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Stephen Colbert
Thank you so much everybody. Please have a seat. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Late Show. I'm your host, Stephen Colbert. Ladies and gentlemen. You know, I gotta say, after all these years, it's nice that Donald Trump is still able to surprise us. Kind of sweet how he keeps the nausea fresh. Cause we all know he's a sack of loose skin stuffed with greed. But I don't Think any of us expected him to accept a luxury 747 jet from Qatar for use as Air Force One? That's Qatari Air Force One. You know their slogan. Yes, yes, speak louder into the tray table. Wow. The plane in question is one of the big old Boeing 747s worth around $400 million. Of course, that's 400 million before you pay to check a bag. And of course, with a gift, it's not the money, it's the thought that counts. That thought, let's bribe the President. Now, ostensibly, and no, I don't know what that word means, Qatar is donating this new Air Force One to the government, but it's really just for Trump because Air Force One is the President's personal plane. And when he's done being president, the plane would then be donated to Trump's presidential library, meaning he may continue using it after leaving office. I actually think it's fitting that the only thing Trump's going to check out of his library is big plane.
Ryan Reynolds
Folks.
Stephen Colbert
I'll have all the classics in my library. They got the one about how to fasten your seatbelt, another one about a magical and there's scary pop up book called Air Sickness Bag. Never finished that one. But according to Trump, this is totally above board posting. So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a gift free of charge on a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old air Force One temporarily in a very public and transparent transaction so bothers the crooked Democrats that they insist we pay Top doll. Anybody can do that. Yes, it's true. Anybody cannot take a free plane. I'm doing it right now. But Trump's saying it's totally fine that he's accepting a greasy bag of airplane from a Middle Eastern petro kingdom cuz he's doing it in public. Sure, I stabbed a guy, but I didn't hide it. I did it in broad daylight while saying the words stabbity, stab, stab, stab. It was totally transparent. Him with a piece of glass. What is shocking, what is shocking is that he's taking his clear bribe from a country that while ostensibly and again ostensibly, is our ally and is also an ally of Hamas that harbored the leaders of hamas after the October 7 attacks and who many world leaders have specifically condemned for fomenting violence. One world leader even said that Qatar was funding terrorism at a very high level. That leader, Donald Trump. But you know what Donald Trump knows. Donald Trump knows that this is America. We do not negotiate with terrorists. We accept whatever they're Offering no questions asked. Today. You good today? Today. Before he jetted off to the Mid east in Air Force jalopy he's stuck with now, Trump signed an executive order aimed at lowering drug prices in America to the lowest price paid by other countries. And I gotta give him credit for that, cuz ever since he's been back in office, a lot of people have been wanting cheaper drugs. Trump tried this once before, didn't he? Trump tried this once before in his first term, but a court order blocked the rule from going into effect. That's right. You mess with Big Pharma, you lose. Try it again and they send the Lunesta Butterfly to suck out your spinal fluid while you sleep. Polk's always got a proboscis. Sucks it right out. But the part of the event that I liked was when Trump tried to share a relatable story about a friend suffering from high drug costs. I'll tell you a story. A friend of mine who's a businessman, very, very, very top guy, most of you would have heard of him. Highly neurotic, brilliant businessman, seriously overweight. And he takes the fat, the fat shot drug. The fat, the fat shot drug. Who can take the fat shot? Jam it in the can. My neurotic friend. Cuz he's a chubby, chubby man. The fat shot drug. Thank you very much. Thank you. My apologies, My apologies to Anthony Newley and Sammy Trump explained what his fat, neurotic friend told him. President, could I ask you a question? What? I'm in London and I just paid for this damn fat drug I take. I said it's not working. Nothing more presidential than fat shaming. It reminds me of that inspiring quote from George Washington. I cannot tell a lie. Your ass is enormous. Trump also Trump also made some pretty big claims about new innovations in his drug plan. Basically, what we're doing is equalizing. There's a new word that I came up with which I think is spelled with the