Best Matthew Bannister Podcasts (2025)

1
Matthew Boyd breaks down Cubs' wild win over Diamondbacks (Hour 1) 42:53

7d ago42:53

42:53

In the first hour, Judson Richards and Bruce Levine discuss the Cubs winning a thriller at Wrigley Field yesterday against the D-Backs, they talk with Cubs Pitcher Matthew Boyd on the win and his good start to this season, and debate if the White Sox are falling flat already on their expectations for this season.…

1
Ozzie Guillen rips Pedro Grifol, what's going on with Luis Robert Jr.? (Hour 2) 40:02

7d ago40:02

40:02

In the second and final hour, Judson Richards and Bruce Levine discuss Ozzie Guillen ripping Pedro Grifol on Mully & Haugh earlier in the week, they also discuss why Luis Robert Jr has gotten off to a slow start. They also get into several sound bits, including Bruce going after Will Venable about the Sox' lack of hitting, and Craig Counsell on Mat…

1
Georgia Shackleton on the Norfolk Coast 49:21

9d ago49:21

49:21

A violin made from the floorboards of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s home - a climb to the top of the Happisburgh lighthouse - and a song about whales stranded on the shore - just three of the highlights of this glorious sunny seaside walk with the Norfolk singer and fiddle player Georgia Shackleton. So kick off your shoes, roll up your trousers …

1
Scott Podsednik talks current White Sox team, reminisces about 2005 (Hour 1) 42:49

14d ago42:49

42:49

In the first hour, David Haugh and Bruce Levine discuss how the Cubs will be impacted by Justin Steele's elbow injury and the return of Garrett Crochet to the Southside for the first time not in a White Sox uniform, they ask 2005 White Sox World Series hero Scott Podsednik about the current state of the White Sox and they look back on that 2005 sea…

1
Cliff Floyd talks Justin Steele's elbow injury, Cubs' plan moving forward (Hour 2) 40:22

14d ago40:22

40:22

In the second and final hour, David Haugh and Bruce Levine talked with Marquee Sports Network's Cliff Floyd about the injury to Justin Steele and the Cubs plan moving forward, they play a little Chin Music as they hear from Justin Steele himself on where the injury could have originated from, and they debate if the White Sox can maintain trade leve…

1
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—8th April 2025 1:19:31

18d ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Matthew's guests on this month’s show are Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver talking about their innovative and inspiring album Hinterland. There’s also music from The Wellermen, Polly Paulusma, Chris Brain, Reg Meuross, Jenn Butterworth, Clara Mann, Joshua Burnside, Jim Ghedi, The Levellers Collective, Thea Gilmore and Constant Follower. Lucy Shields prev…

1
Michael Busch talks Cubs' team-forward focus in the clubhouse (Hour 1) 43:00

21d ago43:00

43:00

1
Steve Stone loves how Pitching Ninja shows how hard it is to hit a baseball (Hour 2) 40:52

21d ago40:52

40:52

1
Folk on Foot Classic: Richard Thompson in Muswell Hill (and other parts of London) 1:08:09

27d ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Enjoy this classic episode from December 2020 The legendary guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson takes Matthew Bannister for a walk around the areas of London where he grew up, began playing the guitar, formed Fairport Convention (inventing English folk rock) and joined the vibrant music scene of the 1960s. On the steps of his old school in Hi…

1
Cubs are off to a 1-3 start, Brian Bannister discusses White Sox's pitching development (Hour 1) 42:10

28d ago42:10

42:10

Bruce Levine and David Haugh opened their show by discussing the Cubs getting off to a 1-3 start after an 8-1 loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday. Later, White Sox senior advisor to pitching Brian Bannister joined the show to discuss young right-hander Sean Burke's terrific start on Opening Day and the organization's philosophy about developing pitc…

1
Carter Hawkins talks Cubs' outlook in new season, roster philosophy (Hour 2) 41:40

28d ago41:40

41:40

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and David Haugh held their Chin Music segment with a focus on current Angels infielder and former White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson's maturation as a player. After that, Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins joined the show to discuss the club's outlook in the new season and its roster-building philosophy. Later, Levine…

