting Vlad Guerrero Jr. hot on the heels of winning AL Player of the Week and in front of a national holiday crowd, how to analyze the reported 25% decrease in attendance over last year and what baseball is doing to combat diminishing interest in the sport, evaluating the fourth year of the Shapiro/Atkins era, why the fourth largest market in baseball has an actualized payroll of $65 million dollars, what to do with Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez as the only legitimate trading chips on the roster, looking back at Roberto Osuna and the price that was paid for making a "moral" baseball trade, and their general speculation on the quality and nature of this enigmatic rebuild.
Be sure to visit jaysjournal.com and arishapiro.ca for your latest in Blue Jays insights, editorials, and analysis.
The post Toronto Blue Jays Round Table: Rebuilding Pride. But At What Cost? appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro are back after their respective podcast world tours and find themselves wrestling over the Toronto sports landscape with microphones and cigars. Warning: this episode (05-08-19) is 70% Raptors, 20% Maple Leafs, 10% Blue Jays content and contains trace amounts of peanuts and crackerjacks, along with an endearing salute to the greatest man to ever walk the earth: Clint Eastwood.
The post Teskey and Shapiro – Episode 11 appeared first on Ari Shapiro.
My latest in-studio appearance on CBC Radio One 99.1 FM (04-23-19) during the afternoon with host Reshmi Nair (@reshminair) discussing game seven of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins opening playoff round. We talked about the emotional nature of this affair, why some fans refuse to see a half-glass full, and what a victory might mean to an entire generation that's long on memory and short on patience.
Be sure to check out Here and Now on weekday afternoons from 3pm to 6pm covering all news, traffic, and sports.
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My latest appearance (04-03) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dave Jamieson (@jamieson1260).
We discussed the fallout from the Kevin Pillar trade, why baseball struggles mightily with generating spontaneous moments of worthwhile action, the last remaining pieces of the Alex Anthopoulos era, and the lost art of bunting.
Be sure to check out Dave's excellent show on TSN radio (weekdays at noon) and be mindful that he once put out a raging barbecue fire with nothing more than an old dish towel and a steely glance.
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My latest guest appearance (03-30) on The Neutral Zone podcast (@AMIaudio) with hosts Brock Richardson (@neutralzonebr) & Cam Jenkins (@NeutralZoneCamJ) talking about the Toronto Blue Jays.
We discussed the start of the 2019 baseball season, my candid thoughts on the future of Marcus Stroman, if the current stock of reclamation projects can find a way to win back fans, the glorious culture change that is Charlie Montoyo's leadership, and what to expect from a season that's truly short on expectations and high on rose-colored possibilities.
Be sure to subscribe to The Neutral Zone (AMI.ca/listenlive) and enjoy their fine work as an accessible television channel offering professional reading and original content to blind and partially sighted Canadians.
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My latest baseball round table featuring Jesse Golderberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass; author and voice of the Lansing Lugnuts), Marshall Auerback (@Mauerback; writer and research analyst at the Levy Institute), and Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame; co-founder of Prospects Live and host of The Scouts Have Eyes podcast).
We discussed: Anthony Alford's great and final crusade, the sumptuous reclamation projects that is Teoscar Hernandez, a strange recurrence of the Shapiro vs. Anthopoulos paradigm, what Alex and his legacy was truly all about, Woodell's favourite under-the-radar Jays prospects, dreaming of 200+ innings from Stroman and Sanchez, why the most important rookie on the team isn't a player, how to properly grade the efforts of Charlie Montoyo, and the power of self-prescribed intellectual exercises in management versus old-school vanilla rebuilds.
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive all my round tables straight to your inbox/cell phone, and be sure to visit jaysjournal.com for news, insights, and editorials on all things Blue Jays.
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My 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 victimized by fraudulent, abusive, and predatory business practices.
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.
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My latest baseball round table featuring Chris Henderson (@baseball4brains; musician and site expert at Jays Journal), Geoff Falbo (@gfalbo13; writer/blogger formerly with Deep Leagues), and Eric Rosenhek (@TheHek; writer and host of Definitely Not Jays Talk).
We discussed: Vlad Guerrero's oblique strain and the issue of personal conditioning, the glorious renaissance of Bo Bichette, Anthony Alford's quest for true baseball redemption, Bud Norris and the issue of veteran influence in the dugout, what happens if Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez put their pitching woes behind them, the future of the starting rotation, when this team officially becomes Mark Shapiro's baby, and what happens if the bottom falls out early and all we're left with is a minor league product at major league prices during August.
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My 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 "The Zionist Ideas: Visions for the Jewish Homeland."
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.
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My conversation with investigative journalist and best-selling author William D. Cohan, whose prodigious efforts and intrepid literary skills have made him one of the world's foremost authorities on the true nature of Wall Street corruption and financial subterfuge.
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.
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My 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 imagined were behind the scenes changing the industry as we know it.
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.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver (03-04-19) with glorious host Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira).
