Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Interviews That Didn't "Pam" Out
Release Date: April 24, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the discussion centers around the significance of interviews in the context of the NFL Draft. The hosts delve into various aspects of the draft process, emphasizing how interviews can make or break a player's prospects.

1. The Evolution of the NFL Draft

The hosts kick off by highlighting how the NFL Draft has transformed over the decades into a highly orchestrated and media-rich event. They discuss the increased production value and the elaborate preparations teams now undertake to present their prospects.

Rich Davis [04:44]: "We've been talking, Vito, about how the draft has only amped up in the last, you know, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years."

2. The Intersection of Fashion and Personal Branding

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around players' personal styles during the draft and how these choices reflect their personalities and the image they wish to project.

Steve Cavino [02:34]: "I mean, you gotta wear lots of chains. That's just it. Even with your suit, you just gotta let them hang."

The hosts humorously speculate about their own hypothetical draft day appearances, discussing walkout songs and attire that would make a statement.

Rich Davis [02:40]: "People are idiots though, because I was watching a lot of funny videos earlier today where Chiefs fans like Mahomes. Why him?"

3. The Crucial Role of Interviews in Draft Success

The core of the episode focuses on how interview performance can influence a player's draft position. The hosts compare job interviews to first dates, stressing that making a good first impression is vital.

Steve Cavino [07:07]: "Make the person that's interviewing you feel cool. Feel cool. We would have people remember interns back in the day."

Rich Davis expands on this analogy, likening the interview process to a first date where both sides assess compatibility.

Rich Davis [20:38]: "It's like a first date. A job interview is a first date."

4. Personal Anecdotes: Bad Interview Experiences

The hosts share personal stories of disastrous interview experiences, providing listeners with relatable and often humorous insights into what not to do during an interview.

• Steve Cavino's Story [13:15]:
  Recounting an interview where he was asked to choose between two hot sauces, leading to an awkward and unsuccessful outcome.

  Steve Cavino [13:15]: "He goes, do you like Cholula or Tapatio? I said Cholula. Wrong answer."

• Danny G's Encounter [28:35]:
  Describing an on-air interview gone wrong when the interviewer unexpectedly left, leaving him to handle the situation solo.

  Danny G [28:35]: "He does not come back. The last commercial stops there's dead air."

• Listener Call-in: Kent from Maine [30:04]:
  Sharing experiences with pyramid schemes masquerading as job opportunities, highlighting the importance of discerning genuine offers from scams.

  Kent [30:08]: "There was like, this college painting company scheme that was always going around."

5. Strategies for Successful Interviews

The discussion shifts to actionable advice on how to ace interviews, drawing parallels between sports interviews and job interviews in the corporate world.

Steve Cavino [07:15]: "Always make eye contact. Ask them questions."

Rich Davis [09:28]: "Anytime we've ever had a meeting with anyone, I know where they grew up. I know a college they went to."

They emphasize the importance of preparation, understanding the interviewer, and exhibiting enthusiasm and positive body language.

6. Listener Engagement: Sharing Experiences

Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to share their own interview stories, creating an interactive and community-driven atmosphere.

Steve Cavino [30:04]: "We got Kent in Maine."

Listeners recount both successful and failed interviews, providing a diverse range of experiences that underscore the episode's central theme.

7. Conclusion: The Broader Impact of Interviews

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on how interviews extend beyond the NFL Draft, affecting various aspects of life and career development. They reiterate the importance of presenting oneself well in any interview scenario to achieve desired outcomes.

Rich Davis [22:40]: "You're making dreams come true."

Steve Cavino [27:05]: "You have to be able to represent and interview and present in a good way."

Key Takeaways:

• First Impressions Matter: Whether in sports or corporate settings, how you present yourself during an interview can significantly influence the outcome.

• Preparation is Key: Understanding the interviewer, researching the organization, and being ready to showcase both skills and personality are crucial steps for success.

• Body Language Speaks Volumes: Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact and mirroring the interviewer's gestures, can create a favorable impression.

• Learn from Others' Experiences: Sharing and listening to personal anecdotes about interviews can provide valuable lessons on what to do and what to avoid.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the interview process within the high-stakes environment of the NFL Draft, drawing parallels to everyday job interviews. Through personal stories, practical advice, and engaging discussions, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides listeners with insightful perspectives on making impactful first impressions.