The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show — Hour 2: Practicing Gratitude

Date: October 2, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts
Host: Clay Travis (Buck Sexton reporting from Taiwan)
Main Theme: Practicing gratitude in media, politics, and American life, plus an interview with Michigan gubernatorial candidate John James.

Episode Overview

This hour centers on the value of gratitude—especially in media and politics—and how a lack of it contributes to societal frustration and distrust. Clay Travis, covering solo while Buck Sexton is in Taiwan, touches on personal anecdotes, public figures' attitudes toward America, and current events. The hour features listener reactions, promotes his new book (with proceeds to charity), and hosts an extended, in-depth interview with John James regarding Michigan's significance in national politics and his personal journey.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Media Trust and Gratitude

[00:04–14:40]

• Gallup Poll on Media Trust:
  Clay discusses declining trust in media, referencing heavy listener engagement and social media reaction.

• Story about Jesse Kelly and $75 Tequila Shots:
  Clay recounts a humorous story about fellow media personality Jesse Kelly ordering expensive drinks at his expense, using the anecdote to highlight issues of trust and personality in media.

  “This is exactly the response I would expect from someone who ordered $75 shots at tequila...” — Clay Travis [00:44]

• Inflation and the Cost of Living:
  Clay shares personal experiences with increasing prices, connecting it to broader economic frustrations and the Biden administration.

• Practicing Gratitude:
  Clay reflects on his daily habit of listing things he’s grateful for before starting his day—mainly family and professional privilege.

  “I encourage all of you to think, try to do this, too. Every single day, when I wake up… here are two or three things that I am very grateful for.” — Clay Travis [08:30]

• Contrast in Media Personalities:
  Clay criticizes prominent progressive media figures (Joy Reid, Rachel Maddow) for lacking visible gratitude, contrasting this with his appreciation and suggesting that many in conservative media express deeper appreciation for American opportunities.

2. Joy Reid Clip & Discussion on American Opportunity

[14:00–15:28]

• Joy Reid's Viral Clip:
  Clay plays and reacts to a clip where Joy Reid implies America was not a land of opportunity for her immigrant parents. Clay counters this by highlighting her achievements and questioning her apparent lack of gratitude.

  “Would you have become a multimillionaire in the Congo? Would you have gotten to go to Harvard if you had been born in either of those countries? I think the answer is no… Where is your gratitude?” — Clay Travis [12:40]

• Political Divide Over Gratitude:
  Clay suggests the difference between major political parties is one of gratitude:

  “One party is grateful; the other is not.” — Clay Travis [14:12]

• Warren Buffett ‘Marble’ Analogy:
  Clay explains Buffett’s metaphor—that Americans, despite their position, are uniquely lucky globally and shouldn’t risk changing places.

3. Israel Solidarity Movement & Listener Engagement

[15:00–16:28]

• Flag of Fellowship Movement:
  Clay encourages listeners to support Israel by displaying flags and supporting the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, ahead of the October 7, 2023 attack anniversary.

4. Book Launch & Charitable Giving

[16:28–20:28, 36:13–38:55]

• Clay’s New Book – “Balls”:
  Clay shares details about his forthcoming book, pledging to donate all proceeds to charity and soliciting listener suggestions for which charity should receive the funds.

• Importance of Book Preorders:
  He explains the business side of publishing, encouraging preorders to ensure wide distribution, especially since mainstream outlets may not support his book.

  “All the proceeds are going to charity. I’m in a great spot. Please go buy the book.” — Clay Travis [16:50]

5. Interview: John James, Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate

[20:28–31:09]

Background & Al Sharpton’s Comments

• John James responds to Al Sharpton’s statement that Michigan lacks a Black congressman.

  “I think I’ve been black for the past 44 years... Regardless of the color of my skin, I would be judged by the content of my character. But sadly, with guys like Al Sharpton, there’s only one way to be black.” — John James [20:28]

• Critiques political identity politics and says Democrats are ignoring real Black representation.

