The Kittle Things – Episode 1
Guest: Charles Barkley
Hosts: George Kittle & Claire Kittle
Date: September 9, 2025
Title: Charles Barkley on Winning The Lottery Of Life, Why George Kittle Reminds Him of Himself & His Gambling Tips
Episode Overview
George and Claire Kittle kick off their new podcast by welcoming the basketball legend and TV personality Charles Barkley for a free-wheeling, hilarious, and insightful conversation. They cover everything from the joys and absurdities of professional sports, the humility of “winning the lottery of life,” Charles’ affinity for football, candid TV advice, gambling tales, predictions for the NFL season, and the little rituals that make life meaningful. Sprinkled throughout are memorable stories, infectious laughter, and the easy banter of new friends.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Vibes: Luck, Rituals & Marital Memories
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Blackjack & Beginner’s Luck
- The crew teases each other over a mini-game of blackjack, with Charles immediately declaring George’s swift win as:
“That is total beginner’s luck.” (00:16, Charles Barkley)
- The playful banter sets a casual tone.
- The crew teases each other over a mini-game of blackjack, with Charles immediately declaring George’s swift win as:
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Today in KDL History: The Kittles’ Engagement & Wedding
- George and Claire recount their engagement and wedding anecdotes, including George’s knee and shoulder injury the day before the proposal.
- Comedic detail:
“If you ever hear my mom go ‘Girl Scouts honor’? She's lying.” (02:10, George Kittle)
-
Family Rituals Before NFL Games
- George shares his family’s tradition of expressing gratitude and goals before each game. Claire describes her game-day ritual—the “Push”—where she gives George an empowering shove onto the field.
“She’s giving me all of her violence for the game.” (05:31, George Kittle)
- George shares his family’s tradition of expressing gratitude and goals before each game. Claire describes her game-day ritual—the “Push”—where she gives George an empowering shove onto the field.
2. Charles Barkley: Winning the Lottery of Life
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Kindred Spirits
- Charles says he agreed to appear because George reminds him of himself as a player—full-hearted, passionate, and joyful.
"When I watch you play football, I'm like, that dude loves playing football." (07:00, Charles Barkley)
- Charles says he agreed to appear because George reminds him of himself as a player—full-hearted, passionate, and joyful.
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Perspective on Professional Sports
- Charles and George reflect on how elite athletes are “the luckiest dudes in the world.”
“Dude. We hit the lottery of life. All you gotta do is go out there and bust your hump.” (07:15, Charles Barkley)
- George adds:
“How sick is it that your office building is a football stadium?” (07:47, George Kittle)
- Charles and George reflect on how elite athletes are “the luckiest dudes in the world.”
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TV Careers, Authenticity, & Connecting Beyond Sports Nuts
- Charles predicts George’s TV future, stressing that authenticity and reaching casual fans and families is key:
“You’re not trying to connect with the football fan…You’re trying to connect with the girlfriend, the wife, and the kids.” (09:24, Charles Barkley)
- Claire asks about being comfortable on camera; Charles credits mentors and stresses:
“Just be authentic. They know when you're being phony.” (10:25, Charles Barkley)
- Charles predicts George’s TV future, stressing that authenticity and reaching casual fans and families is key:
3. Social Media, Criticism, and Locker Room Culture
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On Criticism and Fairness
- Charles:
“Dr. J gave me a great lesson…Is the criticism fair? That’s the first thing you have to ask yourself.” (12:07, Charles Barkley)
- Charles:
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Rookie Mistakes in Broadcasting
- Charles admits his rookie error: swearing on-air due to habits from locker-room culture, leading to some gentle ribbing from his producer:
“I cursed like my first year probably five to seven to ten times.” (13:13, Charles Barkley)
- He reminds himself before every show:
“Yo, man, it’s just basketball. We ain’t saving the world.” (14:14, Charles Barkley)
- Charles admits his rookie error: swearing on-air due to habits from locker-room culture, leading to some gentle ribbing from his producer:
4. Charles on NFL Predictions & Philosophy as a Fan
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Eagles, Bills & AFC Powerhouses
- Charles openly roots for the Eagles (“Birds”) and predicts Bills-Eagles in the Super Bowl, though he’s quick to point out the difficulties of repeating success.
“If you gave me a choice right now, I would take the Bills against my Eagles.” (16:10, Charles Barkley)
- Praises Philly’s offensive weapons, coaching moves, and new additions, and tips his cap to AFC contenders like Baltimore and Kansas City.
- Charles openly roots for the Eagles (“Birds”) and predicts Bills-Eagles in the Super Bowl, though he’s quick to point out the difficulties of repeating success.
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On Defensive Strategies and “Double Teaming”
- Charles questions why NFL teams don’t double-cover stars more, drawing from his basketball experience:
"Why Chase always open?...It's damn simple, man." (17:42–18:52, Charles Barkley)
- George expands on coverage challenges and calls back to legends like Jerry Rice.
- Charles questions why NFL teams don’t double-cover stars more, drawing from his basketball experience:
5. Shane Gillis, Comedy, & Meeting Cool People
- Surprise Call-in from Comedian Shane Gillis
- Short, funny phone segment with Eagles superfan Shane Gillis (21:08) underscores the collegial vibe and cross-world sports-comedy friendships.
