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30 years behind the microphone. A lifetime in baseball. One incredible family legacy. Veteran MLB broadcaster and former Major League player José Mota joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 39 of The Mask & The Mic! Fresh off completing his 30th year broadcasting Major League Baseball, José brings a unique perspective to the game—from growing up around the Los Angeles Dodgers as the son of legendary player Manny Mota to carving out his own career on the field and eventually finding his voice in the broadcast booth. The guys open with a look at the World Series and a fascinating question about the future of baseball: Have analytics changed the game too much? José discusses what makes successful teams different, the balance between statistical analysis and baseball instincts, and whether a more traditional approach to playing the game could influence how teams build their rosters and compete. The conversation also turns to the Los Angeles Dodgers, their postseason performance, Shohei Ohtani's health, the team's biggest needs and what lies ahead for one of baseball's most recognizable franchises. José also weighs in on the possibility of another MLB work stoppage, the challenges facing the sport and why protecting the relationship between baseball and its fans is so important. Then we turn back the clock. José shares the unforgettable story of receiving his first call to the Major Leagues, the emotional reaction from his family and what it meant to his father, Dodgers legend Manny Mota. He also recalls the support he received from the Dodgers family, including the legendary Tommy Lasorda. From there, we explore José's journey into broadcasting. What was it like growing up around the game, listening to baseball on the radio and learning from some of the greatest voices in sports? José shares the influences that shaped his broadcasting career, including Vin Scully, and the lessons he learned about storytelling, preparation and connecting with an audience. Finally, José talks about what it meant to come home to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022—returning to the organization he grew up around, sharing the broadcast experience with his father and having the opportunity to see him almost every day. From the World Series and the future of Major League Baseball to family, broadcasting and the unforgettable people who shaped his career, José Mota shares stories and perspective from a lifetime spent around America's pastime. 🎙️ José Mota joins The Mask & The Mic for Episode 39! ▶️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow The Mask & The Mic for more conversations, behind-the-scenes stories and perspectives from the people who know sports best. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

17 seasons. One franchise. One unforgettable legacy. Anaheim Ducks legend, Stanley Cup champion and longtime captain Ryan Getzlaf joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 38 of The Mask & The Mic! Drafted 19th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2003, Getzlaf spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the organization, including 12 seasons wearing the captain's “C.” Now, with his jersey retirement approaching, Ryan sits down with the guys to reflect on his remarkable career, the people who shaped him and what life looks like after hockey. Ryan takes us inside his world today, from raising four kids with his wife in Nashville, Tennessee, to coaching youth hockey, working with the NHL Department of Player Safety and helping develop the next generation of talent with Hockey Canada's World Junior team. Then we turn back the clock. Ryan shares memories of his 2003 NHL Draft experience, his first training camp and the unforgettable journey to winning the 2007 Stanley Cup with Anaheim in just his second NHL season. The conversation also explores how the game has changed—from today's massive contracts for young players to what it really takes to earn a roster spot and establish yourself in the NHL. And, of course, we talk leadership. What does it really mean to be an NHL captain? Ryan reflects on being named Ducks captain at just 25 years old, the responsibility that came with wearing the “C,” the veteran leaders who influenced him and the lessons he learned during his 12 seasons leading the team. Finally, we look ahead to two historic nights at Honda Center: the 20th anniversary celebration of Anaheim's Stanley Cup championship on January 28, 2027, followed by Ryan Getzlaf's jersey retirement on January 30, when his number will rise to the rafters alongside Ducks legends Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer. For Ryan, Anaheim was always more than just the place he played hockey. It became home. From a teenage draft pick to Stanley Cup champion, franchise captain and one of the most respected players in Ducks history, Ryan Getzlaf shares the stories, memories and perspective behind an extraordinary career. 🎙️ Ryan Getzlaf joins The Mask & The Mic. This is one you won't want to miss! ▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow The Mask & The Mic for more conversations with the people and personalities who have shaped the sports world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The Anaheim Ducks are off to a strong start, the NHL is already full of surprises, and ASK THE MASK makes its official debut! On Episode 37 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down the Anaheim Ducks' 4-2 start to the NHL season and the impressive early performances of Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke. After signing a massive contract in the offseason, Carlsson hasn't let the pressure of heightened expectations affect his game. Meanwhile, Sennecke continues to show why the Ducks are so excited about their young talent. Injuries have also created opportunities for Anaheim's next generation, including Roger McQueen, the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, who makes his NHL debut. Then it's time to go Around the NHL! 