The Sports Lunatics Show

May 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Maple Leafs and Craig Berube, Ted Turner and Bobby Cox

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400

In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss the ever increasing chaos of the Toronto Maple Leafs as we head into the summer of 2026. The situation in the front office, their coaching situation and the existence of some of their players with the team in the coming off-season are discussed. Some Toronto fans may not be happy. The guys look at the life and legacy of Ted Turner and then they discuss the career of Bobby Cox as well. Finally, they discuss the short life of basketball player Jason Collins, who came out as gay in 2013 and passed away in May of 2026.

May 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Baseball Magic That Was May 1, 1991

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400

May 1, 1991 was truly a phenomenal day in baseball history. It was the nexus of two history-shaking events that took place the same day - one in the afternoon and one that evening. And the central figures in each event were men who would be eternally famous. Love them or hate them, the day was an iconic one. Howie takes you along the tale in this preview of his upcoming book, Fallen Angels. Listen right to the end. The ending may cause some emotion though.

May 2026 - Sports Lunatics - John Sterling, Alex Zanardi and How We Imagine the Plight of Toronto Maple Leaf Fans

Wed, 06 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie remember the legacy of Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, Shawn delivers the incredible story of the late Alex Zanardi and the boys discuss how it must feel to be a Leaf fan given the management of the team over the last while. It's a lively and thoughtful show.

Apr 2026 - Sports Lunatics - John Garrett, the CFL's Playoff Changes, the NHL Playoffs So Far w/Mick Kern

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

SiriusXM's Mick Kern guests on this episode and he and Howie discuss the life and career of John Garrett, the changes coming in 2027 to the CFL postseason and Mick's impressions of the NHL playoffs to this point. We'll see how his predictions stand up to reality.

Apr 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Phil Garner and Looking at Ovie, Anze, Quick and the NHL Playoffs

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Phil "Scrap Iron" Garner, the long time All-Star infielder, World Series winner on the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League manager, passed away this week and Shawn and Howie discussed his career and what he meant to so many others as well. They also talked about veterans Alex Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Quick. Playoff prospects of certain teams and the possible future in Detroit with the Red Wings also came up.

Apr 2026 - Baseball Movie Anniversaries for Major League and Bad News Bears

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

A little bit of a different Sports Lunatics Show for you here. Howie looks back at a couple of anniversaries marking the releases of a couple of classic baseball movies - Bad News Bears and Major League. Both endured because of their raw realism and their underdog themes. What they gave their audiences has endured all these years later. Bad News Bears was released in April of 1976. Major League came out in April of 1989. Howie talks about the movies and he goes through some things about each movie that you may not have known. It's a palate cleanse from the serious world of sports.

Apr 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Davey Lopes, Finding Tiger, So Long Joe Bowen

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

The Baseball world lost Davey Lopes this second week of April. Shawn and Howie talk about their recollections of Lopes, his infield mates and those great Dodgers teams of the 1970s and early 80s. They talk about the 2026 Masters golf tournament and the absences of both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. And they finish up by discussing the retirement of Joe Bowen and what he meant to both of them.

Apr 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Face of Blue Jays, Baseball v Basketball, John McSherry, Nicklaus Masters Anniversary

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

This was a lively and wide-ranging show. Shawn and Howie talked about who TSN in Canada chose as the Face of the Blue Jays; they discussed how Baseball is creeping back up in popularity ahead of a possible labour stoppage in 2026; they looked back upon the 30th anniversary of the passing on the field on Opening Day of umpire John McSherry and the spectacular final day that Jack Nicklaus had at the 1986 Masters 40 years ago this month.

April 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Best Part of the 1969 Montreal Expos Season

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Howie takes information from a chapter of his third book, The Consequences of Chance, and talks about the best parts of the 1969 Montreal Expos Season. There wasn't much but they did win their first ever game, their first ever home game and the franchise's first ever home run was hit by a pitcher. Bill Stoneman provided fans with their first really big thrill. Their first big star was a red headed outfielder who captured the hearts of the Montreal fans as quickly as they captured his. Hope you enjoy this episode.

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Bird, Magic and How Bird's Collegiate Athletic Career Ended

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

This is a shorter Sports Lunatics Show episode. It's about Larry Bird and his collegiate rivalry with Magic Johnson and that incredible NCAA Final Game in 1979. It also covers how Bird's collegiate athletic career ended and it wasn't on that court in the final in Salt Lake City in the spring of 1979. Listen to this episode to find out how and where it came to its end.

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Rodger Brulotte, His Career and His Legacy

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400

In this Sports Lunatics Show episode, Shawn and Howie talk about Rodger Brulotte, the Montreal Expos' broadcaster, his career and his legacy as the great person he was. The boys share some stories and talk about their memories of the Expos and broadcasters they enjoyed listening to in years past. It's a fun episode.

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - A WBC Strike 3 And Other Calls That Changed Games w/Mick Kern

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0400

On March 15, 2026, a bad call on what turned out to be the third strike that ended an exciting World Baseball Classic semi-final game between the United States and the Dominican Republic was made. After the game, Alex Rodriguez said on the Fox post-game show "a ball that's about four inches down, you just hate to end a game that big...on a pitch that's not a strike." Howie and guest Mick Kern from SiriusXM's NHL Network Channel talk about bad calls and missed calls by officials from the worlds of baseball, hockey, football - both Canadian and NFL - basketball and soccer. Mick finishes the episode off with a call that he figures is extremely important because it's changed the way hockey games have become officiated. It's another lively episode.

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Radko Gudas, the Hits, the Fallout and Other Hockey Villains Through History w/Mick Kern

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

On March 12, 2026, Radko Gudas went knee-on-knee with the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, injuring the Leafs' centre. Given the way he forced Sidney Crosby out of the Olympic tournament, Howie asked guest Mick Kern, of SiriusXM, about Gudas and the fallout from those hits. This was recorded before the NHL's Department of Player Safety ruled on any suspension, but Mick was on fire discussing Gudas and so many other NHL 'bad guys' from the 80s, 90s and beyond. It's a fun conversation and one that is sure to evoke a ton of memories.

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Life and Career of Lou Holtz

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Howie drives the bus in this episode and he looks at the long life and career of Lou Holtz. The longtime college coach was best known for his national championship while at Notre Dame in 1988. Along the way there were highs and lows and controversies just like in pretty much every life. (30 minutes)

Mar 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Late Bill Mazeroski and the Anniversaries of the Losses of Chris Schultz and Walter Gretzky

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shawn and Howie discuss the passing of Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski. He's famous for his walk-off hone run in the seventh game of the 1960 World Series but there was more to Maz than just that. The boys also look back on the lives of former Dallas Cowboy and Toronto Argonaut offensive lineman Chris Schultz and Canada's Hockey Dad on the fifth anniversary of their passings. They also look at the necessity for community and the importance of old rinks like the Weston Arena in Toronto and the old Forum in Halifax.

Feb 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Fallout and Hangover From the Gold Medal Mens' Hockey Game, 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the men from Canada and the United States met in Milan to play a hockey game to decide the gold medal winners. The game was incredible, with Connor Hellebuyck stealing the show and the victory for the Americans. The game was intense and the fallout was emotional as the game was not decided until Jack Hughes scored in overtime. Social media buzzed for days after the game was decided for many reasons. Shawn and Howie discuss the game and some of its many ramifications in this Sports Lunatics Show episode.

Feb 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Miracle 1975 New York Islanders - From Doormat to the Pages of History

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0500

The 1974-75 New York Islanders were a team in their franchise's third year of existence. They had been a team that had been mediocre at best. But with Al Arbour as their coach and Bill Torrey as their general manager, the team shocked their rivals, the New York Rangers, in the first round. Then, when down 0-3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their second round series, they defied history and rose from the ashes to defeat their seasoned opponents in that seven-game series. Next up was the defending Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers who quickly took a 3-0 lead in that series only to see these upstart Isles tie it up and take it to a seventh game. Howie takes excerpts from two of his books, Crazy Days & Wild Nights and The Consequences of Chance to tell the story of this incredible team and their exciting playoff ride.

Feb 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Red Barber's Birthday, Maple Leaf Gardens & Three Rivers Stadium Anniversaries and Passings

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Howie drives the bus and covers a lot of topics dealing with the third week of February, 2026. It was the legendary Red Barber's birthday on February 17. The last NHL game at Maple Leaf Gardens took place on February 13, 1999. Chris Paul retired after a Hall of Fame career. Three Rivers Stadium was demolished on February 11, 2001. Justin Verlander signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers. And the world lost Robert Duvall and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Feb 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Mike Ross & Howie Discuss the Losses of Jim Robson and Vince Malette

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500

As Shawn has often said, our show has sometimes become a forum for remembering the sports figures that we've lost. This show is no exception. Toronto Maple Leafs public address announcer and long time radio man, Mike Ross, joins Howie to talk about the passings of British Columbia legend Jim Robson and Ottawa hockey coach Vince Malette.

Feb 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Mick Kern & Howie Talk About Darryl Sittler's 10-point Night 50 Years After

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0500

When SiriusXM's Mick Kern comes on the show, we can figure on a lively conversation and this one is no exception. Mick and Howie discuss that momentous night fifty years ago, February 7, 1976, when Darryl Sittler scored six goals and had four assists in an 11-4 win over the mighty Boston Bruins, and many of the things that surrounded it. They talk about unfortunate Boston goalie Dave Reece, weave in and out of the topic and even get some CFL talk in as well. It's truly a fun conversation and Mick and Howie share a bunch of laughs.

Feb 2026 - A New Documentary on The 1980 Miracle on Ice & The Passing of Mickey Lolich

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0500

It's February and the Winter Olympics are in our collective consciousness and so our thoughts naturally float to a couple of weeks back in 1980 when the sporting world was focused on what was happening at the hockey venue in tiny Lake Placid, New York and what a group of college kids were doing by upsetting the vaunted Soviet Union juggernaut. There's a new Netflix documentary and Shawn and Howie discuss it and the 1980 tournament and the players and personalities involved. They also take a look back at the life and career of Detroit Tigers' great pitcher, Mickey Lolich.

Jan 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Belichick Snubbed by PFHOF On First Attempt! - A Sports Lunatics Reaction Show

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

On Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, it was reported that Bill Belichick would not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Reaction was swift and intense. Tom Brady said, "I don't understand it!" Other athletes and observers were equally shocked. Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney discussed the snub in this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show.

Jan 2026 - Sports Lunatics - What We Missed About The 1970s

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0500

In this freeform episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look back at the things they loved about the 1970s (and some things they didn't). It's kind of a wild show and the boys go back and forth on a whole bunch of topics that were perhaps peculiar to the 1970s. You might remember a bunch of the topics they discuss here as well.

Jan 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Glenn Hall, Guy Chouinard and the 50th Anniversary of Philly-Red Army

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0500

Another legendary NHL goalie has passed away. On this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie examine the career, life and legacy of Hall of Famer Glenn Hall. They also look at the career of the first ever 50 goal scorer for the Atlanta Flames, Guy Chouinard. The second week of January also marked the 50th anniversary of that infamous match between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Soviet Red Army team back in 1976. The guys close the show by talking about the little consolation speech by reporter Lynn Jones to Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen.

Jan 2026 - Sports Lunatics - The Twenty Worst Teams In CFL History with guest J.C. Abbott from 3downnation.com

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Howie sat down with J.C. Abbott from 3downnation.com to discuss a piece he wrote for the website on the twenty worst teams to ever step on a Canadian Football League field. Abbott explains how he chose the teams and the two men talk about some if the teams. The conversation is interesting and this episode is a must-listen for CFL fans. Go to the Sports Lunatics Facebook page to make your feelings known on the whole subject!