bullshit. You did not come up with the word equaliz. If you did, then what the hell has Queen Latifah been doing for five action packed seasons right here on cbs? Chief, the Equalizer. Not the word nobody came up with yet. Eliza. Jim, meet me at the screen cam. Keep that close. Free plane at participating. Emirates isn't the only major trade deal Trump announced today. Because after a weekend of negotiations, the US and China are now taking a step back from their tariffs to pause for 90 days. This is a major victory for Donald Trump to somehow negotiate his way out of the economy, crippling Tariffs put in place by Donald Trump. I'm told we have footage of Donald Trump closing the deal. Now, to be clear, I got something. I got two things to be clear. It's not no tariffs, but US tariffs on China will go from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on the US will go from 125% to 10%. Unfortunately, there will still be a 120% tariff. You know their motto, Temu. What if your clothes felt like they gave you cancer? So tariffs gone. Tariffs are over. No more of the big tariffs. And what happened to all the wonderful things Trump said the tariffs would pay for? He said if we had tariffs, Americans wouldn't pay any more. Income tax tariffs would curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling. They would create more factory jobs, shrink the federal deficit, lower food prices, subsidize childcare, and promote world peace. Remember, remember when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made this golden promise to American workers?
Ryan Reynolds
Remember the army of millions and millions.
Stephen Colbert
Of human beings screwing in little, little.
Ryan Reynolds
Screws to make iPhones?
Stephen Colbert
That kind of thing is gonna come to America. Liar.
Ryan Reynolds
Liar.
Stephen Colbert
I was fully prepared for that beautiful new life for all of us. Before the show, I even disassembled my iPhone to practice. Look. Look at it, Howard. Look at what you made me do. Now hardworking Americans are going to have to look their children in the eye and say, I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're not going to get to work in the iPhone factory with their little fingers twisting the tiny screws. What will they get instead? $30 for Christmas. You're sick, Lutnick.
Ryan Reynolds
You're sick.
Stephen Colbert
Have an intern put this back together before the show is over. I have a phone call. Trump is also adding new friends to his administration. This time it's Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, seen here getting throttled by a ghost. On Friday, Trump named Pirro to serve as interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. and I'm sure she's excited. I heard on Friday night she drank a whole bottle of champagne and then someone told her the news. You may know Pirro from her years hosting Judge Jeanine on Fox where she promoted voter fraud claims, compared January 6 rioters to revolutionary War soldiers and got pulled briefly from the network after making Islamophobic comments. She was later reinstated after Fox realized they didn't care. Pirro has also come under fire for pleading guilty for speeding after driving 119 mph in a 65 zone and was forced to deny accusations of being drunk on air. It's not great when Washington's top attorney can best be described as Lady Giuliani. Trump announced. Lady Trump announced the news on Truth social saying Pirro is considered one of the top district attorneys in the history of the state of New York. She is in a class by herself. That class court mandated traffic school. We got a great show for you tonight.
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Ryan Reynolds
From building pillow forts to building a.
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Stephen Colbert
Ladies and gentlemen, my first guest tonight is a beloved actor and entrepreneur who took a chance on a struggling Welsh soccer team. He tells their story in the Emmy award winning docu series welcome to Wrexham which returns this Thursday for his fourth season. Please welcome back to the Late show, Ryan Reynolds. Good to see you again.
Ryan Reynolds
Nice to see you.
Stephen Colbert
Thanks for being here. Yeah, nice to see you.
Ryan Reynolds
Very nice to be here. My goodness, how are you?
Stephen Colbert
How are you? How have you been?
Ryan Reynolds
I've been good, thank you. Yeah, been really good.
Stephen Colbert
Cheers to. Cheers to all your success and everything like that. Nice to meet you.
Ryan Reynolds
You got coffee? I got. Yeah. Something else there?
Stephen Colbert
Sure, yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
A bit of a bug.
Stephen Colbert
Oh, I know, I know, right?
Ryan Reynolds
Mondays. Got a little case of the Mondays.
