The Rod Ryan Show

Fresh Outta Bed Head to Head Challenge: Tournament of Champions Final

Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Rob ("Rod Ryan")
Co-hosts and participants: Todd (contestant/champion), Scotty "Birdman" (finalist), Studio Team
Station: 94.5 The Buzz (KTBZ-FM), Houston

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features the dramatic Tournament of Champions Final for the show's iconic "Fresh Outta Bed Head to Head Challenge," a staple gameshow segment where longtime listeners and past winners battle it out for yearly supremacy. Two titans, Todd (a multiple-time champion) and first-time finalist Scotty "Birdman," face off in a tense trivia showdown, all with high spirits and running inside jokes. The final offers not just bragging rights, but the coolest prize yet—a custom guitar.

Key Discussion Points & Segment Breakdown

1. Opening Banter & Setting the Stage

• [01:27-02:19]

  • Rob sets a lively tone, calling listeners to their corners and introduces the finalists.
  • Todd and Birdman's rapport is on full display as Rob jokingly references the show's running gag:
    • “Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?”
  • Discussion of late-night group texts among past and present champions.

  Quote:
  "[Todd], seven times in a row. You’ve won it all before and you got one man who really just doesn’t get, he’s unflappable. It’s Scotty Noah’s... it’s the Birdman." — Rob (01:44)

2. Pre-Game Jitters and Strategies

• [02:19-03:30]

  • Rob teases Todd about being up late.
  • Birdman, calm as ever, reveals he rested up.
  • Playful banter around competition nerves and group text speculation.

  Quote:
  "Todd was up with all the hens in the Fresh Outta Bed Head to Head talking last night. Birdman, this is the first time you’ve been in this position. Are you ready for it?" — Rob (02:58)

3. The Final Showdown: Live Quiz Segment

• [03:43-05:27]

  Question 1:

  • "How many cups are in a pint?"
    • Both buzzing in nearly simultaneously; Todd answers "Two," correctly.
    • Rob notes, “That’s as close as...it couldn’t have been any closer as a tie.” (04:31)

  Question 2:

  • "The Houston Texans’ first ever win (2002) was versus which Texas football team?"
    • Todd: “The Dallas Cowboys.” (05:18, correct)
    • Respectful sportsmanship with Birdman: “Good game, Scott.”
    • Todd clinches the championship in straight questions.

4. Champion’s Circle & Community Shout-Outs

• [05:27-07:32]

  • Birdman (Scott) is congratulated for his deep run:
    • “Hell of a run. Good game, Todd.” — Birdman (06:05)
  • Rob and co-hosts reflect on the competition and Todd’s dominance as a two-time champion.
  • Group text members are named: “Me, Corey, the one they call Tim, and Adam the Cop.” — Todd (07:03)

  Quote:
  “Thank you, Rob, for hosting this. Without you, I’d just be... Todd.” — Todd (06:24)

  • Todd is awarded the year’s standout prize: a custom guitar, “the coolest prize I think we’ve ever given away... Our man Cheeto from Bull Printing Raps and Graphics...” — Rob (07:12)
  • Rob wraps up the year on an appreciative note:
    • “Unbelievable run. Thank you everybody. What another great year. 22 years we've been playing this game.” (07:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nailbiter First Question
  “That’s as close as... it couldn’t have been any closer as a tie.”
  — Rob, reacting to the split-second race to buzz in (04:31)

• Friendly Jabs
  “Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?... One year, he actually told us why the carpet was wet. I mean, that's been a question on everyone’s mind forever.”
  — Rob, referencing long-running inside jokes (01:41)

• Sportsmanship and Respect
  “Hell of a run. Good game, Todd.”
  — Birdman, gracious in defeat (06:05)

• Champion’s Dedication
  “Thank you, Rob, for hosting this. Without you, I'd just be... Todd.”
  — Todd, showing appreciation and humor (06:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:27: Challenge begins; contestant intros and running gags
• 02:00: Behind-the-scenes group chat discussion
• 03:30: Quiz contest begins
• 04:21: Question #1 (How many cups in a pint?)
• 05:08: Question #2 (Texans’ first ever win)
• 05:26: Todd confirmed as champion; immediate reactions
• 06:24: Champion’s victory speech and camaraderie
• 07:12: Awarding of prize guitar
• 07:32: Yearly wrap-up

Tone & Style Retained

The tone is light, quick-witted, and brimming with camaraderie—a hallmark of The Rod Ryan Show. Inside jokes, gracious sportsmanship, and Houston sports nostalgia drive the episode, making the annual tournament feel like a local tradition as much as a game.

Summary Takeaway

Todd cements his legacy as a two-time champion in a closely fought and good-natured final, highlighting the sense of community and fun that defines the "Fresh Outta Bed Head to Head" tradition. The segment wraps with gratitude and enthusiasm for another year, promising more trivia battles—and more running gags—next season.