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Ali
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Buck
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Ali
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Buck
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Ali
Welcome to After Hours with producer Ali and producer Greg.
Clay
Welcome back.
Ali
Yes and Just to bring people up to speed about what, after hours? Is it kind of like an Easter egg to be found from time to time?
Clay
You never know when it's going to show up.
Ali
I would say things that people want to know about going on behind the scenes of the Clay and Buck show. We get emails, talk backs, and question, do you do in this case or how do you guys do that? So we thought we would answer a question that came up recently having to do with getting sick.
Clay
What happens when Clay and Buck come down with the stomach flu, for instance, or a fever and can't do the show?
Ali
And how do we manage to steer the ship behind the scenes with a limited staff? Because after all, we are not AI, we are humans and we have to do some very human jobs.
Clay
There was a little bit of chaos this week. Can only imagine what you were going through because I was a little bit removed from it. You were dealing with it, what was going on. And Buck was sick and Clay was going on vacation and it was a.
Ali
Perfect storm of events. I will say, though, kudos to Buck. He really did not want to have Clay miss the first day of his vacation. Clay was more than willing to set it back one day so that he could fill in for Buck while he was on the bathroom floor, floor in the fetal position. And I was scrambling because Clay had already left for his vacation down to Orlando, Florida. So I was scrambling trying to set up a studio for Clay to run on over to to broadcast the show. So I do want to give a quick shout out to WFLFAM in Orlando. Rick, Ken and Frank were so cool about the last minute request accommodating and they were gonna be there to help Clay get the show on the air if Buck was not able to host.
Clay
Kudos to Clay too, for being willing to step up in that case as well and say, okay, we're going to be on vacation and I'm going to send the kids off to the park or whatever, and I'm willing to come in for the, you know, three hours, a little bit plus so he could do some show prep and cover. I thought that that was really selfless of him to be able to do that.
Ali
Yeah, we are a really great team here. And everyone has everyone else's back or behind. We actually had, speaking of an emergency, four minute clip in case Buck had to pull the rip cord, so to speak, and run to the bathroom. And that's why having a home studio is so convenient, because imagine if he was here in the studio. The bathroom's like Half a mile away.
Clay
It really is. Yeah. No, he'd be. He never would have made it. And, yeah, we did. We had that ready to go. And you. You called it something really disgusting. And I just said, you know, I don't even remember what you call it.
Ali
The VD clip. Oh, wait, that sounds even worse. It stands for the things that happen when you're sick.
Clay
The Very Disgusting Clip.
Ali
Oh, actually, that's even better. The Very Disgusting Clip. Four minutes of filler hoping that nobody would be the wiser if Buck had to pull the ripcord and make a break for it.
Clay
Exactly. And we didn't need it, fortunately.
Ali
But all of this got us thinking about times in the past where people have called in sick. We remembered Buck's great story of the first time he filled in for Rush Limbaugh as a guest host. At the time, you and I were working with Rush.
Clay
That's right.
Ali
I met Buck. I had no idea he was as sick as he was that very first day. So to hear him retell that story, kind of cool to hear from my perspective.
Clay
Yeah, I had no idea either. I wasn't really even aware. Yeah, we were just doing our jobs and living our lives and whatever. And only later did I find out, oh, my God, that poor guy who was on the air.
Buck
Who?
Clay
We didn't know who he was at that point. This poor CIA guy.
Ali
It's a fun story that kind of feels like the plot line in so many movies where the protagonist is up against all odds and everything is going wrong. There's one hurdle after another. And just when you think there's no hope, a miracle happens. One of our listeners, Steve, actually sent in a talk back message remembering that fateful day and wanted to know more about it. Little does he know. Just went on into getting Buck on the air. Take a listen.
Buck
Hey, guys, this is Steve from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, listening via who AM640 in Akron.
Clay
Got a question for you, buck.
Buck
It was 11 years ago today that you made your debut behind the golden EIB microphone.
