The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD shares his thoughts on the importance of the Toronto Blue Jays' weekend series in Texas and Kawhi Leonard's anticipated two-year extension with the Toronto Raptors (0:00). Then Carmen Vitali, analyst at Fox Sports Radio (16:15), joins the show to review Josh Allen's vintage performance in the Buffalo Bills' first win at new Highmark Stadium, overreactions from Week 1 in the NFL that might hold true, and which teams are already feeling urgency to win this upcoming weekend. Afterwards JD and the producers wrap with "What We Missed" (42:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD begins the show discussing the level of anticipation and intrigue ahead of this Leafs season compared to recent years. Then, JD is joined by James Mirtle, Senior Writer at The Athletic (8:18), to preview Toronto Maple Leafs training camp storylines including Auston Matthews' health, expectations for Jim Hiller's management of Gavin McKenna, how the lines at forward could shake out, and Darren Raddysh's eventual defensive partner. Afterwards, JD and the producers wrap with "What We Missed" (44:28). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is joined by Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs forward (3:09), to discuss what he learned from last years adversity on a team and personal level, what he focused on over the offseason, his first impressions on Gavin McKenna, and how he dealt with the noise of trade rumours this summer. Afterwards, JD and Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne (21:05) chat about the surge in 8-year deals signed ahead of NHL training camps and pressure points across the league including Auston Matthews' future, sky-high expectations surrounding the Montreal Canadiens, and Connor McDavid entering his thirties in search of his first Stanley Cup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD reacts to the Toronto Blue Jays' series opening 6-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s let down performance, and John Schneider's decision to forego warming up a bullpen arm while Jose Soriano entered the seventh frame (0:00). Then, JD is joined by Es Baraheni, co-host of The NBA Daily Podcast at The Athletic (20:50), together they discuss the Kawhi Leonard trade getting over the finish line, whether there's any questions with the roster fit for the Toronto Raptors, and where Toronto belongs amongst the contender rankings. Afterwards, JD shares his perspective on the Kansas City Chiefs' upset win over the Denver Broncos (47:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00), discuss the collective sigh of relief from the Toronto Blue Jays' fanbase following Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s first home run of the season at the Rogers Centre, his curtain call moment, their concern level with Dylan Cease's diminished velocity, and whether Ernie Clement's role as an everyday player could be in question beyond this year. Afterwards, JD shares his overreactions from Week 1 in the NFL before wrapping up with "Old News" (39:03). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD begins the show (0:00) discussing the San Francisco 49ers upset win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia, how much blame can be attributed the Rams' last-minute travel plans, sluggish performances from veterans including Matthew Stafford and Myles Garrett, and question marks surrounding the 49ers' durability. Then, JD shares his thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays entering the weekend (17:52), the mounting pressure on Toronto to make the postseason, and the Blue Jays' path to roster improvement in 2027. Afterwards, JD shares his favourite picks for the rest of Week 1 in the NFL before hitting "What We Missed" with the producers (30:10). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD reacts to the Seattle Seahawks' 13-10 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL season opener, before sharing his thoughts on how the Blue Jays' series loss to the Athletics could haunt them in the playoff race. Then, JD is joined by Jackie Redmond, NHL Reporter on TNT (15:50), to discuss the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers taking drastically different approaches to travel ahead of their matchup in Australia, Gavin McKenna training with Mitch Marner and other NHLers in Muskoka, and the NHL storylines they're most looking forward ahead of training camp. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00), to discuss the Blue Jays' bounce back win to even their series against the Athletics, the pressure on Toronto to make the playoffs, and Anthony Santander beginning his injury rehab assignment. Afterwards, JD and Ben reflect on the immediate impact Brett Bateman has brought to the Jays' lineup and which aspects of his game are sustainable beyond 2026, before concluding the show with "Old News" (34:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD returns from vacation and shares his thoughts on the Blue Jays' continued chase for a postseason berth before discussing the punishment handed down by the NBA down to the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Then, JD is joined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith (16:01) to react to Toronto's let-down performance in their series opener against the Athletics, how John Schneider will manage the starting rotation down the stretch, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tinkering with his batting mechanics, and the case for Brett Bateman providing more impact on the Blue Jays than Kevin Gausman could have to end the season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00), to discuss Kyle Tucker's struggles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, if there would be a different level of fan pressure had he signed in Toronto, and sizing up the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of their three game series with the Blue Jays. Then, JD and Ben react to the initial findings from the NBA's investigation of Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard (34:06) before wrapping the show with "Old News" (47:09). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.