Behind the Net Podcast
The Behind the Net Podcast is a weekly sports podcast I co-host alongside Michael Mazzei. We discuss the big three Toronto Sports teams (the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays), their respective sports and issues and other topics surrounding the sports world.
We also bring several sports industry guests on the podcast including Sportsnet's Scott MacArthur, The Athletic's Blake Murphy, Joshua Kloke and Ian Tulloch, TSN's BarDown crew, Yahoo Sports' William Lou and Mike Stephens and More! We have also brought on professional athletes, such as NHL prospects Thomas Harley and Jacob Perreault, Toronto Six goaltender Elaine Chuli and CEBL player Jabs Newby.
Episode 44:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the latest rumours surrounding the Leafs, including free agency and draft options. They also talk about Marc Gasol's future, the 2020 NBA Finals, the MLB Playoffs, and the NFL Week 4 results to that point.
Episode 43:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the latest updates on the Alex Pietrangelo rumours, the Stanley Cup Finals, Raptors rumblings, NFL Week 3 results, and the Blue Jays playoff clinch.
Episode 42:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by William Lou, a Raptors reporter for Yahoo Sports Canada, to discuss the Raptors' Game 7 loss to the Celtics, reflect on Siakam's performance in the bubble, Nurse's extension, the Raptors offseason and more.
Episode 41:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Imman [@IMMANSTARS], a co-host of the Dishes & Dimes Podcast, to discuss the Raptors performance in Game 6, Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, Game 7 and more. They also talk about the Wayne Simmonds rumours, the Blue Jays recent hot streak and more.
Episode 40:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Raptors' struggles in their series against the Celtics, how they can try and close the gap, and comparing Pascal Siakam to Jayson Tatum. They also look over the NBA and NHL playoffs, the Kapanen trade, the Leafs' offseason, and the Blue Jays.
Episode 39:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael react to the news of players from the NBA and other North American sports leagues boycotting games, the significance of it, and what they hope follows it. They are also joined by Vivek Jacob, a freelance writer for Complex Canada and Raptors Republic, to discuss the importance of the boycotts, and preview the Raptors-Celtics series. They also share their perspective on the NHL's initial decision to continue playing, why the league missed the mark, and how they can take better action for future moments.
Episode 38:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Mike Stephens, an NHL analyst for Yahoo Sports Canada, where they discuss his upbringing in the sports media landscape, his favourite memories covering the Marlies, the Leafs-Blue Jackets series, how the Leafs should approach the offseason and more!
Episode 37:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Erica L. Ayala, colour analyst for Pride and Whale games on NWHL Twitch, and Omar (@TicTacTOmar), a GIF Maker for Pension Plan Puppets, where they discuss the significance of kneeling in sports, how bad hockey's diversity problem has been, how the sport can be more accessible to POC, and how the NHL can better show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Episode 36:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Ian Hunter, lead baseball writer for Daily Hive Toronto, where they discuss the Blue Jays season, who has impressed, and if the 2020 season can continue. Later in the show, Michael and Matthew are joined by Nick DeSouza, writer for The Leafs Nation, where they talk early impressions on the Leafs, expectations for Nick Robertson and the keys to a Leafs-Blue Jackets series.
Episode 35:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Blake Murphy, a Raptors reporter for The Athletic, where they analyze the Raptors roster, X-Factors and which teams could pose a threat. Later in the show, Michael and Matthew are joined by Joshua Kloke, a Leafs reporter for The Athletic, to talk about training camp and previewing the series against Columbus.
Episode 34:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Washington NFL team's name change and the Rockets stars not joining the team in the bubble. They are later joined by Nick Barden, a contributor for The Leafs Nation, to discuss his YouTube channel, how he was picked up by TLN, and where his love for photography started.
Episode 33:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael react to the NHL's signing of the CBA and RTP, their thoughts on players returning to the Olympics, and whether they'd win the Cup or draft Lafreniere. They also discuss how the leagues should be enforcing the players to remain in the bubble, why strict rules should be in place, and the meal plans for NBA players so far.
Episode 32:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the results of the NHL draft lottery, their thoughts on the CHL class-action lawsuit, and the Bill Simmons controversy. They also talk about how the leagues could enforce players in the bubble, the NHL's hub city picks, and the Redskins finally on track to changing their name.
