Rick Arnett, Skip Bayless & The Wild Early Days of The Ticket | YDC

Mike Rhyner sits down with Rick Arnett, a day-one veteran of The Ticket (1310 KTCK) in Dallas, for a wide-ranging conversation about the early, chaotic days of one of sports radio’s most legendary stations. Rick shares behind-the-scenes stories about working alongside Skip Bayless, the pivotal role of program director Mike Thompson in shaping the station’s identity, and how his long-running golf show the T-Box came to life over 34 years. The two also reflect on life after radio, the art of knowing when to slow down, and what it really felt like to be part of something historic before anyone knew it was historic.
00:00:03 – Introduction & Radio Memories
Mike Rhyner opens the show reflecting on radio, podcasting, and the early days of The Ticket.
00:01:40 – Welcome to Rick Arnett
Mike Rhyner introduces day-one Ticket contributor Rick Arnett and they discuss how he first got involved with the station.
00:06:49 – The Tee Box Golf Show Origin Story
Rick Arnett recounts how The Tee Box golf show came to be, including the brief and ill-fated tenure of Grego as golf host.
00:10:53 – Car Reviews & the Avid Golfer Magazine
Rick shares the unexpected perk of reviewing luxury cars for Avid Golfer magazine and how he managed seven years of free vehicles.
00:17:00 – Finding The Ticket & Early Days on the Air
Rick explains how Barry Horn’s column led him to The Ticket and what the chaotic, uncertain early days of the station were really like.
00:28:00 – Skip Bayless Stories & The First Voice on The Ticket
Mike Rhyner and Rick Arnett swap memories of Skip Bayless, his habits, and his unique role as the first live voice on sports radio 1310.
00:33:09 – Mid-Show Read: CBD House of Healing
Sponsored read for the CBD House of Healing at Northwest Highway and Plano Road.
00:36:39 – Ticket History: Program Directors & Finding Its Identity
The crew discusses the key leadership figures — Mike Thompson, Bruce Gilbert — who shaped The Ticket’s winning formula.
00:44:57 – Wild Ride: Ownership Changes & Surviving the Early Years
Rick and Mike Rhyner reflect on the Susquehanna buyout fears, station sales, and how The Ticket defied the odds.
00:51:16 – Life After the Ticket: Retirement, Slowing Down & Legacy
Rick and Mike Rhyner trade thoughts on winding down careers, filling retirement days, and what comes next.
00:57:58 – Wrap-Up & Goodbyes
Mike Rhyner thanks Rick Arnett and closes out the episode with social media reminders.