Going Deep with Donnovan Bennett

Torpedo bats have taken Major League Baseball by storm - what are they, and are they actually making a real difference? Donnovan speaks with Ben Milinkovich (3:20), Director at SAM Bat, a Canadian baseball bat manufacturer to get direct information on how the torpedo bat has become so popular. Afterwards, with the Canadian Premier League season about to begin, Donnovan chats with CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan (15:10) on the beginning of the league's seventh season, and how the league continues to grow. Plus,  Donnovan also speaks with Allison Sandmeyer-Graves (38:30), CEO of Canadian Women & Sport, on her latest op-ed which highlights key milestones - PWHL’s record-breaking season, the launch of the Northern Super League, and the highly anticipated debut of the WNBA's Toronto Tempo - all signs that women’s sports are thriving.

Allison's op-ed: https://womenandsport.ca/canadas-womens-sport-boom-and-the-case-for-accelerated-action/

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The 2025 MLB season has finally returned, and with it comes more optimism for better days for the Toronto Blue Jays - with the Jays already back in action, Donnovan chats with former Jays ace Ricky Romero (47:50) on Alejandro Kirk signing a long-term extension, what's next in the extension department for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the health of the game overall (including the arm health for many young pitchers across MLB). Afterwards, Donnovan chats with Apple TV's Alex Faust (1:27:36), as Friday Night Baseball gears up for another season - they get into the Jays' chances of competing in a tough division, and touch on a few larger baseball topics, including the seemingly-unstoppable Dodgers.

Plus, some good and bad news from Canada Soccer, as they dispatch the USA at the CONCACAF Nations League, but lose star Alphonso Davies to a torn ACL in the process. Donnovan brings on former Canada Soccer star Kara Lang (2:50) to discuss the tournament, her experience in rehabbing from a tough injury, and what she's looking forward to about the coming debut for the Northern Super League.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

March Madness has begun! With brackets being busted already, Donnovan gets some perspective on the big dance with Daniele Franceschi (0:17) and Sabreena Merchant (45:14). Daniele takes a deep dive on the men's bracket, including which Canadians viewers should be paying attention to as the tournament continues. Afterwards, Sabreena shares her expertise on the women's bracket, including the chances for her beloved Duke University, and touches on the latest from the WNBA, including her thoughts on the Toronto Tempo and Serena Williams being named as a member of the team's ownership group.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

With the spring (and, very soon, summer) of soccer on the horizon, Donnovan brings on two guests who know the beautiful game better than most: Toronto FC Head Coach Robin Fraser (2:19) and Olympic medallist Diana Matheson (28:42). First, Robin discusses TFC's start to the season, how he operates as a head coach both on a personnel level and a tactical one, his relationships with Greg Vanney and Jesse Marsch, and what success would look like in his first year. Afterwards, Diana discusses the rapidly approaching debut for the Northern Super League, including what she's learned during the creation of a new domestic Canadian league, any surprises she's encountered along the way, and what's still left to get done in the last 30 days before the first kickoff in NSL history.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the many achievements of women all over in the world - including across the vast world of sport. Donnovan took a few trips around North America to meet some of the remarkable women in hockey, including one to Seattle, where he spoke to Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell (2:11), the first woman to hold an on-bench role as assistant or associate coach in NHL history, as they discuss what led her to this point, the support she's had along the way, and what goes into a typical day in preparing the players for gameday. Afterwards, Donnovan hopped on a flight to Colorado, where he spoke with Kim Weiss (35:33), the video coach for the Colorado Avalanche's AHL affiliate team, the Colorado Eagles. They chat about what's next for her, and what it's like being so close to the NHL itself. Plus, Donnovan also speaks with Lindsay Pennal (57:18), executive director of the NHL Coaches Association - they discuss her work with the NHLCA's Female Coaches Program, and how it's helping to shape the career paths of women striving to reach the highest levels of hockey.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Tempo have officially named Monica Wright Rogers as the first GM in franchise history - what goes into building a team from scratch in a country that has never had a WNBA team before? Donnovan chats with Monica (2:28) about the task that lays ahead and what comes first in a long line of items to check off. Afterwards, with Netflix's latest docuseries 'Court of Gold' available to stream, Donnovan chats with director Jake Rogal (19:30) on how he put together the series over the course of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Plus, Basketball Hall of Famer Wayne Embry was in Toronto to meet with Raptors President Masai Ujiri - Donnovan speaks with Wayne (40:02) on not only his long career as a player and executive, but also his experience living through the civil rights struggle in the United States all the way to becoming the first African-American GM in NBA history.

