The Tony Kornheiser Show – Episode: “Seed by Seed”
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Michael Wilbon, Pat40
Produced by: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

Introduction to the Episode

In the "Seed by Seed" episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser engages in lively discussions with his regular guests, Michael Wilbon and Pat40. The episode delves into recent sports events, including the NBA Finals, the French Open, and the Belmont Stakes, while also weaving in personal anecdotes and humorous banter about everyday activities like gardening and golfing.

NBA Finals and Basketball Insights

Timestamp: [01:09]

Tony kicks off the discussion by referencing Aaron Rodgers, drawing parallels to a past Steelers commentator Terry Bradshaw’s opinion. This segues into a light-hearted debate about Rodgers' demeanor:

Tony Kornheiser [01:09]: “Now, it is fashionable to look at Aaron Rodgers right now and say he has become a jerk. Like Terry Bradshaw basically said, he has become a jerk and we, the Steelers, shouldn't be involved with him.”

Pat40 Interjects:

Pat40 [01:26]: “Didn't Bradshaw say something like stay.”

This exchange sets the tone for the episode's blend of sports commentary and humorous takes on athletes' personalities.

Gardening and Planting Potatoes

Timestamp: [02:07]

Tony shifts the conversation to a more personal topic—planting potatoes. He discusses his plans with Chris to plant sprouted potatoes, highlighting the familial and down-to-earth aspects of the show:

Tony Kornheiser [02:48]: “On Wednesday, the potatoes that we put in the closet have sprouted eyes. You are going to plant the potatoes in an area in the front of the yard that we think gets a little bit of sun…”

Pat40 shares his excitement and playful concerns about the gardening project, emphasizing the show's family-friendly approach.

Golfing Stories and Anecdotes

Timestamp: [04:42]

The conversation naturally transitions to golf, with Tony recounting a particularly frustrating playoff event:

Tony Kornheiser [04:43]: “Canadian Open, one of the dullest. They missed putt after putt after putt three different times… Ryan Fox wins. He has two putts to win from five feet and barely does, but he does. It was terrible.”

Pat40 reminisces about past golf moments, drawing connections to legendary players like Grant Wade and Tiger Woods:

Pat40 [05:44]: “…you miss them. Then the fourth time they played it, here’s to Ryan Fox, because he said, you know what? I'm not laying up, I'm going for it.”

This segment highlights the camaraderie and shared frustrations among golf enthusiasts.

The French Open and Michael Wilbon’s Enthusiasm

Timestamp: [30:50]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing an epic tennis match between Sinner and Alcaraz, considered one of the greatest matches ever:

Michael Wilbon [25:16]: “For me, it was that because there was stuff involving Rod Laver and Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith… this was insane. Part of its drama is the unbelievable shot making and talent.”

Tony agrees, underscoring the rarity and excitement of witnessing such high-caliber sport:

Tony Kornheiser [30:40]: “I believe that Sinner probably has that same amount of confidence in himself… there’s nobody in their league right now.”

The discussion delves into the dynamics of modern tennis, player confidence, and the future of the sport, providing deep insights for both casual listeners and avid sports fans.

Belmont Stakes and Horse Racing Controversy

Timestamp: [42:31]

Transitioning to horse racing, Tony and Pat40 discuss Sovereignty's victory at the Belmont Stakes, raising concerns about the trainer Bill Mott's decision to skip the Preakness:

Tony Kornheiser [43:48]: “…I think Bill Mott cheated the sport, and I think he cheated the fans. And I think there should be a rule against this.”

Pat40 echoes the sentiment, critiquing the decision and advocating for structural changes in the Triple Crown races:

Pat40 [49:22]: “…the horse racing business needs to do something to make sure this doesn't happen.”

This segment delves into the integrity of horse racing, the importance of the Triple Crown, and the impact of decisions made by trainers and owners on the sport's legacy.

Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Banter

Throughout the episode, Tony shares personal stories about golfing, experiences with friends, and humorous takes on everyday scenarios. For instance, recounting a golf game where heavy rain interrupted play:

Tony Kornheiser [13:03]: “We go out at like 12, 15. Now I'm going out. You gotta sign up on Sundays.”

Conversely, Pat40 discusses humorous mishaps and the camaraderie among friends during their recreational activities.

Advocacy and Listener Engagement

Towards the end, Tony passionately advocates for changes in horse racing rules to preserve the integrity of the Triple Crown:

Tony Kornheiser [48:06]: “…I think there should be some rules here. Because these horses, they're not bred to pull a plow. They're bred to run fast, to race.”

Pat40 encourages Tony to share his viewpoints through a column, highlighting the episode's blend of personal passion and sports analysis.

Closing Remarks and Musical Interlude

The episode concludes with musical segments from the band "22 in Jersey," interspersed with humorous commentary and creative pizza recipe suggestions inspired by listener emails. Tony’s playful idea for the “Kornheiser pizza” adds a unique and entertaining finish to the episode.

Notable Quotes

1. Tony Kornheiser [01:09]:

   “Now, it is fashionable to look at Aaron Rodgers right now and say he has become a jerk.”

2. Michael Wilbon [25:16]:

   “…this was insane. Part of its drama is the unbelievable shot making and talent.”

3. Tony Kornheiser [30:40]:

   “I believe that Sinner probably has that same amount of confidence in himself… there’s nobody in their league right now.”

4. Tony Kornheiser [43:48]:

   “I think Bill Mott cheated the sport, and I think he cheated the fans. And I think there should be a rule against this.”

5. Pat40 [49:22]:

   “…the horse racing business needs to do something to make sure this doesn't happen.”

Conclusion

In "Seed by Seed," Tony Kornheiser masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with personal stories and humor. From dissecting monumental tennis matches to passionately advocating for fair horse racing practices, the episode offers a comprehensive and engaging listening experience. Regular guests Michael Wilbon and Pat40 contribute their expertise and camaraderie, making the show both informative and entertaining for listeners who seek insightful commentary on current sports events and beyond.