Show Pony Live!

Chris Childers
  • 5.0 (3)
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The Uncensored Home of the Show Pony, Chris Childers. 20 + year veteran sports talk radio host for Sirius XM. Specializing in college sports and sports media coverage. Show Pony Sports Media is your place for unfiltered, quirky, and informed college sports perspective and information! www.showponymedia.com

  1. Show Pony Live: Who Really Runs College Sports?

    2d ago

    Show Pony Live: Who Really Runs College Sports?

    Today’s edition of Show Pony Live takes a look at the power struggle happening in college athletics as the SEC and Big 12 wrapped up their spring meetings. Who do Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti ultimately serve? Their schools? Their fans? Or the television networks writing billion-dollar checks? As playoff expansion discussions continue and the SEC and Big Ten gain more influence, I explore whether a super league is truly coming—and if the biggest conferences may be underestimating the backlash that could follow. I also discuss the latest developments involving Brendan Sorsby after new details emerged regarding his gambling activity while at Indiana. The case continues to raise difficult questions about sports betting, athlete responsibility, and the environment college athletes now operate within. Plus, a few thoughts from my weekend getaway with family. From the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Kings Island and a Reds game in Cincinnati, it was a reminder that sports are ultimately about experiences and memories—not just television contracts and revenue projections. On Today’s Show: * SEC and Big 12 meeting takeaways * Who really holds power in college sports? * Greg Sankey, Tony Petitti, and the network influence question * Is a super league inevitable? * New revelations in the Brendan Sorsby case * Kentucky Bourbon Trail highlights * Kings Island and Cincinnati Reds trip recap Show Pony University Cohort #2 Starts Wednesday, June 3 The first cohort was an incredible success, and the feedback from students exceeded my expectations. If you’re interested in sports broadcasting, podcasting, interviewing, content creation, or building your personal brand, I’d love to have you join us. We’ll cover show preparation, interviewing, teases, audience retention, branding, and the skills I’ve learned from more than two decades in national sports radio. Registration is open now at ShowPonyMedia.com. Click the link to sign up. https://buy.stripe.com/9B6cN77eacD27Debs06Vq00 Thanks for listening to Show Pony Live. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every bit of support helps us continue growing this community. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    31 min
  2. The Sport That Gave Birth to Football Is Starting to Grow in America

    May 21

    The Sport That Gave Birth to Football Is Starting to Grow in America

    For today’s episode of Show Pony Live, I decided to step outside my normal college football lane and explore a sport that could be on the verge of a major breakthrough in the United States. My guest is Will Hooley, one of the leading voices in American rugby and a former member of the USA Eagles national rugby team who competed for the Stars and Stripes in the World Cup. Will joined me to discuss the recent growth of rugby and why the sport appears better positioned than ever to gain traction with American sports fans. We also discussed the World Cup of Rugby coming to the USA in 2031, which could become a transformative moment for the sport in this country. If you are a football fan, this conversation is especially fascinating. Rugby and American football share more DNA than many people realize, but the sports also differ in ways that make rugby uniquely compelling to watch. Among the topics we covered: * Why Major League Rugby continues to build momentum * How the 2031 Rugby World Cup could accelerate the sport’s growth in America * Key similarities and differences between rugby and football * Why rugby has become a global phenomenon * What American sports fans may be missing I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and learned a tremendous amount from Will. If you are curious about the future of rugby in the United States, this is a terrific place to start. This will also be the final podcast of the week, as I’m taking a short family vacation over the holiday weekend. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend, and I look forward to returning next week with more episodes of Show Pony Live. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Show Pony Media. 🎧 Search Show Pony Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.📺 Watch on YouTube at @ShowPonyMedia.📝 Subscribe at ShowPonyMedia.com. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    33 min
  3. Just Because the SEC and Big Ten Can Break Away Doesn't Mean They Should

    May 20

    Just Because the SEC and Big Ten Can Break Away Doesn't Mean They Should

    There is a growing sense that the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference are losing patience with the current structure of college sports governance. Reports suggest the two super conferences are increasingly frustrated with the College Sports Commission and may be considering a future in which they break away and build their own governing structure—one where they control the overwhelming majority of the money, the rules, and the power. If that happens, college athletics as we know it could change forever. On tonight’s episode of Show Pony Live, I explain why I believe this would be a profound mistake. My view is straightforward: just because you can do something does not mean you should. The SEC and Big Ten undoubtedly have the resources and influence to create their own system. But college sports has always been bigger than any two conferences. Its appeal has come from a national ecosystem where schools of different sizes, budgets, and histories all had a place in the conversation. Destroying that ecosystem in pursuit of greater financial control would be legal. It would also be deeply unethical. I also discuss comments from Jamie Pollard, who accused the SEC and Big Ten of hypocrisy and essentially challenged them to stop making threats and simply go form their own league if that is what they truly want. And I examine the irony of Big Ten administrators warning about “unsustainable spending” while conducting their spring meetings at an ultra-luxury resort in Southern California. At some point, fans have to ask a simple question: Are college sports leaders acting in the best interests of student-athletes and the broader athletic community—or are they merely consolidating power for themselves? That is the focus of tonight’s episode. 🎧 Search Show Pony Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify📺 Watch on YouTube📬 Subscribe at ShowPonyMedia.com Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    30 min

  4. May 19

    Did FIFA Price Out the American Fan?

