Chirping Zebras

The Zebras welcome longtime friend GREG SIMEONE to the show for a great discussion about his new book series that focuses on youth sports, including hockey. Greg grew up loving the game of hockey and had a long career including a New Jersey Devils NHL training camp and a three-year career in professional hockey. Greg also coached and mentored young athletes across multiple sports, including several who went on to play in the NCAA, ECHL, AHL, and NHL. He always had the same message: play for the love of it, and the rest takes care of itself.

As a father, coach, businessman, and lifelong sports enthusiast, Greg saw how much pressure can take away from the joy kids should experience while playing youth sports. That realization inspired him to write children's books focused on friendship, confidence, laughter, and simply loving the game.

I Just Want to Play is Greg's first children's book — and the start of a series built to help kids dream big, play hard, and never lose the magic of being a child. Greg has a great message and hopes all parents will stop and take a moment to remember sports should fun to play, not full of pressure to perform and win. Adults need to do better. Kids need to have fun.

Get more information about the books at https://simmerbooks.com/

A special thanks to the Lodge Bar and Grill in Randolph, MA for allowing us to tape in their awesome restaurant. A huge shout out to the owners Jimmy, Dave and Steve Rooney. Check them out at https://thelodgebarandgrill.com/

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Whether you like pro hockey talk, youth hockey talk, or referee talk, this episode is for you. Brad Lukowich, a two time Stanley Cup Champion, joined us for an animated discussion on all things hockey. Winning a cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, Brad has a passion for the sport of hockey that is infectious and shows in his stories and opinions.

Brad is also a highly accomplished hockey coach. He has been able to transition his on-ice success into a coaching approach rooted in accountability, structure, and progressive skill development. He coaches both boys and girls hockey for the Texas Warriors youth hockey program.

This episode will entertain, educate and make you think. You will be fired up by Brad's enthusiasm for the sport he loves. Get ready to want to go out and get on the ice and wheel, snipe and celly.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for some pro hockey talk, including a lot of NHL talk with long time NHL'er Mike Lalor. He spent 12 years in the NHL and played with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. In 1986 Mike won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens one year after winning the Calder Cup in the AHL with Sherbrooke.

Mike talks about playing with many legends of hockey along with his fight with Steve Yzerman. Although a U.S. citizen by birth, Lalor spent his youth in Fort Erie, Ontario. Lalor represented the U.S. Hockey Team at the 1996 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.

Mike is a complete beauty with endless stories and great insights into the world of professional hockey. Enjoy this one with a cold beverage of your choice.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Youth hockey has gone mad lately. Twigs are being swung at an alarming rate. Match penalties are getting dealt on the reg. So we invivted long time coach Jonny Suporn to come on and talk about the state of hockey, especially at the youth level.

Jonny is the founder and head skills coach of Heads Up Hockey. With nearly a decade of coaching experience, he has built HUH into a complete training experience focused on long-term growth, confidence and results. They offer private and group lessons and Jonny coaches many tournament teams in the spring and summer.

Are you tired of all the nonsense in youth hockey, well we are too. Give a watch or listen to this one to get insight from coaches, referees and parents (Currently, Geno is all three). Hit the ice running boys and keep the sticks and elbows down. Lets talk some hockey.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

The Zebras switch it up a little and are joined by country music stars Chris Tyler Lucas and Preston Samuel Brust of LoCash. Riles went down to the LoCash Golf Bash in Hilton Head and did some chirping with Tony V and invited to boys to come on and talk music, sports, touring and teven the band's tour bus encountering some chicken protestors. Yeah its hilarious.

The band's hit song "I Love This Life" is Riles' favorite song and they told the story of that song originally being written for Garth Brooks. This is an episode that has something for everyone. Sports fans. Music fans. Entertainment fans. Do yourself a favor and give this one a watch or listen. Huge thanks to band manager and hockey player John Lessard, who Marked coached way back in the day at Sandwich High School for setting this all up. And as LoCash would say, aint life one big country song.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for some serious hockey talk with our guest JON LOUNSBURY, owner of Eleven Hockey. Jon has over two decades of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to the game of hockey. At Eleven Hockey he works closely with players at every level—from youth hockey to the NHL—providing on-ice skill development, video coaching, and mentorship.

Jon has worked with many NHL players including Jack Eichel, Trent Frederic, Pat Maroon and many others. He works with players during the season and off season. He also coaches his daughters youth hockey teams and is very well known in the hockey community.

Sit back and enjoy stories, insights and comments on youth hockey, pro hockey and everything in between. You might even learn a thing or two.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

http://www.refcrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for copious amounts of laughter with one of the nation's top comedians, TONY V.

Tony V started his stand-up comedy career in 1982 after attending several shows at Boston’s prestigious Comedy Connection. In 1986 Tony V was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by Showtime television. He followed this achievement with several performances on HBO, the Arts and Entertainment Network, Comedy Central, and MTV. From 1987 through 1992 Tony V became the “spokesperson” for American Tourister Luggage. Remember the suitcase-smashing gorilla? It was Tony who gave the ape its distinct voice and temperament.

