Episodes: Season 2

S2 E1 (February 22, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff talks with the masterful biographer/reporter Ron Rapoport about his book on Ernie Banks and that Cubs 1969 team. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend and armchair GM, Peter Nestos, to discuss the Cubs’ upcoming season.  

Bonus* (Feb. 25, 2024)
In this episode of the Clubhouse Tapes, Jeff talks with Linda Dillman about her lifelong relationship with the Cubs, her dear friendship with Ron Santo, and owning Bernie’s across from Wrigley Field.

*Subscriber only: Patreon or Apple podcasts.

S2 E2 (March 7, 2024)
Jeff and Christie discuss regret. The earnest Barry Rozner talks about how he went from a vender to an award-winning sports journalist, his relationship with Ron Santo, writing Ron’s Hall of Fame speech, and more. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his nephew, Sam Brown.

S2 E3 (March 21, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff and Christie talk about luck. Jeff interviews Dodger/Cub Nate Oliver about that Cubs 1969 team, singing Pennant Fever, and the Koufax no-hitter in ’65. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Joey Hickman, son of Cubs slugger Jim Hickman.

S2 E4 (April 4, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff interviews center fielder Bobby Dernier about the incredible 1984 Cubs team and its success, which took Chicago by storm. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Gino’s East LA owner Dan Michaels.

S2 E5 (April 18 2024)
In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss their top five favorite baseball films. Jeff interviews independent studio mogul Ira Deutchman (A Woman Under the Influence, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Sex Lies and Videotape, Hoop Dreams). They discuss Ira’s enduring career, distributing This Old Cub, and some insightful advice for today’s indie filmmakers. Then Jeff Crackerjack calls his friend and music video producer Joel Tabbush.

S2 E6 (May 2, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff speaks with Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins about his incredible career, his time with the Cubs, and that 1969 team. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his nephew Spencer Brown, who’s studying Sports Business at the University of Oklahoma.

S2 E7 (May 16, 2024)
Jeff interviews Jimmy Bank, the former traveling secretary for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Oakland A’s, who has so many stories he could write a book. He talks about how he became the youngest in his position in MLB history and his wonderful relationship with Ron Santo. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Arthur Pullano for some wild stories about growing up with the Santo family.

S2 E8 (May 23, 2024)
In the intro, Jeff and Christie discuss 'being spoiled', and then Jeff discusses Hollywood, deal-making, and being a Cub fan with entertainment lawyer Scott Zolke. Lastly, Jeff crackerjack calls Karen Bonelli, a family friend whose father helped put together Ron Santo Pizzeria and Pro’s Pizza.

S2 E9 (May 30, 2024)
Cool insight and great stories in this episode. Jeff interviews Cubs catcher Jody Davis to discuss that great ’84 season. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Matt Boltz, the audio engineer for WGN when Ron Santo was in the booth.

S2 E10 (June 6, 2024)
In the intro, Jeff and Christie get real about the struggle of the independent journey. Then Jeff chats with writer/producer/director Rob Weiss (Entourage, Ballers) about his trajectory into Hollywood, his hit TV shows, and writing Hells Angels together for Fox2000. Then, Jeff crackerjack calls Andy Masur, who worked in the booth with Ron and Pat Hughes at WGN.

S2 E11 (June 13, 2024)
In this episode, hockey legend Chris Chelios talks about his incredible journey through multiple continents, from taking a boat to Australia to learning how to fight in Canada to competing in the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo under armed watch to his recent honor of getting his number retired by the Chicago Blackhawks. Then Jeff Crackerjack calls his childhood friend and college roommate, Pat Walsh.

S2 E12 (June 20, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss the TV series Dark Matter. Then, Jeff talks with screenwriter Mike Skelton about their similar paths into Hollywood and the different roads from there forth, Mike selling scripts to studios and Jeff with his indie spirit. And Jeff crackerjack calls Bobby Biittner, son of Cubs Larry Biittner, to talk about their shared experiences.

S2 E13 (June 27, 2024)
In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss The Bikeriders and new merch. Then Jeff speaks with actor Kevin Chapman about working for the Mayor of Boston, his early childhood with an alcoholic war veteran father and mother from the nuns in Biddeford, ME, his leap into acting and getting Mystic River, and more. And Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood babysitter, Vonna Contino.

S2 E14 (August 12, 2024)
We're back! Releasing this exclusive content for you all to hear. In this episode, Jeff talks with first base coach of the 1969 Cubs, Joe Amalfitano. They discuss Joe’s first meeting with the infamous Leo Durocher, Ron Santo's prowess at the hot corner, the ride of ’69, and so much more. And Jeff crackerjack calls Christie's Godfather, Chips Conlon and gets her Godmother, Paula, too. 

S2 E15 (August 29, 2024)
Jeff and Christie talk about the loss of Christie’s mom. Then Jeff speaks with All-Star 1st baseman Sean Casey, “the Mayor,” about his career: drafted by the Indians, traded to the Reds, being a workhorse at the plate, and eventually becoming the hitting coach for the Yankees. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend Jim Rosenberger. 
 

S2 E16 (September 12, 2024)

Jeff talks with legendary announcer Joe Buck about his incredible career, following his father’s footsteps and finding his own style, calling the 2016 World Series, and much more. Then Jeff crackerjack calls writer and Gino’s East LA owner Tod Himmel. 

S2 E17 (September 12, 2024)

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss Pete Rose. Then Jeff speaks with Sharon Pannozzo, the Cubs' longtime Director of Media, about how she got into the business, the obstacles she had to overcome, calling Ron Santo to tell him he didn't make the Hall of Fame, and working with Sammy Sosa. Then Jeff crackerjack calls David Gue, author of the new book The Baseball Hall of Fame: A Fan’s Perspective.
 

 

S2 E18 (October 24, 2024)

Jeff and Christie open by talking about their current project. Then Jeff talks with former Cubs’ pitcher and co-host of MLB’s Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster. They discuss this World Series matchup, the mental game of baseball, what makes a winning team, his friendship with Ron Santo, and baseball today. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his buddy Jim McCauley to hear about his recent visit to Baseball’s Hall of Fame. 

S2 E19 (November 22, 2024)

Jeff and Christie have a fun chat about the new robotic umpires. Then Jeff speaks with legendary comedian Tom Dreesen about his journey from humble beginnings to his larger-than-life career, including opening for Frank Sinatra, appearing on the Tonight Show, and his love for the Cubs. Jeff crackerjack calls Karl Marquardt, an organizer for Northside Baseball Fantasy Camp.

S2 E20 (December 12, 2024)

Jeff and Christie discuss the HOF inductees and the possible new rule called the Golden-At-Bat. Then Jeff sits down with the multi-hyphenate man of entertainment, Brigham Avery, who talks about his lineage in entertainment, his show Hollywood and Ivy on the Marquee Network, and his next project, Let There Be Light, and how he got into comedy and producing comedy. And Jeff’s crackerjack call is Jim Flood, the Cubs’ 1969 bat boy who was there when the black cat circled Ron Santo.