Stephen Colbert
Exactly. And then you get like, I gotta be interested in what Ryan wants.
Ryan Reynolds
Oh God, it's the worst. Oh, thank you. Thank you for being all three of my daughters.
Stephen Colbert
Suck. Suck it up. Suck it up.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah.
Stephen Colbert
So last time you were here, we were 2022?
Ryan Reynolds
Yes, sir.
Stephen Colbert
Okay, 2022. We're here with Rob. McElhinney was here.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, I think he was here.
Stephen Colbert
And you guys are co owner of the Wrexham football team. And if I remember correctly at the time, Three years ago, I asked, you know, how's the team doing? And you said, there's room for improvement.
Ryan Reynolds
Yes, there was room for improvement. Is that.
Stephen Colbert
Is that Canadian for something?
Ryan Reynolds
Yes, that is. That is. That is Canadian for we're in the garbage section of the pyramid system.
Stephen Colbert
Okay.
Ryan Reynolds
Which is the very bottom.
Stephen Colbert
So for the people who, like, for Americans do not understand, sort of the UK soccer system.
Ryan Reynolds
Correct.
Stephen Colbert
What was the name of the level they were at?
Ryan Reynolds
So the National League is the bottom. Okay. So that's the sort of semi professional. You know, you're kind of teetering on beer league. Right.
Stephen Colbert
Okay, so then how many. How many layers?
Ryan Reynolds
Well, there's five. Good. From the national to second, basically, League two, League one, then championship. Oh, now it's getting big time. And then Premier League.
Stephen Colbert
Okay, so you were down here on National.
Ryan Reynolds
Yes.
Stephen Colbert
Where are you guys now?
Ryan Reynolds
Yes, we are in Championship League.
Stephen Colbert
3. Now that, that, like, while I don't follow. While I don't follow the sport, I understand that must be an enormous achievement.
Ryan Reynolds
It's history. No one's ever gone three in a row.
Stephen Colbert
So three years in a row. A promotion every year.
Ryan Reynolds
Every year, yeah. We went up and up and up. And I mean, really, the very talented players, very talented coach in Phil Parkinson, who's amazing. Great locker room. It's the culture, though, that really gets you there. It's more than just the talent. It is that that locker room that these guys are in is the greatest locker room in sports. You could sit the best striker and he would immediately go to whoever his replacement is and tell him what to watch out for, what to do. I mean, it's just. You've never seen anything like it. And the town, by extension, is the same.
Stephen Colbert
And I understand that you brought a clip of the moment when the team found out that they had been promoted to the Champions League.
Ryan Reynolds
Yes. Okay.
Stephen Colbert
Champions or championship?
Ryan Reynolds
Championship.
Stephen Colbert
Championship. League. Okay. Jim, you ain't got no rap. Now, I know that you're not. I know you're not over. You're not over there all the time, but were you there that night?
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, yeah.
Stephen Colbert
What was that like?
Ryan Reynolds
Yes, it was.
Stephen Colbert
What was that like?
Ryan Reynolds
It was soaking. Soaking wet. I've never gotten drunk just by absorbing it through my skin. Like, I was hammered by the time I walked out. It was mayhem. I mean, we have this one angle. We call it the Rudd angle. Paul Rudd was there the first time we got promoted from the National League. And the National League's like prison. So hard to get out of. I mean, some prisons, honestly. I mean, if you have a tunnel system? No, no. But he got that shot of us just collapsing when everyone else went up. And then they all yell at you. Hear this announcement. Do not storm the pitch. If you come onto the pitch, you will be arrested. And they're all looking at the pitch. Then they look over back at us, me and Rob, and we go, oh, no, no, let's. Yeah. And then everybody just like. Yeah. And it's just. It's mayhem. I mean, it's the kind of ecstasy and joy that you can't believe exists. And this world right now that we live in, we live in a digital hate tank. And I really believe that places like concerts and sports and movies and places where we gather together. The French have a word, a term for it, called collective effervescence, where we really experience togetherness. The same thing in the same moment at the same time brings us together even tighter. And I love that. And I love that about this. Wrexham is just as politically divided as anywhere else, but when you walk through the gates of that place, we're all wearing the same shirt and we're chanting the same filthy songs.
