The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) – "Then Host with Them!"

Date: September 23, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Hosts: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Dan Byer
Main Theme:
A lively debate-driven episode centered around the MLB MVP race (Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh), the weekend's NFL headlines, and interactive sports trivia. The show is infused with humor, pop culture nods, passionate sports arguments, games, and spirited caller participation.

1. Overview of Episode

Covino & Rich dive deep into the hot-button topics in sports, with the focal point being a fiery, ongoing debate: Should Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh be the American League MVP? The show also touches on NFL injuries and surprises, the historic Harlem Globetrotters’ 100th anniversary, and features the crew’s signature trivia segment "Last One Standing." Throughout, they balance statistical analysis, fan perspectives, and plenty of playful mockery.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Banter & Globetrotters Shoutout ([03:29]–[04:41])

• The hosts reminisce about working with the Harlem Globetrotters.
• Recognition of the Globetrotters’ 100-year legacy.
• "Before there were the Savannah Bananas, there were the Harlem Globetrotters." – Rich Davis ([04:08])

NFL Weekend Reactions ([04:41]–[06:37])

• Rich is conflicted: His 49ers won, but star Nick Bosa is out for the season.
• Dodgers and Raiders struggles prompt frustration and playful teasing among the crew.
• O-line woes described: "They're like Walmart greeters. The O line for the Raiders – 'Hey, come on in, hit the quarterback, hit the running back.'" – Sam ([06:03])

Week 3 NFL Quarterback Drama ([06:37]–[07:24])

• Discussion about QB switches and benches: Michael Penix Jr. & Kirk Cousins.
• Emphasis on giving players a fair shake despite bad games.

MLB MVP Debate: Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh ([07:46]–[25:29])

A massive, animated segment with passionate arguments and hilarious insults.

Covino's Pro-Judge Argument:

• Emphasizes Judge’s statistical dominance: "Aaron Judge is your mvp unless something else changes. He leads in average. He leads in..." – Covino ([08:55])
• "He leads in every single category. That is a major category. Except for home runs, in rbi, he leads in average, on base percentage, slugging, OPS, runs scored, WAR, walks, total bases, extra hits. Raleigh leads in home run and RBI. Barely." ([09:21])
• Points out the 'Judge fatigue' and tendency to take his accomplishments for granted.

Rich and Callers’ Counterpoints:

• "Cal Raleigh did something that no one's done since Mickey Mantle. Switch hitter to hit over 50 something home runs." – Rich ([09:08])
• The historical significance of Raleigh as a power-hitting catcher.
• Greater "value" due to overperforming a low-expectation Mariners team.

Key Moments in the Debate:

• Covino rejects the “for a catcher” argument: "You don’t judge MVP based on 'great for a catcher.' Judge leads in every major category except for two and Cal Raleigh barely beats him anyway." – ([10:34])
• Rich: "Just because you talk loud and you're just keep talking doesn't mean you're right." ([17:26])
• Covino: "Aaron Judge was hurt... What he’s doing is remarkable... Yankees would not be there without Judge." ([09:45]–[10:55])
• Callers challenge hosts: Roger from Tacoma points out the uniqueness of Raleigh’s season and leadership behind the plate.
  • "He passed Mickey Mantle as is the greatest switch hitting catcher... He manages an entire pitching staff. The beating they take behind the plate is brutal. 60 home runs for a catcher?" – Caller ([14:10–14:57])

Additional Arguments:

• Rich points to team value, expectations, and the defensive/leadership element from the catching position.
• Covino remains adamant MVP is about overall statistical impact, not position scarcity or narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "Let them then host with them. This is the Covino Rich show. I need their approval? I feel very confident what I'm saying." ([22:51])
• Covino’s running gag: "Cal Raleigh’s your MVD – Most Valuable Dumper." ([31:37])

MLB Postseason Format Critique ([24:21]–[25:29])

• Caller Nick complains the third seed doesn’t get a bye despite 162 games: “You cannot play 162 games and not get a buy in the playoffs. It’s the most idiotic...” ([24:41])
• Rich and Covino push back, compare to NFL, agree not every format is perfect.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Covino on MVP Voting:
  “Stop trying to be different. Stop it. Good. Tell him how wrong he is. Cal Raleigh’s having an unbelievable season, but he’s not the mvp.” ([12:38])

