Best Brent Axe Podcasts (2024)

1
Syracuse Speaks #115: Keep The Faith 32:42

10h ago32:42

32:42

Host Alex Ackerman goes into full cheerleader mode - well, as much as she can on a Monday night, anyway - as the Syracuse Crunch gear up for the 2024 AHL Playoffs.

1
Syracuse Speaks #114: The North Just Can't Get It Together! 33:58

19d ago33:58

33:58

Alex decides to change it up this week and record on a Friday! Coming to you just in time for the weekend's upcoming games, she breaks down the fascinating situation that is currently the North Division's playoff picture. She also discusses Syracuse's top performers, applauds the team for their Canal Mules night, and takes a look at the Crunch's Ap…

1
Syracuse Speaks #113: One Month to Go 27:29

29d ago27:29

27:29

In this episode, recorded March 23rd, 2024, Alex ponders how the Syracuse Crunch is going to push through to the playoffs without their Captain. She discusses why the loss of Gabriel Dumont to season-ending ACL surgery is a tough challenge for the team to overcome. She also makes sure to point out why the team will overcome the challenge of playing…

1
Syracuse Speaks #112: What Happened to the Original Plot? 26:32

1M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode from March 10th, 2024, Alex tries to express how the fan base is feeling after a trade deadline that was mostly bad news for the Syracuse Crunch and the organization's depth chart. She explores the general sentiments of Crunch fans, ponders what this could mean for the playoffs hopes of a team that has excelled this season despite v…

1
Syracuse Speaks #111: Welcome back, ABB! 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Alex recorded this episode in the late afternoon on February 25th, 2024, prior to Syracuse's tilt against Utica. For all your pre-gaming needs, she covers the most recent transactions affecting the Crunch (Alex Barre-Boulet, we sure missed you), breaks down the North Division as it stands, and discusses which team is currently a monkey on Syracuse'…

1
Syracuse Speaks #110: The More Things Change... 29:47

3M ago29:47

29:47

Hello Crunch fans! Welcome to the AHL All-Star "break" that really isn't a break. Alex reviews the latest games for Syracuse, previews their upcoming schedule, discusses some of the team's upcoming charity initiatives, and ponders how the team is still performing so well given all the changes afoot.

1
Syracuse Speaks #109: Theme Night Excellence 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

AHL teams generally excel in engaging their communities, but the Syracuse Crunch lately has been truly teaching a Master Class in theming. In this episode, Alex discuses the two most recent theme nights put on by Syracuse, their first-ever Wizarding Night and their throwback 90s Night. She expounds on why these nights are so smart for minor league …

1
Syracuse Speaks #108: Sorting the Crunch (and Other Topics) 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

This episode, recorded January 7th, 2024, is very much a tale told in two parts. In the first segment, host Alex Ackerman covers the team's most recent results, the standings in the AHL, the (many) transactions affecting the team, and the trends within the roster. She also takes her usual look at the team's upcoming schedule, including any promotio…

1
Syracuse Speaks #107: Cuppa Crunch Cheer 38:59

4M ago38:59

38:59

Alex recorded this episode mid-morning on December 10th, 2023, to get it out before Syracuse's afternoon tilt against Utica. She takes a look at the standings, Syracuse's top 11 point-getters, and previews the team's upcoming schedule. She also discusses why she loves the Teddy Bear Toss, minor league hockey's charitable tradition, and dissects an …

1
Syracuse Speaks #106: Latest Hockey Happenings in Syracuse 26:49

5M ago26:49

26:49

Recorded on November 19th, 2023, this episode takes a gander at all of the current Crunch news. Alex covers the latest games, looks at the top 10 performers on the roster, discusses the standings in the North Division, and peaks at special teams. She also previews the upcoming games, with an emphasis on one of the most special minor league holiday …

