The Mask & The Mic

The Mask & The Mic brings together two longtime voices from the sports world for real conversation beyond the game. Former NHL goaltender and Original Mighty Duck Guy Hebert and veteran broadcaster Kent French sit down to talk sports, entertainment, and life with honesty, humor, and perspective. From stories behind the scenes to conversations with athletes, entertainers, and influential voices, this is a space where experience meets curiosity — and where the talk continues after the final whistle.

The Mask & The Mic is a sports podcast hosted by Kent, with 28 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Kent hosts The Mask & The Mic, a sports show with 28 episodes published.

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  Episode #28

  The NHL Salary Cap & KISS!

  Aug 12, 202654 minS1

  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

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  Episode #27

  Angels Shake Up and The PGA

  Aug 5, 202648 minS1

  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

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  Episode #26

  The NHL's New Money Era

  Jul 29, 202651 minS1

  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

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  Episode #25

  Bobby Valentine

  Jul 22, 20261h 1mS1

  ️ 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

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  Episode #23

  Leo Carlsson Offer Sheet Explained | Ducks Have 7 Days to Decide

  Jul 8, 202656 minS1

  One signature. One week. A decision that could reshape the future of the Anaheim Ducks—and perhaps the NHL. On Episode 23 of The Mask & The Mic , Guy Hebert and Kent French take an in-depth, objective look at one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason: restricted free agent Leo Carlsson's blockbuster offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. The five-year contract carries an average annual value of $18 million, making Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL should the deal become official. Now the Anaheim Ducks have seven days to make one of the most important decisions in franchise history: match the offer and commit to their young franchise center, or decline and receive four first-round draft picks as compensation. Guy and Kent break down every angle of the situation—from the salary cap implications and roster construction to what matching the contract could mean for the Ducks' ability to sign another cornerstone player, Cutter Gauthier. The story also carries another fascinating layer. Gauthier was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers before requesting a trade and ultimately landing in Anaheim. Is this offer sheet simply business, or is there more to the story? The guys discuss why offer sheets remain one of the NHL's rarest management tools, why this case is different, and whether it could change how teams negotiate contracts with elite young talent going forward. Drawing on their decades covering and working within the NHL, Guy and Kent examine the situation through the eyes of players, management, and the league itself—offering thoughtful analysis rather than speculation. No matter what decision Anaheim ultimately makes, the ripple effects could be felt throughout the NHL for years to come. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel

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