I'm taking a week off from full episodes, but I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to VOTE and make the sane choices, and also let you know what's getting me through the stress of this week. Here's hoping the next upload will be a HAPPY one!Take care of yourself.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by 3 time NBA Champion Phil Handy! They go over his life in basketball from his early days growing up in the Bay Area, to playing his college ball in Hawaii. The guys then go over just how hard it was to make an NBA roster and his career over sea's, and getting into skill development as a coach. How did all of thi…

This episode goes a lot of sleep-deprived directions in under an hour. That's fun, right? I definitely talk about the passing of Teri Garr, then music from Matthew Sweet (and his current medical issues), Justin Rutledge, Devin Townsend, Japandroids, and The Pixies. I round it out by talking about the Rocky Horror Show video game and Lost in America…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back for another season of Smith and Jones! The guys kick off the season with former Raptors centre and fan favourite, Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira! They chat about what he is up to now following his recent retirement from basketball, how hard the transition has been to his post-NBA life, and what he wishes he could have told h…

In this episode, I talk about really old Albert Brooks movies, a new documentary on The Tragically Hip, and (mostly) new music releases from Godspeed You Black Emperor, James and the Shame, Judas Priest, The Linda Lindas, and Pete Townshend. It's a fun one, if you ask me, but I'm the one who recorded it, so who can say? Maybe YOU if you listen to i…

In this episode about 50% of the things I talk about aren't in the photo because that's how streaming media works! But I talk about my fountain pen collection, the Mr. McMahon documentary, The Grand Tour, Only Murders in the Building, Frasier (briefly), and music from Drive-By Truckers, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, Jack White, Nick Lowe, and The He…

I hope you're enjoying the Fab 15 Songs About Rain, or that you'll listen soon if you haven't yet. But I needed to take a moment to acknowledge the death of Kris Kristofferson, so I'm uploading this brief message. Thanks. -Uncle DerekOleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, your Papa Dave and Uncle Derek are picking out Fab 15 Songs About Rain! It's sort of an Autumnal episode and it's a lot of fun. Check it out! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/…

In this episode I talk about music from Jason Isbell, John Craigie, and Nick Cave. Then I also talk about Boy/Pod Meets World, Little Shop of Horrors, and the present season of Only Murders in the Building. Plus some of my usual nonsense. It's a fun one! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com Email: …

In this episode, I talk about music from Mr. Big and Talking Heads. I also talk about So I Married and Axe Murderer, The Drew Carey Show, and Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me. I also learn that there's about to be a new Godspeed You Black Emperor album in real time and get excited about it. It's kinda all over the place. Enjoy! Time Index: 0:00 - Intr…

In this (unwittingly delayed) episode, I talk about new releases from Johnny Cash, Cage the Elephant, and Vampire Weekend, then the new graphic novel "Youth Group" by Bowen McCurdy and Jordan Morris. It's a short, but fun one! Enjoy! blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 10:38 - Lectio Divina 11:0…

I was startled to learn that I'm past due for a new episode. Sorry! Here's an explanation. but TLDR, there'll be a new episode this weekend, assuming nothing bad or weird happens. Thanks for your patience, Checkmates!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, your Papa Dave and I count down our Fab 15 Concerts that we attended together. It's a fun talk and hopefully it'll inspire you to check out some bands for the first time, or revisit some old favorites. SPOILER ALERT (for real) - I am now posting the lists at the blog. So if you don't want to be spoiled, don't visit the blog until a…

If you think YOU'RE frustrated by the lack of a new episode, just imagine how I feel! Is this update full of empty promises, or will these promises actually happen? Only time will tell!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

A quick update on where the show has been and when it will be back. (Spoiler alert: SOON!) Thanks for your patience as I've had stuff going on, off mic.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back for one more time this year! In the season finale the guys welcome on former NBA front office executive and current NBA Front Office insider Bobby Marks. He gives them his thoughts on the Raptors draft & off season so far. The guys then go over his thoughts on Paul George moving to the 76ers, what the Nuggets are …