Jan 2026 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering David Branch and Bob Pulford

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look back on the lives and the legacies of two hockey giants - David Branch and Bob Pulford. Branch was the commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League for 45 years and the president of the Canadian Hockey League for 23 years, all while being one of the most personable executives that anyone ever met in hockey. Bob Pulford was an all-star and a Stanley Cup winner as a player in Toronto and Los Angeles before moving on to coach the Kings. He then went on to become the coach of the Chicago Blackhawks before taking on the role as the team's general manager not once but four times. You have to listen to the story Howie relates about goalie Darren Pang's remembrance of Pulford. That is the icing on the cake of this episode.

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - 2025 Year In Review

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Shawn and Howie look at the sports year that was 2025 in this episode. The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl; the Florida Panthers took the Stanley Cup; the Oklahoma City Thunder was the NBA Champion and, in what some have called the best World Series they had ever seen, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The NHL, in what would be its All-Star break held a 4-Nations tournament that turned out to be everything they wanted it to be. The Luka Doncic trade? What were they thinking? There is more too! Enjoy the show!

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - The Festivus Episode

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500

We have reached that time of year. It's Festivus. That includes the airing of the grievances. The time went by so quickly that Shawn and Howie didn't get to discuss all their points. But it's an absolutely lively conversation and the boys hope that Toronto Maple Leaf fans aren't too angry with them. They cover the Leafs, the way the Kansas City Chiefs season is arriving at its end, the movement of franchises, the pricing out of some families when it comes to pro sports and how the Canadian Football League went about their upcoming rule changes this year and how will they be implemented all the way down the football line in Canada. Enjoy the show, everyone.

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - The End of Eras - Mahomes, Rivers, Cena, Dick Van Dyke (and Babe Ruth?) and Remembering Rob Reiner

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500

In a wild and bizarre weekend the Kansas City Chiefs lost Patrick Mahomes to an ACL tear and lost their game to end their quest for another NFL playoff berth, ending a run of success that was incredible. That same day, 44-year-old Philip Rivers came out of retirement to almost lead the Indianapolis Colts to a win over the Seattle Seahawks. But poor clock management resulted in Seattle having enough time to kick a field goal and pull the game out. On the Saturday night, John Cena appeared in his last wrestling bout as he tapped out against the Swiss giant, Gunther. On the cultural side that week, Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday. He was born right before Babe Ruth began a massive tear across the American League. And on Sunday, Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered in their Brentwood home. Shawn and Howie discuss all of this in this episode.

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Baseball HOF Eras Committee Votes - Who Got In?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -0500

The Contemporary Eras Committee voted for their Baseball Hall of Fame candidates this week. Would Don Mattingly finally get in? Dale Murphy, maybe? Nope. Neither. One man was selected to be inducted in 2026 from this vote. Jeff Kent. Shawn and Howie discuss the selection and what they thought might happen. It's a lively and wide ranging conversation and they bring up a lot of names and comparables for the men on the ballot.

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - December 8, 1980, The Night John Lennon Died

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

On December 8, 1980, as we were watching Monday Night Football, Howard Cosell informed us all that John Lennon had been killed outside the Dakota Hotel. Shawn and Howie discuss their memories of that night, the following week and the impact that Lennon's death had on them and the world as they saw it at that time. Some illuminating audio accompanies their conversation.

Dec 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Colleen Jones, Fuzzy Zoeller, Griffin's Double Heisman, The Dolphins Ruin The Bears' Undefeated Season and The Night St. Patrick Walked Away From Montreal

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie cover a lot of ground. First, they remember the lives and legacies of the great Canadian curling giant, Colleen Jones, and 1979 Masters winner, Fuzzy Zoeller. Then they look back at three sporting anniversaries. In 1975, Archie Griffin won back-to-back Heisman Trophies. He's the only man ever to achieve that NCAA Football feat. In 1985, on Monday Night Football, the undefeated Chicago Bears went to South Florida and pulled the Nine of Hearts against Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins. It was their only loss of that 1985 season. Lastly, in 1995, in the first week of December, new Habs' coach Mario Tremblay left Patrick Roy in to face the Detroit Red Wings onslaught. When Roy felt he was being humiliated by his coach, he stormed off the ice and declared to team president Ronald Corey that he was finished in Montreal. The boys delve into all these subjects and also divert over to many different tangents that illlustrate a lot of their own personalities and their sports histories as well. It's a fun and lively show!!

Nov 2025 - Sports Lunatics - A Look Back - Guertin Arena, George Foreman, August 12, 1994 and Ken Dryden

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Howie put together a compilation show of pieces from four different episodes. There are highlights from an interview Howie did with Ken Warren about the demolition of the Bob Guertin Arena in Hull, a show that Shawn and Howie did on the life of George Foreman, a short episode on the importance of August 12, 1994 and 1976, and a piece from an interview Howie did with SiriusXM's Mick Kern on the passing of Ken Dryden.

Nov 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Randy Jones, Joe Theismann's Leg, Baseball's New TV Deal, The Grey Cup and More

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0500

This episode is a bit of a random mish-mash of topics all over the sports history map. Shawn and Howie start off by discussing the passing of the first great pitcher for the San Diego Padres. Randy Jones won the Cy Young Award in 1976, winning 22 games and completing 25 of his 40 starts. He pitched 315.1 innings that year to lead the majors. But his 1975 season might have been even better. Howie explains why. The boys examine Major League Baseball's new agreement with ESPN, Netflix and NBC is back in the baseball business too. They talk about the good old days of the NBC Game of the Week and Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola, Tony Kubek and the great Vin Scully. A gruesome anniversary passed this week. In November of 1985, Lawrence fell on Joe Theismann's leg while tackling him and grotesquely broke his tibia and fibula. It was on Monday Night Football. They also tackle the question of whether or not Alex Ovechkin's #8 should be retired league-wide. They finish the show by talking about a couple of reunions that each of them experienced in the past week.

Nov 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Lenny Wilkens, Paul Tagliabue, Mel Bridgman and Leon Stickle + A Bit More

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500

The sports world lost a few luminaries and Shawn and Howie do their best to remember them all. NBA All-Star player and one of the greatest coaches who ever walked the sidelines, Lenny Wilkens, passed away on November 9, 2025. He was 88. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue suffered heart failure and lost his life on that same Sunday. He was 84. Mel Bridgman, who was the first overall selection in the 1975 NHL Draft and played 977 games in a 14-year career, died on November 8. He was just 70. Leon Stickle, who worked as a linesman in the NHL for 30 seasons from 1969 to 1998, in an era when the officials were almost as recognizable as the players were, passed away at home on November 5. The boys also look back, on the 40th anniversary of his death in a car crash, at Flyers' great Pelle Lindbergh. They also reflect on the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the cargo ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald, and the Gordon Lightfoot song's persistent resonance with people all these years later. It's a fully packed episode!

Nov 2025 - Sports Lunatics - The Greatest World Series of All Time?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

On this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie do a post-mortem on the 2025 World Series. They examine it from a number of points of view and eventually pose the question of whether or not it was the greatest World Series ever played. It was a series that even Alex Rodriguez said that it was awful that one team had to lose. Howie brought up the 1975 World Series and the epic sixth game of that year. It's a lively back and forth and in the end, they both agree that it was, at least, the greatest World Series in the last fifty years.

Nov 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn Interviews Howie About His New Book, An Unlikely Story

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn turns interviewer and Howie is the subject as they discuss Howie's latest book, An Unlikely Story, about the season for the 1981 Ottawa Rough Riders which culminated in an appearance in the Grey Cup. Despite being 22 1/2 point underdogs, the Riders gave the reigning champion Edmonton Eskimos all they could handle. In the dying minutes though, a referee's call takes the Riders' hopes away and the Esks eventually kick a game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining. The Ottawa CFL Alumni Association called the book "a heartfelt tribute to a team that captured the spirit of underdog perseverance." The book is available on Amazon. #CFL #OttawaFootball

Oct 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn and Howie Examine The New Netflix Documentary on the Montreal Expos

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Netflix recently released a highly anticipated documentary on how the Montreal Expos met their ultimate demise and who might be responsible. As Howie says in this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, there was a blame pie with a number of responsible parties. The guys discuss the documentary and provide some historical analysis that accompanies the narrative of the documentary. You may agree with some of the things they say or you may not. Feel free to weigh in on the show on The Sports Lunatics Facebook page.

Oct 2025 - Sports Lunatics - The Blue Jays Head to the World Series!

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

After an incredible seven game series against the Seattle Mariners, the Toronto Blue Jays are headed to the 2025 World Series to take on the highly favoured Los Angeles Dodgers. Shawn and Howie discuss the wild finish to that seventh game, how things have gone for the Blue Jays and their prospects against the vaunted Dodgers. They also look back fifty years to the sixth game of the 1975 World Series and Carlton Fisk's game winning homer against the Cincinnati Reds.

Oct 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Montreal Expos Memories

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0400

With the anniversaries of so many fall baseball accomplishments and the coming of a new documentary on the team, Shawn and Howie decided to take a look back at the life and memories that were created by the Montreal Expos. The team still holds a place in the hearts of many and the guys reminisce about some of the ups and some of the downs and a few of the wacky moments that took place in the 36-year history of the club.

Oct 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Howie's Top Ten Blue Jays' Postseason Memories

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Listen in as Shawn and Howie discuss a list of the Toronto Blue Jays postseason memories. Howie made the list and Shawn doesn't let him forget it. From Dave Stieb to Marco Estrada, from Devon White to Josh Donaldson, from Dave Winfield to Jose Bautista to Joe Carter and a whole bunch of other memories in between. Shawn inserted some amazing audio to help make all the memories come alive!

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Why Is September 28 So Important?

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Howie explains why September 28 is so important. Specifically, the anniversary of that date in 1972 - the date that Paul Henderson scored the goal that allowed Canada to overcome the Soviet Union in their Summit Series.

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - CFL Rule Changes, Sept 22, 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0400

On September 22, 2025, Canadian Football League commissioner Stewart Johnson held a media conference during which he laid out numerous rule changes that would take effect in 2026 and 2027. The reaction from fans was mixed. BC Lions quarterback called the new rules 'garbage'. Moments after the media availability, Shawn and Howie discussed their responses to the declaration and to Rourke's reaction as well. While it's too early to tell how everything will play out, the guys speculated on how they thought things may go.

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Bernie Parent

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0400

There was a two-year period in which the Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent might have been the greatest goalie on Earth. His team won two Stanley Cups and Parent won two Conn Smythe Trophies and a couple of Vezina Trophies as well. His career was a colorful one and in this episode, Shawn and Howie examine his life and legacy.

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Ed Giacomin, Bob Goodenow, Robert Redford & The Natural

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400

It's been a time for loss and remembrance. Within a few days, the world lost Rangers' great Ed Giacomin, former NHLPA executive Bob Goodenow and legendary actor and director Robert Redford. The boys recount how the scene in The Natural in which Roy Hobbs gets shot by Harriet Bird was inspired by a real live incident involving a former major leaguer. In the course of recording this episode, Howie got word that his latest book had been released on Amazon. It was a wild show. (52 minutes)

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Davey Johnson Remembered

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Howie flies solo on this episode as he remembers the late Davey Johnson. A Gold Glover, 4-time all-star and World Series winning manager, Johnson had a colourful career both on the field and as a field boss. You'll hear some insights into why he left North America for Japan in the mid-70s, how he treated his players "like men", and the fact that he used his mathematical training in university to introduce rudimentary analytics to managing. Johnson was 82 when he passed away on September 5, 2025.

