Show Me Something - Sophie Cunningham's EXPECTATIONS for Indiana Fever's WNBA season with Caitlin Clark

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Show Me Something - Sophie Cunningham's EXPECTATIONS for Indiana Fever's WNBA Season with Caitlin Clark"

Release Date: May 8, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)
Notable Guests: Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever), Kelsey Mitchell, West

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Episode Overview

This episode features a lively and candid discussion with Sophie Cunningham and members of the Indiana Fever as the team prepares for the WNBA season, focusing on expectations, the dynamics around Caitlin Clark, and broader sports topics. The hosts also dive into officiating issues, team goals, personal growth, sports culture, and a wide assortment of spontaneous topics, delivering heartfelt insights mixed with playful banter.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Training Camp Atmosphere & Defensive Mindset

[02:55, 07:44, 31:00]

• The Fever are in the thick of training camp. Sophie, Kelsey, and West discuss the exhaustion and commitment during this period, including intense defensive drills.
• Kelsey Mitchell:
  "We've had like a two hour practice yesterday. Strictly defense. And if you want to know what that is, that's like a living hell. ... I'm so tired. ... It's all about building trust." [06:32]
• Team goal: Become the best defensive team in the league, focusing on communication and having each other's backs.
  "I know that we want to be the best defensive team. And I think that is a very doable goal because it's everything you can control. It's all about communication. It's about knowing your teammates, what they're good at, what they're bad at... So it's all about building trust." – Kelsey [31:00]

2. Sophie’s Transition from Phoenix to Indiana

[08:06]

• Sophie describes the emotional challenges of being traded from Phoenix to Indiana, balancing gratitude for the fresh start with initial sadness and anxiety.
• “When you take big risks and stuff like that, it could be scary. But also, like, that is, like, the time when you start to blossom as well... I’m so grateful that I did it, but it’s hard.” – Sophie [09:23]
• She candidly admits to having “cried the entire day” after the trade, highlighting the human side of professional transitions.

3. The Caitlin Clark Factor & Fever Team Expectations

[07:44, 14:36, 26:19, 31:00]

• There is palpable excitement and some nerves for the opening game—with high expectations, both from within the team and from the wider sports community, due to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark joining the Fever.
• "Championship or bust, I would imagine,” West proposes, with Sophie explaining the importance of incremental daily progress over fixating solely on big-picture goals. [26:19]
• Sophie preaches “daily deposits”—consistent effort and improvement—over being fixated on outcomes like championship trophies.

4. Officiating in the WNBA (and Sports as a Whole)

[11:26, 12:12, 13:17]

• The hosts dissect Caitlin Clark’s preseason comments about “physicality” not matching expectations and delve deep into the nuances and challenges of WNBA officiating.
• "I think the problem with last year, it was just too inconsistent..." – Kelsey [13:17]
• Sophie and Kelsey note that the WNBA is working with referees and coaches more collaboratively this year to sync up expectations, aiming for more consistency in calls and physicality standards.

5. Comparative Sports Culture: Flopping, Officiating, and Technology

[15:39, 16:54, 21:04, 22:46]

• Discussing differences in officiating transparency and complaints across the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and MLB.
• On MLB’s new challenge system: “I think it's like a massive change to the game, but, like, in a minor way. I think they did it perfect, to be honest.” – West [23:41]
• Reflections on how technology (like instant replay) and revised regulations shape the game, sometimes at the expense of flow or fun.

6. Approaching Goals: Process Over Outcome

[32:17]

• Sophie argues for focusing on what you can control: effort, daily discipline, and habits. Big statistical or trophy goals are only partially within a player’s reach due to external factors (coaching decisions, teammates’ roles, etc.).
• "My goal is, like, what am I doing literally every single day in order to better myself ... If I'm doing that every single day, that's my goal to, like, stay disciplined to that goal, then at the end of the season, I feel like I'm going to end up where I'm supposed to be." – Sophie [32:17]

7. Team Culture, Leadership, and Player Development

[27:29, 28:06]

• Conditioning drills foster hierarchy—shout outs to Kelsey Mitchell and Raven Johnson for leading suicides.
• Rookies feel the pressure in camp but everyone is held to the same standard: “You can’t, everyone has to go hard because you, she only gives you 10 seconds to go to do down and back...” [28:18]

8. Uniform Talk and Media Attention

[34:23]

• The hosts speculate humorously about new Fever uniforms and the significance of increased national attention due to Caitlin Clark and the burgeoning profile of the league.
• "If we're going to be on national TV every single game, let's get something. Let's get a fun one, right? Something cool." – West [34:53]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On risk and change:
  "When you take big risks and stuff like that, it could be scary. But also... that is, like, the time when you start to blossom as well." – Sophie [09:23]

• On struggles with officiating:
  "I think the problem with last year, it was just too inconsistent... from game to game, it was inconsistent." – Kelsey [13:17]

• On daily improvement:
  "Sometimes getting better looks really shitty. Like yesterday's practice. We really did spend, like, two hours strictly on defense. And... if we messed up... we were doing suicide." – Sophie [26:19]

• On purpose-driven goals:
  "It's purpose over proving. What is your purpose in life? Focus on that over, like, proving yourself." – Sophie [34:02]

• On culture and present/future nostalgia:
  "I think growing up in the 90s was freaking awesome... There's a trend of people trying to get back to the 90s. I think the 90s were the best era." – Sophie [54:07]

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Entertaining Tangents and Sidebars

Weather and Small Talk

[03:02-05:49]

• Opening riff about how weather is universal small talk, especially in the Midwest.

Fighting, Sibling Rivalry, and Animal Kingdom

[36:33-39:09, 45:19-47:08]

• The group humorously compares sibling fights to animal kingdom battles and male hippos flinging poop.
• "If you're gonna do something, don't be pulling here because... that's just, like, catty and shitty." – Sophie [39:09]

Deep Sea Mysteries and Aliens

[47:38-48:59]

• Spirited debate about whether aliens might exist in the ocean, the mysteries of the deep, and megalodons.

Modern Nostalgia and Generational Differences

[51:37-55:18]

• Reflecting on nostalgia, the present vs. past eras, kids’ inability to read analog clocks, and the impact of ubiquitous technology.
• “I think we all got phones, like, late in high school. ... I think you and I were, like, right before technology, like, kind of ruined everyone.” – West [55:04]

Kansas City World Cup Alcohol Law

[59:19-62:11]

• Discussion of a new law allowing 23-hour alcohol service in Kansas City for the World Cup, with reflections on international fan culture, Midwestern hospitality, and Power & Light District as the party hub.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Training camp exhaustion and defensive focus: 06:32, 31:00
• Sophie on being traded to Indiana: 08:06–09:23
• Caitlin Clark and preseason officiating controversy: 11:26–14:36
• WNBA and NBA officiating—physicality, consistency, and rule changes: 15:39–14:36
• Comparing sports leagues on officiating and complaints: 16:54, 17:36
• Uniting on team goals — "best defensive team": 31:00
• Sophie’s philosophy on habits and personal goals: 32:17
• Uniforms and the impact of media exposure: 34:23–34:53
• Kansas City World Cup, new laws, and Midwest fan culture: 59:19–62:11

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Final Thoughts

This episode stands out for its honest athlete perspectives, particularly from Sophie Cunningham, on the realities of change, growth, and leadership in professional sports. The Fever are determined to become a defensive force and are aware of both the hype and internal dynamics brought by Caitlin Clark and a bullish preseason. The hosts explore the subtleties of officiating, the essence of process-driven progress, and the quirks of sports, nostalgia, and society with equal parts wisdom and humor.

