Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 4 – Commercials & St. John's Release Date: February 11, 2025

In this engaging fourth hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Alan Hahn, Don Legreca, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of sports topics, ranging from Super Bowl commercials to the resurgence of St. John's in college basketball. The conversation is enriched with listener interactions, expert opinions, and insightful analysis, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.

1. Super Bowl Commercials: Hits and Misses

The episode kicks off with a lively debate on the recent Super Bowl commercials. The hosts reminisce about the past versus the present landscape of advertising during the game.

• Alan Hahn remarks on the diminishing impact of commercials: "Super bowl commercials weren't a big deal, were they?" (00:36).

• Peter Rosenberg shares his favorite ads, particularly highlighting the Harry Met Sally remake: "I like that. And they threw in the Dunkin Donut." (01:02).

• Don Legreca expresses nostalgia for traditional commercials, stating: "Commercials died whenever it was five, six years ago..." (01:25).

• The team also discusses the innovative Willem Dafoe pickleball commercial: "I did like the pickleball one with Willem Dafoe." (02:00).

The conversation underscores a shift in how audiences engage with commercials, noting the early release of ads and the rise of platforms like YouTube as alternative viewing options.

2. NFL Focus: Giants, Jets, and Saquon Barkley

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the New York Giants and Jets, sparked by a call from listener Dave.

• Caller Dave delivers a passionate critique of the Giants' management, emphasizing the missed opportunity to build around standout talent like Saquon Barkley: "They could have got some pedestrian quarterback, but if they decide to put six linemen down and build a team around greatness..." (05:51).

• Don Legreca counters by praising Saquon Barkley's potential: "Saquon's a Hall of Fame." (06:27).

• Peter Rosenberg adds perspective on Barkley's future, mentioning: "Saquon’s going to go in probably, I would think, as an Eagle if he spends another six years there." (07:17).

• The hosts debate the Giants' strategic decisions, with Alan Hahn stressing the need for accountability in the offseason: "We have to hold them accountable this season because it doesn't do the fans a service..." (30:57).

This segment highlights the intricate dynamics of team management and player development within the NFL, particularly focusing on the Giants' recent strategies and their implications for future success.

3. College Basketball Spotlight: St. John's Resurgence

Shifting to college basketball, the hosts turn their attention to St. John's, recognizing their impressive performance and potential breakout in the Big East.

• Peter Rosenberg praises St. John's defensive prowess: "I love what they're doing defensively. I love the fact that they're in the top 10..." (15:08).

• Alan Hahn emphasizes the team's recent statement win and potential: "St. John's has not really given us enough over the years... But this is the time..." (16:26).

• Don Legreca lauds their recent back-to-back wins: "They just got back to back wins over ranked opponents." (17:36).

• Caller Tommy adds enthusiasm about the bean pot and St. John's, prompting further discussion on the significance of playing at Madison Square Garden: "It's a great idea what they did." (32:45).

The conversation underscores St. John's as a formidable contender in the current college basketball season, highlighting their strategic gameplay and the excitement surrounding their matches at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.

4. NHL Update: Four Nations Tournament Insights

The hosts also explore the upcoming NHL Four Nations Tournament, analyzing team dynamics and player performances.

• Peter Rosenberg expresses confidence in Team Canada: "Canada is going to be an absolute beast." (33:10).

• Alan Hahn discusses the impact of players participating in the tournament on their regular season performance: "Rest versus rust, obviously." (35:37).

• Caller Moose shares thoughts on the bean pot and tournament structure, leading to a deeper analysis of its potential impact on the NHL landscape: "With cti?" (39:24).

The discussion highlights the competitive nature of international play and its implications for NHL teams as they balance national pride with regular season commitments.

5. Listener Engagement and Community Building

Throughout the episode, listener interactions play a pivotal role in shaping the conversation.

• Caller Richard brings historical context to St. John's dominance in Northeast college basketball: "St. John's the best game I saw, of course, was a St. John's game Friday night." (47:17).

• Don Legreca and Peter Rosenberg encourage listeners to engage and share their perspectives, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

This emphasis on listener participation enriches the dialogue, ensuring that diverse viewpoints are represented and discussed.

6. Upcoming Events and Promotions

The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming events and sponsorships.

• Alan Hahn announces their appearance at the Irish Exit at Moynihan Station on March 14th: "We will be at the Irish exit at Moynihan Station." (18:08).

• Various sponsors, including FanDuel, Shopify, Bombas, Mint Mobile, Jack in the Box, and Amazon, are featured through brief advertisements interspersed throughout the episode.

• Don Legreca humorously comments on missing commercials but remains engaged with the content.

Conclusion

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Commercials & St. John's offers a comprehensive and lively exploration of current sports topics. From the evolving landscape of Super Bowl advertising to in-depth analyses of NFL team strategies and the rising prominence of St. John's in college basketball, the episode provides rich insights and fosters active listener engagement. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode delivers thoughtful discussions and compelling narratives that capture the essence of the modern sports world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Super bowl commercials weren't a big deal, were they?" – Alan Hahn (00:36)

• "Saquon's a Hall of Fame." – Don Legreca (06:27)

• "I love what they're doing defensively. I love the fact that they're in the top 10..." – Peter Rosenberg (15:08)

• "Canada is going to be an absolute beast." – Peter Rosenberg (33:10)

• "St. John's the best game I saw, of course, was a St. John's game Friday night." – Caller Richard (47:17)

This summary is structured to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the podcast episode, ensuring that all key discussions and insights are captured effectively.