The Tony Kornheiser Show — “The Harvest”

Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests/Regulars: Chuck Todd, Nigel, Michael Kornheiser, Steve Sands, Reginald the Monkey (via Nigel)

Overview

This episode blends Tony’s signature blend of sports chat and everyday anecdotes, most notably a comically disastrous potato harvest in his front yard. NFL hot topics are discussed with Chuck Todd, including wild recent coaching firings and betting odds, before pivoting to an in-depth Ryder Cup preview with Steve Sands live from Long Island. Regular segments with Reginald the Monkey and a dash of listener interaction round off this rich, unpredictable episode.

The Great Potato Harvest

[02:00–06:00]

• Tony shares the saga of his much-anticipated home potato crop.
• A note from fellow potato-grower Buster (with photos of abundant crops) inspired Tony and Michael to dig up their own plants.
• The results were meager: “A very meager haul. I doubt we could make three french fries. I doubt it.” (Tony, 03:19)
• Potatoes came in two varieties—purple and Yukon Gold—but most were “the size of a dime” and possibly confused with rocks.
• Possible causes: rocky, infertile soil, lack of watering, and possibly being pulled up by landscapers mistaking the plants for weeds.
• Nigel suggests apprenticing with Buster next year; laughter erupts over Tony’s ineptitude.
• Tony concludes: “You stink at it. You’re lousy at it. Don’t do it. Just buy the potatoes.” (05:00)
• The potato story functions as both comedy and gentle self-deprecation, a classic recurring theme of Tony’s home life on the show.

“Remember Me Thursday” & Dog Rescue

[06:00–07:00]

• Tony reads a note urging listeners to recognize “Remember Me Thursday,” which honors pets in shelters and encourages adoption.
• Chessy, Tony’s family dog, was adopted from a shelter twelve years ago, reinforcing his advocacy for rescue adoptions.
• Michael observes that changes in work habits post-pandemic have led to more dogs entering shelters, increasing the need for adoptions.

Sports News & Commentary

Coaching Firings: New York Liberty and Oklahoma State

[07:00–10:00]

• Tony expresses disbelief at the firing of Sandy Brondello (coach of the New York Liberty), who had just won the franchise's first championship.
• Also discusses Oklahoma State’s firing of Mike Gundy after 21 years: “You don’t fire him after three games. I just think that’s terrible. I don’t even like him… but I thought that was terrible on the part of Oklahoma State.” (Tony, 09:11)
• Nigel notes the administration’s generic, tone-deaf statement about Gundy’s dismissal, which further frustrates Tony.

Nats, MLB, and “Gags”

[10:00–14:00]

• The Washington Nationals’ poor season (“no good” is a recurring refrain), and Tony describes the habit of watching bad teams.
• Notable MLB collapses discussed:
  • Detroit lost a 15.5-game lead over Cleveland since July.
  • Mets’ spectacular comeback against the Cubs.
  • Historical reference: Phillies’ 1964 meltdown.
• “If the Tigers miss the playoffs completely and the Mets missed the playoffs completely, the fall that they have taken from the middle of the year on is… Buster Olney thinks it’s unprecedented.” (13:52)

Shohei Ohtani’s Return

• Ohtani pitched six shutout innings for the first time in two years — Tony expects him to play a pivotal playoff role.

NFL Picks with Chuck Todd & Reginald the Monkey

[16:00–36:00]

Legendary Bad Beat

• Tony and Chuck break down an “all-time worst betting beat”: The Rams, up 26–7, lost the spread (and Chuck's real cash) on a final-play 336-lb defensive touchdown.
  • Quote: “That’s the worst beat of all time, right?” (Tony, 17:16) “Because I had real American dollars on that too.” (Chuck, 17:19)
• Reminiscing about “Alcoa Presents Fantastic Finishes” and other walk-off sports moments.

