Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: U.S. Troops Attacked in Syria, Hanukkah Shooting in Australia & America’s Reading Crisis
Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Mary (D) and Carol (C)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mary and Carol (standing in on “Normalely” during the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton holiday break) tackle a trio of grave headlines: the killing of U.S. servicemen in Syria, a devastating Hanukkah shooting on Bondi Beach in Australia, and America's worsening reading crisis among students. The hosts bring their usual intelligence and candor to the issues, weaving in personal anecdotes, tough questions about media priorities, and a plea for cultural self-confidence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Troops Killed in Syria (04:35–10:25)

• Event Summary: Two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and an American interpreter were killed in Syria, with three additional U.S. soldiers wounded during a mission confronting ISIS and Iranian influence.
• Media Blindspot: The hosts criticize the lack of media coverage, emphasizing the need for American media to prioritize the deaths of American servicemen.
  • “It’s just a giant tragedy and we need to commemorate them.” — Mary (05:39)
• Details & Context:
  • Names of fallen soldiers: Sgt. William Nathaniel "Nate" Howard (29) and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar (25)
  • The attack was suspected to be a case of ISIS infiltration; several suspects arrested; Trump vows retaliation.
  • Trump’s Response: Trump posted on Truth Social promising "very serious retaliation."
    • “There will be very serious retaliation. He said this was an ISIS attack against the US and Syria... Ahmad Al Shara is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation.” — Carol (07:03)
• Policy & Military Lessons:
  • Discussion of U.S. deterrence and the risks of letting such acts go unanswered.
  • The complexity of the U.S. role in the Middle East; need for smart responses without nation-building.
• Culture of Service: Personal reflections on military families, the sacrifice of service, and the importance of public appreciation.
  • “My kids...say thank you for your service to them. This is just a reminder that...they're literally frequently on the front lines of defending us, even if we don't know anything about it.” — Carol (09:13)

2. Hanukkah Shooting in Australia & Global Terror (14:35–22:58)

• Event Summary:
  An attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, resulted in at least 15 deaths, including a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl. A fruit vendor heroically intervened and survived.
  • “An incredibly brave early forties fruit vendor overtook one of the shooters who was armed while he was not and probably prevented a lot more carnage.” — Mary (15:10)
• Gun Control Debate:
  The hosts scrutinize renewed Australian calls for stricter gun bans, noting that gun ownership is already highly restricted.
  • “It doesn't work. Like here's your evidence that banning guns doesn't work. The guns were banned. These men had, they're the most banned. Yeah, the most banned there. And yet here were a father son duo opening fire, reloading, having absolutely no problem doing that and no police stopping them.” — Carol (16:05)
• Ideological Dimensions:
  • Strong criticism of reluctance to confront radical Islamic ideology as a motivator for terror.
  • Extends concern to Western civilization as a whole, not just the Jewish community.
    • “It's not anti-Muslim to say that radical Islamic ideology is propelling a lot of this. I have Muslim friends who agree...” — Carol (16:50)
• Global Context:
  • Reference to a foiled Christmas market attack in Germany and an FBI-intercepted New Year’s plan by a left-wing pro-Palestinian group (“Turtle Island Liberation Front”).
• Cultural Confidence:
  • “If you don't have the cultural self-confidence to say our way of life matters...you are not allowed to attack them in the name of your radicalized religion, you're not going to be able to protect yourself.” — Mary (17:54)
• Personal Losses:
  • Tribute to Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was crucial in welcoming ex-Soviet Jews to the Australian community.
  • Note on Arsen Ostrovsky, an Israeli-Australian who was wounded but survived and celebrated Hanukkah in hospital.

3. Shooting at Brown University (20:30–22:58)

• Summary:
  Two students killed in a campus shooting, including Ella Cook, the vice president of the Republican club; a Jewish professor was present. Motives unclear at recording time; shooter still at large.
  • “Again, we don't know exactly what motivated this, but apparently the...professor was Jewish. This woman was a leader of a Republicans club on campus.” — Mary (21:04)
  • “Amy Swearer...pointed out the shooting occurred in the classroom of Professor Rachel Friedberg, who is Jewish, part of the program in Judaic studies...” — Carol (21:39)
• Media & Security Concerns:
  • Commentary on lack of suspect apprehension and limited security camera coverage.
  • Advice to be cautious with suspect information until verified.

4. America’s Reading Crisis (26:35–32:18)

• Main Points:
  • U.S. students now read fewer full books than ever; often only one or two are assigned each year.
  • Reading scores are at historic lows—even at elite colleges students lack full book reading experience.
    • “Many teenagers are assigned few full books to read from beginning to end, often just one or two per year. According to researchers and thousands of responses to an informal reader survey by the New York Times, 12th grade reading scores are at historic lows...” — Carol quoting NYT (27:08)
  • Example: Nationally used curricula like McGraw Hill’s Wonders contain only short texts, not whole books.
  • The disadvantage will grow between children who read full books and those who don't.
    • “It will give such a distinct advantage to the kids who can read full books...the book readers will succeed ahead of them. It's inevitable.” — Carol (30:55)
• Actionable Advice:
  • Parents are urged to make their children read books at home to compensate.
  • Personal stories about developing a book-reading tradition during COVID school closures.
  • “You can correct it in your own home.” — Mary (29:32)
• Book Recommendation:
  • “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” — a family favorite; recommended for its humor and heart for holiday reading.
    • “It has some politically incorrect, funny stuff in it. Perfect. It is a blast. And I cry at the end every year because it's so beautiful. So enjoy that with your kids.” — Mary (31:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you don't have the cultural self-confidence to say our way of life matters...you're not going to be able to protect yourself.”
  — Mary (17:54)
• “It doesn't work. Like here's your evidence that banning guns doesn't work. The guns were banned...And yet here were a father son duo opening fire...”
  — Carol (16:05)
• “It will give such a distinct advantage to the kids who can read whole books...the book readers will succeed ahead of them.”
  — Carol (30:55)
• “You can correct it in your own home.”
  — Mary (29:32)
• “My kids...say thank you for your service to them. This is just a reminder that...they're literally frequently on the front lines of defending us, even if we don't know anything about it.”
  — Carol (09:13)

Important Timestamps

• U.S. Syria Attack Discussion Begins: 04:35
• Details, Reactions, and Cultural Reflections: 05:35–10:25
• Hanukkah Shooting in Australia: 14:35
• Gun Control and Cultural Confidence Debate: 16:05–18:36
• Brown University Shooting: 20:30–22:58
• America’s Reading Crisis: 26:35–32:18
• Book Recommendation (“Best Christmas Pageant Ever”): 31:29–32:06

Tone & Final Thoughts

Despite the episode’s heaviness, the hosts balance seriousness with warmth, reminding listeners of individual empowerment (especially for parents), the importance of cultural confidence, and finding community even during tragedy. The camaraderie, wit, and authentic concern for policy and people alike mark the style and tone throughout: resolute, sometimes somber, always focused.

Final message:
“Read your books, guys... When things get weird, act normally.” — Carol (31:15, 32:18)