The Ryen Russillo Show

Episode: Seahawks’ Crazy Comeback, David Pollack Previews the CFB Playoff First Round, Plus Actor Josh Duhamel!
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Ryen Russillo (Barstool Sports)
Guests: David Pollack, Josh Duhamel

Overview

This episode packs a heavy dose of both NFL and college football talk, anchored by a detailed breakdown of the Rams-Seahawks Thursday night game, an in-depth CFB Playoff preview with analyst David Pollack, and a candid, wide-ranging interview segment with actor Josh Duhamel. There’s also the classic “Life Advice” to close, with Kyle and Ceruti.

1. Seahawks’ Crazy Comeback vs. Rams

[00:00 – 17:40]

Main Takeaways

• Rams’ Collapse: Russillo dives into the Thursday Night Football game where the Rams blew a 30-14 lead to the Seahawks, ultimately losing in overtime and dropping from the NFC #1 seed to #5.
• Playoff Implications: The game had massive NFC seeding implications for both teams. Seattle’s chance at the #1 seed jumped dramatically with the win.
• Russillo’s Perspective: Despite the collapse, Russillo still believes the Rams are the best team in the NFL, chalking up the loss to the chaotic nature of the league.

Key Moments & Quotes

• On the feeling in Seattle:
  “Well, that’s one of those games you hope you never left early if you’re a Seahawks fan... when it’s 30 to 14, you’re like, this game is over.” – Ryen Russillo [06:00]
• On the Rams’ collapse:
  “I still think the Rams are the best team in the NFL. And I don’t care what happened tonight. It’s just now they’re the five seed instead of the one seed.” – Ryen Russillo [16:40]
• On game momentum shifts:
  “It feels like I lost twice tonight if I’m a Seattle fan.” – Ryen Russillo [12:00]

2. College Football Playoff First Round Preview (with David Pollack)

[17:40 – 66:00]

Main Takeaways

• Bama vs. Oklahoma:
  Extensive breakdown of the matchup, focusing on Alabama’s struggling run game and Oklahoma’s elite run defense. Much discussion on schematic adjustments, the impact of blitzes, and quarterback play.

• Miami vs. Texas A&M: Analysis centers on Miami’s dynamic offense (highlighting WR Malachi Tony), A&M’s suffocating third-down defense, and concerns about Miami’s QB decision-making and physicality at the line.

• Ole Miss vs. Tulane / Oregon vs. JMU:

  • Tulane is seen as a tougher upset threat than JMU; Mississippi’s defensive weaknesses are discussed.
  • For Oregon/JMU, the focus is on Oregon’s health and dominant run attack vs. JMU’s “just happy to be here” vibe.

• Big Ten vs. SEC Debate:
  The conversation expands to conference strength, with both agreeing the Big Ten has more elite teams at the top this year (Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon), while the SEC remains deeper week-to-week.

  • “I don't think it's that complicated to say both things are true, but... I'll be shocked if a Big Ten team doesn't win another national championship this year.” – Ryen Russillo [43:00]
  • “The title contenders are in the Big Ten. There’s four teams that can win this whole thing... Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Oregon.” – David Pollack [42:00]

• National Title Picks:

  • David Pollack picks Ohio State, citing Indiana’s injury issues and Ohio State’s ability to win in multiple ways.
  • Russillo largely agrees, noting the offensive firepower at the top of the Big Ten.

Notable Quotes

• Pollack on Venables’ defense:
  “Venables is just relentless pressure... you’ve got to adjust, you’ve got to run some screens, get the run game going.” [21:00]
• On Oklahoma’s D-linemen:
  “Our Mason Thomas... the definition of what you don’t want to see as an offensive tackle.” [23:23]
• Pollack on Miami’s Malachi Tony:
  “He’s a freshman. That dude will throw his face in the fan to go block you. Like, it is impressive.” [33:13]

Segment Timestamps

• 17:40 – Introduction with Pollack
• 17:50 – Bama/Oklahoma deep dive
• 31:49 – Miami at Texas A&M analysis
• 46:17 – Ole Miss vs. Tulane, Oregon vs. JMU
• 54:28 – CFB National Championship picks

3. Interview with Actor Josh Duhamel

[67:41 – 105:34]

Main Themes

• New Netflix Series – “Ransom Canyon”: Duhamel discusses how he landed the role and what drew him to the show’s Western/family themes.
• Life at his North Dakota Cabin:
  Honest talk about preferring a remote, minimalist lifestyle for periods of the year. Humorous and reflective exchange with Russillo on “bug out” plans if LA ever goes south.
• Acting Philosophy:
  The evolution from “big tentpole movies” to streaming and indies; on finding roles that resonate.
• Longevity & Health:
  Duhamel plugs his new telemedicine/TRT company, discussing the stigma and personal health benefits of hormone therapy for men and women.