Clay
Would like.
Buck
And it was Good Friday too. Would like to know your thoughts, recollections from that day.
Clay
How did it come about anything like that? You might want to share to us with us.
Buck
Be really interesting.
Clay
Thanks, guys.
Buck
First of all, Clay, incredible memory from this guy. He is not a cousin or an uncle of mine. I did not put him up to this. I know that's a pretty wild recall.
Greg
This guy's got ridiculous love affair here that he would remember, but credit to.
Buck
Him, 11 years ago. 11.
Greg
11 years. Not even like it was 10 or five. It's like, you know, 11 is kind of a. No offense to anybody celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary, but usually it's not like, oh, my goodness. But, yes, this is impressive.
Buck
So, Steve, I have. Yes, it was 11 years ago I sat at the Golden EIB Mike. A young buck, 30. Gosh, how old am I? 32 years old. I was either the youngest or maybe Hannity. I don't know. Guys, we gotta check on this. Was Hannity the youngest to ever sit at the EIB Mike at that time, or is it me? I think we're within a year of each other. So I don't know who gets the. Who gets the youngest title, but you want to know what it was like? I. I'll tell you about what it was like. First of all, the team pulled this. When they saw this. Talk back. They pulled this up. This was. I don't even know what this is gonna sound like, but. Well, let's just say here's what it was like years ago. Cut 25. Filling in for Rush. And now filling in for Rush, he's a national security editor for the Blaze, A former CIA officer who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's also worked as a counter terrorism specialist for the New York Police Department. Ladies and gentlemen, here's Buck Sexton. Buck Sexton here filling in for Rush Limbaugh today. I'm also just to bring you up to speed, the national security editor of TheBlaze.com and fighting a tiny bit of a cold, but couldn't pass up this opportunity to have a chance to speak to all of you.
Greg
Okay, so young.
Buck
Not only am I so incredibly young, I was. I was very young. But beyond that. So this is. You asked what it was like fast forward. I Rush, his team reached out. I had filled in for Glenn Clay. I had filled in for.
Greg
Hold on. One joke before you tell your serious story. Producer Greg says a cold. He sounds like he's going through puberty. So.
Buck
Wow. Producer Greg at 2. Greg, right. Right after the Rangers game. Greg, really? Really. Oh, I see how it is.
Greg
All right, now, you could tell your serious story, but I wanted to.
Buck
No, it's not.
Greg
Greg, deliver a shot across the bow to start.
Buck
So. Well, let me. Let me just say this. This is all. This is all true. If my mom's listening, she's going to have flashbacks. Because I had been at the Blaze only for a couple of years at this point. I'd filled in for Glenn, and then I filled in for Sean Hannity and then Rush's team. Sure enough, they said, we're gonna let you sit at the. At the Golden Mic. And I was, you know, this was a huge break in my career. I was incredibly excited. And I. I came down. The week of it, I came down with a cold. And I remember thinking, okay, this will be fine, because I'll. The cold will be bad on the Monday, Tuesday, but by Friday, I should be okay. What I didn't realize is that sometimes if you're going to get laryngitis, it happens toward the end of the cold, or rather, you know, mid to end of the cold. Cause your vocal cords get so inflamed and dried out from the virus. Clay. The day before I had that show, I had the only time in my life this has happened to me. I could not speak at all. I had no voice whatsoever. And that sounds obviously like I'm gonna wimp out of this. So I can't. I don't know what I'm gonna do. So I'm scrambling, I'm drinking tea, I'm doing all this sort of stuff. And God bless her. I call my mom. I say, mom, I gotta fill in for rush tomorrow. Oh, by the way, I was like, I mean, I had nothing, no voice, nothing. And she finds. She's just scrambling. We're doing online research. She finds somebody who is the person, the doctor in New York who opera singers go to when it's opera night and they have. And there's something that she can do. And so my mom, and this is all my mom, I gotta say, my mom calls this doctor who says, I'm not open tomorrow. I'm going to the Hamptons. My mom says, my son is filling in for the biggest radio show in the country, I guess, in the world. I