The Tony Kornheiser Show — Episode: "Bagged Potatoes"

April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging installment of "The Tony Kornheiser Show," Tony—joined by regulars Michael Wilbon, Ron Green Jr., Buster Olney, and a cameo from Adam Ferrara—delivers his signature blend of sports, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted banter. The episode flows from poignant sports news (Tiger Woods’ decision to seek help, Gary Woodland’s emotional golf comeback) to baseball (with an extended Shohei Ohtani appreciation), then winds its way into a quirkily sincere debate on planting potatoes in bags. Throughout, the show is punctuated by Tony’s wit, friends’ camaraderie, and listener engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Full Moon Debate and Cherry Blossoms

Timestamps: 02:50–06:37

• Tony and Michael ponder the exact timing of a "full moon" as printed on wall calendars. Michael contends the full moon starts on Wednesday night; Tony is unsure and expresses his desire “to know what is the absolute full moon.”
• Haiku shared:
  “It’s not a panther, it’s not a cherry blossom. April’s full pink moon.”
• Quick transition to springtime in D.C., as Michael shares the blooming of his “white bud” tree, and Tony comments on the fleeting beauty of D.C.'s flowering trees.

Notable Quote:

“I enjoy it for three or four days. In the walk up, I just wanted to know what is the absolute full moon?” — Tony Kornheiser (04:30)

2. Nationals Game Recap and Phillies’ Prospects

Timestamps: 04:16–05:46

• Tony recaps the Nationals’ recent 3–2 loss to Philadelphia—singling out errors by Luis Garcia and the on-field impact of Bryce Harper.
• Michael highlights the Phillies pitcher’s promising future, referencing his Tommy John surgery and his family in the stands.

3. NHL: Frontier Justice and Radko Gudas

Timestamps: 06:37–09:36

• Tony praises Radko Gudas for facing Toronto after injuring Auston Matthews—highlighting his willingness to “face the music” and engage in early-game fights.
• Michael questions whether such stories should overshadow the hockey itself; Tony suggests it was necessary for Toronto’s fans as a form of closure or justice.

“He could have skipped the game, said, ‘I’m done and I’m not going to go out there and play because it’s a hostile environment.’ He played. ... He got in a fight. ... This is the kind of frontier justice that Gudas did... commendable.” — Tony Kornheiser (08:30)

4. NBA MVP Debate

Timestamps: 10:09–13:11

• Tony reviews the NBA MVP race with opinions from recent PTI segments:
  • Kendrick Perkins and Pablo Torre back Shea Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA).
  • Tony’s pick? Jaylen Brown of the Celtics:

    “That team went into the year without Jayson Tatum... and they’ve been kept up there by Jaylen Brown being outstanding. I would give it to Jaylen Brown.” (11:41)

  • Discusses the merits of Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Cade Cunningham, and notes Jokic is perhaps the world’s best player, but not Tony’s MVP.
  • Ponders the locker room dynamic and LeBron’s reaction to coach JJ Redick publicly supporting Doncic.

5. Listener Engagement & Community Moments

Timestamps: 13:11–15:27

• Michael shares a story about a listener spotted on a plane (Madrid-bound!), inviting “the Littles” to engage more.
• Adam Ferrara pops in with a comic update, promoting his Arlington Drafthouse gig while ribbing Tony about never leaving home during Nationals’ games.

“Tony’s going to tell me, no, I’m home watching the Nats. I found the channel, 1261. I had no idea it went that high.” — Adam Ferrara (14:28)

In-Depth Interview Segments

6. Golf with Ron Green Jr.: Tiger Woods’ Announcement & Gary Woodland’s Courage

Timestamps: 15:40–27:50

Tiger Woods’ Announcement

• Both Tony and Ron react to Tiger’s public announcement that he’s seeking help for personal struggles.
• Ron emphasizes the step’s necessity amid Tiger’s repeated car incidents and speculates about Tiger’s diminished near-term presence (“Ryder Cup captaincy... probably on pause”).
• Ron reflects on Tiger’s legacy:

  “Nicklaus may be the greatest champion. Tiger is the greatest golfer ever... His presence still matters in the game.” (21:00)

Gary Woodland’s Emotional PGA Tour Win

• Ron recounts Woodland’s terrifying ordeal with a brain lesion, surgery, and resultant PTSD—emphasizing his resilience in returning to elite play.
• Tony is floored by Woodland’s openness and competitive perseverance:

  “It is remarkable that he could be a world-class golfer and be going through this in the moment of playing golf.” (26:13)

• Ron reveals that at Augusta next week, Woodland will tee it up—a true feel-good sports comeback.

7. Baseball Talk with Buster Olney: Shohei Ohtani, Giants’ Manager, and Automated Umpiring

Timestamps: 28:52–39:02

Shohei Ohtani’s Greatness

• Buster echoes Tony’s assertion: “Ohtani is the greatest baseball player ever.” (31:24)
• Both marvel at Ohtani’s dual dominance:

  “He pitches and then he hits as the DH... Whatever he picks up, within a couple days he’s the best guy.” — Buster Olney (33:16)

• Buster shares Ohtani’s unique place in the sport’s culture, including tidbits like greeting umpires every at-bat.

Giants’ College Coach Gamble

• Tony and Buster dissect the hiring of Tony Vitello, a college coach, to manage the San Francisco Giants—agreeing it’s “the riskiest hire out there” and following clubhouse reactions closely.

Automated Ball-Strike System

• Buster discusses early player and fan feedback. Mike Trout loves it; fans are engaged, but catchers fear job devaluation. Buster doubts full automation will replace the home plate umpire:

  “If you do that, that will completely gut the position of catcher.”

8. "Bagged Potatoes": Planting Experiment

Timestamps: 39:38–41:52

• Buster introduces Tony to the concept of growing potatoes in bags (or large pots) for better yield and simplicity.
• Tony vows to try it in his planters, anticipating a “Thanksgiving bounty.”
• Buster promises that “digging out potatoes in the fall is like Christmas morning... you don’t know what you’re going to get, but it’s spectacular.”
• They swap planting times: mid-May in Montana for Buster, “soon” for Tony and Michael.

Memorable Quotes

• On Tiger Woods’ struggles:

  “It feels like now his story is divided into three chapters: the golf, then the injuries, and then there’s the drama. And to borrow a line from me, it feels like it’s all sort of painted in Sunday red.” — Ron Green Jr. (18:16)

• On the joy of potato harvest:

  “Digging out potatoes in the fall is like Christmas morning with all the presents. ... It’s spectacular.” — Buster Olney (41:03)

Listener Mail Highlights

[42:06–End]

• Memorable stories include dog mishaps (dogs eating rabbit poop, corn cobs), childhood connections to rising athletes, Masters and Wrigley Field anecdotes, and a loving shoutout to the Cane Bay High School Choir.
• Tony and Michael offer signature banter, riffing on Tillamook ice cream deals, TV channel numbers for sports, and the challenges of parking at Bethesda Bagels.

Notable Musical Moments

[15:40, 28:16, 53:19]

• Gus Gustofferson’s new single “Wakes You Up” and his earlier song “A Friendly Place” are featured—linking the show’s theme of daily joy and community.
• Tony gives instructions for independent artists who want to submit music to the show.

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates everything fans love about “The Tony Kornheiser Show”—sharp sports analysis fused with warmth, humor, and a dash of domestic observation. From Tiger’s tribulations to Shohei Ohtani’s superhuman talent and on to the delightfully quirky “bagged potatoes” gardening experiment, Tony and his colleagues provide a familiar, comforting, yet thought-provoking auditory experience.

For full enjoyment, listen to the in-depth interviews with Ron Green Jr. (15:40–27:50) and Buster Olney (28:52–41:52). For a smile and slice-of-life wisdom, don’t miss Tony and Michael’s tree blossom chat (03:56–06:37) and the beloved listener mailbag (42:06–end).