Shows
Riding The PineEp. 247 Bradenton Marauders Minor Leaguer Jack BranniganJoin me for the latest edition of Riding The Pine! On today's episode, I'm joined by a current minor leaguer that was recently a part of one of the most historic seasons in Notre Dame baseball history, current minor leaguer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization playing for the Bradenton Marauders Jack Brannigan (2:06-30:48)! Jack and I discuss his career at Notre Dame and what it was like to be a part of their third ever appearance in program history of the College World Series this past spring and his clutch performance in the series clinching-win over Tennessee, his transition...2022-09-0631 minRiding The PineEp. 241 Charleston Riverdogs Minor Leaguer Jack SnyderJoin me for another brand new episode of Riding The Pine! On today's episode, I'm joined by a guest who just a year ago was playing independent ball in his hometown of Chicago and is now in the minor leagues for the Tampa Bay Rays, current Charleston Riverdogs minor leaguer Jack Snyder (1:55-22:55)! Jack and I discuss his journey to the minor leagues and how he was able to work his way from being an undrafted player to being a predominant reliever for the Riverdogs, how his season has been in the minors and what he attributes to his...2022-08-1623 minRiding The PineEp. 96 Thoughts On First Half Of NBA Season and Special Guest Pitt Defensive Back AJ WoodsI have a basketball filled episode with a breakdown and a brief recap of the NBA all-star weekend, and I also share my thoughts on the competitions and the game itself. Later, I get into discussing some takeaways and a run down of the first half of the NBA season and sharing players and other aspects that stood out to me. I wrap the show up with a wonderful conversation with current defensive back for the Pitt Panthers, AJ Woods! AJ and I get into his journey to Pitt, what he had to do to make the starting lineup...2021-03-1242 minRiding The PineEp. 95 Where Will Wilson Land? and Special Guest Former PSU All-American and NFL Safety Mark RobinsonEpisode 95 kicks off with some NFL free agency talk, as I share which players I am most intrigued by this off-season, and where I could see some of these players landing before next year. Afterwards, I dive into a "Where Will Wilson Land" as I discuss the four teams that his agent has mentioned as potential trade destinations, and which of those teams are the most and least likely for him to play for. I wrap things up with a great conversation with former Penn State All-American and NFL Safety, Mark Robinson! Mark shares his monumental season at PSU...2021-03-091h 18Riding The PineEp. 94 CBB Teams To Watch Heading Into Tournament and Special Guest HOF Wrestler Kelly WardI open the episode with a little puck talk, as I get into sharing some teams from the NHL that I've been most impressed with early on in the season. Later, I get into which college basketball teams are ones to watch heading into the Tournament. I then wrap the episode up with a fantastic conversation with wrestling hall of famer and former secret service agent, Kelly Ward! Kelly shares what got him interested in wrestling initially, what the transition was like for him going from sports to the secret service and much more! 2021-03-051h 05Riding The PineEp. 93 Top Up and Coming NBA Duos and Special Guest Minnesota Twins OF Alex KirilloffThings are back up and running in episode 93 as I get right into discussing which MLB free agents will be the biggest impact players on their new respective ball clubs. Later, I share my top up and coming NBA duos, and discuss the careers I could see the young stars having as they continue to thrive in their dominating pairs. To close the show, I'm joined by a current Minnesota Twins outfielder who just experienced their MLB debut during the 2020 playoffs, Alex Kirilloff! Alex discusses his debut and his first career major league hit, what made him pursue a p...2021-03-0250 minRiding The PineEp. 92 NBA All-Star Snubs and Special Guest Alan SaundersKick off your weekend with the latest Riding The Pine episode, as I get things started discussing the issues that have been occurring with some teams allowing fans back in the stands. Later, I discuss the NBA all-star game reserve selections and mention which players I feel were majorly snubbed from the game before getting into a great conversation with current Pittsburgh Sports Now writer, Alan Saunders! Alan and I get into his career in writing and how he got interested in journalism, what it was like for him being a beat writer for the Pirates early on in...2021-02-2655 minRiding The PineEp. 91 Utilizing Your Platform To Help Others w/ KDKA Sports Director/Anchor Bob PompeaniI'm joined in this episode by one of the most prominent sports figures in the Pittsburgh area who has often been associated with being the voice of Pittsburgh sports, KDKA sports director and anchor Bob Pompeani! Bob shares his story as to what got him interested in sports broadcasting/journalism early on in his life, his insight into the Pittsburgh sports scene and so much more! 2021-02-2330 minRiding The PineEp. 90 Should the NBA All-Star Game Happen This Season? and Special Guest AJ HinesJoin me for episode 90, as I'm back discussing the NBA and sharing my thoughts on whether or not an All-Star game should happen in the league this year. I then get into a buy it or deny it segment, as I share whether I buy or deny the idea that Donovan Mitchell will win a MVP award before Devin Booker. To close things out, I'm joined by former running back for Duquesne and the Dukes all-time leading rusher, AJ Hines! AJ shares what this off-season has been like trying to prepare for the pro level, his record setting performance...2021-02-1937 minRiding The PineEp. 89 Best Mid-Major NBA Players Ever and Padres Minor Leaguer Adam KernerTake a seat and kick up your feet for episode 89, as I jump into some college basketball talk, highlighting the poor seasons Duke, UNC, Kentucky and Kansas are having and discussing why they might be struggling this year. Later, I get into ranking my top five greatest mid-major basketball players to ever play in the NBA, as I share where they went to school and the careers they went on to have in the NBA. To close the show, I'm joined by current SD Padres minor leaguer Adam Kerner as he discusses what it's been like training for the...2021-02-1539 minRiding The PineEp. 88 Road Trippin W/ Atlanta Braves and Coach Chris KovenskyThings are back up and running in the latest edition of Riding The Pine, as I get back into discussing some baseball news and touching on the recent moves in the free agency filled off-season. As I make my way out of the MLB discussion, I get back into a Road Trippin segment discussing the journey of the Atlanta Braves and sharing the story as to how they landed in Atlanta. I wind things up with yet again another wonderful guest interview with the current assistant men's basketball coach for Old Dominion, Coach Chris Kovensky. Coach Kovensky and I...2021-02-1153 minRiding The PineEp. 87 Super Bowl Special and NFL Season Wrap UpJoin me in episode 87 as I get into a Super Bowl Special and share my biggest takeaways from the Mahomes V. Brady showdown. I also discuss my final thoughts on the NFL season, give my opinion on a few of the postseason award winners and much more! 2021-02-0919 minRiding The PineEp. 