Mitch Unfiltered

Episode 378 - Some Mariners & McIlroy Magic

RUNDOWN Mitch comes in hot after getting a text from Hotshot admitting he had zero interest in watching The Masters — and the argument spirals from there. Its a classic Mitch vs. Hotshot clash: golf relevance, sports fandom standards, and "major" events. Plus, a brutal (and hilarious) birthday quiz that proves the vacation brain is very real. Mitch runs through Rory McIlroy making history with back-to-back wins at The Masters, putting himself in rare company and setting up a potential three-peat run. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners suddenly look alive — bats wake up after the Ichiro statue reveal, and a red-hot stretch has fans cautiously believing again, with top prospect Cade Anderson already flashing serious upside. Mariners No-Table break down a sudden offensive surge from Seattle — but stop short of calling it a full turnaround, pointing instead to plate discipline, weak Astros pitching, and small sample size. There's cautious optimism around Julio Rodríguez heating up and the pitching depth holding, but real questions remain about the lineup, rotation decisions, and whether this is momentum… or just a blip. Mitch and Puck bounce from The Masters coverage to classic Augusta quirks — including strict no-phone rules and a wild story involving a pro getting tossed mid-interview. The conversation veers into golf grudges, media memories, and then fully off the rails with NFL-adjacent tabloid buzz. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over Slot * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren'ts / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | "You Didn't Watch the Masters?!" — Mitch vs. Hotshot 15:42 | Rory Goes Back-to-Back & Mariners Wake Up 29:04 | Mariners No-Table: Mariners Show Life — But Is It Real? 50:26 | KJ-Aren't's Jason Puckett: Masters Madness, Augusta Rules & Tabloid Drama 1:10:25 | Other Stuff Segment: Sam Darnold wedding and NFL guests, Mitch's dislike of Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus ceremonial tee shot controversy, Masters no-cell-phone policy, Nikki Glaser open relationship comments, fan moons crowd at Rays vs Cubs game, CTE confirmation in Steve McMichael, Robert Griffin III pursuing Olympic flag football, Matthew Perry ketamine case sentencing, Britney Spears rehab entry, Mariners momentum check-in HEADLINES: Pennsylvania man injured by pipe bomb he made for entertainment, CDC warns about rhino tranquilizer in fentanyl, possible human remains found at Easter egg hunt, nonprofit promotes "touchy selfie" for men's health RIPs: Steve McMichael, Afrika Bambaataa, Browning Nagle, Davey Lopes, Phil Garner

Episode 377 - Azaleas, Baby.. Azaleas

RUNDOWN Brady Farkas steps into the co-host chair and tells the story of how a Seattle childhood, journalism roots, and a winding radio career turned into one of the most thoughtful Mariners voices out there. Mariners No-Table discuss Mariners dropping back-to-back series and looking flat doing it, with the middle of the order still underperforming and the offense lacking any real consistency. Injuries and weak fill-ins expose how thin the lineup is, but the bigger issue is failure on the basics—defense, situational hitting, and execution. Bob Harig breaks down the impossible balance between empathy and accountability with Tiger Woods' latest incident, highlighting the toll of years of injuries and pain management. He also digs into the media's role, the public exposure of Tiger's lowest moments, and what this could mean for his future—both at Augusta and beyond. Mitch and Puck dive into the nostalgia and anticipation of Masters week, from iconic Jack Nicklaus moments to the quirks of broadcast tradition and coverage. But underneath it all, the conversation turns to Tiger Woods—less about golf now, more about a lifetime of pressure, pain, and a sense that something deeper has always been off. Verne Lundquist looks back on his final Masters with the same warmth and storytelling that defined his career—sharing behind-the-scenes moments, emotional goodbyes, and the iconic calls that made him a part of golf history. From Jack Nicklaus in '86 to one last birdie call at 16, it's a graceful exit from one of broadcasting's all-time greats. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over Slot * Bob Harig | Golf writer and author of Tiger vs. Jack: Golf's Great Debate * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren'ts / Puck Drop * Verne Lundquist | Legendary CBS broadcaster TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | From Seattle Kid to East Coast Voice: The Mariners Obsession That Never Left 16:40 | Mariners No-Table: Mariners' Sloppy Week Exposes Bigger Problems Than Just a Cold Start 43:02 | Bob Harig: Golf writer, longtime Tiger Woods insider, and author of Tiger vs. Jack: Golf's Great Debate; Tiger Trouble Again: Empathy vs. Accountability as Golf Faces Another Woods Crisis 1:07:52 | Jason "Puck" Puckett: Sports radio host and recurring Mitch Unfiltered contributor; Masters Week Magic—and the Lingering Sadness Around Tiger 1:24:02 | Verne Lundquist: Legendary CBS broadcaster and iconic voice of the Masters (40-year career at Augusta); "YES SIR" One Last Time: Verne Lundquist Reflects on His Final Masters 1:51:23 | Other Mariners Stuff: Brady Farkas, Host of the Refuse to Lose Podcast and Mariners analyst shares Bar Fights, Extraterrestrials, and Mariners Takes: Brady's Wild Seattle Trip