NFL Betting Rundown

• Chuck Todd’s overall record sits at 9–12 for the season, but he was the only panelist/Simian with a winning week last week.
• Game-by-game picks and analysis, including:
  • Seattle at Arizona (Line shift): Chuck picks Arizona, citing Thursday night home-field advantage.
  • Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh in Dublin: Both Chuck and Tony lean Pittsburgh, referencing the Rooney family’s Irish connection and home-crowd advantage.
  • Washington at Atlanta: Chuck on coaching situations, quarterback controversies, and the “dancing owner.” Picks Washington, as Atlanta’s QB situation (“head-messing” with Michael Penix) scares him off.
  • Philadelphia at Tampa Bay: Recognizing Tampa’s knack for winning close games, Chuck takes the points with underdog Tampa. “They’re not doing this again this week… and then all Baker Mayfield does is take your lunch money.” (Chuck, 26:01)
  • Indianapolis at Rams: “I’m going to fade the Colts… The Rams are a really good football team.” (27:32)
  • Baltimore at Kansas City: Despite Baltimore’s potent offense, their leaky defense worries Chuck. “The Chiefs need it more… and I trust the Chiefs’ defense.” (Chuck, 31:14)
  • Green Bay at Dallas, Sunday Night: Chuck, attending in Dallas to check on his son, picks Green Bay. “I also think Micah Parsons is just going to have a monster day.” (Chuck, 32:17)

Reginald the Monkey’s Picks (via Nigel)

• Despite not being in the National Zoo (he’s golfing at St. Andrews!), Reginald FaceTimes his picks:
  • Minnesota over Pittsburgh
  • Washington over Atlanta (aligns with Chuck)
  • Philadelphia over Tampa Bay
• All three are road favorites—a rare and bold approach.

Ryder Cup Preview with Steve Sands

[37:52–51:15]

• Steve checks in live from Long Island, where anticipation for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is sky-high.
• Prognostication: Fans will be “raucous,” both supportive and harsh—even booing Americans if things go south.
  • Notable Quote: “Most golfers will tell you if they’ve ever performed in a Ryder Cup, it’s the only time they ever truly feel like a professional athlete because they are getting jeered and booed and also cheered…” (Steve, 39:48)
• Tickets started at $750 (not including alcohol) — “an expensive ticket, man.” (Steve, 42:23)
• Discussion of team captains:
  • Keegan Bradley (USA): More measured as captain; was an emotional, antagonistic player.
  • Europe’s “stir it up” guys: Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm.
• Course adjustments: Set up to favor U.S. power; rough less penal, greens faster.
• Steve’s Analysis: Europe looks better top-to-bottom, is playing better collectively, and established partnerships give them an edge.
• Breakout Player: Steve touts Russell Henley as an underrated money player who could be a key U.S. difference-maker; expects him to pair with Scottie Scheffler.

Listener Letters, Jingles, and Miscellaneous

[52:34–60:28]

• Bethesda Bagels ad and witty banter about euphoniums.
• Humorous mailbag on topics ranging from Super Bowl MVP trivia corrections (Wilbon called out for defensive MVPs errors) to inside jokes about promo codes (“Dear Ron”).
• Shout-outs to listeners sharing supermarket strategies, health insurance tips, and even encountering “The Pope’s Astronomer” in church—with a “Le Cheeserie!” (55:00).
• Show closes with gratitude and the reminder: “If you’re out on your bike tonight, everyone, as always, do wear white.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Failure:
  “Don’t do it. You stink at it. You’re lousy at it. Don’t do it. Just buy the potatoes.” — Tony, [05:00]

• On Fired Coaches:
  “You don’t fire him after three games. I just think that’s terrible. I don’t even like him… but I thought that was terrible on the part of Oklahoma State.” — Tony, [09:11]

• On Betting Heartbreak:
  “That’s the most bizarre ending I have ever seen to a football game.” — Tony, [17:15]

• On Raucous Golf Crowds:
  “Most golfers will tell you if they’ve ever performed in a Ryder Cup, it’s the only time they ever truly feel like a professional athlete because they are getting jeered and booed and also cheered…” — Steve Sands, [39:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Potato Harvest Story: [02:00–06:00]
• Dog Rescue/Remember Me Thursday: [06:00–07:00]
• Coaching Firings (Liberty & Oklahoma State): [07:00–10:00]
• MLB Recap & “Gags”: [10:00–14:00]
• NFL Picks with Chuck Todd: [16:00–36:00]
• Ryder Cup Preview with Steve Sands: [37:52–51:15]
• Listener Mailbag & Show Close: [52:34–end]

Episode Tone & Flavor

Tony’s signature blend of cranky, nostalgic, yet warm humor permeates the episode. The show moves fluidly from personal failures (the potatoes), to sports injustice (fired coaches), classic sports memories, and a deeply informed golf segment. Expert guests and regular comedic bits keep the pace brisk, while listener interaction and Tony’s self-effacing style maintain the familiar, welcoming feel long-time listeners love.

Summary by: [Your Podcast Summarizer]