Live From The Bracket: Episode 1 | March Madness, Travel & Joel McHale

Summary

Show Me Something: Live From The Bracket – Episode 1

March Madness, Travel & Joel McHale
Released: March 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This inaugural episode of the special “Live From The Bracket” series, hosted by Sophie Cunningham (WNBA/Indiana Fever) and her longtime friend West Wilson, comes to you on-site from The Bracket—a massive, iconic March Madness bracket installation in Indianapolis. The duo dives deep into NCAA tournament lore, travel routines, game day stories, and the quirks of fandom. Special guest Joel McHale (actor, comedian, and former University of Washington football player) joins them to talk sports, wanderlust, and comedic takes on everything from hotels to college basketball heartbreaks.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Iconic Indy Bracket & Tournament Atmosphere

[02:45–05:30]

• The show kicks off live outside the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, home of a massive, 47,000 sq. ft., 18-floor bracket display.
• Sophie raves, “This is quite literally the biggest bracket I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” (02:50)
• Hosts describe how the bracket is updated through the tournament—emphasizing the tangible excitement of March Madness in Indy.

2. NCAA Tournament Shifts & The “Vibe” of Underdogs

[05:30–07:36]

• Discuss Mizzou’s (Missouri) underdog energy and big school vs. small school dynamics.
• West: “I love a good Cinderella story. And I'm not saying we’re totally Cinderella... but we're definitely underdogs.” (05:42)
• Thoughtful discussion on how NIL, player transfers, and evolving college sports formats are shaping tournament upsets and team development.

3. The Realities of Travel—Then and Now

[07:37–10:56]

• Contrast between modern student-athlete travel (frequent flying, time zones, hotel routines) and previous eras.
• Sophie: “A lot of these people are used to the commercial flights, now staying at hotels... they’re in routine.” (07:54)
• Stories from Sophie’s own college tournament days—emphasizing how travel and venue familiarity (or the lack of it) shape performance.

4. Men’s vs. Women’s Tournament Structure

[08:46–12:34]

• Examination of home-court advantage in women's early rounds (absent in men’s play).
• Sophie highlights the strategic challenge: “In the tournament... experience matters. Records all go out the window. Rankings go out the window.” (09:54)
• Contrasting styles of play across conferences (SEC: physical; Pac-12: high IQ) and how this produces unique March Madness clashes.

5. The Unsung Heroes: Fans & Families

[13:03–13:58]

• A heartfelt tribute to parents and supporters, not just players:

  “Thank you to the parents... they invest, they travel, they work, and like, their stuff isn’t paid for. ... They work just as hard for us to get there as we did.” —Sophie (13:12–13:40)

• Group reflects on moments of joy and heartbreak—reminding listeners that March belongs to athletes, families, and communities alike.

6. The Magic of In-Person Upsets & Shared Fandom

[14:40–19:03]

• Daniel recalls being on the floor for St. Peter’s legendary Elite Eight run:

  “None of these people in here are actual fans of this school. But they are so into this game and like, rooting for the underdog. And that’s an experience you wouldn’t get on TV.” —West (18:48–19:07)

• Explores the “neutral” crowd phenomena—how fans at shared venues spontaneously root for upsets and moments of history.

7. Emotional Highs & Lows of March

[19:19–20:21]

• Sophie opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament:

  “March brings so many emotions... When it’s over, I cried every single time.” —Sophie (19:46–19:52)

• Wins or losses alike, the season’s end is always bittersweet.

8. Hotel Power Rankings — The Ultimate Traveler’s List

[20:30–24:14]

• Hosts draft their top five hotel “luxuries,” blending humor, debate, and real traveler wisdom.
• West’s Top Picks:
  1. “Perfectly cold AC after a hot day”
  2. Powerful hotel shower
  3. Hotel gym
  4. Westin Heavenly Bed
  5. Opening blackout curtains to a great view
• Sophie’s Top Picks:
  1. “Massive king bed. All by yourself.”
  2. Powerful hotel shower (with a steamy, closed-door)
  3. Charging ports everywhere
  4. Perfectly cold AC
  5. Pool with nobody else in it
• Comedic banter ensues:

  “If you do not have [a charging port] next to your bed... not having a charging port where you need it is frustrating because then you’re, like, sitting in a weird spot.” —Sophie (22:48–23:05)

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Interview Spotlight: Joel McHale Joins the Bracket

[24:35–43:14]

March Madness, Loyalty, and Huskies Fandom

• Joel on the tournament:

  “It’s just such a perfect design. ... The original pure single elimination big tournament in all of sports.” —Joel McHale (25:29–25:53)

• Talks about his UW Husky loyalty and the unique “sailgating” tailgate culture:

  “The tailgate is boats.” —Joel (28:24)

• On how far he’d travel for his team:

  “If U Dub was in the Final Four, I would go to Mars.” —Joel (29:37)

Travel Tales: Performances, Hotels, and Global Adventures

• Shares hosting the ESPYs in LA:

  “That was extremely nerve wracking and wonderful. ... you see all the—it’s like some weird wax museum of your favorite athletes.” —Joel (30:40–30:52)

• Discusses constant travel and balancing enjoyment/rest:

  “Once you get to the hotel and they’re like, would you like a complimentary beverage? And I was like, yes, it is...” —Joel (37:38)

• Dream trip: Family journey to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji), love for Italy, and emotional ties to his birthplace Rome.

Packing & Personal Travel Essentials

• Joel’s must-haves: earplugs, eye mask, tablet for movies and games (especially video tennis).

Dream Sporting Events

• Ken Jeong/Duke basketball experience:

  “I’d like to go to a Duke basketball game with Ken Jeong... he’s like the king of Duke.” —Joel (41:23)

• Sophie’s dream: world-class surfing championship (“maybe Portugal!”)
• West: excited about the upcoming Kentucky Derby and dreams of attending professional darts or bowling events.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You don’t know the next time your team will go. So go to the game.” – Daniel Cormier (13:58)
• “March brings so many emotions... You just work so freaking hard every year and everyone’s team truly has a journey” – Sophie (19:44)
• “Some people get spoiled, some people get jaded.” – Daniel (14:02)
• “The city owes me.” – Joel McHale on being a traveler, not a tourist (33:44)
• “The bracket looks great. It’s massive.” – Daniel (04:58)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iconic Indy Bracket & Atmosphere: 02:45–05:30
• Tournament Structure & NIL Era: 05:30–07:36
• Game Day Travel & Familiarity: 07:37–10:56
• Women’s Tournament Homecourt: 08:46–12:34
• Fans, Parents, & Community: 13:03–13:58
• In-Person vs TV “Magic”: 18:43–19:03
• Hotel Power Rankings: 20:30–24:14
• Joel McHale Joins: 24:35–43:14
• Travel Ideals & Essentials: 37:31–40:14
• Dream Sporting Events Segment: 41:04–43:01

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Takeaways for Listeners

• March Madness is More Than Basketball: On-court action is just the tip—travel, hotels, family, and spontaneous shared moments make this tournament unlike any other.
• Perspective from All Angles: Insight from a WNBA pro, TV personality/reality star, and a celebrity comedian who’s lived the big university athlete life.
• Travel Tips & Rituals: The importance of hotel creature comforts and routines, reflecting real-life experiences of elite athletes and entertainers.
• Fandom Unites: Whether you’re an underdog or a perennial power, March brings together fans in wild, unpredictable ways.
• Coming Attractions: Expect more stories, celebrity guests, and “happy hour” vibes from the Show Me Something podcast as the tournament rolls on.

