Fly Penguins Fly

“At The Blakuu” 05/02/24On today’s episode, Jeff and Jordan are joined by longtime listener turned good pal, Blake Vallies ( @theblakuu on X). Blake is a wonderful human being, a lifelong Pens fan, and he truly “knows puck.” Topics of discussion include but are not limited to the Penguins’ extended offseason, scrambled adult cable channels in the early 90’s, and of COURSE, nematodes. Prayer hands emoji, heart hands emoji, hockey goal emoji.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“One More On The Island” 04/17/24In their past twelve games, the Penguins won or took it to overtime in all but one - a regulation loss to the elite Boston Bruins on Saturday, 4/13. Sidney Crosby and Alex Nedeljkovic lead the charge on what has been nothing short of a miraculous run down-the-stretch. Sadly for us fans, it wasn’t enough and the team’s midseason struggles have indeed, for the second straight year punched Pittsburgh’s one-way ticket to an early offseason. Jordan shares some particularly bold predictions for the Pens’ Summer transactions, and Jeff puts forth a strong one of his own regarding tonight’s matchup with the playoff-bound Isles. Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“I Don’t Want To Go On The Cart!” 04/03/24“(The Penguins are) not dead yet!” Jeff and Jordan reflect on an unlikely, late-season surge by the boys in black and gold, their chances of actually making the WC race interesting with a couple weeks remaining on the NHL season schedule, and some music talk…Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Anatomy Of A Letdown” 03/17/24Josh Yohe of TheAthletic.com joins Fly Penguins Fly to talk about BobbleGate,Kyle Dubas’s upcoming offseason, and the anatomy of a letdown season for the 2023-2024 Pittsburgh Penguins. Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode includes portions of the following musical selections: In Passage by Blue Dot SessionsDustyard Runner by Blue Dot Sessions

“Rally Jerseys” 03/09/24Cruz Lucius. That’s it, just… Cruz Lucius.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Go With Girl Math” 02/27/24Tonight in Vancouver, the Penguins kick off their western Canada road trip. Instead of waiting around for puck drop, hang out with the co-hosts of Fly Penguins Fly. Jordan is wrapping up her recording trip in Nashville, and Jeff is settling back into life in Pittsburgh, following a successful tour opening for Lucius.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“A Conversation With Paul Steigerwald, Part 1’” 02/17/24Since the very first episode of Fly Penguins Fly was produced, it’s been a dream to have Paul Steigerwald on the show. If you’re hungry for Jaromir Jagr content, skip ahead to about 26:15 and enjoy Paul’s recounting of the early 90’s and the dawn of the first back-to-back cup runs. We ended up talking for so long, the decision was made to split this one into two distinctly different episodes. Enjoy Part 1 of ‘A Conversation With Paul Steigerwald,’ and Let’s Go Pens.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode features portions of the following musical pieces:Inessential by Blue Dot SessionsCaseco by Blue Dot SessionsHighway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

“Desert Trip’” 01/20/24If you’re in Pittsburgh, you’re braving the cold. We’ve had a lot of snow and the temperatures have recently hovered between six and twenty degrees, Fahrenheit. If you’re north of here, that probably sounds like an attractive deal, compared to the climate towns like Minneapolis and Toronto have been coping with over a similar span. Here’s hoping this healthy hockey - and football - chat, between your co-hosts, Jeff Taylor and Jordan DeFigio brings the “Gezelligheid.”The Penguins are in Vegas tonight, then in Arizona on Monday. Today’s episode catches you up on all the hockey the Pens have played since an impressive 6-5 regulation win on Boston ice, a little more than two weeks ago.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Kaleidoscope of Contagions” 01/04/23In this, the first Fly Penguins Fly episode of 2024, Jeff and Jordan discuss the many-headed hydra that is Mike Sullivan’s unenviable task: Solving the Ryan Graves issue, while navigating the weird waters of deploying Norris Trophy winning - and currently underperforming - Erik Karlsson.There are other things on your co-hosts’ minds, oh yes. And share with you these items, they shall.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Like Anything Could Happen To Me’” 12/12/23Late on Monday morning, the Pittsburgh Penguins took the ice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, PA. Your oh-so-intrepid co-host, Jeff Taylor was on location.In addition to chatting with The Athletic’s Rob Rossi, Jeff of course gathered the sounds of NHL regulars working a struggling power play unit. But it isn’t the professional athletes who are the stars of today’s epsiode…On this installment of Fly Penguins Fly, you’ll meet Meghan Crawford from C.A.R.E.S. of Western PA, as well as young Ethan Domingues, an up and coming goalie from Connecticut. Jeff also shares a bit of “play-by-play” from Penguins practice - if we dare call it that - as Allegheny County’s NHL hockey club prepared for this evening’s home ice showdown with the Arizona Coyotes. Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode includes portions of the following musical selections:‘Hammers and Tape’ by Jeff Taylor - Special thanks to Chris Morrissey for letting me use his piano while he was across town.Keeping Up by Blue Dot SessionsIn Passage by Blue Dot SessionsHardboil by Blue Dot SessionsKid Kodi by Blue Dot Sessions

