The John Clay Wolfe Show: John Talks to Ted Nugent

Episode Date: February 13, 2026
Featured Guest: Ted Nugent
Host: John Clay Wolfe

Episode Overview

In this lively and unapologetically opinionated episode, John Clay Wolfe welcomes Ted Nugent—rock legend, outspoken activist, and self-styled “Motor City Madman”—to discuss everything from Texas hunting culture and political polarization to the enduring appeal of classic rock. Nugent’s characteristic candor and humor lead the way as they bounce between serious cultural commentary, stories from the road, and the irrepressible spirit of rock & roll.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ted Nugent: Texas, Hunting, and Self-Reliance

[00:27–01:44]

• Nugent shares his personal connection to Texas, drawing parallels between the rugged individualism of his Detroit upbringing and his current life in the Lone Star State.
  • “Detroit was like Texas, you know, free, rugged individualism, self sufficiency, work ethic in the asset column. So, yeah, Texas is the spirit of Texas, is alive and well wherever I travel.” (Ted Nugent, 00:35)
• Discusses helicopter hog hunting, referencing his penchant for reducing the wild swine population alongside Heli Hunter.
  • “Wherever Ted Nugent was with Heli hunter with my M4 machine gun... there’s a dramatically reduced swine population wherever I have celebrated the pork apocalypse.” (Ted Nugent, 01:13)

Unfiltered Political Opinions

[01:44–08:19]

• Nugent dives into politics, beginning with a critical take on responses to Trump’s North Korea diplomacy and expanding into broader commentary on American politics.
  • “There are liberal Democrats who are allergic to truth, logic and common sense... You can reference [Planet of the Apes] as an indication that a lot of Americans... actually believe that in the face of the inescapable evidence that gun free zones are where the most innocent lives are slaughtered, these idiots want more gun free zones.” (Ted Nugent, 02:11)
  • “The liberal Democrats hate that the President wants to put America first...” (Ted Nugent, 03:00)
  • “I haven’t had this good of a laugh since Richard Pryor’s afro caught fire. This is funnier than Sam Kinison on cocaine.” (Ted Nugent, 04:34)
• Critiques what he calls liberal elitism and draws connections between left-leaning policies and communism.
  • “You were just reading out the definition of communism.” (John, 06:24)
  • “They really are driven by a Marxist, Lenin, communism. You know the people that mentored Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton... Saul Alinsky... the author of a book called Rules for Radicals that was dedicated to Satan. God, I don’t have to make this stuff up.” (Ted Nugent, 07:00)
• Nugent frames political engagement as part of the American experiment, laced with references to military sacrifice and self-government.
  • “We have to take this experiment in self government... where we independents declare our Independency... It is fun. It’s a pain in the ass, but it’s also fun.” (Ted Nugent, 08:26)

Rock & Roll Culture: Stories, Surprises & Stagecraft

[09:32–15:53]

• The conversation shifts to classic rock concerts and personalities.
  • Discussion about Tommy Shaw of Styx, with playful banter about his stature and talent.
    • “He is a huge black Motown funk brother trapped in a little white boy’s body.” (Ted Nugent, 09:51)
    • “And what a master guitar player. You can’t talk Clapton and Hendrix and Beck and Page in the same breath without mentioning Tommy Shaw. He’s that good, isn’t he?” (Ted Nugent, 10:07)
  • Mutual appreciation for band dynamics and musicianship.
• Prospects for a Damn Yankees reunion are addressed.
  • “Yes. No. Maybe. Boy. Hopefully. Lovingly, I keep in touch with the guys... So it’s really hard to get them together.” (Ted Nugent, 11:10)
  • “If the 30 year old Ted Nugent showed up, I’d kick his ass.” (Ted Nugent, 12:14)

The State of Touring and New Music

[13:01–15:53]

• Nugent discusses his latest album, “The Music Made Me Do It,” and shares his intense seasonal work ethic:

  • “I take the hunting season off to cleanse my soul, to feed my family and friends and soup kitchens and homeless shelters and pantries with the sacred venison protein... So I’m not available from September to March because I’m hunting every day, making sure that I balance the herds.” (Ted Nugent, 12:34)
  • “The new record is called The Music Made Me Do It. The title track is a killer piece of classic all American rhythm and blues rock and roll.” (Ted Nugent, 13:57)

• Discusses the generational appeal of classic rock.