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For more, follow the podcast on Instagram (@ShowMeSomething) and check the episode notes for Final Four sweepstakes details.

Transcript

[Sophie]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Okay, Arby's just casually pulled up with a deal that feels a little too good.

[Daniel Cormier]

They've got this new meat in three box for $7.99 and honestly, it's stacked with Arby's quality favorites in a way that feels kind of ridiculous.

[Sophie]

For that price, here's what you're getting inside. Do you pick one sandwich, the classic roast beef, the crispy chicken sandwich, or the crispy fish sandwich.

[Daniel Cormier]

Then it just keeps going because also comes with melty mozzarella sticks, crispy curly fries, and a peach cobbler roll, which is a little sweet treat and so good.

[Sophie]

And you get a small drink to round it all out. So yeah, it's called Meat and Three, but you're actually getting five items all for only $7.99.

[Daniel Cormier]

Pick the sandwich you want, make it your own, and get it your way.

[Sophie]

Available for a limited time at participating locations. While supplies last, prices may vary. Get your meat in three box at any Arby's near you today.

[Daniel Cormier]

This is Daniel Cormier from the Daniel Cormier Show. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. Power doesn't wait in the octagon or outside of it. You either made the move or you missed a moment. That's why you need a network that's just as powerful as you are. With Total Wireless, you get unlimited 5G data keeping you in the action from the walkouts to the knockouts. Now that's a total power move. Make your total power move today. Visit totalwireless.com or stop by your neighborhood Total Wireless store. Additional terms apply. See totalwireless.com for details. Did you know you can get cash back with the Venmo debit card?

[Sophie]

Yes, Doug West. You earn easy rewards with Venmo Stash.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you're saying even stuff like buying midnight snacks can earn cash back rewards.

[Sophie]

Small returns, big energy. With Venmo Stash, you can get up to 5% cash back at your fe brands. Just pick a bundle of your go tos to shop with your Venmo debit card and earn cash back at them. And you're free to mix up things. You can easily swap out your bundle of brands every 30 days, earn more cash when you do more with stash. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max $100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash terms. Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter? Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover in a little Place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer.

[Joel McHale]

Oh, yeah. Huh?

[Sophie]

Discover is accepted where I like to shop.

[Daniel Cormier]

Come on, baby. Get with the times.

[Joel McHale]

Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants.

[Sophie]

These are making a comeback, I think.

[Daniel Cormier]

Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nielsen report. This is the Show Me Something podcast with Marriott Bonvoy checking in and we are live from the bracket. The tournament is upon us. 68 teams all dreaming of making it to the final four.

[Sophie]

And we are right outside the JW Marriott here.

[Daniel Cormier]

Here in Indianapolis, one of our favorite March Madness traditions.

[Sophie]

And on this side of the hotel, this is quite literally the biggest bracket I've ever seen in my entire life.

[Daniel Cormier]

This bracket is 47,000 square feet and it covers 18 floors here at the JW Marriott.

[Sophie]

It's made up of 800 different pieces. And by tip off of round one, it will have all 68 teams listed.

[Daniel Cormier]

As the results of the tournament unfold, the bracket is updated until a champion is crowned. Pictures don't do it justice. You gotta come see it in person.

[Sophie]

We have an amazing show coming up and our guest is none other than Joel McKay.

[Joel McHale]

I will be your guest. It's such a perfect design. The tailgate is boats.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, best.

[Joel McHale]

The camel's name was mayhem. Yes. I'm in a lot of hotels. Duke basketball game with Ken Jeong. Let's go.

[Sophie]

Come on.

[Daniel Cormier]

Our favorite game day stories, they don't always happen on the court. Sometimes they happen in the hotel lobby or over a pre game meal. And this March Madness we have teamed up with Marriott Bonvoy to share some of those memorable moments with you in a limited podcast series. Live from the bracket, we're talking all things college hoops, travel and fandom with special guests and unforgettable experiences. Experiences you can be a part of. Today we are here at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis. Westin hotels and resorts are designed with your well being in mind. With more than 200 destinations around the world, Westin makes it possible to keep up with your wellness routine while traveling. With signature amenities and offerings that help you move well, eat well and sleep well. Westin hotels make travel an opportunity to enhance your well being. And with their iconic next generation heavenly bed, you can look forward to rest. Look at us prime examples. How'd you sleep so good? Has a good night's sleep helped you maintain your game day routine while on the road? Westin, part of Myriot Bonvoy where game day checks in. Yo. Hello. Everyone, come on now. Sophie, how are ya?

[Sophie]

I'm good.

[Daniel Cormier]

We are coming to you live from the bracket in a new, little beautiful studio built in the Westin in Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, home of me. But look how lovely this is. We have. We have NCAA trophies back there.

[Sophie]

The real ones. Let's not like, that's the real ones that they'll hold.

[Daniel Cormier]

So dial in.

[Sophie]

Can we also hit on that? Live from the bracket is what we're doing with our podcast for March Madness with Mary Bonvoy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Not only are we doing it with Mary Bonvoy, it's a real thing that anyone can see with their own eyes from the whole state of Indiana. But the bracket looks great. It's massive.

[Sophie]

Wait, can we. I did not know this. So this is so cool, because the bracket, the eye looks tiny, but in real life, it's like the size of West. Like, it is. It is a huge 6:1.

[Daniel Cormier]

That being said, this is our first episode, and while we are here for our first episode in this beautiful Weston, our next guest will be Joel McHale, and he'll be sitting right there next to Sophie. Not here yet, but we're excited.

[Sophie]

Okay. Let's actually talk about this bracket, Sophie.

[Daniel Cormier]

As someone whose school did not make the NCAA tournament this year, I have no other choice but to channel my inner childhood and be a Mizzou fan.

[Sophie]

Well, we barely made it. I was nervous. I wasn't thinking we were. We were going to make it, but I'm definitely right at Mizzou. Like, yeah, I. I love a good Cinderella story. And I'm not saying we're totally Cinderella story, but we're definitely underdogs.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

And I'm. I'm for it. I think we have. I think we have some potential.

[Daniel Cormier]

Mizzou, not a. Not a tournament team in my time.

[Sophie]

Huh.

[Daniel Cormier]

They just. I feel like every time A's made the tournament, they choke. Except for that year, Marcus. Den, remember?

[Sophie]

Why would you even put that in the atmosphere?

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I'm just.

[Sophie]

You.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm just saying, like, if they're going to do something different, it would be good.

[Sophie]

Well, maybe we just needed your support finally to, like, bring the good vibes. They said you said you're a Vibe guy. Yeah, I am Mr. Vibes, so bring the good vibes.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's fine. Florida's a one seed, obviously.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

They've been good at basketball since we were little.

[Sophie]

Yeah. And Duke.

