The John Clay Wolfe Show – Episode #538

Date: January 17, 2026
Host: John Clay Wolfe
Co-hosts: J.D. Ryan, Bobbo, Michael Turley
Podcast Theme: Cars, sports, pop culture, personal stories, and humor – “anything as long as it won’t get us fined by the FCC.”

Episode Overview

This week’s John Clay Wolfe Show delivers a classic blend of car talk, wild personal anecdotes, irreverent humor, and lively banter among the crew. Themes include the unpredictability of life, musings on broken bones, quirky car trades, celebrity encounters, and the headaches of running multiple ambitious projects. Highlights include listener call-ins with colorful backgrounds, “Cars & Quesadillas” community fun, and interviews with automotive TV personalities and legends.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Life’s Randomness: Broken Feet, Ex-Wives & Tooth Abscesses

[00:42–11:14]
John opens by talking about running into his ex-wife at a party and sending her a New Year's Eve gift: "Thank God she left me."
Conversation devolves into bizarre stories about a high school girlfriend dying from a tooth abscess and the randomness of mortality compared to high-risk hobbies.
John’s own broken foot saga: he shares his stubbornness about seeing a doctor, audience members call in with their own stories (including one needing surgery after a similar injury). The crew jokes about medical advice, bone spurs, and Jewish stereotypes.

Memorable Moment:
“If someone can die from a damn tooth abscess, I guess I’ll keep riding dirt bikes and flying airplanes—YOLO, right?”
—John Clay Wolfe [02:10]

2. Listener Call-Ins: Broken Bones, Car Questions, Adoption Patterns

[06:08–11:14]
Calls from listeners about broken feet and possible links between broken bones and being adopted (“Is there a connection?” gets riffed on).
Medical advice from a seasoned partier: “If it’s a really bad sprain, it heals slow—but at least find out what you’re dealing with.”
Ends with a lighthearted jab about “spraining your manhood.”

3. Car Segment – Bids, Buyer Humor, and Industry Talk

[12:43–16:25 | 48:00–53:49 | 89:47–93:28 | 109:17–112:39]
John appraises live callers’ vehicles and bikes, emphasizing the realities of the market, “If you want $10K for an 84 El Camino ‘lawn ornament,’ I’ll offer five—don’t hit me like I’m a schmuck.”
Calls range from average cars to unusual projects (dump trucks, high-mileage Lightning trucks, and a non-SS El Camino).
Advice given: “If you want to beat the car dealer, play Beat the Car Dealer at GiveMeTheVIN—but know that we’re here to buy smart, not lose money.”
Exchange with a caller about sentimental pricing vs. market reality: “People buy sexy muscle—not just any old ornament.”

Notable Quote:
“I just want to win. I want to beat the car dealer. If I can’t, then I’m stealing. But hey, we’re making somebody happy.”
—John Clay Wolfe [53:17]

4. Car Projects: Too Many, Too Few Finished

[24:19–27:05 | 67:03–70:20]
John humorously catalogs his many unfinished car projects: Baja Lamborghinis, Ferraris, classic Packards, “fire chickens,” and more.
Frequent lament about starting more projects than finishing them, and the stress it creates as he ages.
Community “Cars & Quesadillas” event starts organically, attracting 30+ cars with minimal promotion: “Once a month, first Sunday—just show up and have fun.”

5. Guest Appearances – TV & YouTube Car Stars

[19:01–24:10 | 136:01–144:58]
Andy from “Junkyard Empire” discusses the ins/outs of reality TV deals, selling tow trucks, YouTube spin-offs, and brand rights/merch controversies.
Richard Rawlings (Gas Monkey Garage/Fast N’ Loud):
Calls in about auctions, partnering on car deals, and challenges of the high-end car building/flipping business.
The duo debate market trends: are restored customs peaking? “Everybody wants instant gratification now—nobody wants to wait for a build.”

6. Pop Culture & Award Show Commentary

[17:22–19:01 | 34:31–35:08 | 94:33–98:05]
Review of AI-generated “stars” (like Chili Norwood), the Golden Globes, and especially comedian Nikki Glaser’s hosting:
“She was the best MC I’ve seen in decades—took down CBS News, DiCaprio, and Sean Penn with razor wit.”

Notable Quote:
Leonardo DiCaprio’s only known trait: “We don’t know anything else about you, man. Open up!”
—Nikki Glaser [95:02]

7. Grumpy Old Man Corner: Problems, Patience, and Toyotas

[27:14–35:25]
John and JD commiserate about running out of patience for life’s “problems” as they age—preferring reliability and zero-drama settings.
Extended paean to Toyota as the “no problems” car: “I just don’t want to jack with problems anymore. I’m tired of problems. If your wife wants something funky, get her a Lexus.”

