Podcast Title: The Dan Patrick Show
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode: Hour 3 – Joey Chestnut, Excuses
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Covino and Rich step in to fill Dan Patrick's absence, bringing their trademark humor and insightful sports commentary to the forefront. The highlight of this hour features an exclusive interview with Joey Chestnut, the legendary 17-time champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Released on July 7, 2025, this episode delves deep into Chestnut’s experiences, the pressures of fame, and his future aspirations.

Welcoming Joey Chestnut

[15:30] Covino: "We're joined by Joey Chestnut, the GOAT, the champion, 17-time champion in just a few minutes. I'm curious how this guy is doing three days after Domination."

The hosts set the stage by expressing their excitement to have Chestnut on the show, eager to explore his life post-competition and his perspectives on his unparalleled success.

Post-Competition Reflections

[18:45] Joey Chestnut: "I don't think I'll ever be normal. But I, yeah, I probably feel, yeah, I look pretty rough."

Chestnut opens up about the physical and mental toll that participating in such intense competitions takes on him. He candidly discusses his recovery process and the challenges of returning to everyday life after a high-profile victory.

Navigating Fame and Social Media

[25:10] Rich: "When you win the hot dog eating contest, do you think you actually look at your social media?"

[25:25] Joey Chestnut: "Absolutely. Because every idiot, including part of the thrill of victory, every idiot, including us, that has hung with him, met him or took a picture with him, post it and they're like, there's our guy."

Chestnut shares his mixed feelings about the overwhelming attention he receives on social media following his wins. While he acknowledges the support from fans, he also admits to finding the constant online presence daunting, often choosing to disconnect to maintain his well-being.

Dominance in the Field

[32:50] Covino: "Who else comes to mind for you growing up because there's such a gap between you and the next guy?"

[33:05] Joey Chestnut: "I think of Barry Bonds and he was just unapologetic. He was there just to be the best that he could and dominate."

The conversation shifts to Chestnut's perception of dominance in sports. He draws parallels between his own experience and that of other legendary athletes, emphasizing the drive and focus required to maintain a top-tier status over extended periods.

Future Aspirations and Longevity

[40:20] Covino: "When you're winning by 20 hot dogs, is there any slowing down? Are you going to be the one that walks away eventually or can you do this for another 10 plus years?"

[40:35] Joey Chestnut: "I'm 41 now. The recovery takes longer, but as long as I'm still able to bounce back, I'll keep doing it. I still love it."

Chestnut discusses his plans to continue competing as long as his body allows, highlighting his passion for the sport. He acknowledges the increasing difficulty in recovery with age but remains optimistic about his ability to remain competitive.

Listener Questions

[47:10] Listener Question: "What do you think was the reason that the eaters had trouble getting down the dogs this year? Were the buns stale or more dense?"

[47:30] Joey Chestnut: "I think the dogs tasted a little different. Maybe they cooked them ahead of time or on a grill that was just too hot. It was a little bit different about the dogs."

Chestnut addresses listener curiosity regarding the performance of competitors in the recent contest, offering his insights into possible factors that affected the outcomes, such as the quality and preparation of the hot dogs.

"Last One Standing" Trivia Game

After the insightful interview, Covino and Rich transition into their popular segment, "Last One Standing," a high-energy sports trivia game where participants vie to prove their sports knowledge.

[55:00] Covino: "Last one standing. You have five seconds to battle for your sports trivia."

[55:15] Rich Davis: "Rich Davis's 12th win in this game."

The game includes rapid-fire questions about MLB pitchers, NFL rookie receivers, and MLB All-Star appearances. Despite their competitive spirits, Covino and Rich exhibit a blend of camaraderie and humor, making the segment both challenging and entertaining for listeners.

Notable Moments:

• Covino's Victory in MLB All-Star Appearances Category
  [58:30] Rich: "Albert Pujols not on the list."

• Big Mike's Win in the Home Run Derby Category
  [1:02:45] Big Mike: "Aaron Judge. Yes."

The segment concludes with Rich dominating the trivia game, showcasing his vast sports knowledge and quick thinking under pressure.

Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich tease upcoming events, including live broadcasts from the All-Star Game festivities in Atlanta. They express excitement about featuring more sports legends and current players, promising listeners more in-depth discussions and entertaining segments in future episodes.

[1:10:00] Covino: "We'll be doing a recap talking to players and it's going to be a lot of fun."

[1:10:15] Rich: "Next week we'll be back again before DP returns."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive look into the life of Joey Chestnut, exploring the highs and lows of his competitive career and the impact of fame on his personal life. Coupled with the lively "Last One Standing" trivia segment, Covino and Rich deliver a balanced mix of insightful interviews and entertaining content, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey Chestnut on Overwhelm of Fame:
  "I'm actually a shy guy, so I don't look at this stuff too much. It's overwhelming for us to see how much coverage you get for real."
  [26:05]

• Rich on Dominance in Sports:
  "Who's more American than Joey Chestnut? I mean, he brings us all together at a time where many people are not getting along."
  [28:20]

• Joey Chestnut on Future Plans:
  "As long as I'm still able to bounce back, I'll keep doing it. I still love it."
  [40:35]

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insightful comments from Joey Chestnut, and the dynamic between the hosts, all while adhering to the guidelines of excluding advertisements and non-content sections.