Gallant Says

Paul tries to watch Texans-Chargers while wondering why anyone should pay full price to watch a game without C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Will Anderson Jr. and most of the players anyone actually wants to see. Then: do you NEED to defend people who share ONE opinion with you? Are there reasons to worry about the Astros before September? What does Kevin Durant's relationship with Russell Westbrook say about the Rockets' young players? Why is Houston one gigantic collection of parking lots that still somehow requires mandatory valet? And Texas politicians from both sides of the aisle are trying VERY hard to prove just how Texan they are.

Royce White remains the worst. But maybe he's on to something. Is it time for me to start GRIFTING? Plus...the Texan under THE MOST pressure heading into '26, 3 interesting observations from Training Camp, and 3 big Qs that the Astros have to answer...

Everybody seems to agree that C.J. Stroud had a disappointing 2025 season... so why are so many national NFL voices picking the Texans to win the AFC anyway? We dive into that contradiction, react to the Texans' new "Protect the Team" training camp policy, discuss whether the offensive line is finally showing signs of life, debate what Carlos Correa's return means for the Astros, and close things out with two stories you probably weren't expecting: Houston's funeral home problem and a congressional candidate getting into a fight on the beach.

The Astros are back in first place, and I'm officially back on the bandwagon. In a cockroach suit. Plus, did the Astros get better at the deadline after trading Spencer Arrighetti for Daulton Varsho? And how about the Texans after bringing back Jadeveon Clowney?

The internet is crushing C.J. Stroud...and this time it isn't fair! Plus, my observations of Texans Training Camp observations, the Astros are at .500, and the world's most annoying sports league keeps stepping in it!

I've got 5 questions heading into Houston Texans Training Camp, which kicks off Wednesday. Plus, the Astros WILL be buyers at the trade deadline. But is that the right call? They're also being compared to something that'll likely anger a few fans. And the Rockets actually did something to improve the vibes heading into next season. But I'm more interested in THESE questions. All that...plus something that's been long overdue and a terrible trend that created a tragedy.

Chandler Rome of The Athletic joins Gallant Says to discuss the Astros' decision to trade Lance McCullers, what his legacy in Houston will be, and where Dana Brown could look before the MLB trade deadline. We also discuss Jeremy Peña's future, the state of the Astros' pitching staff, potential trade strategies, and why the American League remains wide open heading into the second half of the season. If you're looking for thoughtful Astros analysis ahead of the deadline, this conversation covers the biggest questions facing Houston over the next few weeks.

US Soccer blew it. Again. Is this just who we are? We'll discuss my favorite excuses from the beatdown by Belgium and more. Plus, more Texans preseason hype, the Astros are in a tricky spot, and why aren't more people asking about THIS?

Is the NHL finally coming to Houston? Houston hockey insider Jennifer Streeter joins the show to break down everything we know about the NHL's expansion plans, why Houston and Austin are both in the conversation, whether Austin is legitimate or simply leverage, what the timeline looks like, and why the next six months could shape the future of hockey in Texas. We also discuss: 🏒 Why Houston may still have the inside track 🏒 The Toyota Center vs. a new arena 🏒 Could the Houston Aeros return? 🏒 What Houston fans can do to help bring the NHL here

I would never present Houston Texans slop to you as a report. Not to rack up undeserved views. Not even in a mockingly, disingenuously, or sarcastic manner. 🐷 Plus, Houston Rockets slop, another Astro is being sent home in bizarre fashion, and a lot more...

We love to hear it. These are the 5 things I've found MOST interesting as Houston hosts the World Cup. Plus, realistic expectations for Hunter Brown, a question about Wemby, takes on the Brendan Sorsby / Tech situation, and more!

Perhaps it's time to come out of the closet. Plus, thoughts on Texans mini-camp, an Astros update and Rockets embarrassment, and an ATTEMPT at nuance... 🎙️ Watch Gallant Says LIVE: Mondays & Thursdays at 8 PM CT (and occasionally after MAJOR Houston sports news) 📺: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulGallant?sub_confirmation=1 🟪: https://www.twitch.tv/gallantsays 📲 Follow: X: https://twitter.com/gallantsays TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gallantsays IG: https://www.instagram.com/sportsgallant 📧 Contact: [email protected] ☎: ‪(281) 836-3912

Houston Chronicle Opinion & Community Engagement Editor Evan Mintz joins the show to discuss Houston's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the city's stray animal crisis, security concerns, tourism expectations, and whether Houston is truly ready for one of the biggest events in the world. We also dive into Texas politics, Ken Paxton, John Cornyn, voter frustration with the political establishment, the future of Houston's economy, media literacy in the age of AI, declining reading habits, and what journalism looks like in 2026. Plus, why Houston may be better positioned for the future than many people realize. Follow Evan Mintz: X: @Evan7257 Instagram: @mintzberg_gardens 🎙️ Watch Gallant Says LIVE: Mondays & Thursdays at 8 PM CT (and occasionally after MAJOR Houston sports news) 🎧 The Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gallant-says/id1473036630 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3F8JuhSjVL27fN5mKnt55H 📲 Follow: X: https://twitter.com/gallantsays TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gallantsays IG: https://www.instagram.com/sportsgallant 📧 Contact: [email protected] ☎: ‪(281) 836-3912‬

Between the fans and the media...can't we just be honest? Plus, the most interesting things we saw and heard from Texans OTAs, and a lot more!