  • “Classic rock, it’s got this weird effect on generations that is not dying off by any sweat.” (John, 15:07)
  • “If Cat Scratch Fever came out today and got airplay, it would hook up and it would be ranked. I’m just telling you it would.” (John, 15:24)

Why Classic Rock Endures

[15:53–18:42]

• Nugent attributes the lasting appeal of classic rock to its roots in passion, defiance, and collaborative musicianship:
  • “Every classic artist we were so moved by the sincerity, the authority, the passion, the fire, the uppity defiance of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley and Little Richard...” (Ted Nugent, 16:16)
  • References to musical authenticity as a counterpoint to “cartoon music” and formulaic pop tracks.
  • Alan Parsons and Simon Cowell, past guests of the show, also highlight the crucial difference of playing together as bands, reinforcing Nugent’s point.
    • “They played together, Simon said they played together. That was the difference. They were a band, not tracks. That was the difference.” (John, 17:36)
  • “We believed in it. Chuck Berry believed in his delivery...” (Ted Nugent, 18:06)

Live Music: Quality, Craft, and Dedication

[18:42–21:31]

• Discussion of standout classic rock performances (Boston, Paul Rogers), and what makes enduring bands special.
• Nugent explains the relentless pursuit of excellence on stage:
  • “We push our fists together before going on stage every night. And we listen to James Brown and Wilson Pickett, Motown stuff and the tightness of those black gods of thunder. And we make sure that every gig is the most important gig of our life.” (Ted Nugent, 19:32)
• When asked about tour dates, Nugent laments the rarity of Texas shows and highlights his tight, high-energy touring schedule.
  • “This is the pain. I might cry live on your radio show. We only did one concert in Texas last year... This is the first year, I think, since 1967 that I’m not doing an official on tour gig in Texas... I am only doing six weeks this year. We do six nights a week. We do 36 concerts in six weeks.” (Ted Nugent, 20:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I haven’t had this good of a laugh since Richard Pryor’s afro caught fire. This is funnier than Sam Kinison on cocaine.” (Ted Nugent, 04:34)
• “Alfred Hitchcock wished that he could have wrote a screenplay this stupid.” (Ted Nugent, 08:10)
• “He is a huge black Motown funk brother trapped in a little white boy’s body.” (Ted Nugent, 09:51)
• “If the 30-year-old Ted Nugent showed up, I’d kick his ass.” (Ted Nugent, 12:14)
• “The music made me do it.” (Ted Nugent, 21:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:27: Nugent’s introduction and move to Texas.
• 01:08: Heli Hunter and Texas hog hunting.
• 01:44: Opening political discussion/North Korea commentary.
• 03:00: Critique of liberal politics.
• 08:26: Transition from politics to rock & roll as American “fun.”
• 09:32: Discussion about classic rock concerts and bands.
• 11:04: Possible Damn Yankees reunion.
• 13:01: Touring and new album “The Music Made Me Do It.”
• 16:16: Why classic rock endures.
• 19:32: Live show preparation and dedication.
• 20:18: Ted’s current touring schedule and lack of Texas dates.

Tone and Language

The episode is full of high-octane banter, unfiltered political and cultural opinions, and a deep reverence for the spirit of classic rock and American self-reliance. Nugent’s statements are delivered with signature bravado, humor, and often provocative phrasing, matched by Wolfe’s playful and engaged hosting.

Takeaway

Whether discussing freedom, firearms, or Fender guitars, Ted Nugent brings trademark fire and enthusiasm to the conversation, celebrating the enduring power of classic rock and warning against what he sees as threats to American values. For fans of raw, unvarnished commentary and rock & roll spirit, this episode delivers a raucous ride through music, politics, and the philosophy of living loud.