Michigan's Political Importance

• Michigan as a swing state:

  “Michigan is going to be the center of the electoral universe in 2026… If you have a top of ticket that drags down the rest of the ballot, then you lose seats that Republicans should win.” — John James [23:24]

• Impact of candidate strength on down-ballot Republican success.

• Election integrity, open statewide offices, and the importance for national politics through 2028.

Personal Story & Service

• James shares his biography: Detroit upbringing, West Point grad, Army Ranger and Apache pilot, business growth, and now congressional service.

  “I came to be where I am today by the grace of God and a mama who would not quit on a boy who was raised in Detroit...” — John James [26:38]

• Emphasizes parental sacrifice, commitment to service, faith, and improving Michigan.

• Discusses the trauma and mental health issues faced by post-9/11 veterans.

  “We are not serving our veterans and we are not serving those who struggle with mental health adequately… These are all the things we have the privilege to do in this great country.” — John James [28:00]

Motivational & Lighthearted Finale

• John James predicts Detroit Lions’ victory in the Super Bowl, humorously.

  “Lions will go 16–1, Super Bowl champions, and the score will be 74-0. Lions.” — John James [30:37]

• Provides his campaign contact info and urges civic engagement.

6. Listener Feedback: Trusted Media Outlets

[36:13–38:55]

• Clay shares talkbacks from listeners who mention trusting shows like Rush Limbaugh’s, Clay and Buck, The Epoch Times, and Newsmax.

  “I trust you and Buck wholeheartedly to give us truthful, accurate, factual information.” — Trent, Kansas truck driver [37:55]

• Reiterates his gratitude for listeners and his commitment to honesty.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Gratitude is probably the most underutilized and the most important of all emotions in the world at large.” — Clay Travis [08:55]
• “One party is grateful; the other is not.” — Clay Travis [14:12]
• “We are not serving our veterans and we are not serving those who struggle with mental health adequately.” — John James [28:00]
• “Would you have become a multimillionaire in the Congo? ... Would you have gotten to go to Harvard if you had been born in either of those countries? I think the answer is no. Where is your gratitude?” — Clay Travis [12:40]
• “I think I’ve been black for 44 years…” — John James (on Al Sharpton's claim) [20:32]
• “My class was the first [West Point] to take the oath of affirmation knowing that we would go to war.” — John James [27:43]
• “Lions will go 16–1, Super Bowl champions, and the score will be 74–0.” — John James [30:37]

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:04 | Intro, Gallup poll on trust, Jesse Kelly anecdote | | 07:40 | Personal gratitude practice & privilege in media | | 09:10 | Discussing ungratefulness in progressive media | | 12:00 | Joy Reid clip, discussion on gratitude, Buffett “marbles” | | 15:00 | Flag of Fellowship for Israel | | 16:28 | Clay’s book launch and charitable plans | | 20:28 | Interview: John James on Al Sharpton, identity, representation | | 23:24 | Michigan’s political future and national importance | | 26:38 | John James personal story, military service, mental health | | 30:37 | Detroit Lions/Super Bowl prediction (light/engaging close) | | 36:13 | Listener call-ins: Trusted media feedback |

Tone & Language

The tone blends humor, personal anecdote, and serious political commentary. Clay often uses self-deprecating humor (especially about age and social outings), while also employing passionate language in discussing American opportunity and political polarization. John James’ segment is earnest, motivational, and faith-driven, focusing on service and optimism.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode uses Clay’s signature mix of humor, critique, and personal storytelling to argue for the significance of gratitude—particularly in American life and media. The highlight is a substantive, candid conversation with John James, who illustrates Republican optimism, patriotism, and service, positioning Michigan as a key battleground for coming elections. Throughout, Clay solicits listener engagement—on charitable giving, book promotion, and trusted media feedback—making the episode interactive and relatable for his core audience.