86 Super Bowl Preview and Special Guest TJ GibbsWith the big game coming up, I jump into episode 86 by previewing and predicting the impending Super Bowl matchup between the Brady led Bucs and the Mahomes led Chiefs. After my Super Bowl preview, I give my personal NBA All-Star starters for each conference and give reasons as to why I think those particular players are worthy of being starters. To wrap things up I have a sensational interview with the third Gibbs brother to join the show and the former standout for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, TJ Gibbs! TJ and I go back and forth and discuss wh...2021-02-0545 minRiding The PineEp. 85 Best Pro Team Mascots and Returning Guest Joel AwichGet comfortable and kick your feet up for episode 85 as I jump into discussing some possible landing spots for some high profiled NFL QB's that are said to be on the move this offseason. As I move out of the football talk, I get into sharing my favorite pro sports mascots, and highlighting the stories behind how these teams came up with these mascots. I close out the episode with another fantastic interview with a returning guest of the show, current international pro basketball player in France, Joel Awich. Joel shares an update as to how his season has...2021-02-011h 02Riding The PineEp. 84 Most Creative Minor League Names and Returning Guest Paul GrattanThe ball gets rolling in episode 84 with some NBA talk and focusing on the Brooklyn Nets newfound big three and what kind of issues I could see arising with this super star team. I also mention some players that have caught my eye early on this year in the NBA, and then I get into a really fun segment sharing some of the best and most creative minor league baseball team names. I share a couple team names that are incredibly unique and interesting, before getting into another awesome interview with a returning guest and current lineman for the...2021-01-2841 minRiding The PineEp. 83 NFC/AFC Recaps and Special Guest Tray BoydI'm kicking things off in episode 83 with a couple comments on the McGregor V. Poirier fight, and then getting into a recap of both the NFC and AFC games from the past weekend. After I get out of the football talk, I then highlight the recent MLB offseason moves and mention which AL East team that just made some major moves. I wrap up the show with a great conversation, with former all-conference performer for the ETSU men's basketball team, Tray Boyd. Tray and I discuss his transition to training amid the pandemic, his career at ETSU and their...2021-01-2637 minRiding The PineEp. 82 Bringing Back Old Faces to be Role Models with Special Guest Mike WozniakThings get crackin' in episode 82 with a brief prediction of the upcoming NFL championship games in the playoffs and sharing my picks for the winners of the two marquee matchup games. I then get right into a great interview with a superb guest, current color commentator, founder of the AAU program, 3Ball, and the host of the "Sports Bite" on ESPN 1280, Mike Wozniak. Mike had some incredible stories to share about some of the biggest games he's been on the call for, how he's translated what he learned in his playing days to his AAU program now and so...2021-01-2242 minRiding The PineEp. 81 Winners & Losers From Harden Trade and Special Guest Rodney PryorFind somewhere comfortable to sit and get situated for episode 81, as I dive right into a recap of the NFL playoff games from the divisional round and breakdown various aspects of the matchups that jumped out to me. I then got into discussing the latest blockbuster trade in the NBA featuring James Harden going to the Brooklyn Nets. I dissect the groundbreaking move and mention who I think will come away as the winners and losers of the deal. I then closed the episode with another awesome interview with a former G-league basketball player and former standout from Robert...2021-01-1952 minRiding The PineEp. 80 Major Moves in NL East and Special Guest Nate BussI'm off and running in episode 80, starting with a preview and prediction of the divisional round games in the NFL Playoffs, and sharing my thoughts on the matchups. I then move into some baseball, as I breakdown the recent moves by the Nationals and Mets that have really shaken up the NL East. I wind things down in the episode with a really good interview with a fellow show host, current host of the Nate Buss Hoop Talk YouTube podcast and current men's basketball player for the Winthrop Eagles, Nate Buss. Nate gets into his career, sharing how he...2021-01-1545 minRiding The PineEp. 79 Building Chemistry On and Off The Court with Special Guest Daniel DixonEpisode 79 features an interview only episode with an awesome guest who has seen an extensive career in the basketball world. I'm joined by current Charlotte Hornets video coordinator and former G-League standout, Daniel Dixon. Daniel shares an awesome story as to how he was able to make it to the pros despite coming from a smaller school, what his role is like for the Hornets now and so much more! 2021-01-1125 minRiding The PineEp. 78 NFL Wild Card Predictions and Special Guest Aaron CarverThe show gets started with a breakdown and prediction of the College Football National Championship game, and a recap of the semi-finals games that occurred on New Year's Day. After I discuss college football, I get into a prediction of the upcoming NFL Wild Card playoff games, and I share who I think will be moving on to the next round. As I close out the football talk, I get into a great conversation with another amazing guest, current overseas pro basketball player and former ODU standout, Aaron Carver. Aaron shares his story as to how he worked his...2021-01-0850 minRiding The PineEp. 77 Early NBA Takeaways and Special Guest Fred BowenCome take a seat here on the bench for episode 77 as I get things going with a couple takeaways early on from the NBA season, including some players and teams that I've been impressed with this year. Later on, I get into a new segment I like to call "Buy it or Deny it" where I discuss a belief, claim or idea from the sports world and mention whether I deny or buy the claim I pose. To close out the show I am joined by a really great guest, current sports columnist for the kids post of the W...2021-01-0557 minRiding The PineEp. 76 MLB Offseason Update and Special Guest Coach Jermaine UkaegbuI get into episode 76 by starting things off with an update on the MLB offseason and some of the biggest trades that have gone on so far this offseason. As I move out of the baseball conversation, I get into a preview and a prediction of the College Football Playoff games on New Year's Day. I give my breakdown of the two games and share who I think will be the winners of each matchup before getting into an awesome conversation with the current GA for the Winthrop men's basketball team, Coach Jermaine Ukaegbu. Coach Jermaine and I go...2021-01-0155 minRiding The PineEp. 