Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: Your Big Three
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: 1 Hour

Overview

In the "Your Big Three" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich delve into a dynamic conversation blending sports updates, pop culture references, and personal anecdotes. The episode seamlessly weaves through discussions on the NBA playoffs, the ongoing baseball season, Indy 500 highlights, and a heartfelt tribute to the late musician Rick Derringer. Additionally, the hosts engage listeners with an interactive segment on selecting personal "big three" figures for a dream photo, reflecting on influential personalities in sports and entertainment.

1. Tribute to Rick Derringer [05:20 – 12:45]

The episode opens with a somber moment as Covino and Rich pay homage to Rick Derringer, a multifaceted musician known for his contributions to both music and wrestling.

• Covino: "Rick Derringer, also the guy behind so many of the wrestling theme songs of our childhood. He wrote and produced 'Real American,' the Hulk Hogan theme."

Rich elaborates on Derringer’s legacy, connecting his iconic music to popular wrestling culture.

• Rich: "Remember that one? So just a guy that... I don't know if you ever would have thought. The guy that wrote and sung 'Hang On Sloopy' also saying 'Real American.' Did you know that?"

This segment underscores Derringer’s diverse impact across different entertainment sectors, highlighting his enduring influence.

2. Sports Updates

a. NBA Playoffs [15:10 – 25:30]

Covino and Rich provide an in-depth analysis of the NBA playoffs, focusing on the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder and their impressive performance.

• Covino: "I almost feel like, yes. After watching OKC yesterday, they're up 3:1... Sonny from the OKC team, you know, throughout the year, we were the fools that were all like, yeah, I don't know. They're 20 games better than everyone."

Rich echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the Thunder's dominance.

• Rich: "Big stars, big numbers, new stars... the Thunder sort of proved that all along we should have just realized they're the team to beat."

They discuss key players and pivotal moments, including memorable game highlights and player performances, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the playoff landscape.

b. Baseball Season [26:00 – 33:15]

Transitioning to baseball, the hosts reflect on the season's progress, noting that a third of the games have been played with many teams still vying for top positions.

• Covino: "It's officially, 54 of the 162 have been played for a lot of teams. And Camino's Yankees are a half a game better."

They touch upon emerging stars and significant game outcomes, painting a picture of a competitive and unpredictable baseball season.

c. Indy 500 Highlights [34:00 – 40:00]

The conversation shifts to the Indy 500, celebrating Alex Palu's significant win and discussing the intersection of motorsports with other entertainment realms.

• Rich: "Speaking of a rich sport, Alex Palu won it all... Alex Palu was racing against Felix Rosenquist, who drove the Creed series XM car."

Covino and Rich explore the spectacle of the Indy 500, highlighting notable participants and their performances, while also connecting it to broader cultural phenomena like Creed's presence in the event.

d. Other Sports News [41:00 – 50:00]

Additional sports news is covered, including updates on LeBron James's career decisions, WNBA statements on fan behavior, and NFL offseason news.

• Covino: "LeBron James expected to exercise his option for next season and play in LA, according to ESPN News."

The hosts provide succinct updates, ensuring listeners are informed about the latest developments across various sports disciplines.

3. Music and Pop Culture Discussions

a. Creed's Comeback [51:30 – 58:00]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Creed's resurgence in the music scene. Covino shares insights about their performances and interactions with the band.

• Covino: "Creed, who went from everybody's 2000s joke to really making a lot of money. Thanks to the Texas Rangers hype and their big major comeback and their tour, they've made a lot of money in the past year."

Rich adds personal anecdotes about meeting the band and attending their events, highlighting their unexpected but welcome return to popularity.

b. Dream Photo 'Big Three' Segment [58:15 – 1:10:00]

Engaging listeners in an interactive segment, Covino and Rich pose the question: "Who would be your big three?" for an ideal fantasy photo, encouraging listeners to think about their most influential or admired figures.

• Covino: "Who would you choose? It doesn't have to be someone you necessarily admire, but would you turn down a Rod, Jeter, and Brady? That's a pretty great photo."

Responses from the hosts showcase a mix of sports legends and cultural icons, reflecting personal preferences and the diverse interests of the audience.

• Rich: "My big three would be Jordan, Tyson, and Joe Montana."

• Covino: "I would have Creed, Jeter, Brady, and I'd cut you out of it, Rich."

This segment adds a personal touch, allowing listeners to connect with the hosts on a more intimate level through shared interests and hypothetical scenarios.

4. Listener Interaction and Stories [1:10:15 – 1:25:00]

The hosts share stories from listeners, including attempts to capture moments with celebrities and the humorous outcomes of such endeavors.

• Listener Story: "I was at a party and tried to jump into a photo with Tony Gonzalez, Jason Whitten, and Shannon Sharpe, but they shooed me out."

These anecdotes add humor and relatability, showcasing the challenges and unexpected moments that come with celebrity interactions.

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [1:25:15 – 1:30:00]

Covino and Rich wrap up the episode by reflecting on the discussions, highlighting key takeaways from the sports updates, Rick Derringer's legacy, and the fun "big three" segment.

• Covino: "So who would be your big three? Let us know on our social media pages."

They encourage ongoing listener engagement, inviting feedback and participation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Covino: "It's like, you know what this is an example of? It is wild." [08:30]

• Rich: "Wrapped up like a douche. No, Wrapped up like a deuce." [10:15]

• Covino: "If you were able to take three living stars, music, sports, entertainment, and have a Photo stars that you put on your mantle... Who would it be?" [52:45]

• Rich: "Jordan, Tyson, and Joe Montana. Everyone's going to have a different one. We are Covino and Rich live from Fox Sports Radio Studios." [1:09:50]

Conclusion

The "Your Big Three" episode offers a blend of heartfelt tributes, comprehensive sports coverage, and engaging personal discussions. Covino and Rich successfully balance informative content with entertaining segments, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Through interactive elements and relatable storytelling, the hosts foster a sense of community, inviting listeners to actively participate in the conversation.