Hour 4: Callers

Summary

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The Paul Finebaum Show – Hour 4: Callers

Date: August 3, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN/SEC Network)
Theme: A classic open hour filled with listener calls, banter, and Paul’s trademark wit, focusing on the passion for college football, SEC rivalries, conference realignment, callers’ personalities, and ongoing show traditions.

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Episode Overview

This hour of The Paul Finebaum Show is a lively, unscripted celebration of SEC football culture and the show’s fiercely devoted fanbase. Callers drive the conversation, with Paul presiding over debates about regular guests, college football playoffs, conference realignment, and the inescapable quirks of his audience. Significant time is spent reminiscing about legendary callers, discussing media influence on SEC coaches, and swapping stories about football life below the Mason-Dixon line—all with Paul's signature warmth and comic timing.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caller Dynamics & the Role of Zoom (00:45 – 03:18)

• Callers and Paul debate whether “Bash” is better on Zoom or as a call-in voice. Some say Zoom makes callers self-conscious, but Paul encourages Bash to remain visible:
  • “I would encourage Bash to keep on zooming.” (Paul, 03:02)
• The community aspect is celebrated:
  • “I consider us all family.” (Caller, 01:12)

2. Rivalry and SEC Banter (03:18 – 05:53)

• Handsome Joe chimes in, teasing regional rivals and defending regular callers’ styles.
• Jabs at Clemson’s coach Dabo Swinney and playful shots at other fanbases:
  • “Don’t even know how to tie his shoes. Oh, dad. Both Sweeney. He’s dumb, Paul.” (Handsome Joe, 04:12)
• Listeners confirm Paul’s popularity among young football fans in Tupelo, MS.

3. The "Real Death Valley" and the Playoff Picture (05:16 – 06:07)

• Who holds the real "Death Valley" title—LSU or Clemson? This perennial topic is met with Paul’s dry humor:
  • “Clemson will be incredibly competitive until the coin flip.” (Paul, 05:53)
• Playoff predictions are requested, but not deeply debated in this segment.

4. Show’s Callers as Characters (06:07 – 11:19)

• Light mockery of Bash’s “sponsorships” and callers’ personalities, with speculation about Under Armour and Nike product placements.
• Callers seek insight into whether SEC coaches care about Paul’s commentary.
• Paul provides a behind-the-scenes anecdote:
  • Recounts calling LSU’s Brian Kelly his “worst interview,” leading to real-life fallout and Lane Kiffin’s laughter:
  • “...I said, interviewing, Brian Kelly every Monday was so bad that I think I would rather have a colonoscopy without anesthesia.” (Paul, 09:05)
  • Lane Kiffin’s reaction: “I have rarely if ever seen Lane Kiffin laugh, but he broke out in hysterics...”
• Paul clarifies that reactions usually come “second or third hand,” often wildly exaggerated.

5. Caller Story Time: The Importance of Callers (14:01 – 17:41)

• Ray shares a road trip anecdote where trying to stay in radio range for Paul’s show led to multiple car breakdowns and even a roadside scuffle:
  • “Your voice over the radio was what motivated me to get up off that asphalt...this fight is interrupting your show.” (Ray, 15:53)
• Ray and Paul reflect on fan favorite callers, especially the missing “Legend.”

6. Team Previews & SEC Football Excitement (18:19 – 21:23)

• Sarge introduces his new dog and touts Kentucky as a potential sleeper, citing impressive defense and referencing 9/11 commemoration plans.
• Brad and Paul riff on whether the show’s best callers (and host) need “psychiatric help”:
  • “Not only do some of our best callers need psychiatric help, the host of the show needs psychiatric help.” (Paul, 20:02)

7. Conversations About Conference Realignment (21:23 – 22:15)

• Newcomer James wonders if college football might return to smaller conferences for more local rivalries:
  • “Is there ever a chance it ever goes back to smaller conferences?...Just love to hear what you say.” (James, 21:32)
• Paul responds:
  • “It’s much more likely that conferences get bigger than smaller. It would take an economic collapse...to create that.” (Paul, 22:15)

8. Celebrating College Football History (25:11 – 27:51)

• Lee from Tennessee thanks Paul for his interview with Dr. Timothy Johnson and shares an anecdote about meeting the author of a book on Tennessee coach Gen. Neyland:
  • “I had to like slap his hand not to try to steal it.” (Paul, 26:51)

9. Show Banter & Rapid-Fire Callbacks (27:56 – 33:20)

• Callers jab at each other's football knowledge and personalities, referencing inside jokes about “writing notes on Piggly Wiggly sacks” and discussing “shirtless” players and show trivia.
• Comic rivalry escalates with playful insults and calls for the return of legendary caller “Legend.”