We discussed John Tavares and the delicate emotional sensibilities of their respective fanbases, the inevitably predictable fate of Mitch Marner, how injuries to Jake Gardiner and Travis Dermott will impact Toronto's playoff fortunes this year, Vlad Guerrero Jr. under the scrutiny of spring training weight punditry, and various pre-season baseball musings about labour relations and corporate smugness.
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Saturday's rant on the return of John Tavares to Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, February 28th, 2019; the first time since leaving the New York Islanders to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca to receive my daily audio and video rants across all platforms covering a wide variety of reasonably compelling human issues and worthwhile narratives. And don't forget the ketchup.
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Prospects Live presents "Crashing The Pressbox - Episode 4"
Here's my latest appearance on the critically-acclaimed baseball podcast "Crashing The Pressbox" with splendid host Jason Woodell (@Jasonatthegame). We discuss the Toronto Blue Jays and their talent base, our shared thoughts on podcasting philosophies, why the sport of baseball has reached an existential crisis for the ages, and a blistering rapid-fire round of questions that I inexplicably took half an hour to answer.
It's been called a living library of minor league baseball and is regarded as one of the best resources for farm team enthusiasts and sabermetric purists. Featuring prospect lists, compelling podcasts, in-depth graph studies, progressive field reports, and comprehensive scouting portfolios - Prospects Live is an experience that simply cannot be missed.
Be sure to visit ProspectsLive.com and check them out on social media (@ProspectsLive). It's the best thing you'll likely do this entire year.
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My latest appearance on CBC Radio One 99.1 FM (02-25-19) during the afternoon with host Reshmi Nair (@reshminair) discussing the NHL trade deadline and how the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves jockeying for position alongside other conference contenders.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver (02-16-19) with Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira).
We talked about the indomitable will of the Vancouver Canucks and how they've brought a new culture to the city, the fallout from the Auston Matthews contract, how the Maple Leafs depth chart changes with the unfortunate injury to Andreas Johnsson, the start of baseball spring training and the Blue Jays astonishing lack of depth, if newly minted skipper Charlie Montoyo can become a bigger fan favourite than John Gibbons, and the daunting front office rationalization behind delaying Vlad Guerrero's ascent to inevitable stardom.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My latest guest appearance on FM 105.9 The Region (Vaughan) with the always classy Jim Lang.
We talked about the departure of John Gibbons and the potential influence of rookie skipper Charlie Montoyo, on the issue of having one hundred free agents still looking for employment, how Mark Shapiro will need to be a skillful politician in 2019, the Blue Jays depth chart and their dire need for legitimate major league starting pitching, when the mercurial Vlad Guerrero Jr. will see the light of major league day, if Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez can right their respective ships, and the quagmire that has become Bryce Harper.
Check out Jim (@JimLangSports) on social media and be sure to follow his morning show on FM 105.9 The Region (@1059TheRegion).
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My 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 Daddy's Getting Married, many fans of Bif (aka Beth Allen) will find her an engaging conversationalist who has no shortage of words to describe her indomitable view of the changing world around us.
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.
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On the last episode we discussed foreplay and how pornography and a profound lack of sexual education may be to blame for its slow and gradual demise. On this episode, we will look at some tips and tricks that you can use to spice up your sex life by incorporating foreplay and making it fun. So will you join me and learn how to foreplay?
Sexpress Yourself is a new sexual health and discovery podcast created and hosted by Alicia Legge (@legge_alicia). Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest episode straight to your phone and e-mail inbox.
Music: The Breeders - Cannonball.
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My 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 opinion.
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.
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My 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 with the disorder.
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.
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My 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 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.
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Has foreplay died? Are we so wrapped up in pornography that we cannot see the benefits of an intimate connection? Have our schools fallen so behind with sex education that kids and young adults have no idea what they are doing when it comes to sex and have no where to turn for help? We delve into these questions with some insight from a recent article by a psychoanalyst.
Sexpress Yourself is a new sexual health and discovery podcast created and hosted by Alicia Legge (@legge_alicia). Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest episode straight to your phone and e-mail inbox.
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My latest appearance (01-24-2019) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dean Millard (@DuckMillard) as we discussed: Cooperstown's class of 2019, finding justice in Edgar Martinez making it to the hall, the sentimentality behind Roy Halladay's love of baseball, how Mariano Rivero changed the game in more ways than one, Mike Mussina debt of gratitude to the eternally salty Jack Morris, why Curt Schilling and his volume knob remain flummoxed, and the inevitable rise of the all-too deserving epic Canadian known as Larry Walker.
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My 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 Right network, Fury's Hour: A Punk-Rock Manifesto, and his latest book; New Dark Ages: The X Gang.
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.
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My 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 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.
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2018 Toronto Blue Jays Player in Review: Kevin Pillar
Join podcast host Ari Shapiro as he takes a moment to reflect on the season that was for center fielder Kevin Pillar and what fans should expect in the days ahead. Featuring article and social media quotes from: Hayden Godfrey, Clayton Richer, and Chris Henderson of Jays Journal.
