Chirping Zebras

The Zebras sat down with Gigi Marvin — Olympic gold medalist, NESN hockey brain, Minnesota legend, and the mastermind behind Rink Rat 19 Hockey School — and buddy… she absolutely wheeled on this one.We get into EVERYTHING:🥇 Winning Olympic Gold and the insane rivalry with Canada🏒 Girls growing up with real pro hockey dreams🎒 TJ Oshie going to the same high school (Warroad’s basically hockey Hogwarts)🌨️ Why Minnesota hockey is just built different📺 Her work on NESN and breaking down the women’s game🏫 Teaching the next generation of snipers at Rink Rat 19Fast, funny, filthy chirps. Big-time stories. Beauty-level hockey IQ.If you love hockey, USA–Canada beef, or watching Minnesotans talk about the sport like it’s a religion… this one’s for you.🔥 SPONSORSDamon Financial LLC24+ years of straight-shooting financial guidance. Retirement planning, investments, tax strategies — real pros, no fluff.👉 https://www.damonfinancial.com/📞 508-321-2101Townshend HockeyBuilding elite hockey players and elite humans with Discipline. Respect. Leadership.👉 https://townshendhockey.com/Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials. If you wear stripes, these are your people.✅ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBEWebsite: https://chirpingzebras.com/TikTok: @chirping.zebrasInstagram: @chirpingzebrasFacebook: @chirpingzebras💬 JOIN THE CHIRP-FESTDrop your chirps, stories, questions, or requests below. If your comment’s funny enough, we might read it on the show. If it sucks, we’ll pretend we never saw it.⭐ SUPPORT THE PODHit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you don’t miss the next episode from the stripes.

Alright ya pigeons, buckle up — this week on Chirping Zebras we’ve got the man, the myth, the voice smoother than a fresh sheet at Warrior Ice Arena: Billy freakin’ Jaffe from NESN. And the beauty shows up with stories colder than your ex’s heart.Billy takes us back to Fairbanks, where it was 54 below, which is the kind of temperature where you open the door and immediately reconsider every decision you’ve ever made. We’re talkin’ hockey so cold your eyelids freeze mid-blink. Games where the trainers weren’t taping ankles — they were thawing out players like frozen chicken cutlets.He gets into:– Playing in weather where the pregame speech is just the coach yelling, “DON’T DIE.”– The bus rides that felt like you were being transported to an Alaskan gulag.– That one rink so cold it made beer league barns in New England look like a Sandals resort.– Bruins talk, NESN behind-the-scenes, and a couple stories that had us asking, “How the hell are you still alive, bud?”– Plus enough chirps to get every ref in North America fired up.Mark, Geno, and Josh get him going like a linesman breaking up a scrum he definitely caused. It’s cold-weather war stories, locker-room nonsense, and big-time hockey brain all in one. Absolute heater of an episode… even though everything Billy describes is below freezing.🔥 SPONSORSDamon Financial LLC24+ years of straight-shooting financial guidance. Retirement planning, investments, tax strategies — real pros, no fluff.👉 https://www.damonfinancial.com/📞 508-321-2101Townshend HockeyBuilding elite hockey players and elite humans with Discipline. Respect. Leadership.👉 https://townshendhockey.com/Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials. If you wear stripes, these are your people.✅ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBEWebsite: https://chirpingzebras.com/TikTok: @chirping.zebrasInstagram: @chirpingzebrasFacebook: @chirpingzebras💬 JOIN THE CHIRP-FESTDrop your chirps, stories, questions, or requests below. If your comment’s funny enough, we might read it on the show. If it sucks, we’ll pretend we never saw it.⭐ SUPPORT THE PODHit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you don’t miss the next episode from the stripes.

