Podcast Summary: Pardon My Take Episode: Ryen Russillo, OKC Thunder Center Isaiah Hartenstein, Mount Rushmore Of M Things + Listener Submitted FAQs
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host/Author: Barstool Sports

1. Mount Rushmore Season Kickoff

[00:03] Big Cat:
The hosts kick off the episode by announcing the return of Mount Rushmore season, a recurring segment where they rank the top four entities within a specific category starting with the letter "M."

[00:30] Hank:
Shares a humorous anecdote about Alex Crusoe at the Oklahoma City Thunder championship parade, highlighting his playful spirit by wearing a Mount Rushmore shirt featuring four heads of Alex Crusoe himself.

Notable Quote:
"Alex Crusoe for president." — Hank ([03:47])

2. NBA Finals and Tyrese Halliburton's Injury

[03:57] Hank & Big Cat:
Discuss the impact of Tyrese Halliburton's injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals on the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship hopes. They express disappointment over the team's loss and reflect on how the injury derailed what could have been a memorable finish.

[07:35] Hank:
Speculates on the TV ratings of Game 7, noting that 16.35 million viewers watched the game, with a peak of 19.28 million, marking it as the highest NBA Finals game since 2019 despite a 9.3% drop from the previous year.

Notable Quote:
"Feels good to watch something that other people watched." — Big Cat ([08:16])

3. Celtics Dismantling and Team Dynamics

[09:08] Zach:
Analyzes the recent trades involving the Boston Celtics, particularly the trade of Drew Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, questioning the team's future prospects and expressing uncertainty about retaining key players like Derrick White and Jalen Brown.

[12:07] Zach:
Shares insights into the Celtics' strategy, praising George Yang's acquisition and discussing the balance between veterans and rising stars on the roster.

Notable Quote:
"A lot of cap space because we're going to be paying Drew Holiday for the next four years." — Zach ([09:23])

4. Mount Rushmore of M Things: Draft Picks and Player Evaluations

[50:29] Hank:
Introduces the segment "Mount Rushmore of M Things," where the hosts collectively rank their top four picks within categories starting with "M." They initially choose music, money, moms, and march madness, sparking playful debates over the appropriateness and relevance of certain picks like MILFs and mouth-related topics.

[65:32] Big Cat:
Navigates the contentious discussion about including "MILFs" in the Mount Rushmore list, ultimately steering the conversation towards more universally acceptable picks like Mexican food and milkshakes.

Notable Quote:
"Money is the root of all evil." — Big Cat ([59:18])

5. Interviews: Ryan Rosillo and Isaiah Hartenstein

a. Ryan Rosillo on the NBA Draft and Thunder's Future

[77:43]
Ryan Rosillo discusses the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance in the NBA Finals, the impact of Halliburton's injury, and the team's potential moves in the offseason. He praises the organization's culture and expresses optimism despite the recent setback.

Notable Quote:
"I think Presti's done a great job building that out, and now winning a championship was always a goal, but it's never promised. It worked out perfectly." — Isaiah Hartenstein ([135:41])

b. Isaiah Hartenstein Reflects on Winning the Championship

[130:19]
Isaiah Hartenstein shares his experiences from the Thunder's championship run, including the camaraderie within the team, the challenges faced during the Finals, and the overwhelming support from fans. He humorously recounts interactions with his one-year-old son during post-game celebrations.

Notable Quote:
"The pressure is also a privilege. You grow up wanting to play in these high-stakes games, and that's where I got back to being more calm." — Isaiah Hartenstein ([147:24])

6. Listener Submitted FAQs: The Age of AI and Digital Authenticity

[39:00] Big Cat:
Addresses a listener's question regarding AI-generated videos, discussing the rapid advancements in AI technology that make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and AI-created content. The hosts express concerns about the implications of this technology on media and personal interactions.

[43:20] Hank:
Introduces an app called KOAI, aimed at helping users identify AI-generated videos by flagging them before they play. The discussion highlights the urgency and skepticism surrounding AI's capability to mimic human-created content accurately.

Notable Quote:
"There's no need getting on the Internet because you have no clue." — Max ([42:28])

7. Comedy and Banter: Hot Seat Chill Throne Segment

[25:30]
In the "Hot Seat Chill Throne" segment, the hosts engage in playful banter and comedic exchanges. Topics range from absurd fantasies like rollerblading from LA to San Diego to humorous takes on personal fears, such as max's fear of heights and Hank's intention to take flying lessons.

[73:57]
The conversation takes a humorous turn as they discuss drafting unconventional items like Caitlin Clark for ticket sales, blending sports talk with irreverent humor.

Notable Quote:
"Rollerblading from LA to San Diego was a... That sounds like, what you're going to do?" — Big Cat ([22:38])

8. Closing Remarks and Future Segments

[56:20]
The episode concludes with the hosts finalizing their Mount Rushmore of M Things picks and teasing upcoming segments, including interviews with Ryan Rosillo and Isaiah Hartenstein. They encourage listeners to submit their own Mount Rushmore ideas and participate in upcoming polls.

[67:00]
Final humorous exchanges about potential office additions like slides and batting cages wrap up the episode, maintaining the show's signature blend of sports analysis and comedic relief.

Key Takeaways:

• Mount Rushmore Season: A fun, thematic segment ranking top entities starting with "M."
• NBA Finals Insights: Analysis of the Thunder's Game 7 loss due to Tyrese Halliburton's injury and its implications.
• Celtics Trade Review: Critical look at recent Celtics trades and future team dynamics.
• AI Concerns: Growing anxiety over AI's ability to create indistinguishable digital content.
• Interviews Highlight: Conversations with Ryan Rosillo and Isaiah Hartenstein provide insider perspectives on team culture and championship experiences.
• Comedic Elements: The hosts maintain a light-hearted atmosphere through banter and humorous segments.

Notable Quotes:

• "Alex Crusoe for president." — Hank ([03:47])
• "Feels good to watch something that other people watched." — Big Cat ([08:16])
• "Money is the root of all evil." — Big Cat ([59:18])
• "The pressure is also a privilege." — Isaiah Hartenstein ([147:24])

This episode of "Pardon My Take" masterfully blends in-depth sports analysis with the hosts' characteristic humor and camaraderie, offering listeners both insightful commentary and entertaining banter. Whether dissecting pivotal NBA moments or engaging in light-hearted debates, Big Cat and PFT Commenter ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable listening experience.