Be sure to tune in regularly for new player reviews from the year that was, and check out the latest work from the writing crew over at Jays Journal. Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest daily reviews straight to your e-mail inbox and on-demand with your phone.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver (01-05-19) with the inimitable Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira).
We discussed the absence of Elias Pettersson over the weekend, debating Travis Green's nature, on the glaring Marner and Rielly omissions at the NHL's ASG, how the Lightning will be the Moriarty to the Maple Leafs' Sherlock Holmes, that zany Hutchinson gambit, accepting St. Ovechkin's way, and the ugly ballad of Troy Tulowitzki.
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2018 Toronto Blue Jays Player in Review: Marcus Stroman
Join podcast host Ari Shapiro as he takes a moment to reflect on the season that was for starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and what fans should expect in the days ahead. Featuring article and social media quotes from: Chris Henderson, Jon Morosi, and Marcus Stroman's twitter feed.
Be sure to tune in regularly for new player reviews from the year that was, and check out the latest work from the writing crew over at Jays Journal (@JaysJournal).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest daily reviews straight to your e-mail inbox and on-demand with your phone.
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My 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 you'll ever discover.
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.
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My 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 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.
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My latest appearance (12-17) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dean Millard (@DuckMillard) as we discussed the baseball winter meetings, the frail and vulnerable state of free agency, how the Blue Jays will handle their starting rotation in 2019, relentless rumours about Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez, and where Bryce Harper and Manny Machado could potentially end up despite their character foibles and ruthlessly idiosyncratic ways.
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2018 Toronto Blue Jays Player in Review: Justin Smoak
Join podcast host Ari Shapiro as he takes a moment to reflect on the season that was for first baseman Justin Smoak and what fans should expect in the days ahead. Featuring article quotes from: Hayden Godfrey, Chris Henderson, and Clayton Richer.
Be sure to tune in regularly for new player reviews from the year that was, and check out the latest work from the writing crew over at Jays Journal (@JaysJournal).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest daily reviews straight to your e-mail inbox and on-demand with your phone.
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Late night raconteurs and podcast hosts Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro return for episode ten of their shared audio adventure which features some of the hottest saucy sports takes since Teskey's last outdoor BBQ during the summer.
On this show: deliberating the true contending nature of the Maple Leafs after witnessing them take their lumps against the Tampa Bay Lightning, deconstructing the remnants of Alex Anthopoulos and his imprints on the Toronto Blue Jays, and deifying the Toronto Raptors success against true championship caliber teams and what it means for the future of basketball in the city.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan radio in Toronto with host Josh Goldberg discussing all things Toronto Blue Jays.
A closer look at the future of Aaron Sanchez & Marcus Stroman, and why Russell Martin should still remain a fixture in the Toronto dugout heading into the transition year that will be 2019 Blue Jays baseball. #cognac
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My latest appearance (12-06) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Davie Jamieson (@jamieson1260). We talked about the upcoming winter meetings and how the sport of baseball is facing an existential crises when it comes to fan treatment, quality of on-field product, and festering labor relations which could inevitably lead to another work stoppage. All of that and a series of Blue Jays rants that will please the purist and embolden the millennial.
Be sure to check out Dave's excellent show on TSN radio (weekdays at noon) and be mindful that he once put out a raging barbecue fire with nothing more than an old dish towel and a steely glance.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver (12-05) with brilliant host Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira).
We talked about finality and closure from the William Nylander saga; the fallout from his signing and why it didn't happen sooner, how it affects Mike Babock's decision-making/strategic lineup matches, and what it means to lose an important depth player like Josh Leivo while rationalizing his long-term value to the Vancouver Canucks during their vaunted rebuild.
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2018 Toronto Blue Jays Player in Review: Russell Martin
Join podcast host Ari Shapiro as he takes a moment to reflect on the season that was for catcher Russell Martin and what fans should expect in the days ahead. Featuring article quotes from: Clayton Richer, Chris Henderson, Hayden Godfrey, and Steve Buffery.
Be sure to tune in regularly for new player reviews from the year that was, and check out the latest work from the writing crew over at Jays Journal (@JaysJournal).
Subscribe to arishapiro.ca today and receive the latest daily reviews straight to your e-mail inbox and on-demand with your phone.
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My 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 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.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver (11-25) with the always dynamic and indefatigable host Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira).
We discussed the glorious nostalgic romp that was Hockey Night in Canada this past weekend, the magic of those powder blue retro uniforms, the rise of young and talented draft picks throughout the league, the impending return of Auston Matthews, the current status of William Nylander, how the New York Yankees never change, and what the James Paxton trade means to the Blue Jays.
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My 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 projections and is a highly respected analytics guru.
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.
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Heroes & Hosers is a brand new hockey podcast that covers the latest news and exciting developments from the National Hockey League. Featuring hosts Eric Dinkelmann (@MaximusNhl) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro), tune in for your daily dose of NHL insights, observations, and self-deprecating humour to remind you of the existential nature of the greatest game on earth.
