KFC Radio: The Penultimate - Full Episode

Date: December 18, 2025
Hosts: Kevin Clancy (KFC), John Feitelberg, Jackie
Podcast: KFC Radio, Barstool Sports

Episode Overview

In the penultimate episode of KFC Radio, KFC, Feitelberg, and Jackie embark on a loosely structured but deeply nostalgic conversation, reflecting on the evolution of the show, their dynamics, and moments that defined both their personal and professional lives. Interspersed with their trademark absurd hypotheticals and wild listener voicemails, the episode meanders through hilarious anecdotes, honest introspection on podcasting and life at Barstool, and a genuinely candid unpacking of friendships, competition, and legacy. The hosts also explore why sleepovers should make a comeback for adult men and descend into absurd territory with Jackie's musings on telepathy—among other classic tangents.

Main Themes and Discussion Points

1. The "Penultimate" Episode & Its Cultural Significance

(01:32–02:27)

• The hosts riff on the term "penultimate" and how TV series (especially "Breaking Bad") popularized its use to describe pivotal second-to-last episodes.
• They joke about how the second-to-last is often where the "battle" happens and the finale is for resolution.
• This episode is dubbed the penultimate for their show, setting a sentimental, reflective tone.

“The penultimate episode is... the episode before the final episode of a series. For whatever reason, that’s when the battle happens, and the final episode is like the wrap-up.” – KFC (01:38)

2. Revisiting the Action Bronson Incident & “Tough Guy” Reputations

(02:27–05:02)

• The hosts reminisce about a tense past interview where Ghostface Killah was brought up with Action Bronson. Feitelberg became the "bodyguard" by default.
• Discussion of how both hosts have physically changed; John’s self-awareness of being bigger and stronger now.
• KFC describes the difference between on-air bravado and real confrontations.
• Feitelberg shares that his default method for handling tension is giggling and sipping water.

“That’s what John does, man. Drinking water, giggling, eating chocolate in bed, and lifting.” – KFC (04:44)

3. When Did Podcasting Become a “Real Job”?

(05:56–08:57)

• Feitelberg admits he didn’t initially perceive KFC Radio as real work, compared to his blogging roots.
• KFC reflects that he took the show more seriously earlier, particularly when facing scheduling conflicts and the aftermath of co-host Dan’s (Big Cat) departure.

“At that time, I was still a blogger in my head... I didn’t think KFC Radio was a job.” – Feitelberg (06:26)

4. Evolution of the Show: From Voicemails to Conversations

(09:23–11:08)

• Early episodes were dominated by listener voicemails and hypothetical questions; depth came later as KFC and Feitelberg formed a duo.
• The show became more intimate, veering away from pure silliness to personal, open conversations.

“Me and John actually do... better when Dan’s not there. Because this iteration, me and you, is when we started to talk.” – KFC (08:57)

5. Listener Nostalgia and Comfort

(11:36–12:38)

• Jackie shares how listening to KFC Radio alleviated her anxiety, crediting the hosts for their willingness to reveal personal lives.
• The strength of parasocial relationships and “comfort podcasts.”

“It really, like, took me out of my life and into yours.” – Jackie (11:37)

6. The Art of Voicemails: Dumb Questions and Foundational Humor

(13:02–15:53)

• The team recounts recent voicemails: “Do you pee through the fly or over your waistband?” and “Jim Snow” as perfect, show-defining moments.
• Jackie tries to claim credit for a gym-inspired question.
• Classic KFC Radio: A deep dive into bodily function-related hypotheticals.

“That... is the bricks of the foundation upon which the show was built.” – KFC (14:22)

7. TV Talk: “Pluribus” and Slow Burn Shows

(15:53–19:07)

• Feitelberg and KFC debate the value of slow, artistic TV pacing vs. needing more plot action (using the show "Pluribus" as an example).
• Jackie praises the show's intentional slow-burn, decoding clues in each scene.
• Wild tangents include what they’d do as the last people on earth—a baseball bat and golf balls feature heavily.

“Pluribus is ungodly slow... but when she decides to die, that doesn’t happen if everything’s cut down... That scene’s insane, huh?” – Feitelberg (15:58)

8. Childhood Misdeeds, Intrusive Thoughts & Regret

(20:03–22:15; 21:26–22:16)

• Anecdotes about destructive childhood behavior (throwing rocks at buses, egging, setting things on fire).
• Feitelberg shares a long-held regret from high school: calling a teacher fat.
• Conversation leads into “intrusive thoughts” and the occasional regrettable, impulsive action.

“Intrusive thoughts, sometimes they win.” – Jackie (21:53)

9. The Illusion of Giving Great Life Advice

(22:47–23:45)

• Jackie tells the story of accidentally encouraging someone to quit a job by saying “You know what you should do...”
• The group reflects on the truth that people almost always know their own answer, seeking validation, not direction.

“You know what you should do... That’s the best way to give advice when you don’t have advice.” – Feitelberg (22:47)

10. Adult Male Sleepovers, Friendship, and Nostalgia

(47:32–52:05)

• KFC laments how, as adults, men lose the culture of casual “sleepovers” like they had as kids. Fantasizes about adult “slumber parties” with bros.
• Feitelberg shares similar desires and the social stigma against grown men doing so.
• Jackie and KFC riff hilariously on tote bags and whether sleepovers are “gay.”