For new listeners and die-hard fans alike, this episode offers a rich look at the life of a pro athlete, the grind before a highly anticipated season, and the culture of modern sports.

Transcript

[Kelsey Mitchell]

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[Kelsey Mitchell]

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[West]

Oh, no.

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[Sophie]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

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[West]

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

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Those people are starving for banter. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

A team goal that I can share is I know that we want to be the best defensive team.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Let's go.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And I think that is a very doable goal because it's everything you can control. It's all about communication. It's about knowing your teammates, what they're good at, what they're bad at. And like, they're like, if I could be, then I know my hope side is going to be there. So it's all about building trust. And I Think at the beginning of the year, like you're trying to do that now because you have a lot of teammates. People play defense differently, but you have to know our scheme. So it's just having each other's back. So I think we could be. We're fast, versatile, I think. And so I think that we're going to have a pretty good defensive team. I couldn't find my dry shampoo. Wes, did you shave or something?

[West]

Yeah, I did shave. It's kind of cold in my apartment. I kind of like it.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Really? Dude, it's been like raining non stop here.

[West]

It's horrible. In indie, it's. I'd say it's. It's not cloudy today, but there's no sun. It's like when the sky looks white almost. Do you know what I'm saying?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[West]

That's what April shower spring. No, that's not right. That's not how. That's not how that saying goes.

[Sophie]

You guys, you guys go whenever you're ready. Episode 39.

[West]

You didn't like that intro about weather, Kev? It was on purpose.

[Sophie]

It was so soft. I wasn't sure.

[West]

Yeah, guys, that was a part of this intro. Talking about weather. That's what people do when they catch. When they're catching up. You start talking about weather and then you. And you. Then you talk about other stuff.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Did you really think about it every time you talk to like your mom or dad, like back home? So how's the weather?

[West]

No, it's actually fascinating. I think weather was invented for people to small talk about in like Ubers or elevators. It's actually crazy how default that is for small talk with strangers.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But I also think. But is that in the city too? Because I definitely think it's like a Midwest thing of like. Like my grandparents all the time are like, well, the weather's here, it's raining. Or I'm like, okay, I think.

[West]

I think here's my take on small talk about the weather Also, guys, episode 39. Welcome back to.

[Sophie]

We.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Welcome back. We missed you guys.

[West]

Weather is something that every single person experiences every day. It's also ever changing. So it's like a V. It's like a variable that will always be different. And every, you know, no matter who you're interacting with, that they are experiencing it as well as you. And it's the. You're experiencing it the same way. So it's like I can't think of anything else that's that generically different all

[Kelsey Mitchell]

the time, you know, dude, you're so. Right. And, like, I always find myself that I'm like, what a beautiful day out. Like, wow, we got lucky today. You know what I mean? Like, I. I fall. I'm a victim to that because I do it all the time.

[Sophie]

I will.

[West]

I get in every Uber and I'm like, it's hot as out. Yeah.

[Sophie]

With the random parents talk. Like, you know when you have a kid now and you all these events and you have to, like, small talk with all the parents.

[West]

Oh, yeah.

[Sophie]

What? Weather is definitely a top of the the power rankings. That's an easy go to.

[West]

Yeah. You don't even have to have, like, any brain cells to talk about the weather. Like, it just is there for you.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

I wonder if you could go. I wonder how long you could go. One of us could go without talking about the weather.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Oh, dude, we should try. We should test it.

[West]

You want to try it this week?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Let's do it, dude. Okay. I'm not kidding. But, like, you have to. If you talk about the weather, get on your notes app and like.

[West]

Mike Gwynn.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, you have to. You have to. Because I literally talk about it all the time, but mine's more based around, like, tanning. So I'm like, oh, yes. Uv. Uv.

[West]

Do you want to count it as if we bring it up or if even if someone engages with us and we give it back? Like, I think it's both ways.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think engage. Like, let's just see how many people talk about the weather. This is gonna be good.

[West]

That's awesome. Okay, podcast back. Sophie's still in Indianapolis because I can see artwork on her walls and a cowboy hat in the back.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I'm. Hey, today I. Okay, so it is Wednesday, and I have been in this apartment for maybe like two weeks now, and it's training camp. So, like, you're just exhausted. Like, it's long days. Like, we can get. We're gonna get into it later in the podcast, but we've had. We had like a two hour practice yesterday. Strictly defense. And if you want to know what that is, that's like a living hell. And so I just have been so tired. Yeah. I can't get low and shuffle, and that's my problem. I can't shuffle or get low. So it was a really fun practice for me, but I. I have got to clean. Like, I'm putting all my stuff away today. Like, it is a gift shit done type of day for me. So I'm fine. I've had my second coffee already. Like, I'm ready to go.

[West]

Second coffee?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Holy hell.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

I've only had this much coffee. I, I, I've told you about why I like to get coffee in the morning. To, like, get outside and just interact with people and leave my apartment and then bring it back in, and then I'll, like, and then I'll babysit it throughout the whole day. Well, what's that, um, talk to me about? I mean, we are, what, three days away from home, Opie.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Is that Saturday? Yeah. Thursday? Friday? Yeah. Three days.

[West]

Yeah. How are we feeling? Are you excited? Do you get jitters?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You know, I, I still, I do. I do. Like, it's just good. Like, that just means you're alive. And I think that, like, yes, I will always get jitters. You know what I mean? Like, I think that's, like, part of why you love it so much. But I think we're feeling pretty good. Like, our team is starting to click.

[West]

When you left Phoenix for Indiana, walk, walk, everyone. What it feels like to be tra. Well, I, I always just feel like, because being traded can be a great thing, but I still would always, I still would always feel like my feelings would be hurt by the team that said goodbye to me. I know it's the business, but, like,

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I, I feel you. I feel you. So here's my thing. I'm just going to be very blunt and honest. So here we go. You know, what's new? So what? There are specific players who, like, start their career with one team and end their career with the same exact team. And that's very rare.

[West]

Yeah, very rare, though.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

It is. And I think I have the potential to do that in Phoenix if I wanted to. Oh. But with that being said, I think sometimes when you're in that type of spot, you get too comfortable. And, like, you don't really. You're just too comfortable. You can't reach your max potential. You can't. You can grow, but just not to where maybe you could have grown if you go somewhere different. Right, right. And so actually, they, Phoenix did right by me. They, they, I was close with. They did. They did. I wasn't necessarily too close with, like, our coach in the gm because they were new that year, but I had been there for, you know, six years. And so I was really close with, like, the management, pretty much everyone who worked there. And so they were like, hey, here's our situation at hand. Like, this doesn't mean we won't ever want you back here, but, like, here's your opportunity. Here's what we're trying to do. And so we had a good conversation. I was like, you know what? Like, heck, yeah, I can get back to the Midwest. Like, I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss the vibe of the Midwest. Great opportunity here in Indiana because of the basketball piece. And so, yeah, it's more my style of play. Like, it was just a fresh start. And so, yeah, I. I took it and I. I was so excited. And then, like, the next day, I'm not kidding, I stayed in my house and I cried the entire day because I was like, oh, I was so. Cause I was like, oh, my God, what if. What am I doing? Like, I finally have my people here. I'm finally, like, creating kind of like a name to business here in Arizona, making good money, like, all this type of stuff. But who knew? Coming here multiplied by a hundred. And so I just, like, I think when you take big, big risks and stuff like that, it could be scary. But also, like, that is, like, the time when you. When you start to blossom as well. And so I'm so grateful that I did it, but it's. It's hard. And so. But how you were asking, like, you'd always feel, like, a certain bite.

