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/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 -

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

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 overwhe

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 RYAN

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debra Lea joins Buck for her first appearance on the podcast after f Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. They discuss the administration’s first-year accomplishments, and break down what could be ahead in year two. Buck and Debra also discuss campus politics, media influence, and the future of the conservative movement. Plus, Debra gives her report card on the Trump administration, top cabinet performers, and the policies she hopes to see prioritized in the year ahead.

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

 

Connect with Buck Sexton:
Facebook –   / bucksexton 
X –  @bucksexton 
Instagram –   @bucksexton

TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

YouTube - @BuckSexton  

Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/

Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debra Lea joins Buck for her first appearance on the podcast after f Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. They discuss the administration’s first-year accomplishments, and break down what could be ahead in year two. Buck and Debra also discuss campus politics, media influence, and the future of the conservative movement. Plus, Debra gives her report card on the Trump administration, top cabinet performers, and the policies she hopes to see prioritized in the year ahead.

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

 

Connect with Buck Sexton:
Facebook –   / bucksexton 
X –  @bucksexton 
Instagram –   @bucksexton

TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

YouTube - @BuckSexton  

Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.