Zolak & Bertrand

Latest Episodes:

Celtics Fall Short On Opening Night // Gambling Scandal(s) Hit The NBA // Jaylen Brown On The Loss - 10/23 (Hour 1) Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the show discussing the Celtics late collapse against the 76ers and if it is a sign of things to come for a Jayson Tatum-less team moving forward.
(12:33) The crew dives into the developing story of illegal sports betting and gambling probes involving Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier among others.
(23:42) We debate how these gambling probes and arrests make the NBA look as a league, given the history with scandals within the NBA.
(31:59) Jaylen Brown describes this being a tough loss with opportunities to win, but knows there will be growing pains with this team. Zo and Beetle give their thoughts.

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Mike Vrabel Presser // Morgan Moses Interview // Home vs. Road Wins - 10/22 (Hour 4) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the hour going to Mike Vrabel’s weekly meeting with the media.
(13:35) Patriots Right Tackle Morgan Moses joins the show to discuss the victory over the Tennessee Titans and previews the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
(21:40) Zo and Beetle highlight the importance of being able to win games on the road and that translating to home games as well.
(30:55) We end the show with the takeaways from today.

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Tom Brady On Patriots' Success // Mike Vrabel’s Greatest Qualities // Bill Belichick’s HOF Update - 10/22 (Hour 3) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand react to Tom Brady’s praise for the Patriots success, and seemingly giving the most credit to Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels, reserving credit for Mike Vrabel.
(12:50) We answer your calls and reactions on everything.
(24:13) Is Vrabel more like Belichick or Parcells (or neither)? The crew highlights what makes Mike Vrabel such a great player’s coach and his ultimate fit with the New England Patriots.
(37:22) Bill Belichick is now eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame. Zo and Beetle discuss if Bill Belichick will get into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

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Jaylen Brown’s Leadership // Patriots Taking Back AFC East? // Trade Suitors For NE - 10/22 (Hour 2) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand begin the hour discussing the pressure on Jaylen Brown as a leader this season as well as him wanting to prove something this year.
(11:06) We debate whether the Patriots have already surpassed the Bills and are set up to run the AFC East again.
(22:15) How similar is this season to 2021 for the Patriots? The crew questions how similar or different this team is under Drake Maye vs Mac Jones in 2021.
(30:55) Zo and Beetle end the hour talking about potential trade candidates for the Patriots.

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Brad Marchand’s Emotional Return To TD Garden // Bruins Ridiculous Loss // Celtics Tip Off Tonight - 10/22 (Hour 1) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the show reacting to Brad Marchand’s very emotional return to Boston as a visitor and how return and tribute videos should be saved for the most special of players.
(13:39) The crew dives into the Bruins inventing a new way to lose last night. Plus praise for Marco Sturm calling it like he sees it in terms of mistakes.
(24:06) We discuss how the Bruins are simply a mediocre team and Bruins fans should temper expectations for the season if they haven’t already.
(32:48) Zo and Beetle give their thoughts on the Celtics going into the season opener tonight vs the 76ers and their expectations for this roster for this season.

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Cowboys Calling About Maxx Crosby // Tail-Waggin’ Tuesday // Joe Mazzulla Interview - 10/21 (Hour 4) Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand open the hour discussing the news of the Cowboys inquiring with the Raiders about a possible Maxx Crosby trade.
(8:22) We get into our brand new segment tail-waggin’ Tuesday with the New England ‘Pawriots’ dog of the week Hermione.
(16:32) Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla joins us ahead of the Celtics season opener Wednesday against the 76ers.
(33:33) Zo and Beetle close out the show with the takeaways from today.

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Mike Reiss Joins The Show // Are The Patriots Real Contenders? // Mike Reiss/Mike Vrabel Sit-Down - 10/21 (Hour 3) Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Mike Reiss of ESPN joins Zolak & Bertrand from Gillette Stadium to discuss his three things.
(9:14) The crew and Mike Reiss debate whether Patriots expectations have changed and if they are legit AFC/Super Bowl contenders.
(21:10) We debate how important this win was for Mike Vrabel, in addition to discussing Mike Reiss’ sitdown with Mike Vrabel.
(30:21) Zo and Beetle end the hour previewing the Browns game on Sunday and expectations from one of the top defenses in the NFL.

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Tribute Videos Being Overused // Patriots: The Biggest Threat To Chiefs in AFC? // Patriots WR Room - 10/21 (Hour 2) Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start the hour with a discussion about tribute videos and if they are used too much for players.
(10:59) Chris Simms believes the Patriots are the biggest threat to the Chiefs in a wide open AFC, the crew reacts.
(20:43) Zo and Beetle highlight the uniqueness of the Patriots wide receiver room.
(33:03) We answer your calls and reactions to everything.

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Patriots Schedule Moving Forward // Cam Newton Slows Hype On Drake Maye // Blue Jays Heading To World Series - 10/21 (Hour 1) Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand start today’s show discussing the strength of the Patriots schedule gauging where they can end up, specifically with the upcoming games against the Browns, Falcons and Bucs.
(11:40) First Take Co-Host Cam Newton believes Drake Maye is not a top 5 QB quite yet. The crew debates Drake Maye’s ranking vs other NFL quarterbacks.
(23:46) The Blue Jays will face the Dodgers in the World Series thanks in large part to George Springer’s go-ahead home run in the 7th inning. Plus, could Alex Bregman play the potential George Springer role down the road for the Red Sox?
(33:33) Brad Marchand returns to TD Garden tonight as a Florida Panther, Zo and Beetle give their thoughts.

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UMass Football’s Bizarre Ending // Sounds Of Sunday // Today’s Takeaways - 10/20 (Hour 4) Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

(00:00) Zolak & Bertrand begin the hour discussing the UMass Football team’s collapse on Saturday against Buffalo. Plus Beetle delivers an all time rant on the disaster that is the UMass Football program.
(13:15) The crew dives into the best sounds around the NFL and College Football from Sunday.
(22:15) We touch on the Giants 4th quarter meltdown to the Broncos leading to a Denver game winning field goal as time expired Sunday. Zo and Beetle close out the show with the takeaways of today.

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