Best Damien Willis Podcasts (2024)

1
Has Swayman Become the Leafs’ Kryptonite? 48:13

1h ago48:13

48:13

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Devan Dubnyk, former NHL goaltender and current NHL Network analyst, to discuss Ilya Samsonov’s performance in Game 3 against Boston, the Leafs’ defensive lapse on Brad Marchand’s eventual game-winning goal in the third period, the Leafs’ power play struggles, and if Jim Montgomery will…

1
What’s Ailing the Leafs’ PP? + Toronto Crowd Culture 47:53

20h ago47:53

47:53

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ current power play struggles, the team’s lack of shooting threats outside of Auston Matthews, if Max Domi merits a look on PP1, Morgan Rielly’s limited offensive presence thus far in Round 1, and Brad Marchand’s benefici…

1
Marchand’s Shenanigans + Barger’s Debut 51:19

1h ago51:19

51:19

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Maple Leafs’ Game 3 loss to the Bruins, Ilya Samsonov’s performance, Brad Marchand’s strategic gamesmanship, the questionable officiating in last night’s game, the controversial Marchand-Bertuzzi melee at centre ice, the Leafs’ continued special teams woes, and Mitch Marner’s lingering offensive struggles. La…

1
Invisible Marner? + Bruins Pressure w/ Rear Admiral 48:26

19h ago48:26

48:26

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss today’s Toronto Sun front cover targeting Mitch Marner’s lacklustre start to the playoffs, the prevailing discourse surrounding Marner’s post-season resume, how Sheldon Keefe might attempt to jumpstart Marner’s offence, and the appropriate lineup fit for William Nylander if and/or when he’s p…

1
Nylander’s Mysterious Absence + Playoff Instigators w/ Scott Hartnell 49:07

1h ago49:07

49:07

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Renaud Lavoie, NHL Insider for TVA Sports, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ performance in Games 1 and 2 against Boston, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi injecting added emotion into the Leafs’ lineup, Brad Marchand’s effusive praise for the Leafs, Toronto’s handling of William Nylander’s murky injury st…

1
Is Criticism of Vlad Jr. Unfair? + Leafs Home Ice Concerns? 49:51

4h ago49:51

49:51

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Blue Jays’ deflating 3-2 loss to the Royals on Tuesday, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s costly error at first base, if the current discourse surrounding Guerrero Jr. is unfair, Kevin Gausman’s diminished command early in the season, and Daniel Vogelbach’s utility on this team. Later, the guys dive into the Maple Leaf…

1
Can Marner Elevate His Game + Bruins Goaltending Roulette 48:52

18m ago48:52

48:52

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ Game 2 win over the Bruins, Boston’s decision to start Linus Ullmark over Jeremy Swayman, the lack of 5-on-5 production from the Leafs’ second line, Mitch Marner’s quiet start to the playoffs, and the Leafs’ refusal to divulge any specifics a…

1
Where is Willy? + Playoff Papi Arrives! 47:24

27m ago47:24

47:24

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss Auston Matthews’ clutch offensive showing in Game 2 against Boston, Max and Tie Domi becoming the first father-son tandem to score for the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, John Tavares’ resilient Game 2 performance, Mitch Marner’s quiet start to the post-season, and William Nylander’s mysterious …

1
Leafs Draw Even, Matthews Dominates, and Varsho Stays Hot! 51:09

1d ago51:09

51:09

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 win over the Bruins in Game 2 on Monday night, Auston Matthews’ clutch offensive performance, the chemistry he’s displayed with Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi, Ilya Samsonov’s gutsy showing between the pipes, the Bruins’ decision to start Linus Ullmark over Jeremy Swayman in Game 2, the Leafs’ i…

1
David Seymour & Chris Penk - Breaking Point: Child Welfare, Justice Reform, and Societal Distrust in Aotearoa 1:01:25

1d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Step into the heart of the debate on The Working Group, where New Zealand's most influential voices come together to tackle the nation's pressing issues. With guests Chris Penk and David Seymour, we delve into the contentious topics of child welfare, justice reform, and societal distrust in Aotearoa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

1
Hakuna Matata for the Maple Leafs? w/ Damien Cox & Mark Recchi 48:37

18m ago48:37

48:37

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Damien Cox, Toronto Star contributor and Toronto Maple Leafs historian, to share his thoughts on Game 1 between the Bruins and Maple Leafs, his level of concern, why this team struggles to score in the postseason, and where in the world is William Nylander. Later on, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup champi…

1
Can the Leafs Fix Their Special Teams + the William Nylander Mystery 47:08

1h ago47:08

47:08

In hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by former Toronto Maple Leafs GM and host of Sirius XM Morning Skate Gord Stellick. They go over what the absence of William Nylander meant for the team, what is wrong with the special teams and whether is this something they can fix on the fly. The guys then get into the ques…

