The JD Bunkis Podcast
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.
Hour 2: Jays Lineup Flexibility Pros and Cons w/ Kevin Barker
JD asks Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair and Barker, about Addison Barger's start to the season, why Barker is picking the Blue Jays to win the World Series, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s regular season ceiling, Brendon Little's falling standing in the pecking order, how the Jays may manage their injured starting rotation, and early thoughts on ABS. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: The Leafs Need for a Cultural Rebuild w/ Jackie Redmond
JD and Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT, chat about Max Domi's quote about the Maple Leafs culture and if "none of your business" is really true or what it could really mean. JD and Jackie then discuss what level of transparency fans deserve and how the organization has created an us-versus-them mentality. JD then reacts to the Raptors worst loss of the season.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 2: The Jays Big Intangible + Point Guard Barnes w/ Joseph Casciaro
JD and theScore's Joseph Casciaro dig into the excitement of Scottie Barnes the point guard, make arguments for and against RJ Barrett to be a part of the Raptors long-term future, and talk about Brandon Ingram's first season with the Raptors. JD and Joseph then discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the lingering conversation about officiating, plus NBA expansion on the horizon.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Picking Through the Pelley Presser w/ Justin Bourne
JD reacts to MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley's press conference following the firing of Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving. JD and Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, explain what they tookaway from Pelley's comments about being "data-driven" and a planning a retool versus a rebuild. JD and Justin then debate if the Leafs should continue building around Auston Matthews. JD wonders if there's too many "if's" and what the argument is for the Leafs to be back in playoff contention next season.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...
Hour 2: Ponce Injury Fallout and the Big Little Problem w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith
JD and Ben Nicholson-Smith, Sportsnet MLB insider and reporter, talk about the decisions ahead for the Blue Jays after Cody Ponce's knee injury in his Jays debut. JD asks Ben about Trey Yesavage throwing a simulated game and when his return timetable could be, his thoughts on the limited time Ponce was able to pitch, what Brendon Little's disastrous start to the season could mean, his thoughts on Spencer Miles, and what's mattered to him to start the season. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...
Hour 1: Leafs-Treliving Split and What Comes Next w/ James Mirtle
JD reacts to the Maple Leafs firing general manager Brad Treliving and reflects on what the lesson(s) learned are. JD asks James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, why the Leafs made this decision now, if the new general manager will be hired by a hiring firm, how wide Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment might cast their net, how other teams around the league have turned their failures into success, what the biggest concern is as the decision-making begins, and if this changes the timeline or decision on Craig Berube.
The views and opinions expressed in t...
Hour 2: Jays Process Success Factors w/ Joe Siddall
Blue Jays television analyst, Joe Siddall, joins JD to analyzes the emotional rollover from last season at opening weekend, his most impressive performance of the weekend, early impressions of the Automated Ball-Strike system, the sustainability of Kazuma Okamoto’s debut performance, and Ernie Clement's next step. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (37:30)
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Early Jays Takes That Matter, Kind of w/ Ben Ennis
JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, talk about attending the Blue Jays home opener, how Toronto feels connected to this Jays team and their early thoughts that might matter. JD and Ben discuss the lack of confidence in Jeff Hoffman, rank the debuts of the new Jays additions, the waning Brendon Little belief, Kazuma Okamoto's presence, Dylan Cease and Eric Lauer stock, and the evolution of Ernie Clement.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports...
Hour 2: Areas the Jays Can Get Even Better w/ Arden Zwelling
JD and Arden Zwelling, Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter, talk about their expectations for Dylan Cease, why Arden believes pitch framing is more important than ever with the Automated Ball-Strike system, what Cody Ponce could provide, if the bullpen has improved and how John Schneider may deploy it, which bat Arden sees improving, and the difference he's noticed from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The show ends with debate about the crowd-work trend in stand-up comedy.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers S...
Hour 1: Opening Day w/ Dan Shulman
Dan Shulman, play by play voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, joins JD Bunkis to talk. about the unprecedented popularity and anticipation of the Blue Jays season. Dan shares what he thinks is an underrated storyline to start the season, before getting into Addison Barger's role as the x-factor, how he sees the Jays offence playing out, and his first season broadcasting without Buck Martinez. JD then touches on the Sweet Sixteen of college basketball.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position o...
