Episode Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich

Introduction

In this lively episode of "The Best Of Covino & Rich," hosts Covino and Rich Davis navigate through a plethora of sports-related topics, interspersed with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions. From regional language quirks to major sports news and media evolution, the duo covers it all in an engaging and entertaining manner.

1. Regional Language Differences in Food and Everyday Terms (00:03 – 06:00)

The episode kicks off with a humorous exploration of how different regions pronounce common Italian dishes and everyday terms. Covino, Rich, and guest A.J. Jacobs delve into variations like "manicotti," debating whether it's pronounced "manakote," "manicotte," or "manicotti."

• Covino ([05:08]): "Or if you're like an East Coast Italian guy, mana got with the G."
• Rich Davis ([05:28]): "People have different ways of saying all sorts of things. It's like when your wife or certain people say pop, I'm like, who says pop? I know it's not a mispronunciation. Yo, that's soda, bro."

This segment not only provides laughs but also highlights the cultural diversity in language across the United States.

2. Russell Wilson’s Transition to the New York Giants (03:00 – 10:00)

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Russell Wilson's recent move to the New York Giants. The hosts analyze his career trajectory, noting the rapid changes and expectations surrounding his performance.

• Rich Davis ([03:12]): "He went from superstar in Seattle to didn't work out in Denver, then Steelers, now the Giants."
• Covino ([10:22]): "It's a fun storyline. I mean, if you're in it for the storyline, which we are, I can't wait to see."

They speculate on how New York media and fans will embrace Wilson, considering his personable demeanor and the potential impact on the Giants' season.

3. Evolution of Athleticism in Sports (12:00 – 24:00)

The conversation shifts to a broader debate about how athleticism has evolved over generations. Inspired by LeBron James' comment that Giannis Antetokounmpo could score 250 points per game in the 70s, Covino and Rich discuss the advancements in training, conditioning, and global talent pools.

• Covino ([19:48]): "You're right. I love when LeBron's like, he made it seem like I didn't want to address this."
• A.J. Jacobs ([23:05]): "They have better training resources and global talent now, making direct comparisons between eras challenging."

This segment underscores the complexities of comparing athletes across different eras, emphasizing how advancements have continually pushed the boundaries of sports performance.

4. Media Evolution: From Radio Legends to Podcasts (25:00 – 33:00)

Covino and Rich reflect on the transformation of media from the golden age of radio to today's podcasting landscape. They compare legendary radio personalities like Casey Kasem to modern podcasters, discussing how technological advancements have changed audience engagement.

• A.J. Jacobs ([25:05]): "Think about all the old time people in our industry."
• Spot ([26:10]): "They didn't have to be influencers, right?"

The hosts highlight the shift from mystery and enchantment to transparency and connectivity, noting both the losses and gains in media evolution.

5. Jimmy Butler’s Awkward Return to Miami Heat (48:00 – 55:00)

A poignant segment covers Jimmy Butler's return to the Miami Heat, which was met with lukewarm fan reactions. The hosts dissect the lack of emotional response from both Butler and the audience.

• Covino ([55:09]): "Jimmy Butler had one [awkward return]."
• Spot ([49:51]): "The crowd in the arena looked kind of confused. They didn't know how to clap or boo."

They analyze the implications of such an indifferent reception and what it means for Butler's future with the team.

6. WNBA Coverage and Nafisa Collier’s Concerns (64:32 – 68:00)

Nafisa Collier voices concerns over the unequal distribution of televised WNBA games, specifically highlighting the disparity between stars like Caitlin Clark and other talented players.

• Covino ([64:32]): "Caitlin Clark is the reason that anybody cares right now."
• A.J. Jacobs ([67:14]): "Caitlin Clark's a star."

The hosts discuss the impact of selective coverage on the league's visibility and the importance of featuring diverse talents to promote the sport effectively.

7. Dodgers’ White House Invitation (67:30 – 74:28)

The Dodgers accepting an invitation to the White House is another major topic. The hosts discuss the honor and political nuances surrounding the invitation, referencing past controversies involving team management.

• Covino ([68:29]): "I think that's major."
• A.J. Jacobs ([73:11]): "We’ve interviewed so many celebrities, we’ve never interviewed a president sitting in the office."

They reflect on the significance of this event in the context of sports achievements and political recognition.

8. Russell Wilson and Dodgers' World Series Prospects (70:03 – 74:28)

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the Dodgers' chances of repeating as World Series champions versus other MLB teams.

• Covino ([72:52]): "It's crazy that it feels like a risk to take the field. That's how good the Dodgers are."
• A.J. Jacobs ([73:16]): "If you had to bet your life savings, Dodgers or the rest of the field?"

They analyze team strengths, historical precedents, and the unpredictability of baseball championships.

9. Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement (75:00 – 77:02)

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich share funny listener stories and reflections on past discussions, maintaining an entertaining and personable atmosphere. They also touch upon upcoming topics, ensuring listeners stay engaged and look forward to future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [05:08] Covino: "Or if you're like an East Coast Italian guy, mana got with the G."
• [03:12] Rich Davis: "He went from superstar in Seattle to didn't work out in Denver, then Steelers, now the Giants."
• [19:48] Covino: "You're right. I love when LeBron's like, he made it seem like I didn't want to address this."
• [25:05] A.J. Jacobs: "Think about all the old time people in our industry."
• [55:09] Covino: "Jimmy Butler had one [awkward return]."
• [64:32] Covino: "Caitlin Clark is the reason that anybody cares right now."
• [68:29] Covino: "I think that's major."
• [72:52] A.J. Jacobs: "If you had to bet your life savings, Dodgers or the rest of the field?"

Conclusion

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" masterfully blends humor, insightful analysis, and engaging discussions on current sports events and media trends. Covino and Rich demonstrate a deep understanding of their topics while maintaining a relatable and entertaining dialogue, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.