Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: App Only (May 7, 2025)

In the fourth episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of engaging sports topics, ranging from baseball and basketball insights to memorable sports collapses. This episode, titled "App Only," offers listeners a comprehensive discussion enriched with expert opinions, lively debates, and interactive segments featuring calls from avid sports fans. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Opening Remarks and Current Sports Updates (00:34 – 02:07)

The episode begins with a lively exchange between Peter Rosenberg and Don La Greca, setting the tone for the dynamic discussions to follow. Peter opens with a notable update on the New York Mets:

Peter Rosenberg [00:44]: "Mets win seven to one. So they take the series from Arizona, winning two out of three. Now they come home to take on a really good Cub team. Mets and Yankees and Padres tonight. Rubber game of that three-game set."

Peter highlights the Mets' performance, reflecting on their resilience despite previous setbacks:

Peter Rosenberg [01:14]: "That was actually something."

Alan Hahn adds to the conversation, questioning Juan Soto’s performance and the Mets' overall standing:

Alan Hahn [01:15]: "Celebrate himself enough though, I didn't see. Or was he hating on himself?"

This segment sets up the day's primary baseball narratives, focusing on the Mets' prospects and their standing in the league.

2. Debating the Greatest Sports Collapses (02:07 – 11:20)

One of the central themes of the episode is the discussion around the greatest collapses in sports history. The hosts, along with callers, debate various instances where teams failed to secure victories despite strong positions.

Peter Rosenberg initiates the debate by challenging popular opinions:

Peter Rosenberg [02:08]: "So that's the baseball story, but the Knicks are the story. We said that the biggest collapse in the history of sports is the Yankees blowing the three."

Alan Hahn supports Peter's viewpoint, referencing historical collapses:

Alan Hahn [02:13]: "No, it's not nothing serious. The Red Sox and oh, four, of course."

The conversation shifts to specific examples, with Peter recounting the Golden State Warriors' collapse against the Cavaliers:

Peter Rosenberg [03:02]: "The Warriors blowing the 3-1 series lead to the Cavs when they won 73 games in the regular season."

Alan counters by emphasizing the context of these collapses:

Alan Hahn [04:24]: "He was dead wrong, by the way."

In a lively exchange, they consider the impact of key players and decisions that led to these collapses. Peter cites Draymond Green's suspension as a pivotal moment for the Warriors:

Peter Rosenberg [04:34]: "The Draymond Green suspension for game five put them in such a difficult spot."

A caller, identified as Jay from Newark, joins the conversation, presenting the Super Bowl Falcons collapse as the worst:

Jay [09:07]: "I think the Falcons collapse in the Super Bowl is worse because it was an in-game collapse."

Peter acknowledges Jay's perspective but maintains his stance on the historical significance of baseball collapses:

Peter Rosenberg [10:03]: "No team ever blew a 3:1 series lead. But it's also Tom Brady."

The debate highlights differing opinions on what constitutes the most significant sports collapse, balancing between high-stakes moments like the Super Bowl and historic baseball series.

3. Airline Hacks and Personal Stories (04:24 – 06:40)

Transitioning from sports, Alan Hahn shares a personal anecdote about changing his flight, offering listeners a practical life hack:

Alan Hahn [04:24]: "Most underrated way to handle annoying airline stuff is DMing on Twitter."

He elaborates on his strategy to successfully rebook a flight through Twitter Direct Messages, emphasizing its effectiveness:

Alan Hahn [05:25]: "So just us and our app friends. Most underrated way to handle annoying airline stuff is DMing on Twitter."

Peter acknowledges this "life hack," appreciating the innovative approach:

Peter Rosenberg [05:54]: "That's a nice little life hack."

This segment provides listeners with a valuable tip for navigating airline challenges, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend personal experiences with actionable advice.

4. Further Discussion on Sports Collapses and Historical Context (06:40 – 11:20)

Returning to the theme of sports collapses, the hosts continue to dissect various instances across different sports. Peter reiterates the significance of the 3-0 lead collapses, particularly emphasizing their rarity in baseball:

Peter Rosenberg [10:43]: "But 2-8 to 3-0, man, that's crazy."

He compares it to the Yankees' struggles, highlighting the difficulty of closing out series:

Peter Rosenberg [10:35]: "The Yankees were right there in game four, in game five, in game six, in game seven and could not close it out."

Alan underscores the uniqueness of such collapses in baseball history, pointing out that similar comebacks have never been seen before:

Alan Hahn [11:01]: "Think about that."

The discussion deepens the conversation around the psychological and strategic factors contributing to these historic collapses, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of what makes these events stand out.