75 Houston...We Have A Problem and Special Guest Chris FavorosoEpisode 75 starts off with a breakdown from the week 16 games from the NFL season, and I discuss which teams stuck out to me the most over the week. I then get into the issues with Covid-19 that the Houston Rockets have had, and what the aftermath affects were due to numerous positive tests. I also discuss the impact James Harden's behavior during the situation will have on his trade value, before getting into a sensational conversation with current Montreal Alouettes player of the CFL, Chris Favoroso! Chris and I go in depth on his career journey in college leading u...2020-12-2945 minRiding The PineRTP Christmas Special! Fan Question FridayIn this holiday edition of Riding The Pine, I switch things up by answering some of the first write in questions for the shows first ever Fan Question Friday! I select some of the best questions that were written and go through answering them. No special guest for the episode, but a sports filled episode with great questions, an awesome conversation and more! 2020-12-2523 minRiding The PineEp. 74 NBA Opening Night Preview and Special Guest Anthony TarkeI start things off in episode 74 of Riding The Pine by highlighting the players and teams that I have been most impressed with in the NBA's pre-season games. After sharing my NBA pre-season thoughts, I then give my preview and predictions for the NBA opening night games. As I move out of my predictions for the Nets/Warriors and Lakers/Clippers games, I am joined by an amazing guest, current men's basketball player for the Copping State basketball team, Anthony Tarke. Anthony and I discuss his career journey from starting out at NJIT and being an all-freshman team selection...2020-12-2137 minRiding The PineEp. 73 NFL Week 15 Predictions and Special Guest Daniel ParrIn this football filled episode, I kick things off with a week 15 prediction of the NFL games for the upcoming Sunday. Later on in the show, I discuss which NFL teams that are in the playoff picture right now that I am most worried about and which teams I am a little skeptical of heading into the postseason. I close things out in the episode with a really incredible interview with former starting quarterback for the Duquesne Dukes, Daniel Parr. Daniel shares his journey in football, starting out at FAU and playing for Lane Kiffin, to eventually landing at...2020-12-1853 minRiding The PineEp. 72 Duke Cancels Non-Conference Schedule and Special Guest Coach Joe HugleyBe sure to grab your favorite spot on the bench for episode 72, as I get right into discussing the latest news in the college basketball world involving the Duke men's basketball team and their non-conference schedule being canceled. I discuss what this could mean for the Duke basketball team moving forward, and if we could see any other power 5 schools also cancel their out of conference schedules. I am then joined by a sensational guest, current Director of Player Relations for the Wake Forest men's basketball team, Coach Joe Hugley. Coach Hugley and I discuss his playing career and...2020-12-1453 minRiding The PineEp. 71 From Science to Sports with Special Guest David HessSit back and relax for episode 71, as I am back with another interview only edition with the former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and current Tampa Bay Rays pitcher, David Hess. David shares his journey in baseball from his early days as a chemistry major at Tennessee Tech to his MLB debut with the Orioles. David also discusses his favorite MLB parks he's played in and much more! 2020-12-1036 minRiding The PineEp. 70 NBA Free Agency and Trade News and Special Guest Madison YounginerThe 70th episode of Riding The Pine gets out to a quick start with an update on the college basketball season and some of my concerns for the collegiate year moving forward. Later on, I get into highlighting some of the biggest NBA free agency and trade news that has come out recently in the basketball world. After discussing some of the biggest offseason moves made, I head into another incredible conversation with the show's first guest to be a professional baseball player. I'm joined by former MLB pitcher and current free agent Madison Younginer, who shares some memorable...2020-12-0745 minRiding The PineEp. 69 Who Would You Rather Have Adams or Hopkins? and Special guest Joel AwichEpisode 69 gets going with a prediction of the upcoming NFL Week 13 games before diving into a conversation about which wide receiver would you rather throw to in a down the wire situation, Devante Adams or Deandre Hopkins. I make a case for both before ultimately deciding which receiver I'd rather have in that situation before jumping into a sensational interview with an awesome guest. I'm joined by former Cal Poly standout and current overseas pro basketball player in France, Joel Awich. Joel shares his stories of Cal Poly and their miraculous run to the NCAA Tournament, what his season...2020-12-031h 02Riding The PineEp. 68 Finding Your Passion Early On with Special Guest Coach Blair O'DonovanPull up a chair and join me for episode 68 as I am joined in this interview only episode by another sensational guest, current strength and conditioning coach and co-founder of the well-known training outfit, Healthy Baller, Coach Blair O'Donovan. Coach O'Donovan shared a wonderful story as to how he first got interested in strength and conditioning, his tenure with the Washington Wizards, and much more! 2020-11-3044 minRiding The PineEp. 67 Who Will Land on the Mets and Special Guest Coach Pat KelseyEpisode 67 begins with my predictions for the week 12 NFL games, and running through who I think will be the winners of the Sunday matchups. As I move out of the football conversation, I make my way into a new topic, discussing MLB free agency. I go in-depth on which free agent might find their way to the New York Mets, who have been a major contender for numerous big time players. I wrap up the show with another really great interview with the head men's basketball coach from Winthrop University, Coach Pat Kelsey. Coach Kelsey discusses his playing career...2020-11-2653 minRiding The PineEp. 66 NBA Draft Recap and Returning Guest Case BrutonGrab a good spot on the couch and get comfortable for episode 66, as I start the episode off highlighting some of the biggest matchups in college football from November 21st. I mention which teams and players stuck out to me from those games before getting into a recap of the NBA Draft. After handing out some draft gradings and discussing which teams I was most impressed with on draft night, I get into a phenomenal conversation with another returning guest of the show's. I am joined by current international pro basketball player in Lithuania, Case Bruton, as he goes...2020-11-2352 minRiding The PineEp. 65 NFL Week 11 Predictions and Returning Guest Tyler SmithJoin me for episode 65, as I begin the show discussing the recent AP pre-season top 25 men's college basketball rankings and share which teams I am intrigued by in the rankings and which teams I am skeptical of for this season. I then get into my NFL week 11 predictions, picking my winner's for the Sunday matchups, before getting into another fantastic conversation, with another returning guest of the show. I am joined by current minor leaguer for the LA Angels, Tyler Smith, as he and I go back and forth about the teams that jumped out to him the most t...2020-11-2053 minRiding The PineEp. 