Podcast Summary: The Tony Kornheiser Show – “Me and my dog - me!”

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Pam Ward, Dan Stillman (Capital Weather Gang)
Episode Title: “Me and my dog - me!”

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser delves into two main topics: the stellar performance of WNBA star Caitlin Clark and the severe heat wave affecting the eastern United States. Joined by sports analyst Pam Ward and weather expert Dan Stillman from the Capital Weather Gang, Tony navigates through insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions.

1. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark's Stellar Performance

Guests: Pam Ward

Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode by celebrating the birthday of his eight-year-old son, Bootsy, segueing into a conversation about Caitlin Clark's impressive second year in the WNBA.

• Caitlin Clark’s Impact: Pam Ward highlights Clark's outstanding performance, noting her maturation and significant contributions to her team. She states, "James Wood is one of the 10 best players in baseball right now over the last week and a half" ([03:41]).

• Physicality in Women's Basketball: The discussion shifts to the increasing physicality in women's basketball. Tony remarks, "Caitlin Clark still is getting a lot of attention physically" ([26:22]), while Pam emphasizes the need for better officiating to maintain the game's integrity.

• Television Ratings and Attendance: Michael, another guest, underscores the surge in both TV ratings and live attendance for women's basketball, citing, "Attendance is way up... Every single one of them has been a sellout" ([29:23]).

• Growth of Women's Sports: The conversation extends to the broader landscape of women's sports, with Michael drawing parallels to the MLS's growth following Lionel Messi's arrival, illustrating the potential for women's leagues to follow suit.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser: "Caitlin Clark's television ratings notwithstanding, the in-person arena attendance is way up around the league, isn't it?" ([28:30])
• Pam Ward: "The officials totally lost track of that game... And then we saw what happened with Sophie Cunningham." ([25:02])

2. Extreme Heat Wave: Impacts and Insights

Guests: Dan Stillman (Capital Weather Gang)

Transitioning from sports, Tony engages with Dan Stillman to dissect the current intense heat wave affecting the eastern United States.

• Current Conditions: Dan explains, "We're going to be up near 100 today. We're going to be up near, probably upper 90s to near 100 tomorrow" ([35:07]).

• Causes and Climate Change: They discuss the phenomenon of high-pressure heat domes and their possible links to climate change. Dan notes, "The jet stream kind of getting stuck... That's a known influence of climate change" ([40:20]).

• Impact on Daily Life: Tony shares personal experiences of navigating through a traffic standstill caused by a truck accident, highlighting the broader societal impacts of extreme weather. He reflects, "It took just under two hours, two hours ago, four miles" ([11:01]).

• Health Concerns: The conversation touches on the dangers of prolonged high temperatures, especially for vulnerable populations, as nighttime temperatures remain uncomfortably high.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Stillman: "It's really hot. But it's not going to end today, it's not going to end tomorrow." ([35:07])
• Tony Kornheiser: "This is extraordinarily hot... What causes this? Or is it just in the normal course of events yet gets this hot?" ([37:26])

3. Listener Interactions and Emails

Throughout the episode, Tony engages with listener submissions, showcasing a blend of humor, personal stories, and creative content.

• Philip Martin’s Musical Tributes: Philip shares two original songs, “Cassius Clay” and “Savannah Says,” reflecting on personal memories and the influence of music. Tony appreciates Philip’s contributions, stating, “Neither song contains any swearing... Unlike most of my material” ([18:15]).

• Golf Anecdotes: Listeners like Steve Rogers and Joe Gill recount their golfing experiences with Tony and Michael, adding a personal touch to the show’s dynamic.

• Creative Submissions: From haikus about daytime heat to humorous takes on potato planting, the listener interactions add a lighthearted element to the episode. For instance, Ian sends a haiku:
  “My 12 year old kid has attract me Tuesday night. Won't you take my place? No, no, but that's funny if you're out on your bike.” ([57:57])

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser: “It's so good to talk with you. This makes me very happy.” ([33:07])
• Listener Philip Martin: “I remember Friday nights when he turned on the TV I don't know who killed Davey Moore I should hope that it wasn't me.” ([61:50])

Conclusion

Tony Kornheiser masterfully balances serious discussions about sports and weather with personal anecdotes and listener engagements. The episode underscores the growing prominence of women's sports, exemplified by Caitlin Clark's impact, while also addressing pressing environmental issues like extreme heat waves. Through candid conversations and interactive segments, Tony continues to provide a relatable and informative experience for his audience.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Tony Kornheiser: “So we will come back with email and jingle. ... Thanks for all the years of smart conversations and laughs that meant a lot.” ([53:16])

Listener Takeaways:

• Caitlin Clark is a standout performer in the WNBA, contributing significantly to her team's success and boosting the league's popularity.
• The ongoing heat wave poses serious challenges, from health risks to disrupted daily activities, highlighting the need for effective climate strategies.
• Engaging with the community through listener emails fosters a sense of connection and adds diverse perspectives to the show.

Recommended For:
Fans of sports analysis, particularly basketball enthusiasts, individuals interested in climate and weather impacts, and listeners who enjoy a mix of humor and personal storytelling.