The Bobby Bones Show — 25 Whistles: Happy Thanksgiving!

Podcast: The Bobby Bones Show
Episode: 25W: Happy Thanksgiving!
Date: November 27, 2025
Host/Participants: Bobby Bones, Kevin, Eddie, Brandon Ray, plus producer/crew
Main Theme: Thanksgiving, football talk (Arkansas coaching changes, NFL Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys), music moments, and lighthearted holiday banter.

Episode Overview

This special Thanksgiving-themed episode of "25 Whistles" offers listeners a lively mix of football analysis, relatable family holiday anecdotes, and engaging music conversations. Bobby and the crew dive into recent college coaching changes, dissect the upcoming NFL Hall of Fame class, debate the Dallas Cowboys' playoff hopes, share music fandom moments, and pack in plenty of humor along the way—all in the spirit of giving fans something fun to hear when they need a break from family.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

Thanksgiving Vibes & Fan Passion

• The crew launches the episode addressing the joys and challenges of Thanksgiving with family.
• TV Yelling & Fan Frustration: Discussion about who yells at the TV during games.
  • Eddie shares an anecdote about breaking his hand as a teenager punching a couch (04:11).
    • Eddie: "I had anger issues as a teenager, and just... I just turned and the first thing I saw, and I punched the corner of the couch... and I broke my hand."
  • Bobby admits he tries to keep emotional distance from sports outcomes now.
    • Bobby: "Can't be disappointed if you don't have any sort of expectation." (09:04)

Arkansas Head Coach Conversation

• The episode provides an inside look at the search for a new Arkansas head football coach.
  • Bobby shares how Alex Golesh was considered, with him (Bobby) credited for nudging interest.
  • Bobby reflects on past close relationships with coaches, why he now keeps more distance.
    • Bobby: "I don't want to be so attached — because I don't want to like or not like the person. I'm done with that version." (11:13)
• Talks candidly about how being deeply involved with athletic programs can hurt fandom.

Separating Art from the Artist

• Memorable segment exploring whether negative personal experiences with artists change how the crew enjoys their music.
  • Bobby says he can generally separate art from the artist (13:57), referencing past run-ins with Casey Musgraves and joking about "30 minutes every night of R. Kelly" [facetious].
    • Bobby: "I can separate art from artist... It's why every night I go home... I go 30 minutes every night of R. Kelly." (14:04) [Joking]
    • The team riffs on consuming problematic artists' work in an obviously tongue-in-cheek way.

NFL Hall of Fame Semifinalists & Debates

• The group analyzes the list of NFL Hall of Fame semifinalists, discussing who should make the cut.
  • The QB Debate: Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and others.
    • Bobby: "Drew Brees — for sure gets in." (25:27)
    • Eddie: "Frank Gore — third all-time rushing." (27:38)
  • Bobby highlights the difficulty in judging offensive linemen and specialists.
    • Bobby: "What the crap do I know about offensive linemen?" (22:19)
  • Reflects on longevity and first-year eligibility, settling on Brees and Fitzgerald as guarantees.

Cowboys Playoff Hopes & Fan Dilemmas

• Kevin and Eddie passionately discuss the Cowboys' path to the playoffs, breaking down the remaining schedule.
  • Kevin is optimistic, but Bobby urges caution:
    • Bobby: "You're doing some ifs, though." (44:13)
  • Conversation about Christmas gift dilemmas centered around Cowboys players and jersey purchases for kids.
    • Kevin: "All [my kids] want George Pickens jerseys, which...I don't even know he's gonna be a Cowboy." (47:01)
  • They compare the handling of veteran legacies — e.g., Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning.

Music Talk: Steven Wilson Jr. & Technical Insights

• Eddie and Brandon Ray describe attending a Steven Wilson Jr. concert, with Eddie marveling at the blend of country, rock, and technical guitar mastery.
  • Eddie: "Just talent wise, he was stupid good." (33:28)
• "Kickoff Kevin" (Kevin) admits to being a well-meaning music amateur; a lighthearted music Q&A ensues with Brandon Ray explaining pedal effects, guitar terminology, and unique stage setups.
  • Brandon: "He's trying to bridge that classical nylon [sound] with '90s grunge together with country." (36:11)
• Surprise revelation: Steven Wilson Jr.'s wife is Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer), who performed onstage. (38:16)
  • Bobby: "That's the most shocking thing I've heard in days." (38:27)

Gambling Talk & Holiday Health

• The crew jokes about their weekly sports betting, leading to ribbing about who is costing whom money.

• They decide to take it easy this week but quickly revert to planning a "Black Friday parlay."

  • Eddie: "Let's do one. A Black Friday parlay." (54:57)
  • Picks include: Indiana -28.5 at Purdue (Bobby), Oklahoma -10 vs. LSU (Eddie), Oregon -7 over Washington (Brandon), Texas A&M -2.5 over UT (Kevin).

• Closing with a health-focused moment as Bobby laments being dairy-free at Thanksgiving:

  • Bobby: "Instead of being...ashamed of myself because I've overeaten, I don't eat it at all. So I'm sad." (57:40)
  • Brandon Ray: "It's like, either way, you're gonna be sad." (57:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eddie (on fandom anger): "I broke my hand punching a couch one time." (03:35)
• Bobby (on distancing from coaching drama): "I just don't want to fly too close to the sun." (12:03)
• Bobby (on separating art and artist): "I can separate art from artist. It's why every night I go home...I go 30 minutes every night of R. Kelly." (14:04)
• Bobby (about being a fantasy football old-schooler): "Let me check my phone. Is it 1997?" (05:51)
• On Hall of Fame selection:
  Bobby: "Drew Brees — for sure gets in. Larry Fitzgerald — that's a for sure in." (25:27)
• Brandon Ray (on unique music tech): "He's trying to bridge that classical nylon...with 90s grunge together with country." (36:11)
• Bobby (on holiday health): "I've traded shame for sadness." (57:53)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:10] — Fan frustration and TV yelling stories
• [08:16] — Arkansas head coach speculation & Bobby's inside info
• [13:40] — Separating artists from their art
• [20:40] — NFL Hall of Fame semifinalists discussion
• [43:33] — Dallas Cowboys playoff odds and scheduling breakdown
• [54:53] — Deciding on a "Black Friday" football parlay
• [57:48] — Dairy-free Thanksgiving and closing thoughts

Summary

This Thanksgiving episode balances sharp football analysis with plenty of friendly banter, music geekery, and relatable holiday woes. Listeners get a peek behind the curtain on coaching rumors, strong NFL takes, Cowboys optimism and gift dilemmas, and real talk about what it means to be a passionate fan (and sometimes a jaded one). The show leans into its casual, conversational tone — full of callbacks, friendly jabs, and genuine laughs, ensuring sports fans and music lovers alike find something to enjoy.