Episode 376 - The Good. The Bad. And the Heart of the Lineup

RUNDOWN Mitch and Hotshot open with a Tiger Woods' DUI arrest following a car crash, debating addiction, accountability, and whether his injuries and surgeries contribute to a potential dependency on painkillers. The conversation mixes empathy with frustration, as they explore the limits of wealth, resources, and personal responsibility. Mitch and Hotshot kick around Final Four structure—including why reseeding will never happen—while also noting UConn's dominance and the imbalance of the current bracket. They mix in lighter observations like Charles Barkley's noticeable weight loss before turning to baseball, where the Mariners split their opening series despite historically poor production from the heart of the lineup. Mitch is joined by Brady Farkas and Joe Doyle after the Mariners open the season with a four-game split against Cleveland, despite getting almost nothing from the middle of the order. The conversation centers on slow starts from Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor, while Brendan Donovan emerges as an early bright spot. The guys also debate mounting criticism of manager Dan Wilson's bullpen and lineup decisions, assess encouraging signs from the starting rotation and Emerson Hancock's standout outing, and look ahead to a critical stretch against the Yankees and Angels. Mitch and The Ringer's Danny Kelly break down the upcoming NFL Draft, where uncertainty at the top—especially at quarterback—could lead to major movement. Kelly explains why this year's QB class lacks a slam-dunk No. 1 pick, how team needs may outweigh pure talent evaluation, and which prospects could rise late in the process. Mitch joins Jason Puckett to dissect the art of interviewing—specifically why trying to be funny can backfire and why cell phone guests almost always kill timing, pacing, and chemistry. The conversation turns into a masterclass on radio fundamentals, with Mitch explaining his strict "no cell phone" philosophy and how production control separates good interviews from disasters. Along the way, he mixes in classic storytelling—from awkward guest moments to legendary encounters with Dean Smith and Vern Lundquist—highlighting both the craft and chaos of live radio. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over Slot * Danny Kelly | The Ringer / NFL Draft Analyst * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren'ts / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Tiger Woods' latest DUI arrest sparks a real conversation on addiction, while March Madness rolls on and the birthday game delivers. 22:02 | From Final Four format debates to Charles Barkley's shrinking suits, Mitch and Scott pivot to a Mariners offense already raising questions. 36:42 | Mariners No-Table: Slow Bats, Early Panic, and a Needed Split. The Mariners split their opening series—but early struggles from the heart of the lineup and Dan Wilson's decisions already have fans on edge. 1:01:28 | Danny Kelly: Quarterbacks, Trade Buzz, and a Murky Top of the Draft. Danny Kelly breaks down a quarterback-heavy draft class with no clear No. 1—and why chaos at the top could reshape everything. 1:26:26 | Jason "Puck" Puckett: Bad Interviews, Cell Phone Rules, and Radio War Stories. Mitch breaks down why interviews fail, why cell phones ruin everything, and shares classic KJR stories from Dean Smith to Vern Lundquist. 1:56:56 | Other Stuff Segment: Puka Nacua accusation update, Mariners TV broadcast mess, JSN becomes highest-paid WR, Sonics return vs OKC drama, Dodgers fan fights, Hubert Davis fired at UNC, Sherrone Moore arrest video RIPs: Joey Browner (65), Barrett Robbins, James Tolkan (94), Dash Crofts (85) HEADLINES: Man gropes Easter Bunny at mall; intruder sentenced for toe-sucking assault; FBI director Gmail hacked; cocaine sharks in Bahamas; armless/legless suspect in shooting case