[West]

Yeah, dude.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

There are some people. Like, when I played in Phoenix last year, there are some people that I just did not like. And there was a couple times, like, after I. I played well that game, and I, like, looked at some people and I. Sorry. But I also was like, you. Because I just had to get it off. Like, I looked right at him in the eye. Fuck you guys. So, like, it was my. It was my decision to get traded, too. So I'm like, I don't know why.

[West]

I wouldn't expect anything less. Obviously.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I know. Nobody does. Nobody ever will.

[West]

Damn.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But it's fun. But our team, you know, we. We open up against Dallas, and Dallas is looking really freaking good.

[West]

That's what I was gonna ask you about. A. Did have a quote. Did you see?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Okay, no.

[West]

She said, honestly, I'm more confused. I thought you could be physical in the W. And anytime I touch someone, that's a foul. I hope I got that verbatim. Yeah. And she didn't get fined either.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

What?

[West]

Yeah, that. Actually, I was wondering how you'd feel about that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Dude. Okay. I have so many opinions on that now that I know that one. I think maybe she didn't get fined because it's preseason.

[West]

When was your first fine?

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

How old?

[West]

Or was it when this podcast started?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No, I. I've been fined a lot, I feel like, but not not more than last year. This podcast has really done some damage.

[West]

Yeah, but it's been a while. Knock on wood. But the season's about to start, so we'll get.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Season.

[West]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

How's it even started?

[West]

Yeah, we'll get those going again.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Okay, all. All I'm saying is I think she has a very valid point because, well, you know what? New year, fresh start. And we've had meetings with the refs and they. I think that they have owned up for last year. Truly. Like, all of our meetings, they're like, we've got to be better. Like, we have nice. Wait, does that mean I get my money back? Like, if they're starting to agree with what I saw the entire time, should I be able to get my money back?

[West]

Taffy.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I'm just saying. Anyway, I think it's pretty valid what she says that, like, it is so much more physical than any league, but it's all about, like, how they're going to call the game. So like, sometimes you can touch them and sometimes you can't. So I think it's just like, you have to get used to it.

[West]

Like, do you think. Or was this an issue? Like, safe 10 minutes into a game, do you know how they're gonna call it? Or is it. Is the. Was the problem last year that you couldn't even figure out how they were going to call a game? Like, early on?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think the problem. Yeah, I think the problem with last year, it was just too inconsistent and

[West]

like this, like, throughout the game, not throughout the season, but, like, the game was inconsistent. I think individual games. Yeah, I think both.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think, like, through the game, it was inconsistent. From game to game is inconsistent, but, like, overall. And this is what they said. So you cannot find me on this because this is like quoting what they said in our meeting is like, they were like, we. We have to do better. Like, it was too physical. It got out of hand. We did not call things. And so, like, they were really dialed in. So this is what they say every year, though. It's like, they are. It is going to be very. I feel like tic tac called fouls or tic tacing fouls called at the beginning.

[West]

Beginning of the year. Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And then as the season goes, like, it just like, turns out everyone's beating the. Out of each other towards the end of the season. But, like, that's okay because that's how it always is.

[West]

Well, so also, like, in the beginning of season some, I mean, obviously sometimes there's rule changes. Sometimes a league is like, we're going to be lighter on this, heavier on this. And so the beginning of the year is also we're going to give grace to officials because they're figuring out how to. They're calling this season and, like, what's going to play. And you also do have to kind of set a standard for players and coaches. Like, we are calling this shit this year. So, like, get used to it. This is how we're calling it.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And so beginning of the year is

[West]

probably tough as a player.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Agree. And for them, like, they're trying to get back in their rhythm as well. Like, I get it. They're human. Like, their job is hard. Like, I was watching an NBA game the other day, and, like, everyone just shits on them. Like, I truly do feel bad for them. Like, I did.

[West]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But what I was going to say. Fun fact that I don't think a lot of people know is there is. I think it's been around, but I think there was more emphasis on it this year. But there was a committee of coaches. Everyone got together, all the refs got together, and they decided what they wanted the season to look like. And so, like, our league and the refs are truly working together this year. And, you know, there's going to be frustrating things, but even our cook said, like, we're going to start calling. We have refs at our practice every day. And, like, she's like, we have been calling certain things because we know that the rest are going to be calling this this year. And so it's like, you do have to kind of adjust to it. And Arco just said we want them to call everything. Like, call everything. So then we know it's going to be even. Yeah, but, you know, it's. You say that and then once you're in it, you're like, stuck home shit. So we're never satisfied.

[West]

Do you. Does the W have a flopping problem like the NBA does right now or not at all?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No.

[West]

That's nice. People are really eating up SGA right now on the Internet, dude.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Here's my thing about that. He is so damn good.

[West]

Yeah. Like, why even waste your time?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. And I get it. Like, you can. You can bait people in, and that's, like, part of the game of, like, getting people in bow trouble. Like, the mental aspect. I get it. But, like, he is so good that there are some calls that like. Like, come on. All right. I'm just gonna say I've been glued to my JLab headphones lately. Flights workouts, quick coffee runs, they basically call me 24 7.

[West]

And the wild part, the battery just keeps going. I honestly don't remember the last time I charged mine. It's been that long.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And the sound holds up too. Super clean. Gets loud when you want it to and it doesn't get all distorted on.

[West]

I've been rocking the over year pair on flights and it's a total upgrade. Noise canceling is clutch. They're comfortable the entire time.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Whether I'm in the gym, on a plane, you're just out walking around with music on. They've got something that fits whatever vibe I'm on.

[West]

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[Kelsey Mitchell]

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[West]

I have found. I don't know why this is but I do think the W and the NBA are without a doubt the most vocal leagues about disagreeing with officiating. Like the NFL, you can't really. No one does it that often or you get fined. Baseball, you get like, like people like thrown out of games and there's fights but it's never like public interview. Like it just, it feels like the NBA and the W, like people really share their feelings about not agreeing with officiating. More times than not. You've been fined 900 times. Like it is a sport where people like aren't afraid to speak up, which I don't know if that's good or bad.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I don't either. Like now that you say that do do is there enough opportunity for NFL players to speak up against the refs?

[West]

Well, honestly I would argue no because post game national interviews are going to be like your quarterback. Who knows better most times one player who had like an important play and then everything else is going to be like locker room interviews. But that's usually like local radio. Like it's not like on a massive scale. I, I think football, guys, there's so much outside of your control in football that you can't control. That like officiating is just one of like the eight things that you like aren't in control of where basketball, there's five of you, you have like, you can really take over a game.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Whenever you want to. And football, there's so many other things

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I would also say with football. Like they're literally tackling each other. Right. So like they can't really be mad about it being too aggressive or stuff like that. You know what I mean? We're like, I feel like, same with baseball. Like there's not a lot of, like it's a, it's a physical sport, but there's not a lot of like banging with the other team.

