Episodes

  • Skubal, Greene & the Heat of the Pennant Race
    Jun 24 2025

    On this episode of Shep & Sean, Matt Shepard and Sean Baligian retreat to their basements to beat the heat and tackle the week in Detroit sports. The conversation opens with weather debates and quickly heats up around Tarik Skubal's contract drama and media speculation ahead of the trade deadline. With the Tigers still playing .600 baseball, the guys question why the narrative feels so negative.

    They spotlight Riley Greene’s emergence as a star, assess the real threat posed by the Houston Astros and pitchers like Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown, and wonder aloud: Do you need superstars to win a title—or just a team that knows how to win?

    The episode also features a breakdown of the Trevor Zegras trade to Philadelphia, takes on the NBA Finals and Pistons trade possibilities (including a hypothetical deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo), and a case for Lance Parrish’s Hall of Fame credentials.

    This one’s packed with Detroit pride, classic banter, and a nod to old-school rock and old-man walks.

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    50 mins
  • Florida's Blueprint, Detroit’s Dilemma
    Jun 18 2025

    On this episode of Shep & Sean, the guys salute the Florida Panthers for their relentless run to the Cup — with Shep drawing Red Wings comparisons and Sean giving big props to unsung playoff hero Sam Bennett. They break down what the Panthers’ roster construction says about team-building without superstars and what lessons Detroit’s front office should take to heart. The conversation pivots to the Tigers, who remain baseball’s best despite a long list of injuries, and whether their AL competition should be worried. Plus: a brutally honest assessment of the Red Wings’ division, a debate over what Detroit needs most — a goalie, a center, or a third baseman — and why Florida’s style might just be the blueprint. Stick around for banter on old friends, busted windows, and the importance of playing the long game — in hockey, baseball, and life.

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    39 mins
  • Oilers Unravel, Tigers Rise & Red Wings Reckonings
    Jun 11 2025

    Shep and Sean are back, diving headfirst into the Stanley Cup Finals drama. They break down Edmonton’s Game 3 meltdown, Florida’s relentless style of play, and why trying to “out-Panther the Panthers” is a losing strategy. From splitting up McDavid and Draisaitl to Skinner’s struggles and dumb penalties, the Oilers’ implosion gets a thorough inspection.

    The conversation pivots to Detroit sports with a strong critique of Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s progress and tough questions about the team’s future. Should the Wings trade Lucas Raymond for a shot at the #1 draft pick? Are there truly any “special” players in Detroit’s pipeline? Sean and Shep go deep on what "success" really means—and why excuses won’t cut it anymore.

    The guys also talk Tigers' surprising surge, roster gaps that still need to be addressed, and how trade deadline decisions could define the summer. Plus: thoughts on access and overreach in sports media, NBA vs. NHL culture, mic’d-up players, and a story about getting invited into Scotty Bowman’s inner sanctum.

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    50 mins
  • Memorial Day Salute & Skubal’s Shutout
    May 27 2025

    In this episode of Shep & Sean, Matt Shepard and Sean Baligian kick things off with personal reflections on Memorial Day and the “Greatest Generation,” weaving in stories inspired by Band of Brothers. From there, they pivot to the NHL playoff rematch between the Oilers and Panthers—marveling at Stuart Skinner’s resurgence and the Panthers’ offense—before turning to Detroit Tigers baseball. You’ll hear an in-depth recap of Saturday’s extra-innings loss, Tarek Skubal’s first career complete-game shutout, and a debate on what it all means for the Tigers’ 35–20 campaign and Skubal’s future contract. Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and unfiltered takes on Detroit sports.

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    35 mins
  • Maple Leafs Collapse, Tigers on the Hunt
    May 20 2025

    Matt Shepard and Sean Baligian kick off this episode by unpacking the Toronto Maple Leafs’ latest game seven collapse at the hands of the Florida Panthers, debating whether the “soft” moniker sticks to a star-laden roster under playoff pressure. They then pivot to Detroit’s own sweet spot as the Tigers roar to the top of the MLB with breakout performances from Spencer Torkelson, Javier Baez, and Akil Baddoo, dissecting how the bullpen and lineup chemistry have fueled their surge. Along the way, Matt and Sean draw lessons from the Orioles and White Sox rebuilds, weigh in on salary caps and cost certainty across pro sports, and share behind-the-scenes locker-room tales that reveal what it truly takes to win when it matters most. Tune in for candid takes, big-league stories, and the grit behind the game.

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    47 mins
  • Lions’ Brutal 2025 Slate & the NFL’s Unshakable Reign
    May 13 2025

    With the NFL schedule release soon upon us, Shep and Sean map out Detroit’s gauntlet of primetime matchups—from Ravens to Chiefs—and make their over/under win projections. They also ask: does this franchise window stay open forever under Holmes’ regime, or is it time to worry?

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    43 mins
  • NHL Draft Lottery Exposed & NCAA Self-Report Shockers
    May 6 2025

    Matt and Sean go deep on the NHL’s convoluted draft lottery—does the math make sense or is it pure gimmickry? Then they pivot to the NCAA’s latest self-report by Michigan, debating tanking, draft incentives, and whether college athletics can ever police itself fairly.

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    48 mins
  • Whistle-Gate, Draft Debate & Wings Star Search
    Apr 29 2025

    Matt Shepard and Sean Baligian kick off with the Pistons–Knicks controversy, venting over Sunday’s blown whistle and asking whether Cade Cunningham can seize his superstar moment in Game 5. They pivot to the Lions’ trench-heavy draft—why Detroit’s new guards and tackles could pay off immediately—and debate Steve Yzerman’s candid presser: do the Red Wings actually lack a true No. 1 center and a playoff-caliber goalie? Stream for straight-talk, stats, and a few vintage “swear-jar” rants.

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    40 mins