Podcast Summary:

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – "GOOD FOLLOW - Rachel Banham And Aari McDonald Settle The Giannis Debate, Podcasting Nerves, Unrivaled & More!"
Date: March 12, 2026

Episode Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in Miami, this lively episode brings together Juju Gotti, Trista Crick, and WNBA stars Rachel Banham and Aari McDonald. The central focus is on basketball culture—on and off the court—including the women’s pro league Unrivaled, podcasting nerves, memorable on-court moments, and a hotly contested debate: did Giannis travel? The conversation is playful, honest, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the camaraderie and realities of professional women’s basketball.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Getting to Know Rachel Banham and Aari McDonald

• Both are prominent WNBA players and co-hosts of "Unrivaled," sharing their experiences in Miami and the league’s community vibe.
  • Aari: “It's been good. And, you know, being in Miami doesn't. It doesn't hurt in the winter time. So we're having a good time.” (01:42)
  • Rachel: Grateful for their “positive energy and just laughter” together. (03:05)
• Fun banter about Rachel’s recent highlight—crossing up a teammate and “catching a body” at practice, a moment both hilarious and slightly guilt-inducing.

2. “Unrivaled” Podcasting Experience

• The pair reflects on what it means to host a player-led podcast, emphasizing vulnerability, connection, and nerves.
  • Aari: “We know each other as Hoopers, but we don't know each other all the time on a deeper level... it's the perfect space to do it here.” (02:49)
  • Rachel: “I'm more on the reserve side. So... sitting and being Rach every week, that's... been amazing.” (03:05)
• On interviewing seasoned media pro Holly Rowe:
  • Aari: “I was kind of nervous for Holly, to be honest... I hope she—Is she gonna think we suck at this or judge us? But she was amazing. Made us feel so comfortable.” (03:36)
  • Rachel: “I get nervous before every episode... just talking to people. I don't want to ask the wrong thing.” (04:02)

3. The Art of Interviewing and Opening Up

• Trista shares her own nerves (the “Marina Mabry moment”) and seeks advice for making interviewees comfortable.
  • Aari: “We know these people a little bit more... just playing against each other for so many years... but you guys are cool... It's all about vibes, and you guys have great vibes... Just not really caring, just being weird and goofy.” (04:51)

4. Advice to Their Younger Selves

• Juju prompts the guests to offer advice to their “draft night” selves via a heartfelt exchange:
  • Rachel to Aari: “Be yourself... be ready when your number is called. Keep putting the work. It won't go unnoticed, and eventually it will pay off. Only the strong survives.” (06:28)
  • Aari to Rachel: “Continuing to push through adversity when injuries hit or, you know, when things don't work out... Just know that things are going to work out the way it's supposed to.” (06:41)

5. The Infamous Giannis Travel Debate

• The crew shows a “controversial” clip of Giannis’s gather—was it a travel?
  • Juju: “That's four steps. You only get two. If it looked like and it talked like. And then quack like, what it—what is it usually?” (08:22)
  • Aari: “In the W, they're calling that travel... but if you haven't gathered, it doesn't count.” (08:43)
  • Rachel: “Ugly is ugly, and it's a travel.” (10:45)
• Lighthearted differences in NBA versus WNBA officiating standards are discussed.

6. Off-Court Life: Hobbies & Downtime

• Dana Evans’ question to the guests: favorite non-basketball activities?
  • Aari: “God, I love a nap. It speaks to me. Napping, eating, playing card games.” (11:07)
  • Rachel: “Eating as well... I like to read and go to the beach.” (11:22, 11:43)
  • Aari: “Napping is a hobby dog. I don't know about y'all, but I get a nap in every day, two to three hours.” (11:29)

7. "Team Steal Your Girl" (Pop Culture Banter)

• Trista floats her playful theory that a particular WNBA team is "Team Steal Your Girl," sparking laughter and agreement.
  • Aari: “Paige... She would eat that up.” (12:11, 12:38)
  • Rachel: “Same.” (12:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On handling nerves and being authentic:
  • Rachel Banham (on podcasting): “I get nervous before every episode, just talking to people. I don't want to ask the wrong thing.” (04:02)
• On Giannis’s gather:
  • Juju Gotti: “That’s four steps. You only get two... if it looked like and it talked like... what is it usually?” (08:22)
  • Rachel Banham: “Ugly is ugly, and it’s a travel.” (10:45)
• On off-court priorities:
  • Aari McDonald: “God, I love a nap. It speaks to me.” (11:07)
• On Paige as a “steal your girl” candidate:
  • Aari McDonald: “I thought of Paige. And I’m like, oh, God, she would eat that up.” (12:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:12 – Introductions and Miami vibes
• 02:07 – Rachel’s viral “ankle breaker” moment
• 02:49 – The “Unrivaled” podcast experience and nerves
• 03:36 – Interviewing Holly Rowe, guest nerves
• 04:51 – Advice on getting interviewees to open up
• 06:28 – Advice to their younger draft-night selves
• 07:50 – The Giannis travel debate begins
• 08:43 – WNBA vs NBA officiating, player perspectives
• 11:01 – Dana Evans’ off-court hobby question
• 12:02 – “Team Steal Your Girl” banter

Final Thoughts & Sign-Off

Rachel and Aari close the episode by encouraging listeners to check out their work and thanking everyone for the support:

• Rachel: “Thanks for the love and support.” (12:49)
• Aari: “Yeah. Thank you, guys. Seriously.” (12:51)

Takeaway

This episode offers heartfelt, humorous, and behind-the-scenes views of WNBA life, blending on-court debates, honest talk about vulnerability and growth, and the empowering energy of women supporting women—both as athletes and personalities. The tone is supportive, hilarious, and real, giving listeners an authentic glimpse into the community driving women’s pro basketball forward.