The Bobby Bones Show – Episode 25W Summary

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Episode Title: 25W: Why Bobby Loved Shane Gillis' ESPYs Monologue + Nick Saban's Next Coaching Spot with Stewart Mandel + Kickoff Kevin Admits He Was Wrong

1. Shane Gillis’ ESPYs Monologue Appreciation

Timestamp: 02:00 – 07:00

Bobby Bones kicks off the episode with enthusiastic praise for Shane Gillis' performance during the ESPYs. Despite facing roasting from traditional media, Bobby found Gillis' monologue "awesome" and highlighted his ability to deliver humor without being mean-spirited.

• Bobby Bones [02:22]: “If you were a sports fan and you like comedy, it was awesome. Because people in the room weren't comfortable doesn't mean it wasn't hilarious.”

Bobby and his co-hosts dissect several jokes from Gillis' act, emphasizing the delicate balance he maintained between roasting and respect. A standout moment discusses the Caitlin Clark joke, which received mixed reactions from the audience.

• Kevin [03:51]: “Caitlin Clark. She and I have a lot in common. We're both whites from the Midwest who have nailed a bunch of threes.”

Despite some audience discomfort, Bobby defends Gillis' approach, asserting that the comedian was “the perfect guy to do it.”

• Bobby Bones [06:30]: “Couldn't have done better because there were enough uncomfortable people.”

The segment also touches on other notable jokes, including references to Shaq threatening RG3 over Angel Reese's controversial tweets, showcasing the edgy humor that Gillis brought to the stage.

2. All-Star Baseball Game and Entertainment Innovations

Timestamp: 07:00 – 15:00

Transitioning from comedy to sports, Bobby and his team delve into the recent All-Star Game's innovative "swing-off" feature, likening it to penalty kicks in soccer. They express enthusiasm for fast-paced entertainment to attract younger audiences.

• Bobby Bones [08:26]: “It was basically home run derby at the end of the game. What a fun way...”

The discussion highlights the potential for such innovations to make baseball more engaging, proposing ideas like integrating swing-offs into regular season games to prevent lengthy extra innings.

• Bobby Bones [11:45]: “I think one of the really cool things to do would be to make this... just the swing off.”

Bobby critiques traditional baseball pacing, advocating for changes that could rejuvenate the sport's appeal without alienating traditionalists.

3. Red Sox Performance and Fan Reactions

Timestamp: 32:26 – 34:00

In a candid segment, Bobby addresses his co-host Kevin’s change of heart regarding the Boston Red Sox. Kevin admits that trading Devers was the right move as the team has since improved and is now on a winning streak.

• Eddie [32:28]: “I do. It's taking me a while to get here...”

• Bobby Bones [33:24]: “They haven't lost since Trump was there.”

This admission underscores the dynamic nature of sports fandom and the importance of allowing teams to make strategic decisions without undue criticism.

4. Interview with Stuart Mandel: College Football and NIL

Timestamp: 35:12 – 51:25

Bobby welcomes Stuart Mandel, Editor-in-Chief of The Athletic and host of the Audible podcast, to discuss pressing issues in college football, particularly Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and their impact on the sport.

Key Discussion Points:

• NIL and Collectives:
  Stuart explains recent developments where the NCAA's commission deemed collectives as invalid business entities, challenging their role in athlete compensation.

  • Stuart Mandel [36:39]: “Collectives don't serve a valid business purpose... they're not going to approve the deals.”

• Potential Collective Bargaining:
  The conversation explores the possibility of a collective bargaining agreement emerging in college sports, similar to professional leagues.

  • Stuart Mandel [37:01]: “I do think some form of collective bargaining is coming at some point...”

• Nick Saban’s Future:
  Discussing rumors about Nick Saban considering a move, Stuart speculates potential destinations like Oklahoma, emphasizing Saban's fit with powerhouse programs.

  • Stuart Mandel [38:05]: “Oklahoma... it's a powerhouse program that you can win national championships at...”

• College Football Playoffs and Conference Realignments:
  They analyze recent changes in the College Football Playoff system and the disbanding of conferences like the PAC-12, predicting shifts towards Big Ten and SEC dominance.

  • Stuart Mandel [40:43]: “Last year it just so happened that Boise ended up finishing ahead of Clemson...”

• Heisman Trophy Predictions:
  Stuart offers insights into potential Heisman contenders, balancing expectations between high-profile names like Arch Manning and emerging talents like Kate Klubnick.

  • Stuart Mandel [50:18]: “I do like Kate Clubin's chances...”

The interview concludes with discussions on coaching contracts, the financial implications of buyouts, and the evolving landscape of college football in response to NIL and transfer portals.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 51:25 – End

Bobby shifts the tone towards personal stories, sharing his recent experience with dental work and his dedication to flossing, which humorously affects his speech.

• Bobby Bones [54:37]: “I went and I got my tooth fixed... I'll just get another tooth put on.”

He also touches on his venture into comedy outside of the show, joking about performing new material at the Grand Ole Opry and experimenting with musical elements, highlighting his creative endeavors beyond sports commentary.

• Bobby Bones [58:22]: “I talk about being allergic to dairy and being from the south is like being a cowboy allergic to his horse.”

The episode wraps up with teasers for upcoming segments and thanks to the crew, maintaining a light-hearted and personal connection with the audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Bobby Bones [06:30]: “Couldn't have done better because there were enough uncomfortable people.”
• Stuart Mandel [36:39]: “Collectives don't serve a valid business purpose... they're not going to approve the deals.”
• Bobby Bones [58:22]: “I talk about being allergic to dairy and being from the south is like being a cowboy allergic to his horse.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show masterfully blends humor with insightful sports commentary, offering listeners a deep dive into Shane Gillis’ comedic prowess, innovative changes in baseball, evolving dynamics in college football, and personal anecdotes from the host. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a comedy aficionado, Bobby and his team deliver a rich and engaging listening experience.

Listen to the episode on your preferred platform: iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.