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just three weeks away, and despite the United States serving as host, there seems to be surprisingly little buzz. That observation led me to post a tweet over the weekend that unexpectedly exploded. Hundreds of fans weighed in, and one theme surfaced again and again: ticket prices. Many believe FIFA has dramatically overestimated what the American market is willing to pay. Fans compared current prices to previous World Cups and argued that ordinary supporters have effectively been priced out of what should be one of the greatest sporting events on the planet. In a difficult economic climate, people are increasingly sensitive to organizations that appear to be treating the U.S. consumer as an unlimited source of revenue. The frustration in my replies was impossible to ignore. I break down that conversation in today’s episode and explain why the issue may say as much about modern sports business as it does about soccer. Brendan Sorsby’s Gambling Lawsuit I also discuss the legal filing by Brendan Sorsby, who is seeking to expedite his reinstatement after sports gambling violations. Sorsby argues that his actions were influenced by gambling addiction and by the broader sports betting culture that now saturates American athletics. The case raises important questions about accountability, addiction, and the unintended consequences of an industry that has become deeply embedded in college sports. Big Ten Pushes for a 24-Team Playoff Finally, I examine the opening of the Big Ten Conference spring meetings in Southern California, where conference leaders continue to push aggressively for an expanded 24-team College Football Playoff. The Big Ten has made no secret of its desire to reshape the postseason and maximize its influence over the future of the sport. 🎙️ Listen to today’s episode of Show Pony Live wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 Search “Show Pony Live” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📺 Watch on YouTube: YouTube.com/@ShowPonyMedia 📩 Subscribe to the newsletter at ShowPonyMedia.com Presented by Ingiter Ticketing — The Software Behind Your Sellout. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    31 min
  5. Show Pony Live! Congress may actually fix college sports!

    May 15

    Show Pony Live! Congress may actually fix college sports!

    Tonight on Show Pony Live, we are talking about the one thing college sports has needed for years and still has not been able to create on its own. Structure. Show Pony Media is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. A new bipartisan push in the U.S. Senate could become the latest attempt to bring some kind of federal framework to college athletics. For years now, everyone around college sports has said the same thing: The current system is broken. The rules are inconsistent. The courts keep changing the ground beneath everyone’s feet. NIL has created freedom for athletes, but also chaos for schools, coaches, conferences, collectives and fans trying to figure out what the sport is even supposed to be. Now Congress is taking another swing at it. And wouldn’t you know it, some of the most powerful people in the sport already have concerns. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti are reportedly among the early voices pushing back or at least expressing hesitation about parts of the Senate effort. That is not surprising. The SEC and Big Ten are the two biggest power centers in college sports. They have the most money, the most leverage, the biggest brands and the most to lose if Washington creates a system that limits their flexibility. That is where this gets interesting. Because everyone wants a solution until the solution touches their own power. For years, the NCAA has been blasted for being weak, outdated and incapable of running modern college sports. Fair. A lot of that criticism has been earned. But the other part of this is that the schools and conferences have also spent years wanting freedom when it helps them and protection when things get uncomfortable. You cannot have it both ways forever. College sports has been operating like a sport, a business, an educational model, an entertainment product, a labor market and a legal battlefield all at the same time. That was never going to work long term without somebody eventually stepping in. The question now is whether Congress can actually do that in a way that helps the sport without turning it into an even bigger mess. That is what we got into tonight. We also talked about the Brendan Sorsby situation at Texas Tech, which is another example of why college sports needs a real system and not just a collection of emergency decisions. Sorsby’s legal team has reportedly asked the NCAA for an expedited resolution as he seeks reinstatement while facing an NCAA gambling investigation. He previously entered treatment for a gambling addiction, and his eligibility for 2026 remains uncertain. This is not some small story off to the side. Sorsby was one of the biggest quarterback transfers in the country. He landed at Texas Tech with major expectations and a massive NIL situation attached to his move. Now his future is tied up in NCAA rules, legal strategy, eligibility questions, possible discipline and the reality that gambling has become one of the biggest threats facing college sports. The probable outcomes here seem pretty clear. One possibility is that the NCAA and Sorsby’s side reach some kind of negotiated resolution that includes a suspension but allows him to return. Another is that the NCAA takes a harder line and this turns into a legal fight. His attorneys could seek an injunction if they believe the NCAA is moving too slowly or trying to impose too harsh of a penalty. There is also the possibility that his college career is put in serious jeopardy if the NCAA applies its gambling rules strictly, especially because NCAA rules prohibit athletes from wagering on college or pro sports. That is why the Sorsby case fits with the bigger topic. Tonight on the show, I tried to walk through the new Senate push, the early resistance from the SEC and Big Ten, and why the Sorsby situation is one more flashing red light on the dashboard. College sports has been begging for help. Now help may actually be coming. The next question is whether the people in charge actually want it. Watch the full episode of Show Pony Live. Subscribe at ShowPonyMedia.com.Search Show Pony Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@showponymedia. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    38 min

  6. May 14

    Kermit Davis on Lane Kiffin, Oxford, NCAA Tournament Expansion, and Life After Coaching

    Kermit spent five seasons leading the basketball program at University of Mississippi and lived in Oxford during the same period Lane Kiffin was coaching football. As someone who grew up in Mississippi and has seen the state evolve over several decades, Kermit shares why he was disappointed by Kiffin’s recent comments about Oxford and explains how much both the community and the university have changed. We also discuss Kermit’s strong support for expanding the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament from 68 to 76 teams. Unlike many critics, he believes expansion would strengthen the event and create even more opportunities for deserving programs. In addition, Kermit reflects on his transition from coaching to broadcasting with SEC Network, where he has quickly become one of the most insightful analysts in college basketball. And yes, we also talk about his summer home in Watersound—one of the great spots on the Gulf Coast and a place I know well. This episode covers race, reputation, tournament expansion, broadcasting, and the next chapter in a successful coaching career. 🎧 Search Show Pony Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: YouTube.com/@ShowPonyMedia📬 Subscribe to ShowPonyMedia.com for more original commentary and exclusive content Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    32 min
  7. Tom Luginbill on Lane Kiffin, Recruiting, and the Road to ESPN

    May 13

    Tom Luginbill on Lane Kiffin, Recruiting, and the Road to ESPN

    One of the most respected voices in college football joins me on tonight’s episode of Show Pony Live. Tom Luginbill has built one of the most unique careers in sports media. From becoming one of the nation’s most trusted recruiting analysts to developing a distinctive role as an on-field analyst for ESPN, Tom has created a career path unlike anyone else in the business. In this episode, Tom reacts to the latest controversy involving Lane Kiffin and offers his perspective on why the comments have generated such a strong response across college football. We also discuss: * How Tom built his reputation in the football recruiting industry * The story of how he landed at ESPN * How his unique on-field analyst role evolved * What goes into preparing for games each week * The importance of carving out your own niche in sports media Tom’s journey is a tremendous example of what can happen when expertise, persistence, and preparation intersect. Whether you’re a college football fan, aspiring broadcaster, or someone interested in how careers are built in sports media, this conversation is packed with valuable insight. Watch the Full Episode You can watch the full episode on YouTube at YouTube.com/@ShowPonyMedia. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Search Show Pony Live on: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify Subscribe to Show Pony Media For daily commentary, premium columns, and exclusive interviews, subscribe at ShowPonyMedia.com. Thank you for supporting independent media. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    48 min
  8. Show Pony Live: Is College Sports Becoming NASCAR?

    May 12

    Show Pony Live: Is College Sports Becoming NASCAR?

    Tonight on Show Pony Live, I expand on one of the most important questions facing the future of college athletics. NASCAR was a juggernaut in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It packed grandstands, delivered massive television ratings, and built one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. But years of overexpansion, constant rule changes, gimmicks, and decisions that ignored the core audience led to a significant decline. Could college football be making the same mistakes? Conference realignment has shattered decades of tradition. NIL has created an unregulated marketplace. The transfer portal has accelerated roster turnover. And playoff expansion continues to threaten the urgency and uniqueness that made every Saturday feel so meaningful. In my view, college football remains one of the greatest products in American sports, but even the strongest brands can lose their way when leaders forget what made them special in the first place. I also react to comments from Lane Kiffin, who criticized his former employer University of Mississippi in a recent Vanity Fair interview. His remarks offer another revealing glimpse into the changing power dynamics in modern college athletics. Watch the show live at 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT on X and YouTube, then subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching “Show Pony Live.” For more original commentary and premium analysis, visit ShowPonyMedia.com. Get full access to Show Pony Media at www.showponymedia.com/subscribe

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Uncensored Home of the Show Pony, Chris Childers. 20 + year veteran sports talk radio host for Sirius XM. Specializing in college sports and sports media coverage. Show Pony Sports Media is your place for unfiltered, quirky, and informed college sports perspective and information! www.showponymedia.com

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Childers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Childers
  • Show Website
    Show Pony Live!

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