Podcast Summary: The Best of Covino & Rich

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Episode: The Best of Covino & Rich
• Release Date: February 4, 2025

1. Introduction

In this standout episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Covino and Rich delve into compelling conversations with notable guests, delivering insightful perspectives on sports history, personal experiences, and the evolving landscape of athletic careers. Skipping over the promotional segments, the episode primarily features an in-depth interview with baseball legend Kurt Schilling, followed by an engaging discussion with social media influencer and former professional golfer, Paige Spiranek.

2. In-Depth Interview with Kurt Schilling

a. Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

Kurt Schilling, a three-time World Series champion, shares anecdotes from his illustrious baseball career. He reflects on his participation in some of the most memorable postseason moments, including:

• 1993 World Series: Schilling describes the series as a pivotal moment, despite the Yankees' loss due to Joe Carter's walk-off home run.

  "I’ve been part of so many big moments. The '93 World Series sucked. Joe Carter walked us off, but everybody remembers it." [03:49]

• 2004 World Series and the Bloody Sock: Recounting the dramatic events of the 2004 World Series, Schilling discusses the infamous "bloody sock" incident. He clarifies that the media sensationalized the event, which was a result of his injury during the game.

  "I threw the sock away. Like, I took it off after I wasn’t thinking about, oh, my God, my sock's bloody. I was like, dude, historical sock." [08:51]

b. Relationship with Fans and Team Dynamics

Schilling offers a candid look into his interactions with fans, particularly highlighting the contrasting behaviors of Yankee and Philadelphia supporters. He notes the high expectations and the often harsh criticism he faced from Yankees fans:

"As an athlete, like, they don't even know I'm here... Yankee fans hit you where it really hurts. They offended me." [04:46]

He also touches on the camaraderie within the locker room and the deep bonds formed with teammates, emphasizing the emotional support they provide, especially during challenging times like the passing of a teammate.

c. Reflections on Retirement and Hall of Fame Considerations

Discussing his post-retirement life, Schilling expresses his feelings about potentially entering the Hall of Fame. He emphasizes humility and the importance of recognizing those who supported him throughout his career:

"The game owes me absolutely nothing... If it happens, it's a way for me to make sure to call out all the people who got me there." [17:00]

d. Involvement with the National World War II Museum

Beyond baseball, Schilling highlights his philanthropic efforts, particularly his involvement with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. He underscores the importance of preserving the stories and history of the Greatest Generation:

"We need to remember them, respect them, pay tribute to them, and keep that memory alive." [20:20]

3. Engaging Conversation with Paige Spiranek

a. Transition from Professional Golf to Social Media Influence

Paige Spiranek, a former professional golfer, discusses her shift from competitive sports to becoming a social media influencer. She explains the financial strains of maintaining a pro golf career without adequate support and how a viral moment propelled her into the digital spotlight:

"I went viral overnight, went from having 500 followers to 100,000 followers, and companies were reaching out." [27:37]

b. Handling Criticism and Mental Health Challenges

Paige opens up about the intense criticism she faced in both her athletic and online careers. She speaks about the psychological toll of striving for perfection in sports and the pressures of maintaining a public persona:

"I'm deeply insecure... When people look at me, I'm like, is there something wrong with me." [35:51]

c. Impact on Golf and Social Media Landscape

Highlighting her pioneering role, Paige explains how she paved the way for athletes, especially women, to monetize their social media presence within the golf industry. She takes pride in creating a unique, engaging online persona that balances vulnerability with entertainment:

"I paved a path for so many, not even just for the women, but for my male counterparts to be able to do this." [32:12]

d. Balancing Privacy and Public Life

Paige details her strategies for maintaining privacy amid her public life. She emphasizes the importance of keeping personal relationships and family life separate from her online identity to protect her loved ones from the often harsh scrutiny of social media:

"Certain things that I'll never talk about, like friends, family, any relationships. It's just not worth it." [36:34]

4. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, both guests provide memorable insights. Here are some highlights:

• Kurt Schilling on Fan Interactions:

  "Yankee fans hit you where it really hurts. They offended me." [04:46]

• Kurt Schilling on the Bloody Sock:

  "I threw the sock away. Like, I took it off after, I wasn't thinking about, oh, my God, my sock's bloody." [08:51]

• Paige Spiranek on Social Media Influence:

  "I paved a path for so many... to monetize your social media in a way that no one had ever really done before." [32:12]

• Paige Spiranek on Handling Criticism:

  "I'm deeply insecure... When people look at me, I'm like, is there something wrong with me." [35:51]

5. Conclusion

"The Best of Covino & Rich" episode successfully blends engaging storytelling with deep reflections from its guests. Kurt Schilling offers a nuanced view of his career, the challenges of fandom, and his efforts to preserve history, while Paige Spiranek provides an inspiring account of transitioning from sports to digital influence, coping with public scrutiny, and empowering others in the process. This episode serves as a rich resource for listeners seeking to understand the personal and professional journeys of prominent sports figures.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the moments in the provided transcript where the quotes were made.