1
Bonus Episode: Ashley Hutchings in conversation at Cecil Sharp House 51:00

1M ago51:00

51:00

Bob Dylan described Ashley Hutchings as “The Godfather of English Folk Rock -he gave us a genre we couldn’t refuse”. Bass player Ashley was behind the formation of three great bands: Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, Ashley joins Matthew Bannister on stage at Cecil Sharp House to look back o…

1
Doug Glanville & Ron Coomer recap the Cubs' 0-2 start in Japan (Hour 2) 42:55

1M ago42:55

42:55

1
Cubs are in Japan, Tom Ricketts talks competing & breaking even (Hour 1) 46:17

1M ago46:17

46:17

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by previewing the Cubs' upcoming two-game series against the Dodgers in Japan and by reacting to recent comments from owner Tom Ricketts and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. After that, White Sox director of player development Paul Janish joined the show to discuss the team's farm system. …

1
Cade Horton gets confidence hearing from Jed Hoyer, Craig Counsell (Hour 2) 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Marquee Sports Network analyst Joe Girardi, who reminisced about the Cubs' trip to Japan back in 2000. After that, Cubs right-hander Cade Horton joined the show to discuss how he's feeling after an injury-plagued 2024 season. Later, Levine and McGuffey shared what they expect to see i…

1
Cole Stacey on Dartmoor 50:14

1M ago50:14

50:14

Cole Stacey’s album “Postcards from Lost Places” was recorded in atmospheric locations around Dartmoor. In this episode Cole retraces his steps - taking us back to some of those places and performing the songs inspired by them. We hear about his journey into folk music, his partnership with Joseph O’Keefe in India Electric Co - and his experiences …

1
Mike Tauchman previews the White Sox's season (Hour 1) 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

1
Cubs pitcher Ben Brown discusses his return from injury + do the White Sox have a better roster than last year? (Hour 2) 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

1
Carson Kelly discusses why he signed with Cubs, expectations for 2025 (Hour 1) 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by discussing the health of Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner and third baseman Matt Shaw. After that, new Cubs catcher Carson Kelly joined the show to discuss why he signed with the club and to share his expectations for 2025. Later, Levine and McGuffey listened back to what franchise legend Sammy So…

1
Grady Sizemore explains new role with the White Sox (Hour 2) 41:18

2M ago41:18

41:18

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by White Sox offensive coordinator Grady Sizemore to explain his new role with the club. After that, Levine and McGuffey discussed how a young White Sox team can rebound from a miserable 2024 season. Later, Cubs Radio pregame and postgame host Zach Zaidman joined the show to discuss the …

1
Jon Greenberg talks Justin Ishbia buying more shares of the White Sox (Hour 1) 44:28

2M ago44:28

44:28

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by reacting to billionaire Justin Ishbia passing on buying the Minnesota Twins to instead buy more shares of the White Sox, for whom he's a minority owner. They welcomed on Jon Greenberg of The Athletic to discuss the topic after he broke the news with a detailed story Friday night. Later, Cubs left-…

1
John Schriffen reflects on his first year as voice of the White Sox (Hour 2) 40:54

2M ago40:54

40:54

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by White Sox television play-by-play announcer John Schriffen to reflect on his first season in the booth in Chicago in 2024. Schriffen shared what he learned and how he plans to adjust in his second year in the White Sox booth. Later, Score afternoon host Matt Spiegel joined the show li…

1
Alex Bregman signs with Red Sox, Matt Shaw discusses his opportunity with Cubs (Hour 1) 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

1
Are the Cubs a World Series contender? (Hour 2) 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

1
'Stolen from God' in Bristol with Reg Meuross, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Modou Ndiaye 1:01:55

2M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

The history of the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy in Bristol are at the heart of this episode. It features West Country singer Reg Meuross, concertina player Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and kora player Modou Ndaiye performing music from Reg’s powerful “Stolen from God” song cycle as we follow the route taken by the statue of the slave trad…