On this episode: Patrik Laine gets his groove back and revels in his sixth hat trick by the tender age of 20, Todd McLellan and Mike Yeo are the latest casualties of the NHL coaching fraternity, if the great coaching Poobah Ken Hitchcock can turn things around in Edmonton, and the surging Buffalo Sabres juxtaposed nicely by the melodrama that is the Ottawa Senators' season.
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Heroes & Hosers is a brand new hockey podcast that covers the latest news and exciting developments from the National Hockey League. Featuring hosts Eric Dinkelmann (@MaximusNhl) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro), tune in for your daily dose of NHL insights, observations, and self-deprecating humour to remind you of the existential nature of the greatest game on earth.
On this episode: Reviewing the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2019 this past weekend, the ludicrous inclusion of commissioner and neo-globalist Gary Bettman, the atrociously belated addition of Willie O'Ree, how Martin Brodeur forever changed the game with more than just his prolific goaltending records, and the diminutive awesome sauce that was Martin St. Louis.
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MORDECAI JONES CHRONICLES: FOOL ME ONCE- CHOOSING YOUR BANDWAGON CAREFULLY IN THE AGE OF WME
Jumping on the wrong bandwagon can be embarrassing. But showing up late to the party means you've missed out on the fish tacos. Join Mordecai Jones as he contemplates his 50/50 prognostications for UFC 230, delivers an apology to Israel Adesanya, and relishes an opportunity to make a Predator reference while strolling down a very hype-filled memory lane.
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Heroes & Hosers is a brand new hockey podcast that covers the latest news and exciting developments from the National Hockey League. Featuring hosts Eric Dinklemann (@MaximusNhl) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro), tune in for your daily dose of NHL insights, observations, and self-deprecating humour to remind you of the existential nature of the greatest game on earth.
On this episode: Elias Pettersson's puts on his best Wayne Gretzky impression while scoring 10 goals in as many games, Neal Pionk uses 200 feet of ice to bring the crowd out of their seats, Milan Lucic gets in trouble (yet again) as the game furiously passes him by, and how the firing of Joel Quenneville stunned the hockey world and most of the known and charted galaxy.
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My 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 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.
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Heroes & Hosers is a brand new hockey podcast that covers the latest news and exciting developments from the National Hockey League. Featuring hosts Eric Dinklemann (@MaximusNhl) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro), tune in for your daily dose of NHL insights, observations, and self-deprecating humour to remind you of the existential nature of the greatest game on earth.
On this inaugural episode: John Stevens as the first coaching casualty of the season, the fabulous Vancouver Canucks and their astonishing rise to legitimacy, Ottawa Senators players throwing their coaching staff under a bus in an uber cab, and Brian Boyle's inspirational hat trick on Hockey Fights Cancer night across the league.
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My 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 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.
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It's all about a good match-up. And UFC 230's got a few!
Join Mordecai Jones as he scratches his chin and ponders fights that can build anticipation and deliver the goods. The future has been looking brighter since Khabib took flight just a month ago...we're spoiled with many great match-ups around the corner. Hear astounding UFC 230 predictions that you won't see coming - perhaps not unlike like a Black Beast Bomb coming at an unsuspecting Daniel Cormier Saturday night?!
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My 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 across North America.
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.
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Welcome to the third edition of "Ten Minutes Of Cardy" from celebrated podcaster and Toronto sports aficionado Brent Cardy - available exclusively at www.arishapiro.ca.
On this week's sampler, Cardy calls out the WWE for their poor timing and placement of the Women's only pay-per-view (Evolution) offering. He also looks at what he'd do in place of Vince McMahon when it comes to their upcoming Crown Jewel PPV quagmire and adds his argument to John Layfield's interview on Varney & Co.; this is one teaser-trailer you don't want to miss!
Brent Cardy is the Host & Producer of the critically-acclaimed "The Cardy Show" which can be found on @iTunes and @Podomatic. Be sure to check out his latest work on twitter via @BrentCardyShow and subscribe to his podcast today.
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My 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, 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.
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My 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 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).
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My 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 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.
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My 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 all sports organizations.
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.
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My latest appearance with Mira Laurence of Sportsnet 650 Vancouver. We discussed the fallout from Elias Pettersson/Michael Matheson and how the NHL is tackling the issue of unnecessary roughness while desperately trying to protect its young and talented.
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"OVER THE HILLS OF DAGESTAN AND FAR AWAY: WHY AND WHERE DANA WHITE NEEDS TO GO"
Lookin' for a fight? Want a location? Mordecai Jones is lookin' for a fight with one man, Dana White, the guy he figures is single-handedly responsible for the insane brawl at UFC 229, and more importantly, the pout on Stipe Miocic's mug. There's only one location cold enough for the President's cage-side manner, and it's over the hills of Dagestan and far away.
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My 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 sports-related narratives across Canada.