- Charles reflects on meeting celebrities, emphasizing how meeting authentic, down-to-earth people is a highlight of his life:
“When you meet somebody and they're great…it works the other way. When you meet a jock and they're just a total…” (23:45, Charles Barkley)
6. Gambling: Wisdom, Preferences, and Cautionary Tales
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Slot Machines vs. Table Games
- Charles candidly advises against slots:
“You should never play the slot... Casions make about 60-65% of their money from slot machines.” (25:24–25:36, Charles Barkley)
- He prefers blackjack but dislikes craps unless he trusts who’s rolling:
“Why should I bet on them? If I bet on Claire and I've never met Claire in my life, why should I bet on her?” (26:18, Charles Barkley)
- Charles candidly advises against slots:
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On Quitting While You’re Ahead
- Charles shares practical (and funny) advice from his friends on knowing when to walk away:
"Why don’t you put your top lip together with your bottom lip and shut the up?" (27:23, Charles Barkley, recounting a friend’s wisdom)
- Charles shares practical (and funny) advice from his friends on knowing when to walk away:
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Final Blackjack Rematch
- Hosts and Charles play another lighthearted round, with Charles accusing George of “pulling aces out your [rear]” and joking about dealing shenanigans.
“Welcome to the Claire and George casino where you lose!” (32:03, George Kittle)
- Hosts and Charles play another lighthearted round, with Charles accusing George of “pulling aces out your [rear]” and joking about dealing shenanigans.
7. Celebrity Tournaments, Golf Yips & Pickleball
- Lake Tahoe ACC Tournament Memories
- Charles reminisces on 30 years of playing in the celebrity golf tourney, cross-sport friendships, and unlikely pairings (e.g., Larry the Cable Guy).
- Conquering the “Yips”
- Describes his recovery from a decades-long swing problem with heartfelt humor:
“I've been to hell and back with my golf game.” (35:32, Charles Barkley)
- Describes his recovery from a decades-long swing problem with heartfelt humor:
- Pickleball: Cautionary Tales
- Charles cracks up both Kittles warning about injuries in aging athletes:
“Pickleball is the gift that keeps giving…all these old people are killing themselves.” (36:18–36:59, Charles Barkley)
- Charles cracks up both Kittles warning about injuries in aging athletes:
8. “Game Ball” Superlative Game (38:05)
- Claire and George playfully debate who’s superior at various “little things”:
- Best academic record (“All Big Ten four times!” – George)
- Who falls asleep during movies (Claire, hands down)
- Who orders from the kids’ menu (Claire admits butter noodles everywhere)
- Who’s their dog’s favorite (Deenie prefers Claire, Hobbs prefers George)
- Who has AUX cord control and more
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Loving the Game:
“I loved playing basketball. I felt that I was so lucky and blessed to do something so stupid for a living.”
(07:01, Charles Barkley) -
On What Makes Great TV:
“People want personality…You’re not trying to connect with the football fan...You’re trying to connect with the girlfriend, the wife, and the kids.”
(09:24, Charles Barkley) -
On Criticism:
“Is the criticism fair? That’s the first thing you have to ask yourself.”
(12:07, Charles Barkley, via Dr. J.) -
On Gambling:
“Casinos make about 60-65% of their money from slot machines. Never play the slot machines.”
(25:36, Charles Barkley)“Let me tell you something. I know if you get blackjack again... You’re totally full of [it].”
(30:29, Charles Barkley) -
On Celebrity Encounters:
“When you meet a celebrity and they're really, really cool, it's awesome. And it works the other way…But you don’t get mad—you’re just disappointed.”
(23:45, Charles Barkley) -
On Pickleball:
“Pickleball is the gift that keeps giving...My doctor friends are in heaven right now.”
(36:18–36:59, Charles Barkley)
Important Timestamps
- 00:16 – Opening blackjack banter with Charles
- 05:12 – George describes pregame family rituals
- 06:02 – Charles begins main guest segment, shares first impressions of George
- 07:15–08:34 – The “lottery of life” and joys of professional sports
- 09:24–10:25 – Charles gives TV/media advice
- 12:07 – On fair criticism and Dr. J’s advice
- 13:13–14:14 – Barkley's rookie cursing mishaps in broadcasting
- 16:10 – NFL predictions: Barkley’s case for the Eagles and Bills
- 17:42–18:52 – Double-covering football stars: Barkley baffles at NFL defensive strategies
- 21:08 – Shane Gillis call-in and comedian discussions
- 25:24–25:36 – The case against the slot machine
- 27:23 – The “shut your lips” gambling advice story
- 30:00–32:12 – Blackjack rematch and antics
- 34:01–36:04 – Barkley’s golf stories and overcoming the “yips”
- 36:18–36:59 – Pickleball as an injury “gold mine”
- 38:05–40:24 – “Game Ball” superlative segment
Tone & Style
- Genuine, playful, and unscripted.
- Equal parts wisdom and humor, with ample space for digressions and storytelling.
- Barkley’s irreverence pairs perfectly with the Kittles’ down-to-earth, family-centric energy.
For New Listeners
This debut episode captures everything promised by “The Kittle Things”: laughter, real talk, and the “little things” that make each day big. Whether you’re a football nut, NBA fan, casual listener, or gambling enthusiast, George, Claire, and Charles make you feel like part of the family—and leave you hungry for more stories.