Raptor Queens Podcast-logo

Raptor Queens Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

The FIRST ever women-led Toronto Raptors podcast. Tune in for game and player analysis, team news, fun topics around the league, and a little gossip here and there aka "tea time". Featuring co-hosts Sarah Kalil and Alison Hope.

Location:

Canada

Description:

The FIRST ever women-led Toronto Raptors podcast. Tune in for game and player analysis, team news, fun topics around the league, and a little gossip here and there aka "tea time". Featuring co-hosts Sarah Kalil and Alison Hope.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Annual Paul Jones Episode! Riding the Ferris Wheel of Franchise Ups and Downs

4/7/2024
THE ANNUAL PAUL JONES EPISODE! We're joined by legendary Raptors play-by-play broadcaster Paul Jones. Paul has been with the team from its inception and knows a thing or two about franchise history. Who better than Paul than to provide some perspective on the way forward? On the ferris wheel of the NBA, where are the Raptors now? Lowlights of the season. Highlights of the season. Sports fandom is a weird thing!

Duration:01:02:22

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors Post-Trade Identity: Explaining the Trades, and Predicting the Future

2/10/2024
****Special Guest Tre Heath @Pullup_Tre**** Join us for our post deadline episode and our wide ranging discussion about who's in, who's out and what the rest of the year will look like. Why isn't Chris Boucher getting playing time? Why is RJ thriving with the Raptors where he struggled with the Knicks? Will Darko be the Raptors Coach next year? How will the new CBA impact the league and the Raptors moves going forward? Are the Raptors even worth watching anymore? (ABSOLUTELY YES AND WE WILL TELL YOU WHY!) We the North, let's gooooo!!

Duration:01:11:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Break-Up Episode: Siakam to Indiana. The End of a Love Story and the Beginning of a New Era

1/23/2024
**Special Guest Zulfi Sheikh @zulfi_sheikh** After 2 years of rumours, Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers. Emotions are high: sadness, betrayal, anticipation, relief...all post-break-up emotions are valid and possible in the biggest Raptors break-up since Demar Derozan. How did it all go wrong? Did the Raptors receive fair returns for an All-NBA player? How are the Raptors positioned? We look at the highlights of Masai's presser...lots of tea leaves to read. A discussion of our favorite memories of Pascal Siakam both on and off the court - trust us you'll be thinking he's The One Who Got Away. Our feature King of the North and Jester of the Week. And finally, predictions for the next 4 games. Zulfi sends us off on a note of optimism.

Duration:01:11:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A NY (New Years') Miracle? The OG for RJ and IQ trade!

1/4/2024
****Special Guest Jamar Hinds**** When all appeared most gloomy, a NY (New Years) miracle happened...a trade. Now the Raptors have a winning streak along with fresh optimism and dare we say it - a balanced roster?? We analyze initial impressions of the trade, impact on the floor and which players will benefit...how we see this roster come together and who might be on the outside looking in. Our feature segment King of the North/Joker where Jamar tells a great story about a fan who will go to any lengths. Of course, a tribute to OG's finest moments as a Raptor.. Hint--he will be missed. Let's keep the faith--WE WILL WIN AGAIN IN TORONTO.

Duration:01:05:33

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors: Finding and Answering the Right Questions

12/11/2023
The quarter mark the seasons, and the Raptors are decidedly mediocre. The Front Office is evaluating but what questions are they asking? What questions should they be asking? And what answers are they finding? The Raptors Queens discuss what is ailing the team, the lack of identity, primary issues and where the organization goes from here. Some frustration, some hope, and some musings. This is a sport we love and a team we love and we ride or die with our guys!

Duration:00:58:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptor Queens Season 5: New developments, new coaches, and lifelong villains.

11/2/2023
We back! In our 5th year of covering the Toronto Raptors! We've got analysis. We've got fun AND we've got love for the game. First up, our observations as credentialed media for a Raptors home game, behind the scenes. Then a detailed breakdown of early season trends and issues, some worrisome and some positive. Our King of the North and Joker of the Week, where in an unlikely turn of events, the Raptors medical staff gets called out. And the latest from the James Harden saga - how far away is the next trade demand? Then a fun segment on NBA villains - never forget, never forgive. If you love hoops and love the Raptors, you'll probably love us. Spread the word!

Duration:00:56:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Resolving Tensions: Roster Failures vs. Coaching Failures and a Good-Bye to Nick Nurse

4/27/2023
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Nick Nurse fired - where did it all go wrong? How to fix it? We discuss roster construction, chemistry, short leashes and long goodbyes. And what's to be gleaned from Masai's post season comments? We've got that too, along with a look back at Nick's best moments and we give tribute to a bold creative coach. Thanks to our listeners for all your support and thanks to @jamarbh @Imman_Adan @AdonMoss for joining us as VERY special guests. A special thanks to @FreddieRivas who also joined us for a fabulous episode which we lost to tech issues. Next year Freddie! Stay Raptors fans!