[Daniel Cormier]

Duke.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

But, I mean, you don't think of Florida as like a powerhouse basketball school, but they kind of are always been really good I am an underdog guy for the tournament, obviously. So like if a Duke or UNC play, I always want him out. I just, we've talked about this so much, but how nil has kind of changed what the tournament is. It's just harder to get a little school to the top when everyone's gone after. They're after a good sophomore season.

[Sophie]

Wait, that is so true. So it's really, if you win your conference is how kind of smaller ish schools would get in.

[Daniel Cormier]

That is how you get in. But like, I think teams used to make runs because they had seniors and juniors who were probably under recruited out of high school and then went to these mid major schools and like developed or grew or whatever in college and then had a good two or three guys with them. And now if someone say some dude's like six foot, his senior of high school grows to like six, three, like he's going to get stolen if he has a good freshman or sophomore year going to get stolen. Like, it's just a very different landscape. And I think it is objectively much more challenging for small schools to like build a team and develop a team that can like make a tournament.

[Sophie]

No, those are great perspective in the

[Daniel Cormier]

spirit of how things have changed with college sports. And we were talking about it earlier, but like now these teams in the Big Ten are in California and they have to fly all over the country nonstop, like even in the regular season. So like maybe teams are more prepared for the weird travel.

[Sophie]

No, I feel like they're more prepared. I mean, and a lot of these people are used to the commercial flights now staying at hotels. They're in routine. So it's not like it's anything crazy. I do think time zones, if you're not used to it, could hit a little different. But if you're used to it, then it's not really a thing. Yeah, I think Mizzou got lucky because they are playing in St. Louis, which was two hours away from Columbia.

[Daniel Cormier]

You should give a PSA to Mizzou

[Sophie]

fans to show down to St. Louis a thousand percent. And I think they naturally will. They had a great fan base this year, so I think they're going to be just fine. Who are they playing?

[Daniel Cormier]

Miami.

[Sophie]

Oh, oh, and some tea on that. So Cy Young was actually an assistant coach for Mizzou under Gates, like his whole career. And now he's. He's either the head coach of Miami or an assistant. So that's going to be. There's like some family, family ties up

[Daniel Cormier]

in there that's Nice.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

And we are also. We mentioned this before, but how the women's tournament.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

First two rounds are home games, so you. You earn to play in your own gym with your own fans, whereas men's bracket, you don't get that opportunity if you're a top who ought to be an 8, top 8 seed.

[Sophie]

Has it always been that way or is that a new thing?

[Daniel Cormier]

Ever since I've watched the women's tournament, they've all. There have been home games.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Because Montana State, obviously, we're always like a 14 or something, and we always traveled.

[Sophie]

I'm saying for men, has it always.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't think that they've ever played home games.

[Sophie]

Yeah, no.

[Daniel Cormier]

Because they make such a big deal out of this city. Like on selection Sunday.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

The cities and like, the regions are such a big part of teams get chosen. So that's definitely been a thing forever. But it is fun. I like. As someone who loves geography, I like selection Sunday to see what cities get to host and, like, what teams are probably going to a city that they've never played in before, like a part of the country that they don't get to play in. And if you're a player, it's probably fun. If you played in the SEC your whole life and you get to go to, like, Seattle.

[Sophie]

Can I say something, though? I think from experience being I went to foreign ca. To tournaments all four years, which is flex. No, I'm not flexing.

[Daniel Cormier]

You can flex.

[Sophie]

No, I don't want to flex. I'm just saying it's experience. This is like. I'm saying this is some validation. No, I will say you would think that it would be cool to, like, go to a new state, new city, kind of new region, ish area. And it almost is not like you kind of want in the. In the tournament. You want. Experience matters. Records all go out the window. Doesn't matter. Rankings go out the window. And so I think the only thing that really helps is when maybe you've been there before, you've played there before, you have some.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, yeah. I see what you're saying.

[Sophie]

I suck at saying this word. Familiar. Familiarity.

[Daniel Cormier]

Familiarity.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Good job.

[Sophie]

Thank you. Sophism. But I truly do think that that matters. And so one of my junior year, we got sent out to Stanford, and that was. The gym is different. The vibes are different on the west Coast. Like, weird. We played a tournament in Phoenix one time, and it was just like. It's just different and weird. You know what I mean? So if it was sec team or in that kind of part of the nation. Like, it was like, okay, this is like my bread and butter. This is my home. So pros and cons there.

[Daniel Cormier]

Well, and you're also, again, women's bracket, your first two rounds, you're playing in the team. You're playing's home environment. So, like, they're objectively more familiar and they have a home field advantage, home court advantage that teams in the first and second round in the men's tournament don't have.

[Sophie]

Wait, I also have another advantage. It could be an advantage or disadvantage in the tournament. SEC is known for, like, being the most athletic and, like, most physical. And so you get used to that type of play where you play at back in the day when I was there, a PAC 12 team. And they're like, super high IQ. Not physical, like, very like. And it is. It's difficult.

[Daniel Cormier]

Just like different game styles.

[Sophie]

Totally.

[Daniel Cormier]

But.

[Sophie]

But it. It's. It's different. Like, can they match your physicality? Can you out cue their IQ like it is. It's kind of cool.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's the beauty to me in, like, the tournament and just getting to play schools that you don't normally get to.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

And.

[Sophie]

And like, honestly, sec, even in, like, they're big. And so there's a lot of post play where other conferences. It's a lot of threes and layups. So it's like the. Just the different style. That's kind of why I love March Madness, though. Just because you kind of get to see every team's bread and butter. Yeah. And if you can defend it or if you can play offense against it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Did you ever play against any, like, super teams? You never played UConn probably in the tournament, but did you play? I guess you played against South Carolina in college.

[Sophie]

Anyways, so they won it, like, pretty much every year. When I was in college, I think we played Texas, who was ranked 3 or 4. That was super good. Stanford, when we were out there, like, we played a lot of good teams.

[Daniel Cormier]

I like to say one thing I liked about. And again, this is like the small school part of me, but getting to see the girls who I saw in the training room every day. And like, these girls are still ballers, obviously.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Get what? Like, get to see them play on national TV in, like, a. A super big moment. Obviously we didn't, like, go on any runs or anything, but it's still like the girls, you know, getting to watch them play on a stage that they don't always get to.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

And like, show the World like, that they can ball was always fun to get to see. Like, my friends do that whenever. Because our women's basketball team actually. Super good.

[Sophie]

Yeah. Wait, can we go into that real quick? This is a little sentimental.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

And this is, like, a big thank you, I would say, but we talk about the athletes always traveling across the nation to different states.

[Daniel Cormier]

Dude, I. Yeah, I know what you're gonna say.

[Sophie]

Thank you to the parents. Like, the parents invest, they travel, they work, and, like, their stuff isn't paid for. You know what I mean? And so. And, like, the.

[Daniel Cormier]

How they're gonna say, like, training staff, coaches, like ga, all that.

[Sophie]

The mega fans. Like, that is a. A big deal that I don't think they get enough credit and they don't get their flowers. But I. I do. When you were just talking about that, it really did, like, hit home. Like, our parents or your guardians or people who just love you, they invest in a lot of time, too. So when you make it to the big dance.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

And you get to go to a new region, you get to do something different. So. So do they. You know what I mean? And, like, they work just as hard for us to get there as we did. And so I. I hope that parents and guardians and fans embrace this march as much as the actual athletes, because this is a big deal for everybody. Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

You don't know the next time your team will go. So go to the game.

