Reflecting on the Loss of Cultural Icons

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four Thursday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

RIP Hulk Hogan and Russiagate 101

The shocking report of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan’s death at age 71. Clay reflects on Hogan’s cultural impact during the 1980s and 1990s, his recent appearance at the Republican National Convention, and his vocal support for President Donald Trump. The hour opens with a tribute to Hogan’s legacy in sports entertainment and American pop culture.

The episode then transitions into a deep-dive breakdown of the Russiagate scandal, prompted by listener feedback requesting clarity on the complex narrative. Clay outlines the origins of the Russia collusion narrative following Trump’s 2016 election victory, emphasizing how the media, intelligence community, and Democratic establishment allegedly collaborated to delegitimize Trump’s presidency. He argues that the narrative was built on misinformation and politically motivated leaks, leading to years of investigations that ultimately found no evidence of collusion.

Clay also discusses the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on presidential immunity, suggesting it could shield former President Barack Obama from potential legal consequences related to the 2016 surveillance of the Trump campaign. He explores the implications of this precedent for future administrations and how it may influence accountability for figures like James Comey, John Brennan, James Clapper, and Hillary Clinton.

Uncle Bill Confronts Evil

Clay speaks with bestselling author and media veteran Bill O’Reilly on a range of issues, including the passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan at age 71. They reflect on Hogan’s iconic legacy and his pivotal legal victory over Gawker Media. They also explore Hogan’s cultural impact and transitions into a deeper discussion on O’Reilly’s upcoming book, Confronting Evil, which examines historical and modern manifestations of collective evil, including figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Putin.

The hour intensifies with analysis of the Idaho murders and the chilling demeanor of the accused, Bryan Kohberger, as well as the broader implications of confronting individual versus systemic evil. O’Reilly and Travis then pivot to the explosive revelations from Tulsi Gabbard regarding the 2016 election and alleged misconduct by intelligence agencies. The discussion centers on former CIA Director John Brennan and the legal ramifications of knowingly using false information to obtain warrants, with O’Reilly suggesting potential prison time.

The Epstein case resurfaces as Clay asks O’Reilly what advice he’d give President Trump amid renewed scrutiny. O’Reilly reveals he spoke with Trump earlier that day and advises full deferral to the Justice Department, warning against media manipulation and emphasizing the political weaponization of Epstein-related narratives. The conversation also touches on the Wall Street Journal’s reporting and the risks of releasing unverified names tied to Epstein, which could trigger massive lawsuits.

Clay's Business Advice

Deep dive into the latest developments in the Russiagate hoax and new revelations from Tulsi Gabbard and the long-term media and political implications. Clay also discusses the controversial decision by an Obama-appointed judge to block the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and justice.

Sunny Hostin of The View says Stephen Colbert’s potential firing is a threat to democracy. Clay challenges her legal credibility, sparking a broader conversation about First Amendment rights, media accountability, and the economics of entertainment. He contrasts Colbert’s financial losses with the massive $1.5 billion deal awarded to South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, underscoring the market-driven nature of media success.

GA Rep. Brian Jack Wants to Bring Boxing Back

An exclusive interview with Congressman Brian Jack of Georgia’s 3rd District. Jack, a former Trump White House official, discusses his newly introduced Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, aimed at revitalizing professional boxing in the U.S. by modernizing outdated legislation. He emphasizes the need for innovation, athlete protections, and restoring boxing’s cultural relevance, with support from Lonnie Ali and the Association of Boxing Commissions.

In a sports-meets-politics crossover, Travis praises NFL coach John Harbaugh for defending his visit to President Trump amid media scrutiny, calling it a “home run” response and a sign of shifting cultural courage in sports. The segment also touches on the resurgence of UFC and WWE, the decline of boxing, and the importance of American athletes reclaiming dominance in combat sports. 

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