Podcast Summary: "Covino & Rich - Unlock the School Days Locker"

Release Date: June 13, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hosts: Steve Covino and Rich Davis
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "The Herd," hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve into a nostalgic exploration of school days from the 1980s and 1990s. They discuss the tools, traditions, and social dynamics of past educational environments, contrasting them with today's modern classrooms. The conversation is enriched by listener call-ins, sharing personal memories and reflections.

Nostalgia for School Tools and Technology

Covino and Davis kick off the discussion by reminiscing about the essential tools of their school days that have since become obsolete or transformed significantly.

• Overhead Projectors and VCRs:

  • Rich Davis reflects, "We used to have these overhead projectors where teachers would display their lessons. Now, it's all computer screens and digital presentations."
  • Steve Covino adds humorously, "Remember trying not to fall asleep while the teacher was dragging something on that overhead projector?"

• Pencil Sharpeners and Writing Tools:

  • The hosts recall the ubiquitous pencil sharpener, a staple in every classroom, highlighting how digital devices have largely replaced traditional writing instruments.
  • Steve Covino nostalgically mentions, "Kids don't even write script or cursive anymore, but we had these sturdy pencil sharpeners that probably date back to Ben Franklin's era!"

Listener Call-Ins: Sharing Memories

The episode features several listener segments where callers share their own school day memories, adding depth and variety to the hosts' reflections.

• Milo from Bakersfield on Classroom Technology:

  • Milo shares, "Overhead projectors and VCR carts were game-changers. Nowadays, everything's streamed, so teachers can't predict what's coming up next."

• Joe from Illinois on Classroom Decor:

  • Joe reminisces, "Those big Earth globes that spun around the room—teachers used a giant ruler to point out countries. It's fascinating how such tangible tools have disappeared."

• Tripp from Vegas on Lunch Memories:

  • Tripp recalls, "The lunchboxes with matching thermoses and those floppy disks from the '90s. Not to mention the dreaded paddle hanging on the wall for misbehaving students."

Changing Dynamics of School Lunches and Social Stigma

A significant portion of the conversation centers on how school lunches have evolved and the shifting social perceptions associated with them.

• From "Weird Kids" to Stigma:

  • Rich Davis observes, "When you were younger, bringing your own lunch was seen as the quirky choice. Now, opting for school lunch can sometimes carry a stigma of being less affluent."

• Economic Indicators in School Cafeterias:

  • Danny G highlights, "In some schools, pink tickets for subsidized lunches marked students as economically disadvantaged, which unfortunately led to social labeling."

• Quality and Variety of School Food:

  • The hosts discuss improvements and changes in school meal programs, noting how options like veggie dogs have become more prevalent.

Evolution of Social Interactions and Playground Activities

Covino and Davis explore how student interactions and playground activities have transformed over the decades.

• From Passing Notes to Digital Communication:

  • Rich Davis shares his surprise at finding physical love notes among his memorabilia, contrasting it with today's digital communications. "Our kids don't write these cute teenage love notes because they're just texting each other."

• Pencil Fights and Physical Play:

  • Brian from Mississippi introduces the topic of pencil fights, a common playground activity in the past. "Pencil fighting was a big deal. Kids would come in with giant red carpenter pencils, and it was a way to challenge each other."

• Outdoor Play Equipment:

  • The hosts reminisce about playgrounds with steel springs and outdated equipment, noting the increased focus on safety today. "Unsafe playground toys were a thing back then, but now everything is designed with safety in mind."

Listener Reflections on School Infrastructure

The conversation also touches upon changes in school infrastructure and facilities.

• Water Fountains and Hydration Practices:

  • Steve Covino recalls, "Back in the day, we had these old water fountains with coolers that certain kids monopolized. Now, every student has their own water bottle and purified water stations."

• Climate Control and School Facilities:

  • The hosts discuss the lack of air conditioning in older schools, a stark contrast to modern classrooms equipped with climate control systems.

Transition to Current Sports Topics

Shifting gears, Covino and Davis briefly discuss contemporary sports topics, notably the Los Angeles Dodgers' new summer drink menu enhancements.

• Dodgers' New Menu Items:

  • Steve Covino enthusiastically describes, "The Dodgers have introduced a buzzball cocktail and a frozen cocktail bat to their drink menus—perfect for those hot summer days at the ballpark."

• Viewer Engagement and Promotions:

  • The hosts encourage listeners to engage with ongoing promotions and events, such as live broadcasts and giveaways, maintaining the show's interactive nature.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Covino and Davis reflect on the blend of nostalgia and present-day changes in both educational environments and current sports trends. They emphasize the importance of remembering past experiences while adapting to modern advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis at [00:50]: "My goal is to really destigmatize mental health treatment and looking at it from a whole health perspective."
• Steve Covino at [05:43]: "That old school pencil sharpener from the 1800s... What up, Dan Beyer?"
• Caller at [15:41]: "I used to beg my folks to... I wanted that hot pizza, that hamburger patty."
• Rich Davis at [18:31]: "Our kids won't write each other little cute teenage love notes because they're just texting each other."
• Steve Covino at [34:06]: "I want to bring my own John Allrood size helmet and say, hey, can you fill this up with soft serve and extra sprinkles, please?"

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a heartfelt and humorous look back at school days gone by, enriched by listener contributions and insightful commentary from the hosts. Whether you're reminiscing about your own school experiences or curious about how education has evolved, Covino and Davis provide an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.