The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Hour 1 - Protecting Kids is Not Anti-Gay
Date: February 10, 2026
Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Overview
In this lively first hour, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton break down the economic and demographic shifts from blue to red states, the impact on national politics, and the social consequences of progressive policies—especially involving children. They touch on billionaires fleeing high-tax states, discuss the broader political landscape ahead of 2028, and passionately dissect Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's use of faith to justify vetoing a bill banning gender surgeries for minors. Throughout, the hosts use direct language and frequent humor, staying true to their pointed, conversational style.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Economic Flight from Blue States
Timestamps: [00:06]–[15:19]
- Wealth Exodus: Buck and Clay discuss California’s high taxation driving billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, Larry Page, Peter Thiel, and Elon Musk out of the state—many heading to Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
- “These are the richest people on the planet and they are leaving California across the board…” – Buck [05:04]
- States Compared: Florida and New York have similar populations, but New York’s government costs twice as much.
- “Everything is better managed here across the board... This place is run like there are adults in charge who understand math and also know that they're supposed to serve the people.” – Buck [08:28]
- COVID’s Lasting Impact: The pandemic shifted work habits, prompting high-earners to realize the advantages of residing and working in tax-friendly, efficiently-run states.
- “I think this is going to end up being the biggest legacy of COVID… People learned that they could live in many different places and still do their jobs just as well…” – Clay [06:31]
- Political Consequences: Anticipates that by 2030, census data and shifting populations will strengthen the South and red states, making it far more difficult for Democrats to win national elections without appealing to red states.
- “In the 2030 census... political power is going to move even more to red states…” – Clay [10:36]
- Public School Decline: Discusses the exorbitant cost of private schools in NYC due to failing public schools, despite significant investments in facilities.
- “It’s daycare for unruly kids. So you’re never going to learn anything... This math doesn’t math, as they say, Clay.” – Buck [13:41]
2. The Case of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Protecting Children
Timestamps: [20:00]–[35:00]
- Democrat 2028 Field: The hosts mention possible Democratic contenders like Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg, and Andy Beshear.
- “Black guys are not voting for a gay white guy… His hopes are dead.” – Clay (on Pete Buttigieg) [20:39]
- Andy Beshear’s Faith and Veto: Audio is played of Beshear, on The View, citing his Christian faith as the reason for vetoing a bill banning gender surgeries for minors.
- “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God, and I didn’t want people picking on those kids.” – Andy Beshear [23:07 audio clip]
- Hosts' Response: Clay and Buck passionately reject Beshear’s justification, arguing Christian faith centers on protecting children, not permitting life-altering surgeries for minors.
- “His version of Christ suggests... that Jesus believes that a 14-year-old should have his genitals chopped off or her genitals chopped off because it’s the godly thing to do. I’m sorry, that should be outrageous to everyone in Kentucky.” – Clay [25:08]
- “That’s the opposite of Christian teaching, you loon. What are you doing?” – Buck [25:23]
- Wider Societal Critique: They argue the issue is increasingly rejected by Americans of all backgrounds and predict it will hurt Democrats nationally.
- “Most people... are increasingly saying we shouldn’t be operating on kids under 18 and sterilizing them for life.” – Clay [27:42]
- Medical Ethics: The hosts enumerate the irreversible harms of such medical interventions, noting the physical and psychological consequences.
- “These surgeries are always a bad idea. This is the thing that actually people are going to start. It does not work. You do not transition genders, you mutilate your own gender. It is irreparable harm and your long-term mental health suffers as a result of it.” – Buck [28:06]
3. Current Events Briefs and Listener Feedback
Timestamps: [17:43], [36:05]–[38:20]
- Nancy Guthrie Case: Buck and Clay give updates on the developing case regarding Nancy Guthrie, reporting that the FBI has just released a photo of a person of interest.
- “CNN is reporting that NBC is reporting that the FBI is about to release a image of a potential suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case…” – Clay [17:43]
- Listener Call-ins: They air “talkbacks” from listeners expressing skepticism of the NFL’s priorities, suggesting the league cares only about money.
- “The NFL doesn’t care about stopping racism or hate… They don’t care. They only care about one thing and that’s the NFL and that’s money.” – Alex in Minnesota [36:53]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Great Wealth Migration:
- “California’s policies are insane and unsustainable.” – Buck [05:48]
- On Political Implications:
- “You’re going to be unable to get elected President of the United States without winning red states.” – Clay [10:56]
- On Gender Surgeries for Minors:
- “It is awful, I would imagine, to be 14 years old... and think you would be happier if your breasts were removed or if your penis were chopped off. And then to have a governor say, ‘I’m going to veto legislation to stop that from happening, because that’s what Jesus would want me to do.’ It’s disgusting.” – Clay [25:40]
- On Andy Beshear’s Position:
- “He’s like the con man who can’t run another con. So now he’s pretending to be a tent show preacher and he’s just… pulling pennies out of the hands of old ladies. It’s just so slimy, man.” – Buck [29:00]
Timeline of Important Segments
- [00:06]–[15:19] — Economic exodus from high-tax states, demographic and political consequences
- [20:00]–[35:00] — 2028 Democratic contenders, Andy Beshear’s veto, cultural and ethical debate over gender surgeries for minors
- [17:43], [36:05]–[38:20] — Nancy Guthrie case updates, listener call-ins, NFL commentary
Closing Thoughts
Clay and Buck use detailed analysis and strong rhetoric to argue that progressive policies—especially around taxes and child protection—are not only unsustainable but driving fundamental change in the American political and demographic landscape. Their frank approach pulls no punches, especially in their critique of Andy Beshear, and will resonate with listeners concerned about both economic sanity and the wellbeing of children.