Episode 375 - Unparalleled Mariners Anticipation

RUNDOWN Mitch opens from Portland, where he spent the weekend with his son and attended NCAA Tournament games—including Gonzaga's elimination, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The guys dive into what makes March Madness special, highlighted by a classic David vs. Goliath battle between Arkansas and High Point. Mitch is joined by Brady Farkas and Joe Doyle as the Mariners head into Opening Day with a surge of offensive production after a sluggish spring. The guys highlight breakout signs from Cole Young and Dom Canzone, while also addressing concerns around JP Crawford's injury, Cal Raleigh's uneven World Baseball Classic impact, and roster decisions in the infield and rotation. Mitch welcomes Steve Phillips for his annual Opening Day visit, where the longtime MLB insider says the World Baseball Classic has players—especially hitters—more game-ready than ever to start the season. Phillips is bullish on the Mariners, calling this their best opportunity to win the division and make a deep run, while also addressing concerns around pitching durability and bullpen volatility. The conversation expands league-wide, with Phillips explaining why the Dodgers are both dominant and good for baseball, why Shohei Ohtani remains a near-lock MVP, and ultimately predicting a Dodgers–Mariners World Series. Mitch and Puck open with some leftover tension from a previous discussion before diving into Mitch's surprising admission that the World Baseball Classic didn't resonate with him. Mitch explains that, despite the talent on the field, it doesn't feel meaningful to the American baseball audience—pointing to player opt-outs and inconsistent participation. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over Slot * Steve Phillips | MLB Network / SiriusXM / Former Mets GM * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren'ts / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Portland, Gonzaga's Exit, and the Birthday Game; Mitch checks in from Portland after watching Gonzaga get bounced—and rolls into a loaded birthday trivia game. 15:49 | Mariners No-Table: Spring Bats Wake Up as Opening Day — The Mariners' offense shows late life in spring training as Opening Day looms—but questions remain about lineup depth, health, and early-season readiness. 41:04 | Steve Phillips: Opening Day Buzz, Mariners Hype, and Dodgers Dominance: Steve Phillips says this might be the Mariners' best shot yet—while the Dodgers loom as baseball's overwhelming favorite. 1:02:38 | KJ-Aren'ts with Jason Puckett: WBC Doesn't Land for Mitch — And It Gets Tense; Mitch admits he couldn't get into the World Baseball Classic—and it sparks real tension in a separate conversation that clearly struck a nerve. 1:24:00 | Other Stuff Segment: Mariners Opening Day expectations, World Series odds and roster questions, Arozarena/Raleigh tension resolved, March Madness Speedo distraction, Brandon Roy response to Garfield allegations, WNBA reaches new CBA, Seahawks RB situation per John Schneider, Michael B. Jordan In-N-Out moment, Syracuse coaching hire (McNamara), Tiger Woods Masters return buzz RIPs: Robert Mueller (81), Dennis "Loverboy" Condrey (74), Rex Culpepper (28), Chuck Norris (86) Headlines: FDA eases tanning bed rules, Camel pageant disqualifications for "hump plumping," Brain-eating virus claims, Fentanyl found in Barbies at Missouri store

Episode 374 - Seahawks Searching & Cinderellas Dancing

RUNDOWN Mitch opens the show from Los Angeles, where he's in town to watch Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs play the Clippers—but not before attending a Division II baseball series featuring players who grew up with his sons. The conversation shifts to March Madness, with Mitch explaining why he believes the top teams—especially from the Big 12—are clearly ahead of the rest of the field. The Seahawks No-Table crew breaks down a turbulent offseason following their Super Bowl win. The trio discusses key departures in free agency, the team's deliberate approach to the salary cap, and why Seattle may rely on player development and the draft rather than splashy signings. Mitch talks with Tennessee State head coach Nolan Smith after the former Duke All-American and national champion led the Tigers to an Ohio Valley Conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth in his first year running the program. Smith reflects on learning the coaching profession under Mike Krzyzewski, navigating career setbacks after leaving Duke, and how those experiences shaped him as a leader. Mitch and Queens University head coach Grant Leonard talk after the Charlotte-based Royals captured the Atlantic Sun title and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament in their first season eligible for Division I postseason play. Leonard explains how a balanced offense—with six players averaging double figures—helped fuel the run, while also discussing the reality of roster building in the transfer portal era. Mitch welcomes back North Dakota State head coach Dave Richman, whose Bison are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time under his leadership after another Summit League title and a 27-win season. Richman talks about balancing loyalty to Fargo with the reality that successful mid-major coaches are constantly linked to bigger jobs, while also explaining how roster building has changed in the portal and NIL era. Mitch talks with Troy head coach Scott Cross after the Sun Belt regular-season and tournament champion Trojans earned their second straight NCAA Tournament berth. Cross explains how he rebuilt the roster after losing several starters to bigger NIL deals by promoting reserves who helped the program reach last year's tournament. GUESTS * Brady Henderson | Former University of Washington point guard and longtime Huskies basketball radio analyst * Jacson Bevens | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Nolan Smith | head coach, Tennessee State * Grant Leonard | head coach, Queens University * Dave Richman | head coach, North Dakota State * Scott Cross | head coach, Troy TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Division II Baseball, March Madness Picks, and the Birthday Game 19:00 | Seahawks No-Table: Seattle's Super Bowl roster takes offseason hits, but the Seahawks' front office stays committed to long-term roster building instead of panic spending. 45:35 | Nolan Smith: Former Duke star Nolan Smith takes Tennessee State to the NCAA Tournament in his first season as a head coach. 1:02:09 | Grant Leonard: Queens University shocks the Atlantic Sun and reaches the NCAA Tournament in its first year of Division I eligibility. 1:15:24 | Dave Richman: North Dakota State coach Dave Richman returns to the NCAA Tournament—and reflects on building a winning program in Fargo during college basketball's NIL and transfer-portal era. 1:33:42 | Scott Cross: Troy head coach Scott Cross returns to the NCAA Tournament with a roster built on loyalty, development—and an unlikely pipeline from Puyallup, Washington.