Podcast Summary: "The Cherry Conundrum" – The Tony Kornheiser Show Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled “The Cherry Conundrum,” Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of topics ranging from a preview of the US Open Golf Tournament and the NBA Finals to a humorous yet insightful discussion about promotional tactics in retail. Featuring guests Doug Ferguson and Brian Windhorst, the show offers a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and engaging banter that caters to both avid listeners and newcomers alike.

US Open Golf Preview with Doug Ferguson

The episode kicks off with Tony Kornheiser and Doug Ferguson discussing the upcoming US Open at the iconic Oakmont Country Club. The conversation centers on the challenging nature of the course and the players expected to shine.

Key Points:

• Tony’s Golfing Experience: Tony shares his own golfing experiences, highlighting his struggles and humorous interactions on the course.

  Notable Quote:

  Tony Kornheiser [01:14]: “When I play with three people that good, I'm Jankopotamus all over the place. I stink.”

• Oakmont’s Reputation: Doug and Tony dissect why Oakmont is revered by the USGA, emphasizing its history of testing even the most skilled golfers.

  Notable Quote:

  Doug Ferguson [21:43]: “They understand it. And so it's hard and it's suffering and there's very few complaints, usually.”

• Tournament Expectations: The duo speculates on potential scores and standout players, considering factors like course setup and player profiles.

  Notable Quote:

  Doug Ferguson [32:32]: “Scores have been coming down over decades because that's what sports does.”

The Safeway Cherry Pricing Dilemma

Transitioning from golf, Tony shares a personal anecdote about attempting to purchase cherries at a discounted price from Safeway, which required the use of the store’s mobile app. This leads to a broader discussion on the implications of app-based promotions and their accessibility.

Key Points:

• Tony’s Experience: Tony recounts arriving at Safeway for cherries advertised at $2.99 per pound, only to discover that the deal was contingent upon using the Safeway app.

  Notable Quote:

  Tony Kornheiser [09:06]: “So I think they have two or three potatoes that Chris is going to plant now, Michael, do you. I don't remember how we're supposed to do this.”

• Discussion on Digital Discounts: The conversation explores whether requiring an app for discounts constitutes unfairness or exclusion, especially for those uncomfortable with technology.

  Notable Quote:

  Tony Kornheiser [14:25]: “I felt that because I shopped in the store and there was a sign that said Cherry's 299, that I should get that price. Yeah, that’s. I feel that's fair.”

• Broader Implications: Guests debate the move towards digital-exclusive deals and its impact on consumer behavior and store loyalty.

  Notable Quote:

  Doug Ferguson [12:23]: “It's open to all. If they can do. I can't do it. Right.”

In-Depth Analysis with Brian Windhorst

Joining later in the episode, Brian Windhorst provides expert insights into both the US Open and the NBA Finals, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on these high-profile sporting events.

Key Points:

• US Open Strategies: Brian discusses the strategic elements of playing at Oakmont, including course layout, player strengths, and historical performances.

  Notable Quote:

  Brian Windhorst [37:31]: “I think Johnny Miller reaches the top of the mountain and he says, now what?”

• Basketball Insights: The conversation shifts to the NBA Finals, focusing on the dynamics between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Brian analyzes coaching strategies, player performances, and potential outcomes.

  Notable Quote:

  Brian Windhorst [42:24]: “It does happen. It is unusual. And so the, the process of formally requesting permission is a bit of a prickly one.”

• Coaching Movements: Brian elaborates on the complexities of coaching transitions in the NBA, citing historical examples to illustrate how "gray areas" can lead to unexpected changes.

  Notable Quote:

  Brian Windhorst [44:13]: “This also happened famously with Doc Rivers. He was the coach of the Celtics, won a championship there. They were about to launch a rebuild.”

Fan Mail and Personal Anecdotes

Tony engages with listener emails, unveiling a tapestry of fan stories that range from nostalgic memories to humorous incidents, thereby fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

Key Points:

• Personal Stories: Listeners share their own adventures and connections to Tony, including anecdotes from sports events and personal milestones.

  Notable Quote:

  Tony Kornheiser [55:18]: “I would imagine the people who go out in the morning to set up the course, they find about 300 balls every day, right?”

• Humorous Tales: Tony reminisces about past events, blending humor with heartfelt appreciation for his audience's support.

  Notable Quote:

  Tony Kornheiser [61:44]: “Having prompted his own progress, and the moment I powered up the pod, there it was, the great Richard Justice, saying very nice things about me.”

Conclusion

“The Cherry Conundrum” is a testament to Tony Kornheiser’s ability to weave together diverse topics into a coherent and entertaining narrative. From the greens of Oakmont to the aisles of Safeway, and from the grandeur of the US Open to the intensity of the NBA Finals, the episode offers listeners a rich blend of sports analysis, personal stories, and thoughtful discussions on modern consumer practices. Notable quotes sprinkled throughout the conversation add depth and relatability, making the episode both informative and engaging for a broad audience.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• Tony Kornheiser [01:14]: “When I play with three people that good, I'm Jankopotamus all over the place. I stink.”
• Doug Ferguson [21:43]: “They understand it. And so it's hard and it's suffering and there's very few complaints, usually.”
• Tony Kornheiser [09:06]: “So I think they have two or three potatoes that Chris is going to plant now, Michael, do you. I don't remember how we're supposed to do this.”
• Tony Kornheiser [14:25]: “I felt that because I shopped in the store and there was a sign that said Cherry's 299, that I should get that price. Yeah, that’s. I feel that's fair.”
• Doug Ferguson [12:23]: “It's open to all. If they can do. I can't do it. Right.”
• Brian Windhorst [37:31]: “I think Johnny Miller reaches the top of the mountain and he says, now what?”
• Brian Windhorst [42:24]: “It does happen. It is unusual. And so the, the process of formally requesting permission is a bit of a prickly one.”
• Brian Windhorst [44:13]: “This also happened famously with Doc Rivers. He was the coach of the Celtics, won a championship there. They were about to launch a rebuild.”
• Tony Kornheiser [55:18]: “I would imagine the people who go out in the morning to set up the course, they find about 300 balls every day, right?”
• Tony Kornheiser [61:44]: “Having prompted his own progress, and the moment I powered up the pod, there it was, the great Richard Justice, saying very nice things about me.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of “The Cherry Conundrum” episode, highlighting the key discussions, engaging stories, and memorable quotes that define the show’s dynamic and insightful nature.