The Dan Patrick Show: HOUR 3 – Family Feud Victory Lap with Rob McElhenney

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick welcomes actor and comedian Rob McElhenney as a special guest to discuss his recent triumph on Celebrity Family Feud. The conversation delves into Rob's personal branding, his experience on the show, his ventures into golf, and his inspirations within the entertainment industry. Additionally, the show features listener interactions that provide a broader perspective on sports and entertainment.

1. Rob McElhenney’s Rebranding to Rob Mack (03:35 – 07:00)

Rob McElhenney opens up about his decision to rebrand himself as "Rob Mack." He explains that this change was deeply rooted in his respect for his family heritage and a desire to simplify his name for broader recognition.

Rob McElhenney (05:00): "I’m very proud of my name. I’m proud of my heritage. I’m proud of my family, and I never wanted to change my name... Our name has changed seven or eight times over the last hundred years."

Rob discusses how this decision was met with support from his wife Caitlyn Olsen and his father, who emphasized the importance of honoring their family's legacy.

Rob McElhenney (05:57): "My father... he said, 'Pop would have loved that if some government official decided to change your name to something that you wanted.'"

The transition to Rob Mack has been smooth, with minimal confusion among peers and fans, showcasing the effectiveness of his rebranding strategy.

2. Experiences on Celebrity Family Feud (07:00 – 12:00)

Rob shares detailed insights from his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the show. He expresses pride in his team’s performance and their overwhelming victory.

Rob McElhenney (03:54): "Just want to say some people on the Internet are asking about the possibility of a celebrity Family Feud rematch."

Dan and Rob recount how their team dominated the show, humorously referring to their performance and interactions with Rich Eisen.

Rob also touches on the dynamics of the show, including moments with Steve Harvey and the production team.

Rob McElhenney (12:27): "We got a couple of those, and I thought I was going to get one when I said that Fritzi does a Steve Harvey impersonation, but he acknowledged that Fritz... he appreciated the effort."

3. Golfing and Sports Discussion (12:00 – 15:00)

The conversation shifts to Rob's newfound passion for golf, despite admitting he is not particularly skilled.

Rob McElhenney (13:36): "Oh, I’m worse than Barkley. Well, I was."

Dan jokes about Rob’s golfing prowess, leading to a light-hearted exchange about the nuances of golf scoring.

Rob reflects on the humbling nature of golf and its meditative aspects.

Rob McElhenney (14:22): "It is a game that takes practice and it's so... it's a game that takes practice and it's so... ultimately it's so stupid. You're just trying to get a little ball into a hole 400 yards away."

The discussion includes mentions of professional athletes like Aaron Rodgers and Charles Barkley, blending sports insights with personal anecdotes.

4. Thoughts on Comedy and Being a Character (15:00 – 20:00)

Rob delves into his craft as an actor and comedian, discussing the challenges and rewards of portraying complex characters.

Rob McElhenney (17:08): "It's really fun to sit down and think of myself in... and sort of bifurcate the way I process the world."

He reveals his involvement in developing two new crime dramas, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Rob McElhenney (17:36): "Both are crime dramas. One I play the good guy, and one I play the bad guy."

The conversation also touches upon the balance between humor and serious content in his work, highlighting his commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

5. Appreciation and Inspirations (20:00 – 25:00)

Rob expresses deep admiration for Dan Patrick, recounting how Dan has been an inspiration throughout his career.

Rob McElhenney (19:34): "I grew up watching you from the time I was a little kid up all the way up... It's both inspiring and crushing."

He shares a memorable interaction with Dan, emphasizing the mutual respect and influence they have on each other’s professional journeys.

Rob also reflects on missed opportunities and the importance of mentorship and support within the entertainment industry.

6. Listener Phone Calls (25:00 – 43:00)

The latter part of the show features a series of listener interactions, primarily focusing on congratulations for the Family Feud victory and discussions about sports analysts.

a. Congratulations and Personal Stories:

Listeners share their excitement and personal stories related to the show’s success.

Listener Matt from Oregon (32:37): "We had our nephew over last night watching it and our 2-year-old was clapping... Happy birthday."

b. Sports Analysis and Critique:

The conversation shifts to broader sports topics, including the roles and knowledge of sports analysts like John McEnroe and Charles Barkley.

Rob McElhenney (40:25): "He'll say, 'I'm not watching the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night.' And people like the refreshing honesty."

Dan and Rob discuss the challenges analysts face in staying updated with evolving sports landscapes, stressing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.

Greg Rosenthal (40:30): "He’s in a vacuum. There’s nobody like that that you say, 'Hey, it’s okay if he doesn’t know.'"

Listeners provide insights and opinions, enriching the discussion with varied perspectives on sports media.

Conclusion

Dan Patrick and Rob McElhenney conclude the episode with reflections on their successful collaboration on Celebrity Family Feud. They express gratitude towards their listeners and anticipate future interactions and episodes. The episode encapsulates a blend of humor, personal growth, and insightful discussions, making it a must-listen for fans of sports, entertainment, and engaging conversations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rob McElhenney (05:00): "I’m very proud of my name. I’m proud of my heritage. I’m proud of my family, and I never wanted to change my name..."

• Rob McElhenney (14:22): "It is a game that takes practice and it's so... it's a game that takes practice and it's so... ultimately it's so stupid. You're just trying to get a little ball into a hole 400 yards away."

• Rob McElhenney (19:34): "I grew up watching you from the time I was a little kid up all the way up... It's both inspiring and crushing."

• Rob McElhenney (40:25): "He'll say, 'I'm not watching the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night.' And people like the refreshing honesty."

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and highlights from the episode, complete with time-stamped quotes to accentuate Rob McElhenney's insightful and humorous contributions.