Duration:00:42:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Playoff Predictions, Raptors Awards and Keeping it Real on Betting Odds

4/12/2023
It's here! End of the season awards for the Raptors and the NBA as handed out by the Raptor Queens. Hard to believe 82 games have been played but now we're focused on the play-in. The 3 keys to a Raptors W and we expect our analysis will age well. Feeling melancholy about what could have been for our team this year? Well, do we have some snarky perspective from around the league for you! And the gambling problem...it's big and it's getting bigger and we don't like it. Join us--Canada's first women led podcast covering your Toronto Raptors

Duration:00:54:42

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors Preferred Play-in Match: Swipe Right on ???

3/28/2023
Play-in with our special guest Adon Moss aka "37-year-old Kyle Lowry" from Raptors Republic! We examine potential play-in matchups - which teams are more favorable/less favorable for the Raptors to get into the play-offs? Are season series records with IND, CHI, BKN ATL viable indicators of post-season success? What is the ONE thing the Raptors must do to improve their D. And of course of feature segment--King of the North/Joker of the week. Then a look at the down and dirty of technical fouls in light of Fred's and Luka's fines. How much does this actually cost a player? How does the league root out referee bias? How is the whistle affecting games? Then predictions on most likely teams in the East and West to grab a series upset. You know the drill: check out Canada's very first all women podcast covering your Toronto Raptors

Duration:00:57:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Starters and Non-Starters: the Raptors Road to the Play-in

3/14/2023
Incoming! New episode with special guest Imman Adan from Yahoo Sports/Dishes and Dimes. We look at the recent 5 game road trip and what went wrong....some fixable, some roster driven and some intangible. Fair criticism with a dash of hope for the future. If you're in a funk over the Raptors season, this segment will lighten the burden of a losing record. Our feature segment, King of the North/Jester...odds of 3 different people making the same choice? And a fun look at under and overrated players in the league aka what do Lonzo Ball,Bradley Beal, and Gordon Hayward have in common? Join us...Canada's first women led podcast covering the Toronto Raptors #wethenorth

Duration:01:07:22

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Final Stretch and a Special Guest - Raptors End-Of-Season Run!

2/27/2023
New episode alert: with special guest Jamar Hinds. 20 games left and we've got analysis on the Raptors D and O since the trade deadline. We diverge into analysis of other favorite teams around the league and revisit our preseason predictions: what we got right, wrong and which predictions we are waiting to play out! Some Philly slander - can't help it - and our King of the North segment. Then reflections on the hot mess in Atlanta--who's to blame? We had so much fun with this episode that we had to condense topics...alas, more for next time. Join us, Canada's first all female podcast covering your Toronto Raptors, going strong in our 4th season of content

Duration:01:06:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

They have a Cave Troll. I mean, a Center. The Raptors have a Center.

2/14/2023
Incoming Post Trade Deadline Special. We assess the impact of Jakob Poeltl on the Raptors offence, what he brings and how the schemes might change. How does this trade stack up against the expectations of the fanbase? Is there a grand plan? Did the trades of KD and Kyrie diminish opportunities available for the Raptors to make further moves? We have thoughts. A deep dive into the highlights of Masai's post deadline presser. He may speak like a diplomat but the future is clear as Masai lays it out. Apologies for the delay between episodes...tech issue but we back! #wethenorth

Duration:00:50:06

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Raptors Slump: Shooting, Team Chemistry, and Optimism through Misery

12/16/2022
The Raptor Queens latest episode, unscripted as we weigh in on the topic everyone's talking about - The Raptors...Slump. We look at the reasons and yes, we had a lot to choose from, but our answers may surprise you. Trade talk is heating up - Do Bobby and Masai jump on roster moves? History may be the teacher here. Of course, our King of the North segment; disclaimer: Our Court Jester segment veers into the human hierarchy of needs and hygiene products. And finally, who among is doesn't like a big juicy schadenfreude sandwich with plenty of salty condiments....a look around the league at other teams floundering. Misery loves company. We remain loyal fans here at Canada's first all women podcast covering the Toronto Raptors. We believe! #wethenorth

Duration:00:50:06

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bugs, Slumps and The Next Generation: Raptors Ball has it all.