In this episode, I mostly talk about the newest albums by the Decemberists and Billie Eilish. But I also pay tribute to Martin Mull and whine about Doctor Who. It's a shorter episode, so it's a good jump-on point, if you're looking for one! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro and a tribut…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another jammed packed episode! Guys kick things off previewing the opening of Team Canada training camp, and what this summer will look like for the national team. Paul is then joined by the CEO of Canada Basketball Michael Bartlet and General Manager Rowan Barrett. They go over what this roster looks like and …

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back and joined by NBA Champion Oshae Brissett! They go over what it was like to win the NBA title with the Boston Celtics. Who was the first person he called? What leadership role did Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown play in this series? And who is he celebrating with in Toronto? Boston Globe Celtics reporter Gary Washbu…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another episode! The guys are joined by the Raptors television play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin! They go over some of his memories from 5 years ago when the Raptors beat the Warriors to win the NBA championship. The guys then get into Matt's experience working beside Jerry West and his impact on both Matt, an…

In this special episode, I'm listening to my new album "Boop" and doing commentary over it. It's probably a frustrating listen if you want to hear the album, but if you have already heard it, it's probably at least a little interesting! The album is available for ABSOLUTELY FREE (or pay-what-you-want) at http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com. Hope you hav…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another jam-packed episode! The guys are joined by Timberwolves Associate Head Coach Micah Nori to go over his experience in the Western Conference Finals after getting thrust into the head coaching role! They chat about the T-Wolves' season as a whole and the leap the team made this year, before Micah offers…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones kick off the show by offering some thoughts on the passing of Bill Walton. About his impact both on and off the court and he meant for the NBA. The guys then welcome on former Knicks GM & current ESPN analyst Scott Perry to hear his thoughts on the conference finals. What stands out for him more then anything else? Would it …

In this episode, I'm playing catch-up on a bunch of new music. There's stuff from Shellac, Alkaline Trio, Old 97s, Neil Young, Bruce Dickinson, Sierra Ferrell, and Frank Turner. I also take a really weird stance on that Beyoncé record at one point...but you'll have to listen to figure out when! It's fun! Click things! Blog: http://emptychecking.blo…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another packed episode! The guys kick things off with their thoughts on the announcement of Toronto getting a WNBA team! What does it mean for the city and the game of basketball in Toronto, as well as for the nation as a whole? Next, the pair dive into the NBA conference finals alongside Dallas Mavericks rad…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another packed episode! The guys share their thoughts on the news of the Nets retiring Vince Carter's number and what it says about Raptors, before being joined by the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alan Horton! Alan helps break down everything Nuggets-Timberwolves including what's changed from Game 2 t…

In this episode, I called an audible and decided to pay tribute to the man I believe was the George Martin of indie rock, Steve Albini. I end up talking about 12 releases by such acts as Big Black, Nirvana, Cheap Trick, Pixies, Plush, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and more...and I don't even touch on 1% of the 2000+ albums on which he worked. Join me…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones share there thoughts on the MVP award, and why they think the NBA got it wrong. The guys are then joined by longtime NBA executive Ed Stefanski. They get into his thoughts on the MVP award. Then his thoughts on how both the Timberwolves and Nuggets were put together. The guys then get into Ed's thoughts on Zach Edey and if h…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by NBA champion & former NBA head coach Lionel Hollins! The guys go over his memories and role in Portland's 1977 championship. Next, Hollins unpacks what it's like coaching in the playoffs and what goes into game planning. After that, how can the Lakers retool after being eliminated by the Nuggets yet again? Th…

This is a slightly p-popping episode, and I apologize for that...but it's a fun one, if you can get over that! I talk about Only Murders in the Building, The Three Amigos, and The Great Race, then music from Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Khruangbin, and Pearl Jam. Plus some personal stuff, of course. This episode also contains a few samples of songs…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back breaking down all the action from the NBA playoffs! Guys are joined by ESPN's and New York Knick radio announcer Monica McNutt to breakdown everything going on in the big apple. Is she surprised by the Knicks start? How are they doing all this without Julius Randle? And is Joel Embiid leaving anything to be desired?…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back to wrap up the 2023-24 Raptors season. The guys are joined by Sportsnet Raptors analyst Alvin Williams as they look back at the high's and low's from the season. Eric and Paul then listen to Masai Ujiri end of season availability and talk about what they expect in the offseason. They then hear from Scottie Barnes, R…

