Podcast Summary: "Budweiser and Fresca" | The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode Information:

• Title: Budweiser and Fresca
• Host: Tony Kornheiser
• Production: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC
• Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In the "Budweiser and Fresca" episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser delves deep into the intricacies of the 2025 NBA and NHL playoffs. Joined by esteemed guests Bob Ryan, the quintessential American sportswriter, and PK Subban, renowned hockey commentator, Tony navigates through heated discussions about playoff performances, coaching decisions, player health, and memorable personal anecdotes from listeners. This episode masterfully blends expert analysis with engaging personal stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

NBA Playoffs Analysis with Bob Ryan

Timestamp: 00:00 - 25:26

• High-Seeded Teams Struggling: Tony and Bob discuss the unprecedented trend of higher-seeded teams losing their opening playoff games at home. Tony remarks, "four road teams win game one" ([02:14]), highlighting concerns about consistency and performance under pressure.

• Celtics' Three-Point Strategy: A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the Boston Celtics' reliance on three-point shots. Bob criticizes, "the three-point shot... is the worst thing to happen to basketball in my lifetime" ([25:26]), emphasizing how it has distorted traditional gameplay.

• Jayson Tatum's Performance and MVP Talks: The duo debates Tatum's current form and his standing in MVP conversations. Tony mentions, "Jayson Tatum is hurt, that he's hurt" ([27:48]), while Bob counters with observations on Tatum's resilience despite injuries ([28:05]).

• Cleveland's Health Issues: The health of key Cleveland players like Darius Garland and DeAndre Hunter is scrutinized. Tony points out, "Cleveland is the perfect example... they have injuries" ([28:56]), stressing the impact of player health on team performance.

• Coaching Awards Controversy: Tony questions the awarding of Coach of the Year to Kenny Atkinson over J.B. Bickerstaff, leading to a discussion on the criteria and biases in such accolades. Bob states, "It's a silly award because generally speaking, they ignore a guy who has got the best team" ([23:01]).

NHL Playoffs Insights with PK Subban

Timestamp: 29:00 - 47:34

• St. Louis Blues' Playoff Struggles: PK Subban and Tony analyze the Blues' performance, especially their defense against teams pulling their goaltenders. Tony notes, "They led the NHL this year in goals allowed when the opposing team had pulled its goalie" ([39:06]).

• Sam Bennett's Aggression: The episode touches upon Sam Bennett's on-ice aggression and its implications. Tony questions, "Is Sam Bennett a sneaky, dirty player?" ([41:43]), while Bob defends Bennett's playing style, emphasizing the high stakes of playoff hockey.

• Coaching Strategies: Discussion on Craig Berube's coaching decisions, with Bob acknowledging, "Craig Berube is the nicest guy in the world... but when he's in that mode, he's got his team" ([41:43]), highlighting the balance between personality and tactical decision-making.

• Player Health and Performance: The health of players like Anthony Edwards is debated. Tony mentions, "Anthony Edwards was terrible last night" ([31:57]), and Bob emphasizes the importance of player health over immediate game outcomes ([28:07]).

• Jeff Gilgeous-Alexander's Motivation: The conversation speculates on what drives stars like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, with Bob praising Gilgeous-Alexander's unique combination of skills, stating, "We basketball fans are being blessed with his presence" ([29:50]).

Horse Racing Discussions

Timestamp: 05:25 - 08:37

• Preakness Stakes Controversy: Tony expresses disappointment over Sovereignty not running in the Preakness, discussing traditions and the implications for the Triple Crown. He states, "Sovereignty is not going to run in the Preakness... I'm saddened by this" ([05:25]).

• Impact on the Sport: PK Subban agrees, emphasizing that decisions like these are detrimental to horse racing's legacy ([07:55]). Tony suggests, "Make it three and four if you want to" regarding the spacing between Triple Crown races ([08:02]).

Listener Emails and Personal Anecdotes

Timestamp: 09:08 - 56:48

• Dad's Chips in Stores: Multiple listeners share amusing stories about spotting Tony's dad's chips in various stores. Tony narrates, "I spotted a wall of my dad's chips... naturally I gasped" ([51:06]), accompanied by humorous exchanges with guests.

• Road Work in Local Areas: Listeners inform about ongoing road and bridge work, with Tony providing detailed updates to assist fellow community members.

• Graduation Stories: A listener shares their unique graduation experience, receiving Tony's books as a gift. Tony humorously remarks, "they stink. They're just collections" ([56:00]).

• Birthday Wishes and Trivia: Emails include birthday greetings and playful trivia questions, such as the "Skippy or Jiff" peanut butter debate. Tony adds personal touches, discussing his preferences ([54:33]).

Concluding Remarks

Timestamp: 56:53 - End

As the episode wraps up, Tony reflects on memorable moments, including a nostalgic golf lesson with Byron Nelson and humorous interactions with guests and listeners. He emphasizes the blend of sports analysis with personal stories, creating a relatable and insightful listening experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Ryan on Celtics' strategy: "I believe that the three point shot... has distorted the game of basketball" ([25:26]).
• Tony Kornheiser on Sovereignty: "I'm saddened by this. I'm upset by this" ([05:25]).
• PK Subban on coaching decisions: "They got to do something to amend that" ([08:02]).

Conclusion

The "Budweiser and Fresca" episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show offers a compelling mix of expert sports commentary and engaging personal stories. From dissecting the challenges faced by high-seeded teams in the NBA and the strategic maneuvers in the NHL playoffs to sharing heartfelt listener tales, Tony Kornheiser ensures that his audience remains both informed and entertained. This episode stands out as a testament to Kornheiser's ability to blend serious analysis with lighthearted moments, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.