64 NBA Pre-Draft and Returning Guest Chandler RedmondI open up the episode with a football discussion, getting into the games from week 10 that stuck out to me the most before jumping into some pre-draft NBA talk. I discuss the players in this years class that I'm most intrigued by, and I give my personal mock draft of the first five picks before getting into a sensational interview with a returning guest of the show. I'm joined by current minor leaguer for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chandler Redmond, as we discuss his thoughts on this past MLB season, the recent minor league court ruling and much more! 2020-11-171h 04Riding The PineEp. 63 Where Will The Raptors Play This Season? and Special Guest Coach Carl ThomasIn the latest edition of Riding The Pine, I kick things off with my week 10 NFL predictions and my week 9 top player performers before heading into an all hoops conversation. I first discuss the new NBA start date for the 2020-2021 season and mention some pros and cons to the new start of the season. I then get into the topic of where will the Toronto Raptors play this NBA season with the strict Canadian laws for Covid-19. I close out the show with a sensational interview with former NBA player and current assistant coach at Duquesne University, Coach...2020-11-1356 minRiding The PineEp. 62 Where Will Trevor Bauer Land? and Special Guest Coach Nathan DavisGrab a seat on the bench for the 62nd episode of Riding The Pine, as I get things going with a recap of the Week 9 NFL games and discuss my favorite matchups from Sunday, November 8th. Later on, I share my likely destinations as to where Trevor Bauer might land this off season, and mention which teams are more likely to go after the hurler. I close out the episode with an awesome interview with a remarkable guest, current head men's basketball coach from Bucknell University, Coach Nathan Davis. He goes in depth on his ascent through the coaching...2020-11-1039 minRiding The PineEp. 61 NFL Week 9 Predictions and Special Guest Coach David RichardsI open up episode 61 with a recap of the biggest college football games from Saturday, October 31st and mention some things that I took note of while watching the different matchups. I stick with the football theme, as I get into my predictions for the week 9 NFL games before closing out the show with a tremendous interview with the current head men's basketball coach at Chatham University, Coach David Richards. Coach Richards discusses the adjustments he's had to make in the pandemic, what it was like winning a conference championship during his first year at Chatham and much more! 2020-11-0645 minRiding The PineEp. 60 NBA Coaches On New Teams and Special Guest Coach Jay SpoonhourEpisode 60 kicks off with a recap of the games from week 8 of the NFL season, and I give a breakdown of a few of the matchups that stuck out to me the most. As I move out of the football conversation, I get into discussing the different NBA coaches that are on new teams this year, and which coaches will have the biggest impact on their new teams. The show is closed out with a fantastic interview with a remarkable guest, current head men's basketball coach at Eastern Illinois University Coach Jay Spoonhour. Coach Spoonhour shares his journey from...2020-11-0458 minRiding The PineEp. 59 Arizona Basketball Under Investigation and Special Guest Max McDowellEpisode 59 begins with a discussion of the investigation that the University of Arizona men's basketball team has recently come under, and what this could mean for the program. Later on, I give my NFL week 8 predictions and rank my top player performers from week 7, before getting into a great interview with current New York Yankees minor leaguer Max McDowell. Max and I discuss his journey through the minors, what it was like to be on the Yankees taxi squad and more! 2020-10-3057 minRiding The PineEp. 58 NFL Week 7 Recap and Special Guest Coach Terry PorterThings kick off in episode 58 of Riding The Pine with a recap of the NFL Week 7 games, and discussing which games stuck out to me the most. Later on, I give a breakdown of the recent games in the World Series and I share my thoughts on the wild finish that occurred in game 4. The episode wraps up with an incredible interview with one of my favorite guests to date, who is the current head men's basketball coach at Portland University, Coach Terry Porter. Coach Porter shares a tremendous story as to how he worked his way from an...2020-10-2659 minRiding The PineEp. 57 NFL Week 7 Predictions and Special Guest Paul GrattanIn the latest episode of Riding The Pine, I start things off by previewing the World Series matchup between the Rays and Dodgers and mention a few things I'll be paying attention to in the matchup. Afterwards, I move into predicting the week 7 games of the NFL before finishing the show with a sensational interview with an awesome guest, current UCLA Bruins football player Paul Grattan. Paul shares his story about how he decided to transfer from Villanova to UCLA amid the pandemic, how it's been practicing with Covid-19 regulations and much more! 2020-10-2242 minRiding The PineEp. 56 Road Trippin! and Special Guest Augie JohnstonKick back and unwind with episode 56 as I open the show with discussing a recap from Week 6 of the NFL games, and selecting which games stuck out to me the most and ranking my top five player performers from the week as well. As I close my conversation on football, I hop in the car and start the road trippin segment for the episode following the history of the Sacramento Kings! I discuss the numerous stops the team has made over the years and the history that follows the franchise. After I conclude the road trip, I hop out...2020-10-1954 minRiding The PineEp. 55 Capitalizing On All Opportunities with Special Guest Nehari CrawfordFind a comfortable spot on the bench and kick back for episode 55 as I am joined by a sensational guest in this interview only episode, current CFL football player for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Nehari Crawford. Nehari and I go back and forth about his career at Duquesne and the records he set for the Dukes, how he's adjusted to life as a pro during this pandemic and much more! 2020-10-1627 minRiding The PineEp. 54 NBA Finals Game 5 Recap and Special Guest Jordan LewisJoin me for another fantastic episode of Riding The Pine, as I get things started discussing a preview into the ALCS and the NLCS and mentioning some players to keep an eye on for the next round of the MLB playoffs. I then get into a recap and breakdown from game 5 of the NBA Finals and discuss some things I liked and disliked from the Heat and Lakers matchup. Things wrap up with a phenomenal interview with a very special guest, current overseas pro basketball player Jordan Lewis. Jordan and I go back and forth discussing his career at...2020-10-1253 minRiding The PineEp. 53 NFL COVID-19 Tests and Special Guest Nick ErnstIn episode 53, I open the show discussing the games that stuck out to me the most from Week 4 of the NFL season, and I name my top player performers from the week as well. Later on, I dive into a recap of some college football upsets from Saturday, October 3rd before getting into my topic for the show which involves the recent COVID-19 tests from the NFL. I share my thoughts on what the NFL needs to do moving forward to limit these tests, and how the positive cases have already affected the season. The show is wrapped up...2020-10-0851 minRiding The PineEp. 