[West]

Have you seen what.

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[Kelsey Mitchell]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[West]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Sophie]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Liberty Liberty. Liberty Liberty.

[Robert Smigel]

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy. Not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Frank. Me and hilarious guests from Jim Gaffigan to Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week. My guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an acapella band with their between songs banter. Who's the worst singer in the group?

[West]

The worst?

[Robert Smigel]

Yeah.

[West]

Me.

[Robert Smigel]

Is there anything to the idea that because you're from Harvard, you only got in because your parents made a huge donation?

[West]

The Yardbirds, right?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That's the name.

[Robert Smigel]

The Harvard Yard. But they're open if you have a name suggestion.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

We're open.

[Robert Smigel]

Since you guys are middle aged. One erection. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Humor Me, I need some jokes to make me.

[West]

See baseball implemented this year, the, like, challenges. It's kind of awesome. Okay, so as this. As of this year, baseball is doing a really good job right now, I think. I think the MLB is, like, growing the game in the. In the best way possible. So, like, you. I like the human element of umpires. Like, you kind of get to know their strike zone. Like, sometimes it's bigger, sometimes smaller. Like, they're calling whatever.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Human error is a part of the game.

[West]

Human error, totally. But when games end, like, in the playoffs, unlike a fucking shitty strike call, or, like, when it's purely no one's fault but the umpires, that sucks. So they implemented challenges, and a team gets two challenges. A pitcher, a batter, or a catcher taps their helmet, and then they review it electronically, and then they say it's like a ball or a strike, and you either the ump was right or wrong, but then they go to, like, where it's electronic and, you know. Or not. So.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

So you only get two. Again, I think if you.

[West]

I think if you get them right, then they give you one more. That part, Kev, you might have to look that part up for me. Like, if you keep. If you get them right, then you. Then you keep an extra kind of thing. But you'll. If you watch now. So, like, an uncle call strike on a batter, and it's, like, low, and he'll tap his helmet, and then they'll review it and they'll be like, oh, it's a ball. And then he can go to first. And I think. But it's not where it's, like, taking over the game. It's, like, only, like, one or two moments to, like, make sure the call's right. And you also leave it in the hands of, like, the players. It's not like New York gets to make the call. I think it's, yeah, awesome. And I think a little tweak, and it's great.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And I also think it keeps the umpires honest. Right? Like, I know they already are. I know they are. That's their job. Like, they. They are doing the best they very can. But, like, sometimes emotions get involved here. Here it is.

[West]

Oh, here you go. Each team gets two challenges. If you win the challenge, you keep it. Oh, okay. Nice. Oh, so you get. You get two wrong challenges then. So if you're right, you keep them. That's crazy.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Wait, so could you be doing that the entire time then?

[West]

Yeah, but you could only, like, they're gone if you get the call wrong. So like, that's interesting. I think most teams, what they've been doing is, like, you're not going to use the challenge when it's like the second inning and there's one out and, like, nobody on. It's like you, you wait till, like, the seventh, eighth, ninth, use them in high leverage situations. But I think it's, it's like a massive change to the game, but, like, in a minor way, I think, I think they did it perfect, to be honest.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I like that. But you know what I also enjoy is the review takes. It says five to 10 seconds. I feel like, I feel like ours, ours have got to be quicker. Like, I do not.

[West]

NFL struggles with that, too. Football challenges take so long.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

NFL, NFL is so long. But I do not understand why I, Unless it's super complicated, but, like, basic calls that I could make, like, like that. I don't get why it takes so long, especially if you're using the people in New York, you know?

[West]

Yeah, that's a great question, actually, because they do take forever. I mean, I, I, the, the standard answer would be, like, you want to make sure you get it right, but watch it in slow mo. See what it, See what it is, and then keep it moving. Colin Coward always says, I, and I think this is such a great take. He's like, everyone can think they're right. Watching a replay in slow motion, referees running around. When shit's fast, you don't. It's so hard. And also, but, like, once you slow it down, obviously you see things at a different degree, and things look worse

[Kelsey Mitchell]

or better when it's, when it's not live. Yeah.

[West]

There's also things, though, that you would consider, like, yeah, if you watch it in slow motion, if, say, we're calling, like, a shooting foul, like, yeah, your arm, like, touches an elbow a millisecond before she shoots. Like, okay, like, you can call that if you want, but also, if you watch it in real time, it doesn't affect her shooting motion, whatever. Like, you'd let it play. So motion can be bad. Like, not realistic, if that makes sense, you know?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And I will say, too, if you really watch any sport, I'm gonna just stick with basketball and football.

[West]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You could call something on every play, of course. Like, you could, you can literally call it, like, probably five battles every play. And so that's another thing is, like, determining is it, is it big enough to call? Do you need to let them play through? Like, it is. I, I, I feel for the reps. Like, truly, I Think that they have a very freaking difficult job. I do.

[West]

Look at the rest. I know. I was gonna say we have to write that down. So the next time. Yeah, you're pissed. I'll be like, remember you said you feel for them. Them right.

[Sophie]

Deposit Sylvie some money back. Be like, all right, yeah, positive comment.

[West]

Send it back. Do you have that? We just got real technical. We talked about officiating for like 20 minutes. What are your give me fever team goals. Championship or bust, I would imagine. And Sophie goals.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I like that. Okay, so this is so good. I actually want to talk about this because I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on this. And this could be in. When you were an athlete, this could be in business. I mean, you're still athlete. Yeah, I know, but I'm saying, like it could. You could take this anyway. So. Yeah, I think, I think our. I think everyone's goal is always to win a championship. Like that you get everyone. Is it like, especially when you have the talent. Like everyone wants that. That is a no brainer. But I truly do think that like it's all about your daily deposits and I. So I know that sounds so simple, but like, what are. What are you doing? What is your team doing every single day in order to like move in a positive direction, you're either getting better or you're getting worse every day. And sometimes getting better looks really shitty. Like yesterday's practice. We really did spend like two hours strictly on defense in life. And if we messed up and they did something we were running, we were like doing suicide yesterday. Yeah, like it, it's. It is no joke. And so man, everyone like was looking around, I'm like, besides like, we're all right.

[West]

Okay. Hey, answer this honestly. Okay?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Where in the pack are you? When you guys condition people are usually always the same, like their whole careers. I feel like from pop. Like Pop Warner to like college, you either are in the front, you hide in the middle, or you like are just really bad at fucking condition.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No, I think, I think that I'm. I'm like, no, like I'm higher middle. Okay. Like, so we have to give a

[West]

shout out to whoever. Whoever wins suicides. Who's always at the front.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think this year Kelsey Kelsey Mitchell and Raven Johnson are always pretty shout out girls. Yeah.

[Sophie]

So I was gonna ask, do the rookies go extra hard to like prove a point?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And like, dude, you can't, you can't. Everyone has to go hard because you. She only gives you 10 seconds to go to do down and back. So, like, and if you don't make it, you're all on the line again. So it's.

[West]

Is. Is your head coach running that ship or is that your condition, your strength and conditioning coach?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Our head coach.

