Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Don's Crush & Last Call Crew

Date: March 13, 2026
Podcast: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg (ESPN New York)
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Don La Greca

Episode Overview

This lively hour from the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg show spotlights an unscripted, hilarious, and heartfelt segment where a longtime listener, Rochelle from Queens, is introduced as Don La Greca's "crush." The show unfolds into a mix of playful banter, genuine fan interaction, and sports talk, including engaging listener call-ins during the "Last Call Crew." This episode marries New York sports chat with the unique personalities and playful chemistry of the hosts, capped by memorable live moments and humor.

Key Topics & Highlights

1. Announcements & Show Events ([00:44]-[02:09])

• Promo for Big East Live Broadcast:
  Rosenberg and Hahn plug their upcoming live show at Calandra's Italian Village for March 18th, inviting fans to join for the show and a Rangers vs. Devils watch party.
  “We've talked to management, so get involved quickly. Otherwise, it's going to sell out.” ([01:37], Hahn)

2. Rochelle from Queens: Don’s Biggest Fan ([02:09]-[09:10])

Introduction and Family ‘Imaginary Crushes’

• Rochelle introduces herself as a 15-year “imaginary crush” of Don’s:
  “We’re the couple who’s been together the longest—you and Don before they met. ...we're talking probably about 15 years.” ([02:33], Rochelle)

  • Her family’s tradition is to have “imaginary crushes.”
  • Her husband’s crush is Tina Fey; her own used to be Robert De Niro and DMX “until I saw Don.” ([03:26])

• Describing Don’s Vibe:
  Rochelle’s attraction to Don is described in playful and evocative terms:
  “He gives, like, Michael McDonald with Tabasco sauce.” ([03:46], Rochelle)
  “A grey beard and a man who looks like they pointed people and they disappear.” ([04:03], Rochelle)

• Hosts’ Reactions:
  Rosenberg and Hahn riff on the humor and sincerity, comparing Don to a “wizard” and teasing the idea of dangerous looks.
  “I guess she likes dangerous, but you know me, I'm not that dangerous.” ([05:30], Don)

Rochelle’s Background and Shared Interests

• Rochelle reveals she was a stylist in the music industry in the early 2000s, is a Marvel nerd, and loves 80s/90s hip hop and Frank Sinatra. ([06:04]-[06:35]) “We would have been friends in high school.” ([06:32], Rochelle)

• Connection to Don:
  Rochelle’s husband is the reason she became a Don fan; together, they have a rich history with the show, including listening with her husband’s great-grandmother. ([07:02])

The 'Don Experience' & Memorable Quotes

• What is the Don experience?
  "He's an experience. ...He's Janet Jackson in the 80s." ([08:19]-[08:22], Rochelle)

• The moment ends with a live hug and photo, which the crew and audience enjoy.
  “The hug has happened. The embrace has happened. ...This is just a beautiful thing to see on a Friday.” ([08:41], Rosenberg)

3. Last Call Crew: Listener Call-Ins ([11:41]-[19:35])

Standout Callers

• Richard in Manhattan:
  Praises Peter's versatility across sports, politics, music, wrestling, UFC, etc. ([13:29])
  Notable Stretch:

  • Discusses the Colorado Avalanche’s "Triple Crown," NBA MVP race (advocating for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), observations on Zion Williamson (“never shoots a three”), the Lakers’ inconsistent performance, and Al Horford’s NBA longevity. ([13:34]-[16:15])
    “This guy could have played 50 years ago. He could have played with Chamberlain and Russ. ...And the fact is nobody likes him. That’s why you don’t hear more about him.” ([15:33], Richard, about Zion Williamson)

• Host Reflection on Richard:
  "I hope I'm as passionate about sports when I get that much older. ...He's as passionate about as you can get." ([17:04], Don)

• Nick in Wanta:
  “The biggest loser in free agency so far for the NFL is the Dallas Cowboys… didn’t get the George Pickens deal done. ...What do you think he's going to get?” ([19:05], Nick)

Host Response on Cowboys/Free Agency

Don and Peter debate cap space, Jerry Jones’ negotiation style, and Pickens’ potential without specific figures ([19:35])
“Wide receiver guy that can make the plays that he can make. ...But he is one heck of a player, that's for sure.” ([19:35], Don)

4. Recapping Rochelle’s Segment ([20:27]-[23:29])

• Hahn and Rosenberg reflect on the authenticity and long history of Rochelle's “crush.”

  • Discussion about “imaginary crushes" vs. hall passes, and Rochelle’s longstanding calls to the show.
  • Play the audio drop from January 2025:
    “I have had a relationship with you, Don, in my head since the first time I laid eyes on you.” ([21:42], Rochelle - replayed audio drop)

• Behind-the-scenes color:

  • How Don reacted to a surprise in-studio fan (“Why is Lenny Kravitz’s drummer sitting next to Peter Rosenberg?” – Don, [23:02])
  • Hahn’s knack for catching good radio moments:
    "You crave it, and it's in my DNA.” ([23:26], Hahn)

5. Closing & Shout Outs ([23:29]-end)

• Thank-yous to contributors and guests including Maria Moreno (women’s sports/WNBA), Walter Berry, and Charles Smith.
• Several sports updates:
  Knicks vs. Pacers; Islanders vs. Kings; St. John’s vs. Seton Hall.
• Teasing next week’s show and encouraging listeners to re-listen to great podcast segments.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Rochelle from Queens:

• “I have had a relationship with you, Don, in my head since the first time I laid eyes on you.” ([21:42])
• “He gives like Michael McDonald with Tabasco sauce." ([03:46])
• "He's an experience. He's Janet Jackson in the 80s." ([08:22])

The Hosts:

• Peter: “You sense good radio. You hunt for it. You crave it, and it's in my DNA." ([23:25], Hahn)

Richard from Manhattan:

• “This guy could have played 50 years ago... The fact is nobody likes him. That's why you don't hear more about him.” ([15:33], about Zion Williamson)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:07] — Calandra’s event promo
• [02:09] — Rochelle’s intro and Don’s “crush” segment
• [03:46] — Michael McDonald/Tabasco quote
• [08:22] — “He’s Janet Jackson in the 80s”
• [13:02] — Richard in Manhattan’s call
• [15:33] — Richard on Zion Williamson
• [19:05] — Nick from Wanta on Cowboys
• [21:42] — Audio drop: “Relationship with you, Don, in my head...”
• [23:26] — Hosts discuss making good radio

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is energetic, humorous, and authentic, marked by camaraderie, light teasing, and heartfelt fan connections. The hosts expertly blend crowd interaction with sports insight, producing a show that feels both classic New York and uniquely personal.

Summary

Hour 4 of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg delivers peak local sports radio with a side of unscripted joy—headlined by Don’s “imaginary crush” Rochelle, playful host banter, dedicated and colorful callers, and real-time fan interactions. The live hug and photo-op with Rochelle epitomize the inclusive, larger-than-sports community that the show cultivates, making it a “must-listen” episode for both local fans and anyone who loves great live radio.