Hour 2: Blue Jays Preview 2.0 w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith
JD asks Ben Nicholson-Smith, Sportsnet's MLB insider, what he reads from Trey Yesavage’s shoulder impingement, what the next steps for José Berríos may be, the meritocracy of the starting rotation, what surprised him about the Opening Day roster, how the Jays could make up for a lack of historically powerful hitters, what he's noticed in the evolution of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and what he thinks is the most overlooked talking point heading into the season-opener.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the p...
Hour 1: Blue Jays Preview 1.0 w/ Ben Ennis
JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, talk about how they'll feel if the Blue Jays start the season off slow, which players could end up being scapegoats, the Jays stories they are most interested in following, and what they think are the underrated and properly rated Jays storylines for the 2026 season.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 2: NBA Expansion Impacts, Tank Solutions and Early Draft Questions w/ Bobby Marks
JD asks Bobby Marks, ESPN NBA front office insider, about the possibilities and ripple effects of NBA expansion. Bobby analyzes the viability of the proposed destinations in Las Vegas and Seattle, what else is on the slate at the NBA's Board of Governors meeting, how tanking may be curtailed, if there's chance of reducing the 82-game schedule, and what he thinks of the projected 2026 lottery picks. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of R...
Hour 1: It's Bleak in Leafs Land, but Will It Get Worse? w/ James Mirtle
JD reacts to the Maple Leafs win over the Boston Bruins and doesn't understand why the organization isn't embracing the tank. JD and James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, discuss why the Leafs seem adverse to tanking, if it'd be different without Craig Berube behind the bench anymore, what the Leafs decision-makers may be thinking about this teams chances in the near future, and if trading William Nylander or Auston Matthews should be considered. JD then touches on Victor Wembanyama's MVP case.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and g...
Hour 2: Cliff Floyd on Why the Jays Spring Training Was So Impressive
JD and Cliff Floyd, MLB Network Analyst and 17-year MLB veteran, joins JD Bunkis to talk about opening week feels, how different the start of a season is for a team who made the World Series, what Cliff thought about the Blue Jays after visiting their spring training camp, the maturation of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Jays biggest question mark(s). The show ends with 'What We Missed!
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any...
Hour 1: How We're Evaluating the Raptors w/ Blake Murphy
JD and Blake Murphy, host of The Raptors Show and Jays Talk Plus, chop it up about their Blue Jays opening week excitement, before moving on to the Raptors season. JD and Blake discuss why it’s complicated to measure success for the rest of the Raptors season and playoffs, what the next step for the team might be, the awkward Jakob Poeltl contract and Ja'Kobe Walter optimism. JD and Blake close out the hour with their favourite Blue Jays story to watch out for early this season.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are tho...
Hour 2: Tyler Hansbrough
Tyler Hansbrough, former NCAA National Player of the Year, NCAA champion and Toronto Raptors forward, talks about what's been lost with the increased frequency of transfers in college basketball, how the NCAA can combat the wild nature of the transfer portal, if the tournament is harder for potential lottery or high draft picks, and his outlook on Darryn Peterson and Darius Acuff Jr. and his favourite memory with the Raptors. JD and Producer Armen discuss the Raptors' weekend to end the show.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests a...
Hour 1: Jays Front Office Stability + Rotation Confidence w/ Ben Ennis
JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, get into the weekend of watching March Madness, Trey Yesavage's injury news, and how they see the Blue Jays starting rotation shaking out as the season gets underway.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 2: Gaslighting at the NHL GM Meetings
JD explains his frustration about the reports coming from the NHL's General Manager meetings; particularly his gripes about the league's playoff format and the Department of Player Safety's process. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Berríos and Jays Rotation Ripple Effects w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith
JD reacts to news that José Berríos' has a stress fracture in his elbow. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins JD to get into Berríos' injury; what we know about the diagnosis and the most identifiable ripple effects. JD and Ben also discuss Shane Bieber's comments and what his timeline could be, how the first series of the season could be effected, expectations for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s regular season, and feelings on the looming work stoppage in the MLB. JD then touches on the love for Sidney Crosby.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are...
Hour 2: March Madness Teams and Players to Watch w/ Tate Frazier
The Ringer's Tate Frazier makes his annual appearance on the show to break down everything you need to know for March Madness. JD asks Tate about which lottery pick has the most to win or lose during the tournament, how the top few lottery picks could shake out, point guards to be excited about, where the real drop off is in the 2026 NBA draft, what underdogs he likes to upset higher seeds, and Rick Pitino's place in college sports. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...