🌎🏒 From early struggles for the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers to goaltending adversity in New York, there's no shortage of headlines. Guy and Kent also discuss the NHL's Frozen Frenzy, featuring all 32 teams playing on the same night, and the Tkachuk brothers putting on a show against Columbus. And now it's time for something new… 🎭 ASK THE MASK! Our brand-new segment officially debuts as Kent puts your questions to former NHL goalie Guy Hebert! Want to be part of a future episode? DM us your questions for Guy or both of us, and we'll do our best to answer them on the show. Plus, Kent gives an update on his iHeartRadio Top Host competition, where he's hoping to earn a spot in the Top 20! The first round ends Thursday, October 15 at 7 PM Pacific, and you can help by voting FREE every day. And before we go…we tease our next special guest. Let's just say he's a former captain of the Anaheim Ducks. 👀🏒 Ducks hockey, NHL headlines, fan questions and a little mystery—all on Episode 37 of The Mask & The Mic! 🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe, follow and send us your questions for ASK THE MASK! Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The contracts are signed. The expectations are high. Now it’s time to play hockey. The NHL season is underway, and the Anaheim Ducks are off to a hot start. On Episode 36 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down Anaheim’s season-opening wins in Vegas and at home against the Florida Panthers—and the early impact of two players carrying some very big expectations: Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. After an offseason dominated by contracts and conversations about the future of the franchise, both young stars played pivotal roles in the Ducks’ first two wins. It’s a small sample size, but Kent and Guy discuss why getting off to a strong start matters—and whether signing those big contracts actually allows Leo and Cutter to stop thinking about expectations and simply go play hockey. The Ducks are betting on another young player as well. 22-year-old defenseman Tristan Luneau has signed a six-year, $43.2 million contract despite having only 14 NHL games under his belt when the deal was signed. Is this becoming the new NHL philosophy—paying young players for what you believe they’re going to become rather than what they’ve already accomplished? Guy also takes us behind the scenes of opening night and shares what it’s like to serve as an Anaheim Ducks ambassador, including what his night looked like during the home opener. Then we introduce something new: ASK THE MASK! 🎭🏒 Kent fires some of the biggest stories from around the NHL at Guy for his perspective—and now we want YOUR questions. DM The Mask & The Mic with something you want to Ask The Mask, and your question could be answered on an upcoming episode. Finally, Kent shares a very different competition he’s entered: Top Host, presented by iHeartRadio, On Air with Ryan Seacrest and RØDE. The grand prize includes a six-episode podcast produced by iHeartRadio, a conversation with Ryan Seacrest and $25,000. Kent explains why he decided to jump in—and how The Mask & The Mic audience can help him along the way. Ducks hockey is back, the kids are delivering, Ask The Mask has arrived…and Kent needs your vote! 🎙️ Watch The Mask & The Mic on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe, follow and send us your questions for Ask The Mask! Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The Finnish Flash is here! Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup champion and Anaheim Ducks legend Teemu Selanne joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 35 of The Mask & The Mic. Teemu gives his perspective on the upcoming Ducks season, including Mikael Granlund being named captain and the wild summer surrounding Leo Carlsson and Philadelphia's massive offer sheet. The conversation then turns to the future of hockey in Southern California. Teemu discusses his involvement in bringing the USHL to California, how fellow Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille helped spearhead the effort, and what it means to have Teemu involved with an Orange County team while Joe Sakic is part of the new San Diego franchise. And then come the stories. 😂 Teemu and Guy trade memories about hockey superstitions, former teammates—including a hilarious Corey Perry story—and what life behind the scenes was really like. Teemu also shares some unforgettable memories of rooming with his longtime teammate and friend Paul Kariya. Finally, the guys look ahead to two special celebrations on the Ducks calendar: honoring the 20th anniversary of Anaheim's Stanley Cup championship and the upcoming jersey retirement of Ryan Getzlaf. Ducks hockey, Hall of Fame stories, old teammates, superstitions and plenty of laughs with one of the most beloved players in franchise history. Teemu Selanne joins The Mask & The Mic. You won't want to miss this one. 🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow The Mask & The Mic for more conversations, insider perspective and behind-the-scenes stories from the sports world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The Anaheim Ducks have their new captain. 