Pablo Torre Finds Out: Share & Swear & Tell with Jessica Smetana and Kevin Clark

Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Pablo Torre, Jessica Smetana, and Kevin Clark
Episode Title: Share & Swear & Tell with Jessica Smetana and Kevin Clark

Introduction

In this episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, host Pablo Torre delves into the intersection of sportsmanship, language, and performance with guests Jessica Smetana and Kevin Clark. The discussion spans from unexpected brawls on golf courses to the stringent language regulations in Formula One (F1), and even touches upon the psychological benefits of swearing in high-stress environments.

Golf Course Brawls and Sportsmanship

The episode begins with a conversation about recent altercations on golf courses, particularly a notable incident in West Colona, Jacksonville.

• Kevin Clark (00:21): "Jess has me shook because now I don't know whether I can say or not."

• Jess Matana (01:22): "No."

Incident Overview:

• West Colona Golf Course Brawl (01:22): A confrontation starts with shoving and cursing, escalating into physical punches. The tension appears to stem from crowded courses and slow play, leading to frustration among players.

Discussion Highlights:

• Pablo Torre (02:01): "What's the difference between a golf course fight and like a target or airline gate fight?"

• Kevin Clark (03:24): "I'm going to tell you what I did. I came with this idea in the moment... we were just going to stand behind them to be like, you're going to fight all of us, and then we're going to defeat the situation."

Insights:

• The trio explores the etiquette and appropriate responses when witnessing conflicts in sports settings.
• Jess Matana (03:53): "I would pretend I have to go to the bathroom."

Formula One: The Language Controversy

Transitioning from golf, the discussion shifts to the world of Formula One, focusing on the FIA's (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) recent efforts to curb profanity among drivers.

• Jess Matana (05:26): "The FIA... have released a collective statement through the Grand Prix Drivers Association calling on Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat them like adults."

Key Points:

• The FIA aims to eliminate swearing in post-race interviews and general conduct during F1 events.
• Kevin Clark (06:10): Shares anecdotes about profanity in racing, citing examples from NASCAR and World Rally Championships.

Notable Quotes:

• Jess Matana (16:11): "Why are they doing this? ... Lewis Hamilton came forward and said, '...it feels like you're making a pretty, like, obviously racially coded commentary...'"

Implications:

• The regulation is perceived as a marketing strategy to make F1 more palatable to a broader audience.
• Pablo Torre (16:07): "As a marketing problem, what are they worried about?"

Cultural Impact:

• Jess Matana (28:07): "The younger generation... the larger gaming culture may have an impact on the amount of profanity and... desensitization."

The Science Behind Swearing and Performance Enhancement

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the psychological and physiological effects of swearing, featuring insights from cognitive science.

• Dr. Ben Bergen (23:24): "People who are randomly assigned to swear can hold their hands in ice water about 50% longer and report substantially lower pain."

Key Findings:

1. Pain Tolerance: Swearing can increase an individual's ability to withstand pain by releasing adrenaline, which heightens physical responses.

2. Adrenaline Release: Swearing triggers the release of adrenaline, enhancing blood flow and pupil dilation, potentially giving athletes a performance edge.

3. Stress Relief: In high-stress situations, swearing serves as an emotional release, helping individuals manage anxiety and maintain focus.

Experiential Insights:

• Jess Matana (26:05): "After high-stress situations... you have to let the adrenaline burn off."

• Kevin Clark (25:52): Discusses a study where participants exposed to high-stress scenarios (like a first-person shooter game) swore more and performed better under pressure.

Kevin Clark’s Experience Hosting the Paul Fine Bomb Show

Kevin Clark shares his personal experience hosting a segment of the Paul Fine Bomb Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, highlighting the challenges and humorous interactions with callers.

Highlights:

• Initial Struggles: Facing negative feedback from callers.

• Adaptation: Embracing his authentic self and passion for college football to connect with the audience.

• Notable Interaction: A caller named Jim from Tuscaloosa initially criticizes Kevin but later compliments him, showcasing the dynamic nature of live broadcasting.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Clark (32:09): "It is not to that level... and eventually Jim from Tuscaloosa called back to tell me I was doing a good job."

• Jess Matana (38:52): "Becoming less hated on the show... the reward is getting invited back."

Insights:

• The importance of authenticity in hosting and the ability to adapt to live feedback.
• Kevin Clark (39:03): "If you were horrible to callers, you probably wouldn't be invited back."

Concluding Findings

As the episode wraps up, the hosts summarize their key takeaways from the discussions.

• Jess Matana (42:17): "I found out that Daniel Ricardo was saying the C word... he was saying a different C word."

• Pablo Torre (42:30): "What I found out today is that Jess Matana's grandma is more than qualified to be the through line through this episode as either an F1 driver or a caller into Paul Finebaum's radio show."

Final Insights:

• Swearing plays a multifaceted role in sports, serving both as a natural outlet for stress and a potential performance enhancer.
• Regulatory efforts by governing bodies like the FIA may overlook the intrinsic benefits that profanity provides to athletes in high-pressure situations.
• Authenticity and genuine interactions, whether in sports or broadcasting, foster stronger connections and better engagement with audiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kevin Clark (00:21): "Jess has me shook because now I don't know whether I can say or not."
• Pablo Torre (02:01): "What's the difference between a golf course fight and like a target or airline gate fight?"
• Jess Matana (05:26): "The FIA... calling on Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat them like adults."
• Kevin Clark (06:10): "What they're saying is racing is... sometimes... they drop an F bomb."
• Jess Matana (16:11): "Why are they doing this? ...it feels like you're making a pretty... racially coded commentary..."
• Dr. Ben Bergen (23:24): "People who are randomly assigned to swear can hold their hands in ice water about 50% longer..."
• Kevin Clark (32:09): "It is not to that level... and eventually Jim from Tuscaloosa called back to tell me I was doing a good job."
• Jess Matana (42:17): "I found out that Daniel Ricardo was saying the C word... he was saying a different C word."

Conclusion

This episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out masterfully intertwines discussions on sportsmanship, cultural regulation, and the psychology of language. Through engaging dialogues and expert insights, Pablo, Jessica, and Kevin provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how swearing is not just a crude habit but a potentially beneficial tool in high-stress athletic environments. The blend of personal anecdotes and scientific research makes for an enlightening and entertaining listen.

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