Andy Beshear Podcast Episode 6: "Coach Calipari, Medicaid Cuts & Big Deals"

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 6 of The Andy Beshear Podcast, host Andy Beshear engages listeners in a multifaceted conversation that spans the realms of sports, leadership, current events, and generational slang. This episode features a prominent guest, Hall of Fame basketball coach John Calipari, alongside segments like "Big Deal or No Deal" and "In My Kentucky Accent," culminating with a playful exploration of Gen Z terminology.

Interview with Coach John Calipari

**1. Upbringing and Personal Influences

John Calipari opens up about his blue-collar roots, emphasizing the values instilled in him during his upbringing in a mill town. He reflects on the solidarity of his community and the work ethic that shaped his character both as a person and a coach.

"We were a pay it forward family. Never had everything, but never went without... You better work, you better be ready to spend time. You're not looking for the shortcut."
[04:16]

**2. Career Beginnings and Coaching Philosophy

Calipari recounts his early days in coaching, highlighting his volunteer stint at the University of Kansas under Ted Owens. His passion for basketball and dedication to player development are evident as he describes the challenges and learning experiences of his initial coaching roles.

"It's about loving the profession. It's about loving the players, loving to see them grow."
[08:48]

**3. Leadership Insights

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Calipari's leadership philosophy. He underscores the importance of trust, responsibility, and resilience, drawing parallels between coaching and governance. Calipari shares instances where his leadership was tested, particularly during crises, and how maintaining composure and accountability fosters a united team.

"If you don't fail, if you don't take a spill or two, I got fired by the nets. If you don't have stuff like that to let you know, you're going to be fine."
[12:00]

**4. Handling Crises and Community Support

Calipari discusses his collaborative efforts with Governor Beshear during natural disasters in Kentucky. He highlights their joint initiatives to support flood victims, emphasizing the significant impact of compassionate leadership beyond the basketball court.

"You and I went out for the flood victims. We met people. We did things behind closed doors. We gave cash out. We probably weren't supposed to."
[16:33]

**5. Building Trust with Players

The discussion shifts to the critical role of trust in coaching. Calipari explains how he prioritizes honesty and reliability over making grand promises, ensuring players feel supported both on and off the court.

"Starts with you under promise and over deliver. So you're not embellishing... The biggest compliment that I've had in my coaching career is when former players send their sons for me."
[21:01]

**6. Proudest Moments and Player Development

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Calipari shares his proudest moment—winning the national title—and highlights players who significantly improved under his mentorship. He emphasizes the importance of long-term development over immediate results.

"Being on that stage in the national title, and they're putting their hands in my hair. My wife's up there with me. We looked at each other and I said, well, we got that done."
[23:39]

**7. Humorous Anecdotes and Personal Stories

In lighter moments, Calipari shares humorous stories about his personal life, including his attempts at weight loss by avoiding dinners with friends and memorable interactions from the sidelines.

"I gave my coat away to a woman who was really cold. And I look back and I'm proud of that moment. But then I gave my belt away to somebody who didn't have one and I realized my pants were a little larger than I thought."
[17:54]

Big Deal or No Deal Segment

In this engaging segment, Andy Beshear, along with co-hosts John McConnell and Morgan and Morgan Representative, assess current news topics to determine their significance.

**1. Price of Eggs: Big Deal

The surge in egg prices from $1.80 to $6 is deemed a significant concern, reflecting broader economic challenges impacting American families.

Andy Beshear: "I think it's a big deal for American families... It's a very clear example of how prices have gone up..."
[27:54]

**2. Alcatraz Reopening as a Working Prison: No Deal

The prospect of reopening Alcatraz as a functioning prison is dismissed as impractical and a mere distraction from more pressing economic issues.

Andy Beshear: "There's no way this is going to happen... it's meant to distract us from... tariffs."
[29:05]

**3. FEMA Director's Dismissal: Big Deal

The removal of the former FEMA director is highlighted as a concerning development, potentially undermining disaster response effectiveness.