10. NIL, Congress, and the Politics of College Football (33:25 – 34:50)

• Marcel from California asks about the SEC and Big Ten working to pass the “Protect College Football Act” in Congress:
  • “There’s unknowns...you never want to give anyone in public office a month to think about anything, because something could still go wrong.” (Paul, 33:47)
• Paul doubts the timeline but expects eventual passage, warning about how quickly political momentum can disappear.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SEC Coaches Caring About Paul’s Opinions:

  • “I don’t think they care what I say or anybody says...But by the time it gets to the coach, it’s not even accurate.” (Paul Finebaum, 07:38)

• On Interviewing Brian Kelly:

  • “...It was so bad that I think I would rather have a colonoscopy without anesthesia.” (Paul Finebaum, 09:05)

• On SEC Expansion:

  • “It’s much more likely that conferences get bigger than smaller...It would take an economic collapse...” (Paul Finebaum, 22:15)

• On Show Culture:

  • “Not only do some of our best callers need psychiatric help, the host of the show needs psychiatric help.” (Paul Finebaum, 20:02)

• Fan Dedication:

  • “Your voice over the radio was what motivated me to get up off that asphalt...this fight is interrupting your show.” (Ray, 15:53)

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Key Timestamps

• Zoom Call-In Debate (00:45 – 03:18)
• Caller Rivalries & Regional Shoutouts (03:18 – 05:53)
• SEC/Death Valley Banter (05:16 – 06:07)
• Do Coaches Listen to Paul? (07:11 – 11:19)
• Caller Ray’s Roadtrip/Fan Story (14:01 – 17:41)
• Sleeper Team/Callers & Psychiatric Help (18:19 – 21:23)
• Conference Realignment Future (21:23 – 22:15)
• Book Discussion: Coach Neyland (25:11 – 27:51)
• Legislative Action & NIL (33:25 – 34:50)

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Tone & Takeaways

This episode captures the unfiltered, affectionate chaos that defines The Paul Finebaum Show. It’s equal parts football talk, comedy, and reality show—a celebration of sports radio’s unique community. The callers’ chemistry and Paul’s responses create a pulse for SEC football fans in the dog days before kickoff, blending news, nostalgia, and neighborly ribbing in a way only this show can.

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Summary prepared for listeners seeking the full character and color of Hour 4, August 3, 2026, without missing any of the SEC flavor or caller drama.

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Shave ice by the beach, a trip to the state fair and a throwback flick at the local drive in. They're more than just items to check off the summer bucket list. They're also opportunities to earn 2% daily cash back when you use your Apple Card with Apple Pay. Apply for Apple Card now and use in minutes with Apple Pay. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at applecard.com the pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum show, our for podcast.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

This might be college football.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Hey, welcome back. Final hour of the program has arrived and let's check out old school Knicks afternoon.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

All five ball. I am in just one hell of a good mood today. Fantastic, huh? What's that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I said that's great.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

My business is doing good. Life is good. I'm getting towards, you know, September, Labor Day will be, be. It will be a little break for me. But I, I. Can I do a poll with all, all your, all the family. Because I consider us all family. Right, sure. Can I do just a little poll and ask people something? And I don't mean this in a bad way. So, so this poll, when I get asked you this poll, I want to choose and I'd like to have to choose from you. Can I do that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

You may.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Does it think you that bashes calls or better when we don't have to see him beside you? Listen, man, don't take it the wrong way, but I'm just telling you, to me, his damn calls are better when he, when he, when he's not on

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

zoom,

[Paul Feinbaum]

you know, I don't know. I mean, I think, I think sometimes people when they, they're in front of a camera are more inhibited than they would be just simply verbalizing it.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

