The JD Bunkis Podcast

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.

JD gets into the Maple Leafs third consecutive victory without Auston Matthews. Justin Bourne, co-host of The Real Kyper and Bourne, and JD get into the Leafs depth questions, including a closer look at Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Bobby McMann (5:00). JD and Justin also chat about the Leafs sudden spark on the power-play, incorporating Matthews back into the lineup, if they've noticed something different about Mitch Marner, and Connor Timmins. JD lays out some stats you should know from the weekend (45:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and FOX analyst, breaks down week 10 in the NFL: Is there a parity problem? Are Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs actually inevitable? Is Mahomes superstar treatment outrageous? Plus, Russell Wilson's time machine, the best rookie performances and more. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:23:00)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.   

NHL writer for Sportsnet, Luke Fox, joins JD at the top of the show to talk about the amount of RFAs in the NHL, deal trends, Evan Bouchard, Matthew Knies, Leafs duos, and how Toronto will split the net (00:00). Then, ESPN MLB insider and prospect specialist, Kiley McDaniel, talks with JD about the Blue Jays' farm system, Jake Bloss, Toronto's offseason, and the MLB reliever market (32:00). After, NFL writer for Yahoo, Charles McDonald, joins the program to speak about the fallout for the Bengals after their 35-34 loss to the Ravens, Joe Burrow, Zac Taylor, Baltimore's struggling defence, Roquan Smith, which NFC team could challenge the Lions, and if the Jets can upset the Cardinals in Week 10 (53:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:21:30).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. 

JD opens the show explaining one thing that makes sense about the Blue Jays offseason, before sharing his confusion about why the Raptors have the worst defensive rating in the NBA (00:00). Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames forward and author of Dreamer: My Life On The Edge, joins JD to discuss why he got his book out before retirement, his battles for a spot and recognition in the NHL, showing personality in the league, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel, how his tenure ended with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the level of modern trash-talk (15:00). JD touches on tonight's marquee Thursday Night Football game, before bringing on Matt Bonner, co-host of The Raptors Show, former Raptor and two-time NBA champion (45:00). JD asks Matt why the Raptors why they keep blowing fourth quarter leads, what we've learned about RJ Barrett, what's wrong with their defence, the most surprising improvements from Gradey Dick, and what the most intriguing question is when Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley return. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:28:00) 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 with The Athletic, analyzes the Maple Leafs after an encouraging 4-0 victory over the Boston Bruins (5:00). JD and James theorize why the Leafs are so successful without Auston Matthews, debate line combinations, and discuss the Atlantic Division, how to get the most from Max Domi, Anthony Stolarz' workload and modern day goaltending science. Ben Nicholson-Smith, Blue Jays and MLB reporter with Sportsnet, checks-in from the GM meetings to chat about the general tenor of the Blue Jays front office, how the Jays can stay financially flexible,  players the Jays are targeting, and the latest about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension (50:00). Bill Barnwell, ESPN NFL writer, gets into the winners and losers at the NFL trade deadline (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.  

Ben Ennis of The FAN Morning Show joins JD at the top of the show to talk about contenders for Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani trauma, Tyler O'Neill, a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract, and the fallout from the World Series for the Yankees (00:00). After, the two speak on the NBA ratings and analytics in sports (38:10). Then, FOX Sports NFL Analyst Brady Quinn joins the program to talk Todd Bowles' decision, NFL coaches and analytics, quarterback play, and feast or famine at the trade deadline (50:27). Finally, JD wraps the show with his thoughts on Auston Matthews' injury and the Raptors (1:16:47). 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 gets into the Maple Leafs' busy weekend and brings on two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, to discuss the captaincy's weight on Auston Matthews, Matthews sticking up for Mitch Marner, Ryan Reaves having no fights yet this season, what's different and the same under Craig Berube, Max Domi as the third line centre, and William Nylander asking for more ice-time (00:00). JD then gives his takeaway's from Vince Carter's jersey retirement and Drake's comments (38:00). Herm Edwards, ESPN analyst and former 10-year defensive back in the NFL, discusses Josh Allen's greatness, the drowning Miami Dolphins, the Dallas Cowboys playoff chances, and how to coach Anthony Richardson (52:00). JD and the producers end 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.

