The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD and Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show dive into Jordan Romano moving on to the Philadelphia Phillies, where the Blue Jays are with a Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension and how Juan Soto's record-breaking contract impacts it (00:00). Plus, a look at the most hated athlete-fan dynamics in sports today. John Jastremski, host of the 'New York New York' podcast on The Ringer, joins JD to discuss how Soto signing with the Mets is being received in New York City, how New York has embraced OG Anunoby, and the most hated sports figures in that city (54:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:26:00)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 or any affiliates.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins JD to discuss the repercussions for the Blue Jays after Juan Soto's $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets, the pressure on the front office, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette's next deals, and if the Jays missed out on free agents (00:00). Then, JD gives his 'Stats You Should Know' from the weekend (41:41). After, FOX NFL analyst Brady Quinn breaks down the weekend that was in the NFL, including Josh Allen's superhero loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the MVP race, the Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold, the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks, and Bryce Young (48:41). Finally, JD and the producers wrap the show with 'What We Missed' (1:27:10).   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.

With Team Canada's official roster announced, JD and James Mirtle from The Athletic break down what has become Canada's biggest weakness in hockey: goaltending (00:00).  JD and James also list a couple points of interest heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament (10:00). James then outlines just how good the Maple Leafs goaltending has been, if Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner should be reunited as linemates, the Leafs' lack of centre depth, and David Kampf as the odd-man out. Legendary broadcaster from ESPN NFL primetime, Chris Berman, chats about about playing football in stadiums with and without roofs, why the Buffalo Bills' time is now, and seeing Sidney Crosby play in (50:00). Martin Brodeur, Hall of Fame Canadian goaltender, talks about the feeling of playing in best-on-best international hockey, the pressure on Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, the roster selection process, USA Hockey's growth,  Canada's goaltenders and the impacts of prioritizing goaltending tandems (1:14:00). 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 or any affiliates.

JD explains why he misses the element of surprise in sports (00:00). ESPN NBA insider, Bobby Marks, joins JD to discuss if the Raptors are too good to tank, where the NBA's regular season problem(s) are trending, ESPN's 25 under 25 list, where Scottie Barnes ranked on the list and why RJ Barrett didn't make the cut (7:00). JD and Producer Armen discuss the list in greater detail (35:00). Craig Simpson, Sportsnet Maple Leafs analyst, breaks down the Leafs' elite goaltending tandem and how it effects other parts of the team (50:00). Craig also evaluates Craig Berube's messaging, plus where Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin fit on the roster. The gents end the show with 'What We Missed!' (1:15:00) 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 or any affiliates.

Blake Murphy, co-host of The Raptors Show, joins the show to talk with JD about if the Toronto Raptors' tank is dead, which teams will finish below them in the standings, the cellar teams, players returning from injury, Toronto's struggles in the clutch, players who could be traded, and Darko Rajaković's recent comments on Scottie Barnes' threes (00:00). Then, the two discuss the Juan Soto to the Blue Jays rumours and the underwhelming 'Plan B' (32:23). Afterwards, Jim Bowden, MLB analyst and insider for CBS Sports, joins the program to dive into the Winter Meetings, Juan Soto's future, the Jays' free agent strategy, the issues with the team, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s looming free agency, Rōki Sasaki, players linked to Toronto, and Alex Bregman's market (49:28). JD and the producers finish the show with 'What We Missed' (1:19:39).   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.

Luke Fox, NHL writer with Sportsnet, discusses the latest Mitch Marner murmurs, JD's Team Canada roster picks, Craig Berube's system, Joseph Woll's strong stretch, and the Leafs' holiday shopping list (6:00). JD then gets into some NFL stats you should know (42:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports analyst, breaks down where the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan University is at, the surging Buffalo Bills, the updated MVP race, the head-coaching carousel, judging the dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence and more (50:00). 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 or any affiliates.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to parse through the MLB's free-agency chase for Juan Soto, where the Blue Jays are at with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a contract extension and why prioritizing other contracts might be a mistake (00:00). Then, two-time NBA champion, Joel Anthony, drops-in to chat about Miami Heat 'culture' and how the grind of a rebuild can affect the Raptors (34:00). NHL Network's Mike Kelly comes on to discuss Team Canada's  upcoming roster reveal for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament (53:00). Mike gets into how Connor Bedard and Mitch Marner have started their seasons, makes a dark horse case for John Tavares, and questions the goaltending situation. The week ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:19:00) 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 or any affiliates.