Hour 1: Is Baseball Too Hot for a Lockout? + WBC Successes and Fixes w/ Jared Carrabis
JD shares his optimism about the sport of baseball following Venezuela's World Baseball Classic win. Jared Carrabis, co-host of the Baseball is Dead podcast, joins JD to get into the momentum of baseball and the looming lockout threat. Later, JD asks Jared about how American baseball fans are taking the loss, if he thinks the WBC is bigger than the World Series, why the tournament was a success, and three ideas to make it even better.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the...
Hour 2: Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask, Stanley Cup Champion and TNT analyst, joins JD Bunkis to give his thoughts on the Auston Matthews-Radko Gudas situation and debates if it's time for the NHL Department of Player Safety to revaluate their process. The pair also discuss the grey area regarding goaltender interference, the difficulty of playing behind a lousy defence, the shrinking gap in international hockey, and what could help propel goaltender's development. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the...
Hour 1: Leafs Matthews Fallout and Hockey's International Future w/ James Mirtle
JD reacts to the World Championship news coming from the NHL General Manager meetings and explains why he thinks the World Championships may become the premier international hockey tournament. The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD (10:00) to dive into how they felt about the World Championships of the past and predict what the next tournament may be like. Next (20:00), JD and James get into the ripple effects from the Auston Matthews - Radko Gudas incident and how it's permeating in the organization. Later, JD tries to give a positive spin on an otherwise nightmare Maple Leafs season.
The v...
Hour 2: The Most Important Piece of Canada’s Baseball Moment w/ Ryan Dempster
Ryan Dempster, former MLB All-Star, Team Canada pitcher, and MLB Network analyst, joins JD Bunkis to share his feelings about seeing Canada advance to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. Ryan and JD also chat about the nuances of youth baseball development and how the Blue Jays starting rotation could shake out, before the show wraps up with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: A Defining Leafs Moment + WBC Winners and Losers w/ Ben Ennis
JD laments about the moment Auston Matthews' hurt his knee and debates if that was a new low in this Maple Leafs era. Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins from Texas to get into the World Baseball Classic with JD. JD and Ben discuss if they are looking more or less forward to the automated ball-strike system in the MLB after the WBC, Canada not qualifying for the Olympics, Josh Naylor's missed opportunity, Owen Caissie's national popularity, and Kevin Gausman as the Jays Opening Day starter.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast...
Hour 2: The Added Importance of International Competitions and Toronto Market Myths w/ Jackie Redmond
Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT and WWE, joins JD to talk about her experience at the Winter Olympics, the recent successes for the sport of hockey, how different public relations teams handle player access, and the difference between the Toronto's sports market and others.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Canada Baseball Gets the Monkey off Their Back + Yesavage Plans w/ Chris Leroux
JD reacts to Canada qualifying into the knockout round at the World Baseball Classic. Sportsnet's Chris Leroux, former MLB and Team Canada pitcher, analyzes Canada's history and why this moment is special, Canada matching up with the United States in the quarterfinals, what advantages Canada may have over USA, where Canada needs to improve in developing players, Owen Cassie's chances to become a household name, and the Jays cautionary strategy with Trey Yesavage. JD reacts to a bad Raptors loss to end the hour.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts a...
Hour 2: Chris Mannix on How the Raptors Move out of the Middle, the MVP Race, Bam and NBA Tanking Solutions
Chris Mannix, writer and host at Sports Illustrated, joins JD Bunkis to break down how the NBA media and league office felt about Bam Adebayo's 83-point performance, why the Raptors can't beat good teams and how they get better, if Jayson Tatum's return means anything for soft tissue injuries at large, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's legacy and case for back-to-back MVP's, what makes Victor Wembanyama's special, and what he thinks will be the most likely solution to the tank wars. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of...
Hour 1:Why the Leafs Dangled Knies + What's on the Table for the Leafs and Treliving this Off-Season w/ Nick Kypreos
JD reacts to a wild night in sports and focuses on the current state of Maple Leafs fans. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos joins JD to talk about what a prospective trade for Matthew Knies would have looked like, why the Leafs may have considered moving on from Knies, if he's convinced one way or the other with the Leafs direction, if a Knies trade is more likely in the future now that his name has been floated in the media, if Brad Treliving's job security has possibly changed, if he thinks the Leafs could go back to having a president...