1
Toronto-Boston Game 1 Recap + Jays Fail to Sweep.... Again 51:19

36m ago51:19

51:19

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning are back from the weekend, and reviewing a disappointing game 1 of Leafs-Bruins. The boys start out looking at the positives from the game and what they can take from it, how concerned are you with the play of Samsonov? What can the Leafs do to help change the special teams disadvantages we saw in game 1? And do we see a c…

1
Leafs Lineup Questions w/ Josh Kloke + Former Leaf Jake Gardiner! 47:29

26m ago47:29

47:29

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Joshua Kloke, Maple Leafs reporter for The Athletic, to discuss his biggest point of curiosity heading into Saturday’s Game 1 between the Leafs and Bruins, Mitch Marner’s optimal deployment in Toronto's lineup, William Nylander’s recent offensive dry spell, the chances Calle Järnkrok su…

1
What is Marner’s Optimal Lineup Fit Against Boston? 46:47

6d ago46:47

46:47

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben and Brent discussing their biggest reasons for optimism and pessimism as the Maple Leafs head into their first-round series against the Bruins. Then, the guys discuss Mitch Marner’s role in the Maple Leafs’ lineup and if he should begin post-season alongside Auston Matthews. Later, Jimmy Murphy, Editor…

1
Leafs-Bruins X-Factors + Is Varsho’s Offence Sustainable? 51:54

5d ago51:54

51:54

Happy Friday! On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ben and Brent dive into the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Bruins. They discuss the Bruins’ unique goaltending deployment, their current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov, why starting on the road might benefit the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe’s impending lineup decisions for Game 1,…

1
How Do the Leafs Stack Up Against Boston? w/ Craig Simpson 46:59

6d ago46:59

46:59

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Craig Simpson, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday, Nikita Kucherov joining the 100-assist club, his overall assessment of the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign, how the Leafs might deploy their forwar…

1
Leafs Playoff Stakes + Jontay Porter’s NBA Lifetime Ban 48:26

7d ago48:26

48:26

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ four-game losing streak heading into the playoffs, why the stakes have never been higher for Sheldon Keefe and Brendan Shanahan, how Keith Pelley’s arrival at MLSE could affect the Maple Leafs’ future, Toronto’s potential…

1
Matthews Finishes at 69 + Jays Squander Sweep 51:29

3d ago51:29

51:29

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews finishing the regular season with 69 goals, the Maple Leafs heading into the playoffs on a four-game losing skid, Matthews’ Hart Trophy chances after falling short of the 70-goal mark, and the biggest positives from the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign. Later, the guys chime in on the Blue J…

1
Matthews’ Hart Trophy Case + Broadcasting Legend Mike Francesa! 52:30

6d ago52:30

52:30

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Luke Gazdic, former NHL forward and Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the NHL Hart Trophy race, why he’s bullish on the Leafs’ chances against Boston, how frequently players are scoreboard-watching throughout the course of a game, and the Oilers’ form heading into the playoffs. Afterwards, …

1
Will the Leafs be Haunted by Past Bruins Series? 47:33

1d ago47:33

47:33

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins and if this Leafs team will be impacted by previous playoff failures against the Bruins. Then, the guys weigh in on last night’s chaotic conclusion to the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race and the Gold…

1
Will Matthews Play in Game 82? + Yusei Masterclass 51:52

1d ago51:52

51:52

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Panthers, Auston Matthews remaining stuck on 69 goals, the chances he suits up for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Tampa, and the Leafs drawing Boston in the opening round of the postseason. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 5-4 victory …

1
Are the Blue Jays One Bat Away? w/ Jeff Blair 48:17

2d ago48:17

48:17

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair & Barker, checking in to discuss the Blue Jays’ offensive woes, the continued lack of offence at Rogers Centre, if the team would entertain a trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette, the impact one more bat in the lineup would make, Toronto's inability to lock up Vlad…

1
How Will Keefe Juggle Matthews’ 70 Chase? 49:00

2d ago49:00

49:00

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss the Maple Leafs’ current injury situation heading into their penultimate game of the regular season, Sheldon Keefe’s goaltending deployment leading into the playoffs, and how the Panthers might approach tonight’s game with first place in the Atlantic Division still hanging in the balance. The…

1
Blue Jays Back Over .500! + Verne Lundquist Signs Off 50:28

2d ago50:28

50:28

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Blue Jays’ series-opening win over the New York Yankees, Chris Bassitt’s impressive outing on the mound, the Jays’ persistent offensive flaws, the team’s baserunning blunders on Monday night, Rogers Centre’s evolving reputation as a pitcher-friendly ballpark, Danny Jansen’s activation from the IL, and Bassitt…

