The Herd with Colin Cowherd: The Best Of Covino & Rich Release Date: January 30, 2025 Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Best Of Covino & Rich," hosts Covino and Rich engage listeners with a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted banter. The discussion traverses various topics, including unconventional health remedies, athletes' coping mechanisms after losses, and the ever-present debate over officiating biases in the NFL.

Unconventional Health Remedies and Workplace Pranks

The episode kicks off with a humorous segment focusing on one of the hosts, Bersch, who has fallen victim to office pranks involving raw garlic. The conversation highlights how employees often resort to quirky methods to fend off common ailments.

• Bersch's Garlic Dilemma

  • Rich: "He was eating chunks of garlic as we speak because Ben Maller told him it helps with a cold. Yummy. But he looks miserable in there." (15:30)

• Personal Anecdotes on Home Remedies

  • Covino: Shares a story about successfully using a St. Joseph statue prayer to sell his house, emphasizing the effectiveness of desperate measures.
  • Rich: Reflects on personal experiences with home remedies like ginger and honey tea, contrasting them with the raw garlic tactic.

Athletes and Coping with Losses

The hosts delve into the emotional toll of sports, particularly focusing on how athletes handle losses and the concept of "sports baby mentality," where fans and players are deeply connected to their teams' successes and failures.

• Jaden Daniels on Watching the Super Bowl

  • Rich: "Jaden Daniels said that he's probably gonna watch the Super Bowl cuz he's not a bitter guy." (34:20)
  • Covino: Questions the rationale, pondering why someone so passionate about football would choose to watch the Super Bowl despite personal losses.

• Comparisons to Actors and Their Projects

  • The discussion draws parallels between athletes not watching their games and actors not watching their films, highlighting the shared sentiment of avoiding painful memories.

Officiating Biases in the NFL

A significant portion of the episode addresses the ongoing debate about referees favoring certain teams, specifically the Kansas City Chiefs. The hosts reference comments from Dean Blandino, former NFL head of officiating, who dismisses claims of scripted games.

• Dean Blandino's Stance

  • Rich: "Dean Blandino, former NFL head of officiating, has said that the narrative is absolutely preposterous." (50:45)

• Statistical Insights

  • Covino: Presents statistics showing that since 2021, the Chiefs have had zero games with more penalties than their opponents, suggesting possible favoritism.

• Audience Reactions and Opinions

  • The hosts and callers express skepticism about the officiating practices, debating whether favorable calls are mere coincidence or indicative of deeper issues within the league.

Pop Culture and Personal Interests

Interspersed with sports talk are light-hearted discussions about pop culture, such as favorite movies and musical interests, revealing the hosts' personalities and diverse interests beyond sports.

• Favorite Movies and Reminiscing

  • Covino: Mentions classics like "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and "Mean Girls," sharing personal experiences watching these films with family.

• Music Preferences

  • Rich: Discusses the high-quality live performances of bands like Black Crowes, emphasizing the importance of experiencing music firsthand.

Listener Call-Ins and Stories

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage with listeners who share their own stories and opinions, adding depth and variety to the conversation.

• Dave from Ohio's Wart Removal Story

  • Dave: "Cut a potato in half, rub it on the wart, and go outside and bury the potato." (25:10)
  • Rich: Reacts with amusement and skepticism but acknowledges the anecdotal success story.

• Trevor from Florida on Super Bowl Emotions

  • Trevor: Relates personal feelings of loss when his team falls short, drawing parallels to significant personal disappointments.
  • Covino: Empathizes, discussing the universal struggle of overcoming setbacks both in sports and personal life.

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up, Covino and Rich reflect on the complexities of being passionate sports fans and professionals. They acknowledge the thin line between dedication and bitterness, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.

• Facing Bitterness
  • Covino: "I would want to face it head-on."
  • Rich: Encourages embracing both victories and defeats as part of the sports journey.

Notable Quotes

1. Rich: "He was eating chunks of garlic as we speak because Ben Maller told him it helps with a cold." (15:30)
2. Covino: "Sometimes when you're desperate, you'll try anything." (22:10)
3. Dean Blandino: "There's absolutely no script at all." (50:45)
4. Rich: "If you're innocent, scream it from the mountain." (53:15)
5. Covino: "I feel like it's part of the NFL's enduring mystery." (57:30)

Conclusion

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a balanced mix of humor, personal stories, and insightful sports analysis. By addressing both lighthearted topics and serious debates within the NFL, Covino and Rich provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging listening experience that resonates with both casual fans and hardcore sports enthusiasts.