[Sophie]

Hey. Yeah. Some people get spoiled.

[Daniel Cormier]

Some people get spoiled. Some people get spoiled, but also some people get jaded. I'll say. My mom and my brother went to. I think it was, like, maybe Omaha when Mizzou. Remember when Mizzou was a two seed and lost to, like, basket men's basketball? George Mason.

[Sophie]

I don't think it was George Mason, but I was it George Mason.

[Daniel Cormier]

Can we get a. Can we get a producer? Google. They were two seed and loss in the first round. But my mom and brother went Norfolk. But my mom and brother were like, why would we ever go to a March Madness game again? Because they. They. They tried it and got just their hearts ripped out.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Which is why.

[Sophie]

But how cool that you get to experience all the emotions.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. That's why sports are beautiful.

[Sophie]

Yep.

[Daniel Cormier]

A sneaky part with March Madness. But also any tournament is teams either playing before or after other teams. And kind of like being in the same gym and you get fans who are rooting for other fan bases because you're just in the same arena. Did you ever play before or after and have to, like, watch a team that you were gonna play next?

[Sophie]

Yeah, all the time.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

And I wanna shout out Mizzou Nation, because everywhere we went, everyone said that we had some of the nicest fans. Like, our hospitality was amazing. And that's not just women's basketball. It was football, it was baseball, it was soccer, volleyball. Like, we just have some nice fans who, like, you know, you go to other tailgates and whatnot, and you're trying to hang out and people are like, boo. But we are very welcoming. And so I love that. But I will say, I think especially on the women's side, we're just. We just have to be like kind of a tighter knit community, you know, like, we gotta help each other out a little bit. And so you would play. And, like, even my parents and my family, they would watch teams before us and be like, I really like that player. I really like how that coach interacted with her players and coached the game, or, you know, just the culture of the team. And so you definitely create fans. And, like, especially if you lose, it's kind of hard to like. But you also, you know, give credit where it's due. But for me, as a player, I don't know if I necessarily was like, oh, that team was really nice, or I really want that. I'm like, no, screw that team.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you're more like the other more.

[Sophie]

I'm too competitive.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

You know, but not. I'm not like, I hope you guys lose all that type of stuff. I just hate to lose, you know? So Arby's just dropped a deal. That honestly feels a little unreal.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, it's the new Meat in Three box for $7.99, and it's loaded with Arby's favorites in a way that does not feel like a 7.99 situation.

[Sophie]

So here's the setup. You choose your sandwich. A classic roast beef crispy chicken or the crispy fish sandwich. Already a very strong start.

[Daniel Cormier]

But then it keeps going because you also get melty mozzarella sticks, crispy curly fries, and a peach cobbler roll, which is a little sweet treat and so good. You genuinely need to try this.

[Sophie]

And there's a small drink in there, too. So even though it's called meat in three, you're actually getting five items for. For just $7.99. That's kind of wild.

[Daniel Cormier]

Pick the sandwich you want, make it your own, and get it your own way.

[Sophie]

Available for a limited time at participating locations. While supplies last, prices may vary. Get your Meat in Three box at an Arby's near you today.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you know you can get cash back with the Venmo debit card?

[Sophie]

Yes. Dub west you earn easy rewards with Venmo Stash.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you're saying even stuff like buying midnight snacks can earn cash back rewards.

[Sophie]

Small returns, big energy. With Venmo Stash, you can get up to 5% cash back at your fave brands. Just pick a bundle of your go tos to shop with your Venmo debit card and earn cash back at them and you're free to mix up things. You can easily swap out your bundle of brands every 30 days. Earn more cash when you do more with Stash. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max $100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash terms.

[Daniel Cormier]

All right, two truths and a lie. Here we go. I went to college with college football coach Jim McElwaine. I began my broadcasting career doing play by play for the Las Vegas Stars, and I've been a Verizon customer for 15 years. Okay, I lied. All three are true. Verizon isn't as expensive as you think. In fact, if you bring in your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store, they'll give you a better deal. That's right, a better deal on the best network with the most waste to save on plans, streaming and phone deals. So take that AT and T or T Mobile build to your local Verizon store today, get a better deal and start saving based on root metrics. Best overall Mobile Network Performance US Second Half 2025 all rights reserve must provide recent consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. One of my favorite tournament memories ever when I worked at bleacher report. Remember St. Peter's this was just a tiny, tiny, tiny school in New Jersey. And they beat Kentucky, someone else big. And then they beat Purdue. They made the elite A. I was on the floor with like a credential for this game and they probably had like one section of fans, but the whole like the other teams in that city were like ucla, UNC and Purdue.

[Sophie]

I don't think just that arena, but I think the whole nation became a fan of them.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh for sure.

[Sophie]

Like I, I love that.

[Daniel Cormier]

But yeah, part of the reason why probably all those fans are rooting for them is because they thought it's an easier out when they got to play them. Yeah, good luck. I just remember being there and being like, none of these people in here are actual fans of this school. But they are so into this game and like, rooting for the underdog.

[Sophie]

I love it.

[Daniel Cormier]

And that you. That's an experience you wouldn't get on tv.

[Sophie]

No.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's like, you have to be under the roof and like, see it all come to life and like, feel that energy and that was dope. I actually can't believe it took me this long to bring that up. But that was like such a cool game to be at Loyola when the

[Sophie]

nun became like, totally famous. Sister Jean March truly does sport in general, but I think there's just more on the line of. March brings so many emotions and like, you know, as the. As the bracket is just starting, there's a lot of happy smiles, laughter, but also tears start happening. You just work so freaking hard every year and like, everyone's team truly has a journey and is special and has ups and downs. There's so many good things that happen in a season regardless of the team. And so when it's over, I cried every single time.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

Because I'm just like, like, you're just like you're exhausted, you're. You're sad. You just want it so bad. But then I've also been on the other end on state.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

High school's my glory days.

[Joel McHale]

Flex that again.

[Sophie]

No, no, no.

[Daniel Cormier]

But it's also four piece.

[Sophie]

No.

[Daniel Cormier]

Rockbridge High.

[Sophie]

But I will say, like, I. When we want it all too. You still cry. Like, there's just like emotion. Just like your hard work is just regardless if you won or lost. And it is sad.

[Daniel Cormier]

But that's why sports are beautiful.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

You can't appreciate sunshine without rain. Okay.

[Sophie]

Or blizzard outside in Indianapolis.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay, Sophie, we are going to play hotel power rankings. How's that sound?

[Sophie]

Like this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Here's how it works. We're looking at a list of 50 travel related experiences and ranking our top five in order. You and I know each other well enough now that we know we like different things.

[Sophie]

Facts.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what I mean? It's just some people, some things hit harder than others. Like a hotel waffle maker. That hits so hard for my dad.

[Sophie]

I have never heard of that.

[Daniel Cormier]

It's so hard for my dad.

[Sophie]

Never heard of that.

