The Bobby Bones Show: 25 Whistles – January 12, 2026

Episode: “Eddie Thinks Bobby Was Keeping a Secret from Him & Is Upset About It + Why a Powerplant Conspiracy Could Be the Reason for the 49ers Injuries + Similarities Between Garth Brooks and CFB Coaches with Andy Staples”

Episode Overview

This episode of 25 Whistles, a football-focused segment on The Bobby Bones Show, blends playoff NFL analysis, betting tales, a wild powerplant injury conspiracy surrounding the 49ers, behind-the-scenes Super Bowl plans, and a wide-ranging conversation with national college football reporter/podcaster Andy Staples. Personality-driven and packed with humor, the episode moves from game recaps and debates to deeper discussions about football culture and tangents into music and coaching charisma.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Playoffs Recap & Betting Woes

• Patriots Win and Betting Ramifications

  • The group (Kevin, Eddie, Brandon Ray) celebrates a Patriots win, noting minor relief in a league where they're down nearly $5,000 (04:30–09:24).
  • Eddie: “Our New England Patriots at this point.” (04:47)
  • Brandon laments how discussing their betting losses puts him in a “bad mood” and makes him think about getting a second job.
    • Brandon Ray: "That number is so big that when you say it out loud, my mind just starts drifting to like, second job." (09:13)

• Game Summaries and Reactions

  • Quick-fire opinions on recent games:
    • Rams vs. Panthers – moral victory for Panthers as huge underdogs (07:51–08:43)
    • Bears' come-from-behind win; coach rivalry “manufactured” (10:05–11:55)
      • Kevin: “They just haven’t died by the sword yet. But there’s only max three more swords to even try to live by.” (10:28)

2. 49ers Injury “Conspiracy” & Powerplant Theory

• Extraordinary Injury Rates

  • The crew discusses a viral article/theory: the 49ers’ proximity to a powerplant is possibly causing an extraordinary number of catastrophic injuries (Achilles, tendons, soft tissue). (13:16–17:15)
  • Milligauss measurements taken near practice fields are 3-4x higher than “normal” levels.
  • Brandon Ray: “This plant is double the size of the stadium.” (16:13)
  • Eddie: "All these injuries that they're having are like collagen-rich injuries. So like your Achilles, your tendons. Whoa." (14:14)

• Locker Room Lore and Science Debate

  • Cites former players and reports measuring EMF (Electromagnetic Field) strength on-site.
  • General skepticism, but open interest; calls for retesting with modern standards.
  • The powerplant "conspiracy" is humorously referenced throughout, especially anticipating their own visit to the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium. (16:45–18:12)

3. Super Bowl Media Day "Secret"

• Super Bowl Media Plans Revealed—Sort Of

  • Lighthearted mini-drama as Eddie realizes he wasn’t told others are traveling to Super Bowl media days. (17:29–18:28)
  • Eddie: “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me you’re going to the Super Bowl.” (17:51)

• Reflection on Attending a Patriots Playoff/Super Bowl Game

  • Eddie contemplates possibly seeing his beloved Patriots in the Super Bowl, a dream never fulfilled. (18:30–19:13)

4. Andy Staples Interview (25:28–46:23)

4.1 National Championship & College Football Fandom

• Indiana’s Rise & Fan Activation
  • Staples predicts a massive turnout of Indiana fans for the CFB national title in Miami, likening their enthusiasm to “Taylor Swift fans.” (26:10–29:05)
  • Andy Staples: “For the Indiana fans, like, none of this has ever happened in their lifetimes. They are going to soak up every moment of this.” (27:36)
• Ticket Cost & Fandom Stories
  • Anecdote about taking his daughter to see Taylor Swift and likening that once-in-a-lifetime experience to Indiana fans trekking to Miami. (28:02–28:45)

4.2 Concert Experiences and Their Parallels (Sports ≈ Music)

• Concert Highlights
  • Staples names Garth Brooks and Jimmy Buffett as top concerts ever attended. (31:00–32:00)
• Garth Brooks’ Approach Mirrors Great College Football Coaches
  • Relates Bobby’s April Fool’s Day Garth Brooks invitation story and a tale of Garth's knowledge of his Oklahoma State roots. (32:31–35:51)
  • Kevin: “There are only three people that I feel are next level in making you feel like you’re the only person in the room… Garth is one.” (35:51)

4.3 Coaching Charisma & Connectors

• Coaches with Superstar Charisma
  • Staples and the hosts discuss which coaches have "Garth Brooks-level" personal connection abilities—naming Dan Quinn, Shane Beamer, Sam Pittman, and Kirby Smart. (36:23–37:47)
  • Andy Staples: "When you meet Dan Quinn, you feel like you have known him for your entire life." (36:23)
• Nick Saban’s Communication Style
  • Noted for perfect diction and incredible preparation—engages genuinely, especially with players and parents. (37:47–39:59)

