The Bobby Bones Show Podcast
Episode: Lunchbox Geeks Out Over Price Is Right Experience
Date: April 4, 2026
Host: Bobby Bones Show Team (Segment: Morgan with Lunchbox)
Episode Overview
This episode dives into Lunchbox’s experience as a contestant on "The Price Is Right." Morgan interviews Lunchbox about the excitement, behind-the-scenes details, and secrecy leading up to his TV debut. They reflect on the energy, planning, and memorable moments of his game show adventure, as well as some of Lunchbox’s top show “bits” over his 23-year run.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Getting on The Price Is Right: The Experience
- Lunchbox recalls the surreal, “blacked out” feeling:
- Didn’t remember hearing his name called to “come on down” due to the noise and energy of the studio.
- “[It] was so loud that I still don't remember them calling my name.” — Lunchbox (02:58)
- Describes confusion and adrenaline as a contestant:
- Didn’t track his own or other contestants’ bids; realized he won when the studio lights and “dingers” signaled him.
- “There's no way I kept up with those other people's bids. Like, I was just like, all right, did I win?” — Lunchbox (03:39)
- Physical excitement and reactions:
- Not conscious of his own celebratory jumping and didn’t remember interactions, like Marilyn grabbing his hand.
- "I did not realize that I jumped up and down that much." — Lunchbox (04:14)
- Felt nervous, but mostly due to anticipation they might not call his name.
- Talks about the seating strategy of the show:
- Noted how production splits up enthusiastic contestants for energy and camera shots.
2. Keeping The Secret
- Lunchbox’s commitment to secrecy about being selected:
- Didn’t tell friends, family (beyond wife and kids), or colleagues.
- “I didn’t tell anybody. My brother and sister didn’t even know.” — Lunchbox (09:01)
- Relished listeners’ skepticism prior to reveal.
- “I wanted everybody to pile on and then to feel so stupid when March 31 came around and your boy was on the freaking show.” — Lunchbox (08:26)
- Highlights the fun and thrill of pulling off the secret for months:
- Never slipped up, even with close podcast partners or during the show’s cruise.
- “It was so fun to lie to everybody.” — Lunchbox (13:32)
3. After the Episode: Reactions & Watch Party
- Phone and social media “blew up” after the episode aired.
- Some friends still don’t know, like his college friend Andrea, who thought he never made it out of the audience.
- Watch party story: Large group of adults and kids; kids keen but noisy during the show.
- Lunchbox’s kids and their understanding: Knew something happened, shared at school, but didn’t fully grasp the TV nature.
4. “Top Bits” of Lunchbox’s Career
- Lunchbox’s self-assessment of favorite on-air antics:
- Running a marathon on four days’ notice—his #1 “bit.”
- The Price Is Right secret and experience—#2.
- Other classic pranks include:
- The infamous April Fool’s “balloon puppy” bit that pranked the whole city (18:01)
- The refried beans “free gas” giveaway scam (20:03)
- Going to jail for a radio bit.
- Enjoys audience debate on his best stunts.
5. Inside Knowledge: Game Show Production
- Details about the show’s process:
- No food or water on set. Lengthy waits between arrivals, audience seating, and the main show.
- “They probably don't want you to have drinks, because… someone has to go to the bathroom… It looks weird on TV…” — Lunchbox (28:28)
- Contestant interviews are brief; must bring energy instantly.
- Game mechanics explained:
- How the Showcase Showdown spins work, bonus spins, and prize amounts.
- Calculated what he could’ve done differently to win the showcase.
6. Would He Do It Again?
- Rules about repeat appearances: Can't be called again for 10 years but can join the audience.
- Would consider other game shows—except Jeopardy!:
- Feels he’d fail trivia-based shows, but would go back on Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, or Survivor (his “#1” pick).
7. The Price Is Right Strategy & Pro Tips
- Advice for future contestants:
- Arrive early, be high-energy, engage with everyone (many around him in line made it on-stage).
- Eat before you go, bring snacks for long waits.
- “From the day. The moment I got out of the Uber.” — Lunchbox on being energetic (31:04)
- Emphasizes authenticity and making impressions, even on staff directing parking lots—"I talked to every single person I saw."
8. The “Lunchbox” Name Reveal
- Was it worth using his real name on national TV?
- “Completely worth it. Let's go put the name tag on. I mean, whoa.”
- Refuses to be called anything but Lunchbox by colleagues or fans.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the intensity and blackout effect of being called to “come on down”:
"I still never heard come on down… It was so loud that I still don't remember them calling my name." — Lunchbox (02:58) -
On the elation and physical reaction upon winning a round:
"I did not realize that I jumped up and down that much… the jumping. Don’t know where that came from." — Lunchbox (04:14) -
On keeping secrets for the bit:
“It was so fun to lie to everybody.” — Lunchbox (13:32) -
On why he kept quiet:
“It’s all about the shock and anticipation.” — Lunchbox (09:49) -
On the top bits:
“I ran a marathon without training… That is perseverance… So I think the marathon might be bigger [than Price Is Right].” — Lunchbox (13:41) -
On energy and preparation:
“The moment I got out of the Uber… I talked to every single person I saw.” — Lunchbox (31:04) -
On being Lunchbox forever:
"That's the dumbest question anybody's ever asked. It'll be Lunchbox forever." (33:51) -
On the day’s exhaustion:
"I did not get back to the hotel till like, 6:30, and I was exhausted." — Lunchbox (32:02) -
On the risk and possibility of failure:
“…It could have been a complete failure. Absolute disaster. But it wasn’t.” — Lunchbox (21:09–21:28)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:24] – Lunchbox recounts not hearing "come on down"
- [03:21] – Bidding confusion and realizing he won
- [04:14] – Physical excitement, “jumping bean” description
- [07:49] – Decision to keep everything secret
- [13:32] – On enjoying lying to everyone for the bit
- [14:08] – Comparing this stunt with running a marathon
- [18:01] – Reminiscing the “puppy and balloons” April Fool’s prank
- [20:03] – “Free gas” as cans of beans—classic trick
- [27:01] – Entry logistics; arriving and waiting for taping
- [31:04] – On energy: “From the moment I got out of the Uber…”
- [33:38] – On using his real name and wearing it with pride
- [35:02] – Watch party chaos and family reactions
- [37:46] – Future game shows; would do Wheel of Fortune, Survivor, never Jeopardy!
- [43:04] – Fabricating stories to cover during Price Is Right taping
Tone & Takeaways
The episode is energetic and playful, echoing Lunchbox's delight and pride at pulling off both his Price Is Right appearance and the months-long secret. There’s humility mixed with his signature bravado, as well as genuine camaraderie between Morgan and Lunchbox. The conversation weaves nostalgia, personal storytelling, and practical advice for aspiring game show contestants, along with plenty of laughs and references to classic show history.
It's a can't-miss for Bobby Bones Show fans, Price Is Right aficionados, and anyone interested in the wild ride of reality game show appearances.