[Daniel Cormier]

And like, I know a pool with no one else in it that's going to be in your top 5,000%, you know? Okay, so my top five. Here we go. Coming in at number five. Opening the blackout curtains to a great view. I think it's so. It really brings your spirits up. It could be. Could it be a mountainside could it be the Las Vegas Strip? It just sets the tone.

[Sophie]

Think about it, like, when you have a good view, you appreciate it.

[Daniel Cormier]

It just makes you feel like you're a part of that city.

[Sophie]

Thousand percent.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know. Number four, A west in Heavenly Bed. The reason I don't have eye bags today is because I just slept on 1. 3. Hotel gym. I think when you're on the road a lot, sometimes the only thing you can do to feel better is move around. Move your bod. Incline walk.

[Sophie]

Thousand percent.

[Daniel Cormier]

Pump some iron.

[Sophie]

And renovated. Yeah. Matters.

[Daniel Cormier]

Love. Powerful hotel shower. I don't think.

[Sophie]

Dude, that's my number two.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't think we talk about it enough as a society. How important water pressure is to having a good day. And that can be a good overhead.

[Sophie]

Sets the tone.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, it really sets the tone. You get clean and you feel fresh.

[Sophie]

I like that.

[Daniel Cormier]

And my number one. As you would expect.

[Sophie]

Ac.

[Daniel Cormier]

A perfectly cold AC after a hot day. We're good.

[Sophie]

This is such a dweeb, dude.

[Daniel Cormier]

I need it.

[Sophie]

I need it.

[Daniel Cormier]

I need it. So that's mine.

[Sophie]

Okay. I'm gonna start with number five. And it was pool with nobody else in it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Of course.

[Sophie]

Yeah. And I would like to say when you're out there by yourself, then you can just, like, be in your thoughts. Sun is beaming on you. The water temperature probably feels so nice, especially on a hot day. But I do appreciate when other people are at the pool, too. I do like to. People watch. I do like to talk.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

But you know, after a busy day, sometimes you just want to be alone in your thoughts. Getting a tan. Number four. Perfectly cold AC after a hot day. Love. Really?

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay. I'm glad.

[Sophie]

I can't. I can't sleep when it's hot in my room. I definitely cannot do that.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait. I'm glad to know that about you.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

I always thought you liked being hot at all times. And I thought it was kind of weird.

[Sophie]

Dude, no, that'd be horrible.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay. I appreciate that.

[Sophie]

Horrible. No. Okay. Number three. Charging ports everywhere.

[Daniel Cormier]

Huh?

[Sophie]

Come on. Think about this. If you. If you do not have one next to your bed or in the bathroom that's convenient at the desktop, like, not having a charging port where you need it is frustrating because then you're, like, sitting in a weird spot. You want to be laying in bed. Like, that's. I think that's a lost.

[Daniel Cormier]

I was going to push back on you, but I'm not going to.

[Sophie]

I like this.

[Joel McHale]

No, I don't.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't. I agree. You explained it In a way that kind of flipped me in real time.

[Sophie]

Number two, powerful hotel shower. I absolutely love that. But I'm going to add on to it. I prefer when there is a door on the shower because I like my showers, like, steamy, hot. I don't want to be cold and like having to be under the hot water because it's cold. So that's. That's kind of a must on mine.

[Daniel Cormier]

Are you going to sneak in good products?

[Joel McHale]

Help.

[Sophie]

Love good products.

[Daniel Cormier]

A good shampoo, condesh body wash.

[Sophie]

Yes. So you don't have to use that and, like, take up space when you are traveling. So that is a must. And. And then my number one, a massive king bed.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh.

[Sophie]

All by yourself.

[Daniel Cormier]

So if you walk into a room and there's two queens, I can do it. Yeah.

[Sophie]

And honestly, if I have two queen beds, then I'm going to put my luggage on one of them, sleep on the other.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

And, like, if I'm traveling with, like, Lindsay, my sister or someone, we actually sleep in the same queen bed. We do a luggage bed and, like, we sleep in the other one. But, you know, nothing's like a good, cozy king bed with good pillows, a good, like, sheet cover.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

Yeah. That's a must.

[Daniel Cormier]

More aligned, you and I than I thought we'd be, actually. That was fun.

[Sophie]

Like a good bathrobe. That's on there. I almost put that in my top five.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay, guys. We are so excited to have Joel McHale on the podcast. We're going to talk to him about his love for Washington sports, love traveling with family, places he's always wanted to go that he's never been to. And this is timed up perfectly with the March Madness excitement. People are crisscrossing all over the country to go watch their favorite team. So let's talk to Joel about it.

[Joel McHale]

Oh, my gosh. Welcome to the Bond, the Marriott Bonvoy Show Me something podcast. I will be your guest. Are we.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, then I'll. I'll let this fly.

[Sophie]

He just did it for us.

[Joel McHale]

The. The NCAA championship trophies are, for some reason, way back here.

[Sophie]

No, there.

[Joel McHale]

Well, I'll kiss this one. I did it. Sorry.

[Daniel Cormier]

Well, no, it's just a beautiful set. Now it's even more pretty. But do you prefer to go by actor, comedian, host, former U Dub football player?

[Joel McHale]

If you could include that every time you introduce me? I will. That would be great.

[Daniel Cormier]

All of them.

[Sophie]

We can do that.

[Daniel Cormier]

But in all seriousness, thank you for coming.

[Joel McHale]

Thank you for having me.

[Sophie]

Happy to have you here.

[Joel McHale]

It was great to run across the frozen tundra that became Indianapolis in the last two days.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. In honor of our. Our two extra guests, these trophies. Real quick. Yeah. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year, as we all know.

[Joel McHale]

It's so many teams to keep track of. Yeah. So I love that first moment. Like, the first, like this weekend. It's one of my favorite weekends because it's just happening all the time everywhere. You can't walk outside your house with those. Like, what's happening over there? Oh, there's NCAA tournaments happening in your neighbor's house right now. It's great because it just. It's such a perfect design to get it all. I mean, sure, there's all sorts of teams that are screwed out of the.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

Being there and some shouldn't be there.

[Daniel Cormier]

All that. No. I think the perfect design comment actually is a beautiful way to put it because it is like the original pure single elimination big tournament in all of sports that now college football is kind of trying to, like, work their way into it, but, like, everything is always changed. March Madness, pure.

[Sophie]

But I think that's why people look forward to it, because they know exactly what they're going to get. But, like, also, it's a disaster at the same time.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

I love that.

[Daniel Cormier]

What's got your attention coming out of the selection Sunday men's or women's vibes cities?

[Sophie]

I think I'm clearly a big SEC fan and I feel like we on the men's side have a ton of teams that are going to be in it. Shout out to Mizzou. I'm surprised we got in, but we got in. Come on, baby. Maybe Cinderella story a little bit. Thank you. Women's side, I feel like, is a little different because your 16 seed is barely ever going to be anything higher than, like, an eight. I don't know. And so I don't know about the women. I don't know who I want to win there.

[Joel McHale]

But let's just go within the University of Washington. Say Los Go Dogs.

[Daniel Cormier]

Go Dogs.

[Joel McHale]

Go Dogs.