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.
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Welcome to the second edition of "Ten Minutes Of Cardy" from celebrated podcaster and Toronto sports aficionado Brent Cardy - available exclusively at www.arishapiro.ca.
On this week's sampler, Cardy talks about his ALCS and NLCS baseball predictions, his NFL thoughts on the Broncos/Falcons/Rams/Chiefs, his candid observation on Hurricane Michael, and a preview of his upcoming show with special guest: veteran Canadian sportscaster Jody Vance!
Brent Cardy is the Host & Producer of the critically-acclaimed "The Cardy Show" which can be found on @iTunes and @Podomatic. Be sure to check out his latest work on twitter via @BrentCardyShow and subscribe to his podcast today.
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My latest guest appearance (10-06) on The Neutral Zone podcast (@AMIaudio) with hosts Brock Richardson (@neutralzonebr) & Cam Jenkins (@NeutralZoneCamJ) talking about the Toronto Blue Jays.
We engaged in a retrospective look at the Blue Jays season that was, if I was surprised that John Gibbons managed to last the entire season, candid thoughts on the second best manager in the history of the franchise, who the next manager of the team should be, if multilingualism will be a major factor in upgrading the coaching staff, how the financial justification of keeping Vlad Guerrero Jr. buried in the minors will come back to haunt the front office, and if Mark Shapiro will be around to rebuild this team properly.
Be sure to subscribe to The Neutral Zone (AMI.ca/listenlive) and enjoy their fine work as an accessible television channel offering professional reading and original content to blind and partially sighted Canadians.
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My 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 national podcast as well!
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.
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I'm pleased to bring you my latest hockey round table featuring three professors of puck whose insights and expertise on all things Toronto Maple Leafs could easily be considered second to none; Omar White, David Morassutti, and Austin Owens.
We discussed their thoughts on the first week of the season and any surprises or disappointments which left indelible impressions, their collective concerns about the team's suspect blue line, why certain NHL calibre defensemen might remain whipping boys for an entire season, the always vexing issue of Mike Babcock's selective minutes distribution and why the universally lauded Travis Dermott deserves much more ice time, and their definitive hot takes on the William Nylander impasse in all its false splendor and surreal glory.
Be sure to check out the fine literary and audio work from Omar White (@OLW93) with Pension Plan Puppets, Dave Morassutti (@d_morassutti) of Sportsnet, and Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens) at The Score.
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I'm pleased to bring you my latest hockey round table featuring three professors of puck whose insights and expertise on all things Toronto Maple Leafs could easily be considered second to none; Omar White, David Morassutti, and Austin Owens.
We discussed their thoughts on the first week of the season and any surprises or disappointments which left indelible impressions, their collective concerns about the team's suspect blue line, why certain NHL calibre defensemen might remain whipping boys for an entire season, the always vexing issue of Mike Babcock's selective minutes distribution and why the universally lauded Travis Dermott deserves much more ice time, and their definitive hot takes on the William Nylander impasse in all its false splendor and surreal glory.
Be sure to check out the fine literary and audio work from Omar White (@OLW93) with Pension Plan Puppets, Dave Morassutti (@d_morassutti) of Sportsnet, and Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens) at The Score.
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Welcome to the first edition of "Ten Minutes Of Cardy" from celebrated podcaster and Toronto sports aficionado Brent Cardy - available exclusively at www.arishapiro.ca.
Cardy reacts to Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins and his press conferences this past week. He gives his candid thoughts and hot takes on which legitimate candidates Atkins will consider for manager and also talks about the recent John Gibbons appearance on Prime Time Sports. Who and what pissed Gibby off and why was he so emotional?
Also: what's wrong with baseball? How did the Toronto Maple Leafs make out? What are the Baltimore Orioles doing? Why do we not like the WWE anymore?
Have a listen to find out!
Brent Cardy is the Host & Producer of the critically-acclaimed "The Cardy Show" which can be found on @iTunes and @Podomatic. Be sure to check out his latest work on twitter via @BrentCardyShow and subscribe to his podcast today.
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My 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 the Centennial College School of Journalism.
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.
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My 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's 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).
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My 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 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.
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My 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 such as JFL42, NXNE, and alongside Harland Williams at the venerable Massey Hall.
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.
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My 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 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.
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My latest baseball insider appearance on Sportsnet 650 (09-26) in Vancouver with host Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira) talking about the departure and legacy of John Gibbons, if he would have been successful in leading the next generation of Blue Jays rookies, what fans will miss most about him, if he was too "old school" for the game of baseball, various reasons to be excited about the 2019 season, and thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 professional sports, eSports, and The Olympics.
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.
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My 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 over 15 years of print and media experience in his saddle.
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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
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.
