Hour 2 - Riley Gaines on Fame

Hour 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers a powerful and emotionally charged discussion centered on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 policies, the erosion of trust in public health institutions, and the ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Clay Travis, hosting solo, opens the hour by reacting to breaking news that the COVID-19 vaccine has been removed from the recommended list for children and pregnant women—a decision that sparks a broader conversation about government overreach, vaccine mandates, and the psychological toll of pandemic-era restrictions. Clay is joined by former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, who shares her personal experiences with COVID-era mandates while competing at the University of Kentucky. Gaines recounts the extreme and often illogical protocols athletes endured, including wearing masks between swim laps and facing pressure to get vaccinated despite natural immunity. She reflects on the broader impact of school closures and social isolation on young people, emphasizing how these policies robbed students of formative life experiences. The conversation shifts to the ongoing debate over biological males competing in women’s sports. Gaines and Travis discuss recent incidents, including a viral protest by a female athlete in California and former President Donald Trump’s public condemnation of transgender participation in women’s competitions. Gaines criticizes the Democratic Party’s unwavering support for these policies and highlights the bravery of young women standing up for fairness in sports. She also addresses personal attacks from media figures like Jemele Hill and Keith Olbermann, reinforcing her commitment to advocating for women’s rights and equal opportunities. Later in the hour, Clay welcomes newly appointed FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who, alongside Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and RFK Jr., announced the removal of the COVID shot recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women. Dr. Makary explains the need to restore scientific integrity and transparency in public health, criticizing the previous administration’s reliance on unproven theories and lack of clinical trial data. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust by focusing on chronic disease prevention, food quality, and environmental health. Dr. Makary also reflects on the failures of school closures, the disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities, and the long-term mental health consequences for children. He calls for a renewed commitment to evidence-based medicine and civil discourse, warning against the dangers of censorship and politicization in science. This hour is a must-listen for anyone seeking insight into the post-COVID reckoning, the fight for fairness in women’s sports, and the future of public health policy in America. With high-profile guests, bold commentary, and a focus on truth and accountability, Hour 2 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers compelling content that resonates with a wide audience.