In this "FAST CASH" episode of Empty Checking, we only talk about one topic, and don't do it for as long. And the topic at hand is bidding farewell to comic legend Joe Flaherty. (I also talk about my recent dental problems, but it's mostly about Joe.) Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com This one's a little differ…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by former NCAA and NBA head coach, and current NBA on ESPN radio analyst, P.J. Carlesimo! He shares some of his memories his time with Seton Hall and their trip to the Final 4. How did he prepare them to play Duke? What did he say at halftime when they were down? The guys then pivot to the 2024 NCAA tournament a…

Believe me. I wish this were a full episode even more than you do.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with a special edition of Smith & Jones! With the news of Vince Carter's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the guys are joined by his former teammate Muggsy Bogues to look back on his time in Toronto. Was he often under appreciated? Did his love of basketball get lost in the shuffle? How impress…

I'm...just so tired. The show WILL be back. But here's why it isn't yet. Thanks for your patience.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with a brand new episode! The guys are joined by Front Office Sports Reporter, Alex Schiffer to talk about his reporting on the situation. What happened exactly and how big will the consequences be? Alex has covered the Porter brothers since high school, did he ever see something like this happen? Eric and Paul th…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another loaded edition of Smith & Jones! Canadian men's national team Head Coach Jordi Fernández joins the guys off the hop to recap the Olympic group draw. Jordi also talks about the impact former national team coaches Jay Triano and Nick Nurse have had on the program and discusses how the perception of Cana…

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I need a minute. Here's me babbling about that. Should be a new episode over the weekend. Etc. Sorry for the delay. And apparently, I love you...Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with a special episode this week! Leigh Ellis joins the guys from Brazil, the latest stop in Ellis' '20 games in 20 Cities' basketball tour. How has Leigh found travelling the world and trying to play 20 pickup games in 20 different cities? What's he learned not only about himself, but about the game of basketball a…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with a new episode! They are joined by former assistant GM and current player agent Noah Croom! The guys go over how the pipeline to the NBA has changed with Noah. From the development of young players to the influx of Europeans, are we in a worse position now? How has the way referees are calling games impacted the…

In this episode, your Uncle Derek and your Papa Dave are celebrating an American treasure by counting down (or up?) our Fab 15 Weird Al songs! It's a fun and oddly spirited debate! Be part of giving us the Weird Al Bump and check it out! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/use…

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another edition of Smith & Jones! 16-year NBA vet and Dallas Mavericks commentator Derek Harper joins the guys to go over his thoughts on the Mavs right now. Can they be legit contenders in the West despite there poor defense and who else does Derek see as a threat out of the West? Then, voice of the Golden Sta…

You know what these uploads mean...no new episode in the immediate... But I do PROMISE one for Saturday, pending anything terrible happening to me! So listen to me explain... And until Saturday? Courage.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by former professional basketball player and social media influencer, Rex Chapman! They preview his new book 'It's Hard for Me to Live with Me.' How did he deal with addiction and playing basketball at a high level? How aware was he that he was dealing with mental health issues at the time of his playing days? T…

Sorry it took a while to get this week's episode uploaded. It's been weird. But whatever! We've got a good episode ready to go in which I pay tribute to Melinda Ledbetter and Wayne Kramer, then talk about my feelings on the final season of Star Trek: Picard and the Extreme/Living Colour show I saw a week ago! Dig it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blog…

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back for another week! The guys welcome on Pat Boylan, Indiana Pacers radio host and sideline reporter, to discuss the addition of Pascal Siakam, his fit with the team, what has he added, and if Indiana is a legit contender now. The guys then get into what lessons the Raptors can learn from the Pacers' rebuild and if i…

So here's why you're still waiting on an episode... Sorry... SOON though!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back to break down the NBA trade deadline! The guys kick off the show with Doug Smith, Toronto Star Raptors reporter, who looks into Toronto's business today, if the organization picked the right direction, and what we expect to see for the rest of the season. Finally, former New York Knicks General Manager and current…