Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 - The Season is Like John Lennon's Butt
Release Date: March 18, 2025

1. Opening Day Highlights (03:06 - 05:00)

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Major League Baseball's Opening Day, specifically focusing on the showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Covino and Nathan King discuss the excitement surrounding Shohei Ohtani's performance, highlighting his two hits and two runs in the Dodgers' 4-1 victory over the Cubs. Covino remarks:

"You're still champs. You represent... you're excited about the season."
[04:53] Covino

They also touch upon the challenges of catching live game coverage, with Nathan humorously admitting to missing the early morning game due to its 3 AM airtime on the West Coast.

2. Movie Trailers and Nostalgia (05:00 - 09:00)

The conversation shifts to the anticipation of upcoming movie trailers, particularly the sequel to the beloved classic Happy Gilmore. Kyra K. Dixon expresses hope that the new trailer maintains the heartfelt essence of the original:

"It seems like it's more heart tugging or heartfelt based on the trailer."
[06:33] Covino

Nathan shares his unwavering support for the sequel, emphasizing that nostalgia alone makes him eager to watch it despite potential shortcomings:

"Even if the movie stinks, the nostalgia alone will be worth any of our hour and 45 minutes."
[06:58] Nathan King

3. Reinventing in Sports: The Case of Joey Gallo (09:00 - 22:00)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Joey Gallo's unexpected transition from a power-hitting outfielder to a pitcher. Covino outlines Gallo's journey:

"He did his. He had a 2:40 home run seasons, almost three. So hitting bombs and released by the White Sox."
[16:19] Covino

Nathan draws parallels with Shohei Ohtani, marveling at Ohtani's dual-role success and contemplating the feasibility of Gallo's reinvention:

"What do you know? He has a cannon of an arm... he could throw some heat."
[19:33] Nathan King

Covino remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the challenges Gallo faces but rooting for his creative pivot:

"He's a 6 foot 5, 250 pound beast... you can't undermine what real pitchers have accomplished."
[20:17] Covino

4. Examples of Career Reinvention (22:00 - 34:00)

The hosts explore other notable instances of reinvention within and outside of sports:

• Rick Ankiel: Transitioned from being a struggling pitcher to a successful outfielder, showcasing adaptability.
• Jason Kidd: Evolved from a criticized shooter to a top-tier three-point specialist in the NBA.
• Trent Reznor: Reinvented himself musically, moving from the band Slam Bamboo to becoming the industrial rock legend behind Nine Inch Nails.

Covino emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience:

"Players, people that just reinvented themselves in this sort of respectable way."
[23:30] Covino

5. Yankees' Season Outlook and Player Health (34:00 - 52:00)

Shifting focus back to baseball, the discussion centers on the New York Yankees' prospects for the upcoming season amidst injuries and roster changes. Key points include:

• Garrett Cole's Injury: Covino expresses concern over Cole being out for three months, labeling him as the team's ace.

  "I look at it this way... other than Garrett Cole, which is a huge loss."
  [50:34] Nathan King

• Luis Heel's Status: Despite injuries, there's optimism about players like Stanton returning by September, giving the team ample time to recover over the lengthy 162-game season.

Nathan uses a humorous analogy to describe the baseball season's length:

"The season is like John Lennon's ass crack... Long and strong."
[51:35] Covino

6. Interactive Trivia: Shaq Diesel Trivia (52:00 - 43:53)

In an engaging segment, the hosts host "Shaq Diesel Trivia," featuring questions about basketball history and player achievements. Contestants vie for prizes, and the segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and playful banter. Notable moments include:

• Question on Klay Thompson's Quarter:

  "In 2015, my boy Klay Thompson scored 37 points in a single quarter. Who did he drop it on? A, the Sacramento Kings, B, the Portland Trail Blazers or C, the Utah Jazz."
  [37:01] Mark Seal

• Winning Contestant Announcement:

  "Dan Buyer for the steal... Yes."
  [40:56] Kyra K. Dixon

The trivia segment adds an interactive layer to the podcast, encouraging listener participation and fostering a lively atmosphere.

7. Humorous Analogies and Wrap-Up (43:53 - End)

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts employ humor and quirky analogies to leave listeners entertained:

• Season Length Comparison:

  "The season is like John Lennon's ass crack... Long, long and winding road."
  [53:17] Kyra K. Dixon

• Shaq's Reinvention Tribute: Covino humorously praises Shaquille O'Neal's numerous career reinventions, referencing his ventures from basketball to rap and acting.

The episode wraps up with a return to sponsorship messages and a light-hearted sign-off, maintaining the show’s signature blend of sports analysis and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• "Even if the movie stinks, the nostalgia alone will be worth any of our hour and 45 minutes."
  — Nathan King [06:58]

• "He's a 6 foot 5, 250 pound beast... you can't undermine what real pitchers have accomplished."
  — Covino [20:17]

• "The season is like John Lennon's ass crack... Long, long and winding road."
  — Kyra K. Dixon [53:17]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts delve into the excitement of the baseball season's commencement, explore the challenges and triumphs of career reinvention in sports, and engage listeners with interactive trivia. Through a blend of insightful analysis, humorous analogies, and relatable discussions, the episode provides a comprehensive and entertaining overview of current sports narratives, making it a valuable listen for both avid fans and casual followers.