Pardon My Take Episode Summary
Episode Title: NBA Playoffs With Brian Windhorst, Actor Josh Duhamel, The Bulls Lost Twice In The Play In, Lee Corso Retires Plus Fyre Fest
Release Date: April 18, 2025

NBA Playoffs Spotlight with Brian Windhorst

Timestamp: [38:34] - [86:57]

In this segment, hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter delve deep into the ongoing NBA Playoffs with their special guest, Brian Windhorst, a renowned NBA insider and ESPN contributor. The conversation kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about the thrilling matchups in the West, particularly highlighting the impending series between the Clippers and the Nuggets.

Key Points:

• Bulls' Performance and Front Office Critique:
  Big Cat passionately critiques the Chicago Bulls for their lackluster performance, especially noting their losses in the play-in games. He states, “[08:35] ... they went 16 and 7. Holy shit.” The hosts express frustration over the Bulls' inability to build a competitive team, citing poor management and questionable player contracts as primary issues.

• Draft Lottery Odds and Cooper Kupp:
  The hosts and Windhorst discuss the Bulls' minimal lottery odds, emphasizing the need for a significant draft pick to revitalize the team. Big Cat mentions, “[82:10] ... they didn't get their lottery odds up,” underscoring the urgency for the Bulls to secure a top draft position, potentially landing a star like Cooper Kupp to change their fortunes.

• Houston Rockets' Young Talent:
  Attention shifts to the Houston Rockets, with Windhorst praising their young phenoms like Amen Thompson and Cade Cunningham. “[63:26] ... Amen Thompson is going to be attacking Steph,” highlights Thompson’s defensive prowess and potential impact in the playoffs.

• Brian Windhorst’s Unique Approach to Playoff Coverage:
  Windhorst shares his unconventional method of predicting playoff outcomes by booking hotel reservations in cities he believes will host Finals games. “[52:04] ... finals schedule is out, like, in the fall,” he explains his strategy to stay ahead of the curve in forecasting team success.

• Pressure on Eastern Teams:
  The discussion also touches on the pressure faced by Eastern Conference teams, particularly the Milwaukee Bucks and Donovan Mitchell’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Windhorst notes, “[65:25] ... Jason Tatum to have a great Finals,” highlighting the immense expectations on star players to deliver championship victories.

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: “[08:35] ... they went 16 and 7. Holy shit.”
• Brian Windhorst: “[52:04] ... finals schedule is out, like, in the fall.”

Lee Corso's Retirement and Legacy

Timestamp: [23:25] - [27:58]

The hosts take a heartfelt turn as they pay tribute to college football legend Lee Corso, announcing his retirement. This segment reflects on Corso’s iconic role on ESPN’s "College GameDay," his infectious enthusiasm, and the indelible mark he leaves on the sports broadcasting world.

Key Points:

• Impact of Lee Corso:
  Big Cat reminisces about Corso’s unwavering passion, stating, “[24:15] ... what I love, is this guy was not just. He doesn't have it all together.”

• Future of "Legend of the Game":
  The discussion speculates on how "Legend of the Game" will evolve post-Corso, with humorous suggestions like featuring mascots or Corso’s dogs, emphasizing Corso's irreplaceable charm.

• Legacy and Fan Sentiment:
  The hosts express universal admiration for Corso, with unanimous agreement that his retirement is a significant loss. “[25:22] ... we all love Lee Corso.”

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: “[24:15] ... this guy was not just. He doesn't have it all together.”
• Josh Duhamel: “[25:20] ... it's not gonna be the same if, like, Nick Saban is putting on mascot headgear.”

Fyre Fest of the Week

Timestamp: [121:46] - [124:06]

In a lighter and humorous segment, the hosts recap a botched attempt at a dunk contest involving Shane. The "Fyre Fest of the Week" highlights the chaotic and comedic nature of their in-house events, blending sports with entertainment.

Key Points:

• Dunk Contest Mishaps:
  Shane recounts his near misses during a dunk challenge, exclaiming, “[121:50] ... I just had to hold the ball above my head.”

• Respect for Athletes:
  Despite the humorous failures, Shane acknowledges the athleticism required for dunking, “[122:51] ... That was how dedicated he was.”

• Upcoming Events:
  The hosts tease future events and playful competitions, hinting at continued antics and camaraderie among the team members.

Notable Quotes:

• Shane: “[121:50] ... I just had to hold the ball above my head.”
• Big Cat: “[123:48] ... They locked down first base.”

Guest Appearance: Josh Duhamel

Timestamp: [89:42] - [124:06]

The episode features multiple appearances by actor Josh Duhamel, who discusses his new Netflix series "Ransom Canyon." The conversation navigates through his experiences in directing, the challenges of memorizing lines, and the dynamics of balancing family life with a demanding career.

Key Points:

• "Ransom Canyon" Insights:
  Josh provides behind-the-scenes anecdotes about shooting the series, including dealing with unpredictable weather and the complexities of directing while acting. “[90:33] ... we had to push all that stuff to the end of the year.”

• Directing Challenges:
  He elaborates on the difficulties of directing scenes out of order, maintaining character arcs, and ensuring consistency across episodes. “[93:12] ... it's about figuring out when you know where you are in the progression of the character's arc.”

• Personal Projects and Hobbies:
  Duhamel shares his passion for doomsday prepping and maintaining a cabin getaway, blending personal interests with lighthearted banter. “[97:00] ... how do you. How would I get there? ... it's a whole. I. I thought.”

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Duhamel: “[93:25] ... this is really the hard part, is to kind of track how you. How you're going to perform things.”
• Big Cat: “[89:42] ... Ransom Canyon, Netflix. It looks like you're ready to do just like a full day of press junkets.”

Final Thoughts and Farewells

As the episode winds down, the hosts engage in playful banter, reflecting on their discussions and teasing future episodes. They express gratitude towards their guests and listeners, maintaining the show's signature humor and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: “[131:38] ... My fire fest is your tweet about the Firefest 2.0.”
• Shane: “[143:59] ... I'll tell you what, the car community has, has kind of forced my hand.”

Overall Summary:

This episode of "Pardon My Take" offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the NBA Playoffs, with insightful commentary from Brian Windhorst on team performances, draft strategies, and playoff dynamics. The hosts critically examine the Chicago Bulls' management failures while celebrating emerging talents in the league. Additionally, they honor the retiring Lee Corso, highlighting his significant contributions to college football broadcasting. The lighthearted "Fyre Fest of the Week" segment adds a humorous touch, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and penchant for entertaining challenges. Guest star Josh Duhamel enriches the conversation with his experiences in directing and personal anecdotes, providing a balanced mix of sports analysis and celebrity insights. Throughout the episode, notable quotes and lively discussions ensure an engaging listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.