[Sophie]

Is that who you have one in it?

[Joel McHale]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. We've actually been talking a lot about how being loyal. No, how important being loyal is.

[Joel McHale]

If we're. If my school is in it, then. Yeah.

[Sophie]

I didn't know that you were a tight end. Like, I knew you played college ball, like, football. I didn't know.

[Joel McHale]

Constantly tell people. But yeah, because, like, not us, because people don't know.

[Sophie]

Tight end is like, you're a big boy.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, but I didn't play.

[Sophie]

Oh.

[Joel McHale]

I was awesome at Practicing and making the defense feel terrific about how they were doing.

[Sophie]

You gave them confidence. They would hit me.

[Joel McHale]

I would just burst out crying and be like, why would you do that?

[Daniel Cormier]

That hurts so much.

[Joel McHale]

I was very large at the time.

[Daniel Cormier]

Growing up in Washington, did you ever consider any other school?

[Joel McHale]

I applied to Santa Clara when I was Cuz they had an acting program in Santa Clara in the tournament for the first time in 30 years. Steve Nash, proud Canadian and he. So I applied to a few schools on the west coast, nowhere else. And like University of San Francisco, they used to have a really great basketball program and now they're back. But it was just growing up was like uw or.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Or.

[Joel McHale]

And I just kind of was like, that's where I want to go. And I was recruited to row at U Dub.

[Sophie]

Out of all, like the colleges, campuses and fan bases that you've either played in front of or visited, what is one that you think people should add to their travel list?

[Joel McHale]

The University of Washington that you really have. You. It is the most beautiful setting for a game. Oh, there you go.

[Daniel Cormier]

Do you. The.

[Joel McHale]

The tailgate is Boats.

[Daniel Cormier]

Boats, yeah. Sail gating.

[Joel McHale]

So you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, it's pretty crazy.

[Joel McHale]

And if. If you all show you the photos, it's.

[Sophie]

I did not know that.

[Daniel Cormier]

I do. I would like to give UW a shout out in the sense. I think a lot of major universities that are in big cities don't actually get very good fandom just because there's so much other stuff going on and. But the University of Washington in Seattle, I feel like despite being in a massive metropolitan area with so much else going on, still gets much, much, much love.

[Sophie]

I love that this thing's in our way so far.

[Daniel Cormier]

Can you guys not even see each other? No, we can't. No, we can't. But it's just look through it.

[Joel McHale]

Where is Sophie? Oh, right through the window. No, I get it. Get. I like the first.

[Daniel Cormier]

There we go.

[Joel McHale]

Oh, this is. Yes, this is.

[Daniel Cormier]

That horrifies me. Oh, that's good.

[Joel McHale]

There are Produ. Look at. Yeah, there are people over there going,

[Sophie]

oh, God, this is good. This is good.

[Joel McHale]

We've come to the point in your podcast where we have to return the trophies to their beloved table. Look at this. Yeah, we did it.

[Sophie]

This is good. How far would you travel for your team to go watch in person? Front row popcorn march.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, yeah. You dubbed Final Four. Would you go how far?

[Joel McHale]

I go to Mars.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

Would you really?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah. Great. Yeah.

[Sophie]

So you travel endlessly.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, I do. I am gone. I Have all the miles and. No. If. If U Dub was in the final four, I would go.

[Daniel Cormier]

Were you? Did you go when they played Michigan in Houston?

[Joel McHale]

I did not. I was working at the time, so I couldn't get out of work. There's been a number of things like that where I'm like, oh, but your job? Yeah, like with animal control, when it's going, we're doing 16 hour days and it's. So I'll zip down to Seattle for maybe a night, but it's exhausting.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

In your lifetime, what's the deepest the Huskies have made it in the tournament?

[Joel McHale]

In my lifetime. Deadlift Shrimp got him to the elite eight.

[Sophie]

Clearly you travel a lot.

[Joel McHale]

I do a lot of travel, which is great.

[Sophie]

Hotels, planes, no Buses, train, walking, trains,

[Daniel Cormier]

RVs, bikes, swimming, trains.

[Joel McHale]

I usually stay on the train.

[Daniel Cormier]

Canoe.

[Joel McHale]

Yes. I'm in a lot of hotels and a lot of. It's a lot.

[Sophie]

Yeah. And you host the sbs, which is like around.

[Joel McHale]

I hosted the sbs. That was super fun.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's all you tell us. Congratulations on that.

[Sophie]

That's a big deal.

[Joel McHale]

That was extremely nerve wracking and wonderful. And so when you walked out, you see, you see all the. It's like some weird wax museum of your favorite athletes.

[Sophie]

So crazy.

[Joel McHale]

And you're like, oh, everybody's here. And as you know, they really want. That's super competitive. Oh, yeah. They're pissed if they're not winning.

[Daniel Cormier]

What city was that in?

[Joel McHale]

Los Angeles?

[Daniel Cormier]

That was in la.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, that was a good. That was a good one.

[Sophie]

So Arby's just dropped a deal. That honestly feels a little unreal.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, it's the new Meat in Three box for $7.99, and it's loaded with Arby's favorites in a way that does not feel like a $7.99 situation.

[Sophie]

So here's the setup. You choose your sandwich. A classic roast beef crispy chicken or the crispy fish sandwich. Already a very strong start.

[Daniel Cormier]

But then it keeps going because you also get melty mozzarella sticks, crispy curly fries, and a peach cobbler roll, which is a little sweet treat and so good. You genuinely need to try this.

[Sophie]

And there's a small drink in there too. So even though it's called meat and three, you're actually getting five items for just $7.99. That's kind of wild.

[Daniel Cormier]

Pick the sandwich you want, make it your own, and get it your own way.

[Sophie]

Available for a limited time at participating locations. While supplies last, prices may vary. Get your meat in three Box at an Arby's near you today.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you know you can get cash back with the Venmo debit card?

[Sophie]

Yes. Dub west. You earn easier rewards with Venmo Stash.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you're saying even stuff like buying midnight snacks can earn cashback rewards.

[Sophie]

Small returns, big energy. With Venmo Stash, you can get up to 5% cash back at your fave brands. Just pick a bundle of your go tos to shop with your Venmo debit card and earn cash back at them. And you're free to mix up things. You can easily swap out your bundle of brands every 30 days. Earn more cash when you do more with Stash. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max $100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash terms.

[Daniel Cormier]

All right, two truths and a lie. Here we go. I went to college with college football coach Jim McElwain. I began my broadcasting career doing play by play for the Las Vegas Stars, and I've been a Verizon customer for 15 years. Okay, I lied. All three are true. A Verizon isn't as expensive as you think. In fact, if you bring in your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store, they'll give you a better deal. That's right, a better deal on the best network with the most ways to save on plans, streaming and phone deals. So take that AT and T or T Mobile. Build to your local Verizon store today, get a better deal and start saving based on root metrics. Best overall Mobile Network Performance US Second Half 2025 all rights reserve must provide reason Consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply when you're traveling on the road. And obviously we all know how exhausting that can be. Do you feel like because you're traveling in a city that you don't always get to spend time in that you're. You owe the city a little night out to go to a restaurant, go like find a drink somewhere and kind of experience it. Or you.

