

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
iHeartPodcasts
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 26, 2026 • 37min
Hour 2 - Snowball Thug Arrested
Hour 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show opens with breaking updates from Capitol Hill as Hillary Clinton testifies behind closed doors on the Jeffrey Epstein matter; the session is abruptly paused after an unauthorized image from inside the room appears on social media, prompting the hosts to dissect why cameras were excluded and what, if anything, the hearing could realistically produce. Clay and Buck argue that Democrats are leaning on Epstein‑themed allegations to attack President Donald Trump much the same way they once leaned on the Steele dossier and the Kavanaugh accusations, while noting that CNN’s reaction polling to Trump’s State of the Union showed a significant bump in confidence that his policies would move the country in the right direction. From there, they widen the lens to question what Democrats can actually run on in 2026 if abortion mobilization has faded, healthcare costs continue to climb under Obamacare’s legacy, and border security remains a political vulnerability; they frame this as a broader identity crisis for the party in a post‑Trump political era. A listener call accusing the hosts of viewing Trump as beyond criticism sparks a sharp exchange about rhetoric, “extremism,” and Buck’s book Manufacturing Delusion, with the hosts maintaining that Democrats’ positions have drifted far from mainstream 60/40 or 80/20 consensus issues. The centerpiece of Hour 2 is an extended interview with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. First, they revisit the Texas Democratic primary media saga—specifically James Talarico’s exposure on national talk shows—and how local Disney‑affiliated stations filed equal‑time notices, potentially opening the door for Jasmine Crockett and others to request comparable airtime. Carr explains how the FCC applies equal‑time rules to programs that are not bona fide news, and why late‑night and daytime shows that consistently platform Democrats may face stricter enforcement during the general election. The conversation then shifts to spectrum and connectivity: Carr outlines efforts to accelerate broadband deployment after years of federal spending that failed to connect homes, and he highlights how satellite‑to‑device technology and fresh spectrum could deliver faster, more competitive internet service. They close the interview on sports broadcasting, tackling consumer frustration with fragmented streaming, rising costs, and the risk that too many NFL games moving behind paywalls could undercut local broadcast economics, weaken the Sports Broadcasting Act’s rationale, and make it harder for fans to simply turn on the TV and find their team. In the final segment of Hour 2, Clay and Buck pivot to public safety and housing policy. They report that NYPD arrested a 27‑year‑old suspect seen hurling large ice chunks at officers during a snowstorm—undercutting early political claims that the perpetrators were “just kids”—and note the individual’s recent arrest record. They also flag reports that President Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are set to meet at the White House, potentially to discuss increasing housing supply by easing zoning and regulatory barriers that keep rents high; Buck underscores how environmental reviews, permitting, and red tape inflate construction costs in cities like New York and California. The hour wraps with teases for Hour 3: a defense of the U.S. men’s hockey gold medalists against media scolds and fresh audio of Vice President Kamala Harris hinting at her 2026 plans. ake sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2026 • 37min
Hour 3 - Make America Eat Healthy Again
Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show dives into a wide-ranging set of political, cultural, and health‑policy topics, beginning with updates on Hillary Clinton’s ongoing testimony in the Epstein investigation, Bill Clinton’s scheduled appearance the following day, and new economic news showing mortgage rates dropping below 6% for the first time in four years. Clay and Buck preview a major conversation planned for tomorrow’s show about escalating tensions with Iran, noting that Middle East negotiations have collapsed and raising the question of whether the United States could be drawn into direct conflict. They also discuss a mysterious developing story out of Cuba, where Americans were reportedly killed by Cuban military forces near the island—an event they describe as highly unusual, geopolitically strange, and potentially signaling a much deeper crisis. The hour then pivots to one of the week's most talked‑about cultural flashpoints: the U.S. men’s hockey team facing backlash from the sports media and Democratic commentators for visiting President Trump at the White House. New Jersey hockey fans deliver a resounding counter‑message, showering the players with cheers and “USA” chants, while loudly booing the state’s new Democratic governor. Clay and Buck use this moment to illustrate how the sports‑media industry became dominated by left‑wing politics after the Colin Kaepernick era, how traditional sports journalism lost value when real‑time information became instant, and why so many sportswriters now rely on ideological content to justify their roles. They argue that most fans simply want sports, not politics, and that AI is poised to replace much of the current sports‑media class. From there, they return to the Cuba incident. Buck outlines competing theories—ranging from a tragic error, to an overreaction by Cuban authorities, to a potential intelligence‑related provocation reminiscent of historical “Gulf of Tonkin”‑style events. Clay takes a more forceful stance, arguing that after 70 years of dysfunction, the United States should eliminate Cuba’s communist regime entirely and rebuild a free, prosperous, capitalist Cuba aligned with American interests. Buck notes that large segments of the South Florida Cuban‑American community would strongly support such an outcome. At the bottom of the hour, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary joins the program for a detailed and rapid‑fire interview. He announces that the FDA just approved a new drug in 44 days—an unprecedented turnaround—and outlines structural reforms intended to speed drug approvals without sacrificing safety. Dr. Makary explains new pathways designed to fast‑track treatments for rare diseases, which collectively affect one in eleven Americans. He discusses the surge in popularity of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs, the unregulated gray zone around peptides, and how the FDA is distinguishing legitimate therapies from unauthorized copycats. He also details sweeping reforms to U.S. nutrition guidance, including rewriting the federal food pyramid, emphasizing protein‑rich whole foods, and eliminating taxpayer funding for sugary drinks and ultra‑processed foods in federal nutrition programs. The conversation then turns to the modern explosion in childhood allergies. Dr. Makary explains that a major cause may have been decades of incorrect medical advice telling parents to avoid feeding young children allergenic foods until age three. He clarifies that early introduction of foods like peanut butter between five and seven months can reduce allergy risk by more than 80%. He also outlines the FDA’s improved communication efforts, updates to vaccine guidance, and ongoing scientific reevaluation of the COVID‑era booster policies that once lacked strong data. As the hour wraps up, the hosts press Dr. Makary on the post‑COVID landscape. He notes that this year’s flu has been more prevalent than COVID, that the flu shot was a poor match for circulating strains, and that the public health response to COVID—especially school closures, masking toddlers, and approving annual boosters without adequate clinical data—was a historic failure. He outlines key FDA goals going forward, including pursuing cures for type 1 diabetes, advanced therapies for certain late‑stage cancers, improved treatments for PTSD in veterans, and a universal flu vaccine providing lifelong protection. Hour 3 closes on a lighter note, with Clay and Buck joking about Clay’s goal of bench pressing 315 pounds, reflecting on how few public voices were willing to challenge mask mandates during the COVID years, and previewing the next day’s topics: whether the U.S. may be headed toward war with Iran, Kamala Harris appearing to signal a 2028 run, and Bill Clinton’s upcoming Epstein testimony. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2026 • 7min
Wellness Unmasked Weekly Rundown: Dr. Casey Means Hearing Breakdown: Can She Be America’s Doctor?
