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The Brushback

They say every pitch in baseball counts.   The brushback pitch is like no other…it has purpose, it’s aggressive and it makes a point that not easily forgotten.The Brushback with Gregg Zaun and Mike Karafilidis is where unfiltered truth meets hardball reality.   Fresh off an 8 year stint in the penalty box and no longer shackled by corporate media, Zauny delivers a raw, unbridled baseball analysis, fearless takes and a relentless passion for both America and now Canada’s summer pastime. After 16 years in the Major Leagues, Zauny knows what’s between the lines and what’s said in the dugouts. No topic is off-limits—nothing will go unsaid. Every base is covered, from the biggest headlines to the smallest details. The Brushback with Gregg Zaun and co-host Mike Karafilidis is baseball analysis delivered high and tight.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 10, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 18

    The Brushback - Episode 18 - Blue Jays Bats Are Booming, Trade Deadline Winners & Losers + Josh Towers

    The Blue Jays’ offense is SURGING—but can they keep the bats hot when the games matter most?On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Zauney and Mikey break down the latest from Toronto and around Major League Baseball.🔵⚪ BLUE JAYS TALK: The bats have come alive! What’s driving the Jays’ offensive surge, and can they keep it rolling down the stretch?⚾ MLB TALK: Who came out on top at the trade deadline—and which teams missed their opportunity? Plus, Zauney and Mikey unveil their latest MLB Power Rankings.🎙️ JOSH TOWERS: Former Blue Jays starting pitcher Josh Towers joins Gregg for their weekly conversation and some straight-up baseball talk.💥THE WALK-OFF SLAM: Something has Zauney fired up, and you know he’s not holding back!Big bats. Big trades. Big opinions. It’s another packed edition of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun!

  2. 17

    The Brushback - Episode 17 - Blue Jays’ Final Stretch, Jesús Sánchez & MLB Power Rankings

    The Jays are heading into the final stretch of the season, and Zauney & Mikey are breaking it all down!🔵⚪ BLUE JAYS TALK: What’s the story with Jesús Sánchez? How are the Jays looking over the past two weeks, and what does the remaining schedule mean for Toronto’s playoff hopes?🎙️ JOSH TOWERS JOINS ZAUNEY: Former Blue Jays starting pitcher Josh Towers returns for their weekly baseball conversation. ⚾ MLB POWER RANKINGS: Who’s rising, who’s falling, and why are the Philadelphia Phillies playing some of the best baseball in the league?💥 THE WALK-OFF SLAM: Zauney has plenty on his mind—and you know he’s not holding back! It’s unfiltered baseball talk, strong opinions and plenty of Manalyst energy on The Brushback with Gregg Zaun!

  3. 16

    The Brushback - Episode 16 - What’s Up With Vladdy? Josh Towers Joins The Brushback | MLB Playoff Format Debate

    The Jays are playing great baseball—but what’s going on with Vladdy? Gregg Zaun and Mikey break down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays, before Zauney sits down with former Jays starter Josh Towers. Plus, The Manalyst gives his unfiltered take on MLB’s new playoff format, and Zauney delivers another edition of the Walk-Off Slam! ⚾ Blue Jays Talk🎙️ Josh Towers Interview🔥 MLB Playoff Format Debate💥 The Walk-Off Slam The Brushback with Gregg Zaun — unfiltered baseball talk, only on Sauga960AM!

  4. 15

    The Brushback - Episode 15 - Blue Jays Playoff Push, MLB Pennant Races & Josh Towers

    The playoff race is heating up, and The Manalyst Gregg Zaun has plenty to say! Zauney and Mikey break down the Blue Jays’ chances of grabbing the final Wild Card spot, examine the hottest pennant races around MLB, and debate which teams are built to make a serious run at the World Series. Plus, Zauney sits down with former Blue Jays starter Josh Towers for an exclusive conversation about baseball, Toronto and his career. And, of course, The Walk Off Slam returns as Zauney gets fired up once again! The baseball truth. Every week. ⚾🔥

  5. 14

    The Brushback - Episode 14 - Blue Jays Trade Deadline Report Card, MLB Winners & Losers + Zaun's Playoff Predictions

