Best Seattle Opera Podcasts (2025)

1
Rematch in Philly 49:48

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4h ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are joined by former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. (1:00) ahead of the Blue Jays' weekend series in Philadelphia to kick off the final hour of the week. They get into the Phillies' recent power outage, what the Jays bats can expect from Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Zach Wheeler, what's gone wrong for former Phill…

1
Stretch of Success with John Schneider + Scherzer Begins Rehab 50:02

5h ago50:02

50:02

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker preview the Blue Jays' rematch against the Phillies in Philadelphia, how they can attack left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, why Toronto's lineup performs well against lefties, and whether Kevin Gausman can build off his 6-inning outing against the Minnesota Twins. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (25:58) stops by t…

1
Probing the Trade Market + The Boston Soap Opera 49:52

1d ago49:52

49:52

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (3:17) in on the Blue Jays' off-day. They get into where the Jays rank among the best batting orders in baseball, how recent headline pitcher injuries shape the trade market, how the Braves approach the deadline and much more. Later, WEEI Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford (29:15) joins th…

1
Sweeping the Cards + Who's the Jays' Closer? 49:48

1d ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker revisit the Blue Jays' sweep of the Cardinals in St. Louis. They get into whether Yariel Rodriguez is ready to take over the closer's role, whether it's beneficial to have multiple options available to pitch in the 9th inning and the Jays' identity and plate approach through June. Then, Jeff and Kevin go through the Back…

1
The Art of Outfielding with Denzel Clarke 49:46

5d ago49:46

49:46

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Sportsnet Blue Jays insider Shi Davidi (1:50) to kick off the second hour, and they get into the team's pitching options as they work around Bowden Francis's enduring struggles, whether they will look to add to their injured bullpen at the deadline, Jonatan Clase's maturity and whether Addison Barger's trial batt…

1
Mid-Season Pitching Report with Pete Walker 49:34

5d ago49:34

49:34

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show touching on the Blue Jays' second-most comeback wins (20) before being joined by Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (5:58) to chat about some of the positives from Bowden Francis' pitching performances, areas to zone in and improve on, Chris Bassitt's adjustment to stand closer towards first base, Yariel Rodr…

1
Red Sox Activate Anthony + Youth Movement in St. Louis 49:32

6d ago49:32

49:32

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in former Twins GM Thad Levine (1:20) to share his thoughts on the Red Sox calling up MLB's no. 1 ranked prospect Roman Anthony, the impact of A.J. Hinch's experience in Detroit, the challenge of winning with high expectations, the Jays' options for the struggling Bowden Francis, and why GMs are more focussed on …

1
What's Next for Bowden Francis? 49:28

6d ago49:28

49:28

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins, Bowden Francis continuing to struggle on the mound, what's best for him moving forward and Tyler Heineman's baseball IQ with his at-bats and behind the plate. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by (27:50) to discuss if Bowden will make his start a…

1
Deborah Rutter, Part 1: Insights from the arts executive of the LA Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Kennedy Center 59:12

9d ago59:12

59:12

In the world of arts administration, few careers can rival the breadth and impact of Deborah Rutter’s. Her journey began with an early role working under the legendary Ernest Fleischmann at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and evolved into a series of leadership positions at some of the most prominent institutions in the United States. She has served a…

1
ABS on the Way + Trade Market Research with Jon Morosi 49:37

9d ago49:37

49:37

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off hour two with a discussion on the ABS challenge system as commissioner Rob Manfred hinted this week that it could be implemented at the MLB level in 2026. Then, they go to the Back Leg Line to answer your calls and questions! Finally, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (25:20) joins Jeff and Kevin to share his thoug…

1
Taking on the Twins with John Schneider 49:48

9d ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker dive into why the Blue Jays are in a better position to compete in the post-season after their recent stretch and series win over the Phillies, the AL standings, and the expectations for the upcoming 9-game road trip. Then, Blue Jays manager John Schneider (26:27) stops by to chat about the team's extended run of recent …

1
Early Trade Deadline Preview with Jeff Passan 49:49

11d ago49:49

49:49

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Jeff Passan (3:12), ESPN MLB insider, to the show to discuss his recently published early deadline preview. He gets into when teams start thinking trade, whether the Jays buy, hold or sell at the deadline, their options for a potential Bo Bichette deal, what Sandy Alcántara would cost, how aggressive the Dodgers …

1
Bowden Burned in Phillies Series Opener 49:48

11d ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back at the Blue Jays series-opening loss to the Phillies, Bowden Francis giving up 6 runs in the first inning, his pitch-location struggles, and what has changed in Addison Barger's at-bats and why he's a mainstay on the team's everyday lineup. Then, Jeff and Kevin dive into the Back-Leg Line taking listener's call…