Stephen Colbert
I do love that about this idea. It's really such a great idea just to throw, like, your marketing ability by this team who really wants it in this town that really needs it. Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
And it got me early. Like, I didn't. You know, we didn't ever want to center ourselves. Right. So we really wanted to be a part of their story, not pull them into our story. And I think that was a smart move. And also, the other thing that really worked and a lot of this is winging it. You know, this isn't a TED Talk. I'm not going to go, here's how I nailed it and scaled it. I didn't. Like, I don't. You know, you're just listening, and I think you're also willing to say, I don't know. I don't trust a leader that says that. Can't say, I don't know. And that's, like. I only say, I don't know. I mean, I. And it helps, though. Yeah. You know, so we don't make it. We don't make football decisions. We just get to. We get to be friends with the player. Every player that comes to Wrexham, I don't care who you are, you get a FaceTime from me and Rob and our cell phone number, our email, and it. We, you know, we. Because we don't make football decisions, we get to have those relationships and. And really build that chemistry.
Stephen Colbert
And I believe in post, they're going to put up your and Rob's phone number here at the bottom of the screen.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, right.
Stephen Colbert
Anybody wants to be. We'll do that. We'll do that in post. We have six. A quick break.
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Ryan Reynolds
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Stephen Colbert
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Ryan Reynolds
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Stephen Colbert
We're firefighters.
Ryan Reynolds
We're gonna find a way to get.
Stephen Colbert
You out of here. We take the hitch together.
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Stephen Colbert
I'm right here with you no matter what. I would never leave you hanging in the deep end. This place is a way of giving you new family. Fire Country. All episodes now streaming on Paramount +.
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Ryan Reynolds
Hey there, travelers.
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Stephen Colbert
We have season four of welcome to Wrexham starts this Thursday. What can we expect from season four?
Ryan Reynolds
This is genuinely. It is a march to history. I mean, one of the first moments I had that really hooked me was I met a woman who said, why Wrexham? And I said, why not? And she said, because nothing good ever happens to us. And I just was like, that was the moment. I went from fake it till you make it to no, we're making it like we're gonna make this thing and it is going to work. I don't care what it takes, it's gonna work. And we're seeing that happen in real time. When they first asked us, what are your intentions? What's your highest goal? I said, well, the Premier League. And they laughed. I mean, they, literally everyone laughed. Some of the players laughed. And, you know, now we're standing on the precipice of that very dream in this little town. And there's a Wrexham in every state in the Union. There's a Wrexham in every country in the world. And I think that's why it's kind of grabbed hold on a global level, is because people see themselves reflected back.
Stephen Colbert
Well, you've been very generous with the clips. There's yet another clip to show people this of this season. What is Welsh Pool? What's happening here?
Ryan Reynolds
Welsh Pool. I ended up, yeah, Deadpool. I fight a whole bunch of other Deadpools and I made one of them, Welsh Pool, which I found out is an actual town, by the way, called Welsh Pool. So there was some confusion. Wales is a different country than England. And that's another thing you really want to make sure you do.
Stephen Colbert
I saw the movie, enjoyed it very much. One of them has the Red Dragon.
Ryan Reynolds
Welsh.
Stephen Colbert
That's Welsh Pool.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, that's Paul Mullen, one of our star strikers underneath the suit right there.
Stephen Colbert
Okay.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah.
Stephen Colbert
Jim, yet another clip.