1
Does Cubs' pursuit of Alex Bregman complicate the Nico Hoerner-Matt Shaw situation? (Hour 1) 43:17

3M ago43:17

43:17

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by discussing the Cubs' continued pursuit of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. What does Bregman want in a new contract? And where have the Cubs drawn a line in negotiations? Later, Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly joined the show to discuss his excitement for getting to work in spring training.…

1
Cubs & White Sox players we're looking forward to seeing bounce back (Hour 2) 42:32

3M ago42:32

42:32

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield to preview the start of spring training and the upcoming season. After that, Levine and McGuffey shared which Cubs and White Sox players they're looking forward to seeing bounce back in 2025. Later, they debated whether MLB should impl…

1
Cubs rumored to have interest in Dylan Cease + White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz joins the show (Hour 1) 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

1
Should the White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr.? + Tommy Hottovy discusses the Cubs' pitching staff (Hour 2) 43:39

3M ago43:39

43:39

1
Updates on Cubs' pursuit of Ryan Pressly & Alex Bregman (Hour 1) 39:45

3M ago39:45

39:45

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show with a focus on the Cubs, with Levine sharing the latest updates on the team's pursuit of Astros reliever Ryan Pressly on the trade market and their interest in third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency. Later, the guys discussed White Sox great Mark Buehrle's Hall of Fame candidacy.…

1
Cubs pitching prospect Cade Horton feels healthy, ready for spring training (Hour 2) 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Cubs pitching prospect Cade Horton to discuss his return from injury and what he wants to prove in spring training. Later, White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon joined the show to discuss his work this offseason and to preview the upcoming season.…

1
Justin Steele talks the Cubs' sense of urgency in 2025 (Hour 1) 42:31

3M ago42:31

42:31

Broadcasting live from Cubs Convention, Bruce Levine, David Haugh and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by discussing the Cubs' remaining needs this offseason as the start of spring training looms in a month. Later, Cubs ace Justin Steele joined the show to discuss the team's sense of urgency to win in 2025.…

1
Kyle Tucker & Sammy Sosa join the show (Hour 2) 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

In the second hour, Bruce Levine, David Haugh and Ryan McGuffey discussed if the Cubs could trade second baseman Nico Hoerner. They then welcomed on new Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker to discuss his trade from Houston to Chicago and what he wants to bring to his new club. Later, legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa joined the show to discuss his reunion …

1
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts wants to build a consistent division winner (Hour 3) 43:33

3M ago43:33

43:33

In the final hour, Bruce Levine, David Haugh and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts to discuss legendary slugger Sammy Sosa's reunion with the organization. Ricketts also took issue with the narrative that the Cubs don't spend enough financially. Later, Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney joined the show to discu…

1
Sammy Sosa is thrilled to return to the Cubs family 13:52

3M ago13:52

13:52

1
Bird in the Belly at the Tremula Festival on the South Downs Way 46:17

3M ago46:17

46:17

The Brighton based band Bird in the Belly take us for a walk on the South Downs Way during the Tremula Festival of Outdoor Podcasting. For the very first time, we’re joined by an audience of Folk on Foot fans. The band (Laura Ward, Adam Ronchetti Tom Pryor and Jinwoo) share a song about a day out in Brighton in 1813, a love song to a Welsh Ploughbo…

1
Ron Coomer discusses Kyle Tucker's potential arbitration case, Cubs' offseason (Hour 1) 46:51

3M ago46:51

46:51

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by discussing how star outfielder Kyle Tucker and the Cubs haven't yet come to an agreement on his 2025 salary in the arbitration process. Later, Cubs Radio analyst Ron Coomer joined the show to discuss the team's moves this offseason.