[Joel McHale]

I don't feel like I owe the city. The city owes me.

[Daniel Cormier]

Or you owe yourself.

[Joel McHale]

This better be good.

[Sophie]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

I love that.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, I love. Like the second I got here, I'm looking at coffee shops and eater and I'm like, what's. What's happening here? And I went for a walk last night.

[Sophie]

Why?

[Joel McHale]

Oh, that's.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why would you do that?

[Joel McHale]

I almost froze to death. Yeah, it was. I was almost lost.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Yes.

[Joel McHale]

They would have just never showed up to our set.

[Daniel Cormier]

Were you tour busing or you fly?

[Joel McHale]

I fly.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't.

[Joel McHale]

I'm not like for Kreischer level.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, but you're not just a commuter. Like you do so much other stuff.

[Sophie]

Can you tell us what you're doing? Do you have like three great shows? Like what? Like what are you doing right now?

[Daniel Cormier]

Four.

[Sophie]

Sorry.

[Joel McHale]

What the heck? Dream 7 just came out.

[Daniel Cormier]

What's your role? Are you allowed to tell us?

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, it came out two weeks ago. So cats out of the bag.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay.

[Joel McHale]

I play a cat in a bag. Good. No, I play Neve Campbell's husband. But you're watching Animal Control, right, guys?

[Daniel Cormier]

Absolutely.

[Joel McHale]

On Fox.

[Daniel Cormier]

And you work with real animals?

[Joel McHale]

We do Netflix, Hulu.

[Daniel Cormier]

Is there a person's job that has to fly in and they're in charge of how you interact with.

[Joel McHale]

They're locally based in Vancouver and they have a lot of exotic and non exotic animals. The only time I was really scared was when I got on top of a. It's a young camel named Mayhem from Calgary. The camel's name was Mayhem and I was like, why is the camel named Mayhem?

[Sophie]

Did you find out?

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, no saddle. And they were like, hey, if he takes off, just hold on. But just know he's having a good time.

[Daniel Cormier]

You've been to Calgary?

[Joel McHale]

I have rocks. Calgary's great.

[Daniel Cormier]

Calgary rocks.

[Joel McHale]

Really good French food in Calgary because all those French were up there.

[Daniel Cormier]

Canada has a lot of French influence. They do more than we do.

[Joel McHale]

I would agree. They got an entire part of the country that speaks French.

[Daniel Cormier]

Do you time to travel internationally?

[Joel McHale]

I try to, as I'd love to. And sometimes for work it is overseas, which is great. But I'm just about to take the family on Saturday to Japan.

[Sophie]

Nice.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, best, Best trip ever.

[Joel McHale]

I've been there once and I was like, I got to get back here as soon as I can.

[Daniel Cormier]

I feel like it's such a cliche to talk about how cool Japan is, but it is so awesome. What's your schedule like? What are you guys hitting?

[Joel McHale]

We're doing Tokyo.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

Five days and then Kyoto for another five and we're going to the Mount Fuji. So we're doing a lot of tourist things, but I'm like, great. We haven't seen it before. So let's go.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. That's the best trip you could ever take.

[Joel McHale]

I'm very excited. I'm going to eat like it's career

[Daniel Cormier]

and then wait real quick. You're born in Rome.

[Joel McHale]

Born in Rome. Italy.

[Daniel Cormier]

What were your parents doing?

[Joel McHale]

I don't know. It just happened. They were. My dad was the. Everyone's like, were they in the military and CIA? No. My dad was the dean of students at Loyola University Rome center, which is part of Loyola Chicago. And then my mom was a student at Loyola University Rome center because she. Her dad, my grandfather got a job with the UN regulating fish populations around the world.

[Daniel Cormier]

I get that.

[Joel McHale]

Let that sink in. Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

So do you feel a tie to Italy?

[Joel McHale]

Very loosely. But I. I really like when I'm there. I get. I tear up and get emotional. And then my aunt and uncle and cousin still live there. They moved out of Rome to Tuscany, but so they. Yeah, they're. Then a bunch of my cousins live in London, and then the others live in Nairobi. So it's all. They're all over the place.

[Daniel Cormier]

Mikhail is Irish, though. No.

[Joel McHale]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

So, okay.

[Joel McHale]

And then the other side of me is Norwegian.

[Sophie]

Wait, do you love. Actually. Because you get to travel all over the place. Seriously. And that's, like, super cool.

[Joel McHale]

I travel almost every weekend. I mean, you travel, you know, but it's. Yeah.

[Sophie]

Part of our schedule. It's part of our daily routine.

[Joel McHale]

And so once you get to the hotel and they're like, would you like a complimentary beverage? And I was like, yes, it is

[Daniel Cormier]

hard when travel's a part of your career. It makes it hard to always enjoy it. But when you. When everything's set up for you and it's nice and it's perfect, it's dreamy.

[Sophie]

Wait, I was about to say, what is, like, your dream vacation spot? Are you more of a beach person? Are you more of a snow.

[Joel McHale]

I'm not kidding. Being here in India. I'm not kidding when I say this. In India, like, I've been going pretty. It's been pretty exhausting the last few days. So I got here and I. It was great. I went out for dinner and then I slept all night, which.

[Sophie]

And.

[Joel McHale]

And it was. I was like, oh, you're well rested. So it was like an idea. I was like, oh, this is like a vacation.

[Sophie]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

And went to the gym.

[Daniel Cormier]

It was great.

[Joel McHale]

So, like, when I get those one day, like those one days, I'm like, ah, recuperated.

[Sophie]

So your dream vacation is not necessarily a location. It's if you get rest.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah. How about you?

[Sophie]

So this is where we differ, and we joke about this all the time. I'm more of like, I need a beach sun. I need it. I need that type of vibe. Maybe a margarita in my hand and so I'm. I'm very much like a water boat pool person.

[Joel McHale]

So right now, if you're walking out, I got it.

[Sophie]

Fiji, Bora Bora, Turks and Caicos. Even just like a simple Florida anywhere with a beach and, like, sun where I can get a tan. Say less. That's my. My dream.

[Daniel Cormier]

Because you have bucket list places that you haven't been that you want to go, but then you also have places that were such a good experience, you are itching to go back. But I like. I just like being in, like a. A fun city where there's energy and people and you meet people from other places. Cape Town, South Africa is on my list right now. I would love to do that, but I. The older I've gotten, the more I've appreciated hotels because I used to always try to crash with a friend. Or you just forget how nice it is to have your bed made for you.

[Joel McHale]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Or like, have stuff put away.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

See, I never been one to, like, crash with people, but I. Because of how much we travel, I appreciate. I've become a hotel snob. I appreciate a really, really nice hotel.

[Joel McHale]

I feel like a kid because I'm like, oh, I get to relax.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

Wait, how do you travel? Like, what are your essentials and things that you're just like, okay, I don't need that. Like, when you're packing, when you're doing that.

[Joel McHale]

Oh, earplugs, Eye mask for the flight.

[Daniel Cormier]

Earplugs.

[Joel McHale]

Oh, yeah. Earplugs are like headphones, earplugs and a. Some sort of tablet to watch shows, watch movies, to watch shows, and play video tennis.