joins the show to break down why he believes the Rockets’ young core got “exposed,” whether Houston should make a massive superstar trade, and why the CJ Stroud conversation is getting more complicated than Texans fans want to admit. Plus: are the Rockets closer than they seem… or completely stuck? should Houston even WANT to pay Stroud top QB money yet? why Giannis or KD might not actually solve the Rockets’ biggest problems Texans/Jaguars in London the Astros’ ugly trajectory Toyota Center renovations FIFA invading Houston 😂 and the Houston sports topics that are about to dominate the summer

The Astros are slipping, the fanbase is getting restless, and Dana Brown isn’t exactly helping matters. Paul reacts to the Astros GM’s latest appearance on SportsTalk 790, where Brown repeatedly told fans to “stay positive,” insisted he’s “not worried one bit,” and continued preaching patience with struggling players like Tatsuya Imai and Cam Smith. Is Dana Brown showing leadership… or sounding completely disconnected from what Astros fans are watching every night? Plus: Why the “give them runway” comments became instant comedy The dangerous comparison to Hunter Brown’s development Whether Astros fans are starting to mentally check out The possibility of trade-radio season arriving EARLY in Houston And yes… the return of: “ARE YOU DOWN WITH DANA BROWN?”

This week was an absolute nightmare for the Astros. Paul breaks down Houston’s brutal stretch against the Mariners, Tetsuya Imai’s disastrous outing, Jeremy Peña’s scary injury moments in Sugar Land, and the Astros somehow getting roasted online over Care Bears Night and a social media post asking if 5,000 fans would wear jerseys to the game. Plus: Did Joe Espada intentionally leave Imai out there to send a message? Why the Rangers “ASTERISKS” hat trolling actually shouldn’t bother Astros fans The growing frustration around the Astros’ injuries and roster issues Why this Rangers series suddenly feels massive If you’re frustrated, angry, laughing through the pain, or all of the above… this episode’s for you.

This episode somehow starts with old politicians refusing to leave office… and ends with a Harris County official allegedly asleep drunk behind the wheel thinking she was “in heaven.” Paul dives into: Mitch McConnell’s latest freeze-up moment Why America refuses to move on from 70-and-80-year-old politicians John Cornyn’s unbelievably shameless Trump ad The Al Green vs. Christian Menefee generational clash in Houston politics And the absolutely unbelievable ongoing saga of Harris County Treasurer Dr. Carla Wyatt From DC dysfunction to Houston chaos, this might be the most unintentionally entertaining political era ever. Plus: 🍷 DWIs 🚔 Arrests 🗳️ Voter apathy 🤦 Political ass-kissing 🔥 And one politician entering her “criminal era” LIVE Mondays & Thursdays at 8 PM CT on Gallant Says.

ESPN Texans reporter D.J. Bien-Aime joins Paul Gallant to break down the Texans’ massive offseason, the growing questions around C.J. Stroud’s future, Houston’s revamped offensive identity, Kamari Lassiter contract projections, and why the Texans might be even BETTER in 2026.

Has rock bottom even happened yet?

This NFL ball knower KNOWS ball.

Varun Shankar joins the show to break down the end of a frustrating season for the Houston Rockets and what comes next. We discuss: • Houston’s playoff collapse • Whether the Rockets are overrating this core • Amen Thompson & Sengun fit concerns • Tari Eason’s uncertain future • Coaching staff questions • The Kevin Durant burner controversy • Why Rockets fans are so divided • NBA media access issues • Whether Houston is REALLY close to contention

If you're not sick of C.J. Stroud after his disastrous playoff performance, you'll DEFINITELY be sick of hearing his name by the end of this offseason... Plus, Houston Chronicle Rockets beat reporter Varun Shankar ( @Byvarunshankar ) weighs in on the end of this Rockets season. And can the Astros be ANY MORE of a disaster right now?? Or is it possible for them to go lower???

The Houston Rockets season is officially over… and the more we learn, the worse it looks. Paul breaks down a frustrating, confusing year that somehow ends with the Rockets thinking they’re close — despite another first-round exit, major offensive issues, and a roster that still doesn’t make sense. Are they stuck? And is the front office being a little delusional about where this team actually stands? Then… the Kevin Durant burner account drama. New reports suggest it wasn’t just “Twitter nonsense” — it may have been a real distraction inside the locker room that never truly got resolved. So why didn’t anyone in Houston media dig deeper into the biggest story of the season? Plus — we pivot to the Texans: The franchise isn’t going anywhere (no relocation drama here) CJ Stroud...looks locked in?? And more! 🎙️ Watch Gallant Says LIVE: Mondays & Thursdays at 8PM CT (plus after major Houston sports moments)

The Rockets are still alive… somehow. We start with what we’re actually watching right now — a team that refuses to go away, what it means, and whether any of it is sustainable. Then it’s an Astros reality check. The injuries, the pitching issues, and where this team actually stands right now — not where we want them to be. From there, we dive into the Texans draft and what really matters coming out of it. Does Houston finally have an identity? Are they building the right way around CJ Stroud? And what should expectations be going forward? Plus, Lance Zierlein joins the show to break down the Texans’ approach, the offensive line shift, and how the league viewed their picks.

Lance Zierlein joins the show to break down the Texans’ draft — and why Houston may have finally figured out what they want to be offensively. We get into: The Texans’ new identity up front Why they’re prioritizing physical, “ass kicker” offensive linemen How this helps CJ Stroud moving forward What the league really thought of Houston’s picks Plus, we get into draft terminology (yes… it gets weird), positional value, and how teams actually evaluate talent behind the scenes.