1
Syracuse Speaks #105: Exceptional Special Teams Propel the Crunch 38:26

6M ago38:26

38:26

This episode was recorded on November 5th, 20223, a time when, in any other season since 2016, Crunch fans would have been waiting (im)patiently for The Groulx Effect to take hold. This year, however, Crunch fans have a front-row seat to the changes in team feel, shape, and play that new head coach Joel Bouchard and his staff have brought to Syracu…

1
Syracuse Speaks #104: What Legacy Will the 2023-24 Crunch Create? 24:50

6M ago24:50

24:50

In this episode, recorded October 22, 2023, Alex takes a look at a Crunch team currently in first place in the North Division. She recaps their first week of the regular season, discusses some of the line combinations seen so far, and ponders what such a great start may mean for a team expected to experience growing pains. Players discussed include…

1
Syracuse Speaks #103: Your 2023-24 Syracuse Crunch Takes Shape 34:52

6M ago34:52

34:52

In this episode, recorded October 9th, 2023, Alex goes over the flurry of transactions that happened within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in advance of their roster being due to the NHL at 5 PM. She discusses Gabriel Fortier, Zach Bogosian, Alex Barre-Boulet, and Pyotr Kochetkov from the Carolina organization. She focuses a bit of time on th…

1
Syracuse Speaks #102: Mules and Wizards - Going for Unhinged Gold in a 30th Anniversary Season 38:39

7M ago38:39

38:39

In this episode, recorded September 21, 2023, Alex dives into her excitement about the Syracuse Crunch's 2023-24 promotional schedule. She covers all of the events, their dates, and why fans should get excited about what the team has planned for their 30th Anniversary season. In summary: "I trust this organization enough to know that whatever they'…

1
Syracuse Speaks #101: The No Title Episode 39:28

7M ago39:28

39:28

In this episode, recorded on September 10th, 2023, Alex discusses the latest news and notes coming out of Crunch Land. She worries just a little over how young Syracuse seems on paper, but also considers some positives of the team's current as-is roster. She talks through her feelings around the team's Welcome to Town event (TL;DR: they're...mixed)…

1
Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to Episode 100 18:48

9M ago18:48

18:48

In this episode, recorded August 6th, 2023, Alex ushers in some minor changes to the podcast, including a refreshed sound, to officially welcome the pod to its 6th season (and its 100th episode). Alex discusses some personal news before moving onto the important things: the release of the Crunch's 30th anniversary regular season schedule and the re…

1
Syracuse Speaks: Examining the Coaching Change and Free Agency 31:37

10M ago31:37

31:37

Welcome to season six of Syracuse Speaks! In this episode, recorded July 4th, 2023, Alex takes a look at what has happened in the organization since she was last able to record. She begins by discussing the hiring of Joel Bouchard as the new head coach of the Crunch, replacing Ben Groulx. She takes a look at what's known about the change, why it ha…

1
Syracuse Speaks: Ask Me Anything June 2023 Edition! 43:37

10M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode, recorded June 11th, 2023, Alex again turns to her listeners to ask her anything. With NHL free agency a few short weeks away, Alex wanted to know what was on the minds of Crunch fans and friends. Topics of conversation range from Syracuse's defense and goaltending this upcoming season to Alex's preferences for the the Crunch's 30th…

1
Players Only 06 - 11 - 23

11M ago

—

The final show of the 2022-23 season! Matt and Ryan talk about the year in its entirety, as well as some ChatGPT-generated nicknames and next year's reclassifications. It was a great year!

1
Players Only 06 - 04 - 23

11M ago

—

In the second-to-last show of the year, Matt and Ryan discuss the ten Section III teams remaining in the state playoffs. They are also joined by Liam Burns of West Genesee boys' lacrosse.