[Sophie]

Really?

[Joel McHale]

Yeah, I play.

[Sophie]

How big of a tennis fan you were?

[Joel McHale]

Oh, I'm a big tennis fan and I play 8 bit football as well.

[Daniel Cormier]

What's your favorite tennis venue in the world?

[Joel McHale]

I mean, Indian Wells is one of the best.

[Daniel Cormier]

It looks beautiful.

[Joel McHale]

It's so great. And there's courts everywhere. They let you play if you want. There's a sushi. I mean, like, they have great food. But I got to go to the French Open.

[Sophie]

And have you been to the Australian Open?

[Joel McHale]

I've never.

[Daniel Cormier]

I've heard. That's the. That's the.

[Joel McHale]

I would love to. I got to.

[Sophie]

That's a. That's a bucket list, maybe. Especially if you're a big tennis fan.

[Joel McHale]

I.

[Sophie]

There is. Awesome.

[Joel McHale]

Yes, I would. And it's ruckus. As I was saying, New York is wonderfully ruckus. Beautiful facility. Yeah.

[Sophie]

You get to go.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Sophie]

I haven't gone. I'm the Only one who's left out. I think I need to make that a bucket list. For me.

[Joel McHale]

It's great.

[Sophie]

Really.

[Joel McHale]

And it's. Yeah. And the French is right in Paris, so you can walk to it.

[Sophie]

So cool.

[Joel McHale]

And it's just there and it's not big. And you're like, oh, this is where the French Open happens.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. What other sports like. Okay, you're a tennis guy. So all those championships are kind of their own spectacles. You've done the Super Bowl.

[Joel McHale]

Yep.

[Daniel Cormier]

Anything that you haven't done that you like, really want to do.

[Joel McHale]

I'd like to go to a Duke basketball game with Ken. Jong. See.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

Yeah. He's a huge. And so like to see now Ken's going to get a compliment. But he's like the king of Duke and so he goes to those games. And so I was like, ken, someday we get to go.

[Sophie]

Are you guys besties?

[Joel McHale]

We are pretty besties, really. We've. When we met on Community, we fell in love.

[Sophie]

Really. Is he how you would expect him to be?

[Joel McHale]

Yes. And I'm saying that measured because Ken is also a doctor.

[Sophie]

Imagine if he was Duke's team doc.

[Joel McHale]

Oh my God.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Joel McHale]

It would be you.

[Sophie]

I would go to Duke just for that.

[Joel McHale]

You just get injured and just be like, oh, my elbow.

[Daniel Cormier]

Dream sporting event.

[Sophie]

Okay. I'm kind of weird. I want to go to. I don't even know what it's called, but I want to go to like the best surfing competition in the world. I don't know.

[Joel McHale]

Because you would.

[Daniel Cormier]

Portugal.

[Joel McHale]

You would get everything you want. You would get the beach.

[Sophie]

The beach sun.

[Joel McHale]

And then there would be a sporting sport.

[Sophie]

Like I just say. And it's just like a sport that you don't necessarily get to see on TV as much or like you. It's not as accessible to people. And I think that'd just be super cool.

[Joel McHale]

I mean that's. Yeah, I'm on. I'm on board with that.

[Sophie]

What about you?

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm going to the Kentucky Derby for the first time this year and that's.

[Sophie]

I'm surprised you haven't been.

[Daniel Cormier]

Me too.

[Joel McHale]

I did a hat.

[Daniel Cormier]

No. I gotta put a lot into this outfit.

[Joel McHale]

You.

[Daniel Cormier]

I know.

[Joel McHale]

I'm not go like this.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, no, we're not. You need.

[Joel McHale]

You need like a three piece suit.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Yeah. No, I'll be ready.

[Joel McHale]

We'd love to come with you. Thank you for the invite.

[Daniel Cormier]

You're welcome. See you there.

[Joel McHale]

I would like to go to a professional bowling match, which I've never been

[Daniel Cormier]

to professional darts is like, I would love to go to a professional darts out. Yeah. That's wild. So that's next for us three.

[Joel McHale]

Do you guys play darts?

[Daniel Cormier]

No. I mean, I'll do it at the bar.

[Joel McHale]

Like, I got into darts big time in college.

[Daniel Cormier]

It was.

[Joel McHale]

Wow. I love it. Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Joel, thank you for being here.

[Joel McHale]

Thanks for having me, you guys.

[Sophie]

Thank you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Hey.

[Sophie]

Oh,

[Daniel Cormier]

thank you.

[Sophie]

Before we go, we gotta tell you all about the amazing sweeps we got going. Marriott Bonvoy is giving away a pair of tickets to the 2026 and 2027 Final Four. To enter for a chance to win, head to omesomething on Instagram and comment on Live from the Bracket post related to the sweepstakes. Be sure to include the hashtag livefromthebracket in our caption to be eligible. Full details in the episode description don't miss it. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or D.C. who are at least 18 years of the date of entry ends April 15, 2026. [e-mail] Live from the Bracket. Okay, Arby's just casually pulled up with a deal that feels a little too good.

[Daniel Cormier]

They've got this new meat in three box for $7.99 and honestly, it's stacked with Arby's quality favorites in a way that feels kind of ridiculous.

[Sophie]

For that price, here's what you're getting inside. You pick one sandwich, the classic beef, the crispy chicken sandwich or the crispy fish sandwich.

[Daniel Cormier]

Then it just keeps going because also comes with melty mozzarella sticks, crispy curly fries, and a peach cobbler roll, which is a little sweet treat and so good.

[Sophie]

And you get a small drink to round it all out. So yeah, it's called Meat and Three, but you're actually getting five items all for only $7.99.

[Daniel Cormier]

Pick the sandwich you want, make it your own and get it your way

[Sophie]

available for a limited time at participating locations. While supplies last, prices may vary. Get your Meat in three box at any Arby's near you today.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you know you can get cash back with the Venmo debit card?

[Sophie]

Yes, Doug west, you earn easy rewards with Venmo Stash.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you're saying even stuff like buying midnight snacks can earn cash back rewards.

[Sophie]

Small returns, big energy. With Venmo Stash you can get up to 5% cash back at your fave brands. Just pick a bundle of your go tos to shop with your Venmo debit card and earn cash back at them and you're free to mix up things. You can easily swap out your bundle of brands every 30 days. Earn more cash when you do more with stash Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max $100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash Terms Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T

[Daniel Cormier]

or T mobile bill to a Verizon

[Sophie]

store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill, walk in running pogo stickin' teleport if you can, ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or flyin on the wings of a majestic falcon. Any way you can bring your AT and T or T mobile bill to

[Daniel Cormier]

a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the best

[Sophie]

Network based on RootMetric's best overall mobile network performance US 2nd/2025 all rights reserved. Must provide very recent postpaid consumer mobile

[Daniel Cormier]

bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal.

[Sophie]

Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. I tell myself it's not about comparing. But then I start wondering, what can they lift? Are they adding more weight to their barbell than I am? And suddenly I'm not training. Then I realize my journey is not theirs. I've earned every step. So I smile. My smile is the shape resilience takes to keep me moving, to put more smiles out into the world. Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate, your smile is your strength. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.