Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Pressure & Tribute Videos

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: The trio dives deep into the intersection of New York sports, local issues, and broader cultural discussions, delivering engaging insights and spirited debates.

1. Impact of New Jersey Transit Strike on Commuters

[00:56 – 04:33]

The episode opens with a heated discussion about the ongoing New Jersey Transit strike, highlighting its severe impact on daily commuters between New York and New Jersey.

• Alan Hahn emphasizes the scale of the disruption:
  “The buses can only handle about 25% of the train traffic. They're telling people that live in Jersey that if you can work from home, work from home, but not everybody can do that...” [01:15]

• Evan Cohen echoes concerns about increased congestion:
  “People will probably just take off or work from home or whatever. But come Monday, if this thing is still like I'm, I'm concerned about driving in because...” [02:02]

• Michael Kay provides additional context about the union's demands:
  “The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen blet. They want equal pay with the other major US Railroads...” [04:33]

The hosts express sympathy for affected workers and frustration with the potential financial strain on the city, debating the balance between fair wages and economic impact.

2. Knicks vs. Celtics Playoff Pressure Debate

[05:00 – 17:03]

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the intense playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics, focusing on the psychological pressure faced by each team.

• Alan Hahn asserts that the Knicks are under greater external pressure due to their history of disappearing in the second round:
  “How do we lose those first two games when we had 20 point leads... Same old Knicks, same garbage.” [07:00]

• Evan Cohen counters by emphasizing that a Game 7 inherently carries immense pressure for both teams:
  “Game seven, everybody's under pressure.” [07:13]

• Michael Kay adds that the Celtics, despite challenges, could receive positive reinforcement even in defeat:
  “...they will get an ovation from their fan base as they walk off the court.” [14:02]

The debate intensifies as Hahn and Cohen dissect whether the Knicks carry more burden due to their historical context, while Kay provides a balanced perspective on fan expectations and team dynamics.

3. Tribute Videos for Traded Players: The Juan Soto Debate

[25:00 – 37:02]

The conversation shifts to the controversial topic of tribute videos for players after trades, using Yankees' Juan Soto's move to the Mets as a focal point.

• Alan Hahn criticizes the necessity and sincerity of such tributes:
  “I think it's all disingenuous.” [28:02]

• Evan Cohen argues for minimal acknowledgment, suggesting that over-the-top tributes feel forced:
  “If you're running the Yankees, I give them. I don't give them anything.” [30:10]

• Michael Kay concurs, noting the importance of not overly sentimentalizing brief player tenures:
  “It's a bit much.” [33:00]

A caller further complicates the debate by sharing personal appreciation for the hosts while expressing skepticism about tribute practices:
“...it was brutal... everywhere.” [40:02]

The hosts collectively agree that while acknowledging a player's contribution is important, the industry often oversteps, leading to perceived insincerity among fans.

4. Anecdotes and Callers’ Insights

[17:03 – 44:24]

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with callers who provide diverse perspectives and anecdotes, enriching the discussion with real-time fan sentiments.

• Caller from Manhattan discusses defensive strategies of the Knicks, prompting Evan Cohen and Alan Hahn to delve into coach Thibodeau's methods and in-game adjustments:
  “... the communication wasn't nearly as good. The switching was hesitant...” [17:07]

• Caller John Owen Washington shares his frustration with tribute videos but also expresses loyalty to the show:
  “...listen to you guys pretty much every day...” [31:00]

• Caller Stephen from Melville criticizes the media's role in amplifying pre-game pressures:
  “...the amount of touching of the money that was happening before game five was revolting.” [39:27]

These interactions highlight the dynamic between hosts and the audience, showcasing varying opinions on sports strategies, media influence, and team management.

5. Lighthearted Banter and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

[19:24 – 36:53]

Interspersed with serious discussions, the hosts engage in playful banter, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and personal anecdotes to maintain an engaging and relatable atmosphere.

• Alan Hahn and Evan Cohen reminisce about past shows and humorous incidents, such as miscommunications during broadcasts:
  “...addicting, which is so... hilarious.” [30:39]

• Michael Kay and Alan Hahn joke about their contributions compared to players like Juan Soto:
  “We can reframe it. We can reframe any way we want.” [11:09]

This segment adds a layer of camaraderie and showcases the hosts' chemistry, making the show entertaining beyond just the main topics.

6. Closing Remarks and Future Coverage

[36:53 – End]

As the episode winds down, the hosts preview upcoming sports events and reflect on the day's discussions.

• Alan Hahn mentions coverage of the Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 6:
  “...coverage of the Thunder and The Nuggets Game 6 on 8:80, ESPN New York at 8 o'clock following Ty Butler.” [23:00]

• Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn sign off with promotional plugs, maintaining the show's branding and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes:
  “...subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.” [34:24]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Alan Hahn on Transit Strike Impact:
   “The buses can only handle about 25% of the train traffic.” [01:15]

2. Evan Cohen on Playoff Pressure:
   “Game seven, everybody's under pressure.” [07:13]

3. Michael Kay on Tribute Videos:
   “It's a bit much.” [33:00]

4. Alan Hahn on Knicks' Historical Pressure:
   “Same old Knicks, same garbage.” [07:00]

5. Evan Cohen on Tribute Video Minimalism:
   “If you're running the Yankees, I give them. I don't give them anything.” [30:10]

Key Takeaways

• Transit Strike Consequences: The New Jersey Transit strike severely disrupts daily commutes, forcing many to seek alternative transportation or work remotely, potentially leading to increased traffic congestion and economic strain.

• Playoff Pressure Dynamics: There's a nuanced debate on whether the Knicks bear more external pressure compared to the Celtics, considering their playoff history and current team dynamics.

• Tribute Videos Controversy: The practice of creating tribute videos for traded players, exemplified by Juan Soto's move, is criticized for being insincere and excessive, sparking a discussion on appropriate recognition of player contributions.

• Audience Engagement: Callers provide diverse insights, reflecting broader fan sentiments and adding depth to the hosts' discussions on sports strategies and media influence.

• Host Chemistry: The dynamic interplay and humor among Don, Alan, and Peter maintain an engaging and relatable atmosphere, balancing serious debates with lighthearted moments.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a multifaceted exploration of local transit issues intertwined with high-stakes sports discussions, all delivered with the hosts' signature blend of expertise and personable banter. Whether you're a commuter facing the strike's challenges or a sports enthusiast invested in the Knicks' playoff journey, this episode provides valuable insights and entertaining commentary.