[West]

Well, again, not to do football comparisons, but, like, as soon as practice, if we have to like, run after, do whatever, like, he'll just whistle to the strength coach and then he makes this run, you know, so.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

So if you have like, extra conditioning or like, if you don't reach a certain amount of minutes, our conditioning, our weight and conditioning coach takes over. But, like, during practice, if we're like doing drills or like, we don't make it or we don't do whatever, it's her call to do that.

[West]

Oh, so you have more conditioning if you don't play a certain amount of minutes in the game, I mean, makes perfect sense. I just didn't. That's.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Stay ready so you don't have to be ready.

[West]

Yeah. I would like to know the threshold. Do you know how many minutes it is to, like, be like you played enough?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I don't, I don't. But I will say that, like, I think when you're a pro, it sounds harsh, but, like, you actually want to do that.

[West]

Of course.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You want to stay in shape. Like, you want to. You want to, I don't know, you want to be ready. Like, and I think that that's, it's the fun part of, like, you get paid to literally be in shape. Like, how amazing is that? So, like, don't take it for granted. But don't get me wrong, there are days where it's freaking hard and you're like, all right, but what the hell am I doing with my life?

[West]

Yeah, okay, I'm not gonna lie. After going to our first NASCAR race earlier this year, I totally get the hype now.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

The second those cars fire up, it's just chaos in the best possible way. Loud, fast people grilling everywhere, fans losing their minds. The atmosphere is absolutely unreal.

[West]

And now NASCAR is doing something that honestly sounds insane. They're bringing street racing to San Diego in 2026.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. And not just anywhere at the Naval Base Coronado. Like an actual active military race, which is so cool.

[West]

It's going to be a full three day weekend, too. Truck series on Friday, Xfinity on Saturday, and then the Cup Series headline race on Sunday, June 21st.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And the whole weekend lines up with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, which makes the whole thing feel even bigger.

[West]

Plus, street courses Always bring a totally different energy, tighter turns, crazier moments, absolute

[Kelsey Mitchell]

chaos, which honestly is exactly what we want.

[West]

You can grab tickets for this one of a kind [e-mail] and you can't

[Kelsey Mitchell]

make it out there. Check out the NASCAR Cup Series. AndReal250 Sunday, June 21st on Prime Video at 4pm Eastern Time. What were we talking about?

[West]

Your goals and team goals.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yes. A team goal that I can share is I know that we want to be the best defensive team.

[West]

Let's go.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And I think that is a very doable goal because it's everything you can control. It's all about communication. It's about knowing your teammates, what they're good at, what they're bad at. And like, they're like, if I could be, then I know my hope side is going to be there. So it's all about building trust. And I think at the beginning of the year, like you're trying to do that now because you have a lot of teammates. People play defense differently, but you have to know our scheme. So it's just having each other's back. So I think we could be, we're fast, versatile, I think. And so I think that we're going to have a pretty good defensive team. That's a good one.

[West]

That's awesome. I love that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Okay.

[West]

I really love that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Here are my thoughts on personal goals and tell me how you feel about this. Okay, so I think you have a lot of people who are like, have goals writing down, look at them every single day. And I think that those are good to have. Like you want to have big picture goals. And I think it is healthy to write them down. Like, I think it is good to see them. But I think also personally there are so many. Like I could say I want to be a top three three point shooter in our league.

[West]

Okay.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Like, I could say that. But I feel like there's so much out of my control. You know what I mean?

[West]

Like, you can't, you can't control how, how hot anyone else gets. You can't control who else is.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You can't control how much you get the ball if you can't control how many minutes. Like there's too much outside of your control where it's like, okay, so for my thing is I think that I have goals in my head. But for me, my, my goal is like, what am I doing literally every single day in order to better myself, to like stay healthy, to, to be in shape, to make sure I'm getting my shots in, to Hit, like, all this stuff. Because if I'm doing that every single day, that's my goal to, like, stay disciplined to that goal, then at the end of the season, I feel like I'm going to end up where I'm supposed to be, and I can control that.

[West]

Good habits. There's only two things you can control. I've said it on this podcast before. Your attitude and your effort. That's it.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Literally.

[West]

I like that, Soph.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

So, like that. But, like, think about, like, do you have goals for, like, your year?

[West]

No. Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No. It's a good question on things to, like, go after or, like, things that, like, you would like to do. But at the end of the day, there's so many people, and it's so political. Like, there's so many people that are controlling all those strings that, like, what am I doing to, like, set myself up to be, well, speed?

[West]

Also, like, are you countering your goal if, like, it's the last. There's five seconds left, and Caitlyn's open, and you pass the ball for, like, her to shoot. Like, then it's like, oh, you're like, yeah, you're being a good teammate, but that's not helping you reach your three point. But, yeah. So I. I think your mindset is.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Lovely.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And I think also it's, like, purpose over proving. Like, what is your purpose?

[West]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

In life, Focus on that. Over, like, proving. Proving yourself. So I just think. I don't know. There's just different mindsets. I think.

[West]

I love. I love that job, Soph. Let's go, Fever. What. What. What uniforms are we wearing for our home opener? Any clue?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No idea, dude. No idea.

[West]

You were white at home, Navy on the road, and then the. The. The stranger things ones.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Well, we also. I feel like. I don't even know. I don't even know what we have this year. I think. I think we have.

[West]

Do you have anything new?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I feel like we. I mean, we had a red jersey last year, but I don't know. The only ones I've seen so far is blue and white, so I feel like you have a red, and I feel like you have a fun jersey. I don't know. They don't tell us anything.

[West]

If we're going to be on national TV every single game, let's get something. Let's get a fun one, right? Something cool. I know you have black, you have white, you have navy. You said you have red.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I don't know if we have black this year because black was our Stranger things last year.

[West]

Oh, and that's probably like a limited deal. Oh, then maybe they'll do another like one off. That'd be sick.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Who knows?

[West]

Let me design those.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Dude, you should. All right, enough about me. Should we get into Summer house? New episode dropped last night. Did Kyle beat everyone's ass?

[West]

No, I think. I don't. I would imagine the fight is the last episode.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

There was like a kind of a feud at the. The dinner table. You know, it was like Lindsay and Kyle going at it. And then he turned to Amanda, he left throwing stuff, cans and stuff at the house. And then other people went outside and even Carl got into it.

[West]

Like very crazy.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

It's entertaining. Is entertaining.

[West]

There was a blood on my pants at the end of that. That evening.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Really?

[West]

That's all I can say. Whose blood did. Might have been mine. Honestly, who knows? But.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Oh, Lord.

[West]

Yeah, it's kind of. That's what happens.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

When were you guys drinking and stuff or what?

[West]

I mean, there's never a time where you're not drinking much time where people aren't drinking in that house. But I think, yeah, that that fight ended up being good for Kyle and Carl. Honestly, I. Sometimes with guys, I mean, I don't know about girls, but like dudes, you just gotta just let them go, you know?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. Duke it out a little. Yeah.

[West]

I mean, have you ever seen there's so many like videos on Twitter and the Internet where like guys are like, like full blown boxing in the street. Someone gets knocked out, they stand up and they like dap up and walk off.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

What the heck? I will never understand that. Is that like a. Is that like. Do you understand that as a man?

