The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode: Everything’s Coming Up Chuck
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show," Tony welcomes a lineup of favorite guests including Chuck Todd (political analyst and resident NFL picker) and Chuck Culpepper (Washington Post sportswriter), for an all-Chuck spectacular. The show weaves together signature Kornheiser banter about home pests, health woes, and aging, with insightful discussions on NFL odds, college football storylines, and a heartfelt remembrance of Robert Redford. The episode is filled with humor, sharp commentary, nostalgia, and the friendly chaos unique to this long-running show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Of Flies and Hamstrings: Life at the Kornheiser House

[00:14–03:39]

• Flies Invasion Comedy:
  The show cold-opens with the crew discussing a house fly infestation at Tony’s home, running through group names for flies (“swarm,” “business”), clever banter (“They’re giving me the business. This is General George Washington and you’re listening to the Tony Kornheiser…”), and possible causes.
• Tony’s House Drama:
  • Tony laments the expense and inefficacy of monthly pest sprays.
  • The panel jokes about hiring Nigel for wall demolition and speculates about the possible death of a mouse in the attic drawing flies.
• Sports Sneak-In:
  Brief digression to DC sports woes, highlighting poor Washington Nationals pitching:

  “You wonder why the Nats stink. That’s why the Nats stink.” – Tony [03:34]

2. Washington Nationals Roster Woes

[03:40–05:02]

• Pitching Struggles:
  Tony runs through the pitchers with league-worst homerun and ERA stats, revealing a state of despair for “the gnats.”
• Young Talent:
  James Wood, once a bright spot, now leads the majors in strikeouts.
• Outlook:
  General sense of resignation from Tony: “And none of the coaches wouldn't think so you get rid of them.”

3. Shohei Ohtani & MLB MVP Discussion

[05:02–06:23]

• Ohtani’s Brilliance:
  Tony heralds the two-way phenomenon after Ohtani hits his 50th home run and throws five no-hit innings:

  “He's the best player of all time.” – Tony [05:39]

• Cal Raleigh’s Feat:
  Switch-hitting catcher approaching 60 home runs.

  “Anytime the phrase is used in regards to you, you just did something better than Mickey Mantle.” – Chuck Culpepper [06:04]

4. Health Bureaucracy Rant

[06:32–09:44]

• MRI Frustration:
  Tony details a Kafkaesque struggle with insurance company Cigna and partner Evicore, who demand he finish six failed physical therapy sessions before approving an MRI for his chronic hamstring/back pain.

  “Cigna, which of course stands for calculated indifference. Gives no aid.” – Tony [07:57]

• Mockery & Sarcasm:
  Panel lampoons insurance jargon, positioning the situation as both absurd and infuriating.

5. Remembering Robert Redford

[09:44–16:07]

• Redford’s Passing:
  News of Redford’s death at 89 sparks a collective reminiscence through his legendary films (“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Natural,” “All the President’s Men,” etc.), his legacy as both actor/director, and his impact on independent cinema through Sundance.

  “Robert Redford was great. Just absolutely great.” – Tony [10:12]

• Insider Trivia:
  Connection to Bob Woodward (Redford’s friend/“All the President’s Men”) and fun facts about Redford’s nickname, “Bob,” among friends.
• Hollywood Handsomeness:
  Discussion of the “curse” of being treated as just a pretty face (Redford, Brad Pitt), with Tony suggesting:

  “That's the top of the mountain. Yeah. Robert Redford.” – Tony [16:04]

6. NFL Picks with Chuck Todd & Reginald the Monkey

[21:39–34:38]
Segment sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook

Week in Review [21:39–22:33]

• Chuck Todd’s NFL picking record is lampooned after a poor week. Tony peppers him with playful jabs, and Chuck admits some of his picks were “annoying.”

Key Games Picked: Notable Analysis & Quotes

• Dolphins at Bills:

  “This is the fired McDaniel game.” – Tony [23:39] Discussion of possible coaching changes and division dynamics.

• Bengals at Vikings:
  Panel rants about Bengals’ failure to protect quarterbacks across generations.

  “In real American football, last time I checked, you do need offensive linemen, right?” – Chuck Todd [25:09]

• Rams at Eagles:
  • Tush Push discourse: Is the controversial play fair or boring?

