Lunchbox was on The Price Is Right!!!!
This was not an April Fool’s joke, despite being talked about on April Fools Day. The episode with Lunchbox aired live on March 31st. Lunchbox had a loud and rowdy viewing party the night of with kids talking so much that subtitles had to be turned on. During the discussion, it was revealed that his real name, Daniel, was used on the show, something he typically keeps private. Bobby explained that while recording the podcast the previous day, he did not believe Lunchbox had actually made it on the show. Messages began coming in saying “Daniel” had made it to Contestants’ Row, which initially caused confusion until they realized it was Lunchbox.
A clip played of The Price Is Right announcer calling, “Daniel Chapel, come on down,” confirming that Lunchbox was the first contestant selected. Lunchbox described the moment, explaining that he could not hear his name being called due to the noise in the studio and only realized it after seeing the cue card and being alerted by a woman named Marilyn sitting in front of him. Lunchbox had been seated for about 35 minutes before the show began, describing the process of placing audience members strategically throughout the studio. He felt significant relief being called first, but admitted he never expected it. All of the Bobby Bones Show reiterated they had no prior knowledge of his appearance, Lunchbox had kept it completely secret. Lunchbox added that they had previously discussed a plan for him to hint at "PAPA NEW GUINEA" after returning if he did actually make it on, but it was never used.
Once on Contestants’ Row, Lunchbox lost three bidding rounds before making it on stage. He admitted he began to panic, feeling like he was wasting the opportunity. During that time, he spoke with an audience member who recognized him from the Bobby Bones Show and encouraged him, while Marilyn advised him to look to her for help with bids. Lunchbox eventually won a bid by going one dollar over Marilyn, acknowledging that he had to be ruthless despite having just met her and enjoyed talking to her.
A clip then played of Lunchbox meeting host Drew Carey, where Lunchbox introduced himself as being from Nashville and working for The Bobby Bones Show. He told Carey he had come alone because it was his dream and added that he had even gone to jail for the show, which surprised Carey so much so he couldn't stop laughing. Once Lunchbox was called down to play a game, he had to identify the incorrect price among three items: designer shoes, a home gym, and a desktop computer. He successfully chose the wrong price and won all three items, describing the moment as “so great.” He also acknowledged that he ran up and hugged one of the models afterward which was a bit crazy. Then it was time for the Showcase Showdown wheel. Lunchbox spun last because he had the highest winnings among the contestants. The first two contestants both landed on 80 cents, meaning he needed at least 50 cents to tie or 55 cents to win. On his first spin, Lunchbox landed on 30 cents. He said he immediately thought it would take a miracle. On his second spin, he landed on 60 cents, bringing his total to 90 cents and winning the round. He described how close the wheel came to passing 60 and landing on a losing number, saying it nearly ended his run.
In the Showcase, Lunchbox's opponent was offered a trip to Thailand, Greece, and New Orleans, but she had already won a trip to Banff so she passed on it, giving it to Lunchbox. So he bid $32,000 on his showcase. His opponent also bid $32,000 on hers, which included items such as a Pac-Man arcade game, DVDs, and a Ford Bronco. Her total came out to over $41,000, putting her $9,000 under and still in contention. During a break, his opponent told him she thought she had lost because they had bid the same amount, leading him to believe he had won. Unfortunately, Lunchbox’s showcase was priced at $31,301, meaning he had gone over by $699 and lost. Although he was closer in value, going over disqualified him. Lunchbox collapsed on the ground after hearing the result, and the show aired the moment. He also shared that during the end credits, a camera showed him backstage visibly devastated, which he did not realize was being filmed at the time.
Despite the loss, Lunchbox had made it through every stage of the game and the show encouraged him to focus on that. Lunchbox agreed, saying that while the goal is to win, being able to play every part of the game was an amazing experience. He admitted it was difficult to keep the outcome a secret, explaining that he had to come up with stories to avoid suspicion while the show’s airing approached. He also avoided posting photos immediately to prevent giving anything away. So where does the experience rank among Lunchbox’s life moments? Lunchbox said it ranked number two, behind being named prom king, though the show disagreed and encouraged him to reconsider. Lunchbox reflected on the moment Drew Carey laughed during their interaction, calling it one of the highlights of the experience.
It was also clarified that Lunchbox did not have any special connections that helped him get on the show. The show said that his personality and energy made him a natural fit for selection.