1
White Sox manager Will Venable recaps his first couple months in new job (Hour 2) 41:28

3M ago41:28

41:28

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by new White Sox manager Will Venable to discuss his first couple of months on the job and what he's looking forward to as the start of spring training looms. Later, Levine and McGuffey held their Chicago Bound segment, where they pondered if the Cubs could sign closer Tanner Scott in fr…

1
Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty doesn't make excuses for missing playoffs (Hour 2) 33:50

4M ago33:50

33:50

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Judson Richards were joined by Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty to reflect on the club's disappointing 2024 season and to preview what lies ahead in 2025. Later, Levine shared an update on where Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki is at in his free agency process.

1
Joe Maddon: Starting pitching development is non-existent in MLB (Hour 1) 47:29

4M ago47:29

47:29

Bruce Levine and Judson Richards opened their show by discussing the latest MLB storylines and by pondering if managers receive too much blame when their teams don't play well. Later, former Cubs manager Joe Maddon joined the show to reflect on his Chicago tenure and to discuss pitching development in modern day MLB.…

1
Is it good or bad for baseball that Sammy Sosa reconciled with Cubs? (Hour 1) 42:35

4M ago42:35

42:35

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by reacting to legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa reconciling with the organization. Later, new White Sox bench coach Walker McKinven joined the show to discuss his new job and what led him to Chicago.

1
Chip Caray calls it 'great' that Sammy Sosa is being welcomed back to Cubs (Hour 2) 43:19

4M ago43:19

43:19

In the second hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Guardians radio play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton to discuss him winning the Ford Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. After that, Cardinals television play-by-play announcer Chip Caray joined the show to discuss former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa reuniting with the organization. L…

1
Dr. Glenn Fleisig gives more intel on arm injuries in baseball (Hour 3) 21:38

4M ago21:38

21:38

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Dr. Glenn Fleisig to discuss the prevalence of arm and elbow injuries for pitchers across baseball.

1
Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker from Astros in blockbuster trade (Hour 1) 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by reacting to the Cubs acquiring star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros in a blockbuster trade Friday. After that, Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline joined the show to share a scouting report on the prospects whom the White Sox acquired in trading ace Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox.…

1
Pat Hughes shares reaction to Cubs trading for Kyle Tucker (Hour 2) 43:07

4M ago43:07

43:07

In the second hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Cubs Radio play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes to discuss the club's acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros. Hughes also shared his favorite memories from the 2016 World Series. Later, Astros radio color analyst Steve Sparks joined the show to share a scouting repor…

1
Did the White Sox win the Garrett Crochet trade? (Hour 3) 31:14

4M ago31:14

31:14

In a bonus hour of the show, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey broke down the White Sox's trade of ace Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for four prospects. Did the White Sox win the trade at first glance? Later, the guys wondered if the White Sox will trade center fielder Luis Robert Jr. this offseason and whether the Cubs will trade slugger Seiya Suzuk…

1
A Shropshire Christmas with John Kirkpatrick 58:49

4M ago58:49

58:49

Ho Ho Ho! Enjoy traditional Christmas carols, midwinter Morris dancing, a peal of bells and a recipe for Christmas pudding set to music as we head for the Three Tuns pub in Bishop’s Castle with squeezebox maestro John Kirkpatrick MBE, the Castle Carollers and the Shropshire Bedlams. Along the way we’ll discover the story behind ancient winter custo…

1
What moves will the Cubs & White Sox make at the Winter Meetings? (Hour 1) 45:00

5M ago45:00

45:00

1
Ken Rosenthal previews Winter Meetings (Hour 2) 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

In the final hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic to preview the Winter Meetings and to discuss what the Cubs and White Sox may do. After that, Levine and McGuffey were joined by Richard Allen, the son of the late Dick Allen, a former White Sox star who's on the Hall of Fame classic era ballot. Later, Le…

1
Is Chris Sale a Hall of Famer? (Hour 1) 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey opened their show by reacting to former White Sox ace and current Braves left-hander Chris Sale winning the National League Cy Young award. Is Sale a future Hall of Famer? Later, they discussed where slugging first baseman Pete Alonso will land in free agency.

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Matthew Bannister Podcasts

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