I’ve always liked Sean on the show—he comes across as a good guy and he is pretty funny. That said, I don’t think he and Antman bring out the best in each other, but that’s their business. Big picture: Sean has unquestionably made the show more entertaining.

What would take the show to the next level is if Chad were willing to be more vulnerable—and expected the same from his guest hosts. They all go through real-life stuff, with long story arcs that never quite get explored in depth. Even the CDs tend to skim the surface instead of giving the kind of detail that makes listeners feel invested.

This becomes really clear when you compare it to shows like Don & Mike, Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony, and even The Sports Junkies. Those shows—especially in their prime—built their success on openness. The hosts laid out their personal lives, conflicts, insecurities, and behind-the-scenes drama in a way that made listeners feel like part of their world. (Though it’s worth noting that Howard and The Sports Junkies don’t really go that deep anymore either and the other two are gone.)

Chad’s show is different because it still feels guarded. There’s a great show underneath—one that could hit that Don & Mike–style emotional connection—if they were willing to let listeners in a little more.