1
Raw Politics: Dissecting Foreign Wars, Media Chaos, and Infrastructure Dreams: Guests - Arena Williams and Max Harris 52:28

2d ago52:28

52:28

The Working Group podcast takes a deep dive into three major issues gripping New Zealand - foreign policy's delicate balancing act between global powers, the upheaval in the country's media landscape, and the ambitious but controversial infrastructure projects on the table. Pulling no punches, this daring podcast occupies the radical center to unra…

1
Ace Berríos and Rodriguez’s Debut w/ Joe Siddall 48:13

11d ago48:13

48:13

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider and President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff, to discuss Sheldon Keefe’s coaching performance this season, his reputation around the NHL, Keefe’s comments on Saturday night about Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the arbitrary importance of 70 goals, and Joel Que…

1
Samsonov’s Playoff Leash + Scheffler’s Masters Triumph 46:48

3d ago46:48

46:48

Hour two of The FAN Morning Show begins with Gord Stellick, former NHL GM, stopping by to discuss Auston Matthews’ deployment during Saturday’s game against the Red Wings, Sheldon Keefe’s malleability amidst Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the Leafs’ new-look forward machinations since Mitch Marner’s return to the lineup, and his current confidence level …

1
Matthews Sitting on 69 + Berrios Stays Hot! 51:32

3d ago51:32

51:32

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews scoring his 69th goal of the season on Saturday night against Detroit, Sheldon Keefe’s post-game remarks about Matthews’ 70-goal chase being “a distraction,” how the Leafs might manage Matthews’ deployment over the final two games of the regular season, and Ilya Samsonov’s form heading into the pl…

1
Hockey's Home Stretch 47:43

6d ago47:43

47:43

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff head into the weekend talking about the pros and cons of Auston Matthews’ chase of 70 goals this season with Sportsnet 590’s own, Sam McKee! They start off with some golf talk as The Masters roll on into day two, before getting into last night's narrow Maple Leafs loss, if Mitch Marner should be re-insert…

1
Leafs’ Goalie Confidence + Jays Bats Opportunity 45:27

6d ago45:27

45:27

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & guest host Jesse Rubinoff have a quick discussion about Max Domi’s clear understanding and role wearing the blue & white and turn their focus on the confidence in Ilya Samsonov for the playoffs. Next, Brent & Jesse bring on former MLB player, Sportsnet 590’s own Kevin Barker (23:36) to talk the of…

1
Auston Gets to 68 + Max Being a Leaf 51:21

6d ago51:21

51:21

Brent Gunning is joined by guest host Jesse Rubinoff to kick off The FAN Morning Show on Toronto’s top superstar closing in on 70. The duo though may have an even bigger takeaway from that game, which is that Max Domi understands what it means to be a Maple Leaf. After that, they look at what was a bit of a rough night for Ilya Samsonov and the bes…

1
Maple Leafs' Momentum + A Look Around MLB 48:35

7d ago48:35

48:35

The FAN Morning Show rides into its final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning getting set for Maple Leafs game day with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli! They discuss the team's strong stretch of play, the catalyst for this run, Toronto's playoff expectations and Auston Matthews' NHL award candidacy. Next up, we turn our attention to basebal…

1
The Perception of John Schneider + Leafs Talk 46:48

7d ago46:48

46:48

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into a comment made by the Seattle hero yesterday Cal Raleigh after his game-winning tenth-inning home run, that was directed at Jays manager John Schneider. They look at what the comment stems from and the history between Raleigh, Schneider & the Jays as well as what truth there co…

1
Jays Lose in Extras + Yotes Finally Moving?! 50:37

7d ago50:37

50:37

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show ready to watch The Masters, weather permitting at Augusta. After that, the boys talk some Blue Jays who played their first extra innings game of the season. B&B talks about some of the negatives but also are quick to point to a lot of positives as well. They also take some time to discuss ho…

1
Jays Just Getting Going + Leafs Winding Down 45:46

8d ago45:46

45:46

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman, to look back on the team's first back-to-back victories of 2024. The trio discuss Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi's early returns, the fluidity of the lineup and if that philosophy could help the offence on a …

1
Hart Trophy Debate + Masters Preview 47:27

8d ago47:27

47:27

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on hockey and again on Auston Matthews closing in on 70 goals this season. They wonder if he hits the plateau if he’s guaranteed the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Next B&B turns their attention to golf and welcomes on friend & Sportsnet’s golf reporter Adam Stanley (25:29) who is at Augusta …