  “What football is, is a competition of strength. That's what it is.” – Tony [27:29]

• Raiders at Commanders, Cowboys at Bears, Chiefs at Giants, Lions at Ravens:
  Each game is evaluated with banter, stats, and allergy toward coaching incompetence.

Changing Home Field Advantage

• Chuck Todd challenges the conventional wisdom:

  “The only NFL team with a measurable home field advantage lately is the Vikings, for what it's worth.” – Chuck Todd [33:49] Suggests that road favorites are performing exceptionally and there may be a correction coming.

7. Reginald the Monkey's Picks

[35:29–37:54]

• Chuck Culpepper “translates” Reginald’s (fictional) picks, mixing satire and insider humor (stories about Reginald almost starring in “All the President's Men”).
• Picks: Buffalo, Philadelphia, Raiders.

8. College Football with Chuck Culpepper

[39:06–52:07]

• Notre Dame:
  Discussion about Notre Dame’s 0-2 start but likelihood of still being playoff-relevant due to schedule and brand value.

  “The committee's going to want to put them in because they're the biggest draw in college football.” – Tony [41:11]

• Clemson & Dabo Swinney:
  Is Clemson’s dominance slipping? Dabo’s post-loss meltdown is analyzed.

  “He comes so close to Nick Saban, you know, in that wine. He just didn't use the word rat poison.” – Tony [42:00]

• Florida’s Coaching Hot Seat:
  With Billy Napier struggling and buyout speculated, Tony and Chuck agree the Florida program is in peril, perhaps “done” for the year.

• Miami & State of Florida Football
  Miami’s emphatic win is a “statement” victory, with Chuck noting that the championship in the state of Florida often predicts national relevance.

• Georgia & LSU Outlook:
  Excitement about Georgia’s offensive showings; curiosity about LSU’s schedule and potential.

  “When you have a defense that's playing like that...I think you can then build your offense…” – Reginald/Chuck [50:15]

• Big Upcoming Matches:
  Oregon at Penn State called “a huge early sort of test.”

  “Some people saying Oregon looks like the most complete team. It's a night game in Happy Valley and it's going to be really something.” – Chuck [51:29]

9. Mailbag & Listener Notes

[53:01–66:38]

• Advice for Vertigo & Flies:
  Listeners supply medical insights, humorous pest control advice, and superstitions about Tony’s home life. Tony reads emails ranging from medical tips (Epley maneuver for vertigo) to elaborate Godfather references about dealing with pests.

• Show’s “Connective Tissue”:
  Listeners report on reconnecting with old friends and hearing show catchphrases at high school football games.

• Redford Film Correction & Shout-outs:
  Chuck Culpepper plugs “The Hot Rock,” and Nigel corrects a Saved by the Bell error.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Cigna, which of course stands for calculated indifference. Gives no aid.” – Tony [07:57]
• “He's the best player of all time.” (about Shohei Ohtani) – Tony [05:39]
• “Redford’s at the top of the mountain.” – Tony [16:04]
• “What football is, is a competition of strength. That's what it is.” – Tony [27:29]
• “Do you fire early? Well, it depends… I think it's amazing now how quickly these programs lose patience, isn't it?” – Chuck Todd [35:00]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:14–03:39: Flies in the House
• 03:39–05:34: Nationals’ Struggles, Ohtani and MLB MVP Race
• 06:32–09:44: Tony’s Frustration with Insurance Companies
• 09:44–16:07: Remembering Robert Redford
• 21:39–34:38: NFL Picks with Chuck Todd
• 35:29–37:54: Reginald the Monkey’s Picks
• 39:06–52:07: College Football Rundown with Chuck Culpepper
• 53:01–66:38: Listener Mailbag

Tone and Style

The episode’s tone is Tony in top form: self-deprecating, slyly irritable, and razor-sharp with his wit. The dynamic among regulars is fast, warm, and peppered with inside jokes — a mix of old friends and rabid sports fans who never take themselves too seriously. Listeners new and old will recognize the seamless swerves from daily life laments and pop culture, into the depths of sports analytics and historical context.

Summary

This episode is a quintessential example of the show's mix: part sports talk, part social commentary, part extended kvetching session about life’s absurdities. It’s an all-Chuck extravaganza featuring NFL insights, college football analysis, and a sentimental, knowledgeable homage to Robert Redford’s artistry and American celebrity. Tony’s playful grumpiness and the crew’s quick, knowing rapport make for an irresistible blend — perfect for listeners who want both sports and the life that happens around it.