The JD Bunkis Podcast

James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic, breaks down how this version of the Maple Leafs stacks up against past iterations heading into the playoffs (8:00). JD and James rank who has the highest stakes in the Leafs brass, the matchup against the Boston Bruins, configuring the blue line in game 1 and Auston Matthews' legacy. JD touches on the loss of the Arizona Coyotes (50:00). Ben Nicholson-Smith, Blue Jays Writer and Co-Host of At The Letters, discusses John Schneider's decision to trot out Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano into high leverage situations in their first appearance, if Daulton Varsho's offense...

Kris Versteeg, 2x Stanley Cup Champion and Creator of the Klevr App, discusses how Sheldon Keefe and the Maple Leafs should approach game 82, William Nylander's quiet stretch run, if teams have a mental advantage against certain opponents, looking ahead to the Boston Bruins and the Leafs' psychological challenge (5:00). Sam McKee from The Real Kyper and Bourne chats about the Auston Matthews 70 goal chase coming down to the last game and how they feel about the Bruins matchup (36:00). JD gets into the Jays winning the series against the Yankees, his love for the Yusei Kikuchi, and Jordan Romano's return. The...

JD and Ben Ennis, Co-Host of The FAN Morning Show, banter about the Blue Jays' pitching trust tree, how the bullpen is shaping up, their confidence in the lineup, why Aaron Judge isn't booed more and which number one professional athlete has the widest gap between them and the rest of the athletes in their sport (00:00). Hailey Salvian, NHL and Women's Hockey Writer with The Athletic, discusses her thought process when voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy; where does Auston Matthews' case rank? (53:00)  Plus, at this point, how important is it for Matthews to get goal 70 and what nuanced c...

William Lou of The Raptors Show wraps up the Raptors' losing season; How did they get to this point? Do they have an identity? How do they develop a culture moving forward? What's the next jump for Scottie look like? How was Darko Rajaković's first season as head coach? How do they compare to past bad Raptors teams? What's Masai Ujiri's future with MLSE? Next up, Michael Collins, Senior Golf Analyst with ESPN and former PGA caddie, discusses Scottie Scheffler's dominance, how Scheffler compares to Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and the biggest losers from the weekend (50:00).  The show en...

Jackie Redmond joins JD to get into the Maple Leafs; love for Max Domi, what 70 goals really means for Auston Matthews, the notion to rest him, the recent lack of pop in the powerplay, and what's the most nerve-racking aspect heading into the playoffs (5:00). Plus, Jackie and JD give their Hart Trophy rankings! Aljamain Sterling, Mixed Martial Artist, touches on the meaning of being in UFC 300, preparing during fight week, fighting a weight class up, and how authenticity shines through in combat sports (39:00). Zach Harper, NBA Writer and Podcaster, discusses the success and drama of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the...

JD says the Jays have found a new primary rival (00:00). Former NHL All-Star, Cory Schneider, discusses the NHL playoff format, trying to manufacture rivalries, challenges of being a backup goaltender in the playoffs, politics of the goaltending pecking order, the lack of mental leeway for goalies, starting your career in a Canadian market and dealing with social media as a professional athlete (10:00). Hall of Famer Chris Webber talks about the process of writing his book "By God's Grace", if being left out of the Fab Five documentary motivated him to tell his own story, his journey and relationship with...

Brent Gunning, Co-Host of The FAN Morning and Golf Show, chats about The Masters (5:00). What would a Masters win mean to Rory McIlroy's legacy? What if McIlroy joined LIV? What's the post LIV vs. PGA reality? Plus, the tail end of Tiger Woods' career, bets for the weekend, and the other big stories at The Masters. James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor at The Athletic, breaks down the Maple Leafs' recent tinkering; what have we seen with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on different lines? How else can the Leafs experiment with the centre spot? How can Max Domi and...

Ben Ennis, Co-Host of The FAN Morning Show, and JD banter about the Blue Jays' home-opener, utilizing Daulton Varsho, the pressure on the team's starting rotation, Zach Edey's college run and the solar eclipse (00:00). The Ringer's Joe House drops-in to discuss the biggest stories at The Masters; LIV versus PGA, Jon Rahm's responsibility, hope in Rory Mcllroy, if he could end up joining LIV, Tiger Woods feelings, which golfer the PGA wants to win and Bronny James' case at the upcoming NBA Draft (52:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed'!

The views and opinions expressed in this...

JD starts things off trying to keep the vibes high for the Blue Jays home opener tonight. Colby Armstrong, Sportsnet NHL Analyst and Host on Spittin' Chiclets, discusses what makes the Pittsburgh Penguins dangerous, tonight's matchup versus the Maple Leafs, and Sheldon Keefe's approach for spreading talent around the lineup (5:00). Former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero explains how special home openers are in Toronto, the Ángel Hernández problem, José Berríos comfort zone, mental hurdles Alek Manoah is facing and the injury problems in baseball (50:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed'! 

The views and opinions expre...

Kris Versteeg, 2x Stanley Cup Champion and Creator of the Klevr App, foreshadows the Maple Leafs' playoff run with JD (10:00). Kris and JD get into Mitch Marner's importance to the powerplay, how important milestones are for teammates, what will help with post-season success, and the complicated Selke criteria. Sid Seixeiro, Breakfast Television Host, airs out his grievances; Why was Marner so mad at the media? Should the Leafs rest Auston Matthews down the stretch? How will Stefon Diggs be remembered in Buffalo? And should Vince Carter's jersey be retired in Toronto? (55:00). 

The views and opinions expressed in t...