The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich): "The Life of an Adorable Show Host"
Date: October 4, 2025
Podcast: Covino & Rich (iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Episode Overview
In today's episode, Covino & Rich lead a lively conversation, blending passionate sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and plenty of humor. The show centers heavily around major events in the MLB postseason and Thursday Night Football, with special attention to the standout performances by the Yankees’ rookie pitcher Cam Schlitler and 49ers backup QB Mac Jones. The hosts also dig into why sports serve as a unique social connector, riff on memorable moments and pet peeves from the world of fandom, and take engaging calls from listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Yankees' Historic Postseason Performance
- Covino raves about Yankees rookie Cam Schlitler's historic pitching:
"First pitcher in MLB history to toss at least eight scoreless innings and record 12 strikeouts without allowing a walk in a postseason game. Rookie pitcher, unbelievable game."
(Covino, 13:40) - Respect is given to the Red Sox for their injury-plagued but valiant season, though “no one was beating Schlitler last night.”
2. Niners-Rams: Thursday Night Football Thriller
- Rich celebrates a gutsy 49ers overtime win (26-23 vs. Rams) featuring backup QB Mac Jones, who:
“...hobbled, getting up, getting down, holding his knees, pants falling down...pumping his fist, clapping.”
(Covino, 20:14) - Mac Jones’ resilience wins respect:
"If you thought he was ever soft or you questioned Mac Jones ... last night, he was the Mac."
(Covino, 19:52) - Discussion on Rams coach Sean McVay accepting responsibility for a risky overtime call:
“...But hey, these are the tough beats that you’ve got to be able to learn from and move forward, and that's what we’re going to do.”
(Sean McVay, 26:12)
3. NFL Overtime Rules: Strategy Deep Dive (27:10 - 31:20)
- The crew analyzes how the 10-minute OT format pressures teams to play differently versus a standard 15-minute quarter.
- Rich: "If you match them (with a field goal), you're not getting the ball back. ...It’s a weird strategy."
- Covino: "I like that McVay took accountability... but it just did look like a bad call."
4. Quarterbacks: The ‘System’ Debate and Second Chances
- Discussion on the “system QB” label for 49ers QBs and how Shanahan’s complex playbook gives backup QBs room to shine.
- “Mac Jones last night proved he’s without a doubt a long-term backup in the NFL and very well could get a starting opportunity down the road. He’s 3-0 for the 49ers—not too shabby.”
(Rich, 54:42)
5. Sports as the Ultimate Icebreaker (40:00 - 49:00)
- Rich’s wife calls him “adorable” after observing his instant camaraderie with a waiter over football.
“You were so freaking cute when the waiter recognized your 49ers sweatshirt… sports is some odd connector…”
(Rich’s wife via voice memo, 41:26) - Covino agrees:
“It’s a great icebreaker. Didn’t matter what team—sports brings people together.”
- Both hosts muse how this is the male equivalent of women bonding over fashion or makeup.
6. Pet Peeves: Fake Fans & Bandwagoners
- Covino on people who wear sports or rock apparel but don’t actually care:
“I was like, well, why are you wearing it then? ...Not worth it sometimes because people don’t care the way you think they will.”
(Covino, 50:15) - Rich: "You don’t want to bully a person...but it is a great conversation starter."
7. Listener Calls & Community
- Callers weigh in on Yankees’ big win, pest control questions, and their own takes on fandom.
- A highlight: Bug Guy Dave from Florida simply calls in to say, “I just love you guys. I appreciate everything you do.”
(Bug Guy Dave, 1:22:45)
8. MLB Playoff Picture & Looking Ahead
- Preview of upcoming Dodgers vs. Phillies, Yankees vs. Blue Jays, and Detroit vs. Seattle matchups.
- Covino: “You’re really downplaying the fact that the Yankees and Blue Jays ended up tied… chance to show they were the best in the AL East…”
(1:51:21)
9. Memorable Moments & Inside Jokes
- Running jokes about Mac Jones’ “11 bananas in one game,” weak suits, Borat references, and Rich’s “adorable” interactions.
- A classic line:
"Mac Jones... he do do doo. He did it last night. He was not doo doo. Guy played with grit and guts."
(Rich, 56:12) - On Dodgers’ likability:
“It would be easy if the Dodgers were hateable, but they’re so likable...Not the Padres, that’s for sure.”
(Covino, 1:56:14)
Notable Quotes
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|----------|--------| | 13:40 | Covino | “First pitcher in MLB history to toss at least eight scoreless innings and record 12 strikeouts without allowing a walk in a postseason game. Rookie pitcher, unbelievable game.” | | 19:52 | Covino | "If you thought he was ever soft or you questioned Mac Jones ... last night, he was the Mac." | | 26:12 | Sean McVay | “…But hey, these are the tough beats that you’ve got to be able to learn from and move forward, and that's what we’re going to do.” | | 41:26 | Rich’s wife (voicemail) | “You were so freaking cute when the waiter recognized your 49ers sweatshirt… sports is some odd connector…” | | 54:42 | Rich | “Mac Jones last night proved he’s without a doubt a long-term backup in the NFL and very well could get a starting opportunity down the road. He’s 3-0 for the 49ers—not too shabby.” | | 56:12 | Rich | “Mac Jones... he do do doo. He did it last night. He was not doo doo. Guy played with grit and guts.” | | 1:22:45 | Bug Guy Dave | “I just love you guys. I appreciate everything you do.” |
Important Segment Timestamps
- Yankees and Cam Schlitler Performance: 13:40 – 18:30
- Mac Jones and Niners/Rams Recap: 18:30 – 30:40
- Overtime Rules Deep Dive: 27:10 – 31:20
- Sports as a Social Connector / Adorable Host Discussion: 40:00 – 49:00
- Bandwagoners & Fake Fans Conversation: 50:00 – 53:15
- Listener Calls & Pest Control Shenanigans: 1:21:30 – 1:24:55
- MLB Playoff Matchup Previews: 1:50:00 – 1:54:00
- Endearing Jokes about Mac Jones & Team Fandom: Throughout
Episode Tone & Style
The vibe is energetic, irreverent, and personable—Covino and Rich trade both clever and goofy banter freely with each other, listeners, and producers. Blending sharp sports insight with relatable anecdotes, the show is peppered with inside jokes, cultural commentary, and the sense of a lively sports bar conversation.
In Summary
Listeners are treated to insightful breakdowns of pivotal MLB and NFL moments, revealing how athletic grit, team depth, and coaching decisions shape the sports landscape. Meanwhile, the hosts’ playful takes on the power of sports to connect strangers and friends alike underscore the “adorable” life of being a devoted show host, and the joys—plus the occasional frustrations—of fandom.
Whether you're a die-hard or casual sports fan, this episode delivers expert analysis, laughter, and shared love for the games and communities that bring people together.