The Josh Innes Show - McAfee/Kelce Overload Part 2

Episode Date: September 15, 2026

I'm irrationally annoyed by celebrities who are friends. I get these people don't live in the real world. But, these people that all jerk each other off are annoying. Also, if you attended the Kelce/Swift wedding, you are not a real human and I don't care about anything you have to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But like it's kind of going back to McAfee about striking while the iron's hot. I get why he does that because there won't be a time that he's as hot. But I guess my question is, how hot is he? That's the part where I struggle because like I don't know what Pat McAfee means for ratings. And I don't know what Pat McAfee means Avenue. Like I'm sure he means something or they wouldn't keep putting them on a bunch of shit. But I think they may overestimate how much. he matters to the big picture.

Because I don't even think McAfee is one of those, you know, like if you go back to old school Monday night football, right? And they used to say that, you know, Howard CoSell, you know, they either loved him or you hated him. And you'd even like the people that hated him would turn on the broadcast because they just wanted to watch him to hate him. And there is some truth to that. There are people who are the love to hate people that generated audience like that.

Like I think Howard Eskin and Philadelphia was like that at one point in his existence. And he played that up. It's kind of like being a troll in a way. Like people tune in because they love to hate you. I don't know that we're in that era. Like, does that era exist anymore? There's a good question for you. Does the love to hate era exist?

Like, are we past that? Do we have enough options now where people are just kind of like, you know, like, I don't really want to watch someone just because I hate them. Like, I think people will consume, you know, videos and shit on YouTube or Twitter or whatever. because they hate somebody and get angry about it. But like, I don't know that someone's going to tune in to ESPN because they hate Pat McAfee. And they're not going to seek out his show because they hate him. I do think people like to be angry. And I think people like to fight about shit.

And I like, I think people like to, like, there's a, there's something about being angry that, that people like. And they want to yell at people about shit. But do people tune into Pat McAfee because they hate him? Like, is he a love to hate? Is he a, well, the average stern hater listens for, get this, two hours, answer most commonly given, I want to see what he'll say next. Like, how McAfee's not, I want to see what he'll say next guy? Like, it really is a fascinating thing that Pat's built because, like, if you want to talk

about the stern comparison, right? And if you, there was one thing that I saw annoyed some people over the weekend. And it didn't really annoy me, but, you know, on Game Day two weeks ago, I guess. it was when they were at LSU. And it's McAfee on stage and he's up there with Lane and they're both talking about being hated. And he's like, well, you know, you're not doing anything impactful if you don't have some haters, right?

And it's kind of like, but like, are you, are you just a douche that people are annoyed by? You know, like I get that that's kind of the easy thing. What's the old Schero, Fred Schiro quote or whatever? Like, if you don't want any hate, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing, right? or whatever. I'm paraphrasing that because I botched the quote. But like there is truth to that. But at the end of it, like, and this is the part where I get annoyed because I don't think Pat McAfee says anything that matters. Right. And I don't even mean like politically or racially or like, you know, socially. Like I don't think that is important. But I mean like what is the last take about sports even? Like in his world, right? Pat McAfee is in sports universe, right? What is the last thing that Pat McAfee said about something in sports? That you were like, oh, that's an interesting thought.

I don't remember one. So when you hear like Pat McAfee kind of patting himself on the back and doing fucking albums about how he's super hated, then you're like, well, why is this guy hated? Like you go back to Howard Stern and you go, well, this guy did say some fucked up shit. You know, the Salina thing was, you know, pretty fucked up. The Columbine thing was pretty fucked up. racial shit in the 80s, very taboo stuff and talking with NWA and using the N-word and all this shit. And you're like, the idea that people wanted to hear what Stern would say next is very fucking valid because that show nonstop was like, holy shit, did he say that?

But how, like, that's not a McAfee thing. That's like none of these guys are on TV. When you look at Pat McAfee and you go, God, I got to see what this guy's going to fucking say next. Because I couldn't tell you one take that Pat McAfee has ever had that I remember. The only things that I know about him that are controversial are when he's talking about himself and some sort of war he's having with the internet or whatever who hates him. You know, and mad about having, you know, Aaron Rogers on or whatever. So riddle me this. When is it time?

And look, that's not his schick. I get it. His schick is basically talking for three hours and saying, fucking nothing. He says nothing. He and his boys have very little to offer. And like his job is to kind of just sit there and kind of play the fence on everything and not really offer a thought. But like that. And look, he's gotten rich doing it, some more power to him. But you would think at some point you'd want to have some thought on something. But at no point has there been something involving Pat McAfee, a take and opinion. Like Dave Portnoy, the guy who pulls the strings

with Barstool, the guy who basically created Pat McAfee and and created the caller daddy and was a huge part of why pardon my take became huge and all this shit. You can remember shit that Dave Portnoyas said, things that he said, thoughts that he's had. You can remember that shit, right? Like you can remember during COVID talking about lockdowns and you can remember, you know, sports-related shit and the shit fighting with the NFL commissioner and wearing the clown t-shirts and getting kicked out of the Super Bowl. Like their shit Dave Portnoy did.