1
Another Game; Another Goal for Matthews 49:49

8d ago49:49

49:49

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with Auston Matthews netting his 66th goal of the season. They talk about how reachable 70 is for the superstar who seems to be scoring every game and how everyone, from fans to his teammates, wants to see it happen. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Jays (30:24) who saw them p…

1
Re-Examining the Jays’ Bats & Leafs’ Depth 46:38

10d ago46:38

46:38

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour getting set for gameday with Toronto’s MLB and NHL teams both back in action tonight. Starting on the diamond, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith shares the feeling around the ballpark at yesterday's home opener, along with how the fanbase views John Schneider and the benefits of a solidified s…

1
Quelling the Jays’ Fans Angst + Leafs’ Getting Ready for Playoffs 45:26

9d ago45:26

45:26

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss the fans booing John Schneider, if the fans are viewing him properly and what it will take to turn the tide on him. Next B&B turn their attention back to the Leafs who are back in action tonight in New Jersey. They discuss despite everything how much of a fun Leafs season it's be…

1
Jays Win Home Opener + Matthews Gets 65 52:42

9d ago52:42

52:42

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Blue Jays after getting the win in the home opener. The boys break it all down and discuss how hopefully a good homestand with more wins like this can quell the angst among the fanbase which could be felt at the ballpark. Next, they turn their attention to the Leafs who picked up an ove…

1
Shattered Trust: New Zealand's Media Crisis and the Fight for Democracy: guests Simon Wilson and Michael Wood 55:13

10d ago55:13

55:13

Join Martin Bradbury, Damien Grant, Simon Wilson and Michael Wood for a no-holds-barred dissection of New Zealand's political tumult. We're slicing through media trust issues, tackling worker safety, and wrestling with climate policies amid the cattle industry chaos. Expect explosive debates and radical insights as we expose the political and ecolo…

1
Ready For the Jays' Home Opener 48:22

10d ago48:22

48:22

The FAN Morning Show hits its final hour with full focus on the Toronto Blue Jays' home opener tonight at the Rogers Centre. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss their expectations, not only for tonight, but for the Blue Jays' throughout the season and the importance of winning on home soil. Marnie Starkman, Blue Jays’ EVP of Business Operatio…

1
New Look for the Leafs + Blue Jays Home Opener 49:07

18d ago49:07

49:07

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning get ready for tonight's home opener and look at the renovations that took place inside the Rogers Centre. They bring on former Leafs’ GM, and now analyst and insider Gord Stellick to weigh in on everything TML including Mitch Marner’s return, new look Leafs’ lines, Ryan Reaves’ value and…

1
Live From Rogers Centre 50:32

10d ago50:32

50:32

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show live from the Rogers Centre talking about the team that is returning home with a 4-6 record, sitting at the bottom of the A.L. East. Despite that, the boys see some positives in the team and give you some reasons why the offence could be on the upswing coming back to Toronto. B&B also look a…

1
Jays-Yankees Preview + Figuring Out the NHL Playoff Picture 46:17

13d ago46:17

46:17

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show previewing the Blue Jays' weekend in the Bronx with Sportsnet play-by-play voice, Dan Shulman! They chat about Juan Soto's impact in New York and the anticipated atmosphere at Yankee Stadium during tonight's home opener, before turning their attention to Toronto to diagnose the t…

1
Leafs Things Left to Figure Out + the Future of MLSE 49:44

21d ago49:44

49:44

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at some metrics of which teams might have the highest analytical odds to hoist the Stanley Cup. Next, B&B welcomes Michael Grange who wrote a great piece for Sportsnet.ca (with Elliotte Friedman) on the future of MLSE, especially with the entrance of Keith Pelley as CEO. The trio di…

1
Cheering for Crosby + Face of the Jays Offensive Woes 50:37

21d ago50:37

50:37

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start The FAN Morning Show on the NHL standings and how Sidney Crosby seems to be leading a late charge to get his Penguins to the playoffs. The conversation continues wondering if most Canadians are pulling for Sid and will cheer for the Pens if they do make it in. Next, the guys discuss the Jays back in action today, the…

1
Jays Same Old Song + NHL Playoff Toughness 45:59

22d ago45:59

45:59

The FAN Morning Show's final hour kicks off with a conversation about the Blue Jays’ bats starting the season slow and the level of concern after seven games. Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning bring on Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, who was in Houston to take in that dreadful hitting series by the Jays, to discuss the early disdain from the bluebird fa…

1
Leafs Need the Playoffs + Jays Need Their Bats 46:32

22d ago46:32

46:32

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at how there wasn’t much energy to the game and wonder if that was a sign that this team especially the coach wants this regular season to be over and the playoffs to start. B&B welcomes the Stanley Cup champ, Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos for his thoughts on last night, what he saw …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Damien Willis Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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