In this episode of Wellness Unmasked, Dr. Nicole Saphier delivers your weekly health and policy rundown—starting with a deeply personal reflection on family, resilience, and finding joy during the Northeast blizzard. Then, she dives into one of the most closely watched health policy stories in Washington: the Senate confirmation hearing of Dr. Casey Means, President Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General. Dr. Saphier breaks down: The controversy over Dr. Means’ medical credentials, including not completing residency and lacking an active medical license Why medical professionals are divided—and what it means for trust in public health leadership The critical role of the Surgeon General as America’s top health communicator Why public trust, credibility, and messaging may matter more than ever in a post-COVID landscape The political dynamics behind the confirmation—and why she’s still likely to be approved Plus, Dr. Saphier shares her candid perspective as a practicing physician on whether credentials should outweigh communication skills—and what the future of public health leadership should look like. 🔜 Coming next week: A deep dive into the State of the Union’s healthcare agenda, the future of the Affordable Care Act, rising premiums, and the growing influence of the MAHA movement.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2026 • 36min
Normally Podcast: Trump’s State of the Union: Hockey Controversy, Democrat Optics & the Teachers Union Literacy Wake-Up Call
On this episode of Normally—the show with normal-ish takes for when the news gets weird—Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down President Trump’s State of the Union and the political chaos swirling around it. They dig into the Democrats’ optics problem (from heckling to refusing to stand for honored guests), why the U.S. men’s hockey team became the latest target of online outrage, and how “unity” moments keep getting treated like a partisan offense. Plus, they tackle two bigger cultural flashpoints: The manufactured hockey “locker room talk” scandal—and why normal people aren’t buying it The State of the Union response—what worked, what didn’t, and why it still feels small next to the main event The ugly Candace Owens campaign targeting Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk—and why the right can’t keep looking away A surprising New York Times admission on literacy—how states with weaker teachers unions are seeing better reading results, and what that means for public education They close with a reminder: don’t let extremists, outrage merchants, or bots steal your joy—or your common sense.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 25min
The Karol Markowicz Show: Dominic Green on Free Speech, Western Civilization & the Fight for America’s Future
In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist, historian, and Wall Street Journal contributor Dominic Green for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, politics, and the future of the West. Dominic shares his unconventional journey from jazz musician to academic to respected columnist, offering sharp insights into the state of free speech in the U.S. and U.K., the cultural battles shaping modern society, and why America remains a land of opportunity—even amid growing chaos. They also dive into: The global fight over free speech and its national security implications Rising tensions in Europe and what they mean for the future of Western values Parenting, purpose, and raising resilient children in uncertain times Why Western civilization still holds the key to meaning, success, and happiness A five-year forecast for America—and why the stakes couldn’t be higher Dominic makes the case for embracing tradition, rejecting cultural decline, and rediscovering the timeless ideas that built the modern world.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 2min
Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 25 2026
Best SOTU Ever A breakdown of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, which both hosts describe as the most optimistic, patriotic, and compelling State of the Union speech he has ever delivered. The hour opens with Buck praising the address as “soaring,” “majestic,” and “the best state of the union speech” he has witnessed, while Clay balances the enthusiasm by noting the length but agreeing it was a powerful, unifying moment for the country. A major theme of the hour is the contrast between Republicans’ patriotic optimism and Democrats’ visible hostility during Trump’s speech. The hosts highlight moments when Democrats refused to stand for straightforward pro‑American statements, arguing that this refusal reflects a deeper ideological divide in the country. The discussion emphasizes how Trump framed the future of America around national pride, strong borders, and a revitalized economy—core themes the audience will recognize as central to the show’s commentary. They're Crazy, Guys The media‑driven controversy surrounding the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team after their White House visit celebrating their historic gold‑medal win. Clay and Buck break down the outrage over Trump’s locker‑room joke—explaining that the joke was aimed at mocking critics who accuse him of sexism, not at insulting the U.S. Women’s Team. They emphasize how the media intentionally distorted the exchange in order to generate a false narrative, comparing it to past political hoaxes that were pushed into public consciousness. The hosts argue this controversy reveals a broader cultural war in which expressions of patriotism are increasingly targeted by left‑wing activists and commentators. The conversation expands into how sports teams traditionally visited the White House under presidents of both parties, with the hosts pointing out the drastic change in media reactions over the past decade. They contrast past norms—where declining a White House visit was considered disrespectful—with today’s environment where simply accepting an invitation is enough to trigger online outrage. Clay frames this as evidence that the political left has embraced open hostility toward American traditions, national pride, and institutions. Truth About Conservative Books Buck shares his personal experience with brick-and-mortar bookstores refusing to order and carry his book, at their expense! Callers share their stories of having to resort to ordering it from Amazon. Buck also warns people about how AI is creating fakes trying to fool people into buying things that Buck didn't author. Bell-to-Bell "No Cell" Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who shares her reaction to Trump’s speech and emphasizes the dramatic contrast between conditions 18 months ago and today on inflation, wages, crime, and global stability. She also sharply criticizes Democrats for refusing to stand during tributes to victims of crime, Gold Star families, and the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team—calling their behavior “appalling” and emblematic of a political party more committed to illegal immigrants than to American citizens. Senator Blackburn then dives into the ongoing social‑media accountability fight, including Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a major California court case involving teen mental‑health harms. She argues that Meta has long known its products contribute to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self‑harm among teens. She pushes for the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support that would impose duty‑of‑care standards on tech companies and restrict manipulative algorithms designed to keep children online.The senator also endorses “bell‑to‑bell, no‑cell” policies for schools, noting research showing improved test scores, reduced bullying, and better classroom participation when students do not have phone access during the school day. Before leaving, Senator Blackburn discusses election integrity, reiterating the overwhelming public support for voter ID and criticizing Democrats for opposing common‑sense verification standards. She also advocates for a federal balanced‑budget amendment, pointing to Tennessee’s successful model. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 37min
Hour 1 - How Could They Not Stand?