Key Moments & Quotes

• On acting drunk for a scene:
  “I have actually tried that, and it never ends well... you’re actually shooting that scene for several hours. It really does go off the rails quickly.” – Josh Duhamel [73:32]
• On the show’s casting:
  “I love the idea of it… family legacy, the American Western theme has always been something I love.” – Josh Duhamel [68:32]
• On his remote lifestyle:
  “We are literally 40 miles from anything… but I really do love… getting back to the basics.” – Josh Duhamel [76:30]
• Russillo on LA ‘bug out’ fantasies:
  “There’s something about man in general… this idea of getting off the grid and being in this cabin…” – Ryen Russillo [78:14]
• On health & starting Gatlin.com:
  “...if you can just, you know, live an extra 10 years, there’s going to be so much advancement in longevity... it’s about living a healthy, longer life.” – Josh Duhamel [101:20]

4. Life Advice (with Kyle and Ceruti)

[106:47 – End]

Main Questions

• Longing for Old School Hoops:
  A listener describes missing organized basketball’s camaraderie and team chemistry, frustrated with iso-ball and lack of teamwork in most men’s leagues.

  • Advice: Find a game with “old heads” at the Y; they’ll move the ball and play the game right.
  • “If you love basketball this much and you’re 28, do not let anything get in the way… I’d rather play bad games than not at all.” – Ryen Russillo [117:30]

• Work Relocation Dilemma:
  Another listener is being forced to relocate by his company and agonizes over how to refuse without blowing up his career.

  • Advice: Be direct but professional, stick up for yourself, and propose a compromise. Get HR involved if needed.
  • “If everything you said to us in this email is true, you at least have to present your case and go in there in a way that they feel like there is no leeway because they’ll take advantage of that too.” – Ryen Russillo [129:00]

• Ceruti’s Legendary “Cowboy Yell” – Listener Seeks the Clip.

  • The guys reminisce about an epic moment involving a spontaneous cowboy yell. Various attempts and references to Steve Miller Band and regional pickup basketball banter ensue.

Memorable Life Advice Quote

• “Our tolerance for a stranger is incredibly low. Especially when driving, come on now.” – Ryen Russillo [121:20]

Final Impressions/Tone

The show is classic Russillo: detailed, insightful football breakdowns; breezy, curious, and deeply human banter with his guests; and a “guys being guys” dynamic with his crew. The tone is quick-witted and sharp but welcoming, especially as they toggle between high-level analytics and everyday gripes/advice. The interviews balance reflection and irreverence, with plenty of real talk about aging, self-improvement, and work-life balance.

Notable Episode Quotes:

• [06:00] “You go from the number one seed to the number five seed. But does it mean they’re not the best team in the NFL?”
• [21:00] Pollack: “Venables is just relentless pressure... you’ve got to adjust, you’ve got to run some screens...”
• [68:00] Duhamel: “I love the idea of it… family legacy, the American Western theme has always been something I love.”
• [101:20] Duhamel: “…if you can just, you know, live an extra 10 years, there’s going to be so much advancement in longevity... it’s about living a healthy, longer life.”
• [117:30] Russillo: “If you love basketball this much and you’re 28, do not let anything get in the way…”

Quick Segment Guide

| Segment | Start | |--------------------------------------------|-----------| | Rams-Seahawks Recap | 00:00 | | CFB Playoff Preview (David Pollack) | 17:40 | | Big Ten/SEC Discussion, National Title | 40:53 | | Upset Watch: Tulane/James Madison | 46:17 | | Oregon/Indiana/Georgia Matchup Debates | 54:28 | | Josh Duhamel Interview ("Ransom Canyon") | 67:41 | | Life Advice—Hoops, Work Moves, Pickup Ball | 106:47 |

For deeper football analysis, candid entertainment industry insight, and a healthy dose of self-aware life advice, this episode delivers on all fronts.