Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 1: LIVE On YouTube (Sept 17, 2025)

ESPN New York with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Hour One: Key Insights, Laughs, and Live Audience Debut

Overview

This lively opening hour marks a milestone for the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg show as it debuts LIVE on YouTube. The trio celebrates this new, interactive chapter with signature banter, the latest on the local sports scene (particularly Jets quarterback drama), fan interaction, and a dose of classic New York sports radio energy. Between celebratory tech jokes and spirited debates, the crew brings both their seasoned experience and their authenticity front and center.

Main Theme

First YouTube Live Broadcast — New York Sports Talk Goes Interactive
The episode is anchored by the launch of their live YouTube video stream, symbolizing not only a technical upgrade but a new level of accessibility and audience engagement for listeners—now, viewers—across New York and beyond.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. YouTube Launch: Reactions and New Engagement

• The team celebrates joining YouTube, joking that they have finally caught up with streaming-savvy 13-year-olds in Toledo (Alan Hahn, 01:18).
• "Carlin had a great line. He said we finally caught up to 2004." — Don Hahn (01:39)
• Emphasis on fan interaction via comments:
  • Listeners are encouraged to "smash the likes" and subscribe, as they riff on YouTube lingo (02:01–02:09).
  • Plan for future live comment response segments.
• Discussion about expanding the conversation to social platforms, including handling critics and supporting devoted fans.

2. Jets Quarterback Situation: Who Starts and Why It Matters

• In-depth debate over the Jets’ decision to name Tyrod Taylor the starter while Justin Fields remains in concussion protocol (05:43–13:16).
• Peter Rosenberg: "If Tyrod Taylor plays well, he's going to stay your starting quarterback. Even after Fields comes out of concussion protocol. In my belief, they win a game, they're not changing the quarterback." (06:12)
• Analysis of Taylor’s injury history, risks, and the consequences of having to use a third-string QB (06:32–06:56).
• Alan Hahn and Don emphasize the importance of cultivating a winning culture, regardless of long-term QB development.
• Debate: Is it better for the Jets to win games now (possibly with a veteran Taylor) or develop Fields—even if it means more losses?
• Alan Hahn: "It's not worth throwing a season to Tyrod having a fun run. ... You made a choice this year to bet on Justin Fields ... you got to do it. If you don't actually see it, you just waste it." (14:32–15:13)
• Team agrees that performance ("the eye test") should dictate who starts—if Taylor excels, he keeps the job until circumstances force a change.

3. Fan Experience: Home Crowd Woes and the NY Market

• Comical, yet pointed, discussion about New York stadiums being overrun by opposing team fans, especially when Jets host the Cowboys (17:17-19:19).
• Don Hahn: "There's nothing like it ... hearing the road team getting ... ovation cheer" (18:35)
• Recalls similar experiences for Rangers, Orioles, and other NY teams, lamenting home-field disadvantage and its emotional impact on players.

4. Stadium/Arena Construction Hurdles

• Updates and humor about persistent snags in new arena plans for both local teams and elsewhere (21:13–21:44).
• References to the Athletics and the ongoing drama with stadium funding and approvals.

5. Viral Media & Social Media Fame

• Peter Rosenberg’s satirical NFL conspiracy rant about the Chiefs, Taylor Swift, and league officiating gains international and viral attention (24:56, 28:05–29:00).
• The hosts joke about how out-of-context clips can shape narratives in the sports media world:
  • Peter Rosenberg: "I was having a good time, and I was gonna address these people on social media, but ... I was just having fun." (26:01)
  • Don Hahn: Reads the viral quote, “...the NFL is not going to allow the Kansas City Chiefs to lose that game on national television and BE3,0 and 3…” (28:05)
• Light-hearted debate about name spellings in the La Greca family.

6. The Live Experience and Audience Connection

• The significance of bringing long-lost fans back—including Alan’s wife—thanks to YouTube and interactive features. (31:31)
  • "She's in the chat room. ... This is giving old school AOL chat room vibes. I'm kind of into it." — Alan Hahn (31:31)
• Jokes about adapting to new technology, including showing Devils players old gadgets and their confusion (fax machines, AM radio) (31:44–32:58).
• Nostalgia over old technology and generational divides among athletes.