don't know if there's a bigger show in China, but, you know, biggest show in the world. Can you please just help him? Like, whatever you can do. She goes, all right. The day of, I go in there and I go in there, 10 o' clock in the morning, she looks at my vocal cords, Dr. Coravin. She looks at my vocal cords, Clay, and she goes, you. You are. You are cooked. There is no chance you're going to be able to do this show. The only option is I'm going to give you a steroid shot. The steroid shot will bring the inflammation of your vocal cords down, but it will only last three to four hours. Oh, wow. So it's like 10:30 in the morning the day of the show. And, you know, she doesn't she didn't know. She just knew I was doing a show. She didn't know what time. I'm like, that actually will work. Can you give me the shot? Can we do it? And so that I started out that show, I said I had a bit of a cold. I was shaking, that my voice the whole time was going to just disappear, and I would sound like a huge. A huge wimp. And at the. By the end of the show, by the way, the voice was pretty much gone. And that night, I couldn't speak again. So that was the whole. If you're wondering. And for days, the anxiety level for days afterwards, I was just, like shaking at home. Like, oh, my God, I was so scared my voice was going to go. But it went well enough. They had me back, and now here we are.
Greg
Okay, so I want to give. So first of all, that's great. The doctor was there and she was willing to do this. Did your mom think on the spot about the idea of opera singers and how they were treated? I actually am curious how. I mean, that's a brilliant idea that she would have had because we make a living based on being able to talk. But I wouldn't even have thought. I mean, first of all, you're in New York City. I don't. Nashville. I would have been totally in trouble because I can't imagine.
Buck
My mom loves. You know, my mom was. She was in the near. She was in, you know, ballet at American Ballet Theater. And so she loves classical music and she has friends in the opera in New York and everything. So she knows that world a bit. But it was totally her idea. And this isn't even thought about it.
Greg
That's mom saving the day.
Buck
Totally saved the day. And the doctor. The doctor looked at me. She was like. She's like, your vote. You have. She actually said, if I tried to push through without the steroid, you can do permanent damage.
Greg
Yeah.
Buck
Because you can create scar tissue because of all the inflammation in your vocal box. So this. It was just at all. All the stars alive. But people ask. Yeah, my 11 day. I have never been nervous doing anything in media in my life before or since. That was the only time, and by far the biggest time I was ever nervous. Yes. Being by behind the golden EIB mike, when, you know, Rush was having his 680 stations or whatever it was. But Clay, the whole time I come back from break, I was like, I can still talk. Okay, we got one more segment. We got one more segment. I told the team, ali, dude. Ali, you remember, you were there so was Mike.
Ali
I do remember. And I remember meeting you that day, Buck. I would have had no idea you were cool as a cucumber.
Buck
I was shaking like a leaf. I was shaking like a leaf. So, yeah, that was, I mean, Clay, you're the same. I can tell you the same thing. Even when the first time I did tv, like the first time I was on cable news, I was like, I was CIA, baby. Cool as a cucumber. Like, this isn't gonna faze me. This was when I was like, oh, my God, oh my God, oh my God. So I remember it, trust me, 11 years ago. And mom, you are the great, greatest mom, but also a genius on the spot.
Greg
I mean, that's what I'm saying. Like, even to think, okay, who would be able to treat this, who would be able to figure out a way to make this happen? Because this is always an issue for singers, right? I know. I, I, I think I came on the air and talked about the fact that I went to watch Adele and some of you were like, what? It was an incredible, right? She was amazing in Caesars, but then she's had to cancel a ton of her performances because of vocal fold related issues. And obviously when you are an incredible talent like that, something as simple, as simple as a cold, can throw everything into an uproar. So I wouldn't have even thought about that. But credit to your mom because you probably got. How many doctors like that are there in the nation? 10.
