The Tony Kornheiser Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: “Go Bearcats!!”
Date: November 14, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Michael Kornheiser, Jason La Canfora, James Carville, Jeff Ma

Overview

This episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show weaves Tony’s distinct blend of sports anecdotes, generational humor, and current sports analysis. The show opens with Tony’s adventure attending the Binghamton Bearcats vs. Georgetown Hoyas college basketball game with his family, illustrating his struggle with the modern fan experience. The episode pivots to NFL analysis with Jason La Canfora, before welcoming James Carville and Jeff Ma for their weekly football picks. Emphasis is placed on the absurdities of digital tickets, cashless stadiums, and the evolving landscape of both sports and betting.

1. Tony Attends Binghamton vs. Georgetown: Technology, Family, and Feeling Out of Place

[01:13–15:17]

Tony’s Adventure: Getting Into the Game

• Difficulty with Digital Tickets:
  Tony reflects on the lost era of physical tickets. He describes the confusion of having to create a Ticketmaster account, use Apple Wallet, and the anxiety about people without smartphones.
  Quote:

  “At my age and with my experience...a ticket is a piece of paper you hold in your hand. Well, now there are no paper tickets. Now, Michael, explain what you did for me to have a ticket.” (Tony, 03:05)

• Security Snafu:
  He almost wasn’t allowed in due to carrying a bag, but a fan recognized him and escorted him to the media entrance, where he was allowed entry based on his legacy status as a sportswriter.
  Memorable Moment:

  “The great gift here—somebody recognizes me and says, ‘Maybe I can help you,’ walks me around the block to the media entrance...they let me in. I’m very grateful for this.” (Tony, 05:13)

The Family Experience

• Kids' Priorities:
  Tony’s grandchildren seemed more excited about eating than watching the game—french fries, chicken tenders, ice cream, and M&Ms. Michael pushes back, noting his own sons did try to engage with Tony.
  Funny Description:

  “It seems to me that all grandchildren do, or small people do, is eat. They go to games and eat.” (Tony, 06:05)

• Accessibility and Seating Frustrations:
  Tony and the family had front row seats behind the bench, making it hard to see the action.

Generational Disconnect and Stadium Modernity

• Cashless Concessions:
  Tony becomes frustrated with the exclusively cashless food stands.
  Quote:

  “The other part of why I cannot live in this world is you cannot use cash. There’s no cash...This is legal tender. But they don’t take it. Now, in the capital of the United States, they don’t take legal tender.” (Tony, 09:26, 09:49)

• Reflection on Aging:
  Tony frames this experience as evidence that modern society has outpaced him—digital tickets, cashless everything.
  Quote:

  “That part of your mind which is working on something else is saying to me, ‘Tony, you are not of this world anymore...That’s the last game I’m ever going to go to.’” (Tony, 08:09)

Game and Professional Notes

• Binghamton played well and covered the spread, but lost.
• Tony did a broadcast stint for ESPN+ and with the Binghamton radio team.
• Memorable run-ins with other sports media personalities.

2. NFL Talk with Jason La Canfora

[18:41–31:09]

Patriots Win, Vrabel’s Impact

[19:00]

• La Canfora attributes New England’s resurgence to Mike Vrabel’s professionalism and ability to get the most out of his team and quarterback. Quote:

  “There’s like an economy of output…They’re one of the smoothest football operations in the NFL right now...Vrabel is the difference.” (La Canfora, 19:00–22:25)

• Kansas City’s division hopes discussed; Jason likes KC’s odds if they beat Denver.

Eagles, AJ Brown, and Locker Room Drama

[22:47]

• Tony asks about AJ Brown and the Eagles’ drama.
  La Canfora: Not worried—drama is part of their identity, doesn’t see it as a threat.