7. Authenticity, On-Air Camaraderie, and the Show’s Character

• Amusing discussion about "hand cam" to show Don’s pen-flipping skills—embracing the lighter side of video production and their own quirks (33:31).
• The audience is increasingly part of the fun: callers discuss what it means to be a “real fan,” regulars moderate the YouTube chat, and show rituals (button-down shirts coming off as stream milestones) are proposed (39:26–40:07).
• Alan Hahn: "Willing to do whatever it takes for this show to be successful. Hell yeah." (40:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Now we have technologically caught up with every 13 year old in Toledo, Ohio..." — Alan Hahn (01:18)
• "Carlin had a great line. He said we finally caught up to 2004." — Don Hahn (01:39)
• "If Tyrod Taylor plays well, he's going to stay your starting quarterback ... If he wins a game, you give him another game, right?" — Don Hahn (11:08)
• "I want to see if I got a quarterback... and in week one, it looked like there was a lot of things you can do with Justin Fields. Again, it was awful against the Bills, but the Bills are going to make a lot of teams look bad." — Peter Rosenberg (11:38)
• "Players don't give a damn about Justin Fields... If they are like, no, I'm getting the ball on time from Tyrod Taylor... run it back." — Alan Hahn (16:07–16:18)
• "When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp..." (42:02) (reflecting the show’s awareness of changing technology and its effect on communication and sports fandom)

Audience/Listener Highlights

• Caller question: Is it fraudulent to only accept a free Penn State ticket if they’re winning? Verdict: Yes, that’s being a fairweather fan (34:46–35:44).
• Chat engagement: Alan’s wife and other regulars join in, giving the show a community feel and more real-time feedback (31:31, 37:27).
• Fan protection: One caller (Griffin) defends Peter Rosenberg against online trolls critical of his attire and opinions, leading to more group solidarity (36:28–37:44).

Pop Culture Sidebar: "People Looked Older in the 70s"

• The hosts marvel at how much older people (like Howard Cosell and 70s sitcom characters) looked at the same age compared to today:
  • "He does not look 55. I'm 54." — Don Hahn (43:33)
  • The group debates at what point TV ages began to seem accurate (43:41–46:30).

Timestamps: Key Segments

• 00:53: Show opens LIVE on YouTube; reaction to fan excitement.
• 02:29: Discussion of new YouTube engagement and smash-the-likes culture.
• 05:43 – 16:24: Jets’ QB debate: Tyrod Taylor vs. Justin Fields.
• 16:38 – 19:59: The challenge of home-field advantage in NY sports.
• 24:56 – 29:00: Viral media, social media backlash, and Rosenberg’s Chiefs/Swift/Gameday conspiracy rant.
• 31:31: Alan’s wife joins chat—YouTube brings back lost fans.
• 33:31: The rise of the legendary "hand cam."
• 34:46 – 35:44: Caller debate on true fandom and Penn State tickets.
• 36:28 – 37:44: Griffin’s call defending Peter from haters; chat moderation.
• 39:26 – 40:04: Pledges for show success—shirt buttons come off as viewership rises.
• 43:06: 70s people looked much older; age analysis of TV stars.

Tone & Language

• Friendly, sarcastic, New York sports radio wit—banter between hosts is equal parts sports-nerd analysis and sharp, laugh-out-loud observations.
• The vibe is “in the bar with friends,” mixing deep-dive sports with self-aware meta jokes about media, fandom, and technology.

Conclusion

The first YouTube hour of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg radiates energy, authenticity, and up-to-the-minute sports insight while pulling the audience closer than ever. With major sports stories (Jets QB debate), cultural commentary, and a commitment to interactivity, the crew sets a vibrant new standard for New York sports talk—now with video and a chatroom full of fans (and, sometimes, trolls).