🦆🏒 On Episode 34 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French react to the announcement of Mikael Granlund as the 10th captain in Ducks franchise history. At 34 years old and with 14 seasons of NHL experience, Granlund brings leadership, character and a veteran presence to a young Anaheim roster. Guy and Kent discuss why he makes sense for the role—but also explore the other side of the decision. With young cornerstone players like Leo Carlsson and Jackson LaCombe locked into the Ducks' future, why not hand the “C” to the next generation now? Then the guys tackle another NHL question: Do we still need the preseason? With the preseason already shortened and players training year-round, Kent and Guy debate how much value exhibition games still provide. Are they necessary for evaluating players and preparing for opening night, or does putting established stars into games that don't count create unnecessary injury risk? From the ice, it's onto the golf course as the guys preview the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club. What's the difference between the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup? Why has the U.S. historically experienced different results in the two competitions? And after crowd behavior became part of the conversation at the 2025 Ryder Cup, what kind of atmosphere can players expect this time around? Finally, Guy shares his experience participating in an important charity hockey tournament and talks about his recent appearance on the Hockey Dads Podcast. Ducks leadership, the future of the NHL preseason, international golf and giving back to the hockey community—we cover it all on Episode 34 of The Mask & The Mic. 🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow The Mask & The Mic for insider perspective, behind-the-scenes stories and conversations from across the sports world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The deal is DONE. 🏒 After weeks of speculation, Cutter Gauthier has signed a six-year, $81 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, and the timing couldn't be more important with training camp getting underway. On Episode 33 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down the deal, what a $13.5 million annual commitment means for Anaheim's future, and how locking up Gauthier alongside Leo Carlsson shapes the next chapter for the Ducks. Then the conversation turns from contracts to leadership. With Connor Bedard being named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks at just 21 years old, Guy takes us back to another 21-year-old captain he knew very well—Paul Kariya. What was it like watching Kariya take on that responsibility with the Mighty Ducks? Why was he ready for it? And what does Guy remember about the way Paul handled the pressure that came with wearing the “C” at such a young age? That leads to another big question: Who should become the next captain of the Anaheim Ducks? Guy also takes us behind the scenes of a busy week on the golf course, including the Anaheim Ducks' annual charity tournament and an event benefiting CureDuchenne, a cause close to Troy Terry and his family. Then Kent and Guy cast a wider net across the sports world. They debate the impact of international travel, time changes and preparation after two very different approaches to an NFL game in Australia, talk about the remarkable return of Patrick Mahomes following knee surgery, revisit the US Open tennis finals, and finish with college football, Arch Manning and the unique pressure that comes with carrying one of the most recognizable names in sports. Hockey, football, golf, tennis and plenty of stories along the way—Episode 33 covers it all. 🎙️ Watch The Mask & The Mic on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow for weekly conversations featuring insider perspective, behind-the-scenes stories and everything happening across the sports world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

From Honey Deuces at the US Open to breaking Ducks news in the middle of the show—and a potentially franchise-changing development for the Angels—Episode 32 of The Mask & The Mic covers a lot of ground. Guy Hebert is back from New York and takes Kent French inside his trip to the US Open Tennis Championships. From the matches he and his wife watched to the food, drinks and overall atmosphere, Guy shares what it's like experiencing one of tennis' biggest events in person. And, of course, we have to talk about the Honey Deuce. 🍹🎾 The conversation also turns to the growing presence of influencers and content creators at major sporting events. Phones, cameras and TikTok dances are becoming increasingly common as creators compete for the perfect shot—but at what point does creating content begin interfering with the experience of the fans around them or even the athletes competing? Guy and Kent discuss the changing dynamic between experiencing a sporting event and documenting it for social media. Then it's time for hockey. With NHL training camps about to open, there are still some major loose ends around the league—including the Anaheim Ducks' negotiations with restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. The guys discuss the escalating contract situation and what it could mean for Anaheim's salary structure when, right in the middle of the conversation, breaking Ducks news hits. Chris Kreider is being released, creating additional payroll flexibility and immediately adding another layer to the Gauthier discussion. Guy and Kent react to the news in real time and consider what it could mean for the Ducks as training camp approaches. Finally, the conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Angels and potentially one of the biggest changes in franchise history: Arte Moreno's agreement to sell a majority interest in the club to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. What could new ownership mean for Angels fans, the city and the future direction of the franchise? Kent and Guy look at Stan Kroenke's remarkable portfolio of sports organizations and discuss what a track record of investment and championship success could potentially bring to Anaheim. From New York and the US Open to NHL contract negotiations, breaking Ducks news and a new era potentially beginning for the Angels, it's another wide-ranging edition of The Mask & The Mic. 🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎧 Listen to The Mask & The Mic on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow for conversations featuring insider perspective, behind-the-scenes stories and everything happening across the sports world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

