Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 – The Beach Bash & The List
In the premiere episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," listeners are treated to a vibrant mix of New York sports, hip-hop insights, and engaging banter among ESPN New York legends Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg. Titled "The Beach Bash & The List," the episode, released on June 27, 2025, captures the trio as they navigate through a lively beach bash event, share personal anecdotes, and delve into curated lists of favorite songs and New Jersey-filmed movies.
1. Setting the Scene: The Beach Bash at Lake Como Bar A
The episode kicks off at Lake Como Bar A, where Don, Alan, and Rick DiPietro gather for the first-ever Beach Bash event. The atmosphere is electric, blending the casual vibes of a beach party with the dynamic energy of New York broadcasting.
Alan Hahn introduces the event with a touch of humor: “Don Hahn and Rosenberg live from Lake Como Bar A. It's the beach bash. The first ever beach bash, Alan, where it's not the Michael K Show that I'm on, it's Don Hahn and Rosenberg. But Michael is here, so it's very surreal.” [00:54]
This setting serves as the perfect backdrop for the hosts to unwind and engage in spirited conversations, setting the tone for an entertaining hour ahead.
2. Host Dynamics and Personal Anecdotes
The camaraderie among the hosts is evident as they share personal stories and playful jabs. A recurring theme is their deep-rooted friendships and the light-hearted rivalries that add flavor to the discussion.
Don LaGreca opens up about his tattoo with Rick DiPietro: “I have a friend that's a fraud… He has the typo on his tattoo that he never wore the fisherman jersey.” [16:22]
This leads to a humorous exchange where Rick’s Islanders jersey is playfully called out as a "fraud," highlighting the hosts' comfort and familiarity with each other.
Alan Hahn shares insights into their enduring relationships: “You know why you should wear it? Because you're one of the few people at this lousy radio station that actually lives up to honoring a bet.” [02:30]
Such anecdotes not only showcase their personalities but also build a relatable dynamic for listeners who appreciate genuine interactions.
3. Fraud Friday: A Lighthearted Call-Out
One of the episode's highlights is the "Fraud Friday" segment, where the hosts humorously call out each other for perceived inconsistencies or playful deceptions. This segment underscores the show's interactive and entertaining nature.
During the segment, Don LaGreca identifies Rick DiPietro as a "fraud" for wearing an Islanders jersey: “We have a young man over here. He's got an Islanders jersey on. He never wore the Fisherman. ... He did not wear the fisherman jersey.” [16:11]
Alan Hahn cleverly navigates the situation, blending humor with a touch of mock-seriousness: “If he's a Devil's fan wearing an Islander jersey, that's fraud central.” [18:32]
This playful banter not only amuses listeners but also fosters a sense of community as the hosts engage with their audience's potential participation in future Fraud Friday call-outs.
4. Diving into The Lists: Music and Movies
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the hosts presenting and discussing their specially curated lists, adding depth and variety to the conversation.
a. Don’s Music List
Don LaGreca shares his top five songs he wishes to perform at future Beach Bash events, reflecting his diverse musical tastes and performance aspirations.
"I have a list of my top five songs that I want Don to sing. ... Everything's out there with the fantastic performance there." [22:10]
The selection includes classics like "Everybody" and "Just a Friend," demonstrating Don's inclination towards timeless hits that resonate with a broad audience. The discussion around potential duets, such as teaming up for a rendition of "Endless Love," showcases the hosts' creative synergy and willingness to experiment musically.
b. Alan’s Movie List: Top Five New Jersey-Filmed Movies
Alan Hahn introduces his list of top five movies predominantly filmed in New Jersey, celebrating the state's significant yet often underappreciated role in the film industry.
"How about movies? All right, my list is going to be coming up. ... Number one was filmed in Cliffside Park, New Jersey." [37:02]
The list includes iconic films like "Clerks" and "Copland," each selected for their authentic representation of New Jersey locales and cultural nuances. The hosts engage in animated debates over the rankings, particularly between "Clerks" and "Garden State," highlighting differing perspectives on what makes a movie quintessentially New Jersey.
Alan Hahn elaborates on "Garden State": "I enjoyed this movie. It was from 2004, filmed a lot in Wallington and Cranford. The movie Garden State." [37:15]
Don LaGreca concurs, reinforcing the film's significance: "Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I love it." [37:25]
The conversation delves into the nuances of each film, offering listeners a rich exploration of New Jersey's cinematic landscape.
5. Engaging Audience and Upcoming Segments
Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain an engaging rapport, encouraging audience interaction and teasing upcoming segments to keep listeners hooked.
Alan Hahn announces future activities: "We have the feud at four o'clock. So it's gonna be a lot of fun." [09:14]
Rick DiPietro adds excitement about the "Fraud Friday" audience participation: "So if anybody out there thinks they're a fraud, we have any frauds in the building. Point to your friend if he's a fraud." [10:21]
Such announcements build anticipation and foster a sense of involvement, making the audience feel like active participants rather than passive listeners.
6. Sponsors and Seamless Integration
While the episode primarily focuses on the hosts' interactions and content, sponsors are seamlessly integrated into the conversation without disrupting the flow, maintaining an authentic and engaging listening experience.
For instance, discussions about the Spike Date drink include humorous takes on sponsorship: "Listen, is that. You're from Spike Date. You got. I love your product." [09:03]
This approach ensures that sponsorships complement rather than overshadow the main content, adhering to the user's instruction to skip advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to a Dynamic Show
The first hour of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" successfully sets the stage for what listeners can expect from future episodes. With its blend of sports, music, personal anecdotes, and interactive segments, the podcast promises a rich and engaging experience. The hosts' chemistry and genuine camaraderie shine through, making it a compelling choice for fans of New York sports and hip-hop culture.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn [00:54]: “It's very noticeable, guys.”
- Don LaGreca [16:22]: “I've got a friend that's a fraud… He has the typo on his tattoo.”
- Alan Hahn [10:04]: “But I've got a list that's very topical for what we're doing today.”
- Don LaGreca [37:25]: “Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I love it.”
- Rick DiPietro [37:51]: “I think you agree. Read Don't Stop Believing post Sopranos replaced Living on a Prayer.”
These moments encapsulate the show's lively spirit and the hosts' ability to intertwine humor with insightful discussions, promising an entertaining journey ahead.
Listeners eager to dive into the world of New York sports, music, and authentic conversations won't want to miss future episodes of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg." With its first hour setting a high bar, the trio is poised to become a staple in the podcasting landscape.