Network television was next on the list for this Boston native. Spending time in New York and L. A. paid off with multiple highly acclaimed appearances on Late Night w/ Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd w/ Colin Quinn, and several sit-coms including Seinfeld, Boston Common, The Single Guy, and Dr. Katz Professional Therapist. Having proven himself a solid comic actor Tony then tackled dramatic roles on television working with such notable actors as Eric Roberts, Ice T, and James McDaniels from NYPD Blue.

Tony’s big screen outings include State and Main, Celtic Pride, Housesitter, One Crazy Summer, and Shakes the Clown as well as the independently produced By the Sea and Abracadabra. Tony has also produced and written on several shows for network and production companies.

Grab a cold beverage and enjoy this one because it's a killer episode.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

www.refscrease.com

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

Get ready for a real barn burner because the one and only John Buccigross joins the boys for an epic episode. Bucci and the Zebras talk about everything from college hockey, his career path to ESPN, EA Sports' NHL 27, and of course chicken parm. They also have an in-depth discussion about NHL officiating and where it is headed.

If you have ever wondered how the #BucciOvertimeChallenge came about you will get the full story here. This episode is one for the ages so kick back like you're watching Sports Center and enjoy.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

The boys switch it up to baseball being joined by Major Leaguer John Valentin. John played with the Boston Red Sox from 1992-2001 and finished his career with the New York Mets in 2002. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1995, is a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of being the only major-league player to have (in different games) executed an unassisted triple play, hit for the cycle, and hit three home runs in one game.

John not only talks about that triple play and hitting for the cycle, but shares his thoughts on the current Red Sox team, the MLB playoff picture, and instant replay in baseball. John played on some great teams in the 90's and had some legendary teammates like Pedro Martinez and Mo Vaughn (who he played with in college at Seton Hall).

Sit back, bust open a bag of peanuts or Cracker Jacks, and enjoy some baseball talk with a great Red Sox player and all around awesome guy, John Valentin.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

The boys are joined by ex NHL'er Pat Leahy. Strap yourself in for this one. Pat is a local Boston kid who got to live out his dream of playing for his hometown team the Boston Bruins. Pat was a star at BC High, the same school Geno played for, and went on to have a great pro hockey career.

After being drafted in the 5th round, 122nd overall, at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers, Pat spent 4 years playing college hockey for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio before he turned pro in 2001.

In 2007, after his NHL days were done, Pat signed with EHC Black Wings Linz of the Austrian Hockey League. He spent the last 7 seasons of his career with Linz, culminating with a Championship in 2012 before retiring at the end of the 2013–14 season.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

With Geno on vacation, Mark is joined by Comedian Paul Nardizzi and they have quite the discussion about the World Cup, comedy, and everything Boston sports. What happens when two comedians chop it up, a whole ton of laughs that's what.

Paul is not only one of the top comedians out of Boston, he is also a writer, actor and sports fanatic. Check out Paul's sitcom, ConTEMPt on his TikTok @paulnardizzi and go see him live. He is hilarious. Go to http://paulnardizzicomedian.com for more info.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR

Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.

Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease

Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.

If you wear stripes — you belong here.

🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios

For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/

🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS

Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.

👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/

📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

If you are in the mood for some real talk about hockey tournaments, refereeing, trips to Vegas and the World Cup Final, this is the episode for you. Mark and Geno chop it up about all that and more. And Geno discovered sound effects on Riverside. Geno really likes sound effects.

🔥 BIG LOVE TO OUR SPONSOR
Couldn’t do this without the beauties who keep the wheels turning.
Support our sponsor thats support the show — that’s just good locker-room etiquette.

🦓 Referees Crease
Recruiting, developing, and advancing the next generation of hockey officials.
If you wear stripes — you belong here.
🎙️ Huge thanks to AOA Studios
For rolling with us and capturing the boys chirpin’ it up.

CHIRPING ZEBRAS MERCH

Look good. Chirp better.
👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/shop/
🌐 EVERYTHING CHIRPING ZEBRAS
Episodes, clips, merch, socials — all in one barn.
👉 https://chirpingzebras.com/
📺 Full episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.
Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let it rip

This episode has a ton to unpack. The boys come out of the gate talking refereeing clinics, the NHL draft, and the moves the Boston Bruins made this past week. And just when you thought that was a lot, the boys bring on comedian PJ Thibodeau, a CZP favorite, to talk about the Celtics trade of Jaylen Brown and the World Cup. Not only is PJ a top headlining comic, he is also a basketball and soccer expert.

In true Chirping Zebras fashion the episode goes off the rails when Geno shares what his favorite pickup line was back in the day. This was so funny Riles snorted. Yeah that funny. Don't leave this one early or you'll miss a whole lot of hilarity.

Shout out to Iliac Golf for sending us a custom CZP head cover. Check them out.

The Tartan Army from Scotland has been partying their way through Boston and Miami. Riles met some of the crew at his show last Saturday night. After some singing with the lads they agreed to join us Zebras on the pod. If you are a fan of soccer and the World Cup, love the Scottish accent, and like to laugh, this is the episode for you.