I mean, you know, seeing both of y' all up there, the two Bass brothers, that's, that's a, you know, you know, he was born, it was, it was, there was one baby that had a extra, extra large head and there was no one that had another little deal. But it was one of those babies that was way hell of a lot better looking than what that other one was. But we still, we still. I guarantee you people don't know, don't know your age. They always tell me I don't look my age. And I'm just telling you, Bash, listen to me first. Your calls are better. I would say about 70% when you don't go on Zoom. I would, I would, I would suggest to you, sir, don't go back over zoom anymore. Let's give it a week and see what everybody thinks. Thank you, Paul.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, listen, I don't want to get in the way of a good call, but I frankly think Bash is pretty good on the zoom. I would encourage, I would disagree. I would encourage Bash to keep on zooming. How about Handsome Joe up next?

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Roll Tyrol. Paul. Bomb bombing. Hey, I hear you right there.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

I don't care.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Back soon calls in or not. I mean, I don't have nothing against Bash zoom calls because for one thing, you got, when you got the camera on, you're going to be more on your toes. You know, you're going to make sure you, you know, if you don't shave, you have a pretty good looking, you know, beard going on. Or shave, you know, and heck, you can, you can call in, you know, if you just want to call in, you don't even have to put your shirt on, Paul. You can just sit on your couch and call in and just more laid back. But when the camera's on, you're right, it is a little different. But I think my thing back does okay on a zoom call, you know,

[Caller - Possibly 'AJ' or 'James']

I agree with you there, but Paul,

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

I'm starting to think in South Carolina, Cat daddy may be the only good caller you got from that state. And I want to say trade my brother Trey. Hey, he did a good job regulating Chris from South Carolina Fall. And I want to say this to Chris, you know, he doesn't need to worry about Legend. I don't worry about. You know why I don't call in and talk about Legend? Because I don't know anything that went on there. I don't, I don't care. And I'm not going to speculate. I'm not going to start rumors. If Legend wants me to know, he'll call and tell me what went on. So that's, that's his business. But Chris, you need to worry about that coach. You got to. Don't even know how to tie his shoes. Oh, dad. Both Sweeney. He's dumb, Paul. I mean, and short stuff long. All I'm going to say is you suck and you're jealous, brother. You're just jealous. And you ain't my type, dummy. But Paul, anyway, I just want to say that, you know, hey, oh, let's take the weekly today and hey, you got a bunch of fans. Big wiggler here, Red Bay. I just want you to know you got a, you got a lot of fans. In Red Bay, period. And when I was in Duplo the other day when I called you, I got the parking lot at the. At the restaurant we were at, and they were some, you know, I'd say teenager, you know, football level. Them and their girlfriends, and they had your show on radio, and they were listening to it, and I asked them, they like your. I said, you like the Paul Fine Bob Show? And they said, hell, yeah, we do.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

We don't miss it.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Oh, you got a lot of great fans in Tupelo, Mississippi. That follows you, too. But, hey, bro, I think you're doing good. But Bass keep Zoom calling in. I don't care.

[Caller - Possibly 'AJ' or 'James']

I think he does good.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Zoom calling to Paul. You have a good and peace and roll Tide. Roll, brother.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very much. Let's check. Check out Cat Daddy. Who is up next?

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Big ball looking good and sounding good as always. Thank Go Handsome Joe for the comment there.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

But I got a couple questions I gotta ask tonight.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

What do you think's gonna happen when Clemson goes down to Baton Rouge to find out who the real Death Battle is? And what.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Who.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

What teams do you think are going to be in the playoffs here this year? That said, God bless you and have a great day.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Cad Daddy. I think Clemson will be incredibly competitive until the coin flip. Let's go to Augie Nix. Good afternoon. Hey, Augie.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Hey, Paul. How often are we going to keep

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

asking when we're going to decide about

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

the real Death Valley? I thought last year we decided that we're doing it again this year. Year. I mean, we're going to do it again the year after that. When are we going to come to the. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop? Paul? And Paul, did I hear correctly that Bash apologized for not being on Zoom?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I think so.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Who led him to believe that we were disappointed if he wasn't on Zoom?

[Caller - Possibly 'AJ' or 'James']

Did you.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Do you have a contract with him or something?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I wonder. Maybe. Maybe he doesn't have one of these sponsorships like the Ohio State patch.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

Well, you know, he's got an Under Armour sponsorship.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

He's got the Under Armour gear, but every now and then he'll slip in a Nike logo. So, you know, he's. He's monetizing his appearances on your show. Paul, do you have any kind of a clause in the contract where you get a cut of that?

