The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode Summary: Hour 1: Getting Right To The Meat With David Samson Release Date: January 23, 2025

Introduction and Guest Appearance

Timeframe: 00:17 - 02:01

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, engaging in their typical light-hearted banter, setting the stage for the day’s discussions. Stugotz introduces the episode’s guest, David Samson, the host of the podcast Nothing Personal. Samson is recognized for his unique approach to covering a wide range of topics, including sports, business, and intricate societal issues. Stugotz praises Samson’s ability to delve into unconventional subjects, highlighting the depth and breadth of his discussions.

Notable Quote:

Stugotz: “At Le Batard Show, David Sampson is with us. His podcast Nothing Personal covers an array of topics that is super unusual...”

Oscar Nominations and "Emilia Perez" Controversy

Timeframe: 02:01 - 06:28

The conversation shifts to the recent Oscar nominations, focusing on the controversial nomination of Emilia Perez for Best Picture. Stugotz asks Samson about his obsession with the Oscars and whether he actively follows the nominations live.

David Samson's Insights: Samson expresses his disappointment in missing the live Oscar nominations due to his podcast schedule. He passionately defends Emilia Perez, arguing that despite its low Rotten Tomatoes score, the film deserves recognition for its storytelling, character development, and cultural significance. Samson emphasizes the film's role in representing transgender narratives authentically, asserting that it transcends traditional genre classifications.

Notable Quotes:

Stugotz (04:29): “For the record, I haven't seen it yet... It got the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score by far...”

David Samson (05:25): “It's an extraordinary movie, and before you criticize it, you should watch it.”

Disparity Between Critical Reception and Oscar Nominations

Timeframe: 05:25 - 09:06

The hosts and Samson delve into the seeming disconnect between Emilia Perez’s critical reception and its Oscar nominations. They discuss potential reasons for this disparity, such as politicization of art and the influence of minority representation in media.

Samson counters the notion that the film’s nominations are purely politically motivated, suggesting instead that the Academy aims to spotlight films that challenge audiences intellectually and emotionally. He critiques mainstream media for favoring content that appeals to the "lowest common denominator," advocating for movies that elevate viewers’ knowledge and intellect.

Notable Quotes:

Stugotz (05:45): “Is it because it gets politicized?...”

David Samson (06:28): “We shouldn't be afraid to learn. It's like reading a Pulitzer Prize-winning book versus sticking with what’s comfortable.”

Criticism and Defense of Movie Scores

Timeframe: 07:03 - 09:31

The discussion transitions to the role of movie scores in film, using Emilia Perez as a case study. Greg Cody criticizes the film's score for being used in a way that undermines its intended emotional impact, turning it "comedically" by the film's end.

Samson defends the importance of scores in filmmaking, explaining that they are integral to shaping the audience’s perception and emotional response. He remarks that a well-crafted score can transform a movie, likening it to a character that elevates the narrative beyond its visual storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

Greg Cody (08:25): “The way that the film was using it... making me laugh at the score.”

David Samson (09:06): “Scores to a movie are maybe the single most important thing that gets done after filming. Even more so than editing.”

Mission Impossible Franchise and AI in Film

Timeframe: 09:47 - 19:53

The hosts pivot to discussing the Mission Impossible franchise, specifically the latest installment titled Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two. They debate the film's direction, character arcs, and the potential for Ethan Hunt’s fate within the series.

David Samson expresses his appreciation for action franchises, countering any earlier dismissals of Mission Impossible. He emphasizes the entertainment value of such films, regardless of their Academy credentials, and shares his enthusiasm for the franchise's longevity and action sequences.

The conversation then shifts to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in post-production, particularly regarding the Brutalist film. Samson explains that AI has long been a tool in the industry for refining performances, such as enhancing Hungarian accents. He speculates on the potential impact of AI revelations on Brutalist's Oscar chances, suggesting that while AI can be a double-edged sword, it is an inevitable part of modern filmmaking.

Notable Quotes:

David Samson (11:06): “It's not true what you just said. Just because it's not academy worthy... does not mean I don't love being entertained.”

Greg Cody (30:34): “AI has made this so much easier... but with every question that I ask it, it only gets more powerful.”

David Samson (19:53): “AI engagement has been going on for a long time and somehow it just came out... could I replace certain things? And the answer is it certainly can and it will.”

Creating an Insult List and Cultural References

Timeframe: 13:14 - 30:20

In a spirited segment, Stugotz proposes creating a "Top 10 Old People Insults" list with the help of his co-hosts. The discussion explores the origins and meanings of various insults, blending humor with cultural insights. The team debates definitions and the appropriateness of certain terms, culminating in a list that features classic insults like "dipshit," "doofus," and "nincompoop."

This segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and their ability to blend light-hearted humor with linguistic exploration, engaging the audience in playful banter.

Notable Quotes:

Stugotz (28:24): “Someone who bleeps mothers or bleeps them over?...”

Greg Cody (28:51): “Nit comes from the Dutch word meaning nothing or not combined with wit...”

Stugotz (29:05): “Number ten, dipshit. What is that? Strong 10.”

Ichiro's Hall of Fame Voting Controversy

Timeframe: 30:20 - 34:32

The conversation shifts to baseball, specifically the Hall of Fame voting for Ichiro Suzuki. Juju raises concerns about Ichiro receiving zero votes, which Samson disputes by highlighting Ichiro's exemplary career and contributions to the sport. The hosts discuss the implications of a single vote casting a shadow over Ichiro's legacy, emphasizing the subjective nature of voting processes in sports accolades.

Samson draws parallels between Ichiro's situation and past instances where deserving athletes were overlooked due to narrow voting margins, reinforcing his stance that Ichiro's exclusion is unfounded and represents a broader issue within the Hall of Fame selection process.

Notable Quotes:

Juju (34:04): “Ichiro and Derek Jeter have been the Most perfect candidates imaginable...”

David Samson (34:32): “It's ridiculous. We don't agree with anything in this country.”

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timeframe: 34