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Howie & SiriusXM's Mick Kern Discuss the Passing of Ken Dryden

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400

On September 5, 2025, Ken Dryden passed away. Dryden was a Hall of Fame goalie, author, Member of Parliament, NHL executive. He was an astute and intelligent man. Yes, he was an athlete, but he was more than that, especially to a generation of kids who saw something different in him. Howie sat down with the NHL Network Channel's Mick Kern from SiriusXM's Under Review Show to discuss the life and the legacy of Ken Dryden.

Sept 2025 - Sports Lunatics - 1972 Canada-Russia Series - Howie with Terry Mercury from SiriusXM

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0400

It's September! Howie and special guest, former SiriusXM reporter Terry Mercury sit down to discuss their memories from around September of 1972. That was when Canada faced the Soviets in their intense eight-game Summit Series. They talk about the games but they also go through their memories and the feelings they experienced through that whole time window. It's truly a lively conversation between a couple of guys who lived through that time as 12-year-olds in different parts of Canada.

Aug 2025 - Sports Lunatics - CFL Interviews, Excerpts - Howie w/Jo-Anne Polak, Jed Roberts & Pat Stoqua

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this rebroadcast episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Howie has compiled excerpts from three interviews with former Canadian Football League personalities, Jo-Anne Polak, the first female general manager of a North American pro sports franchise, former Edmonton Eskimo Jed Roberts and the former Ottawa Rough Rider slot receiver Pat Stoqua. Canadian football people are absolutely awesome and each of today's guests have some amazing stories of their times in the league.

Aug 2025 - Sports Lunatics - 1976 Canada Cup and Lionel Taylor

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 23:00:00 -0400

This one is for the hockey fans. Specifically, this one might be for the older hockey fans. Shawn and Howie talk about what might be a forgotten Canadian hockey landmark - the 1996 Canada Cup. Sandwiched between the 1972 Canada-Russia Summit Series and the 1980 Miracle on Ice, the team that Canada iced in 1976 was possibly the greatest team that ever played. There were 18 Hall of Famers on that team. The guys discuss their memories from that team and that tournament and what it meant for the game of hockey as we see it today. They also talk about the career and the legacy of the great receiver, Lionel Taylor and what he meant to so many of the people who shape the game of football today.

Aug 2025 - Sports Lunatics Short - August 12 in Canadian Baseball History

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400

If you ask come Canadian baseball fans of a certain age what August 12 means to them, they may or may not have a memory of 1994. If they do, that date will bring sadness. On that date, the Montreal Expos were in first place in the National League East. That was also the day that major league baseball players went out on strike. They stayed out long enough to throw away the season, and with it, the Expos' chances of maybe getting to a World Series. Rewind to 1976 and the day that Toronto's major league team got its name. Howie talks about the sadness of August 12, 1994 and the reactions of some Torontonians to their ball team's new name in this Sports Lunatics Short episode. Hope you like it.

Aug 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Sports Tragedies

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400

On August 2, we observed a tragic anniversary. On that date in 1979, Thurman Munson perished in a small plane crash in Ohio. He was practicing takeoffs and landings in his personal Cessna jet when he missed the runway and died at the scene. His death hit so many people hard. He was a star on the New York Yankees and was instrumental in their World Series victories in 1977 and 1978. In light of that, Shawn and Howie looked back at other tragedies involving players and athletes who died while they were still active in their respective sports. It was not a fun episode nor was it an easy one to record, but in a lot of cases, it is very compelling.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Ryne Sandberg

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look back at the career and the life of Chicago Cubs great, Ryne Sandberg. From how he got to the Cubs, to that magical game in 1984 that propelled the team to the National League Championship Series to the unending respect that was shown to him by teammates and opposing players throughout his career and even after it, the guys leave no stone unturned in discussing Sandberg's legacy. Shawn also looks back at the stroke that abruptly ended the pitching career of the great James Rodney Richard and the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Ted Lindsay. You'll like this episode.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Hulk Hogan

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, by the end of his life, was hated by many and loved by many. By 2025, his life and the way he was perceived and portrayed, was complicated. But as media personality and wrestling fan James Cybulski posted on Twitter, "To say Terry Bollea the person was an incredibly flawed individual would be an understatement, but the character Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest reasons wrestling is what it is today." indeed, there was a time when he was an absolute cultural phenomenon. In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie try to look at the life of Hulk Hogan through this complicated historical lens.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Jim Clancy and Bobby Jenks & The Career of Jim Abbott

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The baseball world lost a couple of pitchers recently. A member of the original Toronto Blue Jays who pitched twelve seasons with the team and one of the last pitchers in the majors to make 40 starts in a season, Jim Clancy passed away on July 14, 2025. Clancy was an all-star in 1982 who was near the top in many team statistical categories. He was 69. Bobby Jenks was the closer on the Chicago White Sox when they won the World Series in 2005. He was an all-star in 2006 and 2007. He was second in franchise history in saves. He passed away in Sintra, Portugal on July 4. He was just 44. ESPN has recently released an E-60 documentary on the life and career of Jim Abbott. One of the most inspirational athletes ever, he made it to the majors despite being born without a right hand. He defied all the odds when on September 4, 1993, he fired a no-hitter for the Yankees against the Cleveland Indians. Shawn and Howie discuss aspects of the documentary as well as the life of Jim Abbott.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - ChatGPT's Top Ten MLB All-Star Moments - Reggie, Charlie Hustle, The Babe and more

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:00:00 -0400

As the calendar edges its way to mid-July, sports fans' minds might travel to a few different things. If you're a golf fan, you'll be paying attention to the British Open. If tennis is your thing, then it's likely that Wimbledon will be your thing. If you love baseball, then your focus will be Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. For almost a century now, the midsummer showcase has given us a myriad of moments. In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie went on to ChatGPT to get the bot's Top Ten All-Star Game moments. It's not a bad list. After the boys discussed it, they also contributed a few of their own. It's a fun and encompassing conversation and if you love baseball, you'll enjoy this show.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - This Date in Sports History - July 13 - The Babe, Teddy Ballgame, Jeff Gillooly and more

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0400

It's always interesting every once in a while to look back at what happened on a certain date and kind of analyze what went on and what went down on that date over numerous different years. Of course, mid-July offers us a few different things. There are All-Star games in baseball, of course. Wimbledon can come into play. But then there are outstanding feats that occurred as well. In this one, you'll hear about the first ever Soccer World Cup, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, an unprecedented and singular swap that took place in the NFL, the first All-Star game played outside the United States, some wild things that took place involving sports personalities outside the realm of sports, and the longest ever semi-final match in Wimbledon history. It all happened on that date, July 13, throughout sports history.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Kershaw's 3000th K, Delvecchio Remembered, Bob McKenzie Exits, Jota Mourned

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

We had an eventful 36 hours or so from July 1 to the morning of July 3. In that narrow window of time, Clayton Kershaw fired his 3,000th career strikeout, the great Alex Delvecchio passed away at the age of 93, hockey insider Bob McKenzie announced he was walking away from broadcasting and hockey after 48 years of work, and the soccer world mourned the loss of Portugal and Liverpool's Diogo Jota. A lot of material for Shawn and Howie to cover in a single episode.

July 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Dave Parker and HoF Discussions, Pro and Con

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0400

The passing of the newly inducted Baseball Hall of Famer, Dave Parker brought sadness to a lot of people who were looking forward to seeing the baseball superstar with his plaque at the ceremony in Cooperstown later this summer. Shawn and Howie look back at his career and the careers of some other players who so far have been snubbed by their respective halls of fame. They look specifically at the case of Carey Price and this year's Hockey Hall of Fame selections. It was a spirited conversation covering a wide range of people and sports.

June 2025 - Sports Lunatics - 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees Named

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:00:00 -0400

On June 24, 2025, the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted eight new members and Shawn and Howie were standing by with their thoughts and opinions on the inductees and some of the players who did not make into the class of '25.

June 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Toews & Pain and June 22 in Sports History

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Howie talks about the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup and their celebrations with the trophy. He talks about Jonathan Toews signing with the Winnipeg Jets and his hopes for next season for Toews and his new team. He also talks about a number of things that happened on June 22 through the course of sports history.

June 2025 - Sports Lunatics - ChatGPT Posted Top Ten CFL Players of All Time List

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie had so much fun discussing ChatGPT's Top Ten Stanley Cup Heroes list that they decided to check out a similar list for the Canadian Football League. There were some surprising results, both on the list and off. Give it a listen and see where Russ Jackson ended up.

June 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering NFL Defensive Lineman Jim Marshall

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Jim Marshall was a great defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Cleveland Browns and most notably, the Minnesota Vikings. He was truly an ironman. His NFL career lasted 20 seasons. He was an All-Pro, and the Vikings captain as a member of a stalwart defensive line on those great Vikings teams that went to four Super Bowls. That front four included Carl Eller, Alan Page, Marshall and Gary Larsen and was known around the league as the 'Purple People Eaters'. Marshall had his jersey number 70 retired by the team and his name sits in the Vikings Ring of Honor at their stadium. But almost more important than his playing days were his experiences away from the team. What a life he had. Shawn and Howie discuss all of this in this episode as they remember the life and career of Jim Marshall.

June 2025 - Sports Lunatics - ChatGPT Spits Out Top Ten Stanley Cup Heroes Since 1970

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400

The Sports Lunatics are never afraid of trying something new. With the Stanley Cup Final Series now taking place, Shawn asked ChatGPT to make a list of the Top Ten Stanley Cup Heroes since 1970. Shawn and Howie were somewhat surprised at the players on the list and the order in which the app ranked the players. They sat down to discuss that list in this episode.

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - 2025 NHL Playoffs, Handshakes, Jim Irsay, George Wendt and Rick Derringer

Fri, 30 May 2025 21:00:00 -0400

As the 2025 NHL Postseason heads into the Final series, Shawn and Howie look at how this year's Panthers-Oilers final series may be different from last year's. They also examine the handshake line, Paul Maurice's take on the coaches and other staff participating in it and how it has evolved from years past to what we see today. They also talk about how animosities in series can manifest themselves in the actual handshake line at the end of it all. They even discuss how some of their own handshake lines have devolved into strong words, coming just short of exchanging blows...even in pickleball! They also look at the passings of George Wendt and Rick Derringer and how both men connected with huge factions of sports fans. It was a fun and spirited conversation!

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Leafs Lose After Second Round, What Next?

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost Game 7 in their Atlantic Division Final Series against the Florida Panthers amongst the boos and the tossing of jerseys by the fans that remained in the building. The way they lost incensed and infuriated the team's fans and many were calling for the departures of certain players on the Leafs as well as the job of some in the front office. What does this all mean for the team? How do the Leafs move forward? Shawn and Howie discuss a lot of the ramifications of this important off-season for the club. It's a contentious listen.

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Pete Rose & Shoeless Joe, Musberger and Chet Lemon

Sat, 17 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

It's a packed show as Shawn and Howie discuss the removal from the Ineligibility List of Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and others by Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and what it all could mean. They also talk about the upcoming recognition of the Pete Rozelle Award by the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Brent Musberger for his career in football broadcasting. Lastly, the boys remember the life and career of White Sox' and Tifers' centre fielder Chet Lemon.