John Calipari: "I can see him really growing into this job... losing someone that was trying to do a good job."
[30:08]

**4. Derek Carr Retiring: Big Deal

Derek Carr's retirement is acknowledged as a major event in the sports world, with implications for his career and the New Orleans Saints.

Morgan and Morgan Representative: "This is a huge deal in my world... What a heck of an opportunity."
[33:35]

**5. Opioid Crisis Update: Big Deal

Significant progress is reported with a 30% reduction in overdose deaths, attributed to aggressive legal actions and enhanced treatment funding.

Andy Beshear: "This is a big deal... it's almost a miracle, but I know it's a miracle that's been earned through hard work."
[35:01]

**6. Andy’s Gray Hair: No Deal

A light-hearted topic where Andy humorously addresses his graying hair, eliciting playful banter from the guests.

Andy Beshear: "I look like my dad now."
[38:33]

**7. New Pope: Big Deal

The election of an American pope is celebrated as a historic and positive development for the country, emphasizing inclusivity and modernity.

Morgan and Morgan Representative: "It's a huge deal for our country... he's going to keep the tradition, but also follow up with what Francis was working on."
[38:46]

In My Kentucky Accent Segment

Andy Beshear transitions to a more serious discussion, expressing his strong opposition to Congress's plan to cut Medicaid. He outlines the detrimental impacts such cuts would have on healthcare coverage, rural hospitals, and economic stability within Kentucky and beyond.

Andy Beshear: "It is cruel. It will cause people to die. It will inflict major damage to rural hospitals... It's wrong, it's unethical, and it should not move forward."
[40:00]

Beshear emphasizes the critical role Medicaid plays in supporting vulnerable populations and advocates for maintaining and expanding funding to continue combating the opioid crisis and other healthcare challenges.

Gen Z Lingo with Lila Bashir

The episode concludes with a humorous segment where Lila Bashir introduces Andy and his co-hosts to Gen Z slang terms. This playful interaction highlights the generational gap while fostering a light-hearted connection among guests and listeners.

**1. Facts

Used to agree with someone or confirm the truth of a statement.

Lila Bashir: "Facts is like you're agreeing with someone if it's something true."
[43:45]

**2. Cap

Meaning something is false or a lie.

Lila Bashir: "That's Cap."
[44:52]

The segment wraps up with the hosts embracing the new terminology, setting the stage for future episodes to potentially incorporate these terms more seamlessly.

Closing Remarks

In the final moments, Andy Beshear and his co-hosts reflect on the episode's highlights, expressing appreciation for Coach Calipari's insights and the engaging discussions throughout. They encourage listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for more enriching conversations in upcoming episodes.

Andy Beshear: "We got Coach Cow's weight loss program... learned a little Gen Z lingo and you got to hear my most recent gripe through my Kentucky accent. Facts, facts."
[47:01]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Calipari on Work Ethic:
  "We were a pay it forward family... You're not looking for the shortcut."
  [04:16]

• Calipari on Loving Coaching:
  "It's about loving the profession. It's about loving the players, loving to see them grow."
  [08:48]

• Leadership Through Failure:
  "If you don't fail, if you don't take a spill or two, I got fired by the nets."
  [12:00]

• Building Trust with Players:
  "Starts with you under promise and over deliver."
  [21:01]

• Proud Moment of Winning:
  "We looked at each other and I said, well, we got that done."
  [23:39]

• Medicaid Cuts Opposition:
  "It is cruel. It will cause people to die. It will inflict major damage to rural hospitals."
  [40:00]

Conclusion

Episode 6 of The Andy Beshear Podcast offers a rich tapestry of discussions, blending deep insights into leadership and personal growth with timely commentary on pressing social issues. Coach John Calipari's heartfelt narratives provide a profound understanding of effective leadership and community support, while segments like "Big Deal or No Deal" and "Gen Z Lingo" add variety and entertainment. Andy Beshear adeptly balances serious discourse with relatable humor, creating a compelling and engaging listening experience for a diverse audience.

For those who missed the episode, subscribing to the podcast on all major platforms or visiting the Andy Beshear Podcast YouTube channel is highly recommended to stay informed and entertained with these authentic and meaningful conversations.