Hour 1 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers an energetic, highly detailed breakdown of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, which both hosts describe as the most optimistic, patriotic, and compelling State of the Union speech he has ever delivered. The hour opens with Buck praising the address as “soaring,” “majestic,” and “the best state of the union speech” he has witnessed, while Clay balances the enthusiasm by noting the length but agreeing it was a powerful, unifying moment for the country. A major theme of the hour is the contrast between Republicans’ patriotic optimism and Democrats’ visible hostility during Trump’s speech. The hosts highlight moments when Democrats refused to stand for straightforward pro‑American statements, arguing that this refusal reflects a deeper ideological divide in the country. The discussion emphasizes how Trump framed the future of America around national pride, strong borders, and a revitalized economy—core themes the audience will recognize as central to the show’s commentary. One of the most celebrated segments of the hour is the hosts’ deep dive into Trump’s honoring of American heroes, especially the emotional recognition of the Olympic men’s hockey team and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, the Chinook pilot wounded in Venezuela who continued his mission despite severe injuries. Clay and Buck praise these moments as cinematic, authentic celebrations of American courage and unity. They also spotlight the moving recognition of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans, calling the entire address one of the most patriotic events of Trump’s presidency. A major policy discussion emerges around America’s sharply declining national murder rate, which the hosts argue is a direct result of Trump’s aggressive criminal‑justice and border‑security strategies. They cite dramatic reductions in Washington, D.C. (a 67% drop year‑over‑year), Memphis, and New Orleans, framing Trump’s first year of his second term as producing a 125‑year low in U.S. murders. Clay emphasizes that these improvements overwhelmingly save minority lives—a point they say Democrats refuse to acknowledge because it contradicts their political narrative. The hosts also explore broader ideological battles, including the failures of DEI bureaucracies, the collapse of the “defund the police” movement, and the political realignment around patriotism versus national shame. This includes a segment on the growing national backlash against the medicalization of gender‑transition treatments for minors, which Buck argues were pushed ideologically rather than scientifically.Throughout Hour 1, Clay and Buck also preview upcoming show content, respond to listener reactions about the State of the Union, and discuss the continued growth of their radio, podcast, and streaming presence across SiriusXM and YouTube. This hour is packed with high‑impact political analysis, culture‑war commentary, and strong SEO‑friendly themes including State of the Union recap, Trump second‑term achievements, crime rate collapse, border security successes, Democratic Party reactions, patriotic moments, Olympic hockey team appearance, and recognition of American military heroes. It sets the stage for the remaining hours of the program by emphasizing the sweeping political and cultural implications of Trump’s address and the sharp ideological divide shaping the 2026 election environment. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 37min
Hour 2 - They're Crazy, Guys
Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show continues the deep dive into the national reaction following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, emphasizing how Trump’s economic, border, and crime policies have reshaped American life in his first year back in office. Clay highlights the booming economy—strong GDP growth, falling inflation, four‑year‑low mortgage rates, and surging stock markets—underscoring the show’s message that Trump’s leadership has revitalized key sectors of American prosperity. Buck adds that crime has hit historic lows, reinforcing the program’s recurring theme that Trump’s policies have delivered unprecedented public‑safety gains. A major segment of Hour 2 examines the media‑driven controversy surrounding the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team after their White House visit celebrating their historic gold‑medal win. Clay and Buck break down the outrage over Trump’s locker‑room joke—explaining that the joke was aimed at mocking critics who accuse him of sexism, not at insulting the U.S. Women’s Team. They emphasize how the media intentionally distorted the exchange in order to generate a false narrative, comparing it to past political hoaxes that were pushed into public consciousness. The hosts