Podcast Summary: "We Pray After" – The Tony Kornheiser Show (August 12, 2025)

Hosted by Tony Kornheiser, Tim Kirkjian, and Pat Forde

Introduction

In the episode titled “We Pray After,” released on August 12, 2025, Tony Kornheiser and his regular co-hosts, Tim Kirkjian and Pat Forde, delve deep into the current landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB), discuss the evolving world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and explore significant transformations in college football. The show blends insightful sports analysis with personal anecdotes, providing a well-rounded discussion for listeners.

Major League Baseball: Brewers’ Dominance and the 2025 Season Outlook

The primary focus of this episode revolves around MLB, with a particular emphasis on the Milwaukee Brewers' exceptional performance this season.

Brewers’ Exceptional Performance: Pat Forde commends the Brewers for their unprecedented 65-game stretch, highlighting their cohesive team dynamics and strategic gameplay. He notes, “They have the greatest 65 game stretch in the history of the franchise” ([22:13]). The Brewers' success is attributed to their aggressive base-running, leading the National League in stolen bases, and their effective starting and bullpen pitching. Manager Pat Murphy’s relaxed and confident style is also credited for fostering a positive team environment.

Pitching Decisions and Managerial Strategy: Tony and Pat delve into specific pitching decisions, critiquing manager Miguel Cairo’s handling of pitcher Cade Cavalli. Tony remarks, “Miguel Cairo makes more pitching changes than anybody I've ever seen” ([05:33]), expressing disappointment over Cairo’s inability to pull Cavalli despite evident signs of fatigue and declining performance. The discussion underscores the importance of timely managerial decisions in maintaining a team’s competitive edge.

Season Unpredictability: Pat Forde highlights the unpredictable nature of the 2025 MLB season, noting, “I look at no team and think, oh, this team is going to the World Series” ([20:14]). This unpredictability is framed as a positive aspect, making the season exhilarating and keeping fans engaged until the very end. The only exception remains the Brewers, whose consistent performance has made them the standout team of the year.

Brewers vs. Nationals: The conversation shifts to the Nationals, examining their potential in the postseason. Pat observes, “The Nationals have good young players. They're on the way up, but they're going to need ownership to spend some money and bring in some more veteran players to help the young guys along” ([25:18]). This analysis highlights the Nationals' promising roster but also their need for strategic investments to secure a championship run.

Notable Quotes:

• “They put the ball in play. What a concept.” – Pat Forde ([22:13])
• “I would have said five's enough. You haven't pitched this long. I don't know.” – Tony Kornheiser ([05:33])
• “We have no idea who's going to the World Series. And that's what makes it so interesting.” – Pat Forde ([20:14])

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and UFC’s Strategic Shift

The hosts transition to discussing the latest developments in MMA, particularly the UFC’s move from ESPN to Paramount and CBS.

UFC’s Financial and Strategic Move: Pat Forde highlights the UFC’s new seven-year, $7.6 billion deal with Paramount and CBS, questioning the motivations behind such a significant shift. He states, “You don't make that kind of move without being pretty sure you're going to get a monster audience” ([09:15]). The discussion focuses on the potential for this move to elevate MMA’s mainstream presence despite its inherent violence.

Hosts’ Perspectives on MMA: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Kornheiser express skepticism about the appeal of MMA. Michael muses, “I won’t watch them. It is just not for me” ([10:02]). They compare MMA unfavorably to other combat sports like boxing and wrestling, emphasizing its perceived lack of strategy and excessive violence.

Future of Combat Sports: The conversation also touches upon the decline of boxing and how MMA is filling that void, albeit contentiously. They ponder whether MMA could ever integrate smoothly into mainstream sports programming, considering its contrasting audience compared to more traditional sports.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's like you're in ancient Rome watching people battle to the death.” – Tony Kornheiser ([12:07])
• “It's like gladiatorial combat.” – Pat Forde ([12:07])
• “They are still trying to piece it together, a rule structure.” – Tim Kirkjian ([44:53])

Personal Anecdotes: Grilling Mishaps and Culinary Trials

Interspersed between the sports discussions, the hosts share humorous personal stories about cooking and grilling.