1
Red-Sox Circus + Fighting the Phillies 49:51

12d ago49:51

49:51

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome David Samson (0:25), former MLB executive and host of Nothing Personal, to the show to discuss the Rockies' embarrassing season, the Red Sox's off-field dysfunction, why the Royals should've waited just a bit longer to call up top prospect Jac Caglianone, the Jays' ceiling this season and MLB pushing the ABS chal…

1
A Series Test and Jordan Romano's Return with the Phillies 49:36

12d ago49:36

49:36

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look ahead to the Blue Jays series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and how significant the next few games will be for identifying Toronto's post-season hopes. Then, Ben Davis, Phillies TV analyst stops by (26:20) to chat about the team's offensive numbers, Trea Turner's hiccup in the infield and in his at-bats…

1
MLB's Quarter-Century Team + Greg Hamilton's Path to Canadian Baseball HoF 49:45

13d ago49:45

49:45

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome Jayson Stark to the show (2:25) to discuss the most controversial picks of his recently published column, the Athletic's MLB All-Quarter-Century team, including David Ortiz over Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge over Ichiro Suzuki. Then, ahead of his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Gre…

1
Bats & Brooms Come Alive Against the A's 49:46

13d ago49:46

49:46

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap the Blue Jays' series sweep of the Athletics, if they've bought in on Addison Barger and Ernie Clement, how John Schneider will fit Andrés Giménez back into the lineup, and if the Jays' hitters are finally adjusting to the ballpark with George Springer and Bo Bichette's uptrend in hitting. Then, Blue Jays radio ana…

1
Building off the Blowout with John Schneider + Passan on Prospect Caution 49:46

16d ago49:46

49:46

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan (5:25) to discuss parity across the American League, who's to blame for the Red Sox's disappointing season so far, why teams are more cautious when calling up top prospects and his recent story on OneTeam Partners, an MLBPA & NFLPA firm being investigated by the FBI. Later, Blue …

1
Anthony Santander Heads to the Injured List 49:44

16d ago49:44

49:44

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker begin the show reacting to the news that Anthony Santander has been placed on the IL with Alan Roden getting the call-up, and how much confidence the Blue Jays' hitters got after their monster series-opening win against the Athletics. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by (27:10) to chat about Max Sc…

1
Scouting Report on the Athletics + Trey Yesavage's Journey 49:51

17d ago49:51

49:51

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker head to the Back-Leg Line to answer some questions before bringing on Vancouver Canadians' pitcher Trey Yesavage (17:04) to chat about what he's been working on within his pitch arsenal, how he's been able to ingest information from his coaches and training staff through the minor leagues, working on velocity, and his jo…

1
Attacking the A's + Back Leg Line! 49:50

17d ago49:50

49:50

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' 2-0 win in the rubber match over the Texas Rangers and discuss what worked and didn't work from the team's mixed-up lineup. Then, they look ahead to the Jays' series against the Athletics kicking off tonight and how Toronto's bats can attack the A's below-average pitching staff. Later, Jeff & …

1
The Art of Adjustments with Kevin Gausman 49:40

18d ago49:40

49:40

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield (3:15) to dissect the - through 100 games - MLB's best Detroit Tigers. He shares what's behind their jump this season, AJ Hinch's impact as manager, his impressions of the Blue Jays and the abundance of struggling teams across the American League. Then, Jeff & Kevin discuss…

1
Blair & Hokie Hall of Famer 49:33

18d ago49:33

49:33

Jeff Blair and 2025 Virginia Tech Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Barker chat about receiving the news of the honour and his time playing for the Hokies, before getting into the Blue Jays shutout loss to the Texas Rangers. Then, Sportsnet 590 The FAN's Ben Shulman (30:50) stops by to share his expectations for Paxton Schultz as the opener for their thi…

1
Checking In with Chipper Jones 49:49

19d ago49:49

49:49

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in Hall of Famer Chipper Jones (0:24) to discuss how Anthony Santander can snap his season-long slump, Ronald Acuña Jr.'s explosive return to the Braves lineup after his ACL tear, Atlanta's ceiling this season, and how he's preparing for his management duties at MLB's All-Star Futures Game. Later, Jeff and Kevin …

1
Pitching Big in Texas 49:45

19d ago49:45

49:45

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker recap Kevin Gausman's 8-inning outing en route to a Blue Jays series-opening win against the Texas Rangers. They look at the scouting report on Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi before bringing in Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (17:21) to discuss Anthony Santander's place in the batting order, if Gausman will need to continue exper…

1
Taking on the Rangers in Texas 49:42

21d ago49:42

49:42

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome in Texas Rangers hitting coach Bret Boone (1:07) ahead of his side's series against the Blue Jays in Texas. He discusses his adjustment to the staff side of the game since getting hired earlier this month, what he's learned in his time with the team and his hitting-coach philosophy. Then, Jeff & Kevin get into th…