Hour 2: Early NFL Free Agency Returns w/ James Palmer + Spectacular Shai
NFL insider James Palmer joins JD to get into the start of NFL free agency; what moves he thought were the most potent and most surprising, if DJ Moore materially changes the Buffalo Bills, where Kyler Murray is most likely to land, Tua Tagovailoa as an Atlanta Falcon, and Geno Smith's future. The show ends with 'What we Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: A Tipping Point for Canada Baseball + Jays Rotation Scenarios w/ Ben Ennis
JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, debate if Canada has real pressure at the World Baseball Classic, what would make it feel more important, and if Owen Cassie can become a Canadian household name. JD and Ben then discuss Max Scherzer's strong spring training debut, the Blue Jays deployment of Trey Yesavage, and how the Jays starting rotation could shake out.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 2: A Look Through the Leafs Cupboards w/ Jason Bukala
Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, former director of amateur scouting for the Florida Panthers, joins JD Bunkis to break down Easton Cowan's disjointed season and how he was handled around the Olympic break, what Maple Leafs fans can expect from Ben Danford and Jacob Quillan, and what the word is around the 2027 NHL Draft. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Leafs Deadline Recap, What Went Wrong and What Comes Next w/ James Mirtle
JD reacts to the Maple Leafs activity, or lack thereof, at the NHL trade deadline. The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to compare Kyle Dubas' tenure in Toronto to Brad Treliving, if the litany of no-move clauses stumped the Leafs trade creativity, Craig Berube's imprint and if he has a future with the Leafs, why the Leafs considered trading Matthew Knies, how Auston Matthews complicates the Leafs direction, what the Leafs are sacrificing by prioritizing a retool over a rebuild, and if no-move clauses will become harder to acquire. The hour ends with JD's thoughts on the start of...
Hour 3: So What About Matthews? w/ Kris Versteeg and Devante Smith-Pelly
JD and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Kris Versteeg discuss notorious tough and nasty players, their thoughts on the Toronto market and the invested Maple Leafs fan base, and the different possibilities in Auston Matthews' future. NHL champion, Devante Smith-Pelley, talks about getting traded during his career, and being teammates with new Anaheim Ducks defenseman, John Carlson.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 2: Leafs Culture and Big Direction Questions w/ James Mirtle
JD and James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, discuss the directions the Maple Leafs could take, what the paths back to contention could be, prospective trades for Anthony Stolarz and Matthew Knies, the human dynamics on trade deadline day, and Brad Treliving's past moves.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Hour 1: Roy Trade + Deadline Pressure Points w/ Colby Armstrong
JD and Colby Armstrong, Sportsnet NHL analyst, tell trade deadline stories before analyzing the Nicholas Roy trade to the Colorado Avalanche, Kyle Dubas' tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the end of Sidney Crosby's career. Later (29:00), JD further breaks down the Maple Leafs trade sending Roy to the Avalanche. JD and the producer's then touch on the Raptors concerning loss and the Buffalo Bills trade for wide receiver DJ Moore.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or a...
Hour 2: Does the Leafs Front Office Have a Plan, and If So, How Do They Execute It? w/ Mike Futa
Mike Futa, co-host of The FAN Hockey Show and former NHL assistant general manager, joins JD in-studio to get into the nuances of how a front office approaches a trade deadline and what the Maple Leafs front office may be considering. JD and Mike discuss what kind of moves would set the Leafs back, what the reality of Auston Matthews' situation with the Leafs is, and Scott Laughton's tenure with the Leafs. JD ask's Mike which Leafs players would be the toughest for him to trade away.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those o...
Hour 1: The Team Without a Plan + Matthew Barnaby on Early Moves and NMC Politics
JD explains how the Maple Leafs haven't been on the same page, tries to make sense of why they haven't devised a consistent plan, and touches on the abundance of no-move clauses in the NHL. Matthew Barnaby, 14-year NHL forward, discusses how no-move clauses have become so ubiquitous, the pressure on players to waive their no-move clauses, what he thinks of the Edmonton Oilers moves thus far, and if he thinks the Maple Leafs are closer to a retool or rebuild. JD ends the hour contextualizing the unknown direction and future of the Leafs.
The views and...
Hour 2: Trevor May on the Blue Jays Underrated Off-Season + Will We See Baseball at the Olympics?
Trevor May, big league pitcher for nine seasons and host of the Mayday! podcast, joins JD to talks about the likelihood of seeing baseball at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the potential for a shortened MLB season or a mid-season tournament, what he thinks of the Blue Jays starting rotation, and what he expects from Max Scherzer this season. JD and Producer Armen then discuss the Raptors deflating late-game offense (38:00).
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media o...