  “If there’s no drama there—if everything’s just smooth sailing—that’s not a lot of fun...They feed off this a little bit.” (La Canfora, 22:59)

QB Concerns: Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love

[23:56]

• Jason questions whether Lawrence and Love are truly franchise quarterbacks.
• La Canfora: Lawrence hasn’t lived up to generational hype; broken by lack of system fit. Love’s stats are better this season but the Packers’ issues are about lack of receiver weapons.
  Quote:

  “Trevor Lawrence isn’t even a league average quarterback...He’s far below league average in the pocket.” (La Canfora, 24:12)

Quick Hits

[27:57]

• Russell Wilson: Not retiring, likely embracing “heel” status.
• Seattle vs. Rams: Jason leans Rams, slight edge due to coaching and QB experience.

3. College & NFL Picks: James Carville & Jeff Ma

James Carville [32:08–36:01]

• Review of last week: 3–3, now 31–27–2.
• Picks:
  • Air Force +7.5 vs. UConn
  • Mississippi State +7 at Missouri
  • Duke -points vs. Virginia
  • Commanders/Dolphins OVER 47
  • Cowboys -3
  • Browns +8 vs. Ravens (explains for defense/points)
• Playful banter on betting, especially prop bets.
  Quote:

  “Points matter. You know…it’s not just the game. It’s the point spread.” (Carville, 35:00)

Jeff Ma [36:17–45:43]

• Intro segment revolves around MLB’s betting scandal and pushback against micro-betting.

  “The concept of micro bets, betting on every pitch, that’s not what sports betting was supposed to be...We don’t need to bet on whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.” (Jeff Ma, 37:07)

• Picks (with credit to partner Rufus Peabody):

  • Iowa +7 vs. USC
  • Florida +15 vs. Ole Miss
  • Penn State -7 vs. Michigan State
  • Tampa Bay +5.5 vs. Buffalo
  • Atlanta -3.5 vs. Carolina

• Ma discusses how sportsbooks limit sharps and let “idiots” bet big, referencing Tony’s casino stories.

4. Mailbag, Community Moments, and Closing

[46:21–end]

• Listener letters about propane contract frustrations, childhood memories, and more typical “Littles” correspondence.
• Musical interludes and playful banter about Tony’s legendary inability to operate music or digital tools.
• Michael handles bagel and whiskey sponsor plugs, keeping in line with the show's warm, neighborhood tone.
• Tony closes with a musical quote, shout-outs, and classic reminders for listeners to “wear white.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Digital Tickets: “I don’t know what Apple Wallet is...At my age and with my experience... a ticket is a piece of paper you hold in your hand.”
  – Tony Kornheiser, [03:05]

• On Feeling Out of Place: “I’m not of the world. I’m just not. It’s not for me. That’s the last game I’m ever going to go to.”
  – Tony, [08:09]

• On Stadium Concessions: “You cannot use cash. There’s no cash…I was hungry and I couldn’t eat.”
  – Tony, [09:49]

• NFL Professionalism: “There’s like an economy of output…There’s just a professionalism to the operation.”
  – Jason La Canfora, [19:00]

• Eagles Drama: “If there’s no drama there…that’s not a lot of fun. That’s not good for the talk shows.”
  – La Canfora, [22:59]

• Sports Betting: “Do we need these bets? The books want more ways for people to lose money.”
  – Jeff Ma, [37:07]

• On Points Spreads: “Points matter. You know…it’s not just the game. It’s the point spread.”
  – James Carville, [35:00]

Structure and Tone

• The episode is classic Tony Kornheiser: nostalgic, cranky, insightful, and warm.
• Interlaced with authentic generational humor (Tony vs. technology/modern fans).
• Banter with Michael Kornheiser and guests is quick, affectionate, and loaded with cultural references.
• Deep dives into sports analysis are balanced by the accessible, “regular guy” voice of Tony, making the show enjoyable for diehard fans and casual listeners alike.

Segment Timestamps

• Tony’s Binghamton Game Tales: 01:13–15:17
• Jason La Canfora NFL Segment: 18:41–31:09
• James Carville’s Picks: 32:08–36:01
• Jeff Ma: Betting Scandal & Picks: 36:17–45:46
• Mailbag, Community, Outro: 46:21–end

This summary captures the heart, laughs, debates, and sports wisdom—the full flavor of The Tony Kornheiser Show.