Hour 4: Airport Issues & Last Call Crew

Summary

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.

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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])

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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])

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Unknown Host]

All right, so if you haven't paid attention, the Newark Airport problem of them being down air traffic controllers and as a result, not being equipped properly for takeoffs and departures. And they're canceling flights and flights are delayed nonstop. But now, Don, there's a news story. We're looking right in front of us. Breaking right now. Sources alarming outage at Newark Union. Some workers taking leave citing, quote, traumatic event.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Apparently they lost.

[Unknown Host]

All right, I got it. I got it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For, like, communication for, like, 60 to 90 seconds. That's a lot of time for a plane landing and taking off Now. I'm glad I don't have any flights. When's your next flight?

[Unknown Host]

Saturday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Out of Newark.

[Unknown Host]

That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You should leave now.

[Unknown Host]

By the way, the craziest thing is, my flight wasn't out of Newark. It was out of LaGuardia. I changed it to Newark because my flight from LaGuardia had, like, no seats. And I was in the last row and I was like, I'm gonna switch it to and do. And do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And now you could be in the first row on a flight that won't take off for, like, 12 hours.

[Unknown Host]

Or if it does, there might be an outage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not good. I would venture to guess a complete guess on my part. Newark has to be one of, if not the biggest airport in the country.

[Unknown Host]

It's the set. Well, it's not JFK and it's not lax, but it's. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's probably top five. It's gotta be in the top five, right?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So think of the flights that are being affected by this. 60, 70 flights delayed or canceled a day. And this is before this.

[Unknown Host]

Let me ask ChatGPT.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown Host]

What other airport alternatives are there to St. Louis? Give me the top five. And the distance driving from that airport to St. Louis.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, dear God. That was a lot to ask.

[Unknown Host]

Let's see if they can figure it out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I thought you were just gonna ask what the biggest airport is now.

[Unknown Host]

No, they're better than that. They'd be embarrassed I asked such a thing. Guys, Eric Church is coming to Barclays Center. Hopefully not flying into newark on Saturday, September 20th. And ESPN New York has your chance to score tickets on the ESPN New York app and ESPNNewYork.com just find the contest tile and submit your entry. The presale begins tomorrow, 10am Fans can [e-mail] before the general on sale happening Friday, May 9th. That's this [e-mail].

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I asked Google for the biggest airports and they're giving me like how.

[Unknown Host]

Big they are in physical size.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We don't care about that.

[Unknown Host]

No, that's not. That doesn't help us at all.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Busiest airports, that's a different one. See what kind of list they give us there? Wow. I don't see Newark on it for busiest. Crazy.

[Unknown Host]

Well, and chat. GPT is thinking too hard right now. They're naming non major airports. They're naming like small airports that are not going to help me. Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Unknown Host]

Come on, do better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the busiest airports, Atlanta, Dubai, Dallas, Tokyo, London.

[Unknown Host]

What about jfk?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not in the top five.

[Unknown Host]

No, now Don, this is the top five. That's gonna blow people's mind. You want a don top five?

[Peter Rosenberg]

LAX is listed as 1111. Yeah, I do not see. All right, JFK 19.

[Unknown Host]

Kansas City is three and a half hours to St. Louis.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's not bad. You rent a nice car. Do you know, treat yourself because there's.

[Unknown Host]

Aren'T a lot of flights.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They still make Camaros.

[Unknown Host]

Chicago's four and a half hours.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not what you dream to Kansas City, but you know, if you gotta spend some time, Chicago's.

[Unknown Host]

Well, I wouldn't be spending time though. I'd be landing and driving. None of this sounds appealing. Why don't I just keep my flight to LaGuardia? I'm such a strong. I didn't want to sit in the last row. I couldn't do it and now look at me. I dared fate and now I'm getting more scared by the minute. This is terrifying. Let's talk.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sure they'll clear all this up within a couple of days.

[Unknown Host]

They're saying don't expect to clear up anytime soon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think. I think Christmas is now the.

[Unknown Host]

No, it's not. Are you being serious?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just saying it's getting worse by the day. How do you calculate it getting better when it continues to get worse?

[Unknown Host]

You make a good point.

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[Unknown Host]

Race the rudders.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Race the sails. Race the sails.

[Unknown Host]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over.

[Don Hahn]

Roger, wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution?

[Unknown Host]

Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors. With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title and more. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started today at LinkedIn.com results. Terms and conditions apply. Let's talk to Jay in oh, in Newark. All right, what do you got, Jay?

[Jay]

Yeah, Newark. No, both airports. I'm in Atlanta right now. There are no worse airports than Atlanta, which you have to take a train.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, Atlanta's a nightmare.