What exactly has Pat McAfee done? And I say that not to rip the guy because I admire what he's built, but what exactly has he done? What has he said? What is anything that Pat McAfee has ever done or said where you go? Oh yeah. I remember when Pat had this take? I don't. All I remember is like, hey, the times he'd have to defend the fact that he was talking to Aaron Rogers.

That's it. Like what sports takes has he had? Now maybe that's not his schick. Maybe his gimmick is not having sports takes. But like what's the last opinion? And the thing is, he doesn't have opinions. And he doesn't have opinions because that could possibly impact whether or not he's getting Aaron Rogers on or getting this guy on or this coach.

You know why all these people go on Pat McGivy? Because it's a non-threatening place where they're just going to shoot the shit. And a lot of times do you really get anything out of those conversations? I guess that's my issue with McAfee is he wants to carry himself like he's like this Howard Stern guy who's being vilified and he's the devil in the eyes of these people

and he's so terrible and he's awful and can you believe this about McAfee? He wants to carry himself like that but at the end of it you're like but there's no sizzle it's all sizzle and no stake to use a really lame-ass line It's all sizzle and no stake.

It works. But then like you turn on Monday night countdown or whatever, and you're like, does he have anything to offer here? Not really. You turn on his show. Does he have anything to offer here? Yeah, not really. And that's what makes his assent such a fascinating thing

because at the end of it, you're just kind of like, well, what is it? Like, what is it? Like with Howard Stern, you knew like, holy shit, what's he going to say next? Holy shit, did you hear what he did? Like, you don't get that. Now, maybe that just doesn't exist in media or radio or anything anymore.

And that's hard to do in this era because, you know, maybe no one's shocked by anything anymore. That's possible. Like, maybe people just don't get shocked because we've seen it all. We've heard it all. We've done it all. Whatever. But you don't get that. Like, you don't get someone saying, God, did you see on Pat McAfee today?

And usually when it is, you know what it is? It's fucking Aaron Rogers saying something about, you know, one of his ex-girlfriends are about Fauci or something. But it's never anything that was done. or said by McAfee. Which brings me back to the initial point of this is how much of an impact does he actually make on the bottom line? And it must be something or they wouldn't keep putting them on a bunch of shit. Now, part of what they're trying to do is certainly consolidate shit because that's what all

these companies are doing. You know, they want people who do more jobs so they don't have to pay other people to do those jobs. That's what all these companies are doing. Media companies all over the place are firing a bunch of people and having people do 15 jobs. You know, that's kind of part of it. Now, what you're doing at like a radio company where they're having some sloppy record a couple of shows in a couple of different cities is nothing like, hey, Pat McAfee's making $50 million a year or whatever and doing Monday Night Countdown

and that. I'm not telling you it is. And again, I admire that the guy has built something. My issue is that I don't know what he does. Like the best thing McAfee does is the kicking contest on game day. And that's a cool thing. There's drama involved in it. A kid makes a kick. Like this week, I think some kid made what a million bucks and Matthew McConaughey is involved in it and it's pressure. Like that's the coolest thing Pat McAfee does. But then you watch him during the show and you're like, what is he offering me? You know, because now maybe that's just kind of a statement about what sports media is now, which is nobody really wants any real insight and nobody really wants any real thoughts on things.

They just want to hear what they want to hear about their team. That's why all these podcasts and everything are a big deal in localized niche programming is such a big deal now in the podcast world. I hear these people all the time. Like there's a guy in Detroit named Mike Valenti who's very good at what he does and he's super successful. Sometimes I think he's full of shit and whatever it is what it is. But I mean, he's obviously super successful. That radio station just dominates in Detroit. Like it's a fascinating thing, how big of a deal that radio station.

station is in Detroit. There's no other sports station. It's just like here and they just own it, right? Like compare this. Like, you know, 610 and 790 in Houston, we're pulling like one shares on AM. These guys have like a 15 share. Like it's stupid. They like share wise, they're a bigger deal in Detroit than WIP is in Philadelphia. Like it's that big of a deal. They have every sports team. And, you know, he'll talk about how, sometimes about how, well, you know, like, you know, We're not really getting honest coverage in sports anymore. And I'm like, I don't think anybody wants honest coverage. They don't.

There's a whole generation of people who have grown up with podcasts that play to them, media people who play to them and just tell them what they want to hear. So why would they? Like, why would anybody be honest? Like, there's no real positive. This is not. And by the way, at the end of the day, does it really even matter if you're super honest? It's sports.

Who gives a shit? Nobody's tuning in. Nobody's tuning in to ESPN because they want like real coverage of shit. They're tuning in because they hope somebody says something good about their team. And then if someone doesn't say something good about their team, they get super pissed about it. Like I remember it was a big deal to people when ESPN got in bed with the NFL, right? And like, we're never going to get honest coverage. Do you think you've gotten honest coverage ever?