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD  to discuss the parity of the NHL regular season, Toronto's moral victories, lessons from the Leafs' latest stretch, Nick Robertson's stock, William Nylander's success, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner's future contract, Morgan Rielly's season so far, and the state of Canadian goalies (00:00). Then, JD gives his thoughts on the Thanksgiving slate in the NFL, before bringing on Breakfast Television's Sid Seixeiro (51:00). Sid and JD chat about the Leafs' goaltending situation, the need for clarification on player's injuries, and the pessimism and optimism around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays. Finally, JD and Armen speak on the Minnesota Timberwolves' tire fire (1:31:00).  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 or any affiliates.

JD and Ailish Forfar, co-host of The FAN Pre Game Show, draft their report cards for each Maple Leaf and categorize each player based on their 2024-25 season so far (00:00). Next, Ailish helps set the stage for the upcoming PWHL season, before the duo rifts off an item on their A-List (28:00). Brian Boyle, former NHL forward and NHL Network analyst, breaks down why the Leafs are his current pick to make the Stanley Cup Final (51:30). Brian and JD also chat about setting goals in the regular season and the Rangers' panic-meter in New York. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:27:00)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 or any affiliates.

JD and Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show chat about Jordan Romano's time as a Toronto Blue Jay, his legacy here, and where he ranks among Canadians who have played for the team (5:00). JD and Ben also discuss the Jays' off-season rumours and who they'd like to see sign with Toronto (25:00). JD dives into the Raptors' ethical tank; the team's options in crunch time, what question marks can be answered later into the season, and how frustration might settle in (54:00). JD then discusses Lamar Jackson's growth and the ripple effect of his potential third MVP, Justin Herbert's stardom, and the conversation surrounding Mitch Marner's contract situation  (1:07:00). The gents end with 'What We Missed!' (1:16:00)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 or any affiliates.

Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins JD to discuss the Leafs' lines when Auston Matthews rejoins the team, Mitch Marner's consistency without the captain, Nicholas Robertson, Nikita Grebenkin, Fraser Minten, and Connor Bedard's position in Chicago (00:00). Then, JD delivers 'Stats You Should Know' from the weekend (44:58). After, NFL analyst for FOX, Brady Quinn, breaks down Week 12 of the NFL with JD including: the New York Giants, Jayden Daniels, Kliff Kingsbury, Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, the Minnesota Vikings, the San Francisco 49ers, and Brock Purdy (50:50). Finally, JD and the producers finish the show with 'What We Missed' (1:24:08).   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.

JD starts with his rapid fire thoughts before bringing on Jeff Saturday, former NFL quarterback, Colts Hall of Famer and ESPN NFL analyst. Jeff breaks down the New York Jets' disaster, Aaron Rodgers' ultimatum, if the NFL's lacking true contenders,  development of young quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson, and the sanctity of locker-rooms (5:00). Colby Armstrong, former NHL winger and Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins JD to chat about sports debates on social media and clean versus dirty hits in the modern NHL (31:00). Dan Shulman, Sportsnet Blue Jays and ESPN broadcaster, discusses Cooper Flagg's stock, strengths and specialness as the projected first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft (53:00). Dan also tells JD what's at the top of his Blue Jays wish list. To end the show, the Most Outstanding Player on the Grey Cup winning Toronto Argonauts, Nick Arbuckle, stops by to chat about the storybook ending to the Argos' season (1:19:00).   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 or any affiliates.

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss Zach Whitecloud's hit on Matthew Knies, the discourse on what is and isn't a dirty hit, Fraser Minten, Nikita Grebyonkin, what the Leafs' stars can gain from the younger players, the team's injuries, and which centres would be the best fit in Toronto (00:00). Then, JD breaks down Joel Embiid's latest comments and the dysfunctional 76ers (44:18). Finally, JD finishes the show with his thoughts on streaming giants entering the sports world, the Boston Celtics as villains, and 'What We Missed' (51:09).   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.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli joins JD to discuss and dissect Auston Matthews flying to Germany to see a doctor for his mysterious injury. Why are the Leafs insistent on being secretive? How do injury reports in hockey compare to other sports? What part do sportsbooks play in injury status'? (00:00) Frank also chats about Alex Ovechkin's injury and goal chase, Sidney Crosby's lowly Penguins, and the Bruins firing Jim Montgomery (21:00). JD and producer Armen react to news of Tyrese Maxey calling out Joel Embiid and turmoil in the Sixers locker-room (35:00). Jason Bukala, former Director of Amatuer Scouting for the Florida Panthers, breaks down what he likes about Alex Steeves, if Nick Robertson can  be a regular NHL'er, expectations for Nikita Grebenkin, Fraser Minten's ceiling, an update on Easton Cowan and Connor Bedard's struggles (48:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:22:00)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 or any affiliates.