[Jay]

It's a nightmare. It's terrible. But I digress. I wanted a quick Coach Thibodeau comment and then give you guys a top five suggestion if you don't mind. Go ahead real quickly. The only way I think they should consider firing Thibodeau is if their if effort is in question in this series. If we all think, I mean, what Vegas is giving at a what a -900 to the Celtics to win. I mean under those type of circumstances where universally it's thought that the Knicks are going to are going to lose this series. I don't think the man's coaching job should be in question unless the team for some reason just doesn't compete.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not a bad take, Jay, but you said a couple of things there. Number one, you're talking about compete and effort. Those are two different things. Is it a competitive series? I don't think there's going to be a lack of effort. Tibbs. Teams always bring it. So I wouldn't even say that's going to be on the table. But will they be competitive? That's the question. And Peter, they may be non competitive and has nothing to do with effort. Just that they're not as good as the Celtics. That's what Vegas is telling you is this is a non competitive series because of the fact that they don't believe the Knicks are in the Celtics stratosphere. Well, you got a chance to prove everybody wrong. I'm telling you, tonight's going to be really telling Peter, they win this game. I'm not saying they're winning the series, but obviously then it's on because they proved a lot of people wrong. They get smoked tonight, Peter. I mean, how do you, how do you turn that train around now, now you're talking about 05 on the year. They, you lose a tight game, you can feel good about it getting blown out. They really, they.

[Unknown Host]

I'm telling you, they really got to get one of these two. I, I'm they. If they lose both games by an average of 15 points, I don't think there's any sex appeal to the series. I think it ends up being nasty.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The scary thing, Peter, you see what, you know, their record on the road is astounding.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, they don't lose the Celtics.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So if you play a couple of competitive games, you're owed. You're down oh two. Hey, but we're going home. You know, a series doesn't change till somebody loses a home game. Dude, the Knicks have not played well at home and the Celtics are one of the best road teams in the sport. So 02 going home I don't think is going to matter. You'll get a game at the Garden just because that's the way it usually works out. But it's hard to believe you're winning the series if you're down oh two even if those two losses are in Boston.

[Unknown Host]

Let's, let's take one more from the people.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Unknown Host]

Let's go to Artie in Brooklyn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up, Artie? How are you, buddy?

[Artie]

Hey, Guys, thanks for taking a call. Before I talk next, can I just give a shout out to my beautiful wife for God knows. What he's doing is getting a hot Latina for Cinco de Mayo birthday. So happy birthday, babe.

[Unknown Host]

Good for you.

[Artie]

She's letting me. But yeah, she's letting me watch the mix. That's good. She gets you and she goes to the casino, but I don't know. This is the question I have. They made the trade to get closer to Boston, and you would think with guys like Bridges, Hart and OG they would be so much better at defending the three than they are. I mean, they barely. When they play Boston, they got buried at defending the three, and McBride is probably the best defender and he's coming off the bench. Can somebody explain to me how the heck is that possible that this team with Randle was better defensively at defending the three than they are now? Thanks for taking the call, guys. I appreciate it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for the shout out.

[Unknown Host]

It's a very. It's a. It's a fair point, Don. You would think. And by the way, they have a chance to reassert it starting tonight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, Robinson was not in the first three matchups, but in that fourth matchup, they did a better job defending the three. And without Mitchell Robinson, they were ranked Peter in the 20s defensively. In just the 17 games he came back, they jumped up to the top 10. So having Robinson healthy does change that a lot. But you know, guys, people are. Teams are so good at shooting a three. Like, is it poor defense or just. Hey, sometimes these guys are just too good, right? I mean, you could defend Curry all you want. He's going to get his right? So sometimes if the Celtics hit a three, is it bad defense or just, hey, they're really good at it.

[Unknown Host]

And, and, and by the way, the Celtics shoot a ton of them, so you can only do what you can do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dude, on that, in that last game, 49 threes they took, they.

[Unknown Host]

They chuck it. They chuck it.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unknown Host]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Host]

Game Time is brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, it's the Knicks open there. No, I don't like any of it. I like Tully and I like Tully time as a time to enjoy Tully. But the whole Don jumping in thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what? I appreciate the honor.

[Unknown Host]

That's right. Knicks open their Series with the Celtics. That one I love. Pregame coverage already underway on 1050. We got Dan Grassa coming up next. And then we will get into Mets baseball, 9 o'clock right here on 880. Yankees have the Pirates at 705 like you dream about. And Tullamore dues the original triple distilled, triple blended triple cast mature to Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore do or try the new Tullamore do, honey. Turn today's action glasses up to enjoying Telemore Do. Responsible.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right, be responsible. For God's sakes, let's.

[Unknown Host]

Let's close out with the people. Let's go to Jonathan in la. Hey, Jonathan.

[Jonathan]

Hi, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi.