52 Fans At The 2020 World Series and Special Guest Mikie SchlosserWe are back for another episode of Riding The Pine, as I get the show started with an update on the MLB Playoffs and giving a preview into the ALDS and the NLDS. I stick with the baseball theme, as I then discuss the recent news of fans being allowed to attend the NLCS and the World Series in Texas, and what this could mean for the postseason and the players that will be involved. The episode closes out with a fantastic interview with current Denver Outlaws midfielder Mikie Schlosser. Mikie divulges into his career in college at Michigan...2020-10-0545 minRiding The PineEp. 51 NBA Finals Preview and Special Guest Chris AslanianIn episode 51 of Riding The Pine I am back discussing the week 3 games from the NFL and selecting which games that stuck out to me the most. As I wrapped up the football talk, I got into a preview of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. I mention which of the two teams I could see winning it all, and I give a brief breakdown of the championship matchup. I finishing things up in the episode with an awesome interview with another spectacular guest, current attackmen for the Denver Outlaws Chris Aslanian. Chris and...2020-10-0149 minRiding The PineEp. 50 College Basketball Pre-Season Top 25 Breakdown and Special Guest Andrew CaskinGrab your favorite seat on the bench and get comfortable for the 50th episode of Riding The Pine, as I open the show up discussing the latest in the College Football season, and what the latest developments are with the Covid-19 tests in the CFB world. Later on, I give a quick update on the NBA playoffs and the Stanley Cup finals, mentioning who is still alive in the playoff picture and who is ahead in the different series. After the quick update, I get into my topic for the episode breaking down the pre-season top 25 college basketball rankings...2020-09-2859 minRiding The PineEp. 49 MLB Playoff Preview and Special guest Ennis WhatleyGrab a seat on the bench and tune in to the latest Riding The Pine episode, as I get things started highlighting some games from week 2 of the NFL season that stuck out the most, and I rank my top five player performances for the week as well. I then move into a discussion focused on the MLB playoffs, and giving my thoughts on the potential matchups that we could see in October, and which teams could make the most noise in the postseason. I finish up episode 49, with an incredible interview with former NBA and overseas pro basketball...2020-09-251h 13Riding The PineEp. 48 Covering America's Past Time with Special Guest Tim KurkjianI am joined by another phenomenal guest for episode 48 of Riding The Pine as Tim Kurkjian, current senior baseball writer and TV journalist and analyst from ESPN, joins the show. In this interview only episode, Tim and I discuss the career path he took getting to ESPN and everything he has had to overcome along the way. Tim talks about his time as a beat writer for the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles, his role at Sports Illustrated before arriving at ESPN and how he adjusted from a mostly writing role, to appearing more on television. He also...2020-09-2130 minRiding The PineEp. 47 NBA Conference Finals Prediction and Special Guest Ashton GibbsI jump into episode 47 discussing the latest news going around the NBA and any and all updates on the playoffs in the bubble. I then give my predictions for the conference finals and who I could see potentially advancing to the Finals. I am then joined by a past guest who has appeared on Riding The Pine many times giving his basketball expertise, current Director of Player Development for the Duquesne men's basketball team Ashton Gibbs. Ashton and I go back and forth and discuss what we've liked so far in the bubble, which players have been putting on...2020-09-1725 minRiding The PineEp. 46 Wild Card Watchers and Special Guest Trent VietmeierPull up a chair and join me for episode 46 as I open things up talking about the opening night of the NFL season and giving my thoughts from the Texans vs. Chiefs game on Thursday, September 10th. Afterwards, I dive into my Wild Card Watchers segment, discussing the teams that are currently outside of the top 8 in the MLB that could potentially make a push for the final two wild card spots. The episode ends with a great interview with a special guest who is a current pitcher for the LSU Tigers baseball team, Trent Vietmeier. Trent and I...2020-09-1542 minRiding The PineEp. 45 Greatest Cinderella Teams and Special Guest Travis ValmonI'm back on the bench in episode 45 giving the latest updates on the NFL's Covid-19 testing protocols for this year, and whether or not the league will run into the same issues that the MLB has had this season. I then dive into a new topic, ranking the top five greatest cinderella teams in college basketball history and discussing the runs they had in the tournament. The episode finishes out with a fantastic interview with current track and field runner and former men's basketball player at the University of Maryland, Travis Valmon. Travis and I discuss his role as...2020-09-1154 minRiding The PineEp. 44 The Will To Win with Special Guest Buck WilliamsJoin me for another interview only episode as I sit down with former NBA All-star and Rookie of the Year Buck Williams. Buck and I discuss his lengthy 17 year career in the NBA that featured numerous all-defensive team selections, two trips to the NBA finals and finishing ranked 15th all-time in career rebounding. Later on, Buck discusses his time as the President of the NBA Player's Association and the impact he's had on the players and the league to this day. 2020-09-0834 minRiding The PineEp. 43 NFL Teams To Watch This Season and Special Guest Carl FowlerIn the latest episode of Riding The Pine, I dive right into an update on the NBA and NHL playoffs as well as a breakdown on some of the biggest trades in the MLB. I then get into my topic for the episode, sharing my top 5 teams to watch this season in the NFL, and who could make a lot of noise this football season. The episode closes out with a phenomenal interview with a great guest, current defensive lineman for the William and Mary Tribe Carl Fowler. Carl shares his story on what made him choose football over...2020-09-0459 minRiding The PineEp. 42 Road Trippin! and Special guest Ben BairdEpisode 42 opens up with some baseball talk, discussing the possibility of the MLB playoffs being played in hub cities, and where the most likely World Series destination will be in the fall. Afterwards, I dive into yet again another Road Trippin segment, following the lineage of the Chicago White Sox and going stop by stop discussing where they were before they landed in Chicago, and some interesting facts about the team. To close things out, I am joined by current St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguer Ben Baird, as we talk about his career in college, how he stayed in...2020-09-0123 min