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

But, yeah, no, no, no.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't get anything for any. I mean, I don't even get paid anymore. I just do this out of the goodness of my heart.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Yeah, I'm sure you do. Which brings me to my question, Paul. Paul, do you think SEC coaches, and I'm not being sarcastic, this is real. Do you think they care what you say about them? And if so, can you give an example where, you know, they listen to what you say in your show? Because they either mention it to you or a reliable source gets back to you about it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Augie, My basic feeling is this, and there's always an exception, but I don't think they care what I say or anybody says.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

So nobody, not one sports writer, nobody. So do they pay attention more if they pay any attention at all to local media or national media?

[Paul Feinbaum]

What I've heard more than anything is that the coach and coaches have told me this, that they never get the. Sabrin once told me this, that it was the second and third hand that made it worse. It's like somebody calls his wife and says, did you hear? And then it gets disseminated in exaggerated tones. And usually by the time it gets to the coach, it's not even accurate. Now, I do know. I mean, this shows on at a weird time of the day for coaches to pay attention because they're usually on the practice field. I know that some will see earlier, like, morning hits that I may do, but somebody is always watching at some place. And it's not so much what is said, it's the regurgitation of it that usually creates the furor. I'll give you an example if you want to hear one about your former coach.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Yes, I do. I want to hear it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I gave. I was on. I was. I was in New York at this event, and I made a. It was. It was extemporaneous. There was not even a. Nobody had notes. Somebody asked me about interviews, and I did. I. I literally just went off. I said, probably the worst interview we've done recently is Brian Kelly. And I'm trying to remember the exact thing I said. So I said to the. I mean, I knew it was being recorded, but I didn't really give it much thought. I said, interviewing. I'm trying to remember if I get this right. I said, interviewing, Brian. I said interview. I said, interviewing, was interviewing Brian Kelly. Every single Monday was so bad that I think I would rather have a colonoscopy without anesthesia. And somehow the video got out and it made news, as you can imagine, a lot of the national. Again, we're talking about July 4th weekend. Okay, there's nothing happening so it took nothing to get it attention. And then so when I'm in this is a true story. I am in Tampa two weeks ago and run right smack into the PR person down there and Lane Kiffin. And the PR guy reminded me, he said in front of Kiffin, he said, brian Kelly is not very happy with you. And at that point I said, and Kiffin like goes like, what's going on here? So I told Kiffin the story. And I kid you not, I don't know if I have rarely if ever seen Lane Kiffin laugh, but he broke out in hysterics when I get, when I, when I did the punchline on Brian Kelly. So I know that's a long circuitous route, but it's usually the second or third regurgitation of it that somebody hears.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Well, thanks for the story, Paul. And you know what?

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

Brian Kelly deserves it.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

He gave me hemorrhoid fever during that last year.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

So good for you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you. Up against the break, we have 45 minutes of Paul's story time right here on a Monday afternoon.

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[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

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[Paul Feinbaum]

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[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

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[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Oh, oh, oh.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

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[Paul Feinbaum]

We are back, and let's check in with our friend Ray up next. Hey, Ray.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Hey, buddy.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

Got a minute for a story?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I sure do.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

You know, way back when, when you was broadcasting out of a cracker box there at Wapi, you know, I was working out of town, and, you know, on the day that I come back in town, my goal was to. I didn't think about getting home, Paul. I got. I thought about getting within radio range, and that's, you know, where I could hear your show, man, because I done missed, you know, however many days of your show that week, and it's just making me crazy. And I'd get my wife to tape your shows, and I'd listen to it on the weekends, but it just wasn't the same, man. It just was, you know, there was no podcast one, no replays. We're headed home one day and. And I'm in my buddy's car driving, and he had. He had a good little car, Paul, from 0. 75 miles an hour. But if you ever hit 76, it pop a fuse and the car would go dead. Well, it wasn't really a big deal, you know, if you had some fuses,