11/20/2022
Raptor Queens coming your way to kick-off a slower Raptors schedule for the next 2 weeks. Think the Raptors have been bitten bad by the injury bug? Some surprising context...as bad as you imagined or better than you thought? What happens with OG when Pascal returns? Does his usage return to "normal" or will OG be a featured option in the offence? King of The North and Court Jester of the Week--nobody is wrong here. Around the league, who is likely to be worse than their record would indicate? We love hoops and we hope it shows! Join us - Canada's first women led podcast covering the Toronto Raptors #wethenorth

Duration:00:52:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Spicy Early Season Takes: Impact Players, Changing Roles, and League-Wide Collapses

11/6/2022
Raptors Queens incoming with early-seasons trends and analysis. Some positive surprises, and some glaring weaknesses. Who is the Raptors most-impactful player to start the season? There are at least 2 right answers. How has the Raptors offence changed from last season? How is Scottie's role shifting? Also, the first in a periodic series of player tributes - a heartfelt shout-out to Canada's own Chris Boucher. Finally, some props to Milwaukee showing the league how it's done, and well...then there's Brooklyn. Join us - Canada's first women led podcast covering the Toronto Raptors #wethenorth

Duration:00:56:17

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors Back in Action: First-Week Observations & Young Gun Projections. Kicking off our 4th season in style.

10/23/2022
Holla! Celebrating our 4th season of Toronto Raptors coverage, ad-free. No lawn care or mattress sales, just good vibe coverage of your favorite team. We kick off the season with an in-depth look at the Raptors first week in action, with a special focus on the young guys - Scottie, Dalano, Precious, Malachi, and rookie Christian Koloko. What do we like and what on earth does Malachi gotta do to get minutes? Return of our regular King of the North and Court Jester segments. Then we cast our eye around the NBA and our picks for the funnest (non-Raptor) teams and the very worst. Historic grudges revealed. Then some wild and hilarious tongue-in-cheek predictions the upcoming year. Join us! Canada's first women led podcast covering the #TorontoRaptors.

Duration:01:05:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors Higher Ambitions: The Future is Now, and it's Spicy! All Aboard the A'Chui-Chui'wa Train!

4/26/2022
What a week! From 3-0 to 3-2 and a fighting chance. We look at games 3-5, the broad strokes and the standouts, who is winning the battle of the coaches, and of course give kudos to the freshly minted ROTY. Yes, we are all up in our feels. Raptors fans may need therapy, but what about the Philly fans booing their own team and leaving before the end of a playoff game? We got thoughts. And no self-respecting podcast would be complete without acknowledging Boston's sweep of the Nets so we indulge in mockery and slander. Higher ambitions indeed. Join us! Canada's first all women podcast covering the Toronto Raptors.

Duration:00:44:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Annual Paul Jones Episode

4/13/2022
It's here! The Annual Paul Jones Episode just in time for the playoffs. Paul has been there with broadcast calls and analysis since the Raptors inaugural season and believe us, he's seen it all. Wanna know how the Raptors stand in their first round matchup with the Sixers? We look at both sides of the ball, where the advantage lies on O and on D. Who's got the edge behind the bench? Big picture--how much pressure is on Philly leadership? Need some slander and defamation? Then you'll love our hard hitting piece on the Lakers. Where does the fault lie? Some may say Rob Pelinka. Some may say too many cooks spoil the broth. Or that the cook was drunk. Or used ingredients that were "off". Hilarity ensues. We end with Toronto Raptors post season awards: Raptors MVP, MIP, 6th Man and a consensus ROTY. Canada's first women led podcast covering your Toronto Raptors, joined by legend and broadcast statesman, the brilliant and funny Paul Jones.

Duration:01:11:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mismatches, ROTY Race, and deep-dive look at Precious! Raptors basketball with a special guest!

3/24/2022
New episode today with very special guest, THE Samson Folk, beloved #RaptorsRepublic writer and podcaster. A run down of the Raptors record over the past two weeks then we hit the ROTY conversation hard. Samson brings his meticulous attention to detail, brilliant analysis of what makes Scottie Barnes great. One of the Raptor Queens throws in a provocative comparison. But WILL Scottie be ROTY? Then a dive into Precious Achiuwa. What is his ceiling? One of the Queens is taking the cautious approach in evaluating, another is all-in on Precious, and Samson brings the eloquent reasoning/astute observations. Of course, King of the North and Court Jester. Then we cast our eye around the league and speculate on some of the biggest disappointments to this point. Thrilled to be joined by this Raptors media legend! Join us here at Canada's first women led podcast covering the Toronto Raptors #wethenorth

Duration:01:07:07

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Raptors All-Star Break! Shifting Eastern Conference Dynamics, Premature Playoff Predictions, and Final Stretch Hopes

2/22/2022
All Star Week! Our Raptors aren't back in action until Friday night but there's still a lot of ball to talk. A look at where we stand 57 games in, the expectations and the reality. A retrospective with some of our preseason predictions and some of those takes were bang on. Then we examine the shifting Eastern Conference dynamics and premature playoff predictions following the trade deadline. Who won? Who lost? Who stood pat? Will the elusive "Team Chemistry" give one team an edge. Listener fave feature--King of the North and Court Jester where this time, we each nominate a winner for the season to this point. And some bold predictions for the week's upcoming games. Join us, Canada's first women led podcast covering the Toronto #Raptors #wethenorth

Duration:00:58:15