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My baseball insider appearance on Sportsnet 650 (09-06) in Vancouver with host Mira Laurence (@laurence_mira) discussing: trade deadline conclusions, reflections on the unceremonious departure of Josh Donaldson, candid thoughts on the enigmatic Aaron Sanchez, a quick nod to the legendary Dave Stieb and his quest for perfection, Rowdy Tellez and his indomitable rise to the big leagues, why Vlad Guerrero Jr. could become a thorn in the side of Mark Shapiro's ability to rationalize things, and the final days of John Gibbons and his love of leaning back on chairs.
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My 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 Lugnuts, and hosts the Around The Nest Podcast.
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.
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My 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).
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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).
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My latest appearance (08-30) on TSN 1260 Radio (Edmonton) with host Dean Millard (@DuckMillard) as we discuss the current status of Josh Donaldson, how the Blue Jays failed with asset management in 2018, why there's a disconnect between the fans and the front office, if there was a realistic chance of recouping anything back from the impending divorce, the surreal nature of The Bringer of Rain's recurring injuries, and what the future of this team will feel like without his mercurial presence.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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).
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My 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 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.
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My recent baseball insider appearance on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver with host Mira Laurence (08-17). A lively and engaging look at the recent eSports surge of popularity, Shi Davidi's comments regarding the fate of Josh Donaldson, my magnanimously opulent comments on the future of John Gibbons, the reality of Jose Bautista's true staying power, and my unabashedly candid lament of the Urena suspension.
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My latest baseball insider appearance with the inimitable Roger Lajoie of Sportsnet 590 in Toronto, talking about the Blue Jays 25th anniversary of their 1992/1993 World Series championships. We also covered: the quagmire that is pace-of-play initiatives in the sport, what to expect from the starting rotation in 2019, Kevin Pillar's regression and what it means for this pop-gun offensive lineup, the challenge of bringing up Vlad Guerrero Jr. in a lost year bereft of competitive purpose, and how to deal with the 46 remaining games of a long and miserable baseball season.
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Titans of Technology- Episode 1. Ari Shapiro takes a closer look at the reality of internet access, artificial intelligence and voice meta-data collection, and the value of portal-based software in the urban sprawl that is Toronto, Canada. Guests: Gary Kenning of Cloudwifi, Leor Grebler of UCIC, and David Janowski of Payquad. (Release date: August 11th, 2018.)
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My recent baseball insider appearance on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver with excellent host Dave Sheldon (08-01-18). Together, we discussed the recent trade deadline trades and acquisitions, the rise and fall of Roberto Osuna, why MLB's concept of justice and punishment remains problematic, and how prospect depth and internal development is real tonic for the long-suffering Toronto Blue Jays fan.
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Omar White of Pensions Plan Puppets takes on Ari Shapiro of Jays Journal fame as these two sports social media heavyweights grapple over the million dollar question: "Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade William Nylander?"
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A Saturday afternoon chat on Sportsnet 650 (Vancouver) with host Bik Nizzar. Discussing: the promotion of Vlad Guerrero Jr. to the triple-AAA Buffalo Bisons, the red hot Lourdes Gurriel Jr., why Marcus Stroman shouldn't be traded but could end up joining Alex Anthopoulos in Atlanta, and how a commitment to baseball fundamentals is precisely why the Toronto Blue Jays are choosing position players over pitchers via draft picks and trades.
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A great conversation with host Dean Millard of TSN 1260 (Edmonton) as we discussed the Happ/Oh trades, thoughts on trading Josh Donaldson and Marcus Stroman, and what the eventual future will look like after the 2018 trade deadline for the Toronto Blue Jays.
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My latest guest appearance on Dave Sheldon's excellent sports show (07/21) discussing the Blue Jays: why grandstanding and posturing is hurting the Blue Jays in more ways than one, making a shift in baseball culture with an American-style corporate management group, how to deal with the moral dilemma associated with the return of elite closer Roberto Osuna, and why appealing to multiple demographics is a true exercise in patience, planning, and mutual respect.
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Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro return for episode seven of the podcast which features some of the hottest and most saucy takes since the invention of the wheel. Together, they discuss: Kawhi Leonard's fate with the Raptors, how sentimentality for DeMar DeRozan varies, why MLSE has become such a force to be reckoned with by baseball fans, if Mark Shapiro can turn half a season into a beacon of hope, and why the fate of Marcus Stroman come sooner rather than later.
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It was a pleasure to join host Dean Millard on TSN 1260 Edmonton to discuss all things Blue Jays. I discussed thoughts on the 89th Midsummer Classic and how the current format encourages players to be competitive while keeping fans excited for the produce of baseball. We also covered J. A. Happ and his future with the team, and also took a deep dive into the prospect of Roberto Osuna returning to the team following his 75-game suspension and the potential fallout regarding his earlier actions and legal troubles.
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My latest guest appearance on Sportsnet 650 Vancouver radio with host Bik Nizzar (@Bik650) discussing the Toronto Blue Jays as the trade deadline fast approaches. We also touched on Happ, Guerrero Jr., front office expectations, and the reasons behind a year and half of mediocrity.