May 2025 - Howie Talks Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson on CJBQ-AM in Belleville

Wed, 14 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

On May 13, 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred took Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson off the ineligibility list, allowing them to be included on ballots for Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Howie appeared on CJBQ-AM in Belleville, Ontario to discuss this move by Manfred. Listen until the end for a Seinfeldian conclusion with producer Ted Bradford asking Howie a trivia question based on the show.

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Pop, Eddie and Bobby Orr's Iconic Goal

Sat, 10 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

In the latest Sports Lunatics Show episode, Shawn and Howie get back together after both were involved in the odyssey of moving. Howie is now back in Ottawa, where he grew up. The boys discuss the stroke that forced Gregg Popovich to have to leave his coaching responsibilities for the San Antonio Spurs, the passing of Philadelphia Flyers hard-rock defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup winner Ed Van Impe and they debate whether or not Bobby Orr's Stanley Cup clinching goal back in 1970 is indeed the most iconic goal in hockey history.

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Ed Van Impe

Wed, 07 May 2025 22:00:00 -0400

The great Philadelphia Flyer defenseman Ed Van Impe passed away on April 29. We wanted to put a segment together that remembered Van Impe, a true hard-rock D-man in an age of them. In his rookie year, he was runner-up for the Calder Trophy as the league's Rookie of the Year to one Bobby Orr. He was a mentor to the many young players that came through the Flyers' organization during his time there and he played an instrumental role in their two Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. And the moment most people remember him for took place in January of 1976 when the Flyers took on and defeated the Central Red Army in Super Series '76. Rest in Peace, Ed Van Impe.

May 2025 - Sports Lunatics - May 4, 1980, 1989 & 1993

Thu, 01 May 2025 22:00:00 -0400

Howie is hosting and flying solo and he hits the Wayback Machine to go back to May 4 in 1980, 1989 and 1993. He looks at a night in Bloomington, Minnesota when the Flyers' Bill Barber scored four goals to help his team to a win over the hometown North Stars, then he heads forward to follow the defection of Alexander Mogilny to the United States so he could escape the repression of the Soviet Union and play for real money with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. It's life and death as Mogilny and his stewards, Gerry Meehan and Don Luce of the Sabres do their best to avoid the KGB and get their player out of Stockholm and home to Western New York. Then he looks at how the new commissioner, Gary Bettman, will handle the vicious hit that the Capitals' Dale Hunter put on the Islanders' Pierre Turgeon after Turgeon had scored a goal to put the nail in the coffin of the Caps in the playoffs that year. Hope you find this episode interesting.

Apr 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Rory Gets His Slam, It's NHL Playoff Time, Remembering Ray Shero

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In their latest episode, the Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, look at Rory McIlroy winning the 2025 Masters and achieving his career Grand Slam. They talk about why it was such a compelling weekend of golf television. It's NHL Playoff time and the boys talk about the matchups, the combinations and permutations. They also look back on the life and achievements of Ray Shero and then discuss Ray's father Fred who coached the Flyers to consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the mid 70s.

April 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Ray Shero and his father Fred Shero

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Long time NHL executive Ray Shero passed away this week at the age of 62. In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look back on Ray's career and they reflect on the career of his father, Fred, as well. Ray was the assistant general manager of the Ottawa Senators, the general manager of the Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penguins, the New Jersey Devils and an advisor to the Minnesota Wild. Both Ray and Fred have their names on the Cup. Fred was the mastermind coach of Philadelphia's 'Broad Street Bullies' that won the Cup in 1974 and 1975. He was the first winner of the Jack Adams Award as the league's Coach of the Year. His innovative coaching techniques took the Flyers from mediocrity to glory. This episode proves to end in fun.

April 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Alex Ovechkin Passes Wayne Gretzky with Goal #895

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0400

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Alex Ovechkin scored a goal against the New York Islanders in a 4-1 Caps loss. That goal was the 895th of his career allowing him to surpass Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. Shawn and Howie discuss the day, Ovechkin's feat and whether there might be a present-day player who might be able to pass whatever Ovie's final total might be. There are a bunch of weird and wonderful statistical nuggets that came out of this record as well, and the boys touch on many of them.

April 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Vladdy Jr. Signs, Greg Millen, The Clemente Debacle in Pittsburgh

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0400

It seems like there is so much happening at the same time these days. At the same time as Alexander Ovechkin was scoring the goal that broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL record (another episode), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was agreeing to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays, the hockey world lost Greg Millen, and the Pittsburgh Pirates were dealing with a public relations nightmare while insulting the family of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. Shawn and Howie deal with all of this. It's another lively episode.

April 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Scottie, Tiger, Jack; Mark Laforest; The Ovie Chase

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie start off with a quote from Bubba Watson about how Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season was better than Tiger Woods' 2000 year. They bring up a number of great years and great eras in golf history in discussing Bubba's quote. They remember the great hockey character who was Mark "Trees" Laforest. And they add their possibly final opinions about Alex Ovechkin and his chase of Wayne Gretzky's NHL goals record. Will he break in this season? We'll have to wait and see. It's a fun episode

Mar 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering George Foreman

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look back at the life and the many sides of the former heavyweight champion, George Foreman. They also look back on what was the greatest era of boxing in their lifetimes. The good, the bad, the winners and the losers. It's about the life and career of George Foreman.....from his gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to his defeating Joe Frazier to win the heavyweight championship of the world to losing it the next year to Muhammad Ali and coming back a different person to win the belt back at 45 against Michael Moorer in 1994 to the George Foreman Grills that were everywhere later on. Everyone at The Sports Lunatics Show hopes that you enjoy this one.

Mar 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Tiger Woods and Various Impactful Athletes of our Lifetimes

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

This episode began as a discussion of Tiger Woods and his dominance of golf through his prime years and it became a conversation of great and impactful athletes who dominated during the lifetimes of Shawn and Howie. It brought back memories for both of them. Hope you enjoy it.

March 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Feinstein, Trautwig, Oliver Miller and Junior Bridgeman

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

As they've done many times in the past with other sports figures, Shawn and Howie look back and celebrate the lives of John Feinstein, Al Trautwig, Oliver Miller and Junior Bridgeman.

Mar 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Elbows Up, Canada and Remembering Mike Lange

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the boys talk about the meaning of 'Elbows Up', the toughness of Gordie Howe, Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record and Shawn tells a touching story about his conversations with the late Mike Lange.

Howie Appears on The Lorne Brooker Show on CJBQ with Zach McGibbon and Ted Bradford

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:00:00 -0500

On March 5, 2025, Howie was a guest on The Lorne Brooker Show on CJBQ AM800 in Belleville. Zach McGibbon and Ted Bradford had a fun conversation with Howie as they talked about his latest book, The Consequences of Chance. The book is available on Amazon.

Mar 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Four Nations Faceoff and The Tarnishing of The Great One

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Shawn and Howie get together to discuss their feelings about the outcome of the NHL's outstandingly successful Four Nations Face Off and the fallout of the Canadian victory in both a hockey milieu and everything else that came with that. They also talk about the tarnishing of the image and legacy of former Canadian hero and icon Wayne Gretzky in his home country.

Feb 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Miracle on Ice 45th Anniversary & Five Years of The Sports Lunatics - Their First Show

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

February of 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the United States' Miracle on Ice victory over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid in 1980. It's also the anniversary of Shawn and Howie's first show which happened to discuss that American victory at those fateful Olympic Games. Here is the repackaged first ever episode of The Sports Lunatics Show from February of 2020 as the boys talk about Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig, Herb Brooks and the incredible hockey win that changed the course of hockey in the United States.

Feb 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Oh Canada! 4 Nations Face-off Reaction

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shawn goes solo with his impassioned reaction to the Four Nations Face Off and Canada's dramatic overtime victory over the United States.

Feb 2025 - Sports Lunatics - The Super Bowl Fallout, Pro Football Hall of Fame and Baseball Hall of Fame

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the latest episode of the show, Shawn and Howie talk about the Super Bowl, whether the Kansas City Chiefs are a dynasty or if they're finished, whether Patrick Mahomes is on his way to becoming the GOAT or not and Sequon Barkley's place in football history or as a Super Bowl performer. They also discuss the selections for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall as well. Who might deserve to be in the Football Hall that's not yet in? That's in there too.

Feb 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Sports Dynasties, Present and Past, Good or Bad?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year, time to find out which NFL team will achieve supremacy. Will the Kansas City Chiefs establish themselves as a true dynasty? What about other teams that have proven themselves as a dynasty? Both today, or in the 2000s or 50 and 60 years ago. Shawn and Howie share a spirited conversation about teams that have held power over their sports over the last six decades and whether they are good or bad for their sports. It's worth the listen.

Feb 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Torts' Milestone, Flower's Legacy and Remembering Shawn Simpson

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss John Tortorella's career and highlights after he coached his 1,600th NHL game this past week. They also look at the career of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, especially punctuated by the ovation given him by the fans of the Canadiens in Montreal after his last game there. The boys also remember and pay tribute to Ottawa's Shawn Simpson, goalie for the 1987 Team Canada Junior team, member of the Washington Capitals' family and sports broadcaster after he passed away this week.

Jan 2025 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Bob Uecker

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:00:00 -0500

On January 16, 2025, Bob Uecker passed away. Shawn and Howie discuss the life of the catcher-turned-play-by-play man, pitchman, actor and personality. Howie's grandmother used to say that "It takes a brilliant man to play the clown." Uecker's ability to tell stories and make everyone laugh illustrated his brilliance. Uecker was 90 when he passed away.

Jan 2025 - Sports Lunatics - January 1 Bowl Games and Remembering Greg Gumbel

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shawn and Howie discuss how January 1 Bowl games seem different today from the way they used to be. They talk about their thoughts on the playoff system in college football today and their memories of some their first January Bowl games and some great college teams they've seen in their lives. They also discuss what Greg Gumbel meant to each of them after his passing after Christmas of 2024.

Dec 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Rickey Henderson

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:00:00 -0500

On December 21, 2024, Rickey Henderson passed away. He was a Hall of Famer who was one of the greatest baseball players of his generation. He had strength, speed and personality. He stole more bases and scored more runs than anyone else in the history of the game. Shawn and Howie remember the legend who passed away too soon.

Dec 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Festivus Airing of Grievances

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shawn and Howie celebrate Festivus and in so doing, they have their Airing of Grievances. They talk about a bunch of things that bother them in sports today. Pricing at sports events, break dancing at the Olympics, bad owners of pro sports teams......there are a number of things that get skewered in this first of what may eventually become an annual thing.

Dec 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Dick Allen, Dave Parker Get Into BBHOF, 40th Anniversary of Gary Carter Trade

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

After a long wait, Dick Allen and Dave Parker have selected by the Era Committee to enter Baseball's Hall of Fame. Shawn and Howie discuss the two men and their feelings about their selections. Shawn has mixed in some wonderful audio as well. Also, December 10, 2024 was the 40th anniversary of the day that the Montreal Expos dealt Gary Carter to the New York Mets for four players. The trade changed the fortunes of the two franchises as it sent the Mets to a World Series win a couple of seasons later.

Dec 2024 - Sports Lunatics - December 8 In Three Different Years Past

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Back when Shawn and Howie started The Sports Lunatics Show, one of their ideas for the show was to talk about things that had happened on that day in years past. In this episode, Howie talks about three different things that happened on December 8 in 1967, 1977 and 1987. He looks at the Oakland Seals, Earl Campbell and the first goalie to ever score a goal by shooting it down the ice into an empty net, Ron Hextall. We hope you like it.