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

you swap fused out, crack the car

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

back up and go on. But that day, man, I'm hearing your voice. It's fading in and out, static. And I'm hearing you, and you're interviewing somebody. And I popped a fuse. So we. We pull over and we swap a fuse out and head on down the road. And I'm passing a truck this time, Paul, and pop the fuse. So we pull over, and he's getting aggravated with me now, but we swapped fuses out, headed on down, roading them just south of Tuscaloosa, and popped a fuse again.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Oh, bird fuse.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

Well, we swap it out. We got the car going again, and you're on the radio, and we get to talking about it, and discussion turned to hands flying. And, you know, Paul, I'm. You know me, I'm a lover. I'm not a fighter. So he was on top of me pretty quick. My head's on that hot asphalt this summertime. And he's grinding me, grinding me into it. And I can hear your voice over the radio and your voice over the radio was what motivated me to get up off that asphalt and get hit within radio range so I can listen to your show. You know, this fight is interrupting your show. I got to put a stop to it. And I come up off the asphalt and I didn't whip his butt, he whipped mine, ain't no question about that. But I did, I did put a stop to it and I did get within radio range and listen to your show and I tell you that story to make this point, Paul, your show is a three legged stool. There's you, there's people you interview like Chiswick, who was great. You need more Chiswick. And then there's the callers. That's where legend comes in. And you've had, you've had a lot of really good callers come and go for whatever reason over the years. And yeah, I'll be upfront about it, Paul. It's a selfish motivation for me. I love your show and I love a good show and good callers are part of a good show and I just wanted to call to relay that to you, buddy.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ray, first of all, I've never heard that story. That is amazing. Thanks so much. That is fantastic. Thanks so much. Appreciate it. And you know, I'll echo what he said about, about Legend. Yeah, I mean there, whatever, whatever you may think of him, the show is missing him badly and I don't know when he's coming back. Nobody has informed any of us and that's his decision in terms of what he is currently going through. But I echo what Ray said there very well. We have a caller on the zoom. It's Sarge from Kentucky. Good afternoon.

[Caller - Possibly 'Sarge']

Good afternoon. I wanted to introduce you to the newest regulator.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Oh wow.

[Caller - Possibly 'Sarge']

This is Mauser. He is a brand new German short haired pointer. And anyway, just got him yesterday but had three topics I wanted to share. That Agent Confidential guy, man who pooped in his Cheerios. I mean unnecessary, just not a. He's not a gentleman but I'll move on. I don't know if you or anyone else has seen that picture of John Mateer without a shirt practicing and man, I got to say that guy is yoked. And you know, if their defense is what we think it can be, I think that's a sleeper team in the sec. Only thing I wanted to mention is of course Bama comes to Kentucky on September 12th and on September 11th we're going to have a Little tribute to first responders and the 25th anniversary of 9 11, but that's all I got. Paul, hope you're doing really well.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Serge. Really nice of you to do that on September 11th. Hope to catch up with you up there while we head next to Brad in Macon, Ga. Hey, Brad.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Hey, Paul. I mean that called Tony today. I mean, he threw me off a little bit because it's like he was trying to insult you, then he was trying to assault, insult the ward and then he was insulting where the award was being given. And then at the last, he threw his last dagger at your callers and said that we need psychiatric help. Everybody knows that. Everybody knows that you got some callers that need psychiatric help. Some of your best callers need psychiatric help. Be honest with you, Paul, would you not agree with that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, man, I would agree. Not only do some of our best callers need psychiatric help, the host of the show needs psychiatric help.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

I think we could all use a little psychiatric help from time to time, Paul. But I like coach Gene Chiswick came on there with you, Paul, but I mean, I disagree a little bit about something because it does matter how a team looks in practice, but you practice them against the same people. So when you go and practice again, when you go to play a game against another team, the whole team speed dynamic gets in there and it's just totally different. How did Georgia do the last two playoffs? They look like world beaters at practice leading up to those games. Got beat twice. But you know, I heard some one of your dummies say something the other day, Paul, about, you know, things have changed. Things have changed. Get over it. Well, Paul, it's like this. Some things change, some things stay the same. And AJ From Pell City, you wear skinny dream jeans. Stay the same. Not five, not eight, but nine times George has whooped Yalls ass in a row. That stays the same and it's going to go to 10 this year. So Paul, thanks for taking my call. Have a good rest of the day, brother.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you. Appreciate it. James is up next in Tennessee. Hey, James. Go right ahead.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Hey Paul, first time calling, long time listening.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

