Don Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 – Cup Comeback & Knicks
Released on June 13, 2025
In the inaugural episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into a mix of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and cultural discussions. The episode, titled "Cup Comeback & Knicks," offers listeners a rich tapestry of conversations, blending passionate sports commentary with engaging personal stories.
1. Don LaGreca's Ringo Starr Concert Absence
The episode opens with the trio addressing Don LaGreca’s absence from the day’s show.
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Peter Rosenberg explains, “[Don LaGreca is] off today... he has to see Ringo Starr today” (00:25).
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Don LaGreca adds, “...you want to do the whole thing. Nice. You want to do it right” (01:01), emphasizing the importance of family commitments.
This segment sets a personal tone, highlighting the balance between professional duties and personal life.
2. Hockey Highlights: Oilers' Epic Comeback
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting a thrilling Stanley Cup Final game featuring the Edmonton Oilers.
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Don LaGreca remarks, “That was too epic to not talk about” (02:34), indicating the game’s high stakes and unexpected turns.
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Anthony discusses betting strategies: “It was plus a thousand on ESPN bet at the start of the second...” (03:55), providing insights into fan engagement through sports betting.
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Peter Rosenberg analyzes player performances, particularly goalie Stuart Skinner: “…he was making saves that felt like he was closing his eyes and the puck was hitting him” (05:10), highlighting both his skill and the team's defensive challenges.
The conversation underscores the unpredictability of sports and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with pivotal games.
3. NBA Finals and Indiana Pacers' Underdog Journey
Transitioning to basketball, the hosts delve into the Indiana Pacers' surprising performance in the NBA Finals.
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Don LaGreca cites Mark Messier’s insight: “these two teams are so evenly matched... this is definitely going seven” (07:26), emphasizing the competitiveness of the series.
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Peter Rosenberg debates potential outcomes: “I expect a bounce back tonight... Why would I rule that out?” (09:55), reflecting on the Pacers' resilience despite odds.
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Anthony provides historical context: “The Indiana Pacers were 80 to 1 before the playoffs started” (17:50), illustrating the dramatic underdog story.
This segment celebrates the unpredictability of the playoffs and the significance of momentum in determining outcomes.
4. Knicks vs. Pacers: Rethinking Team Strengths
The discussion shifts to the New York Knicks' recent loss to the Pacers, prompting a reevaluation of team dynamics.
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Don LaGreca poses a critical question: “Do you look at it now differently or do you just say, you know what? Maybe the Thunder aren't as good as we thought they were?” (11:55), inviting listeners to reconsider their perceptions.
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Peter Rosenberg explores the Pacers' coaching and strategy: “They ripped it straight from the ground... it's been very good” (15:36), praising the team’s disciplined approach.
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Listener Michael adds, “If you take that shot, 9.7 times out of 10, that shot does not go in...” (34:01), highlighting key moments that could have altered the series outcome.
This introspective analysis encourages fans to look beyond surface-level losses and appreciate the underlying strengths of opposing teams.
5. Listener Interactions: Tessa, Michael, and Griffin
Engaging with the audience, the hosts feature calls from listeners who share their perspectives and questions.
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Tessa offers birthday greetings and discusses Father's Day: “...we got to discuss it” (28:11), bringing a personal touch to the episode.
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Michael and Elizabeth delve into coaching decisions and speculate on future scenarios for the Knicks: “How come I don't hear Mark Jackson's name being mentioned around?” (35:03), sparking debates on team management.
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Griffin introduces a light-hearted moment by suggesting Alan Hahn as a coach: “You should be the new high coach for the next” (36:19), adding humor to the discussion.
These interactions underscore the community aspect of the podcast, fostering a sense of connection among listeners.
6. Music Discussions: Ringo Starr and Paul Simon
Beyond sports, the hosts explore musical interests, intertwining personal stories and historical facts.
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Don LaGreca shares a family connection to Ringo Starr: “My mother went to high school with his wife, Barbara” (42:28, adding a nostalgic element to the conversation.
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Peter Rosenberg discusses Ringo Starr's solo hits: “According to AI, [it] is considered to be 'It Don't Come Easy'" (40:34), reflecting on the longevity and impact of Starr’s music.
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Don and Peter reminisce about classic bands and songs, mentioning Wings and Paul Simon: “I recently fell in love with a Wing song...” (44:33), highlighting the enduring influence of legendary musicians.
This segment enriches the episode by blending sports with cultural appreciation, catering to a wider audience.
7. Closing Remarks and Teasers
As the episode winds down, the hosts share upcoming plans and tease future content.
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Peter Rosenberg hints at attending a Paul Simon concert: “Starting next Monday, I am going to go see Paul Simon at the Beacon” (42:07), building anticipation for upcoming discussions.
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Don LaGreca wraps up with a light-hearted take on finals wins: “I don't want to know how the sausage, man. I just want to know it's good” (46:56), leaving listeners with a humorous note.
The closing remarks maintain the episode’s engaging and personable atmosphere, encouraging continued listenership.
Conclusion
The first hour of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg successfully melds high-energy sports analysis with personal anecdotes and cultural conversations. Through insightful discussions on hockey and basketball, listener interactions, and musical reflections, the hosts create an engaging narrative that both informs and entertains. Notable quotes punctuate the dialogue, providing memorable takeaways and enhancing the overall listening experience. This episode sets a promising foundation for future installments, promising a blend of expertise, passion, and relatability that will resonate with sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Notable Quotes
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Peter Rosenberg (00:25): “...he has to see Ringo Starr today.”
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Don LaGreca (01:01): “...you want to do the whole thing. Nice. You want to do it right.”
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Don LaGreca (02:34): “That was too epic to not talk about.”
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Anthony (03:55): “It was plus a thousand on ESPN bet at the start of the second...”
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Peter Rosenberg (09:55): “Why would I rule that out?”
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Don LaGreca (17:50): “That would have worked out nice.”
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Tessa (28:11): “...happy Father’s Day to you, Alan, Peter, Don... especially you, Pete.”
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Griffin (36:19): “You should be the new high coach for the next...”
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Don LaGreca (42:28): “My mother went to high school with his wife, Barbara.”
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Peter Rosenberg (40:34): “According to AI, [it] is considered to be 'It Don't Come Easy.'”
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Don LaGreca (46:56): “I don't want to know how the sausage, man. I just want to know it's good.”
Timestamps
For quick reference, here are the key timestamps from the episode:
- 00:25 – Don’s absence due to Ringo Starr concert
- 01:01 – Importance of family commitments
- 02:34 – Discussion on epic hockey game
- 03:55 – Anthony on sports betting
- 09:55 – Peter on Pacers’ resilience
- 17:50 – Anthony on Pacers' odds
- 28:11 – Listener Tessa’s Father's Day message
- 36:19 – Griffin’s coaching humor
- 42:28 – Don’s family connection to Ringo Starr
- 40:34 – Peter on Ringo Starr’s solo hit
- 46:56 – Don’s closing humor
Don, Hahn & Rosenberg continues to deliver engaging content that resonates with a diverse audience, combining expert sports analysis with relatable personal stories and cultural insights. Tune in weekly for more dynamic discussions and interactions.