Nov 2024 - Memories of The Bob Guertin Arena with Ken Warren

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0500

This was a great conversation between Howie and the Ottawa Citizen's Ken Warren. Ken used to be a part of the sports department and now writes news. But as soon as the two men began talking they reverted back to the 1990s when they crossed paths at sports venues all over the city. The more they talked about the old barn in Gatineau, the more they laughed and, as Ken warns, if you listen to this, you may want to have a quart of Molson and Howie adds that you may also want back bacon on a bun. Make that quart a Laurentide! Enjoy, everyone!

Nov 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Is McDavid a 2000-Point Man? How Good Is Vasilevskiy? Memories of the Astrodome.

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0500

In a multi-layered episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss the efficiency and speed with which Connor McDavid was able to reach the 1,000-point mark. But, can he make it to 2,000 points? What will the major impediment be for the Oilers' star? Andrei Vasilevskiy has reached 300 wins incredibly quickly? What is his ceiling? The boys also talk about the special qualities of the Houston Astrodome. It's not being used as a sports venue right now, but what are some of the great memories of the old building that was once known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World"?

Nov 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Jeremy Roenick's Speech, The Fragility of Pro Careers, John Robinson

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0500

On Monday, November 11, the Hockey Hall of Fame held their induction night. Among the many speeches, one stood out. Jeremy Roenick gave a speech that had everyone, not just those in the venue itself, but all those watching on television and looking in on social media afterward as well, spellbound. He thanked people, apologized to people and told stories about his career. One poignant moment illustrated the moment when a player realizes that his career might be over before they want it to be. But, eventually, a call came from his 'angel', and he got to finish his career in northern California. Shawn and Howie also talk about the life and career of former great football coach John Robinson. Enjoy this spirited episode.

Nov 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Howie and SiriusXM's Mick Kern Talk About the 2024 World Series

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This was a great conversation between Howie and the host of Under Review on SiriusXM's NHL Network Channel about the 2024 World Series. Mick is NOT a fan of the Dodgers, but he felt the better team won. Both guys made some great points and the conversation was interesting and lively. At the end, they talked about what was wrong with the Boston Bruins. They also discussed the Habs and a little about the Senators as well. It was a fun conversation.

Nov 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The 2024 World Series, the Boston Bruins and Bob Costas Retiring

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie talk about how the 2024 World Series unfolded, they discuss a conversation Howie had with SiriusXM host Mick Kern about that World Series and the futures of NHL coaches Jim Montgomery, Martin St. Louis and Mike Sullivan. It's a fun and spirited conversation and a great episode.

Oct 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Howie's New Book The Consequences of Chance Is Now Available

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Howie sits down with Shawn to talk about his latest book, The Consequences of Chance. It follows in the vein of his first two books, Crazy Days & Wild Nights and MORE Crazy Days & Wild Nights. This new book features stories on the exclusion of golfers of colour by the PGA and Augusta National, how the 1975 New York Islanders almost came back from two 0-3 deficits in consecutive series, how the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s dynasty days ended, how 18-year-old Wayne Gretzky scored his first NHL goal, the story of the Montreal Expos' Dennis Martinez' 1991 perfect game and the emotion of John McDonald's Father's Day home run almost immediately following his father's funeral. There is more emotion in this book than in Howie's previous books and the boys discuss it in this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show.

Oct 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Fernando Valenzuela Tribute

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela passed away on October 22, 2024 at the age of 63. On this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie recount the life, the career and the legacy of the great left-hander. From his amazing 1981 season, to his stellar 1986 campaign, to his 1990 no-hitter, to his post-baseball life as the color analyst on the Dodgers' Spanish broadcasts. He touched fans everywhere with his talent, his determination and his heart. In 1981, he was the only man ever to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. His brilliance was intensely evident between 1981 and 1986. Shawn incorporated a ton of amazing audio to enhance this show. The boys give Fernando the respect he deserved.

Oct 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Whit Tucker, Night of NHL Milestones and The Consequences of Chance

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0400

On October 16, 2024, All-Star CFL receiver Whit Tucker passed away. He was 83. Howie was a kid but he has memories of watching Tucker play in the 1960s. Tucker was part of the Ottawa Rough Riders' three-headed monster of quarterback Russ Jackson, halfback Ron Stewart and Tucker. That Riders' team went to four Grey Cups in the decade of the '60s, winning three of them. That night also saw some great players hit NHL milestones. Sidney Crosby notched point number 1600 and his Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin scored the 500th career goal. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin was collecting his 700th assist. That allowed him to join an elite club of players who scored 700 goals and assisted on 700 other goals.
Lastly, one of the Sports Lunatics, Howie Mooney, has put out his third book. The Consequences of Chance is a collection of seventeen stories that follow in the same vein as his first two books, Crazy Days & Wild Nights and MORE Crazy Days & Wild Nights. The boys talk about the book and how Howie got into writing and how he enjoys researching the stories he writes.

Oct 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Dikembe Mutombo and Luis Tiant and Retiring Vince Carter's Jersey

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400

The morning that Pete Rose passed away, a giant in basketball also lost his life. Dikembe Mutombo was one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history. But as great as he was on the court, he was also great off the court in his philanthropic endeavours and just the way he carried himself with every person he met. Shawn and Howie discuss Mutombo's life and legacy as well as how the retirement of Vince Carter's jersey is going over in Toronto and also the passing of the great pitcher, Luis Tiant.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Pete Rose

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0400

Pete Rose was one of the greatest players in baseball history. He collected more base hits than anyone else in the game's storied past. But he was a flawed individual. While manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and possibly while a player, he gambled on baseball. That's a stark contravention of Baseball's Rule 21, which states that Gambling on baseball is NOT allowed. In 1989, Rose, the game's 'Hit King' was banned from baseball and the Baseball Hall of Fame has kept his name off ballots ever since. In this edition of The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie examine and discuss Pete's life and career. Shawn added some amazing audio to the conversation as well. At 40 minutes, it's well worth the listen.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Oakland A's Leave Town

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shawn and Howie discuss the Oakland Athletics' John Fisher leaving the city for a minor league park in Sacramento in the hopes of eventually moving to Las Vegas. Shawn did an amazing job in adding some great audio to the real raw emotion of this show. The relocation of a franchise is one of the saddest things that can happen to a city. The fans are the biggest victims in these situations.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Shohei's Amazing Night, Sid the Kid's Extension, Jagr's Longevity

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 22:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look at the night that Shohei Ohtani created the 50-50 club -- 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. Was it the greatest night by a hitter in the history of baseball? Has Shohei become must-see TV? How likely was it that anyone could hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in the same season? The boys discuss that and a whole lot more, including Sidney Crosby signing an extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins for $8.7 million per season until the end of the 2026-2027 campaign. They also examine the longevity of the great Jaromir Jagr and they talk about some of the latest written stories that have appeared on thesportslunatics.com . 51:29 minutes.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - James Earl Jones and How He Touched The Hearts of Sports Fans

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

James Earl Jones passed away on September 9, 2024. He was the consummate actor, the pro's pro. His IMDb page is extensive when it comes to the sheer numbers of credits he amassed over a sixty year career. Yes, he provided the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars. But there are a few of his movies that have great significance to sports fans. In The Great White Hope, he portrayed the great Black boxing champion Jack Johnson and the racism that Johnson was forced to deal with in the early 20th century. In The Greatest he played civil rights icon Malcolm X in the movie about the great Muhammad Ali. Then, in The Sandlot, he was the former baseball great, now blind, who helps the kids deal with their issue regarding a signed Babe Ruth ball. And, in Field of Dreams, as reclusive author, Terence Mann, he helps Kevin Costner's character realize he had to build the ball diamond in the middle of his corn field. Field of Dreams has been such an important film in the minds and lives of so many baseball fans and Shawn and Howie discuss Jones' career and a lot about his roles in the aforementioned movies.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - NFL Forgotten Stars

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss former NFL players that their listeners have named on their Facebook page as perhaps being forgotten. The list of names is wide-ranging and you might know them well. But others may not. Names like many from the 1960s Green Bay Packers to stars from the 1970s and '80s are thrown around here and the boys examine their lives and careers. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane.

Sept 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Untimely Loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

On the evening of Thursday, August 29, the lives of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were taken when they were struck by a car as they were riding bicycles on a road in Oldman's Township, NJ. They had just attended the wedding rehearsal and dinner for their sister and her fiancee and were to be groomsmen at the ceremony the next day. Tributes began pouring in immediately upon the news being broken. The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, look at the night and the careers of the brothers, and discuss their own feelings about the events that unfolded in New Jersey that night.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Joey Votto, Judge, Ohtani, Danny Jansen & Sven-Goran Eriksson

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:00:00 -0400

Joey Votto's baseball career came to an end last week. Shawn and Howie look at how it went down, Votto's brilliant career and whether or not he'll be a Hall of Famer or not. Aaron Judge reached 300 homers faster than anyone in the history of the game. Can he break his own American League record for roundtrippers? Shohei Ohtani joined the 40/40 club -- that is the players who have hit 40 homers and stolen 40 bases in the season. Can he become the only member of the 50/50 club? Danny Jansen became the only man in baseball history to play for both teams in a single game. What does that even mean? The boys also discuss the passing of soccer manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - A Look Back, A CFL Style Compilation

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, we've compiled a trio of interviews with some of our favourite guests. But really, anytime we can talk to CFL people, it's a good day. Canadian Football League people are always so nice. Howie got to speak to Jo-Anne Polak, the first woman to be the general manager of a North American professional sports team. She was the Ottawa Rough Riders' GM from 1989 to 1991 and her stories and experiences are incredible. Jed Roberts played thirteen seasons for the Edmonton Eskimos and played every position on the defensive front seven as well as being the team's all-time leader in special teams tackles and, when he retired, was the fourth all-time in league history. Pat Stoqua was a slot receiver for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the late 1970s and early '80s. He played in the 1981 Grey Cup. The Riders were 22.5 point underdogs and came within an eyelash and a double-interference penalty away from one of the greatest upsets in league history. The vaunted Esks had to get a last-second Dave Cutler field goal to give themselves victory. Stoqua was also the MVP in the East Final upset win over the Hamilton Ti-Cats. Three great conversations and some amazing stories from each of them.

The Sports Lunatics - The History of Sports Play-By-Play on Radio

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Are you a sports enthusiast with a passion for history? Tune in to The Sports Lunatics Show with Shawn Lavigne as he takes you on an exhilarating journey through the incredible history of sports play-by-play on the radio.

In this special episode, Shawn delves into the golden era of radio broadcasting, highlighting the pioneers and trailblazers who brought the excitement of live sports to millions of listeners. From the early days of crackling AM signals to the crystal-clear FM broadcasts, these iconic voices have left an indelible mark on the world of sports.

Join Shawn Lavigne as he celebrates the voices that made sports history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of sports broadcasting, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.