“I just want my bros to come over and hang out... but you can’t, you’re gay and weird if you do that, right?” – KFC (48:02)

11. The “Hive Mind,” Human Connection, and Jackie's Telepathy Theories

(33:04–44:26)

• Jackie theorizes about the human “hive mind,” compares mushrooms’ networks to humans, and wonders if imagination is actually tied to shared consciousness.
• Claims to have experienced telepathy with her dog.
• Introduces a podcast called “The Telepathy Tapes” involving autistic children and horses.
• The guys burst into laughter but grant Jackie space to explain her beliefs, blending skepticism with support for her “vibes.”

“I did have a time when I had telepathy with my dog... Just trust me, like, I know this was telepathy.” – Jackie (44:20)

12. Bat in the House & Animal Evolution Tangents

(60:05–64:39)

• KFC tells a story about a bat trapped in his house, the challenges of eviction, and delegating the problem to the construction crew.
• Jackie ponders why bats can hang upside down without blood rushing to their heads, and why kangaroos hop while other animals run.
• Classic absurd “life questions” segment.

“That bat now owns that half of my house until further notice.” – KFC (62:44)

13. Reflecting on Barstool & Podcasting Culture

(65:12–87:16)

• Deep dive on changing dynamics in Barstool: competition, cross-show collaboration, and the rise of podcasting. KFC ponders if their group podcast format helped pioneer current trends.
• Discussion on unspoken rivalries, jealousy, and siloing at large media companies.
• Joey Kamasta’s comments about Barstool’s “toxic” culture are addressed.
• Feitelberg sees it all as normal workplace competition.
• The lack of organic collaboration/cross-promotion is noted as a missed opportunity.

“Everyone wants to come on our shows to get the cosign... and we just never do that for each other.” – KFC (76:29)

14. Bar Events, Nostalgia, and the Death of the Party Scene

(98:58–108:52)

• KFC reminisces about NYC bar events: legendary parties, parties for everything (sports, wrestling, etc.), and wild nights.
• The rise of club “table culture” vs. old-school beer-and-wings bar life—KFC thinks there’s a market to revive it.
• Jackie considers leading the next generation of Barstool events.
• The changing landscape of drinking and the supposed “lameness” of drinking in today’s online world.

“Drinking’s awesome. Everybody started microdosing instead. Just drink a beer, man.” – KFC (114:16)

15. Sentimentality, Aging, and Goodbyes

(117:39–119:15)

• A recognition that the hosting life is “a young man’s game.” They’re washed, dealing with rashes, bats, and reminiscing about youth.
• Jackie asserts that the next and final episode will be truly sentimental, with old clips and the sense that KFC Radio is truly ending.

“All right, penultimate in the books. This is it. One more to go.” – KFC (118:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The penultimate episode... is the episode before the final episode. For whatever reason, that’s when the battle happens, and the final episode is like the wrap-up.” — KFC (01:38)
• “That’s what John does, man. Drinking water, giggling, eating chocolate in bed, and lifting.” — KFC (04:44)
• “That ‘do you pee through the fly’ question... is the bricks of the foundation upon which the show was built.” — KFC (14:22)
• “If I could have got, like, a five-unit apartment and 10 of my friends all paired off... it would have been the greatest years of my life. I think what I’m describing is, like, a cult and a commune.” — KFC (54:46)
• “I just want my bros to come over and hang out… but you can’t, you’re gay and weird if you do that, right?” — KFC (48:02)
• “I did have a time when I like, I had telepathy with my dog... Trust me, like, I know this was telepathy.” — Jackie (44:20)
• “That bat now owns that half of my house until further notice.” — KFC (62:44)
• “Everyone wants to come on our shows… and we just never do that for each other.” — KFC (76:29)
• “Drinking’s awesome. Everybody started microdosing instead. Just drink a beer, man.” — KFC (114:16)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:32 – Penultimate episode and TV "penultimate" tropes
• 02:27 – Action Bronson incident recap and physical confrontation talk
• 05:56 – When did podcasting become a real job?
• 09:23 – Format shift: voicemails to deeper conversations
• 13:02 – Listener questions that shaped the show
• 15:53 – “Pluribus” TV show discussion
• 20:03 – Childhood destruction, regret, intrusive thoughts
• 22:47 – Life advice: "You know what you should do..."
• 47:32 – Adult male sleepovers and friendship nostalgia
• 60:05 – Bat in the house and animal evolution
• 65:12 – Barstool’s crew podcast legacy
• 76:29 – Lack of collaboration at Barstool
• 98:58 – Bar events, NYC party nostalgia, and party scene change
• 117:39 – Acknowledgement of aging out, legacy, and sentimentality

Tone & Style

Loose, raw, and meandering barroom conversation mixed with sharp, honest self-analysis and a relentless willingness to veer into the absurd. This episode perfectly encapsulates the KFC Radio ethos: banter that is both dumb and unexpectedly profound; complete with off-the-walls tangents, no-holds-barred self-deprecation, and the ritual of breaking down (and building back up) the mundane and the meaningful in friendship, work, and life.

Final Thoughts

The penultimate KFC Radio episode is a pure encapsulation of why the show has mattered to listeners for so long. It’s at once nostalgic, self-deprecating, wildly unserious, and shockingly touching—a long-form snapshot of a flagship podcast (and true Barstool cultural artifact) coming to terms with its influence, its quirks, and the bittersweet inevitability of moving on. If you’ve ever been part of the KFC Radio ride, this one is mandatory listening. And if you’re new? This episode is a crash course in what made it special.