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My recent appearance on Athletes Unfiltered with host Ryan McNeill discussing the latest perspectives on sports journalism, the importance of being fearless in a cutthroat business, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Shapiro Deluxe - Fourth Movement. UFC 226 Preview (07/05). Dan Shapiro and Eitan Shapiro are back to discuss the latest card featured for the massive July 7th UFC pay-per-view.
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Ari Shapiro on Sportsnet Vancouver 650 (07/03) discussing: Jose Bautista's return as a New York Met, the Blue Jays at the trade deadline, and where the Maple Leafs stands with the acquisition of John Tavares encapsulating the hearts and minds of an entire city.
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On this episode of Teskey & Shapiro, Colin and Ari discuss the Maple Leafs signing John Tavares, if the Blue Jays can stay relevant during this trade deadline and beyond, and what to make of LeBron's epic decision to leave the NBA Eastern Conference and how it will affect the Toronto Raptors.
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My guest appearance on Sunday afternoon (06/24) with hosts Jawn Jang & Mira Laurence to discuss all things Blue Jays and a touch of Maple Leafs; trade speculation, Roberto Osuna, Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, and early thoughts on Kyle Dubas and his drafting Rasmus Sandin.
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My most recent guest appearance on Baseball Rebellion (Episode #37) speaking with JT Whited (@JKWhited) about the nature of modern day hitting, starting pitching perspectives, memories of the Montreal Expos, and why the game has changed so profoundly when it come to modern day sabermetrics. Be sure to check out their brilliant work at www.baseballrebellion.com.
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Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro. Recorded on: 06/15
(0:00-21:30) Toronto Blue Jays - what to do about the season?
(21:30-31:50) Ottawa Senators - the state of the franchise.
(31:51-34:50) Toronto Maple Leafs - trading options moving forward.
(34:50-43:11) Toronto Raptors - replacing Casey with Nurse.
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Jays Journal podcast host Ari Shapiro joined Roger Lajoie on Sportsnet Tonight to discuss the Blue Jays' big weekend at the plate against the lowly Orioles, as well as the seemingly stabilized starting rotation and why even beating up on the cellar dwellars can be re-assuring for fans.
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Shapiro Deluxe presents: Third Movement - UFC 225 Preview. Dan Shapiro and Eitan Shapiro bring you their latest thoughts on the next big MMA extravaganza featuring an intriguing card with plenty of blistering action. Hosted by Ari Shapiro.
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Setting up the 2018 Ontario provincial elections with Marshall Auerback, Jon Reid, and Karim Kanji.
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Joining 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 on the team’s gruesome May, if Vlad Guerrero Jr. is on borrowed time in the minors, thoughts on the real legacy of John Gibbons, if the chemistry in April could be bottled and replicated in June, on the surreal rise and fall of Joe Biagini, why Kendrys Morales and Russell Martin remain stalwarts in a struggling lineup, and how Randal Grichuk is his choice for true cavalry salvation.
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If that doesn't whet your palate enough, I urge you to keep listening for an action-packed round table consisting of podcaster Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island), producer Jon Reid (@JonReid590), and sportscaster Colin Teskey (@TeskeyRadio). Together, we explore if the Blue Jays season is salvageable, what really happened to Marcus Stroman, why Pete Walker and Brook Jacoby are still employed, if the criticism being levied against Gibby is fair, why delaying a rebuild may come back to haunt Mark Shapiro, and the growing dilemma that is Josh Donaldson's horrific season.
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Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro are back with a vengeance covering: Vegas Golden Knights surrealism, admiration for George McPhee, understanding the Maple Leafs executive shuffle, the powerful influence of Mike Babcock, concerns about the future of Auston Matthews, ranking the big three Toronto pro sports teams in order of relevance, if the Raptors will ever win with Lowry & DeRozan, why blaming John Gibbons is lame, and the verbal evisceration of Aaron Sanchez.
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Teskey & Shapiro - Episode 1. Starring Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro - irreverent, candid, and straight from the heart sports commentary. Featuring: baseball free agency and collusion (2:51), once upon a time in the west and Clint Eastwood (13:08), how corporatism brutalizes the fan of pro sports (16:58), MLSE joy and the awesome power of hockey & basketball playoffs (23:01),the powerful absence of real leadership (26:06), underestimating Brendan and Masai (29:48), and anticipating how the Maple Leafs may do something unearthly (38:19).
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My guest appearance on the Roger Lajoie show via Sportsnet 590 Toronto (05/13); dissecting the Boston series, James Paxton's no-hitter, Roberto Osuna's legal troubles, Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez, and attendance woes.
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Dan Shapiro, Eitan Shapiro and Ari Shapiro discuss the most hyped boxing match in history: Floyrd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor.
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Teskey & Shapiro - Episode 2 (03/29/18). Colin Teskey & Ari Shapiro reunite for the sequel to their first collaboration. Featuring: the dwindling power of pro sports general managers, how ageism is being destroyed brick by brick, how a bad trade ruins a generation, the legacy of Alex Anthopoulos at the poker table, which NHL franchise deserves Rasmus Dahlin, and the awesome evolution of DeMar DeRozan.