Episode 31:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the 2020 HHOF Inductees, reassessing the NHL's Return to Play and discuss how they should pick the hub cities. They also talk about MLB's agreement, the conundrum each North American sports league is facing, and whether or not sports should come back this year.
Episode 30:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Jordan Cicchelli and Hayley McGoldrick of the Ball Girls Podcast to discuss the ongoing discussions between the MLB and MLBPA, the Raptors 2019 championship parade, and how they've handled constant belittlement from men. They also discuss the growth of women's sports, how they can help inspire other women to pursue sports media, and answer questions from fans.
Episode 29:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the NHL's playoff format, whether Zach Hyman was the right pick for the Masterton nomination, and who will most likely win the award. They also discuss the NBA's projected return, the MLB-MLBPA stalemate, and their thoughts on the Playstation 5 preview.
Episode 28:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Tiffany Mongu, a writer for ByBlacks, and Peter Ash, a story editor at TSN, to discuss the ongoing racial injustice in North America and around the globe, police brutality, and the protests in the wake of George Floyd's murder. They also share their experiences with racism and how non-black people should support the black community during this movement and be better allies.
Episode 27:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the NHL's Return to Play plan, if they think it's the right call, and preview the Leafs-Blue Jackets series. They also discuss the NBA's proposed 1-16 playoff format, a potential Raptors-Grizzlies series, and the potential fate of the 2020 MLB season.
Episode 26:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss Akim Aliu's article and the aftermath after it's publication, their thoughts on the 24-team playoff format, and reaction to the Toronto Six's name reveal. They also discuss the NBA's new plan for Walt Disney World and which teams benefit the most from the pause.
Episode 25:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Brendan Leipsic controversy, the NBA's plans for resuming the season, and the MLB's new DH rule. They are later joined by Omar (@TicTacTOmar), GIF Maker and writer for Pension Plan Puppets, where they discuss his experience on the Dangle Navy team, what got him into GIF making, the story behind his user name and more.
Episode 24:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Ian Tulloch, contributor at The Athletic and co-host of The Staff and Graph Podcast. They discuss his experiences on the Dangle Navy team, the Lehtonen signing, why Rielly and Andersen shouldn't stay in Toronto past their current deals, what went wrong with Dermott this season, and more.
Episode 23:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Erica L. Ayala, colour analyst for Pride and Whale games on NWHL Twitch, where they discuss the new Toronto team, the 2020 draft results, and early predictions for next season. They are later joined by Elaine Chuli, a goaltender for the new Toronto NWHL team, where they discuss her excitement for joining an expansion team and her experiences playing in China.
Episode 22:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Ian Hunter, lead baseball writer for Daily Hive Toronto, where they discuss the Blue Jays' season expectations, Bautista's bat-flip lore, and comparing the World Series teams. They are later joined by Jabs Newby, a point guard for Enerdrink UDEA Algeciras, where they discuss the new NBA G-League route and if NCAA still holds value for students.
Episode 21:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by members of the BarDown crew. They discuss their favourite video games, memorable moments making videos, how they've adjusted to quarantine, and a scrapped video. They also answer "Would you rather" questions, share some funny stories, and discuss what type of videos to expect going forward.
Episode 20:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs acquisition of Alexander Barabanov, if the NHL playing games at a neutral site would happen, and Ibaka's desire to remain a Raptor.
Episode 19:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs new signings, if Robertson makes the team, the Barabonov rumours and the importance of veteran players. They also talk about Siakam's ceiling, the "what-ifs" for Raptors-76ers Game 7, and some of their favourite video games.
Episode 18:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the new proposed ideas for how to salvage the NHL and NBA season, the Clifford rumours, and potential storylines squandered by the pause. They also debate if Lowry is the greatest Raptor ever, how the long term future is affected, and share some unique sports stories.
Episode 17:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Lior Kozai, a writer for Raptors Rapture, where they discuss the fallout in regards to the NBA, how special the Raptors have been and what their ceiling is. They are later joined by Kishan Mistry, part of the MLB Live Content team, where they discuss his YouTube channel, the difference between covering basketball and baseball, and what he's been up to since sports were on pause.