argue this controversy reveals a broader cultural war in which expressions of patriotism are increasingly targeted by left‑wing activists and commentators. The conversation expands into how sports teams traditionally visited the White House under presidents of both parties, with the hosts pointing out the drastic change in media reactions over the past decade. They contrast past norms—where declining a White House visit was considered disrespectful—with today’s environment where simply accepting an invitation is enough to trigger online outrage. Clay frames this as evidence that the political left has embraced open hostility toward American traditions, national pride, and institutions. Another major focus of the hour is the Democratic response to the State of the Union, including commentary on prominent Democratic figures who delivered rebuttals. Clay and Buck argue that Democrats campaign as moderates but govern from the far‑left, using reminders from the Biden era as examples. They emphasize that Trump’s optimistic, patriotic message stands in contrast to what they describe as the Democrats’ negativity and refusal to acknowledge national successes. The hour then shifts to a heated discussion of New York City’s snowball assault incident, where groups of individuals hurled ice chunks at NYPD officers. Clay and Buck strongly condemn the attacks and criticize New York City leadership for downplaying the incident as a “snowball fight.” They argue that the city’s rising permissiveness toward criminal behavior—paired with decisions to defund planned police positions—signals a dangerous return to lawlessness. The hosts warn that soft‑on‑crime policies will inevitably reverse recent nationwide safety improvements. Interspersed throughout Hour 2 are calls from listeners reacting to Trump’s State of the Union. Callers praise Trump’s strong performance, express disbelief at Democratic lawmakers’ hostility during the speech, and share firsthand examples of improving affordability, such as falling food prices. Clay and Buck highlight these personal stories as further evidence of the positive day‑to‑day effects of Trump‑era policy decisions. The hour concludes with discussion of the behavior of Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib during the State of the Union, with the hosts noting their visible anger, inflammatory messages, and ongoing ethics concerns. They argue that such conduct reflects the broader ideological extremism dominating the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Overall, Hour 2 blends cultural commentary, political analysis, and audience reactions — focusing on themes like media dishonesty, patriotism under attack, White House traditions, crime policy, and the national meaning of Trump’s State of the Union. It serves as a continuation of the show’s overarching narrative that Trump’s policies are delivering measurable improvements while the political left escalates cultural and political confrontation. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 37min
Hour 3 - Bell-to-Bell "No Cell"
Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show continues the team’s full breakdown of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, focusing on how Trump framed his first year back in office as a dramatic national turnaround. Clay and Buck revisit Trump’s declaration that he inherited a nation in crisis—marked by inflation, a weak economy, a wide‑open border, low military and police recruitment, rising crime, and global instability—and contrast it with what he claims are today’s strengthened borders, plummeting inflation, rising incomes, a roaring economy, reinvigorated military confidence, and renewed international respect. They use these themes to drive home the show’s position that presidential leadership profoundly shapes national outcomes, and that Trump’s return has produced measurable improvements across the board. The discussion evolves into a broader critique of Democratic messaging and strategy. Buck emphasizes how some on the political right fall into “black‑pill” fatalism, wrongly believing that political choices don’t matter. Clay pushes back on that notion by emphasizing objective data—such as falling crime rates, stabilized inflation, and rising wages—to argue that leadership clearly affects results. Both hosts stress that Democrats have no strong policy successes to point to and instead rely on emotional appeals and media narratives rather than measurable progress. A major segment of Hour 3 centers on the collapse of traditional Democratic issue dominance, particularly on healthcare and abortion. Clay highlights that skyrocketing health‑insurance premiums and the failure of Obamacare have made healthcare a political liability for Democrats. He also notes that abortion—once a central Democratic mobilizing issue—has