Good Hour: Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to talk about the Raptors' playoff chances, the Indiana Pacers, Auston Matthews' similarities to Joel Embiid, and reckless speculation (00:00). Then, the duo dive into fixing the NBA season, incentives for the NBA Cup, and philosophical takeaways from Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul (31:12). Afterwards, Canucks writer for NHL.com and goalie guru, Kevin Woodley, discusses Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, if evaluating goalies has gotten better, Team Canada's options in goal, and concerning issues developing Canadian netminders (50:08).   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.

The Toronto Argonauts are Grey Cup Champions! (00:00) Blake Murphy, co-host of The Raptors Show, joins JD to discuss the boxing and MMA fights from the weekend, the real win for the Raptors, RJ Barrett's progression and role on the team, how to fix the NBA's Emirates Cup, and stats you should know (5:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports analyst, breaks down how the Bills ended the Chiefs' undefeated streak, the surging Steelers, the AFC North, and a positive sign for Caleb Williams (52:00).  The show ends with JD's thoughts on Jon Jones and 'What We Missed!' (1:31:00).  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 or any affiliates.

Creator of Uncrowned, Ariel Helwani, joins JD at the start of the program to chat about Jon Jones, UFC 309, the new 'old' gloves, what Jones next fight could be, expectations for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, and the Knicks and Bills confidence levels (00:00). Then, JD talks with Edmonton Oilers Defenceman, Travis Dermott, about media markets, Toronto, Edmonton, the rivalry between the two cities, and Connor McDavid (49:27). After, co-host of "Check the Mic," Steve Palazzolo, talks with JD about the Chiefs and Bills matchup in Week 11 of the NFL, the Bengals' slow start, opportunities for Justin Herbert, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Ravens (1:14:20).  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.

James Mirtle, senior NHL writer for The Athletic, joins JD to talk about Matthew Knies and his consistent spark in the Leafs lineup, discuss if Toronto has the forward depth to bolster the bottom six, ponder what could be ailing Auston Matthews, Max Domi’s scoring slump, Toronto’s offence and style of play, and Jani Hakanpaa (45:08). Then, JD chats Klay Thompson’s return to Golden State and the rarity of players retiring with one franchise (49:38). After, former UFC superstar and host of the You’re Welcome! podcast, Chael Sonnen, joins JD to chat Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, how to return to fighting after long absences and a change in approach, the importance of risk and high stakes in matchups, and if Conor McGregor will ever fight again (1:23:50). 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.

JD starts the show going over the Leafs 3-0 loss to the Senators (00:00). Bomani Jones, host of The Right Time with Bomani Jones, joins JD to delve into the NBA's Emirates Cup, why professional sports are always chasing something "better",  the NBA's style of play problem, how storytelling around the NBA has changed and podcast's hosted by active athletes (7:00). Robert Murray, MLB Insider with FanSided, breaks down the Blue Jays interest in Juan Soto, how the Jays can create flexibility, who aside from Soto the Jays can target, and who the Jays might consider putting on the trade market (49:30). The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:24:00)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 or any affiliates.

Co-host of The Fan Morning Show, Ben Ennis, joins JD at the top of the program to talk about their Blue Jays conspiracy theories, their belief around Juan Soto to Toronto, Max Fried, and Chris Bassitt (00:00). Then, the two give their thoughts on a tanking season and the NBA Eastern Conference (41:41). After, JD speaks about the juice left in the Battle of Ontario (50:55). Finally, former Major League Pitcher Trevor May joins JD to talk about the Dodgers' World Series win, Shohei Ohtani, a Brent Rooker scouting report, how to pitch Juan Soto and the Jays lineup, and player's tells (1:03:10).  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.