Summary of "Because Miami: Welp...Earth is Screwed" – Episode Released July 25, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, titled "#BecauseMiami: Welp...Earth is Screwed", co-hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve into pressing local political turmoil in Miami and explore critical environmental issues impacting our planet. The episode is thoughtfully structured into two primary segments: the contentious Miami mayoral election battle and a deep dive into the environmental repercussions of modern agriculture, featuring insights from author Michael Grunwald.

I. Miami's Mayoral Election Legal Battle

Emilio Gonzalez's Stand Against Election Manipulation [01:14 – 17:20]

The episode opens with Miami Mayor Candidate Emilio Gonzalez discussing his recent legal victory against the Miami City Commissioners, who unilaterally postponed the scheduled mayoral election without voter approval. This move effectively extended the commissioners' terms, sparking outrage and allegations of constitutional violations.

• Legal Triumph: Gonzalez proudly announces the court's ruling as a "win for Miami mayoral candidate" (Billy Cocaines, [01:26]). He criticizes the commissioners for attempting to "gift themselves an extra year in office," undermining democratic processes ([02:10]).

• Court Ruling and Appeal: Despite the favorable court decision, the Miami City Commissioners, led by Damian Pardo, have filed an appeal. Pardo remains "confident in the strength of our case" and optimistic about the appellate outcome ([04:16], [05:07]).

• Political Ramifications: The hosts highlight the city's negative publicity, labeling Miami a "third world shit show" due to these unconstitutional maneuvers ([02:10]). Gonzalez emphasizes the ethical lapse of the commissioners, noting, "the idea that people can have an election yanked from them four months before they cast their ballot is something that I just wasn't willing to stomach" ([01:30]).

• Internal Politics and Support: The conversation touches on the lack of solidarity among other candidates and political figures, with Michael Hepburn briefly acknowledging Gonzalez's efforts. Notably, Joe Carollo, a former Miami mayor embroiled in his own corruption case, offers limited support by filing an amicus brief in Gonzalez's favor just before trial ([06:44]).

• Disenfranchisement and Voter Impact: The hosts discuss the broader implications of the commissioners' actions, including disenfranchisement of voters and candidates, making campaigning and fundraising significantly more challenging ([15:15], [15:34]).

• Broad Coalition of Support: Despite political divides, a diverse coalition including Veterans for America First and the NAACP has rallied behind Gonzalez's lawsuit, underscoring the universal outrage against the election postponement ([15:56]).

• Future Outlook: Gonzalez remains optimistic, asserting, "We're going to have an election and this is going to be over very, very quickly" ([04:16]). He anticipates overwhelming voter turnout and widespread civic engagement come November 4th ([24:59]).

Notable Quotes:

• Emilio Gonzalez [05:08]: "These people did something that was against the charter. It was illegal."
• Billy Cocaines [02:10]: "Once again, the city of Miami getting international bad publicity for being a third world shit show."
• Emilio Gonzalez [17:00]: "People are pissed. They are pissed. And in this community, people tolerate a lot, but don't tolerate taking my right to vote away."

II. Environmental Concerns: Agriculture's Impact on the Planet

Discussion with Michael Grunwald on "We Are Eating the Earth" [21:14 – 47:39]

Transitioning from local politics, the episode shifts focus to global environmental concerns, featuring author Michael Grunwald and co-host Ryan Reynolds. Grunwald's book, "We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate," serves as the foundation for their conversation.

• Agriculture’s Environmental Footprint: Grunwald and Reynolds discuss how modern agriculture occupies 40% of the Earth's land, contributing significantly to deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Reynolds shares alarming statistics, stating, "We're going to have to manufacture more food in the next 30 years than we've made in the last 12,000 since the invention of agriculture" ([33:06]).

• Impact of Meat Consumption: The dialogue emphasizes the disproportionate environmental toll of cattle farming compared to other forms of agriculture. Reynolds advocates for reduced beef and lamb consumption, noting, "Beef is 10 times worse than for the planet and for the climate than chicken or pork" ([35:19]).

• Policy and Innovation Challenges: The conversation critiques Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's ban on the sale of cultivated meat, highlighting it as a setback for sustainable food innovations. Reynolds underscores the potential of lab-grown meat to drastically reduce land use and emissions, lamenting, "Other red states have banned cultivated meat" ([37:40]).

• Future of Sustainable Agriculture: Grunwald and Reynolds explore viable solutions, including vegetarian and vegan diets, to mitigate the environmental impact of food production. They discuss the necessity of technological advancements and policy support to transition towards more sustainable farming practices.

• Reluctance and Cultural Barriers: Despite the clear environmental benefits, there is resistance to change due to cultural preferences and economic interests. Reynolds compares societal challenges to the adoption of electric vehicles, suggesting that "cultivated meat is seen as Biden burgers," illustrating the politicization of sustainable solutions ([38:59]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Reynolds [33:06]: "We're going to have to manufacture more food in the next 30 years than we've made in the last 12,000 since the invention of agriculture."
• Emilio Gonzalez [35:21]: "I miss steak, I miss burgers."
• Ryan Reynolds [37:40]: "It's a really exciting technology, but because, you know, just like electric vehicles were seen as sort of Obama mobile, now these kind of like fake meat is seen as Biden burgers."

III. Additional Topics and Reflections

Cape Coral Housing Market and Environmental Degradation [41:06 – 47:39]

Later in the episode, the discussion briefly touches upon housing market issues in Cape Coral, Florida, and the broader environmental degradation exemplified by projects like the Everglades incinerator proposal.

• Housing Market Concerns: Reynolds references his article, "The Boomtown That Shouldn't Exist," critiquing Cape Coral's unsustainable housing practices and vulnerability to environmental disasters ([41:37]).

• Everglades Restoration Failures: The hosts express disappointment over stalled Everglades restoration projects, highlighting bureaucratic delays and the current lack of bipartisan support for protecting this critical ecosystem ([43:40]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Reynolds [43:41]: "We are eating the Earth in the Everglades."
• Emilio Gonzalez [44:03]: "Citizens can fight back. Citizens don't have to sit back and take it."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully intertwines local political upheaval with global environmental crises, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing Miami and our planet. Through passionate discussions and insightful commentary, hosts and guests alike underscore the urgent need for civic engagement and sustainable practices to safeguard democratic processes and environmental integrity.

Key Takeaways:

• Democratic Integrity: Emilio Gonzalez's legal battle exemplifies the ongoing struggle to maintain democratic integrity against manipulation and unconstitutional practices.
• Environmental Urgency: Modern agriculture, especially cattle farming, poses a severe threat to the environment, necessitating immediate and substantial changes in consumption and production practices.
• Policy and Innovation: Legislative actions, such as Florida's ban on cultivated meat, can significantly hinder progress towards sustainable solutions.
• Community and Activism: Both political and environmental arenas demonstrate the power of community and individual activism in effecting meaningful change.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, engage in local governance, and consider sustainable lifestyle choices to contribute positively to both their communities and the global environment.