faded dramatically as a national topic after the Dobbs ruling returned decisions to the states. Buck adds that many Americans have now seen that the extreme predictions about the Dobbs decision did not materialize, neutralizing the issue. From there, the conversation moves into a deeper critique of the U.S. healthcare system, including the lack of price transparency, the distortion created by insurance‑based billing, and the perverse incentives that make procedures like MRIs far more expensive today despite technological stagnation, while competitive procedures like LASIK have become dramatically cheaper. Clay uses this to argue that bureaucracy—not medical need—drives healthcare costs. The hosts also examine media reactions to Trump’s speech, noting that several major outlets appeared to avoid covering it extensively—a sign, they claim, that Trump’s performance resonated strongly with viewers and undermined Democratic narratives. They also discuss what they view as desperate and baseless political attacks, including renewed attempts in left‑wing media circles to tie Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. Later in the hour, they highlight a revealing political moment: Senator John Fetterman being the only Democrat to shake Trump’s hand at the State of the Union, a gesture that has made Fetterman unusually popular among Republicans but increasingly unpopular among Democrats. Clay and Buck analyze new polling showing Fetterman with high GOP support and sharply declining Democratic support, framing this as evidence of shifting political realignments A substantial portion of the hour is devoted to an interview with Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who shares her reaction to Trump’s speech and emphasizes the dramatic contrast between conditions 18 months ago and today on inflation, wages, crime, and global stability. She also sharply criticizes Democrats for refusing to stand during tributes to victims of crime, Gold Star families, and the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team—calling their behavior “appalling” and emblematic of a political party more committed to illegal immigrants than to American citizens. Senator Blackburn then dives into the ongoing social‑media accountability fight, including Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a major California court case involving teen mental‑health harms. She argues that Meta has long known its products contribute to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self‑harm among teens. She pushes for the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support that would impose duty‑of‑care standards on tech companies and restrict manipulative algorithms designed to keep children online. The senator also endorses “bell‑to‑bell, no‑cell” policies for schools, noting research showing improved test scores, reduced bullying, and better classroom participation when students do not have phone access during the school day. Before leaving, Senator Blackburn discusses election integrity, reiterating the overwhelming public support for voter ID and criticizing Democrats for opposing common‑sense verification standards. She also advocates for a federal balanced‑budget amendment, pointing to Tennessee’s successful model. The hour closes with a lighthearted segment in which Clay and Buck react to Jesse Watters joking on Fox News about Clay’s age, leading to a humorous back‑and‑forth about TV makeup, aging, and behind‑the‑scenes realities of appearing on camera. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 29min
It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind The Tony Gonzales Controversy & The Rise of AI Anxiety
In this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down a rapidly escalating political scandal involving Congressman Tony Gonzales, including newly revealed text messages, allegations of misconduct, and growing calls from within his own party to step aside. Ryan examines the power dynamics, ethical questions, and political consequences surrounding the controversy—and what it means for voters, the GOP, and the upcoming election cycle. Then, we shift to a critical issue shaping the future: artificial intelligence and job security. New polling data reveals that 1 in 3 Americans fear AI could replace their jobs, while politicians scramble to respond. Are Democrats gaining an edge on AI policy? Are Republicans missing the moment? Plus, insights into: The growing populist backlash against AI How 2028 candidates are repositioning on tech regulation Why this issue could become the next major political divide Finally, Ryan answers listener questions in the Ask Me Anything segment, including a deep dive into the ongoing controversy surrounding Wendy Williams and conservatorship laws. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


