The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Sneakers and Food”
Release Date: July 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Initial Banter (00:00 - 02:25)

Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode with his characteristic humor, joking about the unpredictability of guest appearances. After a brief, humorous mention of potential high-profile guests like Mick Jagger and the Dalai Lama, the show swiftly moves past the introductory remarks. Despite this light-hearted start, Tony seamlessly transitions into discussing recent sports events, particularly focusing on baseball.

2. Baseball Highlights: Jacob Young’s Stellar Catch (02:25 - 05:02)

Tony Kornheiser delves into the recent baseball game, highlighting Jacob Young's impressive defensive play. Young’s remarkable catch, where he "literally puts his feet in the wall and climbs the wall," was a pivotal moment that prevented the Nationals from losing by a larger margin.

Tony (03:18): "Jacob Young allowed the Nationals to lose by five nothing instead of six nothing."

The discussion emphasizes Young's defensive prowess despite his lack of offensive contributions, noting his speed and fielding skills but critiquing his absence of home runs.

Tony (03:45): "He plays every day, and he should because he's that good in the field... he has no home runs... He has to get on once a game."

Michael provides insights from his background in baseball, acknowledging the strategic challenges teams face when balancing defensive strengths with offensive expectations.

Michael (04:38): "These are the highlights that you're getting. Not the home runs. You're getting these off the wall catches."

The segment concludes with Tony pondering the future of Young's role on the team, questioning whether his contributions in the field suffice without offensive production.

3. Personal Anecdotes: Family Beach Trip and Funland Adventures (05:02 - 13:22)

Michael shares a heartfelt story about taking his sons, Bootsy and the Hammer, to the Delaware beaches. The narrative captures the essence of family bonding during a summer trip, highlighting moments like device-free time, playful interactions at Funland, and the challenges of navigating traffic jams.

Michael (06:20): "We went the first hour and a half device free. Tried to fill that with some Pokemon rap battles for those of you who have kids."

The tale continues with vivid descriptions of their experience at Funland, engaging in skeeball and claw games, culminating in a joyous moment when the Hammer wins an Eagles mini basketball from the claw machine.

Michael (10:45): "He just sees an Eagle. He doesn't really know where it's from... 'Is this a rival?'"

Tony (12:55): "It makes me happy."

The segment underscores the importance of creating lasting memories with children and reflects on Tony’s own childhood experiences, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

4. Conversation with Paul Feinbaum: Sneakers and College Football Rivalry (13:22 - 30:48)

Paul Feinbaum joins Tony and Michael to discuss a range of topics, starting with athletic footwear preferences and transitioning into a heated debate about the ongoing rivalry between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten in college football.

Sneakers Discussion:

Tony (18:10): "Do you wear Hokas?"

Paul (18:26): "I switched to Brooks a couple of years ago. They fit my feet very well."

They explore the merits of different sneaker brands tailored for runners, with Paul highlighting his preference for Brooks due to comfort and performance.

SEC vs. Big Ten Rivalry:

The conversation intensifies as they analyze the competitive dynamics between the SEC and the Big Ten, touching upon coaching strategies, scheduling conflicts, and the impact of conference decisions on team performances.

Paul (19:58): "The battle for supremacy in football... they need each other, don't they? They're the best two conferences."

Tony (22:00): "It's just catnip for the Big Ten."

They critique the administrative decisions influencing conference schedules, citing the SEC's push for nine conference games and the Big Ten's response as tactics to enhance their standings and championship prospects.

Paul (24:10): "Nick Saban told me we have to go to nine conference games... he said, 'I think 8 is really good enough.'"

The discussion also delves into the broader issues within college football, such as player compensation, the exploitation of student-athletes, and the evolving landscape of collegiate sports governance.

Tony (30:00): "You've exploited them like animals for 100 years. Now they finally have some rights."

This segment provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the complexities and controversies surrounding major college football conferences.

5. Tennis Tournament Coverage: Venus Williams and Player Dynamics (30:48 - 45:22)

The trio shifts focus to the ongoing tennis tournament in Washington, discussing notable players and memorable matches. Kenny Powers reminisces about past experiences covering tennis and shares his admiration for Venus Williams, highlighting her enduring passion for the sport despite her advancing age and medical challenges.

Kenny (41:01): "She plays with such joy. She loves the game."

They reflect on Venus's participation in both singles and doubles, emphasizing her role in promoting tennis and her resilience in the face of adversity.

Tony (42:22): "It was funny. That was funny."

The conversation also touches upon emerging talents and significant matches, such as the epic final between Sinner and Alcaraz, which Kenny describes as a "reset of the game" due to their exceptional power and pace.

Kenny (44:33): "It's a reset of the game. It's stunning."

The segment celebrates the spirit of competition and the personal connections players have with the sport, offering listeners a blend of nostalgia and current event analysis.

6. Listener Mailbag: Navigating Scams and Personal Stories (45:22 - 56:37)

Tony addresses messages from listeners, covering a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes to practical advice.

Scam Awareness:

A significant portion of the mailbag focuses on the prevalence of scams, with Tony sharing a personal experience and providing valuable information on how to recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes.

Tony (55:53): "In 2024, phone, Internet and other scammers stole over $1 trillion."

He emphasizes the importance of vigilance and directs listeners to resources like the Federal Trade Commission and AARP for assistance.

Personal Tributes and Stories:

Tony reads heartfelt messages from listeners honoring individuals and sharing personal connections, such as tributes to the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and anecdotes about high school memories and family experiences.

Tony (55:39): "From Ted Smith in Pittsburgh... my connection is literal tissue."

These stories add a personal and community-driven dimension to the show, fostering a sense of connection among listeners.

7. Closing Remarks and Music (56:37 - End)

As the show winds down, Tony reflects on the various topics discussed and expresses gratitude to guests and listeners. The episode concludes with musical interludes from the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, setting a nostalgic and reflective tone.

Tony (59:03): "What's wrong with you people? Rub some dirt on it and get back in the game."

The closing segment ties together the day's discussions, leaving listeners with a mix of entertainment, reflection, and anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Tony Kornheiser (03:18): "Jacob Young allowed the Nationals to lose by five nothing instead of six nothing."

• Michael (06:20): "We went the first hour and a half device free. Tried to fill that with some Pokemon rap battles for those of you who have kids."

• Paul Feinbaum (19:58): "The battle for supremacy in football... they need each other, don't they? They're the best two conferences."

• Tony Kornheiser (30:00): "You've exploited them like animals for 100 years. Now they finally have some rights."

• Kenny Powers (41:01): "She plays with such joy. She loves the game."

• Tony Kornheiser (55:53): "In 2024, phone, Internet and other scammers stole over $1 trillion."

Conclusion

In the “Sneakers and Food” episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, listeners are treated to a dynamic blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and engaging conversations. From dissecting pivotal moments in baseball and reflecting on family outings to delving into the intricacies of college football rivalries and celebrating enduring tennis legends, the show offers a comprehensive and entertaining experience. Coupled with insights into societal issues like scam awareness and heartfelt listener stories, this episode exemplifies the show's commitment to delivering diverse and meaningful content.