Podcast Summary: "Listen Up!" – The Tony Kornheiser Show
Episode Information:
- Title: Listen Up!
- Host: Tony Kornheiser (This Show Stinks Productions, LLC)
- Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction
In the February 24, 2025 episode titled “Listen Up!” of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser delves into a diverse array of topics ranging from sports to personal anecdotes. The episode features insightful discussions with regular contributors Michael Wilbon and Mark Feinstein, interspersed with light-hearted banter and listener interactions. Skipping the commercial breaks and promotional segments, the core content offers listeners a rich tapestry of conversations that highlight Tony’s unique perspective and the expertise of his guests.
Revisiting “Listen Up”
Tony kicks off the show with a nostalgic reflection on his short-lived CBS sitcom "Listen Up," which was based on his columns for The Washington Post. Discussing the show's limited run, Tony shares personal memorabilia, such as a jacket and fleece from the set, emphasizing his lasting pride in the endeavor.
Tony Kornheiser [05:02]: "There's always been a great source of pride to me."
He contemplates reconnecting with Danielle Monet, a former child actress from the show who has since starred in Hallmark movies. Tony expresses his desire to reach out and congratulate her, highlighting the enduring connections formed during the show's production.
Tony Kornheiser [06:53]: "She'd be totally delighted."
The Mexico Open and Golf Insights
Transitioning to sports, Tony discusses the Mexico Open, a PGA Tour event aimed at promoting golf internationally. He provides a play-by-play of Brian Campbell’s dramatic playoff victory, showcasing Mark Feinstein’s analysis of the golfer’s career trajectory.
Tony Kornheiser [07:45]: "Brian Campbell gets on the tee for the second time on 18 and hits it so far right that it's going to be over the moon."
Mark Feinstein elaborates on the significance of Campbell’s win, noting its potential to elevate his standing in major tournaments like the Masters.
Mark Feinstein [12:14]: "By getting into that level, it then becomes easier to stay at that level for a couple years and see what you can exact out of those opportunities."
Tony also shares a personal story about exceptional service at a UPS store, underscoring the theme of unexpected kindness.
Tony Kornheiser [14:18]: "Unbelievably kind. Went out of her way. So nice. Unexpected. Thank you very, very much."
NBA Discussions with Smiley Kaufman
The conversation shifts to basketball, where regular contributor Smiley Kaufman dives into the dynamics of current NBA teams, particularly focusing on the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. They debate the televising of every Luka Dončić and LeBron James game, with Smiley defending the widespread availability of broadcasts despite Tony’s concerns about game quality.
Smiley Kaufman [16:38]: "Every game is televised around the country."
The duo examines team performances, player trades, and managerial decisions, offering a blend of statistical analysis and personal opinions.
Smiley Kaufman [21:37]: "We live in a town where, you know, a lot of things can go wrong. But the first thing that goes south is if you don't have enough money, you can't go through first apron or second apron."
They also touch upon college basketball, highlighting significant matchups and the impact of coaching changes on team performance.
Automated Ball and Strike System in Baseball
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Major League Baseball’s potential adoption of an automated ball-and-strike system. Mark Feinstein provides an in-depth analysis of the technology, its implementation timeline, and its implications for the game.
Mark Feinstein [33:53]: "It's certainly trending in the direction of becoming part of the game as early as next season."
Tony raises concerns about the system’s accuracy and the preservation of traditional umpiring, referencing insights from late sports columnist David Israel.
Tony Kornheiser [36:36]: "Does it then, Mark, become fair to you that it's only two dimensional?"
Mark responds by highlighting the league’s consideration of diverse player strike zones and the technological advancements ensuring precise calls.
Mark Feinstein [37:30]: "I have to think that the league has thought about it. I certainly believe the players association has thought about it because they understand that their players do not all have the same strike zone."
The discussion also covers the impact on televised games, emphasizing the importance of the strike zone box for viewer engagement.
Tony Kornheiser [38:54]: "I would not want that. That would be a deal breaker for me as a consumer of baseball."