Buck
Very few that specialize, that specialize in this because most people would just say, look, you got a cold, like, go home from work. Like, you know, it's just not, don't.
Greg
Talk as much ordinarily, fine.
Buck
It's not a major medical issue unless you make a living and have a performance of some kind with your voice. But yeah, I like to tell people I'm such a vocal athlete that I had to take steroids, performance enhancing drugs for my vocals.
Greg
So how long did it take for your voice to get back to normal after you took the steroid shot to be able to do the show?
Buck
Two to three days.
Greg
Two to three days still of just like being shut down?
Buck
Oh, yeah, Horse, you know, sounded totally weird. But yeah. So when I met Allie and the team and Mike. And Mike, Mike Mamon was there. Mike knew I was there. Nervous as hell. But anyway, when I was there, they were there and that was how it all went.
Ali
Greg, I really love your little joke there about Buck going through puberty.
Clay
Well, did you hear his voice? I mean, he really sounded so Much younger than he does today.
Ali
And when was that, 2014?
Clay
Yes, I think that that sounds about right.
Ali
Wow. His voice really does sound different.
Clay
He really. It's so unusual. And it could be. There's a lot of things that go into that. There's processing and the microphone itself was different and that sort of thing.
Ali
Technology changes.
Clay
Technology changes. So there's a lot of things that could be going into. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that he was, you know, 10 years younger than he or 11 years younger than he is currently. So it's just so funny how difference that it does make. I mean, you know, just as a quick aside, we have made times. There have been times where somebody records something in a spa, a commercial or that sort of thing, and then we've got to go back and correct something we need to have it from. And we've even done it here on the podcast where we've got to go back and pull from a different version or rerecord something and then drop it in. You have to have the same mic and the same conditions because otherwise it doesn't sound the same. It really makes a difference.
Ali
That's true. Now, Greg, just as a personal aside, what has been your worst day in terms of coming to work and being sick? Have you ever had a situation where we might have need to use the VD clip for you?
Clay
No. Well, no. I was never running to the bathroom like that, but I have come to work sick before. Yeah. And it's. This is pre Covid, so, I mean, years and years and years ago.
Ali
I know. It's amazing, right? When you look back, like, you would almost be expected to come to work sick, and, my God, you took a sick day. Now we're like, if you show up with even the slightest sniffle that you have sick. Get any of us sick.
Clay
Exactly.
Ali
Such a different mindset.
Clay
Yeah. It's a different world now.
Ali
I've literally thrown up in the trash can next to my desk because I came to work sick.
Clay
Oh, no.
Ali
Yeah.
Clay
Well, I actually had walking pneumonia, so I was here. With pneumonia, you just do what you gotta do.
Ali
Do you remember what Rush would do when he got sick? He had a secret in terms of how he would clear his voice. Do you remember?
Clay
I know that he used to.
Ali
It has to do with something.
Clay
You love that Zycam. No, that zinc product. No, he liked having zinc. So to get.
Ali
What do you call it when you.
Clay
Have a hack, like his little trick remedy. A remedy?
Ali
Yes, his little remedy. He would always use when his voice wasn't well and he would. Swore by these. These plural.
Clay
Cigars. Cigars is the only thing I can think of. I don't know.
Ali
It involves chocolate.
Buck
Really?
Ali
Chocolate donuts. Remember Rush used to always say chocolate donuts cured him?
Clay
I don't remember that. That. See, this is. I'm learning new things with you, too. That's amazing.
Ali
Yeah. And I'm trying to remember the only time in the 20 years I worked with him that he actually didn't make it on the air because he was actually. I don't even know if he was sick. He might have gotten in traffic or. Something happened that day and suddenly Snerdly had to start the show.
Clay
I remember that.
Ali
Do you remember that day?
Clay
Yeah.
Ali
All of a sudden we hear Snerdly and we're like, what's going on? What's going on?
