The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 3 - Media is Losing Their Toys
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into pressing political and media-related topics. From the controversial actions of Hunter Biden to the financial struggles of prominent media figures and organizations, the duo offers sharp commentary infused with their characteristic humor and insight.

Hunter Biden's Controversial Remarks and Potential Political Ambitions

The episode opens with a reflection on the one-year anniversary of President Joe Biden's announcement to drop out of the race. The hosts shift focus to Hunter Biden, who has recently made headlines by publicly criticizing notable Democrats and even entities like George Clooney and James Carville.

• Hunter Biden's Criticisms:
  Hunter Biden expressed strong disapproval of George Clooney and James Carville, questioning Clooney's authenticity and Carville's political efficacy.

  "I agree with Quentin Tarantino. George Clooney is not an actor. He is a. I don't know what he is. He, he, he's a brand."
  — Hunter Biden [02:15]

• Speculations on Political Ambitions:
  Clay Travis theorizes that Hunter Biden might be testing the waters for a potential political run, despite skepticism from Buck Sexton.

  "I think Hunter is testing the ground to potentially run for political office."
  — Clay Travis [03:40]

• Buck's Skepticism:
  Buck Sexton expresses doubt about Hunter's capabilities, labeling him as a potential "spoiled brat" seeking attention rather than making strategic moves.

  "I think this is just a former drug addict and spoiled brat throwing a tantrum on podcasts that'll have him for attention."
  — Buck Sexton [06:42]

Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Show: A Financial and Political Analysis

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the unexpected cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, despite its high ratings.

• Financial Implications:
  The hosts highlight the astronomical costs associated with the show, citing reports of over $100 million in production expenses and losses upwards of $40 million annually.

  "The Colbert report costs over $100 million to air. $100 million for a TV show. My jaw dropped when I saw that."
  — Clay Travis [09:00]

• Democratic Backlash and Claims of Censorship:
  Senator Chris Murphy is criticized for attributing the cancellation to political censorship, a claim Travis and Sexton vehemently dispute.

  "We're on the precipice of entering a censorship state in which Donald Trump is using the powers of the federal government in order to erase criticism from the airwaves."
  — Senator Chris Murphy [10:05]

  Buck Sexton counters Murphy's assertions by labeling them as "delusional" and points out Stephen Colbert's lack of willingness to make personal financial sacrifices for the show's sustainability.

  "It's absurd that they were doing this running $40 million a year in the red."
  — Buck Sexton [12:17]

WNBA's Financial Struggles and Demands for Higher Compensation

The discussion transitions to the WNBA's financial woes, drawing parallels with the Colbert show's issues.

• Financial Deficit:
  The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is projected to lose $40 million this year. The hosts explain that if players were to be paid what they currently demand, each would owe the league approximately $250,000.

  "If WNBA players were paid what they make, they would actually owe all of the owners around $250,000 each."
  — Clay Travis [28:31]

• Demands and Fan Base Alienation:
  The WNBA players' demands for higher pay are criticized as being disconnected from the league's financial reality, potentially alienating the fan base and jeopardizing the league's future.

  "There is a belief in sort of fantasy economics that you should be paid vast sums of money even though you're making no money."
  — Clay Travis [28:31]

Media Landscape and the Decline of Traditional Formats

Travis and Sexton explore the broader implications of these incidents on the media landscape, particularly focusing on the decline of late-night television and traditional media's influence.

• Collapse of Late-Night TV:
  The hosts argue that late-night shows, once profitable and influential, are collapsing due to high costs, changing audience habits, and political entanglements.

  "I can't believe that the cost structure for ABC and NBC shows are that much different. Who benefited from going woke?"
  — Clay Travis [13:59]

• Shifting Trust and Authenticity:
  Authenticity is highlighted as a crucial factor in rebuilding trust with audiences, contrasting the perceived inauthenticity of traditional media personalities and formats.

  "My theory here is authenticity. Not expectation that you're going to agree with everybody."
  — Clay Travis [32:26]

Economic Literacy and Democratic Policies

A recurring theme is the perceived lack of economic understanding within Democratic policies and leadership, which the hosts believe hampers effective governance and economic growth.

• Critique of Democratic Economic Policies:
  Travis criticizes Democratic leaders for lacking basic economic knowledge, using examples like misconceptions about tax abatements and credits.

  "It's the WNBA is the most left wing, I think it's fair to say, sports organization in America right now... it's a belief in sort of fantasy economics."
  — Clay Travis [28:31]

• Impact on Job Creation and Business Growth:
  The hosts connect this economic illiteracy to broader issues such as deteriorating job situations in blue states and misguided business incentives.

  "The job situation in many of these blue cities and blue states is deteriorating."
  — Clay Travis [28:31]

Audience Interaction and Talkbacks

Towards the end of the episode, Travis and Sexton engage with listener feedback, addressing comments about Hunter Biden and aircraft carrier landings, showcasing their interactive approach to the show.

• Listener Comments on Hunter Biden:
  A listener from Tampa Bay remarks on Hunter Biden's entitlement, to which the hosts respond with their trademark skepticism about his intentions.

  "You're talking about Hunter? Well, considering he most likely was part of who was running the White House, he probably feels that he's entitled to it."
  — Listener Robin [41:53]

Conclusion

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show offers a critical examination of current political dynamics and media trends, emphasizing the decline of traditional media's influence and questioning the economic policies and motivations of key Democratic figures. Through incisive analysis and spirited debate, Travis and Sexton provide listeners with a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving landscape of American politics and media.

Notable Quotes

1. Hunter Biden on George Clooney:

   "George Clooney is not an actor. He is a. I don't know what he is. He, he, he's a brand."
   — Hunter Biden [02:15]

2. Clay on Ambien Usage:

   "They're going to replace their judgment for his."
   — Clay Travis [05:27]

3. Buck on Democratic Reaction to Colbert's Cancellation:

   "It's absurd that they were doing this running $40 million a year in the red."
   — Buck Sexton [12:17]

4. Clay on WNBA's Financial Demands:

   "There is a belief in sort of fantasy economics that you should be paid vast sums of money even though you're making no money."
   — Clay Travis [28:31]

5. Buck on Censorship Claims:

   "He's greedy and he's a jerk. And he wasn't worth the money they were paying him. It’s absurd that they were doing this running $40 million a year in the red."
   — Buck Sexton [12:17]

This summary aims to encapsulate the key discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while preserving the essence and notable insights shared by Clay Travis and Buck Sexton.