Podcast Summary: The Favorites - Colin Cowherd Interview 2018

Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Chad Millman
Guest: Colin Cowherd
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

1. Introduction and Background

The episode begins with Chad Millman welcoming Colin Cowherd, a renowned radio and television host, to "The Favorites" podcast, part of the Volume Podcast Network. Chad reminisces about their long-standing friendship, dating back to 2011 when they first connected through discussions about sports betting. Reflecting on their collaborative past, Chad highlights their time together on Colin's football show alongside Tom Waddle, describing it as "the most fun I've ever had in my career" (03:22).

2. Transition from Local Radio to National Television

Colin discusses the stark differences between working in local radio and national television. He emphasizes the creative freedom enjoyed in smaller platforms, where he could "just be goofy and funny" without the pressure of ratings (04:24). This contrasts with his current role at Fox Sports, where content is more structured and driven by ratings, leading to a more "reductive" approach focused on major brands and recurring topics like LeBron James and Tom Brady (05:07).

Notable Quote:

"If you can't be [your authentic self], you're not." – Colin Cowherd (04:24)

3. Philosophy on Show Construction and Topic Coverage

Chad commends Colin's strategic approach to constructing his shows, likening it to creating a tree with a strong trunk and multiple branches. Colin elaborates on his philosophy, stating, "when a hurricane hits, the Weather Channel drops all the rest of its news... Why do I have to talk about a bunch of stuff?" He underscores the importance of focusing on a few key topics to maintain consistency and interest, avoiding the pitfalls of covering too many subjects which can dilute the show's impact (06:40).

Notable Quote:

"You have to go into shows with two trees, and the trunk is, you know, Brady, if there's a controversy, and the trunk of the tree is LeBron, it's my job to create branches off each." – Colin Cowherd (06:40)

4. The Evolution and Future of Sports Betting in Media

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the integration of sports betting into mainstream media. Colin shares his insights on the burgeoning popularity of gambling, predicting that many media outlets will make mistakes by prioritizing entertainment over accurate betting information. He argues that successful gambling shows will balance entertainment with credible data, akin to personalities like Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel or Bill O'Reilly on Fox News who blend engagement with information (09:50).

Notable Quote:

"The winner will be the wildly entertaining TV personality who can figure out the numbers and talk so the layman can get it and guys like you can respect it." – Colin Cowherd (12:09)

Chad agrees, emphasizing the importance of translating complex betting information into an engaging format that educates and entertains simultaneously. They discuss the potential of platforms like Action Network to pioneer this balanced approach.

5. Personal Insights and Lifestyle Choices

The conversation shifts to a more personal tone as Colin delves into his lifestyle choices, highlighting his preference for simplicity and minimalism. He shares anecdotes about his daily routine, including his consistent diet of oatmeal and peanut butter, and his disdain for the complexities of modern life and excessive choices, which he believes contribute to anxiety (22:15).

Notable Quote:

"The more complicated the world gets, the simpler I get." – Colin Cowherd (23:35)

Chad playfully comments on Colin's steadfast routines, to which Colin humorously acknowledges, "That's my life. That's it. I'm a very boring guy."

6. Biggest Risk Taken and Its Impact

Towards the end of the episode, Chad poses a personal question about the biggest risk Colin has taken in his life. Colin recounts his decision to leave college early, just 12 credits shy of graduation, to seize a job opportunity in Las Vegas. Despite concerns about not having a degree, he describes this move as "the best move I ever made," highlighting how it set the foundation for his successful career in sports media (26:19).

Notable Quote:

"I bet on myself, and it was the best move I ever made." – Colin Cowherd (26:22)

He further explains how this pivotal decision instilled confidence in him, leading to subsequent career advancements and solidifying his belief in the power of self-assessment and taking calculated risks.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, Colin reflects on his career achievements and personal contentment with his current lifestyle. He expresses gratitude for maintaining a grounded and relatable existence despite his professional success, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with everyday experiences and avoiding the trappings of excessive wealth (25:10).

Chad and Colin share light-hearted banter about Colin's routines and future plans before wrapping up the interview. The episode concludes with Chad encouraging listeners to support the Action Network and reminding them to gamble responsibly.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• 03:22
  Chad Millman: "Maybe the greatest professional experience any of us."

• 04:24
  Colin Cowherd: "If you can't be [your authentic self], you're not."

• 05:07
  Colin Cowherd: "There's a freedom that when you're not, when you're not playing in the big rating space, that you can just be fun."

• 06:40
  Colin Cowherd: "You have to go into shows with two trees, and the trunk is, you know, Brady, if there's a controversy, and the trunk of the tree is LeBron, it's my job to create branches off each."

• 09:50
  Colin Cowherd: "The winner will be the wildly entertaining TV personality who can figure out the numbers and talk so the layman can get it and guys like you can respect it."

• 12:09
  Chad Millman: "How about Lamar Jackson?"
  Colin Cowherd: "Jackson takes it himself. Look at him dart back and forth. Oh, he broke his ankles and he's got a touchdown. He is Houdini."

• 22:15
  Colin Cowherd: "That's right. That doesn't make it a smart betting move."

• 23:35
  Colin Cowherd: "The more complicated the world gets, the simpler I get."

• 26:22
  Colin Cowherd: "I bet on myself, and it was the best move I ever made."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Favorites" offers an in-depth look into Colin Cowherd's professional journey, his philosophies on media and sports betting, and personal insights into his lifestyle and decision-making processes. Through engaging dialogue with Chad Millman, listeners gain valuable perspectives on balancing entertainment with expertise, the evolving landscape of sports media, and the importance of confidence and simplicity in both personal and professional realms.