5. Transition to NBA Postseason and Betting Insights (11:49 – 20:38)

The conversation shifts to the NBA postseason, where Peter and Alan analyze the Brooklyn Knicks' performance and the Celtics' prospects.

Peter expresses confidence in the Knicks' abilities, despite financial odds:

Peter Rosenberg [14:38]: "I'm going to bet Knicks again."

Alan is skeptical but supports Peter’s enthusiasm:

Alan Hahn [15:16]: "Are you actually going to, or you're just saying it?"

They delve into betting strategies, with Peter discussing the challenges of wagering on underdog teams:

Peter Rosenberg [15:21]: "I think that's the... I think that's."

Alan shares his concerns about the Celtics' current form, highlighting the unpredictability of the NBA this season:

Alan Hahn [19:11]: "I think the Knicks are going to play very loose tonight."

Peter adds a broader perspective on the NBA's shifting dynamics:

Peter Rosenberg [20:32]: "Same teams making runs all the time. We're seeing new teams, Minnesota, OKC being involved."

They contemplate the potential for unexpected outcomes in the postseason, such as the Knicks making a deep run or the Pacers challenging in the conference finals:

Peter Rosenberg [21:02]: "Because last year isn't the west always TNT?"

The hosts discuss the "wacky" nature of the current NBA season, emphasizing that traditional powerhouses are facing new challenges from emerging teams. This analysis provides listeners with insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of professional basketball.

6. Interactive Segment and Light-Hearted Banter (16:33 – 19:40)

The episode incorporates light-hearted moments and casual banter between the hosts, enhancing the show's engaging atmosphere. Alan and Peter reminisce about past guests and attempts to book popular personalities like Jeff "The Pass":

Alan Hahn [17:29]: "Do you think Michael would be petty enough that if we tried to book Jeff that that's the day he'd want to have him?"

Peter responds humorously, reflecting on the challenges of guest booking:

Peter Rosenberg [17:59]: "And I almost. I would bet any amount of money he says he's not available."

They continue with jokes and playful comments about the unpredictable nature of their show, demonstrating the camaraderie and rapport among the hosts.

Additionally, Peter shares his thoughts on the changing NBA, touched by personal reflections and professional insights:

Peter Rosenberg [19:42]: "Nothing's going the way it usually goes in the NBA."

This segment not only adds humor but also humanizes the hosts, making the conversation more relatable to listeners.

7. Final Thoughts on the NBA and Season Predictions (19:40 – 20:38)

In the closing discussions, Peter and Alan offer their predictions for the NBA season, focusing on the resilience of teams like the Knicks and Celtics. They express optimism about the Knicks' performance despite external odds:

Peter Rosenberg [15:16]: "I'm going to bet Knicks again."

Alan concurs, while also voicing concerns about the Celtics maintaining their performance:

Alan Hahn [19:11]: "I think the Knicks are going to play very loose tonight."

They explore the implications of the NBA's current trends, noting the rise of teams like Minnesota and OKC, which disrupt traditional expectations:

Peter Rosenberg [20:32]: "Because nothing's going to type. Nothing's going the way it usually goes in the NBA."

The hosts conclude with a forward-looking perspective, anticipating exciting developments in the postseason and the potential for unexpected champions:

Alan Hahn [21:06]: "Because last year isn't the west always TNT?"

8. Closing Remarks (21:10 – 21:38)

The episode wraps up with a mix of final thoughts and humorous exchanges as the hosts prepare to end the show. Don La Greca reiterates the show's availability on demand:

Don La Greca [21:10]: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."

Alan and Peter engage in a playful exchange, reminiscing about past moments and expressing gratitude towards listeners:

Alan Hahn [21:13]: "I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know."

The hosts sign off with enthusiasm for upcoming episodes and continued engagement with their audience:

Don La Greca [21:15]: "Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts."

Key Takeaways

• Sports Insights: The hosts provide in-depth analysis of the New York Mets' performance and the broader MLB landscape, alongside a passionate debate on the greatest collapses in sports history.

• NBA Postseason Analysis: Detailed discussions on the Brooklyn Knicks and Celtics highlight the unpredictable nature of the current NBA season, with hosts sharing their betting strategies and predictions.

• Interactive Engagement: Calls from listeners like Jay add diverse perspectives, enriching the conversation and fostering a community feel.

• Practical Tips: Alan's airline hacking story offers listeners valuable advice for managing travel disruptions, demonstrating the show's blend of sports talk and real-life tips.

• Humor and Camaraderie: Light-hearted banter between the hosts enhances the show's engaging and entertaining atmosphere, making complex sports discussions accessible and enjoyable.

Overall, "Hour 4: App Only" delivers a robust mix of expert sports analysis, passionate debates, interactive elements, and relatable anecdotes, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive and entertaining commentary.