Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Episode Summary: Hour 4: Airport Issues & Last Call Crew

Release Date: May 5, 2025

In the fourth hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of pressing topics, ranging from major airport disruptions to in-depth analysis of the Knicks vs. Celtics playoff series. This episode offers listeners a blend of real-time news discussion, fan interactions, and expert sports commentary, all delivered with the hosts' signature wit and insight.

1. Newark Airport Crisis

Timestamp: [00:14] – [04:50]

The episode kicks off with a critical discussion about the Newark Airport outage, where a significant number of air traffic controllers are reportedly down, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays.

• Don Hahn introduces the issue: “Sources [are] alarming outage at Newark Union. Some workers taking leave citing, quote, traumatic event.” ([00:14])

• Peter Rosenberg expresses frustration over communication failures: “For, like, communication for, like, 60 to 90 seconds. That's a lot of time for a plane landing and taking off.” ([00:54])

• The hosts explore alternative airports and potential solutions, questioning the reliability of tools like ChatGPT in providing accurate information:

  • Unknown Host: “Let me ask ChatGPT. What other airport alternatives are there to St. Louis?” ([01:59])

  • Peter Rosenberg: “Well, the busiest airports, Atlanta, Dubai, Dallas, Tokyo, London.” ([03:22])

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Newark Airport's ranking among the nation's busiest airports.

  • Impact on travelers trying to switch flights from LaGuardia to Newark.

  • Speculation on how long the outage might last, with Peter optimistically predicting resolution within a few days, while Don counters that the situation is deteriorating: “I'm just saying it's getting worse by the day.” ([04:38])

2. Knicks vs. Celtics Playoff Series Analysis

Timestamp: [07:15] – [15:32]

The conversation shifts to the intense Knicks vs. Celtics playoff series, with listeners calling in to share their insights and opinions.

a. Caller Jay on Coach Thibodeau and Team Effort

• Jay questions the potential firing of Coach Thibodeau, emphasizing the importance of effort and competitiveness: “I don't think the man's coaching job should be in question unless the team for some reason just doesn't compete.” ([07:15])

• Don counters by distinguishing between effort and competitiveness, asserting that while effort is likely consistent, the team's competitiveness remains in doubt: “I wouldn't even say that's going to be on the table. But will they be competitive? That's the question.” ([08:07])

b. Caller Artie on Defensive Struggles Against the Three

• Artie raises concerns about the Knicks' defensive performance against three-point shooters: “They barely... got buried at defending the three.” ([10:05])

• Peter highlights the role of Mitchell Robinson in improving the team's defense when healthy: “In just the 17 games he came back, they jumped up to the top 10.” ([11:12])

• The hosts debate whether the Celtics' proficiency in three-point shooting is purely a defensive lapse or a testament to the Celtics' offensive excellence:

  • Don: “Sometimes if the Celtics hit a three, is it bad defense or just, hey, they're really good at it.” ([11:52])

c. Conclusion on Knicks' Competitiveness

• Peter emphasizes the Celtics' strong road performance and questions the Knicks' ability to overturn a two-game deficit: “The Celtics are one of the best road teams in the sport.” ([09:58])

• Don reflects on the Knicks' home performance, suggesting that even competitive games might not sway the series outcome due to the Celtics' prowess: “It's hard to believe you're winning the series if you're down oh two even if those two losses are in Boston.” ([09:26])

3. Listener Interactions: Jonathan and Betting Insights

Timestamp: [13:23] – [15:32]

Jonathan calls in to celebrate Don's impressive performance and discusses upcoming events:

• Jonathan: “Shout out to your little slugger, Don. Going four for four, Marco on Saturday.” ([13:31])

• The conversation transitions into betting opinions on the Celtics' odds:

  • Don expresses skepticism about betting on the Celtics to cover the spread, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff games: “I would probably bet the Knicks not to win the game, but eight and a half.” ([15:25])

  • Peter adds that playoff outcomes are often uncertain and not easily predicted: “Feel like all these playoff games are right down to the.” ([15:09])

4. Hockey Analysis with Caller Griffin

Timestamp: [16:11] – [17:53]

Griffin discusses a controversial decision in a recent hockey game involving an icing call:

• Griffin questions the Blues' strategy: “Do you think there's a possibility where he could... keep the puck a little longer?” ([16:15])

• Peter analyzes the play, suggesting it was a panic move to avoid turnovers despite the Blues' dominance in face-offs: “I do think that there was room on multiple times for them to be able to skate it out of the zone, avoid the icing.” ([16:50])

• The hosts agree that conservative play might have cost the Blues the game, emphasizing the importance of composure in high-stakes moments.

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg tease upcoming shows and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more sports discussions:

• Don: “Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.” ([12:03])

• Unknown Host: Teases future content: “Pregame coverage already underway on 1050... Mets baseball, 9 o'clock right here on 880.” ([12:53])

• Peter reiterates the importance of subscribing to the podcast for more insightful discussions: “Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.” ([18:47])

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn on the Newark outage: “Sources alarming outage at Newark Union. Some workers taking leave citing, quote, traumatic event.” ([00:14])

• Peter Rosenberg on flight communication delays: “For, like, communication for, like, 60 to 90 seconds. That's a lot of time for a plane landing and taking off.” ([00:54])

• Don Hahn on team competitiveness: “It's hard to believe you're winning the series if you're down oh two even if those two losses are in Boston.” ([09:26])

• Peter Rosenberg on defensive rankings: “In just the 17 games he came back, they jumped up to the top 10.” ([11:12])

• Griffin on the icing call: “Do you think there's a possibility where he could... keep the puck a little longer?” ([16:15])

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides listeners with a comprehensive look at current aviation disruptions affecting New Yorkers and an analytical deep-dive into one of the NBA's most heated playoff series. Engaging caller interactions and expert commentary ensure that both casual fans and sports enthusiasts find valuable insights and entertainment.