In a beach bar north of Miami, Allan MacDonald and the boys talked about the Tartan Army's trip to Boston, the World Cup, futball's GOAT, their favorite stadiums and much more. Oh yeah, there was singing. Can't spend time with lads from Scotland without some singing.

No Scotland, No Party.

The Zebras rolled back into Granite Links Golf Club for the Tee Off For Heroes celebrity golf tournament to benefit the Warrior For Life Fund. This episode is absolutely loaded with big names with big stories.

On this episode 1980 Olympic Gold Medalist Mike Eruzione stopped in and talked hockey and golf. Greg Hill from The Greg Hill Show on WEEI had some laughs with the boys and highlighted The Greg Hill Foundation, that was involved with the big golf ball drop at the end of the day. Also joining the Zebras was Hockey Hall of Famer Joey Mullin, who won 3 Stanley Cups. Boston Bruins radio color commentator Bob Beers gave his thoughts on the current Bruins and next season. Granite Links golf pro Nick Tedeschi talked about the 3 nine hole courses they have at the club and what its like to host TOFH for a great day of gold. Boston comedy legend Steve Sweeney jumped in to provide some comic relief and we finished up with Boston Bruins Foundation president Bob "Swoop" Sweeney.

Go to http://warriorforlifefund.org for more information on this incredible organization that helps current and retired Navy Seals and their families along with Gold Star families.

Big stick taps to Kevin Mason of Marina Bay Management for setting the boys up at Granite Links, and to retired seal Captain Ryan Croley who help establish the Warrior For Life Fund. Also a shout out to Boston Bruins Alumni president Frank Simonetti for his continued support of CZP.

If you have never played Granite Links you should. It is an awesome course run by awesome people.

Naoko Funayama, a sportscaster who has covered multiple sporting events including four Olympic Games, joined the boys for talk about hockey, refereeing and her travels around the globe covering sporting events.

Naoko has worked for NBC Sports, NESN, the New England Revolution and is currently working as a reporter for the Snow League, a professional snowboarding and free skiing league. She had a lot of questions for Geno and Mark about refereeing and what it takes to be a hockey referee. Naoko also talked about her career path and the four Olympics she covered. She covered the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, delayed to 2021 due to covid. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.

Naoko is a true professional journalist who grilled the boys for information about hockey and officiating. It was more Naoko's podcast than the Zebras. Sit back enjoy a sportscaster that has been around the world.

Strap in because the boys are joined by three time Stanley Cup winner Jordan Nolan, who happens to also be on the hit show Shoresy. We talk about his career in the NHL, being on the show and everything in between.

Ryan McDonell, aka Michaels from Shoresy, joins the boys for a full-blown hockey culture heater.

This week on Chirping Zebras, Ryan McDonell hops in with Mark Riley, Geno Binda, and Josh Dolan to talk all things hockey — from life around the rink, officiating stories, acting gigs, Boston hockey chaos, and the kind of behind-the-scenes moments you only get when you’ve lived inside the game.

Ryan has worn a bunch of different buckets over the years — referee, actor, hockey guy, storyteller — and the boys get into how all those worlds collide. We’re talking locker room laughs, fan culture, old-school hockey memories, the evolution of sports media, and why this game still has a way of bringing absolute beauties together.

If you love hockey, chirps, Boston sports culture, refs catching strays, and stories from guys who’ve been around the game, this one’s for you.

Pull up a stall, tape the twig, and enjoy the ride.

Sam Hiller hops on the pod to talk Olympic-level officiating, women’s hockey, the PWHL, Milan, firefighting, and what it’s really like being the one everyone yells at. Absolute wagon of an episode.

Boys are absolutely BUZZIN’ this episode—grab a cold one and settle in. We’re talkin’ full-blown playoff chaos, and yeah… the intensity is already through the roof. The hits are heavier, the chirps are nastier, and every shift feels like someone’s about to lose a tooth or a series.

We dive headfirst into the Bruins—what’s working, what’s got fans pacing like lunatics, and whether this squad’s got that legit “we’re not messin’ around” playoff gear. Are they built for a run or are we gonna need a couple more “big boy” performances?

Then we get into that Ducks OT goal… absolute filth. The kind of greasy, dirty, blink-and-you-miss-it finish that makes you spill your drink and yell at nobody in your living room. That’s playoff-style hockey right there, even if it’s coming from a team that said “yeah, we’re still here, pal.”

AND—because it wouldn’t be hockey without it—we’re callin’ out the officials. Not just the show, but the NCAA stripes too. Let’s just say… consistency is not their strong suit. Boys break down some calls (and non-calls) that’ll have you questioning if the refs are watching the same game as the rest of us.

On a real one, we also shine a light on the first-ever Kevin Stevens Recovery Cup—an unreal event with a bigger purpose. Hockey community showing up in a major way, supporting recovery, second chances, and proving this game’s got heart way beyond the rink. Absolute respect.

It’s laughs, it’s takes, it’s a little bit of “what are we doin’ here?” and a whole lotta playoff energy.

Strap in. It’s only getting louder from here.