Economic Feelings vs. Reality Clay Travis & Buck Sexton deliver a deep dive into the state of the U.S. economy under President Donald Trump, highlighting newly released economic data, shifts in public sentiment, and a stream of impactful listener calls. The hour opens with Clay outlining major January inflation numbers, where core inflation has fallen to 2.4%, the lowest since early 2021, bringing the U.S. within reach of the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. The hosts emphasize that the economic fears tied to Trump’s tariff policies have not materialized, pointing instead to an economy “moving in a very, very good direction.” They spotlight strong GDP growth at 4.4%, rising real wages, declining rent costs, and steadily falling gas prices—all trends they attribute to a combination of economic leadership and a more secure southern border that has reduced rental demand after millions of illegal immigrants left the country. Another major focus is the dramatic shift in the labor market: government jobs are down more than 40,000, federal jobs down over 30,000, and the U.S. now sits at the lowest government to private sector jobs ratio since 1966. Meanwhile, over 130,000 private sector jobs were added after subtracting government reductions, consistent with what the hosts call Trump’s long term plan to “privatize” the economy. James Van Der Beek A widely shared and emotional cultural moment: the death of actor James Van Der Beek at age 48, best known for “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” who leaves behind six children after battling colon cancer. Clay and Buck play the actor’s final recorded message, a deeply reflective monologue about identity, fatherhood, mortality, and rediscovering self worth through faith. The hosts use the moment to discuss men’s roles as providers, the meaning of purpose, and modern cultural pressures that undermine those foundations. Listener reactions pour in, including powerful calls about losing loved ones to cancer and finding meaning through hardship. Clay Wants to Invest in Cuba The discussion shifts to national security, with Trump addressing questions about potential U.S. action against cartels in Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. A major focus is the aftermath of theMaduro arrest in Venezuela, which the hosts argue may accelerate a regional power shift, including a fast-approaching economic collapse in Cuba due to fuel shortages and weakening support from Venezuela and Mexico. They outline how Cuba could become an economic “jewel” if it embraces capitalism—massive tourism potential, cruise industry expansion, and investment opportunities that could transform South Florida and the Caribbean economy. The Story of the Bell Witch Midway through the hour, the show takes a cultural turn with a lively Friday the 13th conversation on superstition, the occult, and classic horror films. They compare slasher franchises like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream to more atmospheric supernatural films such as The Conjuring—which they praise for storytelling and profitability. The hosts share personal childhood fears, movie memories, and the history of ghost legends like the Bell Witch, now revived through YouTube and paranormal tourism. The conversation continues into Hollywood culture, acting, and behind the scenes realities, including anecdotes about acting careers, the tedium of filming, and how the industry treats political conservatives. They point out that despite glamorized public perceptions, acting is historically a low-status profession—once ranked alongside “clowns and prostitutes”—and remains grueling, repetitive, and deeply political today. 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 and 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/@clayandbuck Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
