Outta The Park

Sessions, Dec. 14, 2018 - Guest - Kelsi Mayne

A little bit Country. Actually, a whole lot. Kelsi Mayne, buzzing Canadian Country Star, joined Barry in studio to perform and chart her journey. She talks dive clubs in small towns and the push from unlikely sources to move her talents to the big city. Joined by her guitarist Annette, the trio discuss nursing school, festivals and the songwriting process that involves mining the depths of emotion. Kelsi’s featured on the NHL’s Hometown Hockey. How’d that happen? She’s affable, her voice is lush and emotive and she’s a wonderful conversation. You’re gonna love Kelsi. Kurt Neilsen joins us from a streetcar to discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees on the Opening Track. Crazy Stories deals with nuptials and Father Christmas freak outs. All that plus the results of the Sessions Poll. Hop up in the bar and dance away. Kelsi will join ya!

Outta The Court Dec 11, 2018 - CHL Class Action Lawsuit

Court is in session! Criminal lawyers Scott Cowan and Adam Goodman are joined by Barry Davis to discuss a class action law suit, filed on behalf of former Canadian Hockey League players, against the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. The players attest that they are being unfairly compensated in relation to the amount of revenue the leagues are collecting. Kumail Karimjee, Human Rights Lawyer, joins the conversation to shed light on if and how this situation falls into any human rights violations. What constitutes being considered an employee of the team and how minor league players are paid is discussed. Topics such as minimum wage and the employment standards act are all touched on. All that and more… Its all laid out for you on Outta The Court.

Outta The Park Ep. 88, Dec 9, 2018 - Guest - Alex Anthopoulos

The Architect joins us. Alex Anthopoulos, former GM of The Toronto Blue Jays, joined Barry and Matt to discuss his time with Jays and the magic of the 2015 season. Alex is exceedingly candid when analyzing and assessing the moves he made for Canada’s team. He discusses the trading of Roy Halladay and how that trade affected him as an early GM. The guys recount the Yunel Escobar incident, one that affected Alex deeply and one that he felt helped to learn some valuable lessons. He’s open and affable and Toronto misses him. The First Pitch talks Tulo and dives into the recent trend of Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins being more transparent than he ever has. Ask Barry Davis touches on players being managers, hot dogs and eBay and Dwight Howard’s brother. Eye injuries at MLB games are laughed at. Raj Suppiah joins us from the medical room to discuss back spasms and how to deal with them. Speaking of Hot Dogs, the Fair or Foul Poll has its bun steamed. All that and much more. Lets sit in the front office and let AA hold court.

Sessions, Dec. 7, 2018 - Guests - The Glorious Sons

On location at The Scotiabank Arena. Barry Davis had the pleasure of joining the guys from The Glorious Sons, backstage, before their show in Toronto’s largest arena. Brett and Jay Emmons, brothers and founders of the band, chart the bands genesis and the songwriting process that has helped to propel them into a new generation of buzz worthy rock acts. A discussion ensues that discusses how a new set of producers changed the way the band works and it’s influence on their sound. They’re on the rise and we caught up with them to talk about it. The Opening Track discusses the Rolling Stones and The Beatles - so pretty much Rock royalty. Crazy Stories uses the Force and discusses gender dynamics in a prison situation. A Pause for Thought is an ode to Robert Palmer. In My Life could use a little Robert Palmer. All that and an arena more! Rock Stars and Davis. Let’s see how his turns out.

Outta The Court Dec 4, 2018 - Gambling In Sports

Court is in session! Criminal lawyers Scott Cowan and Adam Goodman are joined by Barry Davis to discuss legalized gambling in sports. Point shaving and the act of players being coerced into manipulating the outcome of a game is touched on. Gambling and regulations in various countries are looked at as well the differences between the point spread and the over/under. The guys talk federal law, a variety of cases, including the Pete Rose situation, wherein he’s banned from being entered into the MLB Hall of Fame due to his involvement with betting on baseball games. All that and more… Its all laid out for you on Outta The Court.

