Welcome to Home Runs and Handshakes. Join James Neveau and Frank Nova weekly as they discuss the latest Chicago Cubs news. From Single-A to MLB, Home Runs and Handshakes has got you covered!
Cubs aim to right the ship against the Brewers, while Chicago goes Bananas
It was a (Savannah) Bananas weekend in Chicago, and Home Runs and Handshakes is breaking it all down. James Neveau and Frank Nova discuss the Cubs finally winning a series, and whether Pete Crow-Armstrong is finally snapping out of his funk (2:30). Craig Counsell’s handling of Owen Caissie gets well-deserved scrutiny (10:33), while they also examine Ben Brown’s struggles (21:35) and Daniel Palencia missing two games (23:50). Finally, the Cubs’ series against the Brewers takes center stage as a pivotal point in the season arrives (37:11), the guys wrap the show by discussing a massive weekend of Savannah Bananas baseball in Chicago (52:45).
11 Aug 2025
Brewers full-speed ahead as Cubs are stuck in neutral amid pennant chase
On a new episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss the Cubs’ continued struggles following the All-Star Break and trade deadline. Can they possibly chase down the streaking Milwaukee Brewers (2:00)? Speaking of the deadline, the guys dissect Michael Soroka's health and Jed Hoyer’s comments after his exit (11:00). All this leads up to a discussion about if the Cubs are equipped to win the World Series this season (23:00). Pete Crow-Armstrong's struggles come into focus, but is it time to push the PCA panic button (33:30)? Finally, they discuss Anthony Rizzo’s comments on Johnny Menziel’s podcast (41:40) before previewing upcoming series against the Blue Jays and Pirates (50:00)
1 Aug 2025
A trade deadline descent into madness for Cubs fans
On a new episode of Home Runs and Handshakes James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the moves the Cubs made (and didn’t make) at the trade deadline. They start off with their anger at the Cubs missing out on their biggest deadline need (3:00), then turn their attention to breaking down what the team DID do:
20:00 - Michael Soroka for SS Ronny Cruz and LF Christian Franklin
25:00 - Andrew Kittredge for SS Wilfri De La Cruz
28:18 - Taylor Rogers for RF Ivan Brethowr
30:00 - Willi Castro for RHP Sam Armstrong and RHP Ryan Gallagher
After breaking down the new acquisitions, they preview the Cubs' upcoming series against the Orioles and the Reds (46:00). Finally, they react to the passing of Ryne Sandberg, and his impact on their lives and the lives of Cubs fans (47:30).
28 Jul 2025
Cubs vs. Brewers preview, MLB trade deadline set stage for wild week
The Chicago Cubs are set for a wild week, and in this episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova get you ready for all of it. The guys sing the praises of Cade Horton and Matt Shaw after this week’s White Sox series (1:00), and then discuss what they’re most excited about as the Cubs prepare to take on the hated Brewers in a titanic showdown of the National League’s best teams (16:45). The MLB trade deadline then takes center stage, with the Cubs’ pursuit of a starting pitcher (fancy a MacKenzie Gore, anyone) and a closer-level reliever drawing the most attention as the deadline approaches (21:00). Finally, the guys end the show by recapping the Cubs’ flurry of rehab assignments, as Jameson Taillon and Miguel Amaya prepare to potentially rejoin the roster (41:33).
21 Jul 2025
Chicago Cubs show mettle vs. Boston Red Sox, darn Dodgers swept by Brewers
On the Episode No. 8 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova discuss the ever-tightening National League Central race after the Brewers swept the Dodgers and the Cubs took two-of-three from the Red Sox (1:00). Cade Horton’s duel with Garrett Crochet then takes center stage (8:25). Later, they discuss The Cubs’ offense’s performance against Boston (15:15) and break down Colin Rea and Shota Imanaga’s recent successes (22:00). They wrap up the podcast by previewing the final nine games before the trade deadline (46:30) and provide an update on the team’s efforts to sign their 2025 MLB Draft class (46:30).
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - The state of the NL Central
7:30 - Recapping the Cubs-Red Sox Series
32:15 – Another bullpen game? Say it ain’t so!
42:45 - Previewing the Cubs’ series vs. the Royals and White Sox
46:30 - Cubs draft pick signing updates
50:30 – Was the All-Star Game swing-off a home run?
15 Jul 2025
In praise of Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Cubs’ second half preview
On the seventh episode of Home Runs and Handshake, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss the state of the Cubs at All-Star break (2:00). They praise the team’s strengths and evaluate their weaknesses (5:45) and heap praise upon Pete Crow-Armstrong, the unquestioned MVP of the team’s season (9:00). Later, they discuss how Daniel Palencia has looked this season (16:45) before debating the Cubs’ biggest need at the trade deadline (19:45). Finally, they break down the Cubs selections in the 2025 MLB Draft (49:30) and the team’s schedule heading out of the break.
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Thoughts on this Cubs team so far
5:45 - What they need to add at the deadline
9:00 - PCA’s impact on the team
16:45 - Has Daniel Palencia solidified himself as the Cubs’ closer
19:45 - What is the biggest need for the Cubs?
34:40 - Cubs MLB Draft selections
49:30 - All-Star game thoughts
7 Jul 2025
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker named to All-Star Game +Seiya Suzuki snubbed?
James Neveau and Frank Nova analyze All-Star Game selections, debate Seiya Suzuki's snub, break down Cubs' top prospects, and discuss Jameson Taillon's injury, offering insights into baseball team dynamics.
1 Jul 2025
Cubs’ midseason awards and second half predictions
Hosts James Neveau and Frank Nova analyze the Chicago Cubs' midseason performance, hand out awards, and bravely predict outcomes for the second half of the season.
23 Jun 2025
Cubs' bullpen implodes at Wrigley as trade deadline needs come into focus
James Neveau and Jeremy Diemer analyze the Cubs' bullpen struggles and trade deadline needs, also assessing Matt Shaw's performance and previewing the series against the Cardinals in this interview episode.
16 Jun 2025
Cade Horton’s turn in the spotlight, Cubs trade deadline needs, and do MLB's extra innings rules stink?
Hosts James Neveau and Frank Nova analyze Cade Horton's performance against Paul Skenes, identify the Chicago Cubs' trade deadline needs, and debate MLB's extra innings rule.
9 Jun 2025
Potential World Series preview? Cubs drop hard-fought series vs. Tigers
Hosts James Neveau and Frank Nova analyze the Cubs-Tigers series, Nico Hoerner's ejection, pitching performances, and prospect updates, while also discussing All-Star voting and the White Sox ownership change.
2 Jun 2025
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker have been stellar, but who's the Cubs' MVP?
Hosts James Neveau and Frank Nova analyze the Chicago Cubs' performance, debate the team's MVP between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, and predict outcomes for their upcoming road games in this interview episode.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,471
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
31
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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Questions about Home Runs and Handshakes
Who hosts Home Runs and Handshakes?
James Neveau and Frank Nova host the show. Published by James Neveau and Frank Nova.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
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Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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