Summary of "Hour 2 - Riley Gaines on Fame" from The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Release Date: May 27, 2025

In this episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, host Clay Travis delves into pressing issues surrounding COVID-19 policies, the intersection of politics and youth perspectives, and the controversial topic of transgender athletes in women's sports. Special guest Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky SEC champion swimmer, joins the discussion to provide firsthand insights into her experiences during the pandemic and her advocacy on women's sports. Additionally, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary shares critical updates on COVID-19 recommendations for children and pregnant women.

1. COVID-19 Policies and Personal Experiences

The episode opens with Clay Travis addressing the recent removal of COVID-19 shots from the recommended list for children and pregnant women. This change has sparked diverse reactions among parents and individuals who were either relieved or resentful about vaccine mandates imposed by educational and professional institutions.

Riley Gaines shares her personal journey during the pandemic, highlighting the stringent COVID-19 measures enforced at the University of Kentucky:

"We essentially waterboarded ourselves every single day for the next years..." (04:50)

Riley recounts the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 NCAA championships, which she deems "so bizarre and insane" (01:18). As team captain, she faced mandatory vaccines and continuous testing, leading her to resist the vaccine mandate despite pressure from the university administration.

"I pushed back on this, and I said, no, I don't." (04:50)

Her refusal resulted in increased scrutiny and inconvenience, including weekly tests scheduled at inconvenient times and mask mandates in the weight room and pool deck.

2. Impact on Young People and Educational Disruptions

Clay emphasizes the profound effects COVID-19 policies have had on adolescents and young adults, particularly those in critical developmental stages. He draws parallels between his experiences and those of his siblings, underscoring the long-term consequences of disrupted education and social interactions.

"My brother was... in the middle of his football season... that all of that was taken from them." (08:55)

Riley echoes these sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by students in impoverished and minority communities who were disproportionately affected by school closures and remote learning.

3. Political Implications and Youth Perspectives

The conversation shifts to the political landscape, noting a significant shift of young voters toward Donald Trump in the 2024 elections. Both Clay and Riley discuss the factors contributing to this trend, including disillusionment with government mandates and a desire for accountability.

President Trump's recent statement on transgender athletes in California serves as a catalyst for this discussion:

"This is a totally ridiculous situation... I'm ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow a transition person to compete at the state finals." (07:38)

Clay criticizes Democratic positions on gender in sports, arguing that allowing men to compete in women's categories undermines fairness:

"I knew that was BS and so I said, that's fine. I won't go then." (05:51)

4. Transgender Athletes and Gender in Sports

A significant portion of the episode addresses the contentious issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Riley Gaines advocates for maintaining gender-specific categories to preserve fair competition and protect female athletes' integrity.

"That's the stance that I've taken... men cannot become women and that there are two sexes..." (14:15)

Clay discusses the backlash from left-leaning media personalities like Jemele Hill and Keith Olbermann, who challenge their views. He emphasizes the authenticity of leaders like Trump, whose straightforward language resonates with many young listeners.

"He's so authentic. He says as a male, he was less than an average competitor." (10:21)

The hosts highlight real-world instances, such as the case of A.B. Hernandez and Reese Hogan, to illustrate the ongoing debates and their impact on athletes.

5. Expert Insights: Dr. Marty Makary on COVID-19 Recommendations

Later in the episode, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the recent decision to remove COVID-19 shots from recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. He emphasizes the need for robust clinical trial data to support ongoing vaccination programs.

"We are saying that in order for this shot to be approved by the FDA in healthy people, we need to see some clinical trial data..." (23:57)

Dr. Makary critiques the absolutist approach taken during the pandemic, which has eroded public trust in health institutions:

"The amount of the percent of Americans that trust doctors and hospitals went from 71% just before COVID to 40% last year." (26:03)

He advocates for transparency, scientific debate, and addressing root causes of public health issues to rebuild trust.

"We're doing a lot to promote transparency and civil discourse now." (30:44)

6. Rebuilding Public Trust and Future Health Policies

Riley Gaines outlines strategies for the FDA to restore confidence in public health directives. She underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues like chronic diseases and improving the food supply to promote overall health.

"To rebuild public trust, in my opinion, Clay, we'll do it best by succeeding at actually making progress on improving the health of the population by addressing these root causes." (31:18)

Clay connects these efforts to the broader political and social environment, emphasizing the necessity of honest and effective leadership in overcoming past missteps.

7. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with Clay and Joe Getty commending Riley Gaines and Dr. Marty Makary for their roles in advocating for science-based policies and accountability. They highlight the importance of continued dialogue and action to address the lingering effects of the pandemic and evolving societal challenges.

"We’re doing everything we can at the FDA to focus on our mission of delivering more cures for the American public and healthier food for children." (29:35)

Notable Quotes:

• Riley Gaines on COVID-19 policies:

  "We essentially waterboarded ourselves every single day for the next years..." (04:50)

• Clay Travis on vaccine mandates:

  "That's the stance that I've taken... men cannot become women and that there are two sexes..." (14:15)

• Dr. Marty Makary on public trust:

  "The amount of the percent of Americans that trust doctors and hospitals went from 71% just before COVID to 40% last year." (26:03)

Key Takeaways:

1. COVID-19 Policy Impact: Strict pandemic measures significantly disrupted the lives of young athletes and students, leading to long-term educational and social consequences.

2. Political Shifts: Disillusionment with governmental mandates has driven a notable shift of young voters toward conservative candidates like Donald Trump.

3. Gender in Sports: The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports remains a divisive issue, with advocates like Riley Gaines emphasizing the need for fair competition.

4. Public Health Trust: The pandemic response has eroded trust in health institutions, necessitating efforts to promote transparency and evidence-based policies.

5. Future Directions: Rebuilding public trust and addressing systemic health issues are crucial for improving overall societal well-being.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how COVID-19 policies have intertwined with political dynamics and social issues, particularly concerning youth and gender in sports. Through the perspectives of Riley Gaines and Dr. Marty Makary, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and potential pathways forward in a post-pandemic landscape.