The John Clay Wolfe Show

Episode #39 – Hour 3 – Aired February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This hour of The John Clay Wolfe Show centers around radio industry changes, behind-the-scenes stories, crew chemistry, political banter, and – true to the show's roots – a lively, fast-paced “lightning round” of live car bids from listeners across Texas and Louisiana. The episode encapsulates the team’s blend of irreverent humor, industry know-how, and off-the-cuff commentary on music, radio, politics, and cars.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Radio Industry Evolution & Crew Reflections

(00:16 - 07:51)

• John opens with a comedic parody song:

  "I was born with a wholesale license and I bid the very first car… I buy the cars that wind up in Mexico…" (00:16)

• The team discusses their long history in radio, with anecdotes about how long each member has been in the business and how their roles have evolved.

• Discussion about radio station politics: awkward encounters at iHeartMedia/Clear Channel offices, switching stations, the paranoia that surrounds staff whenever format changes or meetings are announced.

  • Notable Quote:

    "Anytime you see, like, where these radio guys come from, you start seeing radio people hanging around the building. What's going on? Then you know it's bad."
    — D (05:04)

• The crew totals their combined radio experience:

  "29 plus 37 plus 25. 91 years." — B (06:12)
  "It just takes 91 years of experience. And you, too, could be on the radio." — C (06:27)

2. The State of the Industry and Show Format Changes

(07:52 - 10:18)

• Changes underway in program scheduling and syndication, including adapting their talk format for other genres (sports, country).

• Debating the logistics of integrating a sports update or music breaks for new stations; some crew show reluctance, others poke fun at the complexity.

• John notes possible expansion to D.C.'s DC 101 and a new clock for timing segments, as well as the evolving, freer style of their broadcast.

  • Notable Quote:

    "I'd love to get control of the playlist and they don't want to give it to me. Son of a bitches." — B (09:16)

3. Listener Feedback and Crew Chemistry

(10:19 - 11:47)

• John reads a positive email from a listener praising the show’s growth and chemistry (10:22).
• Crew members banter about rejoining and crew changes, with trademark playful jabs and self-deprecation.
• John plugs GiveMeTheVIN’s service to oil field fleets, asking for large batch submissions (11:17).

4. Political Banter: 2016 Election Landscape

(11:48 - 14:57)

• Quick takes on the week’s political news — Trump’s new "handler", Bernie Sanders meeting the Pope, Democratic & Republican campaign frustrations.

• The group debates the likability of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, with commentary on party backlash and character perceptions.

• Jokes about the "angry white people" narrative and the political pendulum swinging.

  • Notable Quotes:

    "[Bernie Sanders] had a meeting with the Pope." — F (12:27)
    "I mean, conservative people don't seem to hate Bernie. They just don't like the word socialist." — F (13:09)

• Crew riffs on the Kennedy, Trump, and Cruz families as examples of "elites" vs. "wannabe elites."

5. Lightning Round: Live Car Bids

(15:22 - 23:20+)

• John launches a rapid-fire listener call-in segment where he live-appraises cars for sellers from Texas and Louisiana — the show’s core activity.

• Memorable Calls/Bids:

  • 2013 VW Passat SE, 41k miles (Lafayette, LA):

    "I'd give $10k if it’s nice. What color is it?" — B (17:01)

  • 2005 Corvette Convertible, <60k miles (Springtown, TX):

    "I will give $19 grand in the 50s and $18 grand in the 60s…" — B (18:04)

  • 2016 Chevy Silverado LT, 11k miles (Houston, TX):

    "35 grand." — B (19:26)

  • 2012 Ford Explorer Limited, 89k miles (Archer City, TX):

    "I think it's worth $15 grand… What do you owe, $18 or $20k?" — B (20:18)

  • 2003 GMC Yukon, high miles (Lafayette, LA):

    "It's gonna make you nothing but mad, but it's $1500 bucks." — B (21:18)

  • 2007 BMW 535i, 134k miles (Houston, TX):

    "Four to five grand. Five if it's a nice, nice, nice one." — B (22:23)

  • 2004 Chevy Silverado Sport Cab, 120k (Vernon, TX):

    "It's got to be worth seven or eight grand." — B (23:20)

• John gives candid advice and commentary on wholesale value realities versus what owners hope for, especially the toll country driving takes on vehicle value.

• Crew interjects playful teasing and local color throughout the segment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We're not here to get your job, dude." — B (04:30)
• "In the corporate radio world... they don't take time to talk to talent, unless there's a change going on." — F (05:17)
• "You do a show everywhere I go. Every job." — F (05:57)
• "They trust us." — C (07:51)
• "[Pope Francis] is a very liberal Democrat sounding Pope." — F (12:39)
• "You could be a surgeon in 10, 91 combined years [of radio]..." — C (06:27)
• "Go to givemethevin.com. We'll do it. Bam." — B (21:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment & Content | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | Opening: John’s “I Buy the Cars” parody song | | 02:38-06:36 | Crew reminisces about years in radio, the radio industry | | 06:38-10:18 | New formats, expansion, and logistics of syndicated shows | | 10:19-11:47 | Listener feedback, show chemistry, oil field truck pitches | | 11:48-14:57 | 2016 political scene banter, Hillary vs Bernie vs Trump | | 15:22-23:20+| Lightning round: Live car bids from callers across states |

Summary

This hour encapsulates the JCW Show’s unique blend of car market mastery, radio business war stories, and biting humor. Highlights include honest industry talk, crew camaraderie, spontaneous listener interactions, and unfiltered thoughts on U.S. politics. For car sellers, the "lightning round" offers genuine, practical car valuations delivered in real-time, peppered with insider advice. Radio aficionados and casual listeners alike get an engaging glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of American syndicated radio.