Clay
We were looking at each other in our little alcove, just trying to figure out what was going on, because we weren't totally up to speed that this was going to be happening. It was. Or we may have gotten wind, like a minute before the show started that this was going to be happening. It was really unusual.
Ali
And he did start right out of the gate with a joke just to, you know, ease everyone's feelings immediately. But it was. That was fun for Snerdly.
Clay
Oh, yeah. And Snurdley could do stuff like that, you know. And then, of course, he was quickly off mic again because Rush always had a rule that. That the staff never had a microphone. So.
Ali
Yes. And as you're listening to this podcast, you might be like, well, that would.
Clay
Be why that's a good rule. Let's get these two people off the mic.
Ali
I think the only other crazy instance at work, in terms of being sick is one time the board operator I was working with, it was a freelancer. It wasn't our Mike Mamon. It was a freelancer was in that day. I think someone had a day off and he had an event, like, I thought it was a heart event, but he suddenly couldn't do anything, and he was pounding his chest, and I panicked because he was making. You know, when someone's choking, they make the signal. He was basically making the signal, but to his chest.
Clay
Oh, no.
Ali
And I ran into the kitchen, and remember Rush used to have tons of Schnapple.
Clay
Oh, yeah.
Ali
He had some Snapple in there. I mean, it was expired, like, 10 years prior, but it was still in the fridge, the peach Snapple. I grabbed that and handed it to him, and it was a blood sugar thing. And so he was okay. But it was one of those moments where I'm like, oh my God, what do you do when air traffic control goes down? Right. Cause that's essentially what the Bored op is.
Clay
Yeah, exactly. Which is what they're finding out what's going on in Newark. And I don't think Peach Snapple could help any of those people in Newark right now. But that's an amazing story. Yeah, I mean, I don't remember that because again, there was no one else in that control room at that point who probably knew what buttons to push in a pinch. I mean, I don't know. If Kit was still around then Kit might have been able to do it. But, you know. Or maybe Brian down in Florida. But no, that's amazing.
Ali
Well, this reminds me, if any of you out there have any stories of crazy things that happened to you on the job where you had to either fill in for somebody else's role and you'd never done it before because of a last minute sick situation or any kind of crazy work story, send it in to producer Greg and I and we'll collect them all. You can use the Talk Back feature and tell us what happened to you. Or if you're a vip, you can send us an email with your tale. We love hearing stories like this.
Clay
Absolutely. And if you send it in, you never know, it might get on the next podcast, the next after hours podcast. Easter egg, which just shows up randomly, just like an Easter egg does. You never know when it's going to be there.
Ali
Yeah. So as far as other things that happen behind the scenes when people are out, what would you say? Greg has been the most challenging in terms of how big our staff is and when people are out.
Clay
Well, it's funny because I don't want to scare you, but on the days that you're out, I always have a bit of a panic, especially the first day, just because I know that there's some big shoes to fill. There's a lot that you do and I have to be in and I have to do. Not only do I do my job and I've got a lot of help with this. Producer Mark is fantastic with this and the guys on the digital team always step up and help whenever they can as well. But I always have this tension in myself that I feel like I'm gonna let Ali down. Oh, gosh, no.
Ali
Quite the opposite. You're about to 7ft tall. Cause you have to wear a million hats that day.
Clay
A little bit of anxiety inducing, though. It's Definitely some. Definitely some stress. What about yourself?
Ali
I think the biggest fear I have when we are short staffed is just managing like octopus arms. Like how multitasking all the different things and making sure it all goes together smoothly so that people listening will have no idea that there's mad chaos going on behind the scenes.
Clay
Well, that's the idea. It's. We need to remember that this is, you know, at the end of the day, this is showbiz and we're playing without a net here. And we need to just make sure that the only thing that people see or hear in this particular case is what we're putting out on the stage and not what's going on behind the curtains and in the rafters and things. And as long as the audience doesn't know any better, then it's a good day. You go home, you go, ah, it's Miller time. I earned this one. And you crack a beer and enjoy. That's right, you've earned it.
