Podcast Summary: The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode: "Thank you Mr. Sherman"

Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Chuck Todd, Greg Cote
Description: A topical talk show mixing sports, current events, media, and Tony’s personal stories, enhanced by his regular network of friends and contributors.

Episode Overview

This episode begins with Tony Kornheiser venting about a mishap with his long-standing propane supplier—Sherman Oil, sparking a broader conversation about customer service. The show then pivots to rapid sports news, including the surprise firing of Ravens coach John Harbaugh and a detailed breakdown of recent NFL coaching changes, playoff previews, and Miami football's resurgence with Greg Cote. Regulars Chuck Todd and the ever-whimsical Reginald the Monkey weigh in with football picks, and the episode closes with listener mail and Tony’s characteristically dry humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Live TV and the John Harbaugh Firing

[02:11 – 10:37]

• Sudden News Disrupts PTI Lineup:
  Tony recounts producing “Pardon the Interruption” (PTI) when John Harbaugh’s firing by the Ravens breaks just as they finish taping. They scramble to remake the A block live, replacing prepared stories with the breaking coaching news.

  • “So we didn’t have a lot of time to prep the Harbaugh story. And I say on the air, look, I’m stunned by this.” (Tony, 07:09)

• Wilbon’s Agenda and Lane Kiffin:
  Tony claims Wilbon insisted on an SEC coaching turmoil story out of disdain for Lane Kiffin and pro-Big Ten bias.

  • “He hates Lane Kiffin. As long as we understand why he likes this story…” (Tony, 02:59)

• Reflections on NFL Firing Culture:
  Tony expresses shock at Harbaugh’s firing, arguing that the Ravens’ issues went deeper than coaching (injuries, missed kicks, coordinators), and Steve Bisciotti isn’t known for impulsive moves.

  • “Steve Bisciotti is not a knee-jerk guy. ...I didn’t think anything Harbaugh did merited being fired.” (Tony, 07:11)

• Live TV Energy:
  Tony describes the adrenaline rush of reacting to breaking news on live TV, confessing his heart rate spiked.

  • “Heart rate was up. Yeah, heart rate was up, but it checked. The whoop.” (Tony, 09:20)

2. The Sherman Oil Saga: Customer Loyalty and Service

[10:37 – 16:04]

• Missed Pre-Pay, Customer Service Debate:
  Tony’s annual prepay for propane with Sherman Oil falls through due to a missed notice, resulting in higher bills. He calls to negotiate, insisting loyal customers merit a reminder. The manager disagrees, citing policy and fairness to all customers.

  • “True customer service reaches out to your loyal customers and inquires as to what is going on when there is a break in the pattern.” (Tony, 12:14)
  • The manager’s stance: “We don’t get back to you. If you don’t get back to us, we assume you don’t want [it].” (Tony paraphrasing Sherman Oil manager, 11:36)

• Resolution & Speculation:
  Eventually, after multiple calls and notes, Tony is offered a compromise rate by “Mr. Sherman,” the owner, though Tony remains playfully skeptical of his actual involvement:

  • “I don’t know, Mr. Sherman. I don’t know if that actually happened… But I felt that was a very fair compromise that both of us lose a little and both of us gain a little.” (Tony, 13:17)

3. NFL Playoff and Coaching Hot Takes with Chuck Todd

[19:46 – 32:21]

• Chuck Todd’s Rough Betting Record:
  Tony ribs Chuck on his 2–5 week, joking that his Miami fandom clouds his picks.

  • “That’s your loyalty, right?” (Tony, 20:29)
  • “I’m drunk on the Hurricanes and that’s all I got.” (Chuck, 20:16)

• Shocking NFL Parity:
  Both agree this year’s playoffs feel wide open; few results would surprise Chuck.

  • “Is any result going to shock you?” (Tony, 20:53)
  • “I don’t think it’s out of the realm that every road team wins in the NFC.” (Chuck, 23:19)

• Harbaugh’s Job Market:
  Tony and Chuck discuss the immediate demand for Harbaugh:

  • “He could go anywhere he wants. Apparently gotten offers from every single team… before it was even announced.” (Tony, 22:21)

• Game-by-Game Picks:
  Playoff matchups are dissected, with attention to upsets, quarterbacks under pressure, and coaching drama.

  • Rams vs. Carolina: “It’s a lot of points, but I’ll take the Rams.” (Chuck, 23:28)
  • Green Bay vs. Chicago: On LaFleur’s job security, Chuck opines, “He’s a guy. He’s not John Harbaugh or Mike Tomlin.” (Tony, 25:03)
  • Buffalo vs. Jacksonville: “If Josh Allen can’t pull it off this time, when’s he pulling it off?... I’m riding the Bills here.” (Chuck, 26:10–26:27)
  • 49ers vs. Eagles: “This feels like a field goal game... I’ll bet the field goal game.” (Chuck, 27:03)
  • Houston vs. Pittsburgh: “This Houston defense is... Ravens 2000, right? ...Give me the Texans.” (Chuck, 29:36–29:43)

• College Picks & Fun Facts:
  Chuck, nervous about his Miami pick, nonetheless takes them and Indiana. He shares that only Miami and Alabama have reached football and basketball Final Fours since 2021.