Chirping Zebras Podcast – Jared “Jedi” Baker (Maine Cabin Masters & The Woodshed)The boys are BUZZIN’ as Mark Riley, Gino Binda Jr., and Josh Dolan welcome Jared “Jedi” Baker — long-time hockey guy and one of the celebrity faces behind the hit TV show Maine Cabin Masters, as well as co-owner of the legendary Maine hangout The Woodshed.If you’re into hockey podcasts, locker-room storytelling, construction chaos, Maine backwoods weirdness, or dudes chirping each other like it’s a Tuesday in the ECHL, this episode is your jam.We dive into Jedi’s journey from grinding in the hockey world to becoming part of one of the most successful renovation shows on TV. He breaks down life on set, the community behind The Woodshed, and how a little Maine bar turned into a destination for fans across the world.✅ What You’ll Hear Jared “Jedi” Baker interviewMaine Cabin Masters behind-the-scenes storiesThe Woodshed: Maine’s must-stop bar & fan destinationHow The Woodshed became a global fan hangoutHockey culture, alumni game stories, and chirpingSnowmobiles, remote Maine lifestyle, small-town gritConstruction disasters, renovation madness, and cabin chaosBest hockey podcasts of 2025If you watch Maine Cabin Masters, love hockey degeneracy, or just want to hear dudes tell stories like they’re still in the dressing room, this one’s a heater.🔥 SPONSORSDamon Financial LLC24+ years of straight-shooting financial guidance. Retirement planning, investments, tax strategies — real pros, no fluff.👉 https://www.damonfinancial.com/📞 508-321-2101Townshend HockeyBuilding elite hockey players and elite humans with Discipline. Respect. Leadership.👉 https://townshendhockey.com/Referees CreaseRecruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials. If you wear stripes, these are your people.✅ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBEWebsite: https://chirpingzebras.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chirping.zebrasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chirpingzebras/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chirpingzebras/💬 JOIN THE CHIRP-FESTDrop your chirps, stories, questions, or requests below. If your comment’s funny enough, we might read it on the show. If it sucks, we’ll pretend we never saw it.⭐ SUPPORT THE PODHit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you don’t miss the next episode from the stripes.

This week the boys get real hockey nerdy with the one and only Pierre McGuire — ya know, the guy who knows every player’s junior billet mom and what stick curve they used in Bantams. Mark Riley, Gino Binda Jr., and Josh Dolan get into it with Pierre about everything from the chaos of NHL officiating to the beauty of the 2010 Olympic gold medal game.They’re talkin’ refs, linesmen, chirps from the bench, how the game’s changed, and why communication on the ice can make or break a night. Pierre drops wild stories from his decades in the league — behind the benches, in the booths, and down between the glass where he’s been smoked by more pucks than a beer league goalie.We get into fighter toughness, college-to-pro jumps, old-school coaching legends, the next wave of NHL expansion, and yeah — even a little Hall of Fame chatter. It’s pure hockey talk with the energy of a post-game beer in the dressing room.So tape up the twig, grab a cold one, and hit play — this one’s a beauty. 🍻#ChirpingZebras #PierreMcGuire #HockeyPodcast #RefLife #NHL🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:Audio: https://chirpingzebras.com/episodes/Thanks to our Sponsors:Damon FinancialDamon Financial LLC for backing the pod — if you want no-BS, straight-shooting financial advice from people who actually care, hit up Damon Financial. For over 24 years, they’ve been helping families and business owners grow and protect their wealth with clear, trusted strategies. From retirement planning and investments to tax-efficient solutions, they deliver advice focused on your goals.📞 Call 508-321-2101 to book your meeting with Damon Financial today.👉 Learn more about Damon Financialhttps://www.damonfinancial.com/Townshend HockeyAt Townshend Hockey, they don't just build great hockey players — they build great people with Discipline. Respect. Leadership.On the ice and off — they train character, they grow confidence, and they inspire a lifelong love of the game. Because at Townshend Hockey, it's not just about the scoreboard —It's about who you become.👉 Learn more about Townshend Hockeyhttps://townshendhockey.com/Referees CreaseYour one-stop solution for all things hockey officiating: Recruitment, Development, Advancement, Assignments, and Payroll. RECRUITMENT DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENTS PAYROLL📢 Connect with Us:Website: https://chirpingzebras.com/Show Social Media: The TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chirping.zebrasThe IG: https://www.instagram.com/chirpingzebras/The Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chirpingzebras/💬 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and join the discussion in the comments below or reach out to us on social media!⭐ Subscribe & Rate:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Chirping Zebras and leaving a rating/review. Your support helps us keep delivering insightful content from the referees' perspective!