Grilling Disasters: Pat Forde recounts his struggles with grilling, admitting, “I made steaks the other day, completely charred them and yet they were raw on the inside” ([19:31]). This lighthearted exchange provides a relatable break from the intense sports analysis, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and ability to blend humor into the conversation.

Gardening vs. Grilling: Tim Kirkjian adds to the story, comparing his ongoing battle with squirrels to historical trench warfare: “It's kind of like the terrible stages of World War I where nobody got the upper hand” ([36:56]). The playful analogy highlights their challenges in maintaining their garden amidst nature’s interruptions.

Notable Quotes:

• “I'm just surprised my house hasn't blown up or caught on fire from my grills in the backyard.” – Pat Forde ([19:31])
• “It's like good.” – Tim Kirkjian ([36:56])

College Football: Transformations and NCAA's Role

The episode shifts focus to college football, exploring significant changes that have reshaped the sport in recent times.

Structural Shifts in College Football: Tim Kirkjian asserts, “The format of college football has changed beyond anything we’ve ever seen” ([38:02]). The hosts discuss the dismantling of traditional NCAA structures, free agency-like movements, and the legal battles that have upended the sport’s framework.

Impact of Legal Decisions: Tim elaborates on how recent court rulings have undermined the NCAA’s control, leading to a chaotic environment where athletes have unprecedented freedom to transfer and seek compensation: “It's an Oklahoma land rush. Everybody's just charging and getting what they get” ([43:51]).

Best Coaches and Teams: The conversation includes a nod to Nick Saban’s dominance in coaching, with Pat Forde emphasizing his unparalleled success: “Nick Saban did what stands apart from anything else” ([38:34]). They also discuss standout players like Joe Burrow, considering him among the greatest in the past 25 years.

Future Outlook: The hosts ponder the future of college football, debating potential solutions like congressional interventions or reclassifying college teams as semi-professional entities. They acknowledge the challenges in maintaining academic integrity amidst the sport’s commercialization.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's like gladiatorial combat.” – Tim Kirkjian ([38:34])
• “Every movement he makes is surgical. This is what Shohei Ohtani is.” – Pat Forde ([29:30])
• “It's clearly not for me. But is it, Michael, with people your age and younger, is it that big a deal?” – Pat Forde ([10:25])

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the multifaceted discussions, blending sports analysis with personal stories to create an engaging and informative show. They tease upcoming segments and invite listeners to continue following their diverse conversations.

Final Anecdotes and Future Content: Tony shares a whimsical story about announcing games while under the influence of ice cream, highlighting the show’s humorous side. Additionally, they hint at future guest appearances, including an upcoming interview with Charles Barkley on Tim’s podcast, further enriching the show’s content.

Notable Quotes:

• “This is the Tony Kornheiser Show. Boys and girls, we will take a break.” – Tony Kornheiser ([31:34])
• “Having the goal to shoot a 90 is a great mindset for the average chop.” – Tony Kornheiser ([53:54])

Conclusion

“We Pray After” offers a comprehensive look into the current states of MLB, MMA, and college football, presented through the insightful and humorous lens of Tony Kornheiser and his co-hosts. The episode balances in-depth sports analysis with light-hearted personal stories, making it a compelling listen for both avid sports fans and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Tony Kornheiser: “Miguel Cairo makes more pitching changes than anybody I've ever seen” ([05:33])
• Pat Forde: “They put the pressure on the defense by running at all opportunities” ([22:13])
• Tim Kirkjian: “It's an Oklahoma land rush” ([43:51])

Key Takeaways:

• The Milwaukee Brewers are having an extraordinary season, outpacing traditional powerhouses.
• The unpredictability of the MLB season is enhancing fan engagement.
• MMA's future remains uncertain despite lucrative deals, as perceptions of violence hinder mainstream acceptance.
• College football is undergoing seismic changes due to legal and structural shifts, challenging the NCAA's traditional control.
• Personal stories add a relatable and humorous dimension to the hosts' dynamic.