Keeping it 100 PodcastKeeping it 100 Episode 20 with Daniel Sendra and Jack RidenourKeeping it 100 with Riding the Pine Host Jack Ridenour and Daniel Sendra!Keeping it 100 on Jacob Blake! Keeping it 100 on Chadwick Boseman! Keeping it 100 on the NBA Playoffs! Keeping it 100 on Tenant and much more!Be sure to catch this show weekly on xsquadradio.com and on iTunes, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Spreaker. NBA, NFL, NCAA, MLB, Boxing, UFC, entertainment discussions and more.2020-08-312h 52Riding The PineEp. 41 Best College Mascots and Special Guest Ryan LeeEpisode 41 opens up with a discussion on the idea of realigning college football for this year amid the pandemic and the benefits it would have if it were to happen. I also give my realigned conferences, and which teams regionally could have been paired together. I stick with the college sports theme, as I move into my new topic for the episode which is Best College Mascots. I rank my top five best mascots in college and close out the episode with another fantastic interview with current Attackmen for the Denver Outlaws and the 2020 MLL Offensive Player of the...2020-08-2843 minRiding The PineEp. 40 Living Life Behind The Mic with Special Guest Brandon RossiIn this episode of Riding The Pine, we are joined by another show first, play-by-play and PA announcer in the Pittsburgh area Brandon Rossi. In this interview only episode, Brandon discusses the life of an announcer and how he first got interested in wanting to work behind the mic. Brandon also shares some interesting sports he's been on the call for, and which sports he enjoys commentating the most. 2020-08-2538 minRiding The PineEp. 39 NBA Playoff Predictions and Special Guest Alec PorterfieldDive into episode 39 with me, as I start things off with an update on the issues the Cleveland Indians have had internally with their team and what has transpired because of some players irresponsible actions. I then briefly run through my predictions for the NBA playoffs and share my quick picks for who I think could advance into the second round. The episode finishes off with a very fascinating interview with current baseball Director of Player Development at the University of Charleston, Alec Porterfield. Coach Porterfield discusses his time at University of Charleston, how he utilizes baseball stats in...2020-08-2158 minRiding The PineEp. 38 NBA All-Bubble Team and Special Guest Ben GlinesI get started with a brief update on college football and which power five conferences have decided to move football into the spring time. Afterwards, I discuss the NBA's All-bubble team and which players were selected to the first and second teams. I also share my All-bubble team and which players really surprised me during the restart of the NBA season. Things close out with a fantastic interview with yet again another incredible guest, former Boston College football captain Ben Glines. Ben shares his story as to how he was able to bounce back from an injury his freshman...2020-08-1851 minRiding The PineEp. 37 Making The Adjustment With Special Guest Coach Lou ProiettiI'm joined in episode 37 with another tremendous guest who is yet again a show first, head men's baseball coach for St. Peter's University Coach Lou Proietti. Coach Lou talks about the difficulty and adjustment he has had to make recruiting players during this pandemic, his coaching career leading up to being the head coach at St. Peter's and his playing career which included a stop in Italy where he played professionally overseas. 2020-08-1326 minRiding The PineEp. 36 30 for 30s You'd Love To See and Returning Guest Coach David SaurThings open up in episode 36 talking about the status of College Football this fall and which leagues have decided to postpone football and which will have conference only schedules. I then talk about which 30 for 30s people would love to see that have yet to be made and which athletes would be the center of those documentaries. The episode closes out with a great interview with a returning guest on the show, current head women's basketball at Chatham University coach David Saur. Coach Saur and I discuss what adjustments his team has had to make with basketball not starting...2020-08-111h 00Riding The PineEp. 35 Top 5 Most Random Sports and Special Guest Dan BucaroI get right to it in episode 35 with multiple recaps of games from the NBA, NHL and MLL as well as some news updates on the MLB season and how these recent Covid-19 tests have impacted the baseball season. Following the sports run down, I get into a new topic which highlights my top 5 most random sports and the history that has followed these interesting athletic competitions all the way to today. Later on, I'm joined by current attackman for the Denver Outlaws, Dan Bucaro, as he shares his story as to how he started playing lacrosse, what the...2020-08-0645 minRiding The PineEp. 34 Road Trippin! and Special Guest Pat AslanianEpisode 34 dives into a recap of the first few days of the NBA resumed season and which teams struggled and which had strong starts. I then get into my second Road Trippin' segment, this time discussing the history and journey of the Atlanta Hawks, and where they originated and how they wound up in Atlanta. The episode wraps up with another special guest interview with our second professional lacrosse player to join Riding The Pine, Denver Outlaws midfielder Pat Aslanian. Pat shares his story about his career at Georgetown, how he's enjoyed playing with his brother in the MLL...2020-08-0447 minRiding The PineEp. 33 Greatest 40 And Over Athletes and Special Guest Matty McConnellBack at it again for episode 33 sharing the latest updates and analysis from the opening day MLB games, as well as an update on the Miami Marlins situation and what that could mean for the team and the league. Afterwards, I share my top 5 greatest athletes ever to play into their 40s and discuss the amazing accomplishments they achieved while in that age range. I finish out the episode with a tremendous interview with special guest Matty McConnell. The former Robert Morris men's basketball standout shares his thoughts on this college basketball season, his recent start in coaching and...2020-07-3042 minRiding The PineEp. 32 Having An Impact Beyond The Court with Special Guest Coach Billy ClapperIn our second straight interview only episode, I'm joined by a guest who has not only a fascinating story about how he became a coach, but is also a part of a cause greater than sports. IMG Academy basketball coach Billy Clapper sits down to join the show sharing his early days as a student manager at Youngstown State, to how he became involved with Sideline Cancer, a foundation dedicated to the fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Coach Clapper talks about the run Sideline Cancer had in the TBT tournament this summer, and what kind of lasting impact Sideline Cancer...2020-07-2740 minRiding The PineEp. 31 Basketball Life In The Bubble with Special Guest Cam JohnsonJoin me for Episode 31 as I have another interview only episode with another fantastic guest to join the show, current small forward for the Phoenix Suns Cam Johnson. Cam shares his story early on in his career, talking about his days at Pitt and his transition to playing at UNC. He also discusses what his life has been like in the NBA and what his everyday routine has been while being in the bubble down in Orlando. 2020-07-2435 minRiding The PineEp. 30 Greatest Playoff Series Comebacks and Returning Guest Brendan ThompsonPull up a chair and kick your feet up for episode 30 as I run through some updates for the NBA season and share my predictions and analyzation for the first two games of the season resumption. I move into a really good topic discussing greatest playoff series comebacks in sports history and what kind of deficits those teams had to overcome to win. The episode is capped off with an awesome interview with another returning guest of the show, former Duquesne men's football player Brendan Thompson. 