[West]

Yeah, kinda. It's just like it's over. Like now we're like, move on, you know? I don't know, I just. That's what, that's. I mean, that's what animals do. Unfortunately, I'm not. Personally, I'm not a fighter. But I also, when I was in college, I remember being the guy who like, when people would fight, I'd be like, guys stop and like, try to get in the middle and be like, they're like, break it up, guy. And then I was like, these guys are like, do whatever the you want. Like, learn a lesson. You're either gonna get your ass beat or like get in trouble or feel like, go fight. Like, it has nothing to do with me. Go fight. And like, yeah, again, like, if these two people, whoever they are, whatever situation they're in, if they fight each other, this beef will be over in 60 seconds. Like, it will be done, you know? And I just, like, I've seen it too many times, you know? I. It's just like. It's just like high emotions, you know, into the summer again, drinks. I don't know. But that would be. That would be crazy.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

If everyone could fight, like, the end of Anchorman.

[Robert Smigel]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Dude, I love Anchorman. That is such a good show.

[Sophie]

No touching of the hair or face.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, that was kind of our mom's rule growing up. Like, when me and Lindsay were, like, in fights, it was like, no hitting in the head. Anywhere but the head.

[West]

What about hair pulling? That's. Whenever I see girl fights, the one thing I'm like, I always. I always cringe at is, like, girls grab so much hair and, like, do

[Kelsey Mitchell]

you want to know what's so funny? Is, like, where'd you grab homegirl?

[West]

Underneath the basket?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Just her neck. I didn't punch her. I just grabbed her by her neck. That's. It's fine. I did not do any of that. But I will say that our mom always said, don't hit in the head. Like, don't hit the face and head because your brain is, like, the most important thing. And don't. Don't. If you're. If you're gonna do something, don't be pulling here because that, like, don't. Don't do that. Like, that is just, like, catty and shitty. Like, if you're gonna do it. So, yeah, my mom was like, if you're going to be about it, be about it.

[West]

Damn,

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Mama B was brutal. But, like, she wasn't wrong. Like, think about that. Like, I was like, I also don't want to be fighting. Like, I don't know.

[West]

I just never would. I would never. I would never spend time standing up. Like, I just. I just. It's. That's so. It's just such a waste of time. I would always go single leg or double leg, take down, scoop, and, like, have them on the ground. And you're. I'm gonna be better on the ground anyways than boxing.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But, like, here's the thing. When. When you. When you actually know how to fight, like, you know what to go for. You know what I mean?

[West]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And, like, all these other fights are, like, just pulling hair and, like, you know, like the caddy, but, like, go for the knee, go for the stem cell, you know? Like, what are we doing?

[West]

Okay, wait. If you love basketball, chaos, family drama, and people plotting behind the scenes, Running Point is back on Netflix, and I am already in. It's From Mindy K stars Kate Hudson and somehow feels like the perfect mix of sports world pressure and absolute dysfunction.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. And this season, Isla Gordon's not the surprise choice anymore. Now everybody's watching her, the team's bouncing back, the pressure's up, and she's trying to prove she actually deserves to run the franchise.

[West]

Meanwhile, her brother's low key, trying to take the job behind the scenes. So it's family drama, politics, pressure, all mixed with basketball.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And, yeah, Kate Hudson running a basketball team. Say less. Watch Running Point, Season two, only on Netflix.

[West]

I feel bad now thinking back, like, when I used to wrestle with my brother, we're too. We're like, our age gap is a little too big. Like, I was big. I was bigger than him and I just kind of beat the shit out of him a little bit. And I feel bad about it now. I should.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I'll text him afterwards. Now you do. Yeah. Now you feel bad. But, like, in the moment, you're also like, that's like the sisterly and, like, brotherly love that you need.

[West]

Were you. Were you and Lindsay ever that much was your highest whole life?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

My whole life. Because I'm just built different. And like, Lindsay. Lindsay just isn't like, she's. She's not. But. But you know what? She's like more like. She's the one who like pinches and scratches and I'm more like, you know, interesting. So it's all these. Yeah, there's different. Different methods.

[West]

So I just remember with my brother, I would tackle him and I would, I would. This is so bad. But you. I could end someone's day if we were wrestling. If I would scoop them up and then as I'm coming down, kind of like let go of my feet and then put all my body weight in my shoulder. And then just not just my brother. Like, I mean, I wrestled every. Like, I was always wrestling, but, like, that was. The killer is just a shoulder right in your gut and take the wind out of you and then just keep it walking.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I just like, why? Why is that a human thing? Like, why? What?

[West]

Fighting?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Like every animal on the planet, they all fight each other. It's for, guess what, sex. And for alpha.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I don't think that I was fighting my sister for those things. No, it was more of her, like a shirt that she stole for me.

[Mood.com Advertiser]

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[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Oh, no, we help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Sophie]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Robert Smigel]

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Van Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Jim Gaffigan to Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier this week. My guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an acapella band with their between songs banter. There's the worst singer in the group.

[West]

The worst?

[Robert Smigel]

Yeah, me. Is there anything to the idea that because you're from Harvard, you only got in because your parents made a huge donation?

[West]

The Yardbirds, right?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That's the name.

[Robert Smigel]

The Harvard Yard. But they're open.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Do you have a name suggestion? We're open.

[Robert Smigel]

Since you guys are middle aged, one erection, listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[West]

Humor me.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

I need some jokes to make me seem funny.

[West]

Well, that shirt would then go into protective protection and safety. And you were fighting over

[Kelsey Mitchell]

fabric, not sex. Opened.

[West]

No, but it comes down. It's still like. If you could break everything down, it comes down to, like, survival.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, but like, you know, it's just stupid. I mean, whatever. Yeah, I know, you're right.

[West]

But I mean, I. Whenever I. Whenever I see two drunk Guys at a bar fighting. And I'm like, these fucking idiots. Like, they don't look cool. They don't look tough. However, I think about all those videos you watch. There's a. There's like, let's say, let's talk. Let's say bighorn sheep. Two bighorn sheep on a mountain.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

There's the female sheep. And then there's one of the rams comes walking through.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

Because he could smell her. And then another one shows up because she either put out a mating call or they could smell or whatever those two. She's gonna. She fucking waits there. And then those two sheep ram heads at like whatever million miles an hour with so much force. And like, whoever, whichever one of them backs down, the other one gets the girl. And it's so lame. And we are civilized society and we should be better than that. But like, I'm always like. It's just so core to like what animals have been doing forever. It's just in a bar and these guys are like drunk and there's like a bad song on. That's the only difference, dude.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Also, I was. I got like stuck on. Sometimes I get stuck on like African safari type. I don't know, tick tock stuff. I have no idea. Yeah, it really is. And I saw two hippos really going at it. And like, dude, insane. Like, it was. It's intense. Hippos were super dangerous.

[West]

Yeah. And they're fast.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. Did you know they.

[West]

Male hippos?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, two male hippos going at it. Something that I love about male hippos. Or not male hippos, just hippos in general. But like, you know, like when they poop, how they like their tails like this and it goes like, why did I do that? Like, why did they do that?

[West]

Because they can do whatever they want because they're hippos.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You know what I'm talking about though.

[West]

Yeah. I saw a video also the other day of an orca at Sea World. So that orca is always pissed. It's.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, he's in SeaWorld.

