Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Rick DiPietro Joins LIVE
Release Date: February 7, 2025

In this lively and engaging episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts—Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg—welcome former NHL goalie Rick DiPietro to the live show. The episode is packed with humorous interactions, insightful sports discussions, player spotlights, and a captivating live performance by mentalist Kevin Nicholas. Below is a detailed summary capturing all the key moments, notable quotes, and overarching themes of the episode.

1. Attempted Guest Appearance: Rick DiPietro

The episode kicks off with an amusing attempt to bring Rick DiPietro on air. The hosts engage in playful banter as they try to coax DiPietro onto the show, highlighting his enduring popularity and the challenges of securing his presence live.

• Peter Rosenberg (00:57): “Look at him. It’s hard. He’s so long.”
  Peter humorously comments on Rick's delayed arrival.

• Don La Greca (01:10): “Oh, yeah, no, there's no question. He pales next to…”
  Don teases about Rick’s attempt to join the conversation.

Despite their efforts, Rick's appearances remain sporadic and humorous as the hosts joke about the difficulties in having him as a guest.

2. Cassie's Journey to the Show

A heartfelt segment features Cassie, who reflects on her journey to becoming a part of the podcast. She shares her initial reluctance to engage with sports talk radio and how persistent encouragement from Peter Rosenberg led her to join the team.

• Peter Rosenberg (04:09): “I'm incredibly proud of you.”
  Peter openly praises Cassie's contributions to the show.

• Cassie (06:35): “What you have turned this into, which was a hey, do you think I could come back tomorrow?”
  Cassie recounts her first tentative steps into the podcasting world.

This segment underscores the supportive dynamic among the hosts and highlights Cassie's dedication and growth within the team.

3. Sports Ownership and Hall of Fame Decisions

The conversation takes a critical turn as the hosts delve into the complexities of sports ownership decisions, using the New York Giants as a primary example. They discuss the challenges of balancing team legacy with financial constraints and the impact of these decisions on player careers and fan sentiments.

• Rick DiPietro (09:26): “There are people that are really like, he does not belong.”
  Rick expresses skepticism about certain Hall of Fame inductions.

• Cassie (11:35): “Why in a year when you’re trying to get Caleb Williams, Jaden Daniels, Drake May you want to win more games…”
  Cassie critiques the Giants’ strategic decisions regarding player acquisitions.

The discussion highlights broader issues in sports management, such as the influence of ownership on team success and the subjective nature of accolades like Hall of Fame inductions.

4. Live Performance by Kevin Nicholas, the Mentalist

Adding an element of mystery and entertainment, the episode features Kevin Nicholas, a modern mentalist, who performs live tricks that baffle and amuse the hosts. His demonstrations include bending a fork and making playing cards disappear, creating an interactive and engaging segment.

• Kevin Nicholas (37:09): “I brought a fork and a knife from up there.”
  Kevin introduces his first trick, setting the stage for his mentalism act.

• Don La Greca (40:13): “The torn two of hearts is in there now.”
  Don reacts to Kevin’s card manipulation, heightening the suspense.

• Rick DiPietro (41:56): “That's the cruelest part.”
  Rick humorously reflects on the disappearance of the card piece.

Kevin's performance captivates listeners, blending entertainment with the show's interactive format and leaving the hosts and audience intrigued by his skills.

5. Super Bowl Picks and Predictions

As the episode progresses towards its climax, the hosts engage in spirited discussions and make their picks for the upcoming Super Bowl. They debate team performances, player capabilities, and strategic advantages, culminating in their final predictions.

• Rick DiPietro (44:42): “I'm going with the Eagles winning this game 24:20.”
  Rick confidently predicts the Eagles' victory and selects Hertz as MVP.

• Peter Rosenberg (47:07): “Kansas City is my pick. This is going to be a three-peat.”
  Peter positions the Kansas City Chiefs as champions, anticipating a dynasty.

• Don La Greca (49:12): “The Chiefs are going to win. 24:17.”
  Don echoes confidence in the Chiefs, aligning his prediction with Rick’s initial stance before switching to support them.

The segment showcases the hosts' deep knowledge and passion for sports, offering listeners expert opinions and fostering a dynamic debate over the Super Bowl's outcome.

Conclusion

Throughout Hour 3: Rick DiPietro Joins LIVE, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg deliver a blend of humor, insightful sports analysis, personal stories, and captivating entertainment. From the playful attempts to secure guest appearances to the intense discussions on sports management and Super Bowl predictions, the episode encapsulates the vibrant energy and camaraderie that define the show. The live performance by Kevin Nicholas adds a unique twist, further engaging the audience and enhancing the overall listening experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Peter Rosenberg (04:09): “I'm incredibly proud of you.”
• Rick DiPietro (09:26): “There are people that are really like, he does not belong.”
• Kevin Nicholas (37:09): “I brought a fork and a knife from up there.”
• Rick DiPietro (44:42): “I'm going with the Eagles winning this game 24:20.”
• Peter Rosenberg (47:07): “Kansas City is my pick. This is going to be a three-peat.”
• Don La Greca (49:12): “The Chiefs are going to win. 24:17.”

This episode is a testament to the engaging format of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining insight into the world of sports and beyond.