2020-07-2146 minRiding The PineEp. 29 Best Ballparks That Don't Exist Anymore and Special Guest Michael DicksonI get things going early in the episode talking about the latest news in the baseball world and what some updates have been for the MLB as the season rapidly approaches. I stick with the baseball theme in my topic as I rank the top five best ballparks that don't exist anymore and discuss which teams use to play at those stadiums and the monumental games that were played at those said ballparks. The episode ends with another show first, as I am joined by Riding The Pine's first ever track and field guest; professional track and field runner...2020-07-1754 minRiding The PineEp. 28 Life In Between The Pipes with Special Guest Tate BoyceEpisode 28 features another fascinating interview only episode with Riding The Pine's first lacrosse guest, current professional lacrosse player for the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club Tate Boyce. Tate shares his story as to how he initially got started in lacrosse and how he wound up playing goalie. He also discusses his time in both the MLL and PLL and his thoughts on the continued growth and progression of lacrosse. 2020-07-1436 minRiding The PineEp. 27 Road Trippin and Returning Guest Loren BrillThings get started in episode 27 with a rundown of the latest news in the NBA and an update on players who have decided to sit out of the season due to the health risk. I then get into my new recurring Road Trippin segment, highlighting the journey of various sports teams from where they originated to where they are located today. The show finishes with an incredible interview with returning guest and former Old Dominion men's basketball player, Loren Brill. 2020-07-1038 minRiding The PineEp. 26 Worst Draft Picks Of All Time and Special Guest Sterling GibbsI get things rolling in episode 26 as I talk about Cam Newton's recent signing to the Patriots and how that will impact both New England and the AFC East. I then get into the top five worst draft picks of all time and talk about what players those teams passed up on. I close out the episode with another really good interview with current international pro basketball player Sterling Gibbs as we discuss his college career, his overseas pro life and more. 2020-07-071h 00Riding The PineEp. 25 Greatest Athletes To Never Play For Team That Drafted Them and Special Guest Case BrutonIn the latest installment of Riding The Pine, I jump into an update on the NHL and what exactly the league has been up to and what kind of measures they will be taking after announcing the resumption of the season. I dive right into another topic for this episode, as I rank the greatest athletes to never play for the team that originally drafted them. The episode finishes out with a great interview with former D2 hooper and current international pro player as well as skills coach, Case Bruton. 2020-07-0241 minRiding The PineEp. 24 The Journey To Becoming a Head Coach With Special Guest David SaurThis Riding The Pine episode is another interview only as I am joined by a very special guest, head women's basketball coach at Chatham University David Saur. Coach Saur discusses how he first got into coaching, the various stops he's made along the way and his time at Chatham. He also shares his thoughts on the NBA's new return to play plan and the health and safety guidelines the league will be implementing. 2020-06-3030 minRiding The PineEp. 23 Greatest Father Son Duos in Sports and Special Guest Woody TaylorThings start off in episode 23 with discussing the new health guidelines in the NBA and what kind of equipment the league will be using to make sure the players and other employees are safe. I also share who I believe are the greatest father son duos in sports history and I wrap things up with a great interview with a very special guest, assistant men's basketball coach at UNC Asheville Coach Woody Taylor. 2020-06-2650 minRiding The PineEp. 22 The Journey to Becoming a Strength Coach with Coach Eric AlexanderEpisode 22 is another interview only edition, as I sit down with Coach Eric Alexander, co-owner and director of Sports Performance at Pinnacle Sports. He shares his time as a player in the minors for the Atlanta Braves and discusses how he got involved in the strength and conditioning field of sports. He also shares a very interesting story as to how he started Sports Performance and how far it has come in the recent years. 2020-06-2227 minRiding The PineEp. 21 Cities Where Sports Could Be Next and Special Guest Dustin SlevaIn episode 21 of Riding The Pine, I discuss what practices will look like for collegiate sports that have summer workouts with things still uncertain with the Pandemic. I then get into my topic for the day which is what cities I feel could see sports next and what sports exactly would be good fits in those cities. I close out episode 21 with a great interview with former Shippensburg University standout and current international pro in France Dustin Sleva. 2020-06-1843 minRiding The PineEp. 20 MLB Owners and Players Continue to Stall and Special Guest Ethan CadyFind your favorite spot on the couch and tune in to episode 20 of Riding The Pine as I open things up giving my thoughts on the continued labor negotiations in the MLB and what needs to happen for baseball to occur this summer. I then get into a great interview with a special guest who shares a very interesting story about his senior year, current Eastern Tennessee State University baseball player Ethan Cady. 2020-06-1532 minRiding The PineEp. 19 From Bulldog To Blazer With Special Guest Zach CollinsIn the latest edition of Riding The Pine I am joined by a very special guest, current NBA power forward and center for the Portland Trailblazers, Zach Collins. Zach and I discuss his time at Gonzaga, what his transition into the NBA was like, and how he feels on the new NBA season and playoff format. 2020-06-1235 minRiding The PineEp. 18 Return of the NBA and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsAshton and I sit down to share our thoughts about the new NBA season format as well as the playoff format that will follow the resumption of the season. We then discuss ESPN's too early top-25 college basketball rankings and give our takes on which teams should move up in ranking and which should move down the leader board. 2020-06-0828 minRiding The PineEp. 17 Greatest Defunct Sports Franchises and Special Guest Tyler SmithIn the newest edition of Riding The Pine, I discuss the likelihood of major league baseball starting this summer and what the future holds for both major and minor league baseball. I then shift over into my topic for the episode which is greatest defunct sports teams. I share my top five greatest teams that no longer exist and then I close out the episode with another great interview with my special guest, current minor league pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels Tyler Smith. 2020-06-0458 minRiding The PineEp. 