4. Reginald the Monkey’s Picks

[32:21 – 34:44]

• “Not bad for a monkey.” (Tony, 33:07)
  Reginald chooses all home teams (Bears, Eagles, Jaguars) in contrast to Chuck’s road team preference.
  Colorful backstories are told for each pick—e.g., Reginald’s “ties” to Chicago and “stage debut” with Jalen Hurts.

5. Miami Hurricanes and Dolphins Deep Dive with Greg Cote

[36:31 – 47:22]

• Miami Football’s Rebirth:
  Greg Cote claims the Hurricanes are as good now as their national-title-winning teams.

  • “Cristobal has rebuilt this entire team... I think they can win this national championship.” (Greg Cote, 37:08)

• Cristobal’s Reputation and Recruiting:
  Tony needles Greg about Mario Cristobal’s “loon” game-management reputation, but Greg defends his recruiting strength:

  • “He can win the Living Room and the Portal, and I think that’s where it starts.” (Greg, 38:11)

• Playoff Inclusion and Notre Dame Debate:
  Both agree Miami’s selection into the playoff was justified after big wins, even if Notre Dame would have been too—evidence that head-to-head results eventually swayed the committee.

• Dolphins’ Coaching Rumors:
  The Harbaugh firing shakes up the NFL coaching ecosystem.

  • “They’d be fools not to go after Harbaugh... I’m not saying they will, but, man, if I was Steven Ross, I would be all over John Harbaugh’s availability.” (Greg, 43:02–44:01)
  • Owner Stephen Ross likes Mike McDaniel, so McDaniel’s job is somewhat secure—unless a bigger name is available.

• Quarterback Questions:
  With Tua’s uncertain status and Quinn Ewers emerging, Greg says:

  • “It’s an unenviable situation—going into the offseason with no quarterback [they] believe in.” (Greg, 44:48)

• Troy Aikman’s Role:

  • “He’s the advisor on the general manager front, but you have to also think he’s weighing in on the whole quarterback situation as well... why wouldn’t they have him do that?” (Greg, 45:06)

• Dan Le Batard Anecdotes:
  Playing off Tony’s banter, Greg jokes about Le Batard’s talent for “hating authority” now that he is the authority.

  • “He gave [himself] a lot of money and now is very bitter... which makes me happy.” (Tony, 48:03)

6. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Customer Service:
  • “My position is, I think, equally defensible... True customer service reaches out to your loyal customers and inquires as to what is going on when there is a break in the pattern.” (Tony, 12:12–12:16)
• On John Harbaugh’s Firing:
  • “You have to think, wait, you’re telling me he got fired because the guy missed a 44-yard kick? ...It was a stunner to me.” (Tony, 07:26–07:31)
• On Live TV:
  • “Live TV, ain’t nothing like it.” (Tony, 09:28)
• On Reginald’s Picks Logic:
  Listener Antonio Rodriguez:
  • “My daughter took my picks and placed bets on the opposite of Reginald’s picks. That was genius.” (Listener email, 59:04)
• On Dan Le Batard:
  • “The best thing about Dan is that Dan, of course, hates all authority and now he is the authority. So he hates himself.” (Tony, 47:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start Time | Highlights | |-------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Live TV/Harbaugh Firing | 02:11 | PTI chaos & Tony’s reaction | | Sherman Oil Customer Service | 10:37 | Debate on loyalty and compromise with local supplier | | NFL Playoff Picks (Chuck Todd)| 19:46 | Game-by-game picks, hot seats, playoff context | | Reginald the Monkey Picks | 32:21 | Reginald’s whimsical selections and banter | | Miami Hurricanes & Dolphins | 36:31 | Greg Cote on Canes’ resurgence, Mario Cristobal, Dolphins changes | | Le Batard and Miami media | 47:22 | Meta-commentary on sports media and self-loathing | | Listener Mailbag & Close | 49:34 | Bowling, showering, food, and clever emails |

Memorable Moment

• Reginald’s Absurd Backstories:
  “He was down in Alabama where he’s breaking ground for the William J. Lepetomane Memorial Gambling Casino for the Criminally Insane...”

  • Classic comedic flavor sets Tony’s show apart (33:08)

• Listener Email on Betting Against Reginald:

  • “If Reginald’s picks are always wrong, then the opposite of his picks are always correct... That was genius.” (59:04)

Tone & Style

The episode is simultaneously sharp, dry, and playful. Tony’s self-deprecating humor, expertise, and cranky-but-wise perspective keep things moving, while his rapport with regulars inspires both debate and laughter. The sports talk is serious but never self-serious, and the show’s ritual of involving listeners’ emails keeps the whole endeavor grounded and communal.

For New Listeners

If you’re looking for a show blending sports analysis, curmudgeonly wisdom, a bit of media shop talk, and affectionate jabs at the mechanics of everyday life, this episode is a perfect sample.

End of Summary