Alright boys and girls, strap in — this week’s Chirping Zebras episode is a beauty. Mark Riley, Gino Binda Jr., and Josh Dolan sit down with Kevin Flynn — former pro soccer player, stand-up comic, and absolute weapon of a guy!The boys dive into the real stuff — the culture of hockey players, the gong show that is youth sports these days, and why every dad behind the glass thinks they’re Scotty Bowman. Kevin drops some unreal stories about going from the pitch to the stage, dealing with refs, and the art of not losing your mind at your kid’s game.They get into how comedy’s changed — what you can say, what you can’t, and how the old-school legends like Rodney Dangerfield paved the way for the boys doing it now. Tons of laughs, tons of “you can’t say that anymore” moments, but all with that locker room honesty that makes Chirping Zebras what it is.There’s also some great talk about mentorship — how the right guy in your corner can change your path, whether it’s comedy, hockey, or just life. Kevin even dives into concussions, youth development, and how soccer’s finally getting its due in the States… but don’t worry, they still find time to chirp a few soccer dives along the way.It’s a mix of beer-league banter, stand-up wisdom, and a few hard truths about the state of sports and comedy today. The boys keep it real, keep it funny, and keep it rolling like they always do.Bottom line:If you like hearing old-school locker room laughs mixed with smart talk and good stories, this episode’s a f***in’ heater.Big thanks to Damon Financial LLC for backing the pod — if you want no-BS, straight-shooting financial advice from people who actually care, hit up Damon Financial. For over 24 years, they’ve been helping families and business owners grow and protect their wealth with clear, trusted strategies. From retirement planning and investments to tax-efficient solutions, they deliver advice focused on your goals.📞 Call 508-321-2101 to book your meeting with Damon Financial today.👉 Learn more about Damon Financialhttps://www.damonfinancial.com/🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:Audio: https://chirpingzebras.com/episodes/📢 Connect with Us:Website: https://chirpingzebras.com/Show Social Media: The TikTok:   / chirping.zebras  The IG:   / chirpingzebras  The Facebook:   / chirpingzebras  💬 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and join the discussion in the comments below or reach out to us on social media!⭐ Subscribe & Rate:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Chirping Zebras and leaving a rating/review. Your support helps us keep delivering insightful content from the referees' perspective!

A Boston Bruins legend — Rick "Nifty" Middleton — a guy who’s number 16 hangs in the Boston Garden's rafters joined the boys for an amazing rap session. He tells stories from his playing days with the Bruins and talks about winning a Gold Medal as the coach of the 2002 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team at the Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nifty got his nickname because of his silky mitts and goal scoring touch. This is episode not to be missed.Big thanks to Damon Financial LLC for backing the pod — if you want no-BS, straight-shooting financial advice from people who actually care, hit up Damon Financial. For over 24 years, they’ve been helping families and business owners grow and protect their wealth with clear, trusted strategies. From retirement planning and investments to tax-efficient solutions, they deliver advice focused on your goals.📞 Call 508-321-2101 to book your meeting with Damon Financial today.👉 Learn more about Damon Financialhttps://www.damonfinancial.com/🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:Audio: https://chirpingzebras.com/episodes/📢 Connect with Us:Website: https://chirpingzebras.com/Show Social Media: The TikTok:   / chirping.zebras  The IG:   / chirpingzebras  The Facebook:   / chirpingzebras  💬 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and join the discussion in the comments below or reach out to us on social media!⭐ Subscribe & Rate:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Chirping Zebras and leaving a rating/review. Your support helps us keep delivering insightful content from the referees' perspective!