Justin Bourne, co-host of The Real Kyper & Bourne, joins JD to discuss William Nylander asking for more ice time, Timothy Liljegren's perception and criticism about the Leafs drafting and development (10:00). Zach Bogosian, defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, joins the show to chop it up about Toronto media, being roommates with Mitch Marner, being a professional athlete in the social media era,  defending Marner and Halloween (25:30). Michael Grange, Sportsnet's senior Raptors columnist, analyzes JD's concerns with the Raptors; What are we watching for? Has the tank already started? How has Gradey Dick improved his offensive arsenal? Where does Jakob Poeltl's stand? (51:30) Plus, JD and Michael discuss the big weekend for the Raptors franchise as they lift Vince Carter's jersey to the rafters (1:12:00). JD then gives his thoughts on C.J. Stroud's tough Thursday night performance. 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 reacts to news of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Timothy Liljegren (00:00). Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo from Mad Dog Radio joins JD to dive into the results from the World Series. JD and 'Mad Dog' discuss the memorable collapse by the Yankees in Game 5,  the pressure on Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone, where Juan Soto could end up, and where Freddie Freeman's performance ranks in World Series history (5:00). JD then gets into news of Scottie Barnes' orbital fracture and what it means for the next month of Raptors basketball (35:00). James Palmer, senior NFL insider for Underdog and Bleacher Report, joins the show to preview the trade deadline. What has changed about the NFL trade deadline? Who are the most desperate teams looking to buy? What fringe teams might try to jump ahead of schedule? Why aren't more of the lower-rung teams selling? What's behind the trend of young quarterbacks getting benched (50:00)? Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to wrap up the MLB season by discussing the next steps for the Dodgers and Yankees, Shohei Ohtani's contribution, and how iconic the Yankees' Game 5 choke-job was (1:16:30). 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.

JD explains why a small part of him is now cheering for the Yankees in the World Series (00:00). Frank Seravalli, Hockey Insider at Daily Faceoff, analyzes Nick Robertson against Max Pacioretty, Timothy Liljegren's value and trade market, what Matthew Knies' next contract could look like, Connor Bedard's standing in Chicago, the Oilers' slow start and Connor McDavid's injury timeline  (10:00). JD then chops it up about Joe Mazzulla's crazy idea (40:00). Joe Girardi, former World Series Champion with the Yankees, discusses the Dodgers' strategy to conserve their bullpen, what the Yankees need from Gerrit Cole, what's been off with Aaron Judge and how the Yankees can get back into the World Series (1:12:00). Dallas Braden, former MLB player and host of the Baseball is Dead podcast, discusses the Yankees fans who pried the ball from Mookie Betts, the biggest start of Cole's career, and weighing the legendary World Series performance of Freddie Freeman (1:18:00). 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 at the top of the show to talk about the Maple Leafs' 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. They get into penalties, Jake McCabe, the balance on the blue line, conserving Chris Tanev, William Nylander and John Tavares together, spreading the talent out on three lines, Nicholas Robertson's start to the season, and Steven Lorentz (00:00). Then, JD gives his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets (46:19). After, World Series Champion and host of the Diggin' Deep podcast, Eric Hosmer, joins the show to talk about the lifeless Yankees' offense, Aaron Judge's performance, the crowd in New York, Shohei Ohtani's shoulder injury, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman, playing in the World Series, and umpires (50:40).   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.

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD in-studio to banter about the 2024 World Series. JD and Ben discuss Freddie Freeman's historical walk-off, expectations on Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge's legacy and what would make Yankees fans boo him, and some familiar Maple Leaf feelings (00:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and our Monday Morning Insider, analyzes the hopes for the Dallas Cowboys, Tyrique Stevenson's bone-headed taunt, the sophomore quarterbacks and the most disappointing teams (51:00). JD then reacts to breaking news of the Maple Leafs extending defenseman Jake McCabe (1:25:00). JD and the producers end with 'What We Missed!' (1:28:30) 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.