Outta The Park Ep. 87, Dec. 2, 2018 - Guest - Danny Jansen

And then his dreams came true! Danny Jansen, Toronto Blue Jays catcher, joins Barry and an ailing Matt to chat about his journey thus far. Danny is emotional and emphatic when discussing the phone call that preceded his call up to the MLB and he shares where he went and whom he called first to share the news. It’s really touching. The boys talk pitch framing, gelling with a battery of unfamiliar arms and his off season routine now knowing he’ll be on a major league roster. He’s totally willing to laugh and spar with your hosts and we’re honoured to be along for the ride. The First Pitch says so long to Solarte and the effects of him no longer wearing a Blue Jays uni. Devon Travis figures into the conversation and it gets heated. Giveaways are also discussed. Ask Barry Davis talks Vladdy Jr, Diaz and dives deep into the goings on with lighting at Wrigley Field. Raj Suppiah joins the show and gets personal with an injury. The results of the Fair or Foul Poll are HAPPening. Sit back, cuz we’re game calling with a Wisconsin native. Danny Jansen! Enjoy!

Sessions, Nov. 30, 2018 - Guest - Angela Harris

Authentic Country from the Country. Angela Harris, BC based singer/songwriter joins Matt and Barry to discuss fulfilling what she was put here to do - be a Country singer. Angela charts her journey from the rural British Columbia to Nashville and back into Canada. She discusses her songwriting process and where she finds inspiration. The chat swerves into a discussion about mental health and how that influences Angela’s songwriting. She’s clear and concise in her prose and is warm and welcoming in tone. Angela is a natural speaker and you’re gonna adore her serenity. The Opening track jumps from Def Leppard to The Rolling Stones. Kurt Nielsen joins he guys to mediate the proceedings. He also pours gasoline on the fire. Crazy Stories talks otters and storage units. A Pause for Though gets nailed. In My Life is a snapshot of 18 year olds. The results of the Sessions Poll are revealed. Grab a cup of tea and sit and listen to one of the most serene guests to ever grace Sessions.

Outta The Court, Nov. 27, 2018 - St. Michael's College

Court is in session. Criminal lawyers Scott Cowan and Adam Goodman are joined by Barry Davis to discuss the St. Michael’s College situation. The case of a sexual assault on a student in the form of a hazing is unpacked from all legal angles. The school’s part in the situation, the parent’s of the victims, the parent’s of the accused, the accused themselves and the victim are all discussed from a purely legal standpoint. The guys are respectful when talking about the sensitive details of the case and are unanimous in their dislike for situations of this nature. Its a tragic and horrific turn of events that opens our eyes to a systemic problem. Its all laid out for you on Outta The Court.

Outta The Park Ep. 86, Nov. 25, 2018 - Guests - Jesse Litsch, Scotty McKay

Lets go streaking!!!! Well, maybe its not that kind of party but Barry and Matt were delighted to chat with Jesse Litsch from a baseball party. Jesse talks about his time with the Blue Jays, filling in for Roy Halladay, and his interactions with John Gibbons. Barry and Jesse reminisce about the “A-Rod Situation” and his thoughts on the current state of professional baseball. He’s unafraid to offer his opinion and he’s affable. Many thanks to Jesse Litsch for joining us!, Scotty McKay, former Maple Leafs equipment manager, joins the show to talk about his involvement in a Fantasy Hockey Camp, similar to the Blue Jays Fantasy Camp. Matt even slips a hockey question in. The First Pitch gets cosmic about the Rule 5 draft and OTP’s effect on the lives of athletes. George Bell, Conner Green and many more former Blue Jays are touched on. Playing in Canada vs. the USA gets the boys heated. Ask Barry Davis works Matt in a lather when the subject of lights in baseball stadiums comes up. Trading Marcus Stroman? Yeah. That’s also discussed. The results of the Fair or Foul are a definitively Diaz. All that and more! Lets party!

Sessions, Nov. 23, 2018 - Guest - George Belanger Of Harlequin

***WARNING*** Some of the language in this episode may not be suitable for all listeners and in the workplace. Listener discretion is advised. One of the most affable guests in recent memory joins us for a chat. George Belanger, lead singer of Canadian rock band Harlequin, joined Barry and Matt for a chat that turned into one of the nicest interactions in Sessions history. George is a true gentleman. Full of stories, quick to laugh and just an all around fun guy. He talks about being an aging rock star, dealing with record labels, the genesis of the band and a trip to Timmins, ON that was chaperoned by a James Bond villain. He’s a family man and a husband that just happens to be the lead singer of a famous rock band. Sit back, smile at the F-bombs and enjoy spending time with the salt of the earth. Kurt Nielsen joins us for the opening track to discuss the biggest free agent on the planet. Forget sports, she’s the biggest free agent EVER. Kurt truly is a gem. Crazy Stories gets frigid, homicidal and NAKED. So… the typical. The results of the Sessions Poll are revealed. They’re Maroon. All that and dollops more. He’s Catholic, he sings rock and he’s wonderful. Spend some time with George.