The Valenti Show

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The Valenti Show with Rico is Detroit’s must-listen daily sports show — where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Hosted by Mike Valenti and Rico Beard, The Valenti Show brings unfiltered takes on the biggest national stories and dives deep into all-things-Detroit sports: the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, Michigan and Michigan State. Whether it's NFL drama, playoff stakes or college football storylines, Valenti and Rico tell it like it is — no fluff, no fan service, just real talk. Catch The Valenti Show with Rico live Monday through Friday 2pm - 6pm EST on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT). Full episodes, individual hours and show highlights drop daily wherever you get your podcasts.

FULL SHOW: Tuesday, March 31st
Valenti and Rico began today's show with the story concerning the Lions and Frank Ragnow. They discussed what this looks like from a Lions fan and an outside perspective before they transitioned into Red Wings talk in the second hour, where they addressed McLellan's comments and Dylan Larkin's role in the March struggles. Then, the guys revisited both of their main topics and took some of your calls to round out the show.
HOUR 1: Thoughts On Frank Ragnow Getting Stiffed By The Lions + In Football Today
Mike and Rico spent the first hour of the show with their reactions to the report that the Lions refused to pay $3 million of Frank Ragnow's bonus after he originally retired. They discussed the perception of this move around the NFL and wrapped this conversation with an "In Football Today".
HOUR 2: Dylan Larkin's Job As Captain + Overall Red Wings Concern Levels
Red Wings talk hijacked the show, as the guys felt compelled to revisit Todd McLellan's criticism of his players and how much blame Dylan Larkin deserves as the captain of the team.
HOUR 3: Mock Draft Mania + More Red Wings/Ragnow Thoughts + Your First Calls Of The Day
Mike and Rico opened the third hour with a "Mock Draft Mania". Then, they expanded on the Red Wings and Frank Ragnow conversations before they finally got the phone lines up and working.
HOUR 4: Final Thoughts + Calls On Ragnow/Red Wings
Valenti and Rico closed out today's show with some more phone calls and thoughts on the Lions stiffing Frank Ragnow and their overall Red Wings sentiments. Then, they were joined by Wojo and Riger in cross-talk.
Hearing From The People For The Final Time Today
A few more of the people chime in before the end of today's show.
Revisiting Today's Main Topics
Mike and Rico continue their Lions and Red Wings conversations to begin the final hour.
Taking Your First Calls Of The Day On Today's Topics
The phone lines are back in order and the guys go straight to the people.
Mock Draft Mania | 3-31-26
Mike has a mock draft, which he shares with the guys.
Continuing The Red Wings Concern Talk
Valenti and Rico offer some more thoughts on the lack of leadership and talent on the Red Wings team.
How Much Blame Does Dylan Larkin Deserve For Red Wings' Collapses As Captain?
How badly do the Red Wings need better leadership?
In Football Today | 3-31-26
The guys go through the biggest news in the NFL, including the 49ers investigating the Substation and an update on the potential hiring of replacement refs.
The Guys Read Your Texts On Frank Ragnow/Lions
With the phone lines down, Kenny reads some text communications, which the guys react to.
Is The Ragnow Situation A Bad Look For The Lions?
Does this situation warrant SOL complaints?
Reacting To The Lions Forcing Frank Ragnow To Pay Part Of His Bonus Back
The guys give their thoughts on the viral news that the Lions may have disrespected Frank Ragnow when he retired.
Best of March Madness on 97.1 The Ticket: Michigan’s Final Four Bound & We’re Breaking It All Down
The Ticket team breaks down a massive Elite Eight weekend, from Michigan State’s heartbreaking exit to Michigan’s statement victory. Plus, we look ahead and preview the massive Final Four showdown between Michigan and Arizona.
FULL SHOW: Monday, March 30th
Valenti and Rico kicked off this week of shows with their thoughts on this past weekend in March Madness, specifically MSU's demise and Michigan advancing to the Final Four. They asked a question for each fanbase before getting into some Kevin McGonigle talk and whether the Tigers should have called him up last year. The guys spent the final 2 hours with their ongoing concerns for both the Lions and the Red Wings after some more worrying comments from heads of state of each organization.
HOUR 1: Mike's Question For MSU/Michigan Fans + Can We Say That? Part 1
The guys began with their reactions to Michigan State's defeat and Michigan advancing to the Final Four. They posed one question for each fanbase before ending the hour with "Can We Say That?"
HOUR 2: Should Tigers Have Called Up McGonigle Last Year + Thoughts On Duke's Collapse Yesterday
Mike and Rico covered a few topics in the second hour, beginning with a question regarding the result of the Tigers' season last year potentially being different if they called up Kevin McGonigle. Then, they dished on Duke's stunning collapse against UConn.
HOUR 3: Can We Say That? Part 2 + Rod Wood's Comments + McLellan's Concerning Criticism
The guys did part 2 of today's "Can We Say That?" before they reacted to some comments from Lions President Rod Wood, which backed up what we've heard and seen from Brad Holmes. Then, they touched on the Red Wings quickly to round out the hour.

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