Donnovan's SN.ca Article on Wayne Embry: https://www.sportsnet.ca/article/nba-legend-wayne-embry-on-the-importance-of-learning-from-the-past/

Wayne Embry Fellowship: https://fellowship.raptors.com/

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off is officially over, wrapping up with a dramatic 3-2 OT win for Canada over the United States! Donnovan chats with Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon (2:38), as they discuss the thrilling heroics from Connor McDavid in overtime, and the starring roles of Jordan Binnington, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mitch Marner. Afterwards, Donnovan chats with Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno alongside his wife Janelle (33:15), as they have signed on to be ambassadors for Heart & Stroke’s February Heart Month campaign. The campaign shines a spotlight on congenital heart disease (CHD) —  a condition their oldest child, 11-year-old Milana, was diagnosed with at birth. Plus, Donnovan takes a visit to the first-ever Reeve Hockey Classic at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus, Massachusetts - he speaks with the NHL's Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs in Kim Davis (1:01:52), and wraps up by chatting with Canada captain Tyler McGregor (1:05:46), who brings him on the ice to try his hand at sled hockey.

Nick and Janelle's story: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/nhl-familys-fight-with-congenital-heart-disease

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

With Super Bowl 59 in the books, Donnovan turns his attention to the secondary (but just as important) aspect of the big game: ads and the halftime show. For the first, Donnovan brings back Susan Charles (3:02), Brand Strategy Lead for YouTube Canada, for her  yearly recap of advertisements - which spots are audiences going back to watch? What were the themes in this year's commercials? Afterwards, Donnovan chats with Sheri Lambert (24:58), Associate Professor of Marketing at Temple University, to discuss the halftime show - they chat about how the performance has become a cultural phenomenon, and what kind of value artists derive from the show. Plus, to wrap up, Donnovan and Sho discuss Kendrick Lamar's performance itself and which performers could take the stage in the future (38:38).

Donnovan's Super Bowl Ad Rankings: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/article/super-bowl-lix-a-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-top-25-commercials/

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Donnovan gets set for Super Bowl LIX alongside producer Sho Alli, as the two chat with a variety of guests surrounding the biggest game of the year. KiSS 92.5's Shem (3:23) stops by to discuss the coming Kendrick Lamar halftime performance, while SumerSports' Lindsay Rhodes (32:45) chats about the best way to allocating resources en route to a Super Bowl berth. Former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff (38:37) breaks down the best parts of the Chiefs and Eagles rosters, and former Raiders CEO Amy Trask (44:29) dishes on what the carnival that is the lead up to the game itself is like for players, coaches, and front office members alike.

Sho's Super Bowl X-Factors: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/article/super-bowl-lix-x-factors-who-could-be-difference-makers-for-chiefs-and-eagles

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ahead of a February debut for Canada Soccer, Donnovan chats with new women's national team head coach Casey Stoney (3:35) - they chat about the hiring process, what drew her to the Canadian team, and what her own journey as a player and coach has been like. Afterwards, with the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup back for a ninth season, Toronto Sceptres forward and Olympic gold medalist Sarah Nurse (24:00) stops by to discuss why the program is so important to youth hockey across Canada. Plus, the Canadian Premier League is gearing up for the CONCACAF Champions Cup - Costa Smyrniotis (35:21), CPL EVP, stops by to discuss the challenge that lies ahead for Cavalry FC and Forge FC.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.