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Ari Shapiro brings you a baseball round table featuring Marshall Auerback from the Levy Institute, Diamyn Hall from Wright State Baseball, and Ian Hunter from Blue Jay Hunter.
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Ari 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 in the early season, what John Gibbons can do to motivate his players, if the Blue Jays are good enough to challenge the Angels, and what he would do with Vlad Guerrero Jr. when it comes to the 2018 Blue Jays.
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Opening Monologue. (0:00-10:58)
His early childhood years, the moment baseball became a passion in life, which players inspired Tony most growing up in the Dominican Republic, how the vaunted "Fernandez sidearm toss" evolved, and his relationship with uber scout Epy Guerrero as both a father figure, mentor, and Latin baseball talent trailblazer. (10:59-27:22)
Early days of losing expansion baseball, his relationship with his band of brothers, the moment he knew the Jays were legitimate playoff contenders, candid thoughts on the 1985 and 1987 teams, nostalgic rivalries with the Tigers and Yankees, on the delicate ebb and flow of self-confidence, the perpetual inability to win when it mattered most, and the time Buck Martinez made his jaw drop. (27:23-40:11)
Tony's touching thoughts and strong feelings on Cito Gaston and how his leadership influenced everyone around him, on the pursuit of a standard of excellence, how the arrival of the SkyDome legitimized the team and made him forget Exhibition Stadium, his feelings on the bittersweet winter of 1991 and how he personally handled the biggest trade in franchise history. (40:11-50:21)
On returning to the Jays on three (3) different occasions and how close his heart is to all things Toronto, why the team's loss of family values hurt their post-season future, the Japanese playing experience in the twilight of his career, the lack of respect he felt from baseball in a new decade, being recognized on the level of excellence and if the Blue Jays are doing enough with their alumni, and his honest impressions of the modern day roster and the current state of his overall health. (50:22-68:00)
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The only thing better than celebrating a crucial victory against the New York Yankees is doing it with one of the most illustrious and beloved Blue Jays players of all-time: Jesse Barfield (@JesseBarfield29). Tune in as host Ari Shapiro brings you an endearing look back at the career of number 29 who patrolled right field as a starter for the club from 1982-1989, and was universally renowned for his throwing arm and being a part of the best outfield in the 1980's - Barfield, Bell, and Moseby.
Jesse offer us his thoughts on: what Toronto fans need to know about those 80's teams and uberscout Epy Guerrero (5:20), on the adjustment to major league baseball after skipping minor league ball (10:28), what Cito Gaston truly meant to this organization (12:40), his candid perspective on "the greatest outfield in baseball" (19:40), on the current defensive priorities in the outfield and the value of a throwing arm (22:16), reflections on the 1985 team and their amazingly balanced roster (27:11), on the last gasp that was the 1987 team and their massive level of talent (30:40), how fame and success affected him during his breakout all-star campaign in 1986 (35:48), memories of playing against and for the Bronx Bombers (38:30), how playing with the Yorimuri Giants broadened his horizons (58:30), and his impressions of the 2017 team.
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Todd Stottlemyre, former Blue Jays right-handed starter and three-time World Series champion, sits down with host Ari Shapiro and opens up about his professional career, life and family after baseball, and his thoughts on the current group of Toronto Blue Jays.
In this exclusive interview, Mr. Stottlemyre is raw, candid, and indelible with his thoughts on the current state of sportsmanship in the game, how injuries are perceived by a different generation of players, and how he truly feels about Toronto's chances for the post-season given their challenging start to the 2017 campaign.
At just over an hour of compelling banter and brass tacks repartee, Jays Journal is proud to bring you an introspective look at a former player whose passion and love of the game remains as inspirational as it is unforgettable.
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My latest appearance on Dean Millard's show via TSN 1260 Edmonton. Talking about the Los Angeles Angels series, Shohei Ohtani, bullpen woes, and why Mookie Betts is the best player in baseball.
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My latest appearance on Dave Sheldon's show (Sportsnet 650 Vancouver) on 05/17. Discussing Kendrys Morales, Roberto Osuna, Marcus Stroman and more.
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Teskey & Shapiro is the latest sports podcast featuring two popular Toronto journalists (Colin Teskey and Ari Shapiro) whose boundless passion for their local sports teams is only matched by their surrealistic love of all things Clint Eastwood.
(0:48) The legacy of the Noah Syndergaard trade
(4:48) Rickey Romero & Marcus Stroman comparisons
(8:41) Inside Roberto Osuna's head and the perils of arbitration
(12:30) Toronto: heart-breaking urban sprawl
(14:51) Emperor Babcock and Shanahan's gambit
(21:17) Daydreaming about Erik Karlsson
(26:41) Alexander The Great
(31:02) The gruesome ballad of Dwayne Casey
(36:16) Extraordinary and superfluous facts you didn't know about Clint Eastwood
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