Don’t miss out on this nostalgic trip down memory lane! Listen to The Sports Lunatics Show on your favorite podcast platform today.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - A Look Back, A Compilation, What We're About - Part 1

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400

As we approach our one-year anniversary of managing our own podcasts, Here's a small collection from past episodes to give you an example of what our show is all about. Shawn and Howie introduced or re-introduced themselves to the Ottawa market in their debut show on terrestrial radio on CKDJ-FM in Ottawa. Howie broke Mick Kern's heart by asking him about the 1981 Montreal Expos. Howie and Shawn discussed the demise of the Expos and the heyday of minor league baseball in Canada in the 1990s. And Howie talked with hockey historian Liam Maguire about the life and legacy of the great Guy Lafleur after The Flower's passing in 2022. Enjoy the show. Share it with your sports-loving friends and tell them what The Sports Lunatics are all about.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Importance of June 17, 1994 on Sports and Television Broadcasting History

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0400

The audio quality of this Sports Lunatics Show episode was not top notch, but the overall quality and importance of this date in history remains unquestionable. Shawn and Howie go through all the important points of the day, from the final US Open round of Arnold Palmer's career, the New York Rangers' Stanley Cup parade, the opening of the 1994 Soccer World Cup, Ken Griffey's chase for the fastest 30 home runs in baseball history, Game Five of the NBA finals, they were all overshadowed by the police chase through the streets of Los Angeles of O. J. Simpson. What did it mean at the time? What did it mean to the future of sports broadcasting? What did it herald for the future of reality TV? What did it say about the television viewing audience? The boys look at all this in this very special episode rebroadcast of The Sports Lunatics Show.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Futility of the Chicago White Sox and The Day Jim Rice Saved a Boy's Life at Fenway

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shawn and Howie discuss the Chicago White Sox after they had lost their 90th game of the season against just 28 wins. They discuss the possible motivations of Jerry Reinsdorf and the possible movement of the club to a location in downtown Chicago. They also talk about other long losing skids in baseball involving the 1969 Montreal Expos and the 1988 Baltimore Orioles. They also talked about the day in August of 1982 when the quick thinking of Boston great Jim Rice saved the life of a 4-year-old boy who was hit in the head by a line drive foul ball during a game at Fenway Park. There's a lot to unpack here.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Jed Roberts talks Waddell Smith and Great Edmonton CFL Dynasty, Shawn talks Olympics and Chi Chi Rodriguez

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

This was a fun episode to put together. Howie hosts and talks with 13-year Edmonton Eskimos' veteran Jed Roberts about the passing of star wide receiver Waddell Smith and the great run the team had not only winning five straight Grey Cups from 1978 to 1982 but their playoff streak of 34 years from 1972 to 2005. Jed is such a down-to-earth guy and shares little details of life in pro football, CFL style. Shawn joins Howie in the second half of the show to talk Paris Olympics and the passing of golfing legend and personality Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Aug 2024 - Sports Lunatics - CANWNT 2024 Olympics/Drone Incident, Murray Costello Passes Away, 1976 Montreal Olympics

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 22:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shawn and Howie tackle a few topics. They start by examining the 2024 Canadian soccer program and the drone incidents, their effects on the team, the reactions to the team, the penalties, the suspensions and FIFA's possible sanctions in the future with regards to the 2026 World Cup. They then look at the life, career, accomplishments and legacy of Murray Costello, player, administrator and former head of Hockey Canada. Shawn asks Howie about some of his memories of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, their legacies, both good and bad and some of the great moments of those games. They finish by talking a little about Reggie Jackson and what he meant in baseball back in the 1970s and today.

July 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Mascot Show

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0400

It's summer...the dog days.....and Howie and Shawn talk about mascots and sports entertainers they have seen or experienced through their lives. Everyone from Mr. Met to the Philly Phanatic to Youppi to Gritty and other personalities like Barry Bremen, the Great Sports Impostor and Morganna, The Kissing Bandit. It was a fun and sometimes funny episode!

July 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Orlando Cepeda and The Greatness of Bo Jackson

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss the life and career of Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda and they also examine the greatness of football and baseball star, Bo Jackson. A lot of great memories in this episode.

July 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The 2024 Stanley Cup, The Conn Smythe and the HHOF Selections

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss their levels of happiness with the outcome of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, Connor McDavid's decision not to come out to receive the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Hockey Hall of Fame selections for 2024. They don't necessarily agree on everything either. It was a spirited and interesting discussion.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Willie Mays, and Reggie Jackson Talks Racism

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400

On June 18, 2024, Willie Mays passed away at the age of 93. Mays was unquestionably one of the greatest ever to play the game. So many tremendous exploits and highlights in his career. He played with Birmingham in the Negro Leagues and had the opportunity to play with the Red Sox, but ownership and upper management didn't want a Black player on their roster. At a major league game in Birmingham, held the same week as Mays' passing, Reggie Jackson talked openly on FOX-TV about the spectre of racism that hung over the game and the country at the time Mays (and Jackson) came into the major leagues. It was an incredible and fascinating week in baseball.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering Jerry West and Chet Walker

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Due to circumstances beyond our control, life has taken both Shawn and Howie away from doing what we love, and that is talking about sports history. NBA great Jerry West passed away as did Chet Walker. The boys talk about the two men and their basketball legacies.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Reggie Jackson's Response to Alex Rodriguez' question on MLB on FOX

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Reggie Jackson's Response to Alex Rodriguez' question on MLB on FOX about coming back to Birmingham, Alabama, where he played his minor league ball. His response is frank, honest and he talks directly and openly about the racism he encountered while there.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Rebroadcast - 13-Year Edmonton Eskimos' Vet Jed Roberts Interview

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

This is long overdue. A rebroadcast of the interview Howie did with the 13-year veteran of the Edmonton Eskimos, Jed Roberts. Jed was a defensive end, linebacker and special teams stalwart through his CFL career from 1990-2002. He is incredibly frank as he discusses his time in the league. He talks about teammates and coaches like Henry "Gizmo" Williams, Randy Ambrosie, Signor Mobley, Rod Smart, also known as 'He Hate Me' from original XFL fame. He also talks about former coaches Ron Lancaster, Don Matthews and Kay Stephenson.
He talks about playing during the "American Experiment", playing in Las Vegas in the dead of summer, Shreveport, Birmingham and never playing in Baltimore. He talks about the city of Edmonton and how it was like "a small town disguised as a big city", and the wonderful things that come with that.
He tells amazing stories about having the Grey Cup and then forgetting where it was. He also talks about his father, star Ottawa Rough Rider, Jay Roberts, and what it was like being the son of a CFL great. He also talks about the time his dad drove him to the home of ex-CFLer and amputee Karl Hilzinger and leaving him there for a day.
He also talks about life as a hearing-impaired man playing in the Canadian Football League.
It's an incredible conversation. We hope you enjoy it.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Connor McDavid, The Negro Leagues Stats Integration and Larry Allen

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn asks Howie about Connor McDavid's legacy in getting to the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals and the Oilers' possible victory. The boys assess McDavid's place among the all-time greats at this point in his career. They also discuss Major League Baseball's decision to integrate the statistics from the Negro Leagues of Baseball with those of the National and American Leagues and the furor that erupted from that decision. Lastly, they talk about the life and career of one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, Larry Allen who passed away while on vacation with his family at the age of 52.

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Rebroadcast - Henry Aaron 715, Jackie Robinson Day and Heroes We Lost

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Wow! This is one from the archives! A show from the first few months of our podcast. It's from April of 2020 and we talk about Henry Aaron's 715th home run versus Barry Bonds' 756th and other records. We talk about Jackie Robinson Day and what it means to us, and we also discuss some of the heroes we lost from that time. At the beginning of the show, we talk about some of the new platforms we were on at that time and the dawning of our then-new Facebook page. There are a few things in this one that date it but it's a compelling (and fun) classic episode of The Sports Lunatics Show. Shawn and Howie both hope you enjoy this golden oldie......

June 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Remembering the Player, the Broadcaster, the Man That Was Bill Walton

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie look at the life and career of Bill Walton. Walton was an amazing basketball player, a one-of-a-kind broadcaster, and a man who was so loved by everyone who met him. Shawn and Howie engage in such a spirited conversation and Shawn employs his skills as a producer to include so many great audio clips. This episode will leave you with goosebumps. As Shawn said, "I'd want to run through a wall for Bill Walton." As Howie said, "As we pass away, all we are are the stories that people tell about us." If that's the case, Bill Walton was so much to so many people.

May 2024 - NHL Stars Who Never Won a Stanley Cup - Part 1

Fri, 24 May 2024 23:00:00 -0400

It's NHL Playoff time and conversations generally turn to which great star has yet to win a Stanley Cup. In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss a few great players who went through their careers without ever sipping from Lord Stanley's Mug. In this particular episode, you'll hear stories about Marcel Dionne, Jarome Iginla, Dale Hawerchuk, Mike Gartner and Peter Stastny. Enjoy the show, everyone.

May 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Rebroadcast - Bodog's Top 10 Canadian Athletes List - Good or Bad?

Fri, 17 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In the spring of 2022, Bodog put out a list of what they thought were the Top 10 Canadian athletes of all time. Immediately, Shawn and Howie took issue with the composition of the list. They discuss the integrity of the Bodog list and which athletes might be valid and which are not as well as who they thought were missing from it. It was a fun and a lively episode.

Remembering Toronto Maple Leafs Great Ron Ellis - The Sports Lunatics Show

Sun, 12 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Former Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Ron Ellis, one of only five men who have played over 1,000 games while wearing the blue and white, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024. He was 79. He played his entire 15-year career with the Leafs. Ellis was a stellar defensive forward while at the same time, scoring twenty goals in eleven different seasons. In this edition of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie examine the life and career of one of the most popular Maple Leafs ever.

May 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Rebroadcast - Interview with Lisa Bowes, TSN Reporter & Anchor and Celebrated Children's Author

Fri, 10 May 2024 23:00:00 -0400

In April of 2023, I got to sit down with Lisa Bowes. Lisa was a field reporter and sports anchor for The Sports Network in Canada. She is now a successful author. Her Lucy Tries Sports series of children's books is not just a story of success though, it's also a story of persistence and never giving up on a dream. Enjoy this classic Sports Lunatics Show rebroadcast!

Are The Toronto Maple Leafs Cursed? - The Sports Lunatics Show

Mon, 06 May 2024 15:00:00 -0400

After yet another gut-wrenching Game 7 loss in the opening round of the NHL Playoffs, the eternal question looms large over Toronto: Are the Maple Leafs cursed? It's been 57 long years since the franchise hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1967, and with each passing season, the weight of expectation seems to grow heavier. The Sports Lunatics' Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney delve deep into the tumultuous history of the Maple Leafs, exploring six decades of organizational missteps, playoff heartbreaks, and the tantalizing prospect of a new era in Toronto.