What does it take to go from dreaming about professional golf to standing over a seven-foot putt with a PGA Tour victory on the line? On Episode 31 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French welcome professional golfer and multiple-time PGA Tour winner Brendan Steele for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through professional golf, the mental side of the game, his friendship with Phil Mickelson, and his decision to make the move to LIV Golf. Brendan takes us back to the beginning—when golf first captured his attention and when he realized the game could become much more than a hobby. He shares his path through college golf and the Golden State, Canadian and Nationwide Tours before finally earning his PGA Tour card. Then we revisit the breakthrough. On April 17, 2011, Brendan captured his first PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open. He explains the mental adjustment he made heading into that week, how it helped him refocus his game, and what was going through his mind as he stood over a seven-foot par putt with his first PGA Tour title on the line. Brendan also shares stories about his longtime friend and mentor Phil Mickelson, including an unforgettable experience during Brendan's first trip to Augusta. Despite already being a three-time Masters champion, Phil took Brendan out to study and practice three specific greens—giving him a firsthand look at the preparation, attention to detail and work ethic required to become one of the game's greats. Years later, another call from Phil would help change the direction of Brendan's career. Brendan takes us inside the decision to join LIV Golf, why he says the choice was an easy one, and what he enjoys about the LIV format compared with his years on the PGA Tour. He also discusses how LIV continues to evolve, the challenges the league has faced, and what he believes the next version of LIV Golf could look like. And, of course, there are plenty of stories from inside the ropes. What's Brendan's favorite shot he's ever hit? What is the atmosphere really like between players during a professional tournament? Who likes to talk? Who doesn't? And what happens when things get interesting with someone in the gallery? From grinding through golf's developmental tours to winning on the PGA Tour, learning Augusta alongside Phil Mickelson and taking the leap to LIV Golf, Brendan Steele gives us a fascinating look at the life—and mindset—of a professional golfer. 🎙️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube. 🎧 Listen to The Mask & The Mic on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the athletes, coaches, broadcasters and personalities behind the games we love. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

Heart. Grit. Perseverance. And playing every game like it could be your last. On Episode 30 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French welcome NHL veteran and former Anaheim Duck Sam Carrick for a conversation about what it truly takes to build—and sustain—a career in professional hockey. Drafted in the fifth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010, Sam reflects on the unforgettable experience of being selected by the team he grew up cheering for. But as his career progressed, he came to an important realization: if he wanted longevity in the NHL, he couldn't take a single day for granted. He had to approach every practice, every shift, and every opportunity like it might be his last. That mentality would come to define his career. Sam looks back on joining the Anaheim Ducks organization in 2017 and spending parts of eight seasons battling between the NHL and AHL with the Ducks and San Diego Gulls. He discusses the perseverance required to keep earning opportunities, his breakthrough 2021-22 season, and why signing a new two-year contract didn't mean he could finally take his foot off the gas. He also reflects on the influence of Dallas Eakins, who coached Sam at multiple stops throughout his career and played an important role in his development as both a player and professional. The conversation then turns to Sam's 2024 trade to the Edmonton Oilers, where he experienced the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time—and rode that opportunity all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Sam shares what playoff hockey feels like from inside the locker room and what it's like playing alongside one of the greatest players in the game, Connor McDavid. But an NHL career isn't lived by the player alone. Sam opens up about moving from city to city with his wife and three young boys, the sacrifices a hockey family makes behind the scenes, and the mentality required to remain an NHL player through trades, roster battles, and constant uncertainty. After 14 years of professional hockey and nearly 400 NHL games, Sam is beginning his latest chapter with the Buffalo Sabres following a trade from the New York Rangers in March 2026. Now settled in Buffalo, he's balancing preparation for his first full season with the Sabres with another important role—hockey dad. And finally, we head off the ice and into the Canadian woods. Sam shares the story behind Carrick Brothers Maple, the family maple syrup business he operates with his three brothers. What began as a childhood tradition of tapping trees with their grandfather has grown into a thriving operation in South Algonquin, Ontario, with more than 46,000 taps producing maple syrup, maple water, maple cream, granulated maple sugar, and more. From NHL locker rooms and the Stanley Cup Final to family, fatherhood, and the maple farm, Sam Carrick's story is ultimately about something much bigger than hockey: Showing up. Doing the work. And earning your opportunity every single day. 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎙️ Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for conversations with the athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and personalities behind the games we love. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