[West]

I agree. It swims right by. Everyone shits all in the water, swims away, and then comes back and tail flaps the shit water onto everyone watching him. And it's just like, you're petty, but I get it. Like, that was.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You have every right to do that.

[West]

Do you know orcas have never. Orcas have never killed a human being in the wild. Never in the history of them being alive.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Why are you surprised?

[West]

But like, people have been like scuba diving with them and watching them, whatever they like. They kill seals for fun all the time, but, like, for some reason, they know something that we don't know about, like, human beings. And they, like, see us as friends. It's walking. It's so confusing, and I have no idea why, but no one knows why.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Here's my thing is, I love. I love the ocean. Like, I think it is, like, it is so fascinating. I think the animals are beautiful. I think. I don't know, but the older I get, I've always wanted to swim with whales. I've always wanted to swim with sharks. The older I get, I'm starting to get really freaked out because of how fucking deep the ocean is.

[West]

Wait. Yeah.

[Sophie]

Guys, I swear to God, I was going to get here and ask this question, but it's kind of super weird, the Ocean. I think 80% of it's, like, unexplored because it's so deep and it's so dark. Do we think aliens either live or will come from the ocean?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think the Megalodon. I think the Megalodon is real.

[West]

We know what it takes for something to live and survive in the ocean. So I wouldn't consider anything that's, like, that we don't know about in the ocean to be an alien. I believe in aliens in outer space, but, like, I think we know enough about the ocean and what already currently lives in it that I wouldn't call these aliens, but, like, I'm sure there's that we don't know about, dude. Like those big squids. Those big squids that live way down low, dude.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But, like, think about, like, Jurassic Park. Jurassic park and those crazy animals that live. I. I think that, like, we know enough that maybe those aliens that, like, our typical aliens we think of aren't living in the ocean. But I don't think we know a lot about, like, the depths of the ocean because, like, no, we can't get down there. Even the machines and stuff, they eventually break because of the pressure.

[West]

And, like, that rip. What was that? That boat called? The little sub. Oh, the rich sub, yeah. Submercer.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

How did they ever do that?

[West]

Wait, Kev, help me. Help me remember the name. Ocean Gate. The one of them is a kid.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Oh, that's sad. I think I get scared that, like, an animal will, like. Will this, like, get me? And, like, just keep taking me deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper. Like, that's who I'm scared of.

[West]

But you, I think you drown and die within 60 seconds because you're also, like, fighting to stay alive. You.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I would raise that idea sometimes.

[West]

Sometimes in the pool. I'll try to see how long I can hold my breath. Max 12 seconds. I can't hold my breath for. I am so bad.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That is horrible. West, you need to work on your breathing. Breathing is really good to, like, reset your system. It's really good for a lot of things. You're an idiot.

[Sophie]

He's getting close to 12. I think he's gonna go for a new.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

New personal record. We can't do anything. That's pretty good. That's longer than 12 seconds.

[Sophie]

Yeah, I think we're about, like, 10, 15.

[West]

Okay. There's. There's something about in the water that just makes it harder for me. I don't know why, but there was 20.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I did. Yeah. I think that was pretty. This has nothing to do. You should seriously start working on your breeding.

[West]

I mouth. I mouth tape when I go to bed. Does that matter? It means you only breathe in and out through your nose. That's supposed to be really good for you.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No, I know, but I'm saying, like, for your nervous system, like, there's different types of breathing that, like, resets it and, like, I don't know. You should, like, look into the breathing methods. It's actually really good.

[West]

Okay, I'll do that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You should. You should.

[West]

Hey, Kev. What the frick is going on in the world?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

The most sporadic.

[Sophie]

I love it. And because we're. I think we're in a creative headspace, I think my first headline I want to share to you guys is this stats company, Deloitte did a survey for Gen Zers 18 to 29 and over. 38% of Gen Zers said they prefer to live in the present, but 33% would like to live less than 50 years in the past. So that's about. From 1975 to 1980, 14% said they want to live over 50 years in the past. 10% say they want to live less than 50 years in THE future, and 5% choose more than 50 years in THE future. So full Jetson level. Like, next level society. Guys, do you prefer an era or a time period where you can imagine yourself existing and living in and thriving in.

[West]

This is an interestingly timed question for me right now, because I don't. The present's not my favorite. I. I think anyone who wants to live 50 years or more than 50 years, actually, people were comfortable 50 years ago. I think that would be fine. But more than 50. I think it would be fun, historically to like, I. I, like, see how society Was operating and, like, learn. But I don't think you would want to, like, be alive pre. I don't know. Pre1975. It was just. I, like, I hate to bring this up, but, like, civil rights and was, like, not that long ago. Like, we always think of it, like, historically, but it is, like, very, very, very recent.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yes.

[West]

And so I was just thinking that

[Kelsey Mitchell]

when people were saying that, I was like, how's that? Why would you want that for people?

[West]

I just don't think it would actually be a. Like, especially now where we are, like, we have made a lot of progress. I think living going back to that. You would be like, what the actual am I doing here?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah.

[West]

And it would be, like, a really weird time to. Or, like, a weird place to be present in. In a weird way. Maybe it would. It would, like, you gain appreciation for everything that we've made progress on and accomplished as a society. But I still think that's weird. I think I'm gonna go 50 years in the future.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Future?

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Yeah.

[West]

Why not?

[Sophie]

I would assume. Why not assume Cars fly by then. And ideally, we'd have some more clarity on what's going on in the ocean by then.

[West]

The only thing is the planet could be on fire and flooded. I just am like, let's mix it up, you know?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, you really mix it up. I did not think that you were going to say that.

[West]

Kev said he wants to live around the Middle Ages and dark ages around 476 AD okay.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Why?

[Sophie]

I would be an incredible answer. I already don't have, like, a very good sense of science smell, so obviously it's pretty stinky back then. I don't think that would have to be, like, a big issue for me. I think I would look good in

[West]

a suit of armor.

[Sophie]

I'm just gonna say it.

[West]

That's fair.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

All black.

[West]

Would you. Are you, like, living in your current geographical location as yourself, or can I go back 100, 200 years and go live in a castle in, like, Scotland and be.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Let me answer.

[West]

King.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, here's mine. So my. My dream, I think growing up in the 90s was freaking awesome. Like, it was. It was simple times. You had enough technology, but it wasn't overdone. Your parents at games were on the back of tailgating with other parents drinking beer. You were out playing like people. The. The style was better. Everything was just, like, more simple. And I just felt like it was just, like, happier times. And I feel like there's a trend of people trying to get back to the 90s. I think the 90s were the best era.

[West]

Like, I truly do everything Pendulums. And so when I see now how every kid in, like, fifth grade has a cell phone and. And babies, like, are watching iPads at dinners and stuff, like. Or do you know what drives me fucking crazy? These fucking youth baseball videos I see on Twitter where, like, the kids wearing a GoPro and, like, a neon arm sleeve and there's a content guy.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That's what I'm saying.

[West]

Will go away and. And it's pretty miserable. I do think you and I were, like, right before, like, technology, like, kind of ruined everyone. Like, I think we all got phones, like, late in high school. And, like, yes, you know, I think.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

But even though you had phones, like, you were still so present with your classmates, like, you. You weren't on your phone. Like, you enjoyed the people around you. You had it if you needed it. Like, I'm telling you, growing up, I feel like 90s, early 2000s was the best. Like, I. I want to. I want to get back to that, but I think that's my dream. But I would also live having seen Game of Thrones.

