Beasley Media Group and 97.5 The Fanatic have named their new afternoon drive show, Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo featuring Ricky Bottalico and Bill Colarulo. The show will begin airing weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. on 97.5 The Fanatic beginning officially on Monday June 9. This occurs just over a month after host Tyrone Johnson departed afternoons, with Ricky Bottalico as the last remaining piece of The Best Show Ever? launched in 2022.
According to a release, the new program will be billed as the go-to destination for Philly sports fans seeking truth over fluff, promising bold, authentic, and unapologetic conversations that capture the passion and intensity of the city’s fanbase.
“Philly fans deserve honesty, and Bill and I are here to give it to them straight—no fluff, just great sports talk,” said Ricky Bottalico, a former Major League pitcher and longtime TV analyst. Bottalico spent parts of 12 seasons in the majors, including seven with the Phillies. His deep roots in Philadelphia sports and firsthand experience bring a competitive edge to the show.
Joining him is Bill Colarulo, who became one of The Fanatic’s most respected voices after joining the station in January 2024. A former trial attorney, Colarulo combines meticulous preparation with a lifelong love of Philadelphia sports. Furthermore, Colarulo is a graduate of Gettysburg College and Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law, he made the leap into sports media to pursue his passion for the game and the city.
“This city lives and breathes sports, and getting the chance to be part of that conversation every afternoon with Ricky is something I don’t take for granted,” Colarulo said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to bring passionate, informed, and entertaining Philly sports talk to our listeners every day.”
Additionally, station leadership expressed strong confidence in the new pairing.
“Ricky and Bill’s ability to connect with our audience through compelling insight and thoughtful commentary make them the perfect team for afternoons on The Fanatic,” said Paul Blake, vice president and cluster manager at Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. “Their chemistry is undeniable, and we’re confident they’ll deliver a must-listen experience every afternoon.”
Scott Masteller, program director at 97.5 The Fanatic, echoed the excitement.
“I’m thrilled to bring Ricky and Bill together for afternoons on The Fanatic,” Masteller said. “Ricky’s passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the game, combined with Bill’s sharp analysis and connection with our audience, make for a dynamic duo that’s going to resonate with Philly sports fans in a big way.”
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