Mark reassures that umpiring crews will remain essential, asserting the nuances of in-game judgment that technology cannot fully replicate.
Mark Feinstein [40:59]: "Umpiring a baseball game to me is as hard as... Well, I won't say it's harder than revving a hockey game because they actually have to, like, skate."
Yankees’ Beard Policy
The episode also explores cultural shifts within sports teams, specifically focusing on the New York Yankees’ long-standing beard policy. Tony and Mark discuss the recent relaxation of the rule, reflecting on its historical context and modern implications.
Tony Kornheiser [42:40]: "The only thing I could justify it with is that free agents, you know, they might lose a free agent if a guy said, I don't know. That's nonsense. I don't want that."
Mark recounts notable instances where players adapted their appearance to meet team expectations, highlighting the evolving standards of professionalism in sports.
Mark Feinstein [44:50]: "I think a well-groomed, and my joke that day was, who's the arbiter of well-groomed now? Right. How do you determine what a well-groomed beard is?"
Tony nostalgically compares the beard rule to other outdated uniform regulations, emphasizing the Yankees’ unique position in upholding tradition while adapting to contemporary norms.
Tony Kornheiser [45:16]: "I liked the rule because it was the last rule. It was like wearing white shorts and shirts, playing tennis. And I know it's antiquated and I know it doesn't apply."
Listener Mailbag: Geographic Rants and Personal Stories
In the latter part of the show, Tony engages with listener emails, addressing a passionate debate about New York state geography. Multiple listeners from various regions correct Tony’s assertions about Buffalo’s location, sharing personal insights and regional pride.
Tony Kornheiser [47:36]: "I agree Buffalo shouldn’t be considered Central New York. As Wilbon would say. Everyone knows Buffalo, like Toronto, is a classical Midwest city."
The exchange underscores the deep-seated regional identities and the humorous yet earnest attempts to rectify Tony’s geographical misconceptions.
Additionally, Tony shares personal anecdotes from listeners, including stories about Brandy Carlisle’s support during his early career and humorous tales about preparing for his trip to India.
Tony Kornheiser [53:04]: "She encouraged each and every one of them to buy one of my CDs. I sold more that night than in any other gig I've ever played."
Musical Interludes by Nicole Wagner
Throughout the episode, Nicole Wagner provides musical interludes, offering original songs that complement the show's content. Her performances, such as "The Rules of Baseball," seamlessly integrate with the discussions, adding an artistic dimension to the episode.
Nicole Wagner [32:38]: (Performs “The Rules of Baseball”)
Conclusion
The “Listen Up!” episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show delivers a compelling mix of sports analysis, personal stories, and engaging dialogue. Tony’s interactions with Michael Wilbon and Mark Feinstein provide depth to discussions on golf, basketball, baseball, and the cultural shifts within sports teams. Listener contributions add a relatable and humorous layer, while Nicole Wagner’s musical segments enhance the overall listening experience. This episode exemplifies the show's ability to blend topical conversations with personal anecdotes, catering to a broad audience seeking both information and entertainment.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser [05:02]: "There's always been a great source of pride to me."
- Mark Feinstein [12:14]: "By getting into that level, it then becomes easier to stay at that level for a couple years and see what you can exact out of those opportunities."
- Mark Feinstein [33:53]: "It's certainly trending in the direction of becoming part of the game as early as next season."
- Mark Feinstein [40:59]: "Umpiring a baseball game to me is as hard as... Well, I won't say it's harder than revving a hockey game because they actually have to, like, skate."
- Tony Kornheiser [42:40]: "The only thing I could justify it with is that free agents, you know, they might lose a free agent if a guy said, I don't know. That's nonsense. I don't want that."
Closing Remarks
The Tony Kornheiser Show continues to engage its audience with insightful and entertaining discussions. This episode, “Listen Up!”, effectively showcases the show's dynamic range, from nostalgic reflections to forward-thinking sports analysis, all while maintaining the personable and relatable tone that fans have come to love.