[Jonathan]

First things first, fellas. Shout out to your little slugger, Don. Going four for four, Marco on Saturday. It hurt you on Saturdays with Dan Grasses.

[Unknown Host]

He's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll just tell you this. He was 4 for 4 when I was on with Dan. He went an additional three for three. He ended up going seven for seven with eight RBIs.

[Jonathan]

Okay, now question is out of his mind that he got tested after or.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he was tested and he's all clear because he's playing today and he got the email. He is an all star for the second consecutive year.

[Unknown Host]

This kid is out of control.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Good Lord. Very proud.

[Jonathan]

Nice. Peter.

[Unknown Host]

Hi.

[Jonathan]

So I'm gonna have to sacrifice some Yankee games and Yankee trips, man, because I'm gonna be in Vegas September 12, Canelo versus Crawford. Man, are you gonna be there? And what's the early prediction?

[Unknown Host]

Oh, I know the fights this weekend were just in the absolute dog house. They were not trash, I imagine. I will be there. I. The weight class thing makes it hard to pick Jonathan, so we'll see. I just hope it's a good fight, you know what I mean? I just like. Yeah, you know, like we just got.

[Jonathan]

Hopefully it's not a Mayweather, Pacquiao, you know, type of fight that it was all hype and then at the end there was nothing. Also, last little thing, Peter, if you have some good old hardwood for us, it's Celtics minus eight and a half. Your Celtics minus eight and a half. Who you got?

[Jay]

And that.

[Jonathan]

Thank you, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, Jonathan. Thank you. Eight and a half.

[Unknown Host]

Gun to my head, I say Celtics. I'm not going to throw money at it myself. I also like Brunson's over at 28, but I. If I had to bet the game tonight, I'm picking the Celtics to cover.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Feel like all these playoff games are right down to the. I would probably bet the Knicks not to win the game, but eight and a half.

[Unknown Host]

That's a big number.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a. It's a big number for how I think both these teams have played in the postseason because it wasn't like you ran over Orlando in every single game. And they're, they're for, For a great team, Peter. They're not great at home, so I would not be surprised. We get. We get a classic tonight. Maybe just me hoping, but I think I would bet the next.

[Unknown Host]

Griffin, what do you got?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up, Griftster?

[Griffin]

Hey, you know, last time we did a Michael K show was December 13th.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay. So I knew time is gone. Yeah, I knew it was not that late in December, so good call by you, man.

[Unknown Host]

That's insane.

[Griffin]

I know. That is. Don, I have a question. Yesterday in Game 7 of the Hockey game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Griffin]

A late in the game when the Blues had. When the Blues guy had the puck and hit it quickly down the ice with that empty net and got the icing. Do you think there's a possibility where he could. Should have kept the puck a little longer, Find somebody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Question.

[Griffin]

I just didn't understand why he quickly went up the ice like that. I'm like, why would you do that? Now there's your gift. You're giving the jets more time. I just think that's all. That's another reason that cost the Blues at times. I just didn't understand that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it was just a panic. There were several icings at that point. I didn't look it up. Just in my mind's eye, watching the game, it felt like they were dominating the Blues face off wise. So maybe that was just kind of the philosophy. Rather than make a mistake, rather than turn the puck over, let's. Let's just get the face off and let's live. I'm just looking it up now to see what the Face Offs were, but I felt like watching the game that Face Offs were dominated by the Blues. And yes, they won 56% of the face Off. So that was the philosophy is like, let's, let's not worry about it. Let's not make a mistake. We're going to win the Face off anyway. We won. We were dominating the Face Off Dot. But, you know, it was just a. I think it's a panic play. I see it all the time calling Ranger games that you can. You could stride a couple of more, get to that red line, dumping in, but it just feels like, you know, it's panic time. It's late in the game and you're doing well on face offs. Just play conservative. But 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. And that certainly cost the blues late.

[Unknown Host]

Javier, you have 30 seconds.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Go.

[Unknown Host]

Javi, do it. Hey, we tried. So coming up next, we got Dan Grasse.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Unknown Host]

Like you, quite literally, Don dream about. He will take you up till 9 o'clock. Then we have Mets baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Mets Diamondbacks in Arizona. Oh, Nothing like the St. Louis Arizona trip.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, beautiful for everybody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

After the Minnesota Sacramento trip, they're really doing it all.

[Unknown Host]

And of course, right now, if you want to flip on over to 10:50am you have Knicks basketball tipping off with the Celtics in just a few minutes. We will break it down tomorrow starting at 3:00 to a fine, fine powder. We'll see you guys then on 880 New York.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unknown Host]

I don't want to know how the.

[Don Hahn]

Sausage is made, man.

[Unknown Host]

I just want to know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's good.

[Don Hahn]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.