    Gregg Zaun and Mike Karafilidis break down the Blue Jays' moves at the MLB Trade Deadline, with Zauney giving his unfiltered analysis of every deal and grading GM Ross Atkins' performance. The guys also discuss the biggest winners and losers across Major League Baseball, reveal their playoff predictions, and wrap things up with another passionate edition of The Walk-Off Slam—where The Manalyst sounds off on the hottest topic in baseball. ⚾🔥

  6. 13

    The Brushback - Episode 13 - Trade Deadline Frenzy: Blue Jays Rumours, Tarik Skubal Sweepstakes & The Walk-Off Slam

    On The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg Zaun and co-host Mike Karafilidis dive into the biggest storylines ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline.With less than a week until the deadline, the duo breaks down the latest Blue Jays rumours, discussing which players could be on the move and what Toronto's front office may be planning. They also examine the growing trade buzz surrounding Tarik Skubal, the teams in the hunt, and what it could take to land one of baseball's top pitchers.Plus, Gregg delivers another passionate edition of The Walk-Off Slam, offering his unfiltered take on the hottest issue in baseball.From trade speculation and roster decisions to sharp analysis and strong opinions, The Brushback with Gregg Zaun brings fans inside the game every week.

  7. 12

    The Brushback - Episode 12 - Blue Jays Under Pressure, Trade Deadline Decisions & The Manalyst’s Walk-Off Slam

    On The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg Zaun delivers the baseball truth with his trademark analysis, opinions, and no-filter perspective on the biggest stories across Major League Baseball.This week, Gregg and Mikey break down the state of the Toronto Blue Jays and ask the tough questions:Is the hitting coach part of the problem?Do the Blue Jays need a more disciplined approach at the plate?Which players are stepping up—and which ones are failing to deliver when it matters most?With the trade deadline approaching, the conversation turns to who could be moved, who could help change the team’s fortunes, and which players are completely untouchable.The MLB discussion continues with a look at the red-hot Boston Red Sox and the latest controversy surrounding Major League Baseball’s ongoing battle with gambling issues.And, of course, no episode is complete without “The Walk-Off Slam”—the Manalyst’s weekly rant where Gregg Zaun breaks down what’s really firing him up around the game.Straight talk. Strong opinions. The baseball truth—every week on The Brushback with Gregg Zaun.

  8. 11
  9. 10

    The Brushback - Episode 10 - Dylan Cease, Bo Bichette’s Return & The Manalyst’s Latest Rant

    On The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg Zaun and Mikey Karafilidis break down the biggest stories from around Major League Baseball with analysis, opinions, and the unfiltered perspective fans have come to expect from “The Manalyst.”This episode features the latest Toronto Blue Jays discussion, including the buzz surrounding pitcher Dylan Cease and the team’s decision to designate Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment. Gregg and Mikey examine what these moves could mean for Toronto’s roster and future plans.The conversation then turns to MLB action as Bo Bichette returns to Toronto for the first time as a member of the New York Mets. The guys discuss what kind of reception the former Blue Jays star could receive from fans and what his return means in the bigger baseball story.And of course, no episode is complete without “The Walk-Off Slam”—Gregg Zaun’s weekly rant where nothing is off limits and baseball’s biggest topics get the full Manalyst treatment.A must-listen episode for baseball fans looking for insider analysis, honest opinions, and the stories shaping the game.

  10. 9

    The Brushback - Episode 9 - Bieber Watch, Power Rankings & The Manalyst

    On The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, former MLB catcher and analyst Gregg Zaun joins Mikey for a fast-paced breakdown of everything happening across Major League Baseball.A major focus of the episode is the latest buzz around the Toronto Blue Jays, including discussions about whether pitcher Shane Bieber could be returning to the Blue Jays rotation and what that potential move would mean for the team’s pitching depth and playoff outlook.Gregg and Mikey also dive into the latest MLB power rankings, analyzing which teams are rising, which are slipping, and what trends are shaping the league as the season unfolds.In the Q&A segment, fans are invited to send their baseball questions to [email protected] for a chance to have “The Manalyst” answer them live on air, offering insight, opinion, and behind-the-scenes perspective.The episode wraps with the popular “Walk-Off Slam,” where Gregg shares what has him fired up this week in the world of baseball.A high-energy episode packed with analysis, opinions, and insider baseball talk from one of the game’s most recognizable voices.