1
Swept at Steinbrenner + Heater Horror 49:56

21d ago49:56

49:56

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the pre-game edition with a look back on the Blue Jays' weekend series in Tampa where the Rays swept them in three games. They get into the unique conditions at Steinbrenner Field, the 4-pitch third inning on Sunday, the Jays' struggles against the fastball, Anthony Santander's health and what's behind the exten…

1
Ron Ramin and Portia Kamons on SEVENTEEN: Giving Voice to a Generation by Composing a Musical Response to the Parkland Tragedy 1:03:21

23d ago1:03:21

1:03:21

“Seventeen was that age when we were realizing… we have to do something about this.” That poignant reflection echoes the emotional heart of SEVENTEEN, a powerful narrative work for orchestra created in response to the tragic 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida—an event that claimed the lives of seventeen students. Composer Ron Ramin was …

1
John Schneider's Jays Roll Into Tampa + Jeff Passan! 49:55

24d ago49:55

49:55

Jeff Passan, MLB insider with ESPN, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to take a look around the majors including the Cardinals, Padres, Rockies, Mets, Braves, and of course, the Blue Jays! John Schneider (27:05), Manager of your Toronto Blue Jays, joins the guys to discuss the nuances of playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field this weekend. Skip sh…

1
Flying Past the Friars + State of the Vagabond Rays 49:43

24d ago49:43

49:43

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back on the airwaves following MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley's press conference. After sharing their takeaways, the boys dive into the Blue Jays' sweep of the San Diego Padres! They chat about the keys that lifted Toronto past the Friars, John Schneider's best-managed series of the season, what to make of Bo Bi…

1
Santander Settling In + Your Calls! 50:03

26d ago50:03

50:03

Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to break down the Blue Jays' complete 3-0 victory against the San Diego Padres. Joe dives into Anthony Santander's adjustments at the plate, the keys for Kevin Gausman ahead of tonight's start at Rogers Centre, and who makes the most sense to bat cleanu…

1
Standouts From a Shutout Win + David Samson! 49:37

26d ago49:37

49:37

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back on the airwaves following the Blue Jays' first shutout win of the season! They break down Anthony Santander's approach that led to his two-run home run, Chris Bassitt's seven excellent innings of work, and Yariel Rodriguez' strong performance in the eighth. David Samson (28:04), former MLB executive and host of …

1
State of the Padres & Orioles 49:12

27d ago49:12

49:12

Jesse Agler, Padres broadcaster, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to discuss San Diego's ballclub after their weekend to forget against the Seattle Mariners. Jesse checks in on Manny Machado's ability to produce with runners in scoring position, Jackson Merrill's high ceiling, how to attack Dylan Cease, the ultra-competitive National League West, …

1
Tony No-Taters, Jays Identity & Jon Morosi! 49:42

27d ago49:42

49:42

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker return from the Victoria Day long weekend with a recap of the Blue Jays' series with the Detroit Tigers. The pair dive into what's behind Anthony Santander's offensive dry spell, Toronto's identity at this point in the season, and the state the rotation. Jon Morosi (26:27), MLB Network analyst, checks in on the Jays' out…

1
John Schneider's Weekend Walkthrough + Bobby Scales Talks Tigers 49:35

1M ago49:35

49:35

John Schneider, Manager of your Toronto Blue Jays, kicks off the second hour alongside Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. Skip shares some updates on his team's injured players, before diving into Anthony Santander's job ahead and if he would consider changing up the batting order. John also chats about Bo Bichette's work at the plate this season, his pi…

1
Taming the Tigers + This Week in MLB with Jeff Passan 49:51

1M ago49:51

49:51

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open Friday's episode with some thoughts on the visiting Detroit Tigers ahead of this weekend's series at Rogers Centre. The duo focus in on Bowden Francis' start tonight, what's going on with Anthony Santander at the plate and if a lineup change is in order. ESPN's Jeff Passan (28:48) joins the program to chat about the…

1
Rubber Match Mindset with Ben Shulman 49:48

1M ago49:48

49:48

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's pregame episode with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. They dive into Alejandro Kirk's clutch go-ahead home run and Anthony Santander's continued struggles catching up to fastballs, before setting up Kevin Gausman's start in this afternoon's rubber match. Ben Shulman (25:14), ra…

1
Fernando Rodney Suits Up in Steeltown + Rays Identity Check 49:52

1M ago49:52

49:52

Fernando Rodney, World Series champion and current Hamilton Cardinals pitcher, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about his journey to play in the Intercounty Baseball League. He shares what it's been like to continue his career in Canada, his experience in the dugout with his new teammates, and how baseball has changed since his time in the…

