Pablo Torre Finds Out: Share & Cool & Tell with David Dennis Jr. and Mina Kimes Episode Release Date: May 30, 2025

In this engaging episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, host Pablo Torre delves deep into the elusive concept of "coolness" within the realm of professional sports. Joined by sports journalists Mina Kimes and David Dennis Jr., the trio embarks on a spirited discussion to unpack what makes an athlete genuinely cool versus merely popular or overexposed.

1. Introduction to the Concept of Coolness

The episode kicks off with Pablo posing a provocative question: “Are any of us cool? Do you think if people did the exercise we're about to do, anybody, they would say any of us are actually cool?” (00:18) Mina Kimes echoes this sentiment, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of what defines "coolness" in today's sports landscape.

2. Analyzing Coolness in the NBA

The conversation turns to a Substack article by an anonymous author, Oxportello, which critiques current NBA players' coolness:

• Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton are labeled as "uncool."
• Shay Gilgeous Alexander also falls into the same category.
• Anthony Edwards stands out as the "exception proving the rule," lauded for his originality and authentic persona.

Mina Kimes posits, “Cool is truly in the eye of the beholder... Anthony Edwards feels cool because he does not seem to be emulating anyone.” (09:56) She emphasizes that authenticity and originality are paramount, suggesting that Edwards' unique style sets him apart.

David Dennis Jr. adds, “There's not a way to distill their personalities in the way that we had. Players like Reggie Miller had an aura that was distinct and memorable.” (11:48) He critiques the current generation for lacking the same depth in personality and cultural impact.

Pablo Torre supplements the discussion by highlighting the importance of being "anti-authority" and subversive, citing Allen Iverson as a quintessential example of coolness in the modern NBA.

3. Drafting the Coolest Athletes Across Major Sports

To put their theories to the test, the hosts engage in a draft to select the coolest athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Each host picks one athlete per sport, discussing their choices and the rationale behind them.

NFL Picks:

• Mina Kimes selects Joe Burrow, praising his "credible big moments" and "ice cold" demeanor both on and off the field. She admires his ability to maintain a low profile while delivering outstanding performance (22:26).

• Pablo Torre chooses Jalen Hurts, acknowledging his skills but facing pushback from Mina who argues, “He is not cool. Like he dresses and acts like a 45-year-old man.” (24:37) This sparks a debate on the importance of personality versus performance.

• David Dennis Jr. opts for Lamar Jackson, commending his anti-authority traits and unique playstyle. He notes, “The way he presents on and off the field is legitimately cool.” (23:33)

NBA Picks:

• Mina Kimes advocates for A.J. Wilson, highlighting his charisma and influence within the WNBA, arguing that female athletes bring a different dimension to coolness that is often overlooked (28:56).

• David Dennis Jr. selects Steph Curry, lauding his "cool celebrations" and effortless style, despite acknowledging his privileged background as a "nepo baby" (30:19).

• Pablo Torre nominates John Morant with an asterisk, indicating his complex persona that oscillates between cool and controversial due to his anti-authority celebrations (31:22).

MLB Picks:

• Mina Kimes chooses Mookie Betts as the coolest, admiring his on-field prowess and engaging personality. She draws parallels between Betts and legends like Ken Griffey Jr., emphasizing his joy and authenticity (37:29).

• Pablo Torre selects Ellie De La Cruz, praising his outstanding performance and dynamic playstyle, positioning him as a modern-day athlete embodying both skill and coolness (39:07).

• David Dennis Jr. picks Shohei Ohtani, appreciating his dual skills in pitching and hitting, as well as his mysterious and private demeanor that adds to his cool aura (43:55).

4. Exploration of Attributes Defining Coolness

Throughout the draft, the hosts dissect several key attributes that contribute to an athlete's coolness:

• Authenticity and Originality: Maintaining a genuine persona without imitation is crucial. “Cool guys do cool stuff, and try hard efforts feel like anti-cool in this context,” states Pablo Torre (10:47).

• Anti-Authority Stance: Athletes who defy conventional norms and exhibit a rebellious streak often garner a "cool" reputation. This is exemplified by Allen Iverson’s legacy in the NBA.

• Overexposure's Negative Impact: The trio discusses how constant media presence can diminish an athlete's coolness. “There's an inverse relationship between exposure and coolness,” Mina Kimes explains (20:30).

• Style of Play and Persona: Dynamic playstyles, such as Steph Curry’s celebrations or Mookie Betts’ engaging gameplay, play a significant role in defining coolness (34:06).

5. Additional Insights and Anecdotes

The conversation takes a lighter turn as the hosts share personal anecdotes and humorous moments:

• Jennifer Hudson Tunnel Reference: They discuss a viral segment involving the Jennifer Hudson tunnel, highlighting how certain moments can define or undermine an athlete's cool image (25:52).

• Impact of Social Media: David Dennis Jr. points out that WNBA players often maintain a cooler image through effective social media use, something that NBA players are still grappling with (28:56).

6. Conclusion and Takeaways

In wrapping up, Pablo summarizes the picks and reiterates the main findings:

• NFL Coolest Players: Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts (with Kangol), Lamar Jackson.
• NBA Coolest Players: A.J. Wilson, John Morant*, Dame Lillard.
• MLB Coolest Players: Mookie Betts, Ellie De La Cruz, Shohei Ohtani.

The discussion concludes with reflections on how the concept of coolness is ever-evolving, influenced by performance, personality, and media portrayal. Mina Kimes and David Dennis Jr. also promote their collaborative project, Viewer Discretion with Mina Kimes and David Dennis Jr., encouraging listeners to check out their analysis of reality TV shows like Love Island.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mina Kimes: “Joe Burrow is incredibly cool because he has these credible big moments. He's ice cold.” (22:26)

• David Dennis Jr.: “There's an inverse relationship between exposure and coolness.” (20:30)

• Pablo Torre: “Try hardness, like somebody who really wants to be cool. Effort, transparency of effort feels like another anti-cool sort of aspect here.” (10:47)

• Mina Kimes: “Cool is truly in the eye of the beholder... Anthony Edwards feels cool because he does not seem to be emulating anyone.” (09:56)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out offers a nuanced examination of what it means to be "cool" in professional sports today. Through candid discussions and thoughtful analysis, Pablo, Mina, and David challenge conventional perceptions, highlighting the delicate balance between performance, personality, and media influence in shaping an athlete's coolness.

For those interested in the intersections of sports, culture, and personality, this episode provides valuable insights and a fresh perspective on a topic that resonates deeply with fans and athletes alike.

Note: The asterisk (*) next to John Morant indicates his selection is nuanced due to his complex public persona and ongoing controversies, warranting further discussion beyond this episode.