  11. 8

    The Brushback - Episode 8 - Blue Jays Bullpen, Jamie Campbell & MLB Power Rankings

    On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, former MLB catcher Gregg Zaun is joined by The Manalyst and Mike Karafilidis for a deep dive into the latest developments surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays. The panel discusses whether the Blue Jays' bullpen can withstand the demands of a long season, the return of Alejandro Kirk, the DFA of Tyler Heineman, and the club's latest injury concerns. The show also features an exclusive interview with Jamie Campbell, host of Blue Jays Central, who joins Zaun for an in-depth conversation about the Blue Jays, Major League Baseball, and the stories shaping the season. In addition, the crew breaks down the latest MLB Power Rankings, highlights the hottest teams in baseball, examines who's trending up and down across the league, and answers listener questions in the popular mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with Gregg Zaun's always-entertaining "Walk-Off Slam," delivering his unfiltered take on the biggest storylines in the game. ⚾🔥

  12. 7

    The Brushback - Episode 7 - Blue Jays Struggles, MLB Pressure Points, and an Exclusive Chat with Josh Towers

    On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg Zaun and Mike Karafilidis break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball.The discussion focuses on key Jays questions, including George Springer’s performance, the anticipated return of Alejandro Kirk, and the broader challenges facing the team as they try to find consistency.The episode also features an exclusive interview with former Blue Jays pitcher Josh Towers, who joins the show to reflect on his playing career, the current state of the Blue Jays, and life after Major League Baseball.Around the league, Gregg and Mike examine the struggles of the Boston Red Sox, the challenges facing chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and what may lie ahead for the franchise.The show wraps with Gregg’s signature “Walk-Off Slam,” delivering his unfiltered take on the hottest topics in baseball.A must-listen episode for fans looking for insight, analysis, and strong opinions from around the diamond.

  13. 6

    The Brushback - Episode 6 - Blue Jays Trade Buzz, MLB Power Rankings & The Walk Off Slam

    On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, former MLB catcher Gregg Zaun and co-host Mikey dive into the latest headlines surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays as trade speculation begins to heat up. From roster needs to potential moves, the duo breaks down the rumours and storylines shaping the club's outlook. The conversation then expands across Major League Baseball, examining the league’s top teams, biggest surprises, and the latest developments impacting the MLB landscape. Listeners also get a chance to join the show during the popular Q&A segment, where “The Manalyst” tackles audience questions and delivers his trademark candid analysis and insight. The episode wraps up with “The Walk Off Slam,” the can't-miss closing segment featuring strong opinions, bold takes, and a memorable finish to another week of baseball talk. For Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, this episode delivers expert analysis, insider perspective, and plenty of clubhouse-style conversation. ⚾🔥

  14. 5

    The Brushback - Episode 5 - Blue Jays Talk, MLB Roundup & Doug Gilmour Interview

    On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg Zaun and the crew bring another high-energy breakdown of everything happening across Major League Baseball and beyond. The Manalyst and Mikey dive into all things Toronto Blue Jays, including performances from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the demotion of Davis Schneider to Buffalo, and the Jays’ offensive showing against Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. The conversation doesn’t stop there — Gregg also sits down with Toronto Maple Leafs legend Doug Gilmour for a must-hear interview. Around the league, Zauney and Mikey break down standout MLB storylines, including the rise of Tarik Skubal and what it means for the Detroit Tigers. And as always, the show closes with a fan-favourite segment you don’t want to miss — “The Manalyst’s Walk-Off Slam!” 💥

  15. 4

    The Brushback - Episode 4 - lue Jays Breakdown, MLB Heat Check & The Walk-Off Slam

    On today’s episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun on Sauga 960 AM, Gregg Zaun and Mikey dive into the latest struggles and storylines surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays.The discussion focuses on what’s going wrong with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the recent struggles of reliever Jeff Hoffman, and why the rest of the Blue Jays lineup needs to step up if the team wants to stay competitive.In a special feature segment, “The Manalyst” sits down with retired Major League Baseball umpire Ted Barrett for an exclusive interview offering insight into officiating, pressure moments, and the evolving nature of the game.Around Major League Baseball, the show checks in on standout performances and key storylines, including Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Yankees, and manager Pat Murphy and the Milwaukee Brewers.And in the must-hear closing segment, Gregg delivers “The Walk Off Slam,” his signature weekly roast covering the biggest moments, hottest takes, and most talked-about plays in baseball.