Do you think when you turn on your local radio station that carries the games? Do you think they're being honest? No, they just tell you what you like to hear. so you think it's honest. It's not. Everybody's controlled by somebody. So, I don't know. Just to the McAfee point, McAfee on Monday Night Countdown, it's like him and Jason Kelsey, and they're like, let's just go out and build like the super team of douche. And that's what they did. And I guess, look, more power to McAfee because he's built a world where he's super rich. And look, that part I admire. I admire that someone's built something.

and done something very cool. I just don't know what he does. Like, at least Stephen A. Smith has a thought on something. It'll change tomorrow, but he's got a thought on something. So, like, you can remember, hey, Stephen A. Smith said this. Help me. When is the last time Pat McAfee? And it can't be about, like, defending having Aaron Rogers on.

And it can't be something that Aaron Rogers said. When is the last time Pat McAfee said something about an athlete, or in sports, an opinion where you go, ah, interesting. I can't tell you one. And maybe he's found the elixir. You know, maybe people don't give a shit about those opinions. And maybe he's right.

I mean, look, he's done very well. But like, at what point are you kind of like, eh, eh. Like, when has Pat McAfee offered anything up that had teeth? And I guess that's the thing is like you can see why certain people build an audience. Like why Stern in the 80s and 90s in the era of the anti-hero?

Why and Stern played to the common man, even though he clearly isn't the common man now. There's another point, by the way. Back to my being annoyed by a celebrity. I guess that's where this whole thing started, right? Like, I understand where it's difficult if you're a big-time celebrity to be friends with average Joe's. you know, like if you're Joe Buck, it's probably hard for you to take your kid to a, you know, his, his baseball game or something to become friends with, you know, his, you know, Billy's dad, Steve. You know, I imagine that's not easy. But it's like, hey, do you know that Joe Buck was at the Kelsey Swift wedding? Like, like, if you're someone who delivers that line to me, if you're like, hey, I was at the Swift Kelsey wedding, I have no interest in you as a human. because you're not a human at this point.

Like you're in this super cult of celebrity that like you don't even pretend to relate to people anymore. If you're at this wedding, it's like, and it seems like everybody was and they're all annoying about it. Remember how great Nikki Glazer used to be? Nikki Glazer was so fucking good. And then she did the roast of Tom Brady. And then she was everywhere. And now she's at the fucking Taylor Swift wedding. She was so good and so under the radar and so hot.

Now she's everywhere. and I don't find her that funny and I don't find her annoying. Like to me, you can't be a comedian and be at the Taylor Swift wedding. Like, part of being a comedian is having an edge as someone who is an observer, an observer of the world and all the absurdity of the world. If a comedian is there to point out the absurdities of the world and you're giving me fucking, hey, I was at the Taylor Swift wedding and it was a fairy tale, like, each shit. I literally have no interest in what you have to say about anything. think. I'm done with you. I used to love Nikki Glazer. And then this roast of Tom Brady happened and she exploded. And now she's at the fucking Taylor Swift wedding. And it's like, man, like, and that's

what I miss. I miss when comedians were like people who pointed out the absurdities of celebrities and shit on people. And you were like, even though they have more money than me, they at least kind of relate. Like they think these people are assholes too. But now the comedians are these assholes. Who are the people that keep these people in check? You know, like, Nikki Glazer was awesome. And now Nikki Glazer is, hey, it was at the Taylor Swift wedding, and I cried and blah, blah, blah. But let me try to explain. Like, I remember when Nikki Glazer, like, she did so many, like, she was self-deprecating, everything.

And now it's just like, now she thinks she's really big shit. And it's probably hard not to think you're really big shit whenever you're at the fucking Taylor Swift wedding. But as we've talked about many times, who are celebrities you look at and just, like and you're like they're kind of relatable. I mean, they're rich and famous, so they're not like us. But at least you feel like they kind are. That's how I feel about Sammy Hagar.

I feel like he seems like kind of a down-to-earth dude, right? But who are the people you look at as celebrities where you're like, you know what? I'd like to hang with this person because they seem like they might be sort of human. There aren't many of them. And then you go back to the Kelsey's and you're like, God, I hate these people. Like, I hate

Donna Kelsey. Good for the dad. because he doesn't have to fuck the mom anymore. But, like, my God. Like, it's not nearly as bad as it used to be in the heyday of this, you know. And I don't even care that they show Taylor Swift. Like, that doesn't bother me. I certainly don't mind it when they show Madison beer. Who did you get?

Jilly brought this up. And I'm like, you know what? You're right. So I'm watching the Chargers game yesterday, two days ago. And they're showing Madison beer. And you compare her suite that she's sitting. into Taylor. And next to Taylor is like Jason Kelsey and the Kelsey mom and her mom. And occasionally there'll be some other celebrity and there's a bunch of people. And every time something happens,

they all hug each other and they're all standing up. If you look at Madison Beer when they show her in this club that she's in or this sweet that she's in, this beautiful, big breasted, big glasses, brown hair, all the wonderful things. She's sitting in this box basically alone. it was such a weird dichotomy, you know? It's like a strange, it's a strange, like, difference between the two of them with, you know, like 30 people hanging around Taylor Swift hugging each other and like Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise hanging out with Taylor Swift. And then there's Madison Beer who's just titty's bouncing in this suite all by yourself.