The boys sit down with a real beauty — former pro hockey player and coach Graham Townshend — a guy who’s been through the grind, lived the dream, and is still shaping the next generation of players. Absolute legend of a chat, full of stories, laughs, and some serious perspective. You’ll want to hear this one.Big thanks to Damon Financial LLC for backing the pod — if you want no-BS, straight-shooting financial advice from people who actually care, hit up Damon Financial. For over 24 years, they’ve been helping families and business owners grow and protect their wealth with clear, trusted strategies. From retirement planning and investments to tax-efficient solutions, they deliver advice focused on your goals.📞 Call 508-321-2101 to book your meeting with Damon Financial today.👉 Learn more about Damon Financialhttps://www.damonfinancial.com/🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:Audio: https://chirpingzebras.com/episodes/📢 Connect with Us:Website: https://chirpingzebras.com/Show Social Media: The TikTok:   / chirping.zebras  The IG:   / chirpingzebras  The Facebook:   / chirpingzebras  💬 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and join the discussion in the comments below or reach out to us on social media!⭐ Subscribe & Rate:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Chirping Zebras and leaving a rating/review. Your support helps us keep delivering insightful content from the referees' perspective!

Alright ya absolute beauties, strap in ‘cause we’re goin’ deep into Pats history here. We’re talkin’ the whole ride — from the days when nobody gave a shit about ‘em, to flipping dynasties on their heads. Ownership chaos, coaching moves, and games that had ya screamin’ at the TV like a donkey.We chirp about Tom Brady’s glow-up from underdog to GOAT, Gronk vs. Russ Francis, and all the boys who made Foxboro electric. Ya wanna hear about Deflategate, Spygate, the Pats vs. the league, and the fanbase that’s nuttier than a bag of trail mix? It’s all in here. Even the dark stuff — Darryl Stingley’s tragic story, the toll the game takes, and how the league’s changed since.We even toss in the ol’ bar-stool debate: greatest Pats teams of all time. Spoiler — there’s chirps, there’s bad takes, and there’s a pile of laughs. Wrap it all up with where the Patriots are headin’ next and how refs are screwin’ or savin’ the game.If ya love the Pats, hate the Pats, or just love hearin’ the boys chop it up — you’re in the right place.👉 Smash the like.👉 Subscribe ya pigeons.👉 Drop your GOAT Patriots moment in the comments and we’ll chirp ya back.🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:Audio: https://chirpingzebras.com/episodes/📢 Connect with Us:Website: https://chirpingzebras.com/Show Social Media: The TikTok:   / chirping.zebras  The IG:   / chirpingzebras  The Facebook:   / chirpingzebras  💬 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and join the discussion in the comments below or reach out to us on social media!⭐ Subscribe & Rate:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Chirping Zebras and leaving a rating/review. Your support helps us keep delivering insightful content from the referees' perspective!

The boys are buzzing this week, looking back on some absolute weapons we’ve had on the pod, mixing in a couple health curveballs, and talking shop about getting out in the community.Refs in youth hockey? Buddy, it’s a minefield. The chirps, the parents, the kids — it’s all there. We’re breaking down the grind, the good, the bad, and the beauty of it. Plus, the boys are fired up for the new season, talking training camps, staying sharp, and the little things that keep officials dialed in.We don’t shy away either — age discrimination in reffing, the politics, the grind of keeping the stripes on as the game evolves… it’s all on the table. Sprinkle in some personal war stories, a couple youth sports hot takes, and a look at how college puck is growing like crazy.This one’s got laughs, stories, and some hard truths — just like the game itself.

The fellas had Fran Doyle on Chirping Zebras this week — absolute wagon of a guest if you’re into the stripes side of sports. Fran’s a lacrosse ref who’s seen it all: youth parents losing their minds, box lacrosse turning into a warzone, and the politics that come with officiating. They chop it up about how lacrosse culture stacks up against hockey, what refs actually get paid (spoiler: not much), and the insurance/academy grind that’s changing youth sports. Tons of unreal insight but also a ton of laughs, with Fran telling stories about navigating the circus that is being a ref. Beauty episode.