  16. 3

    The Brushback - Episode 3 - Kevin Pillar Interview & Bo Bichette Breakdown

    On this episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, “The Manalyst” Gregg Zaun and Mikey deliver another packed week of baseball talk. Gregg sits down with former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin “Superman” Pillar for an in-depth conversation on his career, experiences in Major League Baseball, and life in the game. The crew also goes around MLB, breaking down what’s gone wrong with Bo Bichette in New York and what it means for his future. Plus, don’t miss the fan-favourite segment — “The Wallkoff Slam,” The Manalyst’s weekly roast, delivering sharp takes and plenty of laughs. A must-listen for Blue Jays fans and baseball lovers alike.

  17. 2

    The Brushback - Episode 2 - J.P. Ricciardi Interview & Blue Jays Breakdown

    On today’s episode of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Gregg “The Manalyst” Zaun and Mikey deliver a full slate of Blue Jays and MLB analysis. The show breaks down Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto and asks whether he can maintain his recent strong play, along with discussion around Manager John Schneider’s decision to pull catcher Tyler Heineman after a difficult at-bat. Gregg also sits down with former Toronto Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Ricciardi for a wide-ranging interview. Around Major League Baseball, the crew examines the strength of the National League Central division and what it means for the playoff race. Plus, don’t miss the fan-favourite segment — “The Walk Off Slam,” The Manalyst’s weekly roast.

  18. 1

    The Brushback - Episode 1 - Bullpen Heat, MLB Firings & No-Filter Baseball

    On the inaugural edition of The Brushback with Gregg Zaun, Mikey welcomes “The Manalyst” back to the GTA airwaves for sharp, unfiltered baseball talk. Zaun kicks things off by sharing what he’s been up to before diving into weekly coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays — including a candid breakdown of the team’s bullpen situation and what needs to change. The show also features Zaun’s weekly sit-down with former Jays starter Josh Towers, offering insider perspective from inside the clubhouse. In The Walk Off Slam, Zaun gets straight to business — reacting to major MLB shakeups, including the firing of Rob Thomson in Philadelphia and Alex Cora in Boston, while taking aim at the growing influence of analytics across the league. This is baseball talk the way it was meant to be — bold, honest, and unapologetically real. ⚾

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

They say every pitch in baseball counts.   The brushback pitch is like no other…it has purpose, it’s aggressive and it makes a point that not easily forgotten.The Brushback with Gregg Zaun and Mike Karafilidis is where unfiltered truth meets hardball reality.   Fresh off an 8 year stint in the penalty box and no longer shackled by corporate media, Zauny delivers a raw, unbridled baseball analysis, fearless takes and a relentless passion for both America and now Canada’s summer pastime. After 16 years in the Major Leagues, Zauny knows what’s between the lines and what’s said in the dugouts. No topic is off-limits—nothing will go unsaid. Every base is covered, from the biggest headlines to the smallest details. The Brushback with Gregg Zaun and co-host Mike Karafilidis is baseball analysis delivered high and tight.

HOSTED BY

NEWSTALK Sauga 960 AM

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Brushback have?

The Brushback currently has 18 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Brushback about?

They say every pitch in baseball counts.   The brushback pitch is like no other…it has purpose, it’s aggressive and it makes a point that not easily forgotten.The Brushback with Gregg Zaun and Mike Karafilidis is where unfiltered truth meets hardball reality.   Fresh off an 8 year stint in the...

How often does The Brushback release new episodes?

The Brushback has 18 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Brushback?

You can listen to The Brushback on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Brushback?

The Brushback is created and hosted by NEWSTALK Sauga 960 AM.
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