1
Players Only 05 - 28 - 23

11M ago

—

It's Championship Week! Matt and Ryan break down all four Section III sports that will be decided in the upcoming week of action,

1
Syracuse Speaks: Sneaking a Peak at 2023-24 31:10

11M ago31:10

31:10

In this episode, recorded May 21, 2023, Alex takes a look at the player contracts for the Crunch's roster for the team's 30th anniversary season. She starts out with a discussion of the team's AHL contracted players, captain Gabriel Dumont and newcomer forward Tristan Allard. She then moves down the list, discussing the potential organizational opt…

1
Players Only 05 - 21 - 23

11M ago

—

Matt and Ryan preview the boys' and girls' lacrosse playoff pictures, and some bold predictions were made!

1
Players Only 05 - 14 - 23

11M ago

—

Matt and Ryan break down the Section III baseball field heading into the final week of regular season action, and they are joined by Luke Boule of the Christian Brothers Academy baseball team.

1
Syracuse Speaks: Time to Raise the Bar? 23:03

11M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode, recorded the week following Syracuse's playoff collapse in the 2023 North Division Semifinals, Alex ponders a question that's been on her mind all season long: Is it time for the Tampa Bay Lightning to raise the bar for their farm team? If so, how could that be accomplished? What would it look like? In considering all of this, Alex…

1
Players Only 05 - 07 - 23

12M ago

—

Matt and Ryan discuss what's happening in Section III sports (including some boys' tennis!), and they're joined by Southern Hills lacrosse goalie Kiera Reed.

1
Syracuse Speaks: Not Surprised, Just Disappointed 28:00

12M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, recorded April 30th, 2023 following the team's game 4 loss to the Rochester Americans in the North Division semifinals, Alex looks at what's happening to a team that was up 2-0 in the five-game series and now is facing a game five this Saturday. She discusses what is going right - the efforts of forwards Alex Barre-Boulet, Gage Gon…

1
Players Only 04 - 30 - 23

12M ago

—

Matt and Ryan are joined by Adam Rayfield of Marcellus lacrosse, and they discuss the sports landscape around Section III!

1
Players Only 04 - 23 - 23

12M ago

—

Matt and Ryan discuss a variety of sports, including softball and track & field! They are also joined by Anna Cavotta of Chittenango softball.

1
Syracuse Speaks: The 2023 North Division Semifinals 40:46

1y ago40:46

40:46

In this episode, recorded April 16th, 2023, Alex takes a look a how Syracuse's season ended before taking a glance at their upcoming North Division Semifinals playoff series against the Rochester Americans. Alex analyzes Syracuse's ending record, their scoring potency (hello, Alex Barre-Boulet), and summarizes their goaltenders' performances (with …

1
Players Only 04 - 16 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan discuss girls' lacrosse, and are joined by Mia Berthoff of the Liverpool girls' lacrosse team. They also talk about some hot-button issues going on right now in Section III.

1
Players Only 04 - 02 - 23

1y ago

—

On today's show, Matt talks with Ryan while he is in South Carolina about Section III Boy's Lacrosse previews for Classes A and B, then Matt finishes the preview with Classes C and D, as well as a having a chat with Owen Salanger of the Liverpool boys lacrosse team.

1
Players Only 03 - 26 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan preview the upcoming baseball season, and they are joined by Fayetteville-Manlius ace Max Danaher!

1
Syracuse Speaks: Puzzling Performances and Playoff Problems 32:42

1y ago32:42

32:42

In this episode, recorded March 26th, 2023, Alex takes an extended look at the playoff bracket in the AHL's North Division, with a specific emphasis on how Syracuse's position could improve or get worse. She discusses how puzzled she is by the Tampa Bay Lightning's actions this season, especially when compared to their stated philosophy, with a spe…

1
Players Only 03 - 19 - 23

1y ago

—

As winter sports season wraps up, Matt and Ryan discuss the final basketball team remaining in the state tournament, as well as the girls' basketball MVPs. They are joined by 3-sport athlete Logan Cookinham of Poland!