• Callers Enter the Fray:
  “Let me give you an example...A ball gets under his little chin pad, hits him in the throat...he stays in, hits a home run from the right side, hits a home run from the left side.” – Roger, Tacoma ([14:18])

• On Defensive Value:
  “The catcher is the quarterback on the field. The fact that he's putting up these numbers while handling...most teams would take a catcher hitting .250 who had a cannon for an arm.” – Vince, Houston ([21:04])

• Covino’s Irony:
  “If you want the truth, just check the numbers. Thank you. The stats. Every stat, half the game.” ([23:16])

• Comedic Banter: “Are you ready for Cal Raleigh's jelly? He's the mvd. Cal Raleigh is your mvd. Most valuable dumper in the league.” – Covino ([31:37])

4. Timestamps & Important Segments

• [03:29] — Show proper begins; studio banter and Harlem Globetrotters segment
• [04:41]–[06:37] — NFL: 49ers, Dodgers, Raiders woes
• [07:46]–[25:29] — MLB MVP debate, listener/caller arguments, heavy focus on Judge vs. Raleigh
  • [08:55]: Covino’s opening salvo for Judge
  • [14:10]: Roger from Tacoma’s powerful Raleigh defense
  • [17:26]: Rich argues for defensive/holistic value
  • [22:51]: Covino’s “Let them then host with them” rant (episode title reference)
• [25:29] — Brief detour: MLB playoff format complaints
• [32:23]–[44:01] — “Last One Standing” sports trivia game
  • [32:23]: Rules and game start
  • [36:01]: Sports movie round
  • [37:02]: NFL coaches playoff wins round
  • [40:46]: MLB playoff wins since 2000 round
  • [49:14]: Final tiebreaker (Bruce Smith sack total)
• [51:08]–[52:09] — NFL Monday Night Football preview, betting angles, show close

5. Flow of Discussion & Episode Structure

• High-energy, back-and-forth format between Covino, Rich, crew, and audience.
• Sports opinions are delivered with humor, exaggeration, and direct audience participation.
• Seamless blend of statistical deep dives, historical perspective, and emotional fandom.
• Game segment ("Last One Standing") provides interactive relief and showcases sports knowledge.
• The tone remains tongue-in-cheek, combative but friendly, and consistently engaging for both hardcore and casual fans.

6. Summary Table of Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | Topic/Highlight | Notable Quote/Speaker | |---------|-----------|-----------------|-----------------------| | Opening Banter & Globetrotters | 03:29–04:41 | Honoring 100 years; fun memories | "Before there were the Savannah Bananas..." – Rich | | NFL Headlines | 04:41–06:37 | Injuries and team struggles | "They're like Walmart greeters. The O line for the Raiders." – Sam | | MLB MVP Debate: Judge vs. Raleigh | 07:46–25:29 | Statistical, positional, and sentimental arguments | "Aaron Judge is your mvp unless something else changes." – Covino | | MVP: Defensive Value & Leadership | 21:04–22:12 | Catcher as "quarterback" argument | "The catcher is the quarterback on the field." – Vince, caller | | Callers & Audience Feedback | 13:13–24:07 | Direct back-and-forth, inserting fan voice | "It is the arrogance that flows out of every..." – Roger, caller | | MLB Postseason Format | 24:21–25:29 | Call for change/frustration with playoff format | "You cannot play 162 games and not get a buy..." – Nick, caller | | Sports Trivia Game | 32:23–44:01 | "Last One Standing" interactive game | Category intros by Sam, rapid-fire player answers | | NFL MNF Preview & Betting Talk | 51:08–52:09 | Game odds, teaser advice | "Sometimes that's the easiest way to go when you don't know." – Rich |

7. Final Thoughts

This episode is a quintessential C&R show: heated debates, strong opinions, comedic jabs, a sports trivia showdown, and direct audience involvement. If you missed it, you’ll walk away understanding the heart of the AL MVP argument, why fans care so much about positional value, and get a dose of sports trivia fun – all wrapped up in the show’s reliably playful, bantering style.

Best Quote & Episode Title Reference:
"Let them then host with them. This is the Covino Rich show. I need their approval?" – Covino ([22:51])