The Tony Kornheiser Show - Episode: "We Actually Got Maury"
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

Introduction

In the episode titled "We Actually Got Maury," Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of topics ranging from sports analysis to personal anecdotes, with engaging discussions and insightful commentary. The show seamlessly transitions between segments, featuring regular guests Dan Graziano and Maury Povich, along with contributions from Michael Wilbon. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

Preview of the NFL Draft with Dan Graziano

Timestamp [00:00-02:36]

Tony kicks off the show by previewing the upcoming NFL Draft with Dan Graziano. The conversation highlights the anticipation and significance of the draft in the sports calendar, emphasizing its evolution into a major televised event that captivates millions.

• Dan Graziano: "The draft show is the most important thing that ESPN does. It's just an enormous moneymaker. It costs virtually nothing to produce and, you know, 15 million people watch it." [03:06]

Tony and Dan discuss the strategic moves teams are likely to make, focusing on quarterback selections and the potential impact on team dynamics. They express confidence in certain teams' draft picks, particularly Tennessee's choice to select Cam Ward.

• Dan Graziano: "If Tennessee doesn't pick Cam Ward at this point, it would be the biggest shock in recent draft memory by far. I think they are." [20:52]

Tony reflects on the historical context of draft coverage, marveling at how a once static and uneventful process has transformed into a dynamic television spectacle.

• Tony Kornheiser: "Nobody could have thought they were going to televise the draft. I'd have laughed if you told me they would." [19:58]

The discussion also touches on the role of mock drafts and their reliability, with Tony expressing a preference for those conducted by beat writers who have a deeper understanding of the teams and players.

• Tony Kornheiser: "I love mock drafts. Everybody has a mock draft. [...] I like the ones that the beat writers do. Yeah, they're plugged in." [29:47]

Conversation with Maury Povich: Investing in Private Jets vs. Racehorses

Timestamp [02:45-09:32]

Maury Povich joins the show to discuss unconventional investment choices, specifically choosing between a private jet and a racehorse. The conversation reveals Tony's recent acquisition of a racehorse named Paul Clear.

• Maury Povich: "You know, I have a horse right here." [02:54]

Tony shares anecdotes about his foray into owning racehorses, expressing skepticism from others about the wisdom of such investments.

• Tony Kornheiser: "Anything else? You can't buy a restaurant. You just bought a racehorse that was number two. That's worse than a restaurant." [00:00]

Maury and Tony discuss the challenges and uncertainties associated with racehorse ownership, including the competitive nature of races like the Kentucky Derby and the high turnover rate of racehorses in claiming races.

• Maury Povich: "Most of them they get put into what are called claiming races. So somebody else can buy your horse and you're out of the picture." [03:06]

The segment highlights the unpredictability of horse racing and the financial risks involved, ultimately leading to a humorous yet insightful exchange about the viability of such investments.

Deep Dive into Sports: Baseball and the Nationals' Bullpen

Timestamp [09:12-14:35]

The conversation shifts to baseball, with Tony and Maury focusing on the Washington Nationals' recent performance, particularly scrutinizing the bullpen's effectiveness.

• Maury Povich: "The Nats bullpen is the worst in the majors..." [13:47]

Tony elaborates on specific games, discussing relievers like Rutledge and Ferrer, and their impact on the game's outcome. The dynamics of late-inning performances and bullpen reliability are examined in detail.

• Tony Kornheiser: "I did 20 minutes on the bullpen. Drives me crazy." [42:27]

They analyze how limited scoring (e.g., only three runs) affects a team's win rate, touching on statistical insights and the importance of maintaining leads in crucial moments.

• Maury Povich: "If you only score three runs, you're only going to win less than a third of your game." [13:50]

The segment underscores the intricate relationship between bullpen performance and overall team success, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the Nationals' strategies and challenges.

Interview with Michael Wilbon: Golf and Sports Broadcasting

Timestamp [33:11-49:15]

Michael Wilbon joins the show for an in-depth conversation about golf, sports broadcasting, and personal experiences in the industry. The dialogue covers a range of topics, from the intricacies of golf swing techniques to the evolution of sports media.

• Michael Wilbon: "After 60 plus years in this business, the best four years of my life in terms of trying to learn things was when I was on radio only as a news reporter and a sports guy." [38:22]

Tony and Michael discuss the artistry of radio sports broadcasting, emphasizing the challenge of painting vivid pictures with words without the aid of visuals.

• Tony Kornheiser: "I think that's why most people, you know, who love baseball, they love the guys on the radio more than the guys on tv." [38:49]

The conversation transitions to Rory and Jerry Povich's golf prowess, highlighting Rory's significant achievements and the legacy of his father, Jerry.

• Michael Wilbon: "I see Jerry. Jerry is an unbelievably good golfer. And Tony, you won't believe this. His follow-through, his pose on his forward swing is exactly like his son's." [46:33]

They reflect on Rory Povich's major wins and discuss the criteria for greatness in golf, with Michael proposing that winning five majors cements a golfer's legacy.

• Michael Wilbon: "If you win five majors, you are a great golfer." [47:37]

Tony agrees, adding that Rory's continued success will further solidify his status in the golfing world.

