Podcast Summary: The Tony Kornheiser Show – Episode “Clifton Clowers” (Released July 29, 2025)

Presented by This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled “Clifton Clowers,” host Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of sports topics, primarily focusing on the NFL and Major League Baseball (MLB). Alongside regular contributors Dan Graziano of Georgetown and Mark Feinsand, Tony navigates through current events, player performances, and personal anecdotes, all while maintaining his signature blend of humor and insightful commentary.

2. NFL Insights with Dan Graziano

a. Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons

Tony and Dan engage in a spirited discussion about Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and linebacker Micah Parsons. They explore the dynamic between Jones's exuberant management style and Parsons's rising prominence in the league.

• Dan Graziano shares his optimism: “I think he [Micah Parsons] will be signed. They always get these guys signed at this point. If you play for the Cowboys and you're this caliber of player, you know that waiting till the last minute is the play.” ([17:18])

• Tony Kornheiser weighs in on Jones’s influence: “Nobody has more fun than Jerry. Would you rather have Jerry Jones as your owner or Woody Johnson? Are you kidding? It's 100 to 0 on that.” ([19:10])

b. Cleveland’s Quarterback Quandary

The conversation shifts to the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, highlighting the uncertainty following Deshaun Watson's absence.

• Dan Graziano remarks: “Cleveland is throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall, hoping it sticks. They have two first-round picks next year in case it doesn't.” ([21:33])

c. Player Trades and Team Strategies

Tony and Dan discuss potential trades and team strategies, emphasizing how front-office decisions impact team performance and player morale.

3. Baseball Breakdown with Mark Feinsand

a. Aaron Judge’s Injury and Impact

The segment addresses Aaron Judge’s elbow injury and its ramifications for the New York Yankees.

• Mark Feinsand assesses the situation: “It's a big blow to them because if he can't go out there and play the outfield well, then Aaron Carlos Stanton probably can't play because there's talk that he's going to work in the outfield again.” ([27:09])

b. Scherzer and Verlander’s Performances

Discussions turn to star pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, analyzing their current seasons and future prospects.

• Mark Feinsand comments on Scherzer: “He could be making a playoff start for the Blue Jays and have a chance to go out there and have one more sort of shot of glory in October.” ([31:22])

c. Emerging Talent and Team Prospects

The conversation explores emerging players and team dynamics, particularly focusing on the Toronto Blue Jays and the Oakland Athletics.

• Mark Feinsand highlights the A’s young talent: “He [Nick Kurtz] was drafted last year as the fourth overall pick, you know, by the A's. And he's been unbelievable.” ([35:31])

4. Golf Segment with Dan Graziano

Dan recounts his recent experience at the prestigious Baltas Roll golf club, emphasizing the camaraderie and competitiveness among well-known sports personalities.

• Dan Graziano shares his excitement: “I was very glad to be invited. Beautiful. Unbelievable place.” ([14:55])

• Tony Kornheiser humorously notes the exclusivity: “We just saw him do a Sports Center hit. And you wear. Is that. That's not an Oakmont shirt. What shirt are you wearing? That's a golf shirt, isn't it?” ([13:39])

5. Commercial Insights and Humor

Throughout the episode, Tony and his guests interject with humorous takes on various commercials, notably dissecting an ad featuring Billy Bob Thornton versus Joe Pantoliano.

• Greg admits his mix-up: “I got it wrong. It's Billy Bob and you.” ([03:51])

• Mark Feinsand adds context: “Somebody emailed and said and there were a bunch on this and we didn't, we didn't print a lot of them up, but mentioned the favorite Joey Pants movie which I'd forgotten he was in was Midnight Run as the bail bondsman that was always with.” ([04:07])

6. Listener Engagement and Emails

Tony reads and responds to listener emails, sharing personal stories and humorous anecdotes that resonate with the audience.

• Listener Jeff from Arnold, Maryland submits a song: “I'd like to submit my nephew Sam Starr song Golden Retriever...” ([26:01])

• Listener Mark Feinsand shares updates and invitations: “Will Lavelle in Tysons, Virginia. You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Ms. Sage Corey and Mr. William Lavelle...” ([43:05])

7. Musical Interludes

The show features musical segments that complement the discussions, including tracks by Splitsville and Sam Starr, enhancing the overall listening experience.

• Splitsville’s “I Hate Going to Hutzler's” is introduced as “an insanely catchy consumerism takedown with a sound that slots nicely between 80s new wave and 90s alt rock.” ([12:55])

• Sam Starr’s “Golden Retriever” concludes the episode with a heartfelt rendition, aligning with listener Jeff’s submission. ([51:04])

8. Closing Remarks

In his final remarks, Tony reiterates key highlights, thanks the guests and listeners, and promotes upcoming events and sponsor messages, maintaining the show’s engaging and community-oriented atmosphere.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Graziano [01:29]: “We took the Christmas tree out of the attic last night.”

• Greg [02:07]: “I realized now I totally flushed the mouse on this. Totally.”

• Mark Feinsand [04:12]: “But this right here is why for these commercials you would use actors that you recognize because it just gets you to. It has you remember the moment more.”

• Greg [05:11]: “I find myself saying to the toast, just make it the way you like it.”

• Mark Feinsand [17:22]: “They are, they're much worse team.”

• Dan Graziano [19:08]: “He is to football what you want to be to broadcasting.”

• Nigel [28:33]: “They appear to be getting hot at the right time.”

• Greg [35:34]: “He's got 23 home runs, he's hitting over 300.”

Conclusion

Episode “Clifton Clowers” of The Tony Kornheiser Show offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports narratives, blending expert analysis with personal anecdotes and listener interactions. Tony Kornheiser, along with Dan Graziano and Mark Feinsand, provides listeners with engaging commentary on the NFL and MLB, all while maintaining the show's entertaining and relatable tone.

For those who haven't tuned in, this episode delivers a mix of sports analysis, humor, and community engagement, showcasing why "The Tony Kornheiser Show" remains a staple for daily talk show enthusiasts.