16 New NBA Playoff Format and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsI'm joined by Ashton Gibbs as we discuss the new NBA playoff format and what possible matchups we would like to see in the new format. We also go into detail on the potential issues that could arise with the new format and the other potential playoff scenarios we could see being used. The episode concludes with Ashton sharing his experiences and stories from his sophomore year at Pitt and the incredible improvement he saw from his freshman to sophomore year. 2020-06-0128 minRiding The PineEp. 15 Greatest Dual Sport Athletes and Special Guest Andrew GarciaI get things started in episode 15 with discussion of which professional leagues will be resuming their season sooner than others. I also talk about the potential of college football teams allowing fans into their stadiums this upcoming season. My topic for the episode includes the subject of dual sport athletes and I rank my top five greatest dual sport athletes of all time. Finally, I finish the episode with an incredible interview with my special guest, Coach Andrew Garcia whose a current assistant men's basketball coach from USC Upstate. 2020-05-2959 minRiding The PineEp. 14 Pitt's Elite Eight Run and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsAshton Gibbs and I sit down for episode 14 to discuss his first year at Pitt and the historic run his team made during his freshman year. We then go in depth on the team’s elite eight run in the NCAA tournament and finish the episode talking about Ashton’s interactions with fans throughout that year and some interesting stories he has about his fan encounters. 2020-05-2645 minRiding The PineEp. 13 MLB's New Proposals and Special Guest Todd LottIn the latest Riding The Pine episode, I start things off talking about the MLB's new proposals for this season and which proposals may or may not work. I then give my final Bulls series recap as the documentary concludes with episodes 9 and 10, and I close out the episode with an awesome interview with my special guest, current St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguer Todd Lott. 2020-05-2238 minRiding The PineEp. 12 All 2010s NBA Starting Five and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsOnce again I'm joined by Ashton Gibbs as he and I discuss what could happen to college basketball this year if fall sports were to be canceled or pushed back. We then share our all NBA 2010s starting fives and close out the episode talking about the latter part of Ashton's college career and what his transition and adjustment was like becoming a professional player overseas. 2020-05-1948 minRiding The PineEp. 11 Best Sports Fanbases and Special Guest Brian UrsoThis episode of Riding The Pine opens up with talk about the future of college sports and what the consequences of having no sports in the fall could mean for the NCAA. I get into my special topic for the episode as I discuss the best sports fanbases in all of sports and share who I think should be atop that list. I also get into my Bulls series recap of episodes 7 and 8 and the episode is capped off with a great interview with my special guest, Coach Brian Urso of Central Catholic High School. 2020-05-1553 minRiding The PineEp. 10 All 2000s NBA starting five and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsAshton Gibbs and I sit down again to discuss his new found coaching career and how he's been able to adjust from player to coach. We then share our all 2000s NBA starting fives and Ashton details what kind of player he was during the decade. We finish up the episode talking about Ashton's early years at Pitt and how he was able to adjust from the high school level to the college level. 2020-05-1247 minRiding The PineEp. 9 Bulls Series Recap and Special Guest Chandler RedmondJoin me for episode 9 as I start things off discussing the different scenarios the MLB has explored for resuming the regular season and what the MLB might look like once the season does start. I get into my weekly recap of the Bulls 10 part documentary and I finish things off with an interview with my special guest, former Gardner Webb men's baseball player and current minor leaguer for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chandler Redmond!2020-05-0843 minRiding The PineEp. 8 The Future of College Athletics and Recurring Guest Ashton GibbsI'm back with my recurring guest Ashton Gibbs as we dive into the new proposal involving the possibility of college athletes being able to be paid and what that could mean for collegiate sports and professional sports as well. We then share who our all NBA starting 5s would be from the 90s and wrap it up with Ashton sharing who he idolized as a young player in the 90s himself. 2020-05-0153 minRiding The PineEp. 7 Bulls Series Recap and Special Guest Brendan ThompsonOn this episode of Riding The Pine, I start things off with a brief recap of the NFL draft and give my thoughts on Alex Cora's suspension. I then give my breakdown of episodes 3 and 4 of the Chicago Bulls 10 part series and cap the episode off with a great interview with my special guest, former Duquesne men's football player Brendan Thompson. 2020-04-2940 minRiding The PineEp. 6 Top Prospect Heading To G League and Special Guest Ashton GibbsI sit down with former University of Pittsburgh basketball star Ashton Gibbs as we discuss Jalen Green's decision to forgo college and enter the G League. We dive deeper into the conversation as we talk about what it takes to being a pro and the advice Ashton would share with Green and other top prospects wanting to turn pro. 2020-04-2538 minRiding The PineEp. 5 NFL Draft, Recap of Bulls series and Special Guest Michael PiferThis episode kicks off with talk about the impending NFL Draft. I get into various topics about the Draft and where certain players may land. Later on I recap parts 1 and 2 of the Bulls documentary and then wrap up the show with a great interview with former long snapper for The Navy Michael Pifer. 2020-04-2231 minRiding The PineEp.4 Possibility of Sports Returning and Favorite Old School PlayersI open things up talking about whether or not we could see sports return sooner rather than later. I also give my favorite old school players that I would've loved to see play live and preview the highly anticipated Chicago Bulls 10 part series. 2020-04-1827 minRiding The PineEp. 3 Vintage Uniforms and Special Guest Loren BrillI run down some general sports news talking about the XFL folding then get into my top 5 favorite vintage uniforms of all time. The show wraps up with a big interview with Old Dominion men's basketball player Loren Brill as we discuss what his journey has been like in basketball and what his new found role has been at ODU. 2020-04-1527 minRiding The PineEp. 2 College BBall Transfers and Flashback FridayEpisode 2 involves talk about some of the top college basketball transfers and what kind of impact they'll have on their new teams. Flashback Friday is the segment for the day which features a look back at Cal Ripken Jr.'s historic season in the summer of 1995. 2020-04-1025 minRiding The PineEp. 1 Pre NFL Draft Talk and One and Done'sEpisode 1 includes NFL draft talk with highlighting a few of the top picks and who they could potentially select. Later on the subject of one and done basketball players comes up and the discussion of which players that have been successful through this process and which ones that haven't been as successful. 2020-04-0830 min