1
Rays Outslug Jays + Bullpen Confidence Levels 49:36

1M ago49:36

49:36

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker sort through the highs and lows of the Blue Jays' 11-9 loss to open their series against the Tampa Bay Rays. They dive into Jeff Hoffman's pitch selection in the ninth inning, the confidence levels in the back end of the bullpen, and Daulton Varsho's recent power surge. Dan Shulman (22:35), voice of the Blue Jays on Spor…

1
Catching Up with Danny Jansen & Travis Snider 49:05

1M ago49:05

49:05

Danny Jansen, former Toronto Blue Jay and current Tampa Bay Rays catcher, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker ahead of this week's series at Rogers Centre. Danny chats about the Rays' situation playing in George M. Steinbrenner Stadium this season, what it's like joining a new team within the division, and how Tampa is able find so many "diamonds in …

1
Hazel Mae Takes the Mound + Jays on the Rise 50:27

1M ago50:27

50:27

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open today's episode alongside Sportsnet's Hazel Mae! The trio chat about Hazel's upcoming first pitch at a Vancouver Canadians game this weekend in celebration of Women in Sports Day, before discussing all things Blue Jays. Hazel shares what's behind the drop in Jays' fans attendance during the team's road trip to Seatt…

1
Chris Rose Sits Down With Vladdy + Shi Davidi's Surprises & Disappointments 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

Shi Davidi, Sportsnet Blue Jays columnist, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on a sunny Monday afternoon to chat about Toronto's climb back to .500. They dive into Addison Barger's strong weekend in Seattle, Yariel Rodriguez' run of good form out of the bullpen, George Springer's continued success, and prospect Arjun Nimmala's potential. Shi wraps …

1
Jays Sweep in Their Home Away From Home 49:50

1M ago49:50

49:50

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker are back on the airwaves following the Blue Jays' series sweep on the road in Seattle. The boys dive into the work by the pitching staff over the weekend, George Springer's clutch three-run homer on Sunday, Bo Bichette's production at the plate, as well as Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes' contributions. Later on, Jeff an…

1
Selina Ott: The History Making and Award Winning International Trumpet Solo and Recording Artist 54:18

1M ago54:18

54:18

In 2018, Austrian trumpeter Selina Ott made history by becoming the first woman to win first prize in the 70-year history of the prestigious ARD International Music Competition in Munich. That landmark achievement launched a remarkable career that has taken her to concert halls around the world, performing both as a soloist and with major orchestra…

1
The Art of Durable Relief with Mike Timlin + John Schneider Live From Seattle! 49:01

1M ago49:01

49:01

Mike Timlin, four-time World Series champion reliever, opens the second hour alongside Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker. He discusses the keys to avoiding fatigue as a bullpen arm, Jeff Hoffman's transition to a closing role, how a manager can help get a reliever back on track, and how to know when it's time to change a routine. John Schneider (25:00), …

1
Jays Steal One From the Halos + Jeff Passan's Player Stock Watch 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off Friday's episode with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 8-5 victory in the series finale against the Angels. The fellas dive into the highs and lows of Chris Bassitt's outing, Toronto's plan of attack against José Soriano's fastball, and what to expect from Kevin Gausman tonight in Seattle. Jeff and Kevin also look int…

1
Bob Nightengale's Big League Overview + Shelton Sacked in Pittsburgh 48:33

1M ago48:33

48:33

Bob Nightengale, MLB columnist with USA Today, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the Pirates firing manager Derek Shelton and who's else might be on the hot seat around the league. Bob also checks in on the Blue Jays, before sharing his most disappointing team of the season so far, what to make of the Diamondbacks in 2025, and his tho…

1
Blue Jays' Late-Game Grief Continues 50:36

1M ago50:36

50:36

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the program with thoughts on the Blue Jays' 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Angels, capped off by Jeff Hoffman's blown save in the bottom of the ninth. The guys question Hoffman's late-game pitch selection, if the bullpen has been overworked of late, and what to make of Alan Roden's demotion to Triple-A. Later on, Je…

1
Life After the Show with Ross Stripling 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

Former Toronto Blue Jay, Ross Stripling, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on the heels of his announcement of retirement earlier this week. Ross chats about what's next for him after baseball, the advice he would offer his younger self, his favourite moments during his time in Toronto, and the state of baseball in 2025. Later on, Jayson Stark (24:…

1
Jays' Bullpen Unravels in Anaheim 50:38

1M ago50:38

50:38

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker air out their grievances following the Blue Jays' 8-3 loss in the series opener against the Angels. The pair dive into the lineup's issues producing with runners in scoring position, Bo Bichette's lack of competitive at-bats, the bullpen's collapse in the eighth inning, and how to right the ship. Chris Leroux (29:28), fo…