Bleav in The Pressrow

Jonah Sigel and John Shannon break down the major changes at MLSE—Rogers moving to full ownership, Brendan Shanahan’s departure from the Leafs, and what’s next for the organization. They also discuss media access, key player contracts, and the future of hockey broadcasting in both Canada and the United States.

• Rogers' takeover of MLSE

• Why Shanahan is out

• What Keith Pelley’s press conference didn’t say

• Future of...

Growing up in a mixed-religious household, Sam encountered unique challenges that shaped his unwavering sense of identity and individualism. As an Orthodox Jew on a college campus, he shares his journey of balancing deep-rooted traditions with the fast-paced world of modern student life.

At Texas A&M, Sam embraced curiosity and respect, using self-confidence as his greatest tool to integrate with teammates and peers. His story is o...

What You’ll Hear: Hockey’s Most Unexpected All-Star Moment – Why this year's event was unlike anything we’ve seen before MLB Contract Negotiations & Player Discontent – The inside scoop on the biggest names in baseball Sports Media Evolution – How narratives shape audience perceptions and the role of analysts today Wayne Gretzky’s Controversy & Public Perception – Why his recent moves are making headlines ⏱️ Timestamp...

What does it take for a legendary sports talk host to pivot from being the voice of Toronto sports to navigating recovery and semi-retirement? Join us as Bob McCown shares his inspiring journey of resilience following his strokes and how he continues to engage with the world of sports through his wine business and his passion for baseball and golf. Get an insider's view on the Toronto Blue Jays, especially as Bob gives his candid t...

Join us as we dive into Shirah's unforgettable experience on Shark Tank, where she secured a game-changing deal in Season 12. Get an insider's look at the intense preparation and surprising realities behind the scenes, including guidance from shark Lori Greiner that elevated Nightcap's branding and presentation. We also explore the unexpected power of TikTok in catapulting Nightcap to viral status, transforming a single post into a...

Chapters

(15:05) - Elevated Customer Experience in Retail

Navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern retail alongside us, as Loretta sheds light on the necessity for retailers to innovate and adapt. From the challenges posed by fast fashion to the potential of pop-up shops as agile retail solutions, explore how the industry is transforming. We highlight how spe...

We then shift gears to examine the evolving world of sports media, where Scott provides insights into the expanding access to sports content through digital platforms like Amazon and YouTube TV. His role in the National Lacrosse League underscores the innovative strategies employed to promote the sport and engage fans. Our discussion touches on the transformative power of social media and AI in sports promotion, showcasing ho...

Experience the excitement of Megan's Shark Tank adventure, from the unexpected invitation to pitch to the strategic decisions that led to Lori Greiner's golden ticket offer. Gain an insider perspective on the meticulous preparation involved and the adrenaline-pumping pitch day. Megan shares heartfelt moments from the show, including the camaraderie among the crew and the joy of being part of something as extraordinary as Shar...

As we consider the Blue Jays' future, we ponder the potential impact of acquiring stars like Shohei Otani and the strategic shifts necessary for World Series success. The episode examines ownership dynamics under Rogers Communications, the balance between business and winning, and the integration of emerging talents with veteran players. Through these discussions, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of building a sustainab...

Can a successful corporate lawyer seamlessly pivot to the bustling world of tequila entrepreneurship? Meet Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, who not only made this bold transition but also redefined her career and life along the way. From her education in accounting and law, Mara's journey weaves through prestigious law firms and corporate roles until an unexpected life change led her to focus on family. Sixteen years lat...

Ever wondered what it takes to become the voice of an NHL team? Join us as we sit down with Rick Ball, the new play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks, and uncover his incredible journey from Kelowna to Calgary and now to the Windy City. Rick shares his rich history, including his education at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and his unbridled enthusiasm for covering a potential generational talent like Conno...

Ever wondered what it feels like to witness historic Olympic moments up close? Julie recounts a heartwarming story with Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey, reminiscing about his unforgettable victories at the 1996 Atlanta Games. We also capture the surreal atmosphere of Paris post-Olympics, where the city, adorned with the Olympic rings, provided a magical backdrop. From the intensity of the games to the serenity of summer travel, Ju...

Join us for an exciting episode where we sit down with the legendary John Buccigross from ESPN to explore the world of hockey broadcasting. We kick things off by setting the scene during Seattle's Seafair weekend and discussing the intense nature of the NHL season for both players and broadcasters. John shares his unique experiences at the cutting-edge Sphere venue and offers intriguing insights into its potential for hosting vario...

Ever wondered how a professional athlete makes the leap from the rink to the broadcast booth while juggling the demands of fatherhood? Join us for an insightful conversation with former NHL player and TSN hockey analyst Frankie Corrado as he takes us through his remarkable journey. You’ll hear firsthand about his unforgettable NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks, including the surreal experience of playing against hockey legends l...

Baseball journalism isn't what it used to be, and Richard Griffin knows why. Join us on this episode of Press Row for an eye-opening conversation with the acclaimed sportswriter, who takes us through his remarkable journey from the PR department of the Montreal Expos to the press box covering the Toronto Blue Jays. Richard offers an insider's view on the evolving landscape of baseball journalism, and the tricky transition from team...

In our conversation, Kenny opens up about the tightrope walk of fitting in while standing out in the sports broadcasting world. He brings to life his experiences with iconic colleagues like Bob Lee, Charlie Steiner, and Dan Patrick, shedding light on how trust and authenticity play crucial roles in building a successful media career. We also reflect on the groundbreaking contributions of colleagues like Stuart Scott, whose cultural...

Join us as we welcome back the insightful Jon Morosi from MLB Network, who shares his latest adventures and sheds light on key developments within Major League Baseball. From enjoying the picturesque weather in Seattle to attending an OHL game and gearing up for the NHL draft in Vegas, Jon’s journey is captivating. We dig into MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's ambitious plans to enhance media accessibility and expand the league to 32 ...