More than 2,000 NHL penalty minutes. One unforgettable nickname. And plenty of stories from the original Mighty Ducks. On Episode 29 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French welcome Guy's former Mighty Ducks of Anaheim teammate Stu Grimson, better known throughout the hockey world as “The Grim Reaper.” Stu takes us back to the beginning of his professional career and the realization in the minor leagues that fighting—and his willingness to protect his teammates—might be his path to the NHL. He shares the story behind “The Grim Reaper” nickname, what it meant to embrace the role of an NHL enforcer, and the pride he took in knowing his teammates appreciated having him on their side. Then Guy and Stu head down memory lane to the inaugural 1993-94 Mighty Ducks season. They reminisce about former teammates, life as employees of Disney, some of the unusual perks that came with it, and those unforgettable Mighty Ducks photo shoots—including dressing as pirates and posing aboard a pirate ship at Disneyland. But there was also a very real price that came with being one of the NHL's most feared enforcers. Stu opens up about some of the toughest fights of his career, the opponents who tested him the most, the injuries he suffered, and the physical toll that years of fighting ultimately took on his body. The guys also revisit the memorable 2001 Foundation for a Better Life commercial that showed hockey fans a very different side of “The Grim Reaper,” and Stu reflects on telling his full story in his memoir, The Grim Reaper: The Life and Career of a Reluctant Warrior. It's a conversation filled with laughs, honesty, Mighty Ducks nostalgia, and a fascinating look inside one of hockey's most demanding roles—from the man who lived it. 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🎙️ Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for conversations with the players, coaches, broadcasters, and personalities who have shaped the games we love. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

The NHL salary cap is going up—but so are the salaries of the league's biggest stars. How are teams supposed to fit everyone under the same cap? On Episode 28 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French take a closer look at the growing list of NHL Restricted Free Agents still waiting for new contracts, including Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier. With the NHL salary cap increasing this season and again next year, the guys discuss how the changing financial landscape is impacting roster construction across the league. Macklin Celebrini's new $18.8 million annual contract has reset the ceiling for the NHL's elite players, and Guy and Kent explore what that means for General Managers trying to keep multiple young stars together. For the Ducks, the challenge is particularly important as they work to fit Gauthier's next contract alongside Leo Carlsson's massive new deal. The conversation then moves to baseball as Kent gives Guy a behind-the-scenes look at his recent stretch of double duty with the Angels, working both reporting and hosting responsibilities during a home series against the Texas Rangers. Kent describes what it's like watching a Major League Baseball game from the camera well and shares some of the unique perspectives that come with working so close to the action. Then comes KISS Night at the Big A! The Angels are welcoming KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for a special celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of KISS performing at Anaheim Stadium. The guys discuss the KISS-themed entertainment, fireworks, giveaways—and, naturally, whether Kent might get the opportunity to interview the rock legends and whether he should show up dressed for the occasion. And finally, Guy does what Guy does best: talks golf. This time, he's heading to Sherwood Country Club to play alongside auction winners from the Ducks Alumni Golf Tournament. Guy shares what it's like playing with fans who bid for the opportunity to tee it up with a former NHL goaltender and what makes these alumni golf events so much fun. From NHL contracts and salary-cap strategy to baseball, KISS, and golf, Episode 28 is another wide-ranging conversation from The Mask & The Mic. 🎧 Watch the full episode here on YouTube. 🎙️ Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for weekly conversations featuring NHL insight, baseball stories, behind-the-scenes broadcasting, golf, and plenty of surprises along the way. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

What do Newport Harbor, the PGA Tour, the MLB Trade Deadline, and Ted Lasso have in common? On Episode 27 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French cast a wide net across the sports world—and even brainstorm a fun new idea for the future of the podcast. Could a future episode be filmed aboard a boat while cruising Newport Harbor? The guys discuss the possibility of taking The Mask & The Mic on location for a truly unique setting. The conversation then turns to the PGA Tour as Guy catches Kent up on everything happening in the world of golf. They recap the Rocket Classic, discuss what happened to fan favorites like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, and look at the emergence of golf's next generation of stars. With the Wyndham Championship serving as the final event of the PGA Tour regular season, the guys explain what's at stake for players trying to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. They also spotlight Southern California native Jake Knapp, his impressive season, and where he currently sits in the FedEx Cup standings. The discussion expands into why golf has become the sport of choice for so many professional athletes, musicians, actors, and business leaders. Guy and Kent share the story of actor Tom Holland