Podcast Summary: GOOD FOLLOW – Michael Grady talks New York Liberty, The Face of The WNBA, Finding His Style & More! The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – October 23, 2025

Main Theme

This episode features a lively, insightful conversation between Roz Golden-Woode and Michael Grady—renowned NBA and WNBA play-by-play broadcaster. Their discussion delves into Grady’s broadcasting journey and style, the evolution and culture of the New York Liberty, his deepening national profile, the current and future faces of the WNBA, and the joy of covering high-level women’s basketball.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Michael Grady’s Broadcasting Journey & Work Ethic

• Multi-league Presence: Grady is now one of basketball's most prominent voices, calling games for NBC, Amazon Prime, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the New York Liberty. (02:00–03:00)
• Hustle and Recognition: Roz jokes about Grady’s “glow up” – photo shoots, custom jackets, and magazine covers – highlighting the growing recognition of his career.
• Mutual Support: A playful debate about who is “Beyonce” on their broadcast team, with both expressing admiration and gratitude for their partnership.

  "You are so talented. But I think another thing is you are a wonderful human being... you are magnetic." – Roz Golden (05:00)

2. Special Bond Calling New York Liberty Games

• Team Chemistry: Roz and Grady, with Tina Servacio, cherish their broadcast team dynamics. They highlight the honor of covering the Liberty, especially during their championship season. (06:40–07:10)

• Liberty's Growth: Grady recounts the team's journey from playing in small venues in Westchester to becoming a marquee attraction in Brooklyn, reflecting on how the New York Liberty have truly “arrived” in the city’s competitive sports—and cultural—ecosystem. (08:15–09:29)

  "The New York Liberty has carved out a space to where it is appointment viewing... You got like, yo, we gotta check the game out." – Michael Grady (08:40)

3. Broadcasting Fun: The Ellie the Elephant Moment

• Memorable Game Moment: Roz and Grady recall the infamous “Ellie the Elephant” mascot incident, a viral moment during a tense Liberty game.

  "We're also trying to stay serious and not crack up while Ellie the Elephant is literally carrying on screen..." – Roz Golden (09:36)

• Broadcast Decision-Making: Roz explains the quick thinking required when deciding to address such comedic sideline moments during a serious game, especially when the cameras miss the action. (11:05–12:16)

• Mascot Culture: Ellie is celebrated as the most authentic and beloved mascot, even inspiring imitators in other franchises. (12:16–13:10)

4. National Ascent: Grady’s New Roles

• Amazon Prime and NBC: Both networks wanted Grady as a lead voice for WNBA, marking his ascent to national prominence and underscoring demand for his distinctive style. Grady's loyalty to the Timberwolves and Liberty is also discussed. (14:16–16:07)

  "The fact that both of these national networks, the new rights holders, were like, ‘We'll make it work. We want Grady too...’" – Roz Golden (15:00)

5. Personal Connection to Women’s Basketball

• Early Career Roots: Grady recounts early break covering the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, his admiration for Tamika Catchings and the excitement of helping announce and witness the team win a championship in Indiana. (16:23–20:30)

• Emotional Significance: He reflects on being raised by competitive women, his long relationship with women’s basketball, and how deeply he values his new Amazon Prime WNBA role. (16:30–21:00)

  "The W really means something to me... I remember being front and center watching the very first WNBA game with the Liberty and the Sparks." – Michael Grady (19:20)

6. Grady’s On-Air Style: Signature “Cash!” Call

• Signature Call Origin: Grady explains his signature exclamation “cash!” for big shots, noting he uses a wide vocabulary but that “cash” resonated with viewers and became his signature. (21:08–21:36)

• Philosophy: He is not afraid to use it in early game moments if warranted, valuing the energy of the play over saving catchphrases for late-game drama. (22:30–23:10)

  "If there's a hot sequence and a momentum building... Edwards for three — cash!" – Michael Grady (22:52)

7. The “Face of the WNBA” Debate

• Asia Wilson’s Dominance: Grady names A’ja Wilson unequivocally as the league’s current face, citing her unparalleled achievements and MVP-level play before the age of 30. (25:00–25:45)

• Challengers and “Got Next”: Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are highlighted as emerging stars with the talent and charisma to challenge for the spotlight.

• The League’s Future: Grady is excited to chronicle the rise of these budding superstars and the growing hunger across the league’s player ranks. (26:33–27:46)

  “If anybody says the face of the league is not A’ja Wilson, we have a problem… she has a GOAT résumé pre-30 years old. The things that she’s able to do… But it’s definitely A’ja Wilson.” – Michael Grady (25:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Joy of Broadcasting:

  "To have the privilege to have doors open up and our hard work be recognized and be in position where you can inspire someone... is something I don't take for granted." – Michael Grady (05:41)

• On Broadcasting Local vs National:

  "You can deny it if you want. These are receipts." – Roz Golden teasing Grady about his rising TV-profile (04:40, 04:58)

  “It’s everything. I'm still pinching myself… the W really means something to me.” – Michael Grady (16:23)

• On Broadcasting Philosophy:

  "I sit down every game and I have maybe 20 to 30 different ways to say a made basket." – Michael Grady (21:36)

• On the League’s Present and Future:

  “Never doubt A’ja Wilson. She played out of her mind down the stretch... she's a special player and should be appreciated.” – Michael Grady (25:25)

  "There are a lot of hungry players… who are ready to take the medal and say 'I got next.’ And I love that." – Michael Grady (27:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:00 – 05:50: Roz and Grady reflect on their friendship, broadcast chemistry, and Grady’s growing profile
• 06:40 – 09:29: Grady’s first Liberty broadcasts; Liberty’s evolution in NYC sports culture
• 09:29 – 12:16: The viral “Ellie the Elephant” moment and mascot culture
• 14:16 – 16:07: Grady’s ascent to national broadcaster with Amazon Prime and NBC
• 16:23 – 20:30: Grady’s roots and emotional connections to women's basketball
• 21:08 – 23:36: Development of the “cash!” signature call and broadcasting style
• 25:00 – 27:46: A’ja Wilson as face of the WNBA; “Who’s Got Next?”

Tone & Feel

The episode is joyful, energetic, and affectionate, with Roz and Grady’s camaraderie shining throughout. Both reflect positively—but analytically—on the growth of the WNBA, giving listeners both behind-the-scenes texture and big-picture excitement. The mood is celebratory and inspiring for both fans of women’s basketball and those interested in the broadcasting craft.

Summary prepared for those who missed the episode or want a deep dive into the highlights—but with the heart, humor, and insight true to The Dan Le Batard Show’s signature style.