The Swing

The Swing - June 23, 2025 - Panthers B2B Stanley Cups, CMNT@Gold Cup w/Thomas Hewitt, OKC NBA Champs + KD Heading To Houston w/Mike Luciano

Catch up on what you missed in the latest episode of “The Swing.” Another busy week in the sports world as Brandon congratulates the newly crowned champions in the NHL & NBA. He explains how the Panthers overpowered the Oilers for the 2nd straight year en route to their 2nd straight Stanley Cup. He then gives a quick recap on a Game 7 Finals win for OKC and a hell of a year for their star man and Canadian, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Then, we get the latest coverage on the Canadian Men’s National Team at the Gold Cup from Author/Writer at canadiansoccerdaily.com & walkingthered.com, Thomas Hewitt. Thomas gives his thoughts on what he describes as a “lacklustre” performance in a draw against Curaçao. He also explains why this Gold Cup is so important for Jesse March’s squad ahead of co-hosting the World Cup in 2026.   As always, you get your “Bets of the Week.” After that, a good friend of the show, Writer & Podcaster at the FanSided Network, Mike Luciano, joins the show to speak about the new NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder and why he thinks OKC isn’t going anywhere. Mike also gives his opinion on the massive trade that broke ahead of Game 7 with Kevin Durant heading to Houston, and why this will instantly make the Rockets better. Lastly, in overtime, Brandon speaks about some things that happened at Fanatics Fan Fest, including your favourite athletes acting like pro wrestlers and Kevin Durant acting surprised about his trade.

The Swing - June 16, 2025 - Stanley Cup Final w/Michael Mazzei, "The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays" w/Keegan Matheson

Catch up on what you missed in the latest episode of “The Swing.” Another busy week in the sports world as Brandon and Jacob discuss the motives behind the Red Sox front office trading away All-Star Rafael Devers to San Fran. Jacob also explains why, even though the Oakmont course humbled many, it was still a great weekend of golf at the U.S. Open.  Then, the guys break down the Stanley Cup Final as Florida is 1 game away from back-to-back Stanley Cups. Friend of the show and Writer at theleafsnation.com [http://theleafsnation.com], Michael Mazzei, stops by to give his analysis. Michael talks about the Panthers' recipe for success over Edmonton thus far, as well as he explains how the Oilers can turn this around.  As always, you get your “Bets of the Week.” After that, we hear about a newly released book to add to your reading list: "The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays: A Curated History of the Jays” from the Author and Blue Jays Reporter for MLB.com [http://mlb.com], Keegan Matheson. Keegan shares his favourite parts of making the book, his personal lifelong connection with the Blue Jays and the mindset behind writing the book. Keegan also gives his opinion on the blockbuster Devers trade and why the Blue Jays front office should be looking to make some big moves ahead of the Trade Deadline.   Lastly, in overtime, Brandon and Jacob chat about the NBA Finals thus far and predict who they think will take a stranglehold on the series and take the 3-2 series lead.

The Swing - June 9, 2025 - Can. Open Recap/US Open Look-Ahead, Stanley Cup Final w/Greg Wyshynski, Portugal Win UEFA Nations League

Catch up on what you missed in the latest episode of “The Swing.” Brandon and Jacob start the show by going over the Canadian Open that was. Jacob describes his live and in-person experience at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Jacob talks about Ryan Fox’s playoff win despite no heavy hitters at this year’s tourney, plus who the favourites are heading into the US Open. Then, the guys talk about the Blue Jays in winning ways, as one of their starting arms, Bowden Francis, struggles big time. They’ll also get into the first 2 games of the NBA Finals, and share some thoughts on Roland Garros now in the books with Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff grabbing French Open singles titles. As always, you get your “Bets of the Week.” Following that, returning guest of the show, & Senior NHL Writer at ESPN, Greg Wyshynski, discusses a super close and tight Stanley Cup Final ahead of Game 3 in the series tonight between the Oilers and Panthers. Greg talks about Barkov missing in action, Corey Perry coming in clutch at 40 years young, and the difference in the Oilers’ dressing room since falling short last year. And lastly, in overtime, Brandon happily celebrates Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph over Spain with Ronaldo coming up clutch again this time at 40 years old. Also, to wrap up the show, the guys give their predictions for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final tonight.

The Swing - June 2, 2025 - Stanley Cup Finals Preview, PSG Finally Champions League Winners w/Rob Wheeler & Jays Check-In w/Tom Ruminski

Catch up on what you missed in the latest episode of “The Swing.” Brandon and Jacob start the show, looking forward to the Stanley Cup Finals between Edmonton and Florida. The guys preview the final and answer the question as to whether the Oilers can end the over-3-decade Canadian Stanley Cup drought.   Then we pivot to the pitch, as the European soccer season is over with Paris Saint-Germain lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history in a shocking 5-0 final win over Inter. Soccer Writer at FanSided, Robert Wheeler, joins the show to discuss how incredible PSG were in the final, as well as explain how influential Luis Enrique has been to PSG's treble-winning season. As always, you get your “Bets of the Week.” Following that, we get the latest on the Blue Jays, and Baseball News Editor at theScore, Tom Ruminski. Tom talks about the offensive resurgence and the positive impact that Addison Barger has had. He’ll also discuss some current question marks to the Jays' rotation.  And lastly, in overtime, the guys give their predictions on the NBA Finals and give their take on Giannis rumoured to move to the Raptors.

The Swing - May 26, 2025 - NBA Playoffs/Raps Off-Season Talk w/Amos Mina & Maple Leafs Off-Season Discussion w/John Viveiros

Catch up on what you missed in the latest episode of “The Swing.” Brandon and Jacob have yet another therapy session, venting their frustrations about another embarrassing Game 7 loss and exit from the playoffs. The guys give their thoughts on the Core Four, what needs to change, the ShanaPlan, and whether the result of the Eastern Conference Finals has changed anything in their minds. Then, we evaluate what we’ve seen in the NBA Playoffs thus far with first-time guest and Editor/Site Expert at Raptors Rapture, Amos Mina. Amos gives his thoughts on Indiana’s unexpected rise to leading the Eastern Conference Finals and why they remind him of the 2019 Raptors championship-winning team. He also looks at SGA’s Thunder and their chances of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Plus, he explains what the Raps should do with their 9th overall draft pick. As always, you get your “Bets of the Week.” Following that, we get some more Maple Leafs post-mortem with a good buddy of the program, and Host of “Hot Take Hockey” on YouTube, John Viveiros. John gives his outlook on the Leafs' latest disappointing elimination, plus his thoughts on what to do this off-season, including options of who he’d like to see them add to the roster. And lastly, in overtime, the guys share what the first thing the Leafs should do this off-season, plus a quick thought on the Blue Jays as they find themselves below .500.