Ryan Reynolds
Yep. One of our owners, and I can't remember which one it is, is Deadpool, the popular comic book character. Oh, what's this we have over here? In the most recent film, a number of cameos were executed by Wrexham AFC players. Paul Mullin and Oli Palmer were both in it. Oli played bar patron number one and Paul played Welsh pool. His costume's a bit more recognizable. Big Welsh flag emblazoned across the Deadpool suit. And so Ryan arranged for it to be transferred into the keeping of the football club. And yeah, that's. That is that lives. That lives at the racecourse ground. The Racecourse ground is the oldest international football stadium on earth. And that lives there. And that's actual grand theft. I just stole that from Disney.
Stephen Colbert
And they don't have lawyers or anything, do they?
Ryan Reynolds
No, no, they're not litigious at all. Yeah, no, they're fine with it.
Stephen Colbert
Have you learned. Have you learned any Welsh?
Ryan Reynolds
Thank you, Stephen. No, I'm just curious.
Stephen Colbert
It's a beautiful language, but very difficult.
Ryan Reynolds
It is really difficult. There's that one town. I mean, you've probably heard about it.
Stephen Colbert
Sure.
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, it just goes for a long time. Yes, Rob has learned a bit of Welsh, you know, not just cause he's a kiss ass, but also because he's like, you know, really studious about that kind of stuff. I find it very hard. Like French Canadian was hard enough. You know, I mean, growing up you had to speak that to get out of high school.
Stephen Colbert
That was a jailbreak.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, you had to.
Stephen Colbert
You're from the other end, right?
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, well. Oh. Oh, yes. Of the coast. Yes. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I thought. You thought I was an anal birth. No, no, no, no, no, no. Regular. Right down the chute. Not a but. Yeah. No. I have a little bit of French Canadian left in me still, but not.
Stephen Colbert
Too much as a Canadian. I know you have a project that's very near and dear to your heart, and I'm so glad that you're doing it. Tell the folks the documentary you're making about the man you love, John Candy.
Ryan Reynolds
I'm making a documentary about John Candy.
Stephen Colbert
Truly great.
Ryan Reynolds
It's with Colin Hanks. Colin Hanks is also doing it with me. And it's just been meeting like I get to meet heroes that I've had. There's a group of eight to 10 people that really were generation defining creators. And it's wonderful to talk to storytellers talking about a beautiful man who was a beautiful storyteller who passed at 43, way too young. He was so generous with people and he was a good person when no one was watching. And I think that that's really important. And it's just.
Stephen Colbert
And fantastic. No matter how small the part was, too. How big or how small? Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
And we need more of that in the world too, you know, I just love that he's as resident now as he was then.
Stephen Colbert
Well, good to see you. Season four of welcome to Wrexham premieres this Thursday on FX and will be available the next day on Hulu. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives. Now streaming. When everything's on the line, real heroes rise to the occasion.
Ryan Reynolds
TV's hottest show is Fire Country.
Stephen Colbert
We're firefighters.
Ryan Reynolds
We're gonna find a way to get.
Stephen Colbert
You out of here. We take the hits together.
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Stephen Colbert
I'm right here with you no matter what. I would never leave you hanging in the deep end. This place is a way of giving you new family Fire Country. All episodes now streaming on Paramount. Plus.
Summary of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" Featuring Ryan Reynolds
Episode: Ryan Reynolds | Air Force Dumb
Release Date: May 13, 2025
In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delivers his characteristic blend of sharp political satire and humor before welcoming his special guest, Ryan Reynolds. The episode skillfully navigates through current political events, corporate antics, and personal insights into Reynolds' entrepreneurial ventures, particularly his involvement with the Wrexham football club.
Trump’s Air Force One Gift from Qatar
Stephen Colbert opens with a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump's acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar, intended for use as a new Air Force One. Colbert mocks the gesture, highlighting the dubious nature of the gift and its potential implications.
Colbert emphasizes the controversy surrounding the transfer, questioning the transparency and motives behind accepting such a lavish gift from a nation with complex geopolitical ties.
Trump’s Executive Order on Drug Prices
Shifting focus, Colbert critiques Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing drug prices in America. He humorously dissects the administration's approach, juxtaposing it with past attempts and the resistance from powerful pharmaceutical lobbies.
