The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode: "Boom or Bust?"
Date: December 5, 2025

Overview

In this episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show," Tony, joined by regular contributors Michael Wilbon, Jeff Ma, Jason La Canfora, and James Carville, steers the conversation from local matters—like the first big D.C. blizzard of the year and the woeful Wizards—to a spirited discussion of NFL and college football, betting trends, and audience emails. With signature banter, poignant listener letters, and insightful sports breakdowns, the crew balances sharp sports analysis with the wit, nostalgia, and heartfelt exchanges the show is known for.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. D.C.'s First Blizzard and Weather Prognostications

• Snow in D.C. (02:20–03:11): The city is blanketed (“maybe up to 2 inches”), sparking a classic back-and-forth on forecasts. Michael Wilbon is skeptical about the accumulation, while Tony bets on the "over."

  “Maybe we get another half inch.” – Wilbon (02:59)
  “OK, I’m going higher. I’m going to take the over, like Carville always does.” – Tony (03:00)

2. The Washington Wizards' Embarrassing Loss

• Wizards Lose by 45 Points (03:11–04:27): The Wizards’ massive home loss to a depleted Celtics team leads to sharp criticism.

  “They are a fraud...80 to 42 in the second half. At home.” – Tony (03:55, 04:13)

3. Listener Correspondence & Community Connections

• Heartfelt Listener Letters (04:41–08:50):
  • Dr. Steve Landay’s campaign for a Kornheiser–Wilbon friendship book and love for the show.

    “After 25 years, I wish you and your extended family...a very happy, healthy, peaceful, and safe holiday season.” – Dr. Steve Landay (06:55)

  • Note from Martin Zadrovic, reflecting deep community bonds and history with the show and the D.C. area.
• A Community Touchstone (10:46–12:47): Calvert Woodley liquor store’s community role and gift of Beaujolais to Tony; discussion of local businesses, food, and the interconnectedness of D.C. life.

4. Mailbag and Show Legacy

• Show Impact: Listeners share traditions like gratitude notes, their Spotify Wrapped podcast rankings, and unique connections with show lore (e.g., “Christmas concerts,” favorite deli bagels, snow day rituals).
• Banter about local eats and traditions (13:11–14:43): Pretzels, “My Dad’s Chips,” and the anticipation of snow give a cozy holiday vibe.

Featured Segments & Notable Moments

NFL & College Football Breakdown with Jason La Canfora (20:40–32:10)

Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys Analysis

• Lions Resilience; Cowboys Falter

  “We learned I’m a moron for trusting the Cowboys, which I rarely if ever do...” – Jason La Canfora (20:40)
  “The Lions have become an elite franchise under Dan Campbell...” – Jason (21:58)

Playoff Hopes & Team Outlooks

• Kansas City's Playoff Life

  “Yeah, if they lose to Houston at home, they’re in trouble. That’s the end.” – Jason (23:29)

• Ravens vs. Steelers; Lamar Jackson’s Health

  “I think he’s pretty beat up mentally and physically...” – Jason on Lamar (25:53)
  “I don’t see a team that’s going to flick a switch and be a playoff force.” – Jason (26:24)

• Mike Tomlin’s Future in Pittsburgh

  “Ben Roethlisberger…came out the other day and said, in essence, it’s time for Mike Tomlin to go…That was a complete wow to me.” – Tony (27:52) “This really feels like a circle closing...they could get a ransom trading Mike Tomlin.” – Jason (29:32)

Football Picks: James Carville & Jeff Ma (34:58–43:24)

• Carville’s picks: Over in Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State, Georgia -2.5 vs. Alabama, Jets +3 vs. Miami, Vikings -1.5 vs. Washington (35:50–36:41)
• Jeff Ma, alone over 500 for the season; discusses sports prediction markets/successful bettor “Domer” (36:49–38:46)

  “Last year, he bet $400 million into Poly Markets, made $3 million.” – Jeff (38:46)

• Jeff’s picks: Indiana +4 vs. Ohio State, BYU +12.5 vs. Texas Tech, Georgia -2.5 vs. Alabama, Jets +3 vs. Miami, Ravens -5 vs. Pittsburgh (39:31–42:11)

  “I think Georgia is a team...that’s getting better and better...every week.” – Jeff (40:33)

Lighter Moments, Music, and Traditions

• Dan Bern’s Song: “Tom Brady Cloned His Dog” (18:51–19:56, reprise at 57:47):
  Humorous musical ode to Tom Brady and pet cloning.

  “Tom Brady cloned his dog, and then he cloned his cat, and then he cloned his rat, and then he cloned himself…” – Dan Bern (19:14) “He’s just brilliant. Dan Bern. Just brilliant.” – Tony (19:56)

• Classic Jingles and Letter Closings (44:11–57:30):
  Tony and crew go through the mailbag: tales of snow, the December supermoon, Spotify Wrapped milestones, regional quirks, raccoon criminality, and the show’s multigenerational impact.

Memorable Quotes & Banter

• “I have not even entertained the possibility that [Wilbon] would author this tome. He rejected the idea when I presented it...So this has been going back for a while. I turn 83 in December.” – Tony reading Dr. Steve Landay’s letter (05:31)
• “We are very happy to know him, very happy to know the people who pay attention to this show…” – Tony on the listener community (09:37)
• “When you say home field advantage, does it come from being in the stadium, the lack of travel, the fans being loud…or the officials being biased? No one’s really been able to figure it out.” – Jeff Ma (42:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• D.C. Snow Discussion / Wizards Loss – 02:20–04:27
• Listener Letters & Community Connections – 04:41–12:47
• NFL Talk with Jason La Canfora – 20:40–32:10
  • Lions–Cowboys, Chiefs' playoff hopes, Ravens-Steelers, Mike Tomlin speculation
• Football Picks segment (Carville & Ma) – 34:58–43:24
• Dan Bern’s “Tom Brady Cloned His Dog” – 18:51–19:56, 57:47
• Mailbag, Jingles, and Sign-off – 44:11–end

Tone & Style

The episode is characteristically conversational, irreverent, and rich in camaraderie. Tony and Michael deploy dry wit and nostalgia; Jason is blunt and analytical, breaking down football minutiae; Jeff Ma is matter-of-fact and data-driven. Listener engagement brings warmth, humor, and genuine affection for the show’s long-running traditions.

Summary for New Listeners

This installment perfectly encapsulates "The Tony Kornheiser Show’s" enduring appeal: seamless shifts from sports to everyday life, sharp analysis, and an infectious sense of community. Whether discussing snow in D.C., D.C. sports woes, the complicated psyche of the Steelers, or the tragicomedy of pro football bets, Tony and his crew demonstrate why the show remains required listening for sports fans and lovers of smart, funny conversation.