1
Syracuse Speaks: The Three Biggest Weeks of the Season 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

In this episode, recorded March 12th, 2023, Alex looks at where the team is with just over a month left in the regular AHL season. She discusses current and potential player movement between Syracuse and the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the continued recall of defenseman Darren Raddysh and potential movement regarding Philippe Myers if and when R…

1
Players Only 03 - 12 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan discuss how Section III is doing in the state playoffs, and they are joined by Shawn Mayes & Kam Langdon of Westhill basketball!

1
Players Only 03 - 5-23

1y ago

—

It's March Madness for high schools sports! Matt and Ryan recap the Girls Basketball Sectional Championships and preview the Boys Basketball Championship Games.

1
Syracuse Speaks: Bringing a Focus on Humanity Back into the Game of Hockey 1:02:31

1y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this episode, recorded February 26th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright back to the podcast. To begin the episode, the two discuss Lee's recent trip to watch the Orlando Solar Bears in person. Lee discusses his observations from the game, including how prospects/call-up fodder Jaydon Dureau and Tyson Feist performed. The two …

1
Players Only 2 - 26 - 23

1y ago

—

Today was a hockey show! Matt and Ryan discuss the upcoming Boys Ice Hockey Sectional Championship games, and we are joined by Quinn Wimer of CBA/JD hockey.

1
Players Only 02 - 19 - 23

1y ago

—

On this week's edition of Players Only, Matt talks about the Section III Boys Ice Hockey and Boys Basketball tournaments, as well as having a chat with Maggie Trinkaus of the Utica-Notre Dame Girls Basketball team.

1
Players Only 02 - 12 - 23

1y ago

—

The playoffs begin this week for ice hockey and basketball in Section III! Matt and Ryan talk about the potential playoff fields in both boys ice hockey and girls basketball, along with a chat with Andrew Benedict of Cicero North Syracuse.

1
Players Only 02 - 05 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan are joined by ESM volleyball star Natalie Peterson, and they discuss the Wrestling sectionals as well as some boys basketball!

1
Syracuse Speaks: Howard Dolgon for AHL Hall of Fame? 42:08

1y ago42:08

42:08

In this episode, recorded February 5th, 2023, Alex welcomes AHL content creator Patrick Williams back to the podcast. At the time of recording, Patrick was fresh off a visit to Syracuse and on the road to the AHL All-Star weekend in Laval. Given this unique opportunity to get a fresh perspective of the team's performance, Alex and Patrick start off…

1
Players Only 01 - 29 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan discuss the playoff outlook of boys basketball and ice hockey as we near the end of the regular season! Also discuss some wrestling and the games to keep an eye on for this upcoming week.

1
Syracuse Speaks: Searching for Equilibrium 43:05

1y ago43:05

43:05

In this episode, recorded January 22nd, 2023, Alex recounts all of the relevant stories currently affecting the Crunch's pursuit of some level of equilibrium this season. From stomach bugs to injuries to goalie suspensions and carousels, this season's current feast-or-famine situation can be summed up with one question from Lee Wright: "Makes you w…

1
Players Only 01 - 22 - 23

1y ago

—

Matt and Ryan are joined by Liverpool star Andreo Ash as we discuss Section III basketball, hockey, and more!

1
Players Only 01 - 15 - 23

1+ y ago

—

Matt and Ryan talk boys and girls basketball, as well as 3 games you can't miss on the Section III slate this upcoming week. They are also joined by JD-CBA swimmer Mark Bratslavsky!

1
Syracuse Speaks: A Time to Flourish 48:17

1+ y ago48:17

48:17

Happy New Year, Crunch fans! In this episode, recorded January 8th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright the podcast. Lee covers the Crunch for Raw Charge, a site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for SB Nation, and has been writing about the team since the beginning of the year. Lee and Alex settle in for a lively c…

1
Players Only 01 - 08 - 23

1+ y ago

—

So long, 2022! Hello, 2023! Today, Ryan and Matt talk about Section III boys basketball and boys ice hockey, along with an interview with Rick O and Lisa Matto about mental health in high school sports.

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