The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Hour 3: Actor Daniel Roebuck
Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton
Guest: Daniel Roebuck
Episode Theme: Political migration from blue to red states, and a deep dive into film/TV with actor-writer-director Daniel Roebuck
Episode Overview
In this final hour of the week, Clay and Buck examine the ongoing migration of high-earning individuals from high-tax, traditionally blue states to red states, discussing the long-term implications for American politics and culture. The latter half of the episode features a lively interview with actor and filmmaker Daniel Roebuck, who talks about his new faith-based film The Hail Mary, shares backstage stories from classic movies like The Fugitive, and offers candid insight into working in Hollywood as a person of faith.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. High Earners Fleeing Blue States: Tax Policy and Political Fallout
[03:51 – 18:26]
- Clay Travis introduces the topic:
Clay opens by stressing that a "mass exodus" of high earners is underway from states like California, Illinois, New York, and Washington, primarily due to increasing state income and estate taxes. - The numbers and anecdotes:
- Washington is proposing a 9.9% state income tax on those making $1M+.
- NY politicians propose a 50% estate tax on estates over $750,000, which would hit even middle-class property owners.
- Clay’s observation:
“Whenever you put these taxes in place, you do not get the money you expect... because those who can avoid paying the tax leave or find super impressive accounting to avoid paying it.” (Clay Travis, 06:14) - Buck’s distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ billionaire migrants:
Buck divides billionaires who leave blue states into those who help the cause by becoming vocal critics of Democrat governance (like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel), versus those who quietly relocate for tax purposes but continue to support left-wing policies (like Howard Schultz). - Cultural and demographic impact:
- Migration is "making red states redder," especially visible in Tennessee, Texas, and Florida.
- “We have flipped Florida redder than it has ever been. We are reinforcements.” (Buck Sexton, 15:55)
- Concern remains about blue-state refugees bringing voting habits with them, but voting data shows red states growing even more conservative.
2. Human Psychology of the Elite
[13:02 – 15:25]
- Clay and Buck analyze why wealthy individuals remain politically timid:
Clay: “Some of the biggest cowards on the planet are super-rich guys... they're afraid, ‘oh, am I going to be able to sit on this charity benefit if I say [something controversial]?’” (Clay Travis, 13:05) Buck: “When you're super rich, what do you still want? You want the approval of your peer group... the other rich guys and gals to say, ‘oh, you’re doing great stuff. You’re invited to the garden party.’ “ (Buck Sexton, 13:15) - Cultural contrast: Clay expresses empathy but disagreement with the need for elite approval, preferring honesty and open debate over polite silence.
3. Listener Feedback: The Impact of Migration on Red States
[23:17 – 24:44]
- Listener Kathleen from Miami voices concerns about migrants from blue states turning Florida blue (23:26).
- Buck counters with data: “The data doesn’t support this... A million Republicans have moved into your state... it's been an absolute bonanza of right wingers showing up from New York from everywhere.” (Buck Sexton, 23:42)
- Clay and Buck agree that while the fear exists, real-world impacts have been positive for Republican-leaning states.
4. Interview: Daniel Roebuck on Faith-Based Film, Classic Movies & Hollywood
[26:26 – 40:23]
A. The Hail Mary: Purpose and Inspiration
- About the film: Daniel Roebuck introduces The Hail Mary, a faith-based comedy he wrote, directed, and stars in. It tells the story of a disillusioned man who finds purpose coaching football at a Catholic school.
- Roebuck on why he made it:
“The Hail Mary of the title isn’t about the last play of the game, but the last play of the game is, is quite great. But the Hail Mary of the title is the guy I play... I just kind of wanted to say thank you to [the nuns who taught me] in some way. And this movie was born out of that.” (Daniel Roebuck, 32:01) - Working with family: Channel of Peace, Roebuck’s production company, involves his family and operates not-for-profit to put out faith-based entertainment.
B. Roebuck’s Movie & TV Career: Stories from Classics
- On The Fugitive:
Roebuck exposes behind-the-scenes uncertainty, sharing that even Harrison Ford doubted the film:
“I heard Harrison Ford say, ‘ugh, this is going to be my Hudson Hawk.’ We had no idea.” (Daniel Roebuck, 28:14)- Iconic line: “This is hinky. Why would he come in here?”—improvised and later made it into the final script.
- Being on movies vs. TV:
- TV scripts arrive week-to-week, so actors often don’t know where their character is headed.
- Roebuck cites his run on “Matlock,” “Lost,” and “Man in the High Castle” as blessings because they let him land in “the story everyone’s talking about.”
- “I have been consistently blessed and all of it has led me to this moment... where I make these faith-based movies.” (Daniel Roebuck, 35:54)
- Cultural commentary on Hollywood:
- Crew members tend to be more aligned with regular Americans than the “millionaires who have no sense of the common life” who make headlines.
- Roebuck: “I don’t really give a flying egg what Robert De Niro thinks about anything, let alone politics...” (Daniel Roebuck, 37:22)
- Advocates for supporting smaller, independent movies to change Hollywood from the bottom up.
C. Notable Quotes
- “Can I do... I know we should be plugging, and you guys are so... you’ve blessed me so much.” (Daniel Roebuck, 31:07)
- “I made a good living standing next to Andy Griffith and Kathy Bates and, you know, Don Johnson...” (Daniel Roebuck, 37:22)
- “The only way we can get Hollywood to change is... keep making these smaller movies... get people into the movies... If someone sees, ‘huh, I can maybe make money from that,’ things might change.” (Daniel Roebuck, 39:19)
5. Fun Listener Talkbacks and Movie Trivia
[45:39 – End]
- Listener Kyle from Tennessee corrects a mistaken reference (“Biff Henderson” vs. “Biff Tannen” of Back to the Future), leading to playful banter between Clay and Buck.
Memorable Moments & Tone
- Clay gets passionate and “fired up” when discussing the political implications of migration (“it's going to change... much of what... political power exists in this country” — 03:51).
- Buck’s dry humor and pop culture riffs lighten the atmosphere, especially with fantasy analogies (“like the elves who show up in Helm's Deep in the Lord of the Rings” — Buck Sexton, 15:38).
- Roebuck’s humility and humor: Candid about his place in show business (“my platform is to support the star”), and full of gratitude for his career and “consistent blessings”.
Key Timestamps
- 03:51 – Clay introduces the “rich fleeing blue states” segment
- 06:14 – Clay explains the real effects of high taxes
- 15:55 – Buck on how migration is making Florida “redder than ever”
- 23:26 – Listener Kathleen voices migration concerns
- 26:26 – Start of Daniel Roebuck interview
- 28:14 – The Fugitive backstage story
- 32:01 – Roebuck on the real meaning of The Hail Mary
- 37:22 – Roebuck on Hollywood’s working class & politics
- 39:19 – Roebuck’s call for supporting independent movies
- 45:55 – Listener correction leads to fun movie trivia
Conclusion
This episode guides listeners through profound demographic changes affecting American politics, then shifts to a heartfelt and entertaining discussion with a working actor-director on faith, art, and the changing media landscape. Clay and Buck’s chemistry balances humor and analysis, while Daniel Roebuck offers both industry insight and inspiration for cultural renewal.
Notable Quote (Closing):
“Keep doing the good work you guys are doing. We're blessed to have you on the airwaves. Thank you.”
— Daniel Roebuck (40:10)
Film plug: The Hail Mary, available now via Angel Studios and soon on major streaming platforms.