Ali
I will say that Sick Buck had an incredible sense of humor. His text messages had me in stitches. Some real stand up comedy material.
Clay
I'm telling you, this has been fun. We haven't done this in a while and it's been good to catch up with you.
Ali
Oh, and a public service announcement. Do not go to work on colonoscopy prep day. Especially if the bathroom is down the hall. Take my word for it. Trust me. Stay home. We have a new sponsor. Trust and will. And this is actually something that I don't know about you, Greg, but I am the worst, like, procrastinator when it comes to dealing with these things. Just because I don't like thinking about it. I don't even want to think about it. Which is detrimental because the day could come and you're not prepared and that's just a reality. Part of it is, oh, where do I even start? I don't. Who do I trust? The trust thing is big. So this company makes it so much easier for you. They lay it out, walk you through the process and it's just something you can get done for peace of mind with professionals that can help you without having to involve attorneys and just all the things that deal with this uncomfortable aspect of life.
Clay
Yeah, there was a lot of stuff back that we did on the Internet before. It was, oh, if you write this down and whatever, and it was supposed to be legal and you never know. But with this, whether it's a trust or a will, it's legal and you want to have these kind of things in place. And using trust and will, you can be sure that that's the case, that it's going to provide, you know, a clear path and direction for members of your family to work through when the time comes, unfortunately.
Ali
Right. And not just for your children, for your pets, too. I think a lot of people forget about the pets. Do you really want your pet to go to the pound if you haven't made those kind of arrangements? And don't assume your family's going to step in and take Fluffy. They might not want to think about that.
Clay
Definitely. Just go to this website, trustandwill.com they make it so easy for you. It's affordable, gives you peace of mind. As ali already mentioned. Trustandwill.com they'll help you create trusts and wills, protect your legacy, the kids, your estate. Even if you, you know, even if your estate is rather modest, it's still an estate. You have to make sure that it's going to where you want it to and not to the state, because, you know, here in New York, where we're producing this, the state will take everything.
Ali
Oh, and I've heard horror stories from, you know, for close friends of mine who've unfortunately had a situation in the family and they weren't prepared. My friend's husband had a heart attack at age 38. It was the last thing in the world they even contemplated having happen. And she was two weeks away from giving birth to their second child. So she told me, in hindsight, she really. I just should have had these things in place. I should have had my affairs in order. It would just. At that time in our lives, we weren't even. They had just gotten married a few years prior. They thought they had their whole lives ahead of them and it was something that she regretted not being prepared.
Clay
Yeah, we don't teach our kids about this sort of stuff. And coming out of college, there's a couple things that you really should have in addition to getting yourself a good job. But once you get that job, get yourself a retirement account and get your affairs in order, your wills and your living will so people can know your advanced directives and that sort of thing. So if you end up in a coma and that sort of thing as well, and we don't talk about it enough, and so this is your opportunity. Find somebody who's close to you and go and talk about this stuff and go to trust and Will. It's going to be a lifesaver, so to speak, if you pardon the pun.
Ali
I'll pardon that pun, Greg. That was this episode of After Hours with us, the producers of the Clay and Buck Show. You'll find us in the feed from time to time. Like we said, a random little Easter egg of content about what goes on behind the scenes of the Clay and Buck Show.
Clay
And tune it again next time, whenever that is. Send us those talk backs. Send us the email, the VIP email. Thanks again for tuning in. We'll see you next time.
Buck
Made in America means something to us. When you invest 700 billion annually in American companies and the 13 million workers and families they support, you're investing in the success of Main Street. That's money powering growth in manufacturing, tech, energy and innovation. And it starts with private equity backing American ambition. Learn how private equity keeps American businesses growing@investmentcouncil.org paid for by the American Investment Council.
