The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

On this episode of the White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien goes behind the scenes with Chris Withers, lead TV producer for White Sox broadcasts on CHSN, to unpack how Friday Night All-Access came to life. From its multi-year journey of rejections to becoming a fan-favorite feature, Withers shares how the show finally got green-lit, the massive team effort it takes to pull it off, and the unmatched player and front office buy-in it requires. They dive into the adrenaline of live TV, mic’d-up moments, clubhouse dynamics, and what’s next—including a Cribs-style bullpen tour. If you’ve ever wondered how the magic of baseball TV happens, this one’s for you.

White Sox Director of Pitching Brian Bannister joins the podcast to break down the team’s new pitching philosophy and development system. He shares insights on Shane Smith, Noah Schultz, Grant Taylor, and more—plus the off speed approach, the case for knuckleballs, and how data is reshaping the Sox from top to bottom.

White Sox rookie pitcher Grant Taylor joins Chuck Garfien on this episode of The White Sox Podcast. Taylor shares what it felt like to make his MLB debut, the moment he first hit 100 mph on the radar gun, and the adjustment from starting pitcher to reliever. He talks about learning from big-league hitters, pitching with adrenaline, and why he believes in the White Sox rebuild. Plus, insight on fellow prospects like Noah Schultz and Shane Murphy, as well as his friendship with Pirates star pitcher, Paul Skenes.

On the latest White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien is joined by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold to revisit the 3-team trade that landed Miguel Vargas on the White Sox. Now Vargas is leading the Sox in nearly every offensive category and could be an All-Star, while the Cardinals may be preparing to flip Erick Fedde at the deadline. They break down how the trade looks now versus then, what could still be ahead for all three teams involved, and if a Luis Robert Jr. deal with St. Louis makes any sense.

Chuck Garfien is joined by James Fegan of Sox Machine to ask the big question: Is it time to believe in the White Sox again? They talk about the rise of Kyle Teel, Shane Smith, Chase Meidroth and others, the front office's smarter approach, and whether Colson Montgomery is next. Plus: why this rebuild feels different from the last.

White Sox hitting coach Marcus Thames joins Chuck Garfien for a deep dive into the offensive approach that's helping the team turn the corner. From situational hitting and plate discipline to the evolving identities of Luis Robert Jr., Miguel Vargas, and Kyle Teel, Thames shares insights into building a hitting culture. He also reflects on coaching Aaron Judge, his own MLB debut off Randy Johnson, and what it takes to earn trust in a clubhouse full of young talent. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the grind, growth, and goals of the White Sox offense.

On the latest episode of The White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien breaks down one of the biggest 24 hour news days in White Sox history. Jerry Reinsdorf has an agreement in place for Justin Ishbia to potentially be the next owner of the White Sox. CHSN has struck a deal with Comcast. It will begin broadcasting on Xfinity starting today. Plus, White Sox second ranked prospect Kyle Teel is being called up to the majors. What catcher is being sent down? And Colson Montgomery had a two homer game in Triple-A. Chuck covers it all!

Adrian Houser’s journey to the South Side has been anything but ordinary. On the latest episode of The White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien talks with the veteran right-hander about his chaotic year across five organizations, how a reset in Triple-A led to a 72-hour fast and the carnivore diet, and why he's pitching better than ever. Houser also reflects on his infamous “throw-up games,” his immediate chemistry with rookie catcher Edgar Quero, and how he's embracing a mentor role in Chicago’s rotation.

Luis Robert Jr. is in a deep slump, and Chuck Garfien is joined by Scott Merkin of MLB.com to unpack everything surrounding the White Sox center fielder—from his on-field struggles to the trade rumors swirling around him. Is the pressure getting to Robert? Can he turn it around before the deadline? And how much has his value dipped? The guys also discuss Kyle Teel working at first base in Triple-A, what that means for his development, and compare the 2025 squad to last year’s team. Plus, insight on Andrew Vaughn, Edgar Quero, and whether this rebuild is finally starting to show some life.

Chuck Garfien gets the inside scoop about many of the White Sox hitters of the present and future from Director of Hitting Ryan Fuller. They talk about how Miguel Vargas transformed himself in 2025, working with Colson Montgomery during his break from Triple-A in Arizona, plus Braden Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Andrew Vaughn, Tim Elko and more.

Ozzie Guillen and Bruce Bochy first met when they played on the same Winter League team in Venezuela in 1984. Four decades later they remain close friends. Chuck Garfien got them together when the Texas Rangers were in town to reminisce about their time as teammates, managing against each other, being an old school manager in the game today, Will Venable going from Bochy’s bench coach to managing the White Sox and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Jonathan Cannon about how he’s improved as a pitcher in his second season in the majors and what it will take for the White Sox to become a winning team. Plus, a must-listen story about how Tim Elko crushed home runs in college against Cannon’s Georgia Bulldogs while playing with a torn ACL, Edgar Quero’s improvement as a catcher and more.

After already surpassing their win total from April, the White Sox are playing better baseball in May. How much better? Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox field reporter Connor McKnight to discuss whether the White Sox are turning the corner in the rebuild. They talk about Chase Meidroth, Edgar Quero, Miguel Vargas and Shane Smith. Plus, is their recent play sustainable and more.

On the day that famed organist Nancy Faust played her first White Sox game in Chicago in 15 years, Chuck Garfien joined her in the organist booth that bears her name to talk about her career, her connection with White Sox fans, walk-up music, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” and what it means to be back playing the organ for White Sox games this season.

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox rookie catcher Edgar Quero who has quickly made an impact since being called up to the major leagues in mid-April. They talk about the feel in the clubhouse after a heartbreaking loss in Kansas City, why he got so emotional when he was told he was being called up to the majors, his approach with two strikes, the winning attitude he’s bringing to the White Sox, how much he hates to lose and more.

Chuck Garfien speaks with Hall of Famer Harold Baines about the biggest moments of his White Sox career, how he learned to be clutch, his thoughts on analytics and the way the game is played today, playing and coaching with Ozzie Guillen, receiving a heart transplant and kidney transplant on back to back days and his hopes of meeting the family that saved his life.

Chuck Garfien speaks with pitcher Mike Vasil about his breakout April with the White Sox. They talk about his struggles last season as a starter in Triple-A, and his 1.10 ERA out of the bullpen with the White Sox. Plus, his Massachusetts bond with teammates Shane Smith and Sean Burke, how he was the one who told Smith he was picked up by the White Sox in the Rule-5 draft, his own story about coming to the Sox and more.

Vinnie Duber is back on the podcast for the first time since February of 2022, just as the White Sox were expected to contend for that year’s World Series. But instead, a steep decline was about to begin with many players on that team and their opponent on Opening Day in 2022 now mirrors where the White Sox are right now. Chuck and Vinnie talk about how everything fell apart so quickly and how this new era of White Sox baseball could have a much better ending than the last one.

Chuck Garfien speaks with former Oakland A's infielder Chad Pinder who is now in his first season as manager for Class-A Kannapolis. Chad talks about driving in the game-winning run against the White Sox in the 2020 Wildcard Series to joining the White Sox organization as a first time manager and why. Plus, how the Cannon Ballers are on the attack this year, leading the entire minor leagues in stolen bases. He gives his impressions of top prospects Braden Montgomery, George Wolkow, and Caleb Bonemer plus under-the-radar prospect Javier Mogollon and why he has a lot of faith in the White Sox future.

Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen answer questions from White Sox fans. What are the positives they’ve seen comparing 2025 to 2024? When will the White Sox be contenders again? When will Tim Elko be called up? Should Cam Booser be the closer? Who was Ozzie’s biggest rival as manager? And more!