Podcast Summary: The Best Of Cavino & Rich The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich
Release Date: January 16, 2025

1. The Potential TikTok Ban and Its Implications (00:00 - 15:30)

Covino and Rich kick off the episode delving into the hot topic of TikTok potentially facing a ban. They discuss the widespread use of the platform among younger demographics and its influence on attention spans.

• Covino: "I think it's for the greater good of society if it's gone... we're spending so much time on TikTok and social media, I just think it's frying our attention span." (04:45)

• Rich: "We might have the TikTok blues, but we'll find something else... It's not like, remove TikTok, and all of a sudden you're gonna be reading a book like A.J. Brown or something." (06:10)

They explore the societal impacts, debating whether removing TikTok would genuinely reduce screen time or simply shift users to other platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. The conversation highlights concerns about the platform's addictive nature and its effect on productivity and mental health.

2. Appropriate Age for Children on Phones and Social Media (15:31 - 25:00)

The discussion transitions to parenting in the digital age, specifically addressing the appropriate age for children to receive their first phone and access social media.

• Rich: "I have a toddler, you got grown kids. My kid did get a phone early, and there's other kids probably in that same boat..." (17:50)

• Covino: "The average American polled said 12 years old should be the age for a first phone. That’s fair." (19:15)

They debate the balance between allowing children access to technology for communication and the risks associated with early exposure to social media. Covino shares a personal anecdote about his seven-year-old daughter requesting a phone, highlighting the challenges of co-parenting in a fragmented household.

3. Rewriting Sports and Entertainment Histories (25:01 - 40:00)

Covino and Rich engage in a lively segment about wishing to rewrite pivotal moments in sports and entertainment history. They share personal favorites and listener submissions, discussing how slight changes could have altered outcomes significantly.

• Rich: "I'll give the number for the newbies... The game of the week... Anybody could get knocked out at any time. That's what I love about this." (28:30)

• Covino: "I always think about the great Carlos Beltran... What if he hits a double down the line and the Mets win and go to the World Series?" (33:45)

Listener calls include requests to rewrite iconic TV show endings and sports moments, such as the infamous ending of the Seahawks game and the finale of "How I Met Your Mother." The hosts explore the emotional and cultural impacts of these moments, emphasizing the deep connections fans have with them.

4. Handling Terrible Fans: The Ryan Caldwell Incident (40:01 - 60:00)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the Ryan Caldwell incident, where Caldwell insulted a Packers fan's wife during a game, leading to widespread backlash and his subsequent firing.

• Covino: "Rule number one, if you want to do it, don't defend some idiots that did it." (42:50)

• Rich: "I think you're an extension of your company... I would never defend Ryan Caldwell because I would never call, especially a strange woman in the stands... I would never lose my cool and be like, you ugly." (48:20)

They debate the appropriateness of Caldwell's punishment, considering his apology and the public nature of his misconduct. The hosts discuss whether losing his job and facing social media backlash were justified consequences or overly harsh penalties.

5. Listener Calls and Opinions (60:01 - 75:00)

Listeners call in to share their perspectives on the topics discussed, particularly focusing on appropriate responses to harassment and the balance between standing up for loved ones and personal safety.

• Noah from Maine: "I went to a concert with my wife... I said, hey, chill out. Everything was good. Men are gonna be men, boys are gonna be boys." (62:15)

• Blake from St. Louis: "If Frank Clark wasn't in the neutral zone... Raiders would have gone to the Super Bowl." (64:30)

The calls reveal a spectrum of opinions, from advocating for non-violent resistance to expressing frustration over unresolved sports moments. Covino and Rich provide thoughtful responses, emphasizing the importance of handling confrontations maturely while acknowledging the emotional stakes involved.

6. NBA Viewership vs. OnlyFans Revenue (75:01 - 85:00)

The hosts tackle the intriguing comparison between NBA viewership declines and the skyrocketing revenue of OnlyFans, examining the shifting interests and financial landscapes in the entertainment industry.

• Covino: "It makes me want to quit this job. No one's gonna pay for you. $6.6 billion." (80:10)

• Rich: "Keep your kid off the fans. Keep them off OnlyFans." (81:25)

They discuss the implications for traditional sports leagues in the face of burgeoning platforms like OnlyFans, pondering whether the allure of alternative content is leading audiences away from conventional sports viewership.

7. LeBron James and Tom Brady’s Public Perception (85:01 - 100:00)

Covino and Rich explore the public perception and media scrutiny faced by sports icons like LeBron James and Tom Brady, analyzing how their actions and statements influence their legacies.

• Rich: "Tom Brady makes major mistakes on air... But he's not bad. He can't be great across the board." (88:40)

• Covino: "Greg Olson was a stronger combo with Burkhart. He's good, but he's not Tom Brady." (90:15)

They debate the fairness of the intense scrutiny these athletes endure, discussing specific instances where their public comments were misinterpreted or overly criticized by fans and media alike.

8. Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts (100:01 - End)

In the closing segment, Covino and Rich reflect on the discussions of the day, reiterating the importance of thoughtful discourse on controversial topics. They encourage listeners to engage with the show on social media and tune in for future episodes.

• Covino: "Remember last week, Rich, when you said Covino and Rich... Someone needs to write an article about it." (98:30)

• Rich: "Let’s come on this. Oh, this is salacious. Still sticking in the NBA." (99:45)

The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange, leaving listeners anticipating the next discussion on the ever-evolving world of sports and pop culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Covino on TikTok: "We're spending so much time on TikTok and social media, I just think it's frying our attention span." (04:45)

• Rich on Defending Others: "I would never defend Ryan Caldwell because I would never call, especially a strange woman in the stands with cameras around me everywhere." (48:20)

• Covino on OnlyFans Revenue: "It makes me want to quit this job. No one's gonna pay for you. $6.6 billion." (80:10)

• Rich on Tom Brady: "Tom Brady makes major mistakes on air... But he's not bad. He can't be great across the board." (88:40)

Conclusion

In this episode, Covino and Rich navigate through a myriad of pressing topics, from the potential ban of TikTok and its societal impacts to the fine line parents tread in granting their children access to social media. They delve deep into the emotional landscapes of sports fandom, contemplating the power to rewrite pivotal moments in sports and entertainment. The discussion around the Ryan Caldwell incident underscores the complexities of handling confrontations in public spaces, especially within the fervent environment of sports events. Additionally, the comparison between NBA viewership and OnlyFans revenue highlights the shifting tides in entertainment consumption. Throughout, Covino and Rich provide insightful commentary, engaging listener participation, and a balanced perspective on controversial issues, making this episode a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between sports, culture, and societal norms.