• Tony Kornheiser: "I think we'll do this again. You're easy to talk to." [49:11]

Sponsor Messages and Advertisements

Timestamp [02:36-17:00] & [33:42-49:43]

Throughout the episode, various sponsor messages and advertisements are interspersed. These include promotions for Bank of America’s golf initiatives, Hari Mari’s flip-flop collection, Hyundai’s getaway sales event, Rhone Performance Apparel, Bombas socks, Johnny O's polo shirts, and Honey Hound Honey's beekeeping efforts.

• Bank of America: "Bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life." [00:00]
• Hari Mari’s Flip-Flops: "Slipping into a pair of Hari Maris is pure relief." [16:00]
• Hyundai: "Get 2.99 APR for 72 months on the Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson or Elantra." [16:42]
• Rhone Performance Apparel: "Upgrade your wardrobe, because when your clothing performs, so do you." [33:42]
• Bombas: "One item purchased equals one item donated. To feel good and do good, go to bombas.com cozy and use code cozy." [49:32]

These segments are seamlessly integrated into the show, maintaining the flow of conversation while promoting various products and services.

Mailbag Segment: Listener Interactions

Timestamp [50:05-60:54]

Tony opens the mailbag segment, reading listener emails, faxes, and messages. Contributors share personal stories, feedback, and humorous anecdotes related to sports and daily life.

• Listener from Truckee, California: Shares about their bee farm and the critical role of bees in pollination, encouraging supporters to plant bee-friendly flowers and avoid pesticides.

  • Dan Graziano: "Most people don't realize they pollinate about a third of the food Americans eat..." [52:27]

• Eric Robertson, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: Expresses strong opinions about NBA GM Nico Harrison and his handling of the Dallas Mavericks.

  • Tony Kornheiser: "If you think the fans just kind of liked that other guy, Dirk Nowitzki..." [56:05]

• Kyle Caldwell, Edmonton, Alberta: Praises Bethesda Bagels and shares a humorous take on dining experiences.

  • Tony Kornheiser: "Did you ever play Jay Siegel? Do you ever play him head up?" [51:57]

Tony responds to each message with his characteristic humor and insightful remarks, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

Musical Segments and Jingles

Timestamp [62:05-60:54]

The episode features musical interludes, including a track from Kevin Johnson and Nick Bowen titled "Living Dance" and a performance by Peter Delano of the song "Canter of Fenway." These segments add a melodic dimension to the show, complementing the spoken content with lively tunes and creative jingles.

• Kevin Johnson and Nick Bowen: Perform "Living Dance," a vibrant track from their album "Move Like a Record."

  • Tony Kornheiser: "Living Dance is the name of the song." [35:18]

• Peter Delano: Shares his love for playing golf and his passion for music, culminating in the performance of "Canter of Fenway."

  • Tony Kornheiser: "Never heard any of these people. Music has been a constant in my life..." [34:11]

These musical interludes are strategically placed to maintain listener engagement and provide a refreshing break from the analytical discussions.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp [49:32-60:54]

As the episode draws to a close, Tony recaps the discussions, thanks the guests, and reiterates the importance of sports, particularly golf and baseball, in bringing people together. He emphasizes the show's commitment to delivering insightful and entertaining content to its diverse audience.

• Tony Kornheiser: "You are listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show...," [49:32]

In the final moments, Tony addresses the importance of community support for causes like beekeeping and encourages listeners to engage with the show's social media and sponsorships. The episode ends on a high note with a heartfelt song and a reminder for listeners to leave reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Tony Kornheiser on Golf's Future:

   • "Today's most impactful players aren't just on the pro circuit. They're everywhere." [00:00]

2. Dan Graziano on the NFL Draft:

   • "The draft show is the most important thing that ESPN does. It's just an enormous moneymaker." [03:06]

3. Tony Kornheiser on MLB Analytics:

   • "They have to call people patrons and not fans." [40:06]

4. Maury Povich on Racehorse Ownership:

   • "A racehorse totally insane." [00:00]

5. Michael Wilbon on Sports Broadcasting:

   • "Have you watched the Netflix series on the Red Sox? It's really good." [40:28]

6. Listener Feedback on Beekeeping:

   • "Most people don't realize they pollinate about a third of the food Americans eat." [52:27]

7. Tony Kornheiser on Baseball's Romance:

   • "Baseball allows you to breathe a little bit and get psyched up for maybe pitch after pitch." [43:12]

Conclusion

"We Actually Got Maury" is a multifaceted episode that encapsulates Tony Kornheiser's signature blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and engaging interviews. With contributions from regular guests Dan Graziano, Maury Povich, and Michael Wilbon, the episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions that cater to both casual listeners and dedicated sports enthusiasts. From the high-stakes excitement of the NFL Draft to the nuanced performances of baseball bullpens and the intricate world of golf, the show provides comprehensive coverage that is both informative and entertaining. Sponsors and listener interactions further enhance the episode, creating a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode serves as a compelling entry point into the dynamic world of "The Tony Kornheiser Show."