The Shawn Mackey Show

Shawn Mackey
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As we journey through life,  we are often shaped by our culture and the society in which we live.  Sports has always been a big influence in my life, especially Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football.  We absorb bits and pieces from several differing aspects of what life throws at us.  We use those pieces to build, mold, and shape who we become, from our way of thinking and believing, right down to how we handle life's obstacles as they greet us on a daily basis.  Watching and playing sports has helped me overcome many of the obstacles life throws our way!  Take a walk with me and discover a different, lighter side of Chicago sports talk, the NFL and MLB all while sharing the shit that pisses me off, and all the dumbass shit I've done as I've stumbled through this crazy thing called life!

  1. Salary Caps, Mega Contracts & Lockouts: Is Baseball About to Break?

    Jul 2

    Salary Caps, Mega Contracts & Lockouts: Is Baseball About to Break?

    In this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show, Robert "Soup" Campbell and I dive into one of the biggest issues facing Major League Baseball: the growing labor battle between MLB owners and the Players Association. We discuss the proposed salary cap and salary floor, billion-dollar player contracts, deferred compensation, revenue sharing, and why the current system may be pushing baseball toward another devastating lockout in 2027. We also look back at the contracts that changed the sport forever, revisit the unforgettable 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, and debate whether owners have created the financial mess they're now trying to fix. Most importantly, we discuss how these negotiations affect the fans—from skyrocketing ticket prices to expensive concessions—and what the future of baseball could look like if neither side is willing to compromise. If you're passionate about baseball, labor negotiations, and the business behind America's pastime, you won't want to miss this conversation. Be sure to follow The Shawn Mackey Show on Spotify so you never miss a new episode, and share the show with your fellow baseball fans!

    43 min
  2. Who Ruined the Cubs? My Breaking Point with Tom Ricketts, Jed Hoyer & Craig Counsell

    Jun 21

    Who Ruined the Cubs? My Breaking Point with Tom Ricketts, Jed Hoyer & Craig Counsell

    In Season 3 Episode 10 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I deliver one of my most passionate Cubs discussions yet. After 53 years of following the Chicago Cubs, I take a hard look at the state of the organization, from Craig Counsell's managerial decisions to Jed Hoyer's roster construction and Tom Ricketts' ownership philosophy. I discuss the Cubs' inconsistent season, the team's struggles with runners in scoring position, standout players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch, and why I believe the organization lacks a clear championship vision. I also compare Craig Counsell's results to Pat Murphy's success in Milwaukee and explain why the next stretch of games could determine the Cubs' season. Whether you're a die-hard Cubs fan, a Chicago sports enthusiast, or someone who loves passionate sports commentary, this episode is for you.

    33 min
  3. 5-17 Since May 8th?! The Chicago Cubs Have a Serious Problem

    Jun 7

    5-17 Since May 8th?! The Chicago Cubs Have a Serious Problem

    The Chicago Cubs have gone from one of baseball's hottest teams to one of its biggest disappointments. In Season 3 Episode 9 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I break down the Cubs' 5-17 stretch since May 8th, discuss Craig Counsell's lineup management, analyze the team's pitching issues, and examine whether Jed Hoyer needs to make a major move before the trade deadline. From Pete Crow-Armstrong's development to the ongoing Ian Happ debate, this episode covers everything Cubs fans are talking about as the season enters a critical stretch. Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.

    18 min
  4. Craig Counsell Is Losing This Team — Cubs 8-Game Disaster Breakdown

    May 24

    Craig Counsell Is Losing This Team — Cubs 8-Game Disaster Breakdown

    The Cubs are spiraling, and I’m officially fed up. In Season 3 Episode 8 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I break down the Chicago Cubs’ brutal eight-game losing streak, Craig Counsell’s coaching decisions, Jed Hoyer’s roster management, and why this team feels stuck in the same cycle year after year. From Pete Crow-Armstrong’s development to the bullpen struggles and lineup frustrations, this episode is an emotional, unfiltered rant from a diehard Cubs fan who just wants to see this team compete again. Tune in for passionate Chicago sports talk, MLB analysis, and honest fan reactions.

    20 min

  5. May 15

    Is Craig Counsell Getting Exposed? Cubs, Cardinals & MLB Hot Takes | Shawn Mackey Show

    ⚾ Season 3 Episode 7 of The Shawn Mackey Show dives deep into the NL Central race as Shawn Mackey and Soup debate the Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, and Pirates while making bold MLB predictions for the season. From Craig Counsell criticism to Greg Maddux appreciation and modern baseball frustrations, this episode mixes baseball knowledge, rivalry banter, and honest conversation about today’s MLB. Listen now and join the conversation.