Episode 16:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss their thoughts on the major sports leagues being on pause in the wake of COVID-19, how they learned the news and what should happen if play were to resume. They also debate potential playoff formats, the ripple effect for next season, and what they are doing during social distancing.
Episode 15:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss what the Leafs need to do to make the playoffs, their injured players, if Marner can be a goal scorer, and the Raptors potential playoff matchups. They also talk about the PlayStation 2's 20th anniversary, their Smash Bros. mains, and their favourite jersey stories.
Episode 14:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs inconsistent play, reviewing the trade deadline for Toronto and the NHL, and a potential Bucks-Raptors playoff rematch. They are later joined by David Ayres, the emergency backup goalie from the Leafs-Hurricanes game, and Jacob Perreault, a top prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL draft.
Episode 13:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs recent struggles, the Andersen slump, the Malgin trade, and what moves to expect going forward. They also react to the Coleman trade, review the new Sonic movie, and give their thoughts on the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
Episode 12:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Campbell/Clifford trade, Engvall's new contract, and the Lightning/Sabres seasons so far. They also talk about the Raptors win streak, Wiggins/Russell trade, and the Sixers/Embiid situation.
Episode 11:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss their reactions to the big Dodgers-Red Sox trade and the four-team swap in the NBA. They also share their thoughts on the Masai Ujiri to the Knicks rumours, the Leafs goalie situation, and how long they think the XFL will last.
Episode 10:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss their reactions to the untimely death of Kobe Bryant and what his legacy holds. Later in the show, they are joined by Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads defenceman, to discuss being drafted by the Dallas Stars and lessons learned from missing out on making the World Juniors.
Episode 9:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss their thoughts on Walker's induction to the Hall of Fame, the Astros and Red Sox cheating scandal, and the Blue Jays new jersey. They also talk about what the Raptors should do, how to make the NHL All-Star Game more exciting, and what to make of the Leafs' recent struggles.
Episode 8:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael who the Leafs should trade for and which defenceman to re-sign. They share their thoughts on the WNBA's new CBA, the Astros cheating scandal, and the firing of Gerard Gallant. They also discuss the importance of Gasol, Zion's return, and predictions for the NFL playoffs
Episode 7:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Jesse Pollock, a producer at TSN/BarDown. They discuss how the quizzes came to be, some of Jesse's favourite skits and videos, which encounter with an NHL player stands out, and more!
Episode 6:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Kishan Mistry, a social content producer at Yahoo Sports Canada. They discuss what got Kishan into sports and photography, which of his shots are his favourites, what it's like working with the Raptors, and the current state of the Leafs and Raptors.
Episode 5:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael are joined by Scott MacArthur, co-host of Lead-Off on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. They discuss Scott's upbringing and what got him into sports, the Bill Peters incidents, why this type of culture in hockey has manifested, and what can be done to make the sport more inclusive, among many other topics.
Episode 4:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the firing of Babcock and the hiring of Keefe. They debate whether it was the right time to make the move, how they have fared so far, and what to expect moving forward. They also discuss the Islanders point streak, Flames struggles, and what the future holds for Lowry in Toronto.
Episode 3:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael talk about the Leafs continued struggles, the Mike Babcock debate, what to make of the backup goalie situation, and who is to blame for the team's sluggish start. They also discuss the Raptors strong Western road trip, if Siakam is an MVP candidate, and their biggest surprises in the NBA and NHL during the month of November.
Episode 2:
In this episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs disappointing October record, Ovechkin's comments on the team identity and Matthews' response, and what NHL team has surprised them lately. They also talk about the Antetokounmpo to the Raptors rumours, if Siakam has proven he can be the guy in Toronto, and predict the outcome of the World Series prior to the results (Spoiler: Congrats Nationals!).
Episode 1:
In the pilot episode, Matthew and Michael discuss the Leafs slow start to the regular season, if the team should fire Mike Babcock now, and what to make of the Raptors season debut. They also discuss their picks for the biggest surprises and disappointments for the NHL, reacting to NBA opening night, and their thoughts on the 2019 World Series.