8. Wild Personal Anecdotes: Housekeeper Hookups, Maid/Babysitter Stories

[70:57–76:01]
Outrageously candid segment where hosts and callers admit to affairs (or failed attempts) with housekeepers, nannies, and hotel staff—complete with setups, detective girlfriends, and hostage situations.
Michael Turley’s multi-maid “Waco Thunderbird Motel” story is a particularly raucous highlight.

9. Sports Picks & Football Banter

[41:11–47:00]
John and Bobbo handicap the week’s NFL playoff games and the college championship, betting $100 per game, lacing the analysis with self-deprecating humor about losing streaks and “chick” picks (choosing teams based on sentiment or state pride).

10. Comedy, Satire & Off-Topic Jabs

[54:55–56:28 | 99:18–101:45]
Irreverent takes on Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and legacy media ("Network TV is dead—it's over, dude").
“Little Mexican Joint” and “Emus on the loose” bits blend Florida Man news with race jokes and animal attacks.

11. Community & Listener Appreciation

[93:49–94:33 | 145:49–146:46]
Shout-outs to the “Wolf Pack” fan group, recognition of the show’s community-driven events and ongoing evolution (“first Sunday Cars & Quesadillas”), and gratitude for fan feedback—even from those writing “You Just Lost a Listener” emails.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Looking Back:
“Many times—even just old girlfriends—you look back and go, wow, thank you, Lord.”
—J.D. Ryan [01:31]
On Getting Older:
“You ever notice you have less patience for problems? If it’s just you and that TV, nothing’s gonna happen. There’s not gonna be a problem.”
—John Clay Wolfe [27:31]
On “Beat the Dealer:”
“Go to givemetheven.com. Let’s play Beat the Car Dealer. We buy a thousand cars a week, so we’re making somebody happy.”
—John Clay Wolfe [53:17]
On too Many Projects:
“It is happening. We’ve got to start doing the finish part—and I have to get more people.”
—John Clay Wolfe [26:26]
On Unreliable Info:
“If you’re a card-carrying Indian and you’re offended they removed the Washington Redskins, please call in!”
—John Clay Wolfe [114:06]
On Rockstar Deaths:
“Grateful Dead bassist Bob Weir is grateful and now dead… We didn’t think when we were starting. [We] just satisfied our own standards.”
—John Clay Wolfe [80:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:42–11:14] - Opening banter, foot injuries, YOLO discussions
[12:43–16:25] - First round of car appraisals, dealer calls
[17:22–19:01] - Recap of Golden Globes, AI “celebrities”, Nikki Glaser jokes
[19:01–24:10] - Call-in from Junkyard Empire’s Andy, TV/YouTube car show talk
[24:19–27:05] - John’s project car pile-up, stress rant
[41:11–47:00] - Football bets and sports gambling
[54:55–56:28] - Michael Jackson/Cosby humor segment
[67:03–70:20] - “Cars & Quesadillas” impromptu event recap
[70:57–76:01] - Hotel/housekeeper affair confessions
[94:33–98:05] - Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes monologue replayed/discussed
[109:17–112:39] - Car appraisals, calling into the show is “intimidating”
[136:01–144:58] - Richard Rawlings interview, high-end car flipping, project updates

Episode Tone & Style

Humorous, irreverent, and fast-paced: The show jumps topics fluidly, mixing in pop culture, sports, listener participation, and inside references.
Authentic personalities: The crew teases each other, shares personal failings and embarrassing stories, and treats listeners like friends.
No-holds-barred banter: Adult humor and the occasional off-color joke are part of the show’s texture; quips about religion, ethnicity, and sex are delivered with tongue firmly in cheek.

For New Listeners

If you love humor, unfiltered talk, unique perspectives on cars and life, and aren’t easily offended, The John Clay Wolfe Show will have you laughing all the way to your local car meet—or to the Toyota dealership, because honestly, who has patience for problems anymore?

Listen live or catch up at jcwshow.com and join the Wolf Pack on YouTube and Facebook for more. If you want to buy or sell a car, go to GiveMeTheVIN.com—for honest appraisals and a bit of ball-busting to boot.