    30 min
  6. Why Craig Counsell’s Lineup Changes Could Be Sabotaging the Cubs’ Success

    May 3

    Why Craig Counsell’s Lineup Changes Could Be Sabotaging the Cubs’ Success

    Most baseball managers would dream of turning around a struggling team — but Shawn Mackey exposes how questionable decision-making can derail even the most promising seasons. In this episode, Shawn dives into the chaos and complexity of managing high-stakes MLB teams, revealing how seemingly minor moves and mental lapses can have devastating effects, from blown leads to season-altering injuries.You’ll discover: Why some pitching staff decisions in the Cubs and Brewers raise eyebrows and cost games.How psychological pressures impact player performance—especially in tight situations.The subtle art of managing lineup changes and the surprising consequences of moving players in the batting order.What historical tendencies tell us about Craig Counsell’s unconventional strategies.Plus, Shawn’s raw thoughts on the Cubs’ surprising lead, the Brewers' struggles, and the risk of overthinking on the baseball diamond.This episode is essential for baseball fans fed up with traditional narratives and eager for a behind-the-scenes look at the high-wire act of team management. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the game’s mental game, Shawn’s candid analysis offers fresh insights into how decisions shape seasons—sometimes more than talent alone.And stay tuned: Shawn also shares early thoughts on the latest Bears draft and free agency moves, giving fans a full picture of Chicago's biggest sports stories. If you want to see how management mindset impacts wins and losses—plus, what to watch for in the season ahead—this episode is your playbook. Whether you’re passionate about strategy, psychology, or the chaos of baseball, this episode promises a rare glimpse into the decision-making nightmares—and triumphs—that define a season. Hit play and see how a few key moves can make or break a team’s destiny.

    30 min
  7. Why Everyone Is WRONG About the 2026 MLB Season… (Our Bold Predictions)

    Apr 11

    Why Everyone Is WRONG About the 2026 MLB Season… (Our Bold Predictions)

    In Season 3, Episode 5 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I sit down with Robert “Soup” Campbell to break down our bold and controversial predictions for the National League in Major League Baseball ⚾🔥 We’re talking MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year—but not in the safe, cookie-cutter way you hear everywhere else. These are real takes from guys who understand the game beyond just stats and spreadsheets. From shocking MVP picks to deep dives into elite pitching and rising rookies, we challenge the modern analytics-driven approach and bring back that old-school baseball mindset—where the eye test, fundamentals, and situational awareness still matter. If you love passionate baseball debates, strong opinions, and unfiltered sports talk, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Tune in, join the conversation, and decide for yourself—did we get it right or completely miss the mark? 👉 Follow and stream more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnMackey96 #MLB #BaseballPodcast #SportsTalk #MLBPredictions #ShawnMackeyShow #BaseballFans

    49 min
  8. Old School vs Modern Baseball: Are Fundamentals Dead?

    Apr 2

    Old School vs Modern Baseball: Are Fundamentals Dead?

    In Season 3, Episode 4 of The Shawn Mackey Show, Shawn welcomes his first guest of the season, Robert “Soup” Campbell, for an in-depth baseball conversation you don’t want to miss. From old-school fundamentals to modern MLB analytics, this episode covers the evolution of the game, the decline in batting averages, and why strategy still matters. Shawn and Robert also break down Cubs vs Cardinals storylines and share their philosophies on what truly wins baseball games. If you’re passionate about baseball and love honest, unfiltered sports talk, this episode delivers. Follow The Shawn Mackey Show for weekly episodes covering MLB, football, and more.

    38 min
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About

As we journey through life,  we are often shaped by our culture and the society in which we live.  Sports has always been a big influence in my life, especially Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football.  We absorb bits and pieces from several differing aspects of what life throws at us.  We use those pieces to build, mold, and shape who we become, from our way of thinking and believing, right down to how we handle life's obstacles as they greet us on a daily basis.  Watching and playing sports has helped me overcome many of the obstacles life throws our way!  Take a walk with me and discover a different, lighter side of Chicago sports talk, the NFL and MLB all while sharing the shit that pisses me off, and all the dumbass shit I've done as I've stumbled through this crazy thing called life!

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Mackey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Shawn Mackey
  • Show Website
    The Shawn Mackey Show