Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Ben Stiller Joins the Show

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Hosts:

• Don La Greca – ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Alan Hahn – Long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality

Introduction

In this engaging third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, the hosts welcome special guest Ben Stiller, adding a celebrity dimension to the lively discussions. The episode delves deep into the New York Knicks' playoff journey, personal fan experiences, celebrity interactions, and reflections on iconic television characters.

Knicks' Playoff Progress and Historical Context

Don Hahn initiates the conversation by highlighting the Knicks' recent success in reaching the Eastern Conference finals, the first time since 2000. He remarks on the rarity of such achievements for the team:

"[Don Hahn, 02:09] ... the last time the Knicks were in a conference final was 2000. The last time they won a conference final was '99."

Peter Rosenberg adds perspective on newer generations of fans who have no memories of the team's past glories:

"[Peter Rosenberg, 02:21] There's a whole generation of fans who weren't alive for that."

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss the importance of having vivid memories of winning seasons to foster genuine fandom. Rosenberg shares a personal anecdote about his early exposure to Knicks victories:

"[Peter Rosenberg, 02:32] So Peter, you first can go back in your mind again? I was an one and a half when the Knicks won their last championship at '73."

The hosts emphasize the emotional investment of fans, especially younger ones experiencing their first taste of playoff excitement.

Personal Fan Experiences and Family Connections

Jadakiss, a co-host, shares his journey as a Knicks fan, detailing how his family's history with the team influenced his passion:

"[Jadakiss, 17:08] My son's 19, so..."

He reflects on how his son's newfound interest in the team has rejuvenated his own fandom, bridging generational gaps:

"[Jadakiss, 17:23] He has never lived through any winning... now he has his own institutional memory."

This segment underscores the deep-rooted connections fans have with their teams, often passing down loyalties through generations.

Ben Stiller’s Insights and Fan Perspectives

As the special guest, Ben Stiller engages in the discussion, bringing a blend of humor and personal anecdotes. He recounts his transition back to being an active Knicks fan after moving back to New York:

"[Ben Stiller, 12:35] It almost feels like... going back to when I was like 7 or 8 years old..."

Stiller also addresses the challenges of maintaining celebrity image while being a genuine fan, highlighting his interactions with other celebrities like Fat Joe and Timothée Chalamet:

"[Ben Stiller, 25:36] How about like a character that was..."

His participation adds a relatable angle for listeners who balance public personas with personal passions.

The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Fandom

The conversation shifts to how celebrities contribute to the atmosphere of Knicks games. Jadakiss discusses the dynamics of celebrity interactions during high-stakes games:

"[Jadakiss, 23:20] It feels weird when you're cheering for the visiting team in an arena that can be so loud..."

Peter Rosenberg and Don Hahn explore the phenomenon of viral moments and their influence on genuine fandom. They debate whether certain on-field incidents are orchestrated for publicity, affecting the authenticity of fan experiences:

"[Peter Rosenberg, 46:27] Glory."

This segment critically examines the intersection of sports, media, and celebrity influence.

Reflections on Iconic Television Characters

A notable segment involves a discussion on memorable television characters, contrasting Newman from Seinfeld with Frank Costanza from Seinfeld. The hosts debate their impact and memorability:

"[Ben Stiller, 34:05] Was he in every episode?"

Don Hahn argues for the enduring legacy of Frank Costanza:

"[Don Hahn, 34:37] He has some good ones. Costanza was great..."

This lighthearted debate highlights the enduring influence of well-crafted characters in shaping popular culture.

Viral Moments and Fan Reactions

The hosts delve into recent viral incidents involving Knicks fans, analyzing the fine line between genuine excitement and orchestrated publicity stunts. They discuss a specific case of a fan wearing a Pacers jersey during a victorious Knicks game and the ensuing media frenzy:

"[Peter Rosenberg, 44:27] There was a kid walking around with a Halliburton jersey..."

Don Hahn expresses skepticism about the authenticity of such viral moments:

"[Don Hahn, 45:31] People notice that he was hilariously tweeting that..."

This exploration underscores the complex relationship between fan passion and media portrayal.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms and tease upcoming coverage of the Knicks' playoff games:

"[Don Hahn, 50:37] Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880..."

Ben Stiller and Jadakiss share final anecdotes, reinforcing the sense of community and shared excitement among Knicks fans.

Notable Quotes:

1. Don Hahn (02:09): "The last time the Knicks were in a conference final was 2000. The last time they won a conference final was '99."

2. Peter Rosenberg (02:21): "There's a whole generation of fans who weren't alive for that."

3. Jadakiss (17:23): "He has never lived through any winning... now he has his own institutional memory."

4. Ben Stiller (12:35): "It almost feels like... going back to when I was like 7 or 8 years old..."

5. Don Hahn (34:37): "Costanza was great..."

6. Don Hahn (45:31): "People notice that he was hilariously tweeting that..."

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a rich tapestry of discussions centered around the New York Knicks' playoff journey, personal fan narratives, the influence of celebrity culture, and reflections on iconic television characters. With the addition of Ben Stiller as a guest, the conversation gains depth, blending humor with heartfelt fandom experiences. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of what it means to be a dedicated Knicks supporter in today's media-saturated environment.