The John Clay Wolfe Show – Episode #538

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Life’s Randomness: Broken Feet, Ex-Wives & Tooth Abscesses

[00:42–11:14]
John opens by talking about running into his ex-wife at a party and sending her a New Year's Eve gift: "Thank God she left me."
Conversation devolves into bizarre stories about a high school girlfriend dying from a tooth abscess and the randomness of mortality compared to high-risk hobbies.
John’s own broken foot saga: he shares his stubbornness about seeing a doctor, audience members call in with their own stories (including one needing surgery after a similar injury). The crew jokes about medical advice, bone spurs, and Jewish stereotypes.

Memorable Moment:
“If someone can die from a damn tooth abscess, I guess I’ll keep riding dirt bikes and flying airplanes—YOLO, right?”
—John Clay Wolfe [02:10]

2. Listener Call-Ins: Broken Bones, Car Questions, Adoption Patterns

[06:08–11:14]
Calls from listeners about broken feet and possible links between broken bones and being adopted (“Is there a connection?” gets riffed on).
Medical advice from a seasoned partier: “If it’s a really bad sprain, it heals slow—but at least find out what you’re dealing with.”
Ends with a lighthearted jab about “spraining your manhood.”

3. Car Segment – Bids, Buyer Humor, and Industry Talk

[12:43–16:25 | 48:00–53:49 | 89:47–93:28 | 109:17–112:39]
John appraises live callers’ vehicles and bikes, emphasizing the realities of the market, “If you want $10K for an 84 El Camino ‘lawn ornament,’ I’ll offer five—don’t hit me like I’m a schmuck.”
Calls range from average cars to unusual projects (dump trucks, high-mileage Lightning trucks, and a non-SS El Camino).
Advice given: “If you want to beat the car dealer, play Beat the Car Dealer at GiveMeTheVIN—but know that we’re here to buy smart, not lose money.”
Exchange with a caller about sentimental pricing vs. market reality: “People buy sexy muscle—not just any old ornament.”

Notable Quote:
“I just want to win. I want to beat the car dealer. If I can’t, then I’m stealing. But hey, we’re making somebody happy.”
—John Clay Wolfe [53:17]

4. Car Projects: Too Many, Too Few Finished

[24:19–27:05 | 67:03–70:20]
John humorously catalogs his many unfinished car projects: Baja Lamborghinis, Ferraris, classic Packards, “fire chickens,” and more.
Frequent lament about starting more projects than finishing them, and the stress it creates as he ages.
Community “Cars & Quesadillas” event starts organically, attracting 30+ cars with minimal promotion: “Once a month, first Sunday—just show up and have fun.”

5. Guest Appearances – TV & YouTube Car Stars

[19:01–24:10 | 136:01–144:58]
Andy from “Junkyard Empire” discusses the ins/outs of reality TV deals, selling tow trucks, YouTube spin-offs, and brand rights/merch controversies.
Richard Rawlings (Gas Monkey Garage/Fast N’ Loud):
Calls in about auctions, partnering on car deals, and challenges of the high-end car building/flipping business.
The duo debate market trends: are restored customs peaking? “Everybody wants instant gratification now—nobody wants to wait for a build.”

6. Pop Culture & Award Show Commentary

[17:22–19:01 | 34:31–35:08 | 94:33–98:05]
Review of AI-generated “stars” (like Chili Norwood), the Golden Globes, and especially comedian Nikki Glaser’s hosting:
“She was the best MC I’ve seen in decades—took down CBS News, DiCaprio, and Sean Penn with razor wit.”

Notable Quote:
Leonardo DiCaprio’s only known trait: “We don’t know anything else about you, man. Open up!”
—Nikki Glaser [95:02]

7. Grumpy Old Man Corner: Problems, Patience, and Toyotas

[27:14–35:25]
John and JD commiserate about running out of patience for life’s “problems” as they age—preferring reliability and zero-drama settings.
Extended paean to Toyota as the “no problems” car: “I just don’t want to jack with problems anymore. I’m tired of problems. If your wife wants something funky, get her a Lexus.”

8. Wild Personal Anecdotes: Housekeeper Hookups, Maid/Babysitter Stories

[70:57–76:01]
Outrageously candid segment where hosts and callers admit to affairs (or failed attempts) with housekeepers, nannies, and hotel staff—complete with setups, detective girlfriends, and hostage situations.
Michael Turley’s multi-maid “Waco Thunderbird Motel” story is a particularly raucous highlight.

9. Sports Picks & Football Banter

[41:11–47:00]
John and Bobbo handicap the week’s NFL playoff games and the college championship, betting $100 per game, lacing the analysis with self-deprecating humor about losing streaks and “chick” picks (choosing teams based on sentiment or state pride).