“Bobble Mule’” 12/06/23Jordan has identified an individual who, theoretically, could end up being the Mule tasked with collect Jeff’s rightful Sidney Crosby bobblehead. More on this soon.Tonight in Tampa Bay, your Penguins make their second visit to Amelie Arena in less than a week. The Pittsburgh team hopes to recreate some of the winning magic that sent them home victorious last time - though likely WITHOUT the help of a goalie goal, as scored by Tristan Jarry in their previous matchup.This is simply a fun episode, something to enjoy between periods, after the game, or throughout the week as the holiday season rolls on.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Soarin’, Flyin’, Dechievin’” 11/29/23After a much needed Thanksgiving week break, Jeff and Jordan are back with all the Penguins hockey talk you can shake a leftover turkey leg at. Jordan had herself a hockey road trip over the holiday, attending both the Buffalo road game and the home dub over the Buds. Jeff spent his own vacation getting busted for watching Pens games on his phone, whilst people he loves were trying to speak English to him at the dinner table. Folks, we’re into our third 100-batch. Here’s to making the next 99 episodes memorable!Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Grapefruit Sized” 11/14/23Right after Jeff and Jordan wrapped up today’s podcast, news broke of Matt Petgrave’s arrest in the UK. So, before the ‘regular’ podcast begins, we’re featuring a 17 minute chat between Jeff Taylor and Nick Spagnolo. These former beer league linemates react, in real time to the news of Petgrave’s being taken into custody by the Sheffield Police. It’s our 200th episode. We hope it brings you a little perspective, a little laughter, a little excitement for tonight’s PIT@CBJ matchup.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode includes portions of the following musical selections: Kid Kodi by Blue Dot Sessions

“Volano i Pinguini Volano” 11/08/23We take the good with the bad. This too shall pass. We all use these phrases every day, always hoping the next time we use them, we won’t be talking about the franchise goaltender. Tristan Jarry and, in relief, Pittsburgh’s third string goalie Magnus Hellberg combined for a shutout victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. The W came at great expense, though, with Jarry leaving the game late in the second frame due to an injury that played out in 4K right before your eyes.Jeff and Jordan talk bench depth, net front presence, and roving the Amalfi coast in search of the perfect wood fired pizza.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“The Bright Side” 11/01/23A fair bit has changed since last week. The Penguins are dead last in the EC, Jarry's struggles appear to have worsened, and it feels like there’s legitimate reason for concern. However, there are some bright spots up and down the Penguins’ lineup, ones that might be clues to just how this team can turn it around. With Jordan touring Italy, Jeff flies solo and breaks down the goals against in PIT’s backbreaking loss to Anaheim earlier this week.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Victory Friday: Pacific Northwest Bureau” 10/27/23Four rip. Yep, Tristan Jarry stonewalled the Colorado Avalanche, and the Penguins blank the 2022 Stanley Cup Champions in Allegheny County. Jeff checks in from the road, recording a quickie podcast from an undisclosed island in the mighty Pacific Northwest. Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Hockey Parent Brain” 10/18/23Jeff was harmlessly abducted by Robert Wholey, Jordan got stuck in an elevator with Sidney Crosby and Matt Cullen, and we both have HOCKEY PARENT BRAIN. Not sure what that means? Neither are we, folks.The Penguins are in Motor City tonight, taking on the Red Wings for a TNT/MAX Broadcast that kicks off at 7:30pm eastern. Listen to the radio call on 105.9theX FM!Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOPS - Thanks to PIT PA Announcer, Ryan Mill for the killer ID in the intro!!

“Dozens In Attendance: Rossi, Yohe, DeFigio, and Taylor” 10/10/23It’s on! Folks, the time has come to drop the puck on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2023-2034 season. On your way to the arena tonight, or as you’re settling in to listen on 105.9theX, or perhaps as you commute to the local pub to meet up with your best Penguin fan pals… take in this lovely conversation we had, earlier today with The Athletic’s Rob Rossi and Josh Yohe.We know you’re just as excited for this home opener as we are. Kyle Dubas and Mike Sullivan have prepared this hockey club as best they can; now, there’s nothing else for us to do but take it all in, right?Penguins. Blackhawks. Sidney Crosby faces off against the new kid, Bedard. Tonight at 8:00pm EST on ESPN // 105.9theX FMThank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode includes portions of the following musical selections:‘Hammers and Tape’ by Jeff Taylor - Special thanks to Chris Morrissey for letting me use his piano while he was across town.Keeping Up by Blue Dot SessionsIn Passage by Blue Dot SessionsHardboil by Blue Dot SessionsKid Kodi by Blue Dot Sessions

“A Missed Ottawapportunity” 10/04/23With a plan to take in the 2023 Nova Scotia Showdown on Monday evening, Jeff and Jordan posted up at The Saloon in Mt. Lebanon. Microphones and a portable recording device in tow, Taylor and DeFigio were joined by good friend and co-host of Locked On Penguins, Hunter Hodies! Penguins hockey, and cold beverages were enjoyed, even if the final result wasn’t what the Pens were hoping for.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

“Approved Vocabulary” 09/15/23Today marked the start of Penguins Hockey in 2023. In Buffalo, the Penguins’ prospects took on those of the Boston Bruins, as part of the 2023 Prospects Challenge. Spoiler alert, Pittsburgh fell to Boston, 4 goals to 2.Be soothed by Jeff’s dulcet tones in the intro and have your nerves soothed by ambient crowd noise - piped in live as the voiceover was being recorded - during the first INT at the LECOM Harborcenter.Then, it’s a good snippet of conversation - recorded earlier this week - between Jeff and co-host Jordan DeFigio. Finally, we set you down easy with a sign-off recorded back in the studio.Why the detailed description of the episode? Not sure. Could be because our staff is dealing with anomalous mental and physical ailments, and it just feels like a nice thing do to, giving our listeners a heads up regarding the run of show.Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on Twitter: @penspodJeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewtonLETS GO PENS.JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIOThis episode includes portions of the following musical selections: ‘Hammers and Tape’ by Jeff Taylor - Special thanks to Chris Morrissey for letting me use his piano while he was across town. Kid Kodi by Blue Dot Sessions