And I'm kind of new to the college football scene. I moved from New York a few years back and I just fell in love with it down here. But this may be a naive question with conference realignment being a little new here, but is there ever a chance it ever goes back to smaller conferences? Like to me it just makes more sense. You know, six team conferences, very small regionals, round robin it everyone makes the playoffs whoever wins those conferences because being new here, like I'm the SEC now and I don't really care about Ohio State versus Texas week one. I'd rather see that in the playoffs. I'd rather see, you know, the local schools face more often. But yeah, just love to hear what you say. What do you think about that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, James, I think it's much more likely that conferences get bigger than smaller. It's really hard to shrink something once it starts expanding because you make money based on the number of teams that you have and their value. So I think it would take a, I think it would take an economic collapse in the sports platform to create and I don't think we are there yet. I think at some point it could be too big for everyone. But that's why you're in a conference because you're protected. Everybody in the SEC gets X number of dollars a year based on the television revenues and post season. So it's to no one's advantage to get out of a successful entity. Thank you for the call. Really do appreciate it. Head to the break. More to come right after this.

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[Paul Feinbaum]

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[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

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[Caller - Possibly 'Sarge']

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[Commercial Announcer]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Welcome back. And Lee is up next in Tennessee. Lee, good afternoon.

[Caller - Possibly 'Lee']

Thanks for taking my call. First time caller.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Possibly 'Lee']

I wanted to call and thank and commend you for the interview Friday with Dr. Johnson. Thought it was really good interview. I went on Saturday and met him at his book signing and picked up a couple of copies and I almost didn't make it. There was a little hiccup with the published site where it was being held, but I was able to get there. And a couple of things that I was serious about I may have missed on the interview from Friday. But of all the interesting stuff that he talks about, I mentioned to him that I was, you know, laughing at myself for jumping through all these hoops on a Saturday to buy a book about UT football coach, especially since, you know, I was an Alabama fan. And he leaned in almost like, you know, is it to say I don't repeat this or don't say this too loud, but, you know, I've got an undergrad degree, two master's degree and a PhD from the University of Alabama. So we had a laugh about that. I was kind of under the assumption that he was, you know, some type of university, Tennessee, you know, alum or devotee of some sort. But he really wasn't.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Lee, by the way, you got a few degrees there. I have gotten to know him over the years, Dr. Johnson, and just I love the book. I had a Tennessee graduate at my house the other day and I show, I showed him the book in my library and I had to like slap his hand not to try to steal it. But it's really a fascinating story about, I think one of the greatest coaches ever and unfortunately for General Neyland, because he hasn't coached since the 50s, just too many people just don't know who he is. But this book by Timothy Johnson, who was here the other day will let you know. I thought of all the things he said. The fact that he was at West Point at the same time as Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur was just amazing. A point of history that is really incredible.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Lee.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very, very much. AJ Is up next. Good afternoon.

[Caller - Possibly 'AJ' or 'James']

You know, first time caller, Paul, first time listener. I don't have any degrees except in sending your callers to the train station. And I'm gonna go ahead and snatch up. Let's, let's just go ahead and put big tall Brad, it is 5 foot 4 self over here on the, on on the podium for just a minute making county line. Brad over there wants to call it. You know one thing about him, his calls are never extemporous because he them down on a back of a Piggly Wiggly paper sack. Every time he goes and takes Joe out for dinner and they get the fried chicken and the catfish and they sit down on. They sit on the same side of the booth. They don't sit across from each other because they're friends with Sarge, Paul. I mean, you know, Sarge over there literally just talked about a player without his shirt on. You know, I would hate for him to go in description on when he was playing pickleball with Lane Kiffin. What he, he didn't have his shirt on. They probably got, I don't know. I'm just going to leave that alone. I don't know if you've ever had a caller call in and talk about another man without a shirt on. And then tied into football and success of a football team, probably the first time ever you set a world record over saying absolutely nothing. And Agent Confidential is a great person and I don't think you took his call correctly. Maybe you might need to go back with your military education and figure out one thing he actually does make sense. But on the other hand, you got a pretty good looking dog over there. I have to give it to you on that. What's his name? Dylan from Jasper. Because he's a puppy like Brad from Bulldogville. And I can tell you this too, Paul, one more thing before I get out of here.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Bring back legend. Come on baby.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ward a.m. eagle Dylan is up next from Jasper. Hello Dylan.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

