The Dan Patrick Show: C&R – Runner-Up Plushies & Brainwave!

Date: February 21, 2026
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis
Notable Guests: Eileen Gu, Dan Byer, Shay, Iowa Sam, Danny G

Episode Overview

This episode of "Covino & Rich" guest-hosted "The Dan Patrick Show," brings a blend of sports talk, pop culture banter, and their signature game show fun. The central theme explores the oddity and emotional impact of consolation prizes for athletes, especially the Canadian women’s hockey team’s plushie mascots following their silver medal loss. The show also features lively debates on baseball’s top hitters, trades, and a round of their party game "Brainwave" with listener participation, before closing with “Weekend Hobnobbin”—recommendations on what to watch and follow in sports and entertainment over the weekend.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Runner-Up Plushie Controversy (03:39–14:40)

• Topic: Canadian women’s hockey team’s “stoat” plushies after their Olympic silver medal loss

• Covino, Rich, and Eileen Gu dissect the emotional aftermath of receiving a mascot plushie immediately after a high-stakes, heartbreaking loss.

• The group highlights the awkwardness, timing, and oddity of such consolation prizes for elite athletes.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "Maybe that's not the time to hand them this weak ass ancillary prize." – Steve Covino (07:37)
  • "You added insult to the injury of losing that game." – Rich Davis (08:00)
  • "One of the girls turns it from side to side looking at it... that's how my two year old Koa looks at something he doesn't like that I give him as a gift." – Eileen Gu (09:31)
  • "It's like when Ralphie gets socks for Christmas." – Steve Covino (09:15)

• The discussion broadens into stories about underwhelming gifts, analogies from The Bachelor’s rejection scenes, and personal stories about lackluster holiday bonuses.

2. Debate: Baseball's Best Hitters—Shohei Ohtani vs Aaron Judge (14:35–22:11, 50:07–52:34)

• Topic: Controversy over WBC rankings putting Ohtani above Judge as a hitter

• Rich and Covino fiercely debate the top 10 World Baseball Classic hitters list—specifically, whether Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge deserves top billing as a pure hitter.

• Covino argues stats and presence favor Judge; Rich plays devil’s advocate by considering longevity and Ohtani’s two-way impact.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "Judge is a way better hitter. What? He does circus numbers. He's a freak." – Steve Covino (17:53)
  • "I think they're pretty equal." – Rich Davis (20:29)
  • "Aaron Judge is the best hitter in baseball. Geez." – Steve Covino (21:39)

• Listeners are pulled into the debate—“Who would you trade one-for-one: Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr.?”

3. Game Segment: Brainwave! (30:06–39:48)

• Topic: Listeners try to “match” answers with the hosts and crew to win C&R swag

• Adam from Indiana calls in to play “Brainwave.” Categories include celebrities, inspirational sports movies, cereals, and iconic athlete attributes.

• Lively debate and good natured ribbing about answers.

  Sample Questions, Answers & Results:

  • Who would you rather get a big, tight hug from?
    Options: Kate Upton, Sydney Sweeney, Dolly Parton
    Winning Answer: Sydney Sweeney – “Sydney Sweeney.” – Adam, Steve, Rich, Dan [32:19]
  • Most inspirational football movie?
    Options: Rudy, The Blind Side, Friday Night Lights
    Winning Answer: Rudy – “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!” [34:28]
  • If you had to eat only one cereal for a month: Grape Nuts, Sugar Smacks, or Kicks?
    Winning Answer: Kicks – “I say kicks.” – Adam and several in the studio [36:04]

• Adam sweeps multiple rounds, earning extra prizes.

4. Listener Trade Debate: Lindor vs. Tatis Jr. (50:07–52:34)

• Rich references a hypothetical MLB trade between Francisco Lindor and Fernando Tatis Jr., prompted by Mets fans’ offseason frustration.

• They consult stats and even poll ChatGPT for which player offers more upside or dependability.

• Consensus: Tatis has higher offensive upside; Lindor is a steadier, better-rounded player. Both have trade value, but serve different team needs.

  Notable Quote:

  • "If you want higher peak superstar flash, you go with Tatis Jr. If you want consistent all star with leadership and a premium player, you go with Lindor." – Rich Davis (51:55)

5. Weekend Hobnobbin’—What to Watch & Sports Predictions (52:34–end)

• Key Picks and Events:
  • Boxing: Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios (WBC 147 lbs title fight)
  • UFC: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
  • Olympics: U.S. vs Canada, men’s hockey gold medal game (8am ET Sunday)
  • TV & Streaming Suggestions:
    • “History’s Greatest Picks” (History Channel, Sunday 6pm PT/9pm ET) with Mike Wolfe & Steve Covino
    • “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors,” “Cat Williams” comedy special, “Rise of the 49ers” documentary
    • “Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” with Tracy Morgan premiere [53:33]
    • “Epic Elvis Presley in Concert” theaters now [54:46]
• Hosts share personal TV-watching struggles as parents and banter over which cereal or reality show is the ultimate pick.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On plushies after losing:
  “It's like when Ralphie gets socks for Christmas… get out of here with this. We just lost a heartbreaker.” – Steve Covino (09:15)

• On baseball’s top hitters:
  “Judge is a way better hitter. What? He does circus numbers.” – Steve Covino (17:53)

• On MLB trade value:
  “If you want higher peak superstar flash, you go with Tatis Jr. If you want consistent all star with leadership and a premium player, you go with Lindor.” – Rich Davis (51:55)

• On reality dating show drama:
  “They would always leave the one girl just sitting there by herself while the other two went off… it really is an awkward moment.” – Rich Davis (11:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:39 – Show Intro; Friday energy and giveaway announcements
• 04:44 – Preview of “Weekend Hobnobbin” and upcoming fights
• 05:16–14:40 – The plushie controversy: Olympics and second place “consolation” gifts
• 14:35–22:11 – Debate: Shohei Ohtani vs. Aaron Judge for best hitter
• 30:06–39:48 – The Brainwave game with Adam (celebrity hugs, sports movies, cereals, athlete attributes)
• 40:10–41:53 – Sports Update (Olympics, hockey, football, golf)
• 50:07–52:34 – MLB Trade Hypothetical: Lindor for Tatis Jr.
• 52:34–end – Weekend Hobnobbin: Sports and TV recommendations

Tone & Feel

High-energy, relatable, and humorous, reflecting the Covino & Rich brand, with lots of pop culture references, freewheeling banter, and playful debate. The show keeps things lighthearted—whether lampooning lackluster gifts, defending their favorite athletes, or hyping the weekend ahead. Even when debates get heated, it’s always in the name of fun.

This summary captures the essence and highlights of the February 21, 2026 episode, giving listeners and non-listeners alike a direct, engaging roadmap to the show’s best moments.