Colbert also parodies Trump's storytelling abilities, particularly his attempts to make policy relatable through personal anecdotes, albeit in a satirical manner.
US-China Tariff Negotiations
Colbert continues his monologue by addressing the recent negotiations between the US and China, where tariffs have been adjusted after prolonged disputes. He ridicules the half-measures and unmet promises, highlighting the superficial victories in the trade talks.
Colbert underscores the inadequacy of these changes, pointing out that significant tariffs remain, thereby questioning the effectiveness of the negotiations.
Introduction and Greetings
After the monologue, Stephen transitions smoothly to the interview segment, introducing Ryan Reynolds as a beloved actor and entrepreneur. Reynolds is recognized for his role in the Emmy-winning docu-series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles his and Rob McElhenney’s efforts in revitalizing a struggling Welsh soccer team.
Wrexham’s Ascension in the Football League
The conversation delves into the remarkable progress of Wrexham AFC, highlighting their unprecedented three consecutive promotions into higher leagues. Reynolds attributes this success to the talented players, the strategic coaching of Phil Parkinson, and, critically, the strong team culture.
Reynolds elaborates on the concept of "collective effervescence," a term borrowed from French sociology, describing the profound sense of community and shared joy experienced by fans and players alike.
Community Impact and Authentic Engagement
Reynolds emphasizes the importance of integrating with the local community rather than imposing external narratives. This authentic engagement has fostered a deep connection between the team and the town, leading to a supportive and unified fanbase.
Season Four of Welcome to Wrexham
Looking ahead, Reynolds shares insights into the upcoming fourth season of Welcome to Wrexham. He expresses optimism about the team's future, including aspirations to reach the Premier League—a goal previously met with skepticism.
Reynolds also touches upon his creative endeavors outside of football, notably his documentary project focused on the late John Candy, reflecting his dedication to storytelling and honoring influential figures.
Humorous Anecdotes and Linguistic Challenges
The interview is peppered with light-hearted moments, including Reynolds’ humorous take on learning Welsh and his playful interactions with Colbert about his character Deadpool’s influence on the team’s culture.
Reynolds admits the challenges of learning Welsh, adding a relatable touch to the conversation.
The episode concludes with Stephen Colbert promoting the latest season of Welcome to Wrexham, encouraging listeners to tune in for more inspiring stories of community and sportsmanship. Additionally, Colbert directs listeners to the Late Show YouTube channel for exclusive clips and content.
Political Satire: Colbert provides a critical and humorous examination of recent political events, particularly focusing on Donald Trump's actions and policies.
Wrexham’s Success Story: Ryan Reynolds offers an in-depth look into the transformative journey of Wrexham AFC, highlighting the importance of culture, community, and authentic engagement in achieving success.
Personal Insights: Reynolds shares personal anecdotes and discusses his passion projects, including his documentary on John Candy, showcasing his multifaceted career beyond acting.
Stephen Colbert on Trump's Gift:
“That thought, let's bribe the President.”
[02:06]
Colbert on Drug Price Policy:
“You mess with Big Pharma, you lose. Try it again and they send the Lunesta Butterfly to suck out your spinal fluid while you sleep.”
[03:47]
Ryan Reynolds on Team Culture:
“It's more than just the talent. It is that the locker room that these guys are in is the greatest locker room in sports.”
[16:27]
Reynolds on Collective Effervescence:
“We live in a digital hate tank. And I really believe that places like concerts and sports and movies... bring us together even tighter.”
[17:09]
Reynolds on Making It Work:
“I went from fake it till you make it to no, we're making it like we're gonna make this thing and it is going to work.”
[21:59]
Reynolds on John Candy Documentary:
“It's a beautiful man who was a beautiful storyteller who passed at 43, way too young.”
[25:34]
This episode offers a compelling mix of political humor and heartfelt discussion, providing listeners with both entertainment and meaningful insights into the intersection of sports, community, and personal passion.