The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.
First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment.
Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing fight over children and social media after Meta faces major legal consequences over allegations involving Facebook, Instagram, and harm to minors. Are lawsuits and government regulation really the answer — or do parents ultimately have to take control of their kids’ phones and social media use?
Plus, Bill Gates is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and its potential to eliminate jobs and cause major economic disruption. Is an AI-driven employment crisis really coming, or are predictions of catastrophe overlooking the opportunities created by technological change?
Finally, Mary Katharine and Karol remember Dolly Parton, her legendary songwriting career, her faith, humor, generosity, Imagination Library, and the remarkable ability she had to remain beloved across political and cultural divides. They also react to the King’s Guard honoring Dolly with a performance of “9 to 5” following her death.
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Karol Markowicz sits down with Zachary Kussin, real estate editor at the New York Post, for a wide-ranging conversation about journalism, New York City real estate, personal style, resilience, and the value of embracing who you really are.
Kussin shares the unlikely story of how a Craigslist job posting helped launch his journalism career, eventually leading him from The Real Deal to the New York Post. He explains what makes real estate reporting such a unique beat and how years of hard work, unexpected opportunities, and a little luck shaped his career.
The conversation also turns personal as Kussin recounts losing nearly everything when a seven-alarm fire tore through his New York City apartment building. The experience gave him an opportunity to rebuild—not just his home, but a space that genuinely reflected his personality, travels, and lifelong love of antiques, vintage jewelry, fashion, and design.
Karol and Zachary discuss growing more confident with age, finding your people, developing meaningful relationships, pursuing unconventional passions, and refusing to change yourself simply to fit other people's expectations.
Kussin also shares his philosophy for living a happier life: embrace adventure, pursue what genuinely interests you, take chances even when you don't know the outcome, and have the confidence to be yourself.
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Clay and Buck devoted considerable time to analyzing political demographics in Michigan, highlighting the unique electoral landscape that includes both large Jewish and Arab-American populations. They debated whether Jewish voters who traditionally support Democratic candidates might reconsider their voting habits because of concerns about antisemitism and Democratic candidates' positions on Israel. The hosts invited listeners from Michigan to weigh in on local political conversations and discussed the potential impact of those voter shifts on the race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

Another major theme was the hosts' argument that progressive politics have evolved from what they termed "Woke 1.0" to "Woke 2.0." They contended that earlier movements focused on racial politics, police reform, and Black Lives Matter, while today's progressive movement is increasingly centered on anti-Israel activism and economic populism. Clay and Buck argued that modern left-wing messaging is shifting toward affordability concerns, wealth redistribution, and anti-capitalist rhetoric, while still relying on identity politics as a core organizing principle. They also credited Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, along with the widespread use of police body camera footage, for undermining narratives that fueled previous social justice movements

The guys break down the aftermath of Darlene Graham's victory over Ralph Norman in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary. Clay and Buck analyzed the decisive role President Donald Trump's endorsement played in the outcome, arguing that Trump's support was likely the determining factor in the race. The hosts discussed the power of political endorsements, candidate quality, party loyalty, and the realities of modern campaign politics, while also exploring how Senate offices often rely heavily on staff influence and party leadership in shaping policy decisions.

The conversation then shifted to one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election cycle: the Michigan Senate contest between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Clay and Buck examined El-Sayed's political messaging, campaign rhetoric, and progressive policy positions, arguing that his worldview is disconnected from many Michigan voters. They highlighted a controversy involving comments from an El-Sayed campaign staffer criticizing Rogers' campaign imagery and discussed broader questions about cultural identity, blue-collar voters, and the importance of understanding Midwestern political values.

Columnist and podcast host Karol Markowicz joined the show. The conversation began with extensive discussion of the high-profile Lindsay Clancy murder trial, which has generated significant national attention. Markowicz, Clay, and Buck examined public reactions to the case, particularly among female audiences, and debated broader cultural issues involving online communities, social media influence, conspiracy theories, criminal accountability, and public sympathy for controversial defendants. The hosts also compared public reactions to other high-profile criminal cases and discussed how internet culture shapes public perception.

The interview then returned to politics, with Markowicz offering her perspective on Jewish voting patterns following the October 7 attacks in Israel. She argued that some Jewish voters have begun reconsidering long-standing Democratic loyalties due to concerns about antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on the political left. The conversation explored demographic trends, partisan realignment, the future of Jewish political engagement, and how these developments could influence battleground races across the country.

The discussion turned to travel, history, and international affairs as Markowicz shared details from her family's recent trips to Israel and Europe. She described visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with her children and discussed the atmosphere in Israel, tourism, and everyday life there. The conversation also explored World War II history through her visit to Normandy, France, where Clay and Karol reflected on D-Day, military history, American sacrifice during World War II, and the enduring appreciation shown toward the United States in the region.

The guys centered on the controversy involving former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom and his challenge to the WNBA’s policies regarding gender participation in women’s sports. Clay and Buck discussed comments from NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who argued that men should not compete in women’s sports and criticized sports leaders for failing to draw clear boundaries regarding eligibility. The hosts examined the broader cultural debate over biological sex, gender identity, competitive fairness, and league policies, arguing that sports organizations have increasingly struggled to define standards that many fans consider straightforward.

The conversation expanded into reactions from sports and media personalities, including Jason Williams and Charlamagne Tha God. Clay and Buck analyzed criticisms directed at Enes Kanter Freedom and argued that many critics were missing the underlying point of his protest. The hosts contended that debates over transgender athletes, biological advantages, and the future of women’s sports remain unresolved despite growing public scrutiny. They also discussed what they viewed as contradictions among some athletes and commentators who acknowledge biological differences between men and women while simultaneously opposing efforts to establish stricter participation standards.

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Hour 1 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focused heavily on politics, the evolving identity of the Democratic Party, the 2026 midterm elections, and reflections on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. The hour opened with an emotional tribute to Parton following news of her passing, with Clay and Buck celebrating her extraordinary cultural impact, charitable work, and lifelong contributions to America. Particular attention was given to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which has provided millions of books to children around the world and was highlighted as one of the most significant philanthropic achievements in modern history.

The hosts also analyzed the major political story of the day: Senator Darlene Graham's narrow Republican primary victory over Ralph Norman in South Carolina. Clay and Buck discussed the significance of the win, President Donald Trump's influence in the race, and what the outcome means for the broader Republican strategy heading into the 2026 midterm elections. They examined campaign spending, voter turnout dynamics, and the growing importance of key Senate races as Republicans seek to strengthen their position nationally.

A substantial portion of Hour 1 centered on what the hosts described as the continued rise of the progressive left within the Democratic Party. They focused on left-wing media personality Hasan Piker and his growing influence among younger voters, criticizing Democratic politicians who have appeared alongside him despite his controversial comments regarding Israel, American Jews, and U.S. foreign policy. Clay and Buck argued that figures such as Hasan Piker, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed represent a broader ideological shift occurring within Democratic politics.

The discussion expanded into a broader debate about antisemitism, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Democratic coalition politics. The hosts examined comments made by Abdul El-Sayed regarding the Jewish community and questioned whether his public statements are consistent with the views held by key elements of his political base. They explored tensions between pro-Israel and anti-Israel factions within the Democratic Party and discussed how Jewish voters, particularly in Michigan, may respond in one of the nation's most competitive Senate contests.

Clay and Buck devoted considerable time to analyzing political demographics in Michigan, highlighting the unique electoral landscape that includes both large Jewish and Arab-American populations. They debated whether Jewish voters who traditionally support Democratic candidates might reconsider their voting habits because of concerns about antisemitism and Democratic candidates' positions on Israel. The hosts invited listeners from Michigan to weigh in on local political conversations and discussed the potential impact of those voter shifts on the race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
Another major theme in Hour 1 was the hosts' argument that progressive politics have evolved from what they termed "Woke 1.0" to "Woke 2.0." They contended that earlier movements focused on racial politics, police reform, and Black Lives Matter, while today's progressive movement is increasingly centered on anti-Israel activism and economic populism. Clay and Buck argued that modern left-wing messaging is shifting toward affordability concerns, wealth redistribution, and anti-capitalist rhetoric, while still relying on identity politics as a core organizing principle. They also credited Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, along with the widespread use of police body camera footage, for undermining narratives that fueled previous social justice movements.
The hour also featured a discussion about media influence, political messaging, and voter perception. Clay and Buck shared listener reactions, discussed criticism they have received from both sides of Republican political debates, and reflected on the challenges of political commentary in an era of highly polarized audiences.
As the hour concluded, the focus returned to the critical Michigan Senate race, with listener calls providing insight into concerns among Jewish voters regarding Abdul El-Sayed's candidacy, Democratic Party politics, antisemitism, Israel policy, and the future direction of one of the most closely watched battleground-state elections of 2026. Throughout Hour 1, the hosts framed these developments as part of a larger national debate over political realignment, religious identity, free speech, election strategy, and the future of both major political parties.
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:
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Hour 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show centered on the political fallout from South Carolina's Republican Senate primary, the increasingly competitive Michigan Senate race, voter coalitions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, debates over capitalism and wealth creation, the Lindsay Clancy trial, Jewish voter trends, international travel, and listener interaction. The hosts continued examining the major political developments shaping the national landscape while blending in cultural commentary and audience feedback.

A significant focus of Hour 2 was the aftermath of Darlene Graham's victory over Ralph Norman in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary. Clay and Buck analyzed the decisive role President Donald Trump's endorsement played in the outcome, arguing that Trump's support was likely the determining factor in the race. The hosts discussed the power of political endorsements, candidate quality, party loyalty, and the realities of modern campaign politics, while also exploring how Senate offices often rely heavily on staff influence and party leadership in shaping policy decisions.

The conversation then shifted to one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election cycle: the Michigan Senate contest between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Clay and Buck examined El-Sayed's political messaging, campaign rhetoric, and progressive policy positions, arguing that his worldview is disconnected from many Michigan voters. They highlighted a controversy involving comments from an El-Sayed campaign staffer criticizing Rogers' campaign imagery and discussed broader questions about cultural identity, blue-collar voters, and the importance of understanding Midwestern political values.
Throughout Hour 2, the hosts took several calls from Michigan listeners, particularly members of the Jewish community, to gauge reactions to El-Sayed's candidacy and the evolving political climate. Callers discussed concerns about antisemitism, voter turnout, and the future direction of the Democratic Party. Clay and Buck examined whether Jewish voters in Michigan may become a decisive voting bloc capable of influencing a highly competitive Senate race, with particular focus on suburban Detroit communities and the intersection of religion, culture, and partisan loyalty.

The discussion expanded into a broader debate about capitalism, wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and the role of billionaires in American society. Using Detroit as a case study, the hosts highlighted major investments by business leaders such as the Ford family, Dan Gilbert, and the Ilitch family, arguing that private-sector investment has helped revitalize large portions of the city. They contrasted these examples with progressive criticism of wealth accumulation and discussed how entrepreneurs, business owners, and major employers contribute jobs, economic growth, infrastructure development, and community investment.
Artificial intelligence, data centers, economic development, and emerging technology also entered the conversation. Clay and Buck debated how major technology companies and AI infrastructure projects can better communicate their benefits to local communities. They explored how data centers create jobs and tax revenue while discussing the broader economic implications of America's competition with China, innovation leadership, and the future of technology-driven growth.
The hosts also examined voter turnout strategies and coalition building ahead of the midterm elections. Discussions included efforts to mobilize traditionally low-turnout voting blocs, comparisons to outreach efforts among Amish voters in Pennsylvania, and questions about whether turnout rather than persuasion may ultimately decide key battleground states. Clay argued that redistricting and favorable electoral maps could improve Republican prospects, while Carol Markowitz later offered her own assessment that Republicans are likely to retain the Senate but face challenges holding the House.

A major segment of Hour 2 featured columnist and podcast host Karol Markowicz. The conversation began with extensive discussion of the high-profile Lindsay Clancy murder trial, which has generated significant national attention. Markowicz, Clay, and Buck examined public reactions to the case, particularly among female audiences, and debated broader cultural issues involving online communities, social media influence, conspiracy theories, criminal accountability, and public sympathy for controversial defendants. The hosts also compared public reactions to other high-profile criminal cases and discussed how internet culture shapes public perception.
The interview then returned to politics, with Markowicz offering her perspective on Jewish voting patterns following the October 7 attacks in Israel. She argued that some Jewish voters have begun reconsidering long-standing Democratic loyalties due to concerns about antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on the political left. The conversation explored demographic trends, partisan realignment, the future of Jewish political engagement, and how these developments could influence battleground races across the country.

Later in the hour, the discussion turned to travel, history, and international affairs as Markowicz shared details from her family's recent trips to Israel and Europe. She described visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with her children and discussed the atmosphere in Israel, tourism, and everyday life there. The conversation also explored World War II history through her visit to Normandy, France, where Clay and Karol reflected on D-Day, military history, American sacrifice during World War II, and the enduring appreciation shown toward the United States in the region.

As Hour 2 concluded, the hosts mixed lighter moments into the program, discussing podcast growth, upcoming content from the Clay & Buck Podcast Network, family life, listener talkbacks, Buck's son making a surprise appearance during the broadcast, Clay's Tesla ownership, and humorous exchanges about everyday experiences. The hour blended political analysis, election strategy, cultural commentary, historical reflection, technology discussions, and audience engagement while keeping a strong focus on the key Senate battles and voter dynamics likely to shape the 2026 midterm elections.

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 - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck
Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck
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Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.