10. Comedy, Satire & Off-Topic Jabs

[54:55–56:28 | 99:18–101:45]
Irreverent takes on Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and legacy media ("Network TV is dead—it's over, dude").
“Little Mexican Joint” and “Emus on the loose” bits blend Florida Man news with race jokes and animal attacks.

11. Community & Listener Appreciation

[93:49–94:33 | 145:49–146:46]
Shout-outs to the “Wolf Pack” fan group, recognition of the show’s community-driven events and ongoing evolution (“first Sunday Cars & Quesadillas”), and gratitude for fan feedback—even from those writing “You Just Lost a Listener” emails.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Looking Back:
“Many times—even just old girlfriends—you look back and go, wow, thank you, Lord.”
—J.D. Ryan [01:31]
On Getting Older:
“You ever notice you have less patience for problems? If it’s just you and that TV, nothing’s gonna happen. There’s not gonna be a problem.”
—John Clay Wolfe [27:31]
On “Beat the Dealer:”
“Go to givemetheven.com. Let’s play Beat the Car Dealer. We buy a thousand cars a week, so we’re making somebody happy.”
—John Clay Wolfe [53:17]
On too Many Projects:
“It is happening. We’ve got to start doing the finish part—and I have to get more people.”
—John Clay Wolfe [26:26]
On Unreliable Info:
“If you’re a card-carrying Indian and you’re offended they removed the Washington Redskins, please call in!”
—John Clay Wolfe [114:06]
On Rockstar Deaths:
“Grateful Dead bassist Bob Weir is grateful and now dead… We didn’t think when we were starting. [We] just satisfied our own standards.”
—John Clay Wolfe [80:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:42–11:14] - Opening banter, foot injuries, YOLO discussions
[12:43–16:25] - First round of car appraisals, dealer calls
[17:22–19:01] - Recap of Golden Globes, AI “celebrities”, Nikki Glaser jokes
[19:01–24:10] - Call-in from Junkyard Empire’s Andy, TV/YouTube car show talk
[24:19–27:05] - John’s project car pile-up, stress rant
[41:11–47:00] - Football bets and sports gambling
[54:55–56:28] - Michael Jackson/Cosby humor segment
[67:03–70:20] - “Cars & Quesadillas” impromptu event recap
[70:57–76:01] - Hotel/housekeeper affair confessions
[94:33–98:05] - Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes monologue replayed/discussed
[109:17–112:39] - Car appraisals, calling into the show is “intimidating”
[136:01–144:58] - Richard Rawlings interview, high-end car flipping, project updates

Episode Tone & Style

Humorous, irreverent, and fast-paced: The show jumps topics fluidly, mixing in pop culture, sports, listener participation, and inside references.
Authentic personalities: The crew teases each other, shares personal failings and embarrassing stories, and treats listeners like friends.
No-holds-barred banter: Adult humor and the occasional off-color joke are part of the show’s texture; quips about religion, ethnicity, and sex are delivered with tongue firmly in cheek.

#538 John Clay Wolfe Show 01.17.26

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

The John Clay Wolfe Show – Episode #538

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Life’s Randomness: Broken Feet, Ex-Wives & Tooth Abscesses

2. Listener Call-Ins: Broken Bones, Car Questions, Adoption Patterns

3. Car Segment – Bids, Buyer Humor, and Industry Talk

4. Car Projects: Too Many, Too Few Finished

5. Guest Appearances – TV & YouTube Car Stars

6. Pop Culture & Award Show Commentary

7. Grumpy Old Man Corner: Problems, Patience, and Toyotas

8. Wild Personal Anecdotes: Housekeeper Hookups, Maid/Babysitter Stories

9. Sports Picks & Football Banter

10. Comedy, Satire & Off-Topic Jabs

11. Community & Listener Appreciation

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Summary

The John Clay Wolfe Show – Episode #538

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Life’s Randomness: Broken Feet, Ex-Wives & Tooth Abscesses

2. Listener Call-Ins: Broken Bones, Car Questions, Adoption Patterns

3. Car Segment – Bids, Buyer Humor, and Industry Talk

4. Car Projects: Too Many, Too Few Finished

5. Guest Appearances – TV & YouTube Car Stars

6. Pop Culture & Award Show Commentary

7. Grumpy Old Man Corner: Problems, Patience, and Toyotas

8. Wild Personal Anecdotes: Housekeeper Hookups, Maid/Babysitter Stories

9. Sports Picks & Football Banter

10. Comedy, Satire & Off-Topic Jabs

11. Community & Listener Appreciation

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone & Style

For New Listeners