A man that just spoke is a man that lets that big bulldog mouth overload that little puppy dog ass of his. But anyway, no man, I don't know what Sarge deal is with Mr. Agent Confidential.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

I don't know.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

I don't know if Sarge is a regurgitator now or something that he thinks he's, you know, all high and mighty or whatever. But no, Mr. Chaw Drone Man. Hey, he's a great person. Talked to him on the phone a bunch of times. Had him on Dirty South Sports.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I'll tell you what, Dylan. Let's do this. For some reason, we started to lose your signal. We will get you back on the show and see if we can get a better connection. Marcel, up next in California. Hey, Marcel. Marcel, you there? Going, going, gone. That sounds like a name of a country song. J.D. is up next in Alabama. Hello, J.D.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

hey, Paul.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

How you doing, buddy?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We're doing great.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Unlike. I can't even say it. Unlike AJ My call will be extemporaneous, not extemporous. We heard you say it. And I dared him to call in and use that word. I've been laughing ever since. But, yeah, I agree with. I agree with him. We need. We need legend back on the show

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

and

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

just want to say I'm getting. I'm ready to. I'm ready to get. Talking about some ball when the time comes.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

We're getting close.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Want to talk some Auburn Tigers. I think we're going to surprise some people this year and looking forward to it. And I'm hyped up about it, and I hope my call wasn't too extemporaneous.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, it wasn't. Whatever that word is. Dylan is up next. We have you back now, Hope, with a better line.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Is this better, Paul?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yes.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Okay. It might be that Walker County Cell service. I. I don't know. Anyway, but what I. What I was going. Was getting to on my last call. You know, Mr. Shaw drones a good individual. I mean, he's. He's got a lot of class and everything. And you. You was right earlier. I mean, he. The man does know what he's talking about, and had him on Dirty South Sports and. And just an incredible guy. And I don't know what sergeant's deal is.

[Caller - Possibly 'Brad' or 'Ray']

He.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

I mean, he.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

He don't.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

He don't. He don't sound too educated, if you ask me. But anyway, you know, gonna. Gonna, you know, ask something about Chris here. You know, dude, I don't. I just don't think Cullen. Paul is your thing, buddy. I mean, I really don't. Maybe you should try. We should just try having a spelling contest with you. Would that work? I mean, we could do a spelling contest, Chris. Yeah, I figured that would be your. Your. Your type of game right there. But anyway, Paul, the dirtiest player in the game's out of here. Roll Tide.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Let me try Marcel again in California. Hey, Marcel.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Hey, Paul.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

How you doing today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We're doing wonderful, thank you.

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

Good. I have a question. So now that the SEC and the Big Ten are publicly aligned behind the Protect College Football Act. It feels like there's finally some like, momentum on the federal side.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

What do you think are the biggest hurdles left and how quickly do you

[Caller - Possibly 'Handsome Joe' or 'Augie Nix']

think it starts to actually move through Congress? Like, what's the realistic timeline?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, you know, Marcel, when all this was going on last week, the whole thing came down to it had to be done by Friday. Then it had to be done in order for the Senate majority leader, John Thune, to put it in the hopper for by tonight. There's some, there's unknown. We don't know yet whether it's going to be voted on this week. At Last check at 6:42 in Washington, it doesn't look like it will be because there's so many other issues. Then it would be tabled to September, which I don't think is critical. But I would have preferred to see this thing go right away while there was momentum. You never want to give anyone in public office a month to think about anything because something could still go wrong. I think it's going to pass and then it's up to the House. But they're losing valuable time if this thing doesn't go off this week.

[Caller - Possibly 'Dylan']

Thanks, Paul.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you. Yeah. And the reason, and part of the reason I don't, I think the senators are behind it. Now that the SEC and the Big ten, you just don't know what else is going to happen. I mean, you could end up with some sort of crisis that completely overwhelms the US Congress. We'll take a break. More to come right after this.

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Thank you for listening to the Best of the Paul Feinbaum Show Publishing. Watch the Paul Feinbaum show weekdays from 3 to 7 Eastern on the SEC network. Plus, you can listen and watch on the ESPN app

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