Ali
You don't know me yet, but I bet we have something in common. We all wish we were better functioning humans. Maybe figure out how to sleep better, have more meaningful relationships, cook more. That's search for practical knowledge. It's my job at the Washington Post. I host a podcast called Try this. Every episode is like an audio class.
Buck
And we learn together.
Ali
I'm Christina Quinn. Now you know me. Check out Try this wherever you're listening.
Buck
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Ali
Wow. Thanks, dad.
Buck
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Clay
For details, see trustandwill.com I'm Rodney Williams. And I'm Travis Holloway. Welcome to the wealthbreak podcast, a real conversation about finance. Let's be honest, building weft doesn't look.
Buck
The same for everyone.
Ali
I feel like sometimes being broke is a cycle and that we might have to revisit that.
Clay
And we're not stopping at success stories. What happens when it doesn't go right?
Ali
How do you cope with it?
Clay
Because wealth isn't just about money. It's about creating a life where you thrive and help others do the same. Listen to the Wealth Break podcast on the iHeartRadio app.
Buck
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Ali
This is an iHeart podcast.
Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – After Hours: Sick Stories
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Introduction to After Hours
In the "After Hours: Sick Stories" episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, producers Ali and Greg host a behind-the-scenes discussion about managing unforeseen challenges, particularly when hosts fall ill. This episode delves into personal anecdotes, team dynamics, and the resilience required to keep the show running smoothly despite setbacks.
Handling Sickness in Radio Hosting
The conversation kicks off with Ali posing a listener question about what happens when Clay and Buck become ill and are unable to host the show. They explore the logistical and emotional challenges faced when key team members are out sick, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and teamwork.
Buck's Story of Filling in for Rush Limbaugh
A highlight of the episode is Buck's recounting of his first time filling in for the legendary Rush Limbaugh as a guest host. Buck shares the anxiety he felt when he unexpectedly fell severely ill just before the show:
"I was shaking like a leaf. So, yeah, that was, I mean, Clay, you're the same. I can tell you the same thing." ([14:07])
Buck narrates how his mother ingeniously connected him with a specialist who administered a steroid shot, allowing him to perform despite his condition. This story not only showcases Buck's dedication but also the critical role of his support system.
Team Dynamics and Support
Clay and Ali commend Buck’s willingness to adapt and step in during emergencies. They highlight the collaborative spirit of the team, mentioning how everyone, from producers to the digital team, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the show's quality:
"We are a really great team here. And everyone has everyone else's back or behind." ([04:49])
Personal Anecdotes on Being Sick at Work
Ali shares her own experiences of coming to work while ill, including a memorable incident where she had to handle a board operator’s health scare. These stories illustrate the unpredictable nature of live broadcasting and the necessity for quick thinking and resourcefulness:
"I grabbed that and handed it to him, and it was a blood sugar thing. And so he was okay." ([20:24])
Clay adds his perspective, recalling past instances where illnesses impacted the show, and underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place.
Listener Engagement and Call for Stories
Encouraging audience participation, Ali invites listeners to share their own work-related challenges and unexpected situations. This segment fosters a sense of community and shared experiences among the show's listeners:
"If you send it in, you never know, it might get on the next podcast, the next after hours podcast." ([21:14])
Wrap-up: Importance of Teamwork and Final Remarks
As the episode concludes, Clay and Ali reflect on the critical importance of teamwork and preparedness in overcoming obstacles. They emphasize that maintaining professionalism and ensuring a seamless listener experience are paramount, even when faced with internal chaos:
"As long as the audience doesn't know any better, then it's a good day." ([23:15])
They also share a light-hearted moment, with Ali mentioning Buck’s humorous text messages during his illness, adding a personal and relatable touch to the discussion.
Conclusion
"After Hours: Sick Stories" provides an insightful glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Through personal stories and candid conversations, Ali, Clay, and Buck highlight the resilience, teamwork, and quick thinking required to keep the show afloat during challenging times. This episode not only entertains but also offers valuable lessons on managing crises and supporting one another in a high-pressure environment.