Podcast Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich The Herd with Colin Cowherd Release Date: June 4, 2025 Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction The episode "The Best Of Covino & Rich" delves into a variety of engaging sports topics, blending humor, nostalgia, and insightful commentary. Hosted by Tom Brokaw, Lester Holt, Tom Yamas, and Ryan Seacrest, the discussion seamlessly transitions between debates, historical reflections, and current sports controversies, all while maintaining an entertaining and relatable tone.
1. The Great Pizza Topping Debate [03:05 – 09:12]
Overview: The hosts initiate the episode with a spirited debate on the best way to order pizza, emphasizing simplicity to cater to the masses. The consensus leans towards plain cheese and pepperoni as the optimal choices for group settings like office parties or sporting events.
Notable Discussion Points:
- Simplicity vs. Variety: The hosts argue that sticking to basic toppings like cheese and pepperoni prevents disputes and ensures satisfaction for most people.
- Cultural Preferences: There’s a nod to regional differences in pizza preferences, particularly between East Coast staples and West Coast variations.
- Generational Views: The conversation touches on how younger generations might lack familiarity with traditional pizza styles, highlighting a shift in culinary preferences.
Notable Quotes:
- Lester Holt [06:15]: “A good steak only needs a little butter, salt, and pepper. You don’t need dippings and sauces and all that. That means you're an idiot. You have no taste.”
- Tom Brokaw [08:54]: “The end. What’s your next question or point?”
2. Nostalgia for Baseball Stirrups [09:13 – 28:54]
Overview: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about the era of baseball stirrups—a component of traditional baseball uniforms that has largely disappeared from modern play. The hosts and callers share personal anecdotes and historical insights, lamenting the loss of this uniform staple.
Notable Discussion Points:
- Historical Significance: Stirrups were not only functional, keeping socks up during games, but also served as a fashion statement reflecting team colors.
- Generational Gap: Younger listeners express surprise at not knowing what stirrups are, highlighting a disconnect between past and present sports apparel.
- Personal Memories: Callers like Danny G and Bruno share vivid memories of wearing stirrups during their youth, adding a heartfelt layer to the discussion.
- Uniform Evolution: The conversation explores how advancements in sock elasticity and changes in fashion led to the decline of stirrups in baseball uniforms.
Notable Quotes:
- Tom Brokaw [19:10]: “I’m very excited to tell you what a stirrup is. Young people. Kiddos, stirrup socks are basically normal socks with a huge hole cut in it for the entire foot.”
- Lester Holt [15:35]: “If you just Google image George Brett, 1985, the first thing that comes up is his tops, baseball card. What did, what do people think that is on his leg? That’s funny.”
3. Coaching Changes and the New York Knicks [28:55 – 44:55]
Overview: The hosts transition to discussing the recent firing of Tom Thibodeau, the head coach of the New York Knicks. The conversation examines whether the decision was justified despite Thibodeau's strong track record and the team's recent success.
Notable Discussion Points:
- Thibodeau’s Record: With a .235 winning percentage and four out of five seasons leading the team to the playoffs, the hosts debate the rationale behind his dismissal.
- Team Dynamics: The role of star players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns is analyzed, questioning whether Thibodeau was the right fit for their evolving skills.
- Management Decisions: Criticism is directed towards the Knicks’ ownership and management for potentially using Thibodeau as a scapegoat despite positive team performance.
- Expectations vs. Reality: The discussion highlights the high-pressure environment of big city teams and whether Thibodeau’s demanding coaching style was mismatched with the players' personalities.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis [38:56]: “They have their guy as Kelvin Washington. I believe he said he's not perfect, but he's the guy.”
- Tom Brokaw [43:38]: “New York is high pressure. Don’t you want a coach that matches the style of the city?”
- Lester Holt [44:16]: “You got to give Thibodeau a little time to adjust to the new stars that are also on the team.”
4. Interactive Segments and Listener Engagement [44:56 – 65:43]
Overview: The podcast incorporates interactive elements such as trivia games and live caller interactions, adding an entertaining break from the main discussions. These segments feature playful banter among the hosts and listeners, fostering a sense of community.
Notable Discussion Points:
- Shaq Diesel Trivia: A lighthearted trivia game hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, where listeners answer basketball-related questions.
- Listener Stories: Callers share personal anecdotes related to the main topics, particularly the stirrup discussion, enhancing the show's relatable atmosphere.
- Humor and Camaraderie: The hosts engage in humorous exchanges, making the podcast enjoyable and maintaining listener interest.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis [58:12]: “Is it premature? Absolutely. They should not have fired him.”
- Tom Yamas [56:37]: “Come on. Let’s do it.”
5. Clara Adams Incident and Sportsmanship [65:44 – 68:39]
Overview: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts address a controversial incident involving Clara Adams, a young athlete whose state title was revoked due to unsportsmanlike conduct during a celebration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and the emotional impact of such decisions on young athletes and their families.
Notable Discussion Points:
- Incident Details: Clara Adams was disqualified for taking a fire extinguisher to put out her cleats in celebration after winning a race, leading to the revocation of her state title.
- Emotional Impact: The hosts highlight the emotional turmoil experienced by Clara and her father, Dave Adams, and critique the officials' decision as overly punitive.
- Sportsmanship vs. Celebration: The debate centers on balancing appropriate behavior with the natural desire to celebrate victories in sports.
Notable Quotes:
- Tom Brokaw [67:34]: “Clara Adams ran the 400 meter, 5324 and was disqualified when she took the fire extinguisher to put out her cleats in celebration. Yeah, she was so fast.”
- Lester Holt [68:06]: “When you celebrate your victory, no one could take that away from her. Good or bad, you can’t take that moment away.”
6. Closing Remarks and Advertisements [68:40 – End]
Overview: The episode concludes with additional advertisements and brief recaps of the day's discussions. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon for uncensored content and promote upcoming segments, maintaining the podcast's dynamic and interactive nature.
Notable Points:
- Advertisements: Promoted products include Trust and Will estate planning, Mint Mobile wireless services, and various retail offers.
- Patreon Promotion: Hosts invite listeners to join their Patreon for exclusive content, enhancing listener loyalty and support.
- Final Thoughts: The hosts wrap up the episode with a mix of humor and reflections on the day's topics, leaving listeners anticipating future discussions.
Notable Quotes:
- Tom Brokaw [71:31]: “We talked about how hard it is as a parent sometimes when your kid doesn't make the team or when your kid is treated unfairly by the coaches or by an organization.”
- Lester Holt [68:39]: “She won. She knows. She wanted everyone to know she won.”
Conclusion "The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a multifaceted exploration of sports culture, blending nostalgia with contemporary debates. From the authenticity of pizza toppings to the intricate dynamics of professional coaching and the heartfelt stories of young athletes, the episode provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for listeners. Notably, the inclusion of interactive segments and relatable anecdotes ensures that even those unfamiliar with the podcast can find value and enjoyment in its content.
Final Notable Quote:
- Tom Brokaw [63:00]: “Catch our podcast wherever you stream your podcast. Search Covino and Rich. Be sure to follow, rate, and review.”