May 2024 - Sports Lunatics - NHL Forgotten Stars Part 5

Thu, 02 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In Part 5 of their series on NHL Forgotten Stars, Shawn and Howie go over another group of names that were submitted by members of The Sports Lunatics Show's Facebook group page. In this episode, they discuss Danny Gare, Terry O'Reilly, Craig Janney, J.C. Tremblay and a couple more players that some may have lost track of over time.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - We Remember Bob Cole

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0400

We lost Bob Cole on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. In this Sports Lunatics Show episode, Shawn and Howie look back at Bob's life and career, from his trip as a 23-year-old who went to Toronto to meet Foster Hewitt unannounced to play his audition tape to working on Hockey Night in Canada to becoming their top play-by-play man. They also discuss many of the amazing things Cole did outside his work as the preeminent personality on Canadian hockey broadcasts for more than four decades. When you think about the principal men who have called games on Hockey Night in Canada - Foster Hewitt, Danny Gallivan, Bob Cole, Jim Hughson and Chris Cuthbert - you have a string of hockey royalty that runs almost a hundred years. There are plenty of audio highlights from his career.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Rebroadcast - Interview with Liam Maguire on the Life of Guy Lafleur

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

On April 22, 2022, former Montreal Canadiens great Guy Lafleur passed away after a battle with cancer. Howie sat down with the noted and often-published hockey historian Liam Maguire to talk about the life, career and legacy of The Flower. Liam talked about what made Guy Lafleur so great, so revered and so admired. It was a spirited and a visceral conversation. Liam had been asked to do many media requests in a very small window of time and we were thrilled to be able to have him on the show.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Great Individual Playoff Performances

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 22:00:00 -0400

It seems that every year, somebody has an outstanding playoff performance that extends through their team's entire run. They may not win the Stanley Cup, but they capture the imagination of hockey fans everywhere for as long as their club is alive. Shawn and Howie discuss a number of great playoff performances from over the past fifty years. From Chris Kontos in 1989 to Ken Dryden in 1971 to John Druce in 1990 to Reggie Leach in 1976 to Dwayne Roloson, Fernando Pisani and Chris Pronger in 2006. The boys take us on a trip through some memorable moments in hockey history.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The NHL's Forgotten Stars, Part Four

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0400

A few weeks back, Shawn posted a question on our Sports Lunatics Show Facebook page asking members to mention a former NHL star whom they feel has been forgotten. Our listeners responded incredibly. Here's the fourth in our series in which Shawn and Howie discuss a few more former players. In this episode, we talk about Adam Oates, Bob Baun, Mats Naslund, Jason Blake, Ray Bourque and Pavel Bure. Thanks to Jason Radey, James Perry, Denise Karl and Rick Jones for their suggestions. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - A Special CKDJ/Ottawa Episode

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 22:00:00 -0400

The Sports Lunatics Show can be heard on CKDJ 107.9FM in Ottawa. In honour of their being included in their rotation, Shawn and Howie recorded a special episode of The Sports Lunatics Show for the National Capital Region. In it they discuss their Ottawa sports memories and what it meant to each of them growing up there.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - O.J. Simpson Has Died

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

On April 11, 2024, we got the news that O.J. Simpson had succumbed to cancer. He became one of the most polarizing figures in the world back in June of 1994 after the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. He had been a great football player, a Hall of Famer, a broadcaster, a commercial pitchman and a movie actor. But all that was forgotten after that day in June. His chase in the Ford Bronco compelled millions to be glued to their television sets for days and months afterward. Shawn and Howie discuss Simpson, that week in June and so much more on the life and impact of O.J. Simpson.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The NHL's Forgotten Stars, Part Three

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Shawn posted a question on The Sports Lunatics Facebook page asking members to list former NHL stars that they feel have become forgotten. People responded magnificently and here is another episode in which the boys talk about a few more of the players that the members mentioned. In this episode, we talk about Brad Park, Bill Goldsworthy and Pat Lafontaine. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Apr 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The NHL's Forgotten Stars, Part Two

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Recently, on our Sports Lunatics Show Facebook page, Shawn asked the members to name a one-time NHL star whom they now viewed as forgotten. Shawn and Howie discuss those players and what made them great. In this one, we look at players like Marcel Dionne, Al Secord, Pierre Turgeon, Andy Bathgate, Luc Robitaille and Ronny Ellis. Thanks again to all the loyal members who are the engine who make the Sports Lunatics Show Facebook page go!

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The NHL's Forgotten Stars, Part 1

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Recently, on our Sports Lunatics Show Facebook page, Shawn asked our members to name a one-time NHL star whom they viewed today as forgotten. We discuss those players and what made them great on this episode. Players like Kenny Wharram, Steve Larmer, Larry Murphy and Guy Lapointe. Thank you to our loyal members who keep the Facebook site hopping all the time!

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Our NHL Mt. Rushmores - Numbers 5 to 1

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, discuss their top ten NHL Mount Rushmores -- their top ten list of teams and each team's top four players of all time. It's not as easy at it might appear. In this one, they cover Teams 5 through to Number 1. Their choices are their own and some of their selections might surprise or even shock you. If you feel the same as Shawn and Howie or if you feel differently, don't be afraid to check out The Sports Lunatics Facebook Group Page and let them know how your thoughts on this or any other episode!

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Our NHL Mt. Rushmores - Numbers 10 to 6

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In their latest episode, The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, discuss their top ten NHL Mt. Rushmores -- that is their top ten list of teams and each team's top four players of all time. In this one, they cover Teams 10 through 6. Their choices are their own and some of their choices might surprise you.

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Retirements of Jason Kelce & Josh Donaldson, Chris Mortensen Passes Away

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 22:00:00 -0500

This week, we saw the retirements of Jason Kelce and Josh Donaldson. Shawn and Howie discuss what Kelce and Donaldson meant for their particular sports. They also talk about what Kelce meant as a person to both his family and to the people around him. They talk about memories of Donaldson, especially as a Blue Jay in 2015, his MVP year. The boys also go over the intelligence, integrity and the talent that Chris Mortensen brought from his newspaper background to the medium of television and how he helped so many others around him. 26 minutes.

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Success of Women's Sports & LeBron's 40,000 Points

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:00:00 -0500

Women's sports are thriving in 2024 and are expected to bring in record revenues this year. Shawn and Howie discuss the growth of sports on the women's side and how Caitlin Clark's success has revived talk about 'Pistol Pete' Maravich, whose points record she beat this past week. They also talk about LeBron James reaching the vaunted 40,000 career point mark and how he's continuing to outperform much younger NBA players as a 39-year-old veteran. 22 minutes.

Mar 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn & Howie's Top Ten NHL Mount Rushmores - The Preview Episode

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A few weeks ago, a Penguins fan posted a picture of Jaromir Jagr, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and proclaimed it to be the greatest NHL Mount Rushmore of any team in the league. Shawn immediately sent the post to Howie and they both agreed that there were teams in the league with better Top 4's than the Pens. In this episode, they discuss some of the teams, some of the players and some stories that will appear in their Top Ten NHL Mount Rushmores.

Feb 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Are All-Star Games Dead?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

After another month of enduring All-Star Games (and all the requisite skills competitions that come with them) in football, hockey and basketball, Shawn and Howie discuss whether or not there is any kind of future for these glorified exhibition games in which very few of the players actually care. Do you care about them? Leave your feedback on any of our platforms.

Feb 2024 - Sports Lunatics - 50th Anniversary Tim Horton's Passing and Penguins' Mt. Rushmore

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, talk about the 50th anniversary of the passing of Tim Horton, their memories and what it all meant to them. They share a couple of stories as well. Howie reacts to a post on social media that stated the Big Four (Crosby, Jagr, Lemieux, Malkin) of the Pittsburgh Penguins was or is the greatest Mount Rushmore of NHL players from any single team. 33 minutes.

Our Super Bowl Memories - The Sports Lunatics

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

It is Super Bowl time again!

Recorded in 2021, the Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney recap their favorite Super Bowl games, players, and moments. The guys reflect where they were in their lives and the great experiences watching the BIG game! It was a fun ride down memory lane!

What were your favorite Super Bowl memories?

Top 5 NHL Goaltenders Since 1970 - The Sports Lunatics

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney unveil their Top 5 NHL Goaltenders since 1970. The guys did not agree on much from Numbers 6-10 with a few surprises. Will they agree on the Top 5?

Give the show a listen and let us know what you think! Do you have a similar list as Shawn and Howie?

Please check us out on YouTube @sportslunatics8241

Jan 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn and Howie Pick Their Top Ten Goalies Since 1970 - Part 1 - #10 to #6

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics, Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney, went back through more than fifty years of NHL play to select their top ten goalies from 1970 to the present. Some of their selections might be predictable and some may surprise you. Roy, Brodeur, Hasek, and many many more. This is Part 1. Numbers 5 to 1 will follow.

Jan 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn and Howie Talk Players and Jersey Numbers - 6-10

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0500

Recently, on the Sports Lunatics Show Facebook page, Shawn has been asking members to give the players they associate with certain jersey numbers. As time has gone by, he has gone number by number starting low and moving up. In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, the boys talk about who they associate with jersey numbers 6 through 10. Some of the names might be predictable and some may surprise you. Do theirs match yours? Listen and find out.

Jan 2024 - Bonus Show - BBHOF inducts Mauer, Helton, Beltre - Our reactions

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:00:00 -0500

On the evening of January 23, 2024, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted three new members -- Joe Mauer, Todd Helton and Adrian Beltre. Shawn and Howie discuss the new members and who else might have gone into the prestigious Hall.

Jan 2024 - Sports Lunatics - The Demise of Sports Illustrated

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Shawn and Howie discuss the fact that the publisher of Sports Illustrated has laid off all of its writers, signaling the eventual death of the once great magazine. The boys talk about their memories and the role the magazine played in their sporting futures. They talk with joy and sadness about the former sports publication of record.

2023 Year In Review - The Sports Lunatics

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney look back a the ups and downs from the sports world in 2023. Shawn and Howie cover everything they loved about sports in 2024 and what they hated. From Nick Taylor's incredible putt, to Aaron Rodgers injury, to LeBron passing Kareem, the guys breakdown every story that meant the most to them. They cover all the biggest headlines and newsmakers from 2023.

We hope you enjoy the show and have a great sports day!

Jan 2024 - Sports Lunatics - Shawn and Howie Talk Jersey Numbers & Players - 0 to 5

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Recently, on the Sports Lunatics Facebook page, Shawn has been asking members to give the players they associate with jersey numbers. As time has gone by, he has gone number by number starting low and moving up. In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, the boys talk about who they associate with jersey numbers 0 or 00 through 5. Some of the names might be predictable and some may surprise you. Do theirs match with yours? Listen and find out!

Carroll, Saban, and Belichick - A Historic Day in Football History - The Sports Lunatics

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0500

In a 24-hour period between January 10th and 11th, 3 monumental football coaching decisions were announced when Pete Carroll was no longer the head coach in Seattle, Nick Saban resigned as head coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft mutually parted ways in New England.

The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney react to all 3 coaching announcements and the historic legacy they each left behind in all 3 football markets and in football history.

Remembering 1973 Part Two - The Sports Lunatics

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney recap the second half of 1973 which featured the Battle of the Sexes in tennis, an incredible NFL milestone, and the A's dynasty continues in baseball.

Remembering 1973 Part One - The Sports Lunatics

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:00:00 -0500

To end 2023 The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney look back 50 years to recap the biggest sports moments and stars from 1973. In Part One, 1973 began on a somber note and in the first 6 months there were some incredible history making moments you may have forgot.

Top 5 Most Memorable Franchise Relocations - The Sports Lunatics

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

It is heartbreaking for any fanbase to lose their franchise when it is located to another city. The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney countdown their most memorable sports franchises that were relocated that left their fanbases devastated.

Dec 2023 - Motor City Greats: Willie Hernandez Remembered and Bye Bye Barry - The Sports Lunatics Show

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500

The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney look back at two remarkable Detroit sports greats Tigers Reliever Willie Hernandez and the icon Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions.

Shawn and Howie discuss Hernandez and the 1984 Detroit Tigers, who had one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history. Amazon Prime video released 'Bye Bye Barry' which documents Sanders Hall of Fame career and the real reason he left the field and retired leaving fans perplexed and upset.

Nov 2023 - Did Ovechkin and Crosby Save The NHL - The Sports Lunatics Show

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin recently told The Athletic that the NHL was saved by him and Sidney Crosby. The Sports Lunatics Shawn Lavigne and Howie Mooney discuss if that is a true statement. The conversation may surprise you!