4.4 Modern CFB – Roster Dynamics and Parity

• The challenges of roster building and the differences from the pre-NIL and pre-portal era; it's much tougher now to build superteams. (30:12–30:54)
• Quarterback recruitment scenarios discussed (DJ Lagway, Deuce Knight, Raola, Dante Moore), focusing on transfers, eligibility, and how quickly things change. (42:55–45:36)

4.5 Funniest/Most Memorable Andy Staples Quotes

• On Taylor Swift: “I'm the Swifty of the parental unit. My wife's not.” (29:08)
• On Garth Brooks/Oklahoma State football knowledge: “You’re a ball knower here. So we’re in a safe space now.” (35:23)
• On Saban’s speech: “The man has perfect diction. I can't write them as well as he speaks them.” (39:59)

5. Aftershow Banter & Odds and Ends

• Viral Sports Stories

  • Discussion of ex-NFL player Matt Khalil’s ex-wife discussing his anatomy on a podcast—leading to a lawsuit. The crew debates whether such intimate details should be aired and how that feels for current partners. (51:32–53:12)

• Stadium Memorabilia for Sale

  • Buffalo Bills auctioned off a giant stadium urinal trough; everyone is grossed out. (53:21–53:46)

• Gambling Break

  • Brandon Ray abstains from gambling for the weekend and humorously laments all the bets he "would have won." (54:04–54:48)

• Cocaine Quarterback Documentary

  • The hosts discuss the documentary about a former USC player gone off the rails; entertaining for its crazy, unexpected true story. (55:36–57:54)

• Quarterback Chatter & Mendoza Family

  • Discussion on Indiana’s QB Fernando Mendoza, his charm, improvement, and the trajectory of recruits at Indiana. (58:58–60:10)

• Bald-Headed Grooming Routine

  • Lighthearted exchange on head shaving techniques and SNAFUs. (60:18–61:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Brandon Ray on Gambling Losses:
  • “That number is so big that when you say it out loud, my mind just starts drifting to like, second job.” (09:13)
• Andy Staples on Fandom:
  • “For the Indiana fans, like, none of this has ever happened in their lifetimes. They are going to soak up every moment of this.” (27:36)
• Bobby Bones on Going to the Super Bowl:
  • “Three of you guys are going to the Super Bowl. And no one told me this.” (17:31)
• On Nick Saban’s Communication:
  • “The man speaks in perfect, complete sentences. I can’t write them as well as he speaks them.” (39:59)
• Garth Brooks Superpower:
  • “There are only three people that I feel are next level in making you feel like you’re the only person in the room… Garth is one.” (35:51)
• On 49ers Injury Conspiracy:
  • “This plant is double the size of the stadium.” (16:13)
  • “It impacts your collagen on your body. And so all these injuries that they’re having are like collagen-rich injuries.” (14:14)
• On Unusual Podcast Topics:
  • “Her lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the suit and it was that she said his wiener was so big that it was. Made their life difficult.” (52:12)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• NFL playoff/betting talk: 04:30 – 13:12
• 49ers powerplant injury conspiracy: 13:16 – 17:15
• Super Bowl travel talk—"the secret": 17:29 – 18:12
• Andy Staples Interview: 25:28 – 46:23
  • National title/IU fandom: 26:10–29:05
  • Concerts/Garth Brooks: 31:00–32:00; 32:31–35:51
  • Coaches as connectors: 36:23–37:47
  • Saban as communicator: 37:47–39:59
• Viral sports stories & locker room talk: 51:32 – 54:36
• Documentary/Cocaine Quarterback: 55:36 – 57:54
• Closing banter (QB talk, haircuts): 58:58 – 61:38
• Episode sign-off: 61:43 – 62:17

Summary Tone & Style

The episode is engaging and quick-witted, blending the irreverence and chemistry of friends with genuine insight into football, pop culture, and the oddities of life around sports. The group’s banter—especially while exploring betting woes, internet conspiracies, and personal stories—keeps the mood light but informative for sports fans. The Andy Staples interview adds depth, shifting between sports expertise and relatable, sometimes hilarious anecdotes.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

Expect a lively ride through playoff heartbreak, conspiracy theories and betting angst, revelations about coaching charisma, plus a surprising number of Garth Brooks/Taylor Swift analogies. The show delivers laughs, news-you-might-miss, and unique perspectives on the culture of football—both on-field and off.