[West]

No, we've talked about this. I, like, didn't I remember?

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, everyone talked about it.

[West]

Everyone talked about it in the locker room. And I felt so left out. And then I tried, but you should

[Kelsey Mitchell]

feel left out because it's so good. But I would live in those ages, like, the castles, the houses, the territories. Like, back then, too. I think it had been, oh, God, everyone's on horses. Like, that's how people travel through a garden. Like, it was awesome.

[West]

But if you were a peasant or, like, a fucking whatever, like, if we're talking caste system, if you're at the bottom, it would be the worst thing ever.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

No, I don't think you understand. I would be a queen, and I would run my own kingdom.

[West]

Okay, yeah, fair enough.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I'm not being a peasant.

[West]

Okay, then. Yeah. Then I guess we both can justify historical times, but very, very, very far.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

And if I could have dragons, I'd have some damn dragons, too. I would be the real mother of dragons. Yeah, so. Yeah, I like that one.

[Sophie]

I can see that. All right, guys, so now I'm gonna take you to. Oh, go ahead, Wes. You got it.

[West]

I just don't know what these kids who are Gen Z or, like, whatever the youngest age was. What do they know? Like, what do they know about? I just don't picture those kids knowing anything about history because they're on their damn phone so much. Yeah, and they don't know maps. They don't know anything, dude.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

They don't know how to read. They don't know how to read the original clocks. Do you guys know that?

[Sophie]

I can see that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You guys know that.

[Sophie]

I can see that.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That's fucking mind blowing. Yeah.

[West]

I don't know if the time's right on here. Oh, it is.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

That's okay.

[Sophie]

I would all say, like, you know when people, like, do this or that they do this, like. Oh, do you call. Take a phone. Now, kids, like, they do this. Like, they don't know what this is.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Or they go like this. Yeah, yeah.

[Sophie]

They don't know.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Also, how do you guys hold up a heart? Make a heart with your hands or.

[West]

I don't do this shit. That's annoying.

[Sophie]

What is? Like, I can't even. I'm embarrassing.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, I can't. I can't even. I can't even do it.

[West]

I think the cape. I think the K Pop girls made this. Cool.

[Sophie]

Yeah, that's a good one. That's. Yeah, that's what I.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

What is it that I can't do that. Look at this.

[West]

You're not even doing it right. It's pointers in middle.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

It's what?

[West]

Literally, pointers in middle.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Oh. Oh.

[West]

There you go. Yeah, it's gross.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I like this. All right, all right, what's next?

[West]

Shout out Travis Kelsey when he scored against the Bills in the division round of the playoffs and he. And he threw the heart up. Yeah, that was sick. All right, quick timeout. Today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Hard Rock Bet Fly. Florida's sportsbook Second round playoff basketball is here. This is where every possession matters. Every game feels personal, and suddenly everybody's yelling at their tv. This is honestly my favorite time to build a same game parlay. Maybe your guy goes for 30. The big man cleans the glass with the double double point guard, drops a bunch of assists. However you want to draw it up, Hard Rock Bet gives you a ton of ways to stack your picks for playoff hoops. And if you miss, tip off. Relax. Hard Rock Bet lets you live bet the entire game, first bucket to the final buzzer. And if you haven't tried Hard Rock Bet yet, now's the time you can score $150 in bonus bets. If you win, just place a $5 bet. And if it hits, you get your winnings plus an extra $150 in bonus bets. And honestly, the welcome offer is just the start. Hard Rock Bets always dropping new promos. Daily. So open the app and see what's live today. And yeah, it's Florida's only legal sportsbook, but the parties bigger than Florida. Hard Rock BET is also live in Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan, with more states on the way. So download the Hard Rock BET app today.

[Sophie]

Now. One more headline for me and we'll take it a present day. So there's a new law alert in Kansas City. I like this World cup, six weeks away. They are now allowed to serve alcohol 23 hours a day. Kansas City, Missouri, will be host to four countries. England, Argentina, Algeria, and Netherlands. And then obviously, the games will be at Arrowhead Stadium. I feel like these England blokes know how to take down a pint. I feel like they'll enjoy this new rule. But, guys, any suggestions for our friends coming to visit the States? Is your head up in Casey, I'm

[West]

curious, what hour is the hour that they're not open? Like, are we keeping bars open until. Yeah, wait, Kev, honestly, can you click the link? Does it say. I have seen a lot of discourse on Twitter that, like, Kansas City hotels are feeling a little underwhelmed by occupancy right now because the prices are so high and they're not being sold that they. They feel like the whole thing has been, like, not projected correctly.

[Sophie]

So from. From 6am to the next 23 hours. So maybe they'll be closed then from 5 to 6, if that of that math tracks, dude, that's a good time to close. 5am I feel like by 5am You've already done your damage if you're not, you know.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, but what if your team's playing? Like, what if your team is like, I don't know. Is there anything.

[West]

But I will say, though, that's interesting, though, because the games will be still North American times. So they're not gonna be like, normally when the World cup is overseas, you're like, games are going on at three in the morning. But now

[Kelsey Mitchell]

people from Netherland can drink, though. I think they're gonna meet their match at the Midwesterners, especially. I think that's gonna be fun. I think people are gonna. I think. I think people in Kansas City and who's all coming from the Netherlands, Algeria,

[West]

Netherlands, Argentina and England.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

I think England, like, I think. I think they're going to love the Midwestern people, truly. Especially Kansas City. Everyone is so great in Kansas City. They're going to love it.

[West]

So. So Kansas City actually has a good, like, base of soccer fans. They're called like the Outlaws or something. And they watch us games at Power and Light. Like, you know where everyone goes to watch games at pnl and they all like camp out there. I hope they still get to like keep that spot. But I'm. If. If all these people are staying out there for 24 hours a day, it's going to be mayhem.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. But maybe they'll embrace it because now they have other. Other people that are also fans.

[West]

Yeah, we'll see. Oh, I know what you mean.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

So if you guys are listening, Power and Light I think is the way to go. If you're like, especially in that environment. There's like, how many bars are in power?

[West]

Like 15.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah, 15 in one spot. All different types of vibes.

[West]

Like Power and Light will like always be on TV too. They'll always cut to it when us is playing. So that's it.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Yeah. Yeah. It's fun.

[West]

Yay. Yay.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Honestly, West, a very good and sporadic episode.

[West]

Yeah, it was a lot of WNBA and then just straight into ocean talk

[Kelsey Mitchell]

for like a lot of. A lot of. We went into a lot of details on a lot of things.

[West]

That's good.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Pretty good. I like that.

[West]

That was good. Bye, guys. Miss ya. Love ya. See you soon.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

You guys like my new nails?

[West]

Also, Royals. Stay hot. They've won nine out of 11. Keep that shit fucking going. Yeah.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Wow. I didn't know that.

[West]

Yeah. Later.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

We're both wearing our blue.

[Mood.com Advertiser]

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[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

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[Kelsey Mitchell]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?

[West]

Oh no.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Sophie]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

Liberty Liberty. Liberty Liberty.

[Robert Smigel]

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier this week. My guests SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an acapella band with their between songs banter.

[West]

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

[Robert Smigel]

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kelsey Mitchell]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.