Oct 2022 - Pat Stoqua of the Ottawa Rough Riders and the 1981 Grey Cup - Classic Rebroadcast

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Howie sits down with Pat Stoqua, slot receiver with the Ottawa Rough Riders in the early to mid 1980s. Pat was the outstanding player in the 1981 Eastern Final when Ottawa upset the first-place Hamilton Tiger-Cats and he talks about that game, the team's road to the Grey Cup and what transpired in that Canadian championship game. He also talks about playing basketball and football at Carleton University, and why he ultimately chose football over basketball.

Feb 2020 - Sports Lunatics Show Number 1 - The Miracle on Ice - 40th Anniversary

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0500

This is the very first episode of the Sports Lunatics Show and it just happened to be the 40th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Games. Shawn and Howie discuss the Americans' Olympic gold medal in Lake Placid and how it came to be. You'll notice a little bit different tenor and tempo to the show in those early days, but it's still an enjoyable listen.

May 2022 - Goalies Who Won the Conn Smythe Trophy

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Shawn and Howie discuss all the goalies who have won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Starting from Roger Crozier in 1966 and Glenn Hall in 1968 to Jonathan Quick in 2012 and Andrei Vasilevskiy in 2021. The people and their personalities.

Sports Lunatics Show - Episode 100, Memories From the First 2 1/2 Years Aug - 2022

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Shawn and Howie get together for The Sports Lunatics Show's 100th episode. They talk about some of the things they remember best from their first two and a half years on the air. Shawn weaves in audio of John Madden, Howard Cosell, and many many more for a wonderful collection of memories for both of them.

Nov - 2023 - The Incredible Baseball Life of Dusty Baker

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0500

Recently, Dusty Baker retired from managing and his long life in the game of baseball. The reason for his retirement might be surprising to you. Baker was either at the centre or on the periphery of so many great baseball moments as well. Shawn and Howie discuss many of those amazing times.

Mar - 2022 - An Amazing Conversation with Hockey Lifer, Physical Trainer Brian Patafie

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0500

Everybody has always said 'If you want the real story, talk to the trainers!' In this episode from the spring of 2022, Howie sits down with Brian Patafie. Brian was a hockey trainer for 44 years. By the time of this conversation, Brian was coming to the end of his hockey life and about to embark on his career in stand-up comedy. He is an open book and he tells stories from all his time in the hockey world. Brian worked in Junior hockey, the minor pro leagues, Europe and the National Hockey League and he spills the tea about Chuck Fletcher, Brian Kilrea, Flames owner Harley Hotchkiss, Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur and so many many more big names. He tells the stories from in the rooms and under the stands. This is a MUST-LISTEN. Great for long car rides or when you're working in the yard or the kitchen.

Nov - 2023 - Remembering Bobby Knight and the Legacy of Bruce Bochy

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Legendary but polarizing college basketball coach Bobby Knight passed away recently and Shawn and Howie discuss his life and legacy. They also talk about the Texas Rangers' World Series win and what it means for their manager, Bruce Bochy.

Oct - 2023 - Retiring: Christine Sinclair; Lives Lived: Sir Bobby Charlton, Dunc Wilson

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie discuss the greatness of Christine Sinclair. And they remember soccer great Sir Bobby Charlton and former NHL goaltender Dunc Wilson.

Jan - 2022 - Our Greatest Sports Disappointments

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In light of the Buffalo Bills losing their AFC Championship Game against Kansas City with 13 seconds left, Shawn and Howie talk about the greatest sports disappointments that each of them have experienced in their lifetimes. You might be able to relate with the boys. Or, you may have some of your own. 91 minutes.

Oct - 2023 - Which Managers Go To the Baseball HOF?

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie discuss which baseball managers that are on the current ballot deserve to get into the Hall of Fame. There are some great names on this ballot -- Jim Leyland, Cito Gaston, Lou Piniella, Dave Johnson. The boys have to choose between heart and mind.

Oct - 2023 - BONUS SHOW - Joe Carter Home Run - 30th Anniversary

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie go back thirty years and discuss what Joe Carter's 1993 World Series winning home run meant to each of them.

Oct - 2023 - Top 10 NHL Snipers In Our Lifetimes

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie didn't tell each other their lists ahead of time but they go through their top ten NHL snipers in each of their lifetimes. When it comes to the top goal scorers of all time, the boys have differing feelings and their debate became quite lively. Listen right to the end if you enjoy a little confrontation with your hockey talk.

Oct - 2023 - BONUS SHOW - Remembering George Reed/Our Love For the CFL

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie talk about the life and career of the great Saskatchewan Roughriders' running back, George Reed. From there, the boys extol the virtues of the Canadian Football League and what it means to be a fan on CFL Island.

Oct - 2023 - Lives Lived -- Dick Butkus and Tim Wakefield

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Shawn and Howie discuss the lives and careers of iconic Bears' linebacker Dick Butkus and star knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Butkus was the symbol of The City of the Big Shoulders. Wakefield, besides being a great pitcher, was a tremendous philanthropist as well. Terrible losses, both men.

June - 2023 - 30 Years Since The Habs Won The Cup, and the loss of The Iron Sheik

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shawn and Howie discuss the Montreal Canadiens' Stanley Cup victory in 1993 -- the last Cup win by a Canadian team. Howie was in the Forum that night. The Lunatics also talk about the passing of the iconic wrestler, The Iron Sheik.

May - 2023 - Epic Sports Collapses, Remembering Petr Klima and Gordon Lightfoot

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

In this Sports Lunatics Show episode, Shawn and Howie talk about some of the great sports collapses in their lifetimes. They also discussed the losses of Petr Klima and Canadian music giant Gordon Lightfoot.

Jan - 2023 - Liam Maguire talks World Junior Hockey Championships today and in Piestany, 1987

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Sports Lunatics Show, Howie sits down with hockey historian Liam Maguire to talk about the World Junior Hockey Championships today and the tourney back in 1987 in Piestany when Canada and the Soviets engaged in the infamous Punch-Up.

Jan - 2023 - Shawn and Howie Discuss Franco Harris and Pele - Sports Lunatics Show

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

To start 2023, we lost Steelers great Franco Harris and perhaps the greatest soccer star ever, Pele. Shawn and Howie take some time to discuss the two superstars.

Oct - 2023 - BONUS SHOW - The Expos' Sad Demise and The Beauty of Minor League Baseball

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Howie and Shawn talk about how the Montreal Expos' team was taken from Montreal and relocated to Washington. They also talk about how minor league sports are beautiful, especially for the communities in which they play. This was a fun episode and the conversation was free-flowing and spontaneous.

Sept - 2023 - Remembering Brooks Robinson

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shawn and Howie talk about the career and the man, Brooks Robinson, the legendary third baseman for the dynastic Baltimore Orioles, who also had Frank Robinson, Boog Powell, Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and their manager, Earl Weaver.

SPLU - 1972 Russia-Canada

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0400

In 1972, Shawn was 3 and Howie was 12. In this episode, Shawn asks Howie a lot of questions about the Canada-Russia Summit Series and Howie responds with so many memories of the exasperation, the misery, the agony and the ecstasy of being a Canadian hockey fan at that time. The pair look at why this series took place, how it all went down and the aftermath for Canadian hockey as well. There are times when emotions almost spill over. Eventually, Shawn asks the question, "Should Paul Henderson be in the Hall of Fame?" The boys don't fight, but they do differ on the answer.

Sept -2023 - BONUS SHOW - Shawn and Howie's Top 5 NHL Coaches In Their Times

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie reveal the NHL coaches they believe are the top five in their opinions over the course of their lives. Some of their choices are what you'd think and some others might surprise you. You'll hear some great little stories in this episode.

May - 2022 - Howie Sits Down With Jo-Anne Polak

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this Sports Lunatics Show episode, Howie sits down with the the first ever female general manager of a North American pro sports team, Jo-Anne Polak. Jo-Anne was the general manager of the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders from 1989 to 1991. She tells some incredible stories of her journey through life and the Canadian Football League.

SPLU - Brent Musberger's Career

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, discuss the amazing career of Brent Musberger. This is one of the great episodes of the Sports Lunatics Show run.

Jan - 2022 - John Madden Remembered

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Sports Lunatics, Shawn and Howie, discuss the life and career of John Madden. He was a football player, a coach, a broadcaster and a man. This is one of the great episodes over the time of The Sports Lunatics Show.

Oct - 2022 - Ed Willes Discusses the World Hockey Association On Its 50th Anniversary

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Former sports columnist and CFL Hall of Famer Ed Willes joined Howie Mooney in September of 2022 on the 50th anniversary of the inception of the World Hockey Association. He tells some wonderful stories of the rebel league and how and why it is relevant today.

Nov - 2022 - Adam Proteau Talks About Borje Salming

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Borje Salming passed away on November 24, 2022. The Hockey News' Adam Proteau joined Howie Mooney shortly after that to talk about the Hall of Famer and his impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs and the city that he called his second home.

Sept - 2022 - Mick Kern Talks About the 1981 Montreal Expos

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Mick Kern is the host of Under Review on SiriusXM's NHL Network Channel 91. He is also a massive Montreal Expos' fan. Shortly after the anniversary of Blue Monday -- the home run by Rick Monday off of Steve Rogers to eliminate the 1981 Expos and allow the Dodgers to move on to the World Series, Mick came on to the show in October of 2022 to talk about it with Howie Mooney. It's a painful anniversary for Expos' fans and Mick is great in this show!

Oct - 2022 - Mike Hogan and Some Hot Argos' Talk

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Howie Mooney sat down with Toronto Argonauts' Media Relations Director and Play-by-Play man Mike Hogan to talk about the team as the 2022 regular season was in its later stages. The Argos went on to win the Grey Cup in 2022.

Sept - 2023 - Remembering Jeanneret, Baun, Gilles Gilbert and Gil Brandt

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie come back after their summer hiatus and talk about Rick Jeanneret, Bob Baun, Gilles Gilbert and Gil Brandt after their passings.

Mar - 2020 - The 'Rocket' and the 'Richard Riots' of 1955

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

In one of their very first episodes, Shawn and Howie discuss the Richard Riots of 1955 and how they affected Quebec and the Quebecois culture afterward and right to today.

June - 2023 - Nick Taylor, Rodman v Bird, German Perfecto

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

June of 2023 was a wild month in sports. Shawn and Howie talk about Nick Taylor's momentous Canadian Open win, the Dennis Rodman slagging of Larry Bird and Domingo German's perfect game at the end of the month.

Apr - 2022 - Sports Lunatics - Guy Lafleur w/Liam Maguire

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Howie sits down with hockey historian Liam Maguire to talk about the life and career of Guy Lafleur after his passing in April of 2022

Feb - 2023 - Tom Brady, Bobby Hull, Leapin' Lanny Poffo and Scott Rolen

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie discuss Tom Brady's retirement, the passings of Bobby Hull and Leapin' Lanny Poffo and the choice of Scott Rolen to Baseball's Hall of Fame

Feb - 2022 - Darryl Sittler's 10-Point Night w/Adam Proteau

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Howie interviews The Hockey News' Adam Proteau and they discuss Darryl Sittler's magical 10-point night from February 7, 1976.

Mar - 2023 - Crazy Days & Wild Nights

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Shawn and Howie discuss Howie's book Crazy Days & Wild Nights, published Feb of 2023.