hitting balls alongside Rory McIlroy and how even one of Hollywood's biggest stars couldn't help but marvel at the incredible skill of a world-class golfer. Next, the focus shifts to Major League Baseball following one of the most significant trade deadlines in recent Angels history. The Los Angeles Angels took an aggressive approach, trading seven players and acquiring nine prospects in return. Guy and Kent break down the organization's dramatic philosophical shift, discuss several of the key prospects now entering the system, and examine what interim General Manager John Mozeliak's vision could mean for the franchise moving forward. They also tackle one of the biggest questions facing the organization: Where does Mike Trout fit into the Angels' future, and can the club build a winner around one of the greatest players of his generation? To close the show, the guys revisit their excitement for the premiere of Ted Lasso Season 4 and laugh about the summer blockbuster movies they still haven't gotten around to seeing. From golf and baseball to television and future podcast adventures, Episode 27 is another fun, wide-ranging conversation you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for weekly conversations featuring insider sports analysis, great stories, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from across the sporting world. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

From blockbuster NHL contracts and MLB trade rumors to the return of one of television's most beloved shows, Episode 26 of The Mask & The Mic covers it all. Guy Hebert and Kent French begin with breaking NHL news as San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini signs a five-year extension worth an average annual value of $18.8 million, making him the NHL's highest-paid player when the contract takes effect. Coming just weeks after Leo Carlsson's historic offer sheet with the Anaheim Ducks, the guys discuss how the market for elite young talent has changed almost overnight and what it means for teams trying to build championship-caliber rosters under the salary cap. The conversation continues with Connor Bedard's new five-year contract, Jason Robertson's surprising decision to remain with the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal rather than accept a long-term offer elsewhere, and what all of these contracts could mean for the Ducks as they work toward signing another cornerstone player in Cutter Gauthier. Next, the focus shifts to Major League Baseball with the trade deadline rapidly approaching. Will the Los Angeles Angels buy, sell, or stand pat? Guy and Kent discuss the organization's options, the value of players drawing league-wide interest, and what the future could hold for Mike Trout as the franchise looks toward the next chapter. To wrap things up, the guys step away from the playing field and into the world of entertainment with the return of Ted Lasso. As longtime fans who once dressed as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard for Halloween—and even appeared on set as the iconic duo—Guy and Kent share their excitement for Season 4, reflect on why the series has resonated with so many people, and explain why they're ready to "BELIEVE" once again. From hockey contracts and baseball strategy to one of television's most inspiring shows, Episode 26 is another wide-ranging conversation that blends insight, perspective, and plenty of fun along the way. 🎧 Watch the full episode here on YouTube. 🎙️ Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for weekly conversations featuring insider hockey analysis, baseball discussions, sports stories, and the personalities that make the games we love so memorable. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

🎙️ The Mask & The Mic Podcast | Episode 25 | Bobby Valentine Few people in sports have lived a career as colorful, accomplished, and fascinating as Bobby Valentine. On Episode 25 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French welcome the legendary manager, broadcaster, author, entrepreneur, and recent inductee into the New York Mets Hall of Fame for a conversation that spans decades of baseball history—and far beyond. Bobby begins by reflecting on what his induction into the Mets Hall of Fame means to him before taking us back to one of the most emotional periods in sports history. As manager of the New York Mets following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Bobby shares what it was like leading a clubhouse, helping players navigate unimaginable emotions, and representing a city searching for hope. He also recounts the unforgettable night President George W. Bush delivered the ceremonial first pitch when baseball returned to New York—a moment that remains one of the most iconic in American sports. The stories continue as Bobby reflects on managing Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, being in the dugout for one of Ryan's legendary no-hitters, and the lasting influence of Dodgers icon Tommy Lasorda, whose leadership style forever changed Bobby's perspective on managing people. The conversation then takes a lighter turn as Bobby shares the story of meeting Frank Sinatra for the first time, discusses life beyond baseball, and even answers one of the most entertaining questions of the episode: Did he really invent the wrap sandwich? As only Bobby Valentine can, the conversation moves effortlessly from baseball history to leadership, culture, food, music, and unforgettable stories from one of the most remarkable careers in sports. If you love baseball, leadership, history, or simply great storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎧 Watch the full episode here on YouTube. 🎙️ Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe to The Mask & The Mic for conversations with the athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and personalities who have shaped the world of sports. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel