Trump vs. Pope, Rick vs. Canoe | The Rick Burgess Show | Best of 4/17/26

The Rick Burgess Show's 'Best of' episode from April 17, 2026, delivers a chaotic, humorous, and nostalgic deep dive into Southern culture, sports, and absurdity. The episode opens with a flurry of regional hunting updates and playful banter, setting the tone for a mix of personal anecdotes, celebrity speculation, and satirical commentary. A central thread revolves around the imagined spectacle of Morgan Wallen’s concert at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where host Rick Burgess and guests debate the ideal celebrity walkout — from Roll Tide Willie to Nick Saban, even joking about a Trump-Saban combo. The show pivots to a heartfelt, self-deprecating story from Adler about nearly being attacked by a Komodo dragon at the Birmingham Zoo, blending animal facts with childhood dreams of being Steve Irwin. The conversation then shifts to near-death experiences, with Rick and Greg recounting skydiving, canoeing disasters, and bull riding — each vowing never to do it again. The episode critiques political theater, including a mock debate between Trump and the Pope over Iran, and mocks New York City’s delayed city-owned grocery store, calling it a communist fantasy. The show closes with a lighthearted look at the Magic City’s quirky traditions, including Speedy riding a horse home and the absurdity of mounted police chases in urban settings. Throughout, the tone is irreverent, affectionate, and deeply rooted in Southern identity and shared absurdity.