Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Guilty Sports & Music Pleasures
Release Date: April 12, 2025

Introduction to Guilty Pleasures

[15:30] Covino: "When it comes to athletes, always root for Randy Velardi, Bobby Meacham to Rod Taylor. You know, people that don't always get the credit because they weren't the biggest superstars go into your phones and your phone calls."

In this episode, hosts Covino and Rich kick off their first hour by delving into the concept of "guilty pleasures" in both the sports and music realms. They explore how individuals often harbor hidden favorites that aren't typically highlighted in mainstream conversations.

Guilty Pleasure Bands

The discussion begins with the exploration of underrated or niche bands that the hosts and listeners cherish despite them not being household names.

[22:10] Rich: "I love Cheap Trick. They got so many great songs. Dream Place is fantastic, man."

[25:45] Covino: "The Human League, that's so funny, dude. Because I've never met anyone in my life like, we all know the Human League, right?"

Listeners share their favorite lesser-known bands, with mentions of Cheap Trick, Steely Dan, and the Violent Femmes. The hosts emphasize the nostalgia and personal connections that make these bands special despite their lack of widespread recognition today.

Notable Quote: [27:15] Covino: "I don't believe in guilty pleasures because I find no guilt in the cheesy stuff I like. That's sort of my point. You're at an age where you like them. Lean into it and represent."

Guilty Pleasure Athletes

Transitioning from music, the hosts discuss athletes who may not be superstars but have a special place in fans' hearts.

[35:50] Rich: "There's Randy Velardi, Bobby Meacham, Rod Taylor... These guys weren't always in the spotlight, but they made it into the big leagues and became fan favorites."

Coverage includes anecdotes about players like Tyrone Wheatley and Eric Gordon, highlighting their unique skills and memorable moments that endeared them to fans despite not having superstar status.

Notable Quote: [40:20] Covino: "They were the guys you really pumped for, the ones who could show up and make those incredible plays that you remember forever."

Listener Calls

The show features several listener calls where fans share their own guilty pleasures in music and sports.

Call 1: Kevin from Huntington Beach

• Guilty Pleasure Band: Human League
• Guilty Pleasure Athlete: Gregory Isaac, King of the Double Entendre Reggae

Call 2: Matt Sui from Chicago Bears Fandom

• Guilty Pleasure Band: The Violent Femmes
• Guilty Pleasure Athlete: Walter Payton’s Fullback

Notable Interaction: [50:05] Rich: "I can't tell you how many soft, classic rock bands I love. You know what? If you guys, ladies, gentlemen, want to chime in. 877-99-NOx. Your guilty pleasure with music or sports."

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Covino shares a personal story about his phone dying at a crowded event, illustrating the sometimes humorous lengths fans go to support their favorite athletes and bands.

[30:45] Covino: "I was at Disney with the kids, and my phone died. I couldn’t find my car because everything was piled up in the clover field. Ended up walking around for an extra hour!"

Sports Commentary

Interwoven with the main topic, the hosts provide updates and commentary on current sports events, including NFL draft news and NBA standings.

[55:30] Covino: "Speaking of athletes, NFL Network reports that Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury. He's considering surgery, which could affect his availability this season."

[58:10] Rich: "In the NBA, Anthony Edwards had a standout game last night, playing like Air Gordon, not Jordan. The Timberwolves are heating up as we approach the playoffs."

Notable Quote: [59:50] Covino: "The NBA is as close as ever with just a game to go for the three seed and the eight seed. It’s really tight with Denver and the Warriors."

Interactive Segments

The hosts engage with listeners through interactive games and hypothetical scenarios related to guilty pleasures, encouraging participation and creating a lively atmosphere.

[47:25] Covino: "We’re going to play a brand new game called 'Is it Steve Cavino or Bill Belichick?' If you can get 2 right out of 5 multiple choice, you could take home the coveted Swiggy stainless steel water bottle."

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

As the hour wraps up, Covino and Rich tease upcoming segments and encourage listeners to continue sharing their guilty pleasures.

[1:05:20] Rich: "We're going to talk about Caleb Williams and how he's inspiring the NFL fan base to embrace more expressive sides. Don't miss it next week!"

[1:07:45] Covino: "Remember to charge your phone and fill up your gas—both literally and metaphorically—with those guilty pleasures. See you next Friday!"

Key Takeaways

• Guilty Pleasures Defined: Personal favorites in music and sports that aren’t widely acknowledged.
• Nostalgia and Connection: Many guilty pleasures stem from childhood memories and personal influences.
• Engagement with Listeners: Interactive segments and listener calls enhance the community feel.
• Integration with Sports Commentary: Seamlessly blending personal topics with current sports news keeps the content dynamic and relevant.

Notable Quotes

• Covino: "You grow up and realize, I guess no one really knows him. Except for this song. This song rules." [40:00]
• Rich: "Being a rock star is very fun, but helping people is way more fun." [50:15]
• Covino: "I don't believe in guilty pleasures because I find no guilt in the cheesy stuff I like." [27:15]

Useful for Non-Listeners

This episode offers an engaging exploration of the often-overlooked favorites that fans cherish in both music and sports. Through personal stories, listener interactions, and relevant sports commentary, Covino and Rich create a relatable and entertaining discussion that highlights the importance of embracing one's unique tastes without shame.