The Chris Isaak Game

Summary

The Rod Ryan Show — The Chris Isaak Game (June 16, 2026)

Overview

In this lively episode of The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz, the team hosts its uniquely entertaining segment, "The Chris Isaak Game." Listeners call in to show off their vocal skills by singing the iconic hook from Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," vying for tickets to see Five Finger Death Punch and Cody Jinx. Amidst playful banter, enthusiastic judging, and some surprisingly strong vocal performances, the team crowns a winner—and delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments for listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Segment Breakdown

Introducing the Chris Isaak Game

[01:15–02:28]

• The show kicks off the game with ticket giveaways:
  • Alex: “I have Five Finger Death Punch tickets... with Cody Jinx September 27th in the Woodlands.” [01:16]
• Rod Ryan explains the rules and sets up the musical challenge, noting the focus on singing the famous "Wicked Game" lyric.
• Rod gets the whole crew involved in providing background vocals, trying to hype up the contestants and his co-hosts.

Contestant Performances

Zach — Contestant #1 [02:38–03:13]

• Zach sings first, confidently delivering “No, I don’t want to fall in love…”
• Rod Ryan: “That’s coming in hot out of the gate.” [03:00]
• Lady Luck Bretzky: “Wow.” [03:04]
• Rod jokes, “You might get a recording contract out of that.” [03:07]

John — Contestant #2 [03:49–04:17]

• John follows, singing with equal enthusiasm.
• Alex: “That was pretty great.” [04:21]
• The group ribs Alex for not participating enough as background vocals, claiming it’s affecting the performance.

Will — Contestant #3 [05:19–05:45]

• Will declares, “I was born for this.” [04:53]
• His rendition gets praise:
  • Zach: “How are we gonna judge this?” [05:40]
  • Alex: “Way to bring it, Will. Leave it all out there.” [05:42, 05:47]

Anthony — Contestant #4 [06:36–06:56]

• Rod builds suspense, hinting Anthony could be “the best for last.” [06:02, 06:12]
• Anthony’s polished take impresses:
  • Rod Ryan: “Guys, I didn’t know we were getting pro singers on today...I did not know that this level of talent was just sitting out there listening to this show.” [06:57, 07:01]

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Judging and Results

[07:11–09:17]

• Rod, Alex, and John debate the performances. The judging is animated and mock-contentious:
  • Rod Ryan has Zach as his winner.
    • “Look at my piece of paper. That’s why we shouldn’t play this game.” [08:19]
  • Alex and John both select Anthony as the clear winner:
    • Alex: “Anthony? The last guy. He was the best. He had a little twang that tickled my heart.” [08:43]
    • John: “Anthony is my winner.” [09:04]
    • Rod Ryan: “Anthony is the winner. Anthony is the winner…You just won the world's only Chris Isaac game. Dude, congratulations.” [09:06–09:17]

Winner Reaction and Banter

[09:24–10:18]

• Anthony expresses his excitement:
  • “Dude, I’ve been trying to get on that game for years.” [09:24]
  • When asked if he can really sing: “You know, I’d like to think so, but, you know, my wife likes it, so that’s what matters.” [09:35]
• Alex and the crew congratulate Anthony again, with Alex teasing, “Maybe they’ll invite you on stage (at the show).” [09:49]
• Rod Ryan: “Dreams come true on the Rod Ryan show.” [10:18]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rod Ryan:
  • “I don’t know how Chris Isaak, the voice of our generation, I don’t know how he does that transition, but I’m listening for you to do that.” [01:43]
  • “Dreams come true on the Rod Ryan show.” [10:18]
• Alex:
  • “He had a little twang that tickled my heart.” (about Anthony) [08:43]
• Anthony:
  • “Dude, I’ve been trying to get on that game for years.” [09:24]
  • “You know, I’d like to think so, but…my wife likes it, so that’s what matters.” [09:35]
• Rod Ryan (about Zach’s polarizing audition):
  • “Look at my piece of paper, that’s why we shouldn’t play this game.” [08:19]
• Friendly banter and mock protests about judging and who performed best serve as comedic highlights, reflecting the show’s playful and irreverent tone.

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Highlighted Timestamps

• Contestant performances:
  • Zach: [02:38]
  • John: [03:52]
  • Will: [05:19]
  • Anthony: [06:36]
• Judging banter and winner revealed: [07:11–09:17]
• Anthony celebrates victory: [09:24–10:18]

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Tone & Takeaway

The episode is characterized by high spirits, playful arguments, genuine appreciation for audience engagement, and a hearty dose of local radio fun. Even those uninterested in the contest itself will be entertained by the chemistry and comedic timing of Rod, Alex, and the crew.

In short: The Chris Isaak Game remains a quirky, endearing staple of the Rod Ryan Show—one where Houston listeners get to belt it out, and dreams (of sorts) come true.

Transcript

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[Rod Ryan]

What are you giving away?

[Alex]

I have five finger death punch tickets. Yeah, they're gonna be with Cody Jinx September 27th in the Woodlands.

[Rod Ryan]

All right, all you gotta do. Oh, listen back. All you gotta do is let's make sure that Zach is up on the lyrics. Hey, Zach, good morning.

[Anthony]

Good morning, brother.

[Rod Ryan]

Rod, you want to sing this morning for us?

[Anthony]

Unfortunately for you guys, I do.

[Rod Ryan]

Okay. Now, I want to make sure that we got the lyrics right. It's no, I don't want to fall in love. You give me a couple of those. You end with a. With you Let us do the backgrounds. But I, I. You just gotta. It's. I'm. I'm listening for that transition. I don't know. I don't know how Chris Isaac, the. The voice of our generation, I don't know how he does that transition, but I'm listening for you to do that. All right, Alex? Me?

[Rod]

No.

[Rod Ryan]

Why not like this game?

[iHeartRadio Announcer]

And you, why don't you like this game?

[John]

Because it's the worst game we play.

[Zach]

It's the best game.

[Rod Ryan]

It's the best game. All right, Zach, are you ready?

[Anthony]

I'm ready.

[Rod Ryan]

All right, here we go. You got a judge and you got a background. Sing for me, Alex.

[iHeartRadio Announcer]

Here we go.

[Rod Ryan]

Mo, you ready to go?

[Alex]

Yes, sir.

[Rod Ryan]

Contestant number one. Everybody this is Zach, the world's only Chris Isaac game. Zack, you're on in three, two, one, go.

[Zach]

No, I don't want to fall in

[Rod]

love this girl is only going to break your heart no,

[Zach]

I don't want to fall in love this girl is

[Rod]

only going to break your heart with you

[Rod Ryan]

oh, that's. That's coming in hot out of the gate.

[Lady Luck Bretzky]

Wow.

[Rod Ryan]

Dude, you might get a recording contract out of that. All right, Zach, good job. Hang on,

[Alex]

Zach.

[Rod Ryan]

I wouldn't want to go second. John's going second. John.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Good morning.

[Zach]

Morning. Morning, Morning, morning.

[Rod Ryan]

Welcome to the Chris Isaac game, the world's only Chris Isaac game.

[Alex]

The world'

[Rod Ryan]

Only one in the world. All right, all right. You're down with the lyrics. It's no, I don't want to fall in love. We'll be your. Will be your like, Supremes in the background singing. And then give me a couple of those and let's do it. Show the world what you can do. Zach was strong. All right, you ready to sing?

[Anthony]

Yes, sir.

[Rod Ryan]

All right, here we go. This is John Roller, everybody. Three, two, one.

[Zach]

You're on. No, I don't wanna fall in love

[Rod]

this girl is only gonna break our

[Zach]

heart no, I don't wanna fall in

[Rod]

love this world is only gonna break your heart with you okay, John.

[Rod Ryan]

John, Good. You guys are.

[Alex]

That was pretty great.

[Rod Ryan]

You're all putting your ass into it. That's what I appreciate. We're not putting anything into it. Is Alex.

[Rod]

I have no comments.

[Zach]

I don't hear you at all.

[John]

You're not.

[Rod Ryan]

Listen, I. I can't hear your background at least.

[Alex]

Like, it's affecting the performance.

[Rod Ryan]

It's. It's affecting the performance of the lead singers.

[Alex]

It's not affecting my performance.

[Rod Ryan]

Step up the background.

[Alex]

Will.

[Rod Ryan]

Will. Good morning.

[Zach]

Good morning, brother.

[Rod Ryan]

Good morning, Will.

[Alex]

It's so sweet of you to be here with us.

[iHeartRadio Announcer]

You.

[Rod Ryan]

You want in on this Chris Isaac game?

[Anthony]

Yes, sir, I do.

[Zach]

I was born for this.

[Rod Ryan]

All right, dude.

[Zach]

Wow.

[Rod Ryan]

All right. You down with the lyrics?

[Anthony]

Yes, sir.

[Rod Ryan]

Got it. Here we go. This is contestant number three. You're judging, right, Will?

[Alex]

Yes.

[Audible Announcer]

Are you judging over there?

[Rod Ryan]

I. Oh, Alex, are you judging? Get into it.

[Alex]

Okay, Will.

[Rod Ryan]

All right, here we go. Contestant number three, the vocal stylings of Will in three, two, one. You're on, baby.

[Zach]

No way. Don't wanna fall in love this world

[Rod]

is only gonna break your heart no, this world is only gonna break your heart with you Dang.

[Zach]

How are we gonna judge this?

[Alex]

Way to bring it, Will.

[Anthony]

Thank you.

[John]

Thank you.

[Alex]

Leave it all out there.

[Rod Ryan]

So good.

[Alex]

It's five finger death punch. Tickets on the line. Are you sure you can handle one more?

[Rod Ryan]

I got time. I mean, I'm sure Wizard doesn't think we have time.

[John]

I. I think we're running

[Zach]

in my mind.

[Rod Ryan]

I know we have time for one more because I know Anthony is going to be so great. You're going to be so happy that we waited. Maybe we saved the best for last. Is that what's happening here, Anthony?

[Anthony]

I think so.

[Rod Ryan]

Okay. I think. I think that's what it is. We're saving the best for last.

[Anthony]

Anthony.

[Rod Ryan]

Anthony, are you ready to sing for us today?

[Anthony]

Yes, sir.

[Rod Ryan]

You got the lyrics down? You ready?

[Anthony]

Yes.

[Rod Ryan]

Okay, here we go. Anthony, you're on in three, two, one. Sing it, baby.

[Anthony]

No.

[Zach]

I don't wanna fall in love.

[Rod]

This world is only gonna break your heart with you.

[Zach]

Oh.

[Alex]

Oh, crap.

[Rod Ryan]

Guys, I didn't know we were getting pro singers on today.

[Zach]

Rap.

[Rod Ryan]

I did not know that this level of talent was just sitting out there listening to this show. Anthony, hang on the phone for me.

[Alex]

Yeah. Don't go anywhere.

[Rod Ryan]

Oh, my goodness.

[Alex]

What are you gonna do?

[Rod Ryan]

I'm gonna ask you.

[Alex]

Why? Why me?

[Rod Ryan]

I'm gonna ask you and I'm gonna ask Alex.

[Alex]

Alex wasn't even listening.

[Rod Ryan]

I need you get into it. Contestant number three. Will.

[Alex]

Will was good.

[Rod Ryan]

They were all good. I mean that.

[Alex]

I don't know. There's one that wasn't good.

[Rod Ryan]

Does anybody have Will as their winner?

[John]

No, you don't have Will as your winner.

[Rod Ryan]

Do you have Will as your winner?

[John]

I might.

[Rod Ryan]

I need to know.

[Alex]

I get Will second place.

[John]

Yeah, I give. I gave Will second place also.

[Rod Ryan]

Will is not the winner of this competition. Okay?

[Alex]

Will out silver medal.

[Rod Ryan]

I did not have Will. Will, I love you. I had Will in last play.

[Alex]

You're joking. Do you not remember the first?

[John]

The judge of our singing game that he loves so much?

[Alex]

Garbage.

[Rod Ryan]

Okay, I'm mad referee now. Let's get this out of the way

[John]

of the Chris Isaac game.

[Rod Ryan]

Does anybody have the first singer, Zach, as their winner?

[Alex]

No, he was the worst.

[Rod Ryan]

I have him as my winner. You're joking.

[Zach]

Look at.

[Rod Ryan]

Look at my piece of paper. That's why we shouldn't play this game.

[Zach]

Look at my paper.

[Alex]

You ridiculous.

[Rod Ryan]

Okay, so you don't have Zach down as your winner.

[Alex]

Sorry. Zach. I love you. And I'm sure your mother does as well. Zack and Rod.

[Rod]

Rod also loves you when you go first.

[Alex]

No, he was not. Good.

[Rod]

Okay,

[Rod Ryan]

Who do you have as your winner?

[Alex]

Anthony? The last guy he was the best. He had a little twang that tickled my heart.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Alex,

[Rod Ryan]

Rod, who do you have? Well, I already had Zach, but what it would come down to is who I have in second place. If you have. If you. If you're splitting it. It would come down to who I have in second place would be the winner.

[John]

I have Anthony as my winner.

[Rod Ryan]

Anthony is the winner. Anthony is the winner.

[John]

Clearly a winner. Yeah, I don't think there was really any debate.

[Zach]

Yeah, Anthony.

[John]

Yeah, it wasn't really even close.

[Anthony]

Oh, my God. Yes.

[Rod Ryan]

You just won the world's only Chris Isaac game. Dude, congratulations.

[Anthony]

Dude, I've been trying to get on that game for years.

[Rod Ryan]

Stop it right now. Anthony, I'm dead serious. This guy's a pro.

[Alex]

Can you sing, like, in real life?

[Anthony]

You know, I'd like to think so, but, you know, my wife likes it, so that's what matters.

[Zach]

Okay, why don't you ask Zach if

[Rod Ryan]

he can sing in real life? Because he can. Because he can. Okay. Have you forgotten what Zach started us with?

[Zach]

Anthony, come on.

[Alex]

You're going to Five Finger Death Punch. Cody Jinx is going to be there, and maybe they'll invite you on stage. September 27th in the Woodlands.

[Zach]

Oh, that's so awesome.

[Rod Ryan]

I had Anthony.

[Alex]

Lifelong dream.

[Anthony]

Thank y' all so much.

[Rod Ryan]

I had John as at 8.5 and Anthony at 8.6. So Anthony was my second place guy, but did you guys not hear Zach? Did you leave the room when Zach was on? What happened? Zach, Anthony, you're the winner. Congratulations. Great job.

[Lady Luck Bretzky]

I'm sad.

[Anthony]

Y' all are awesome. Thank you so much.

[Rod Ryan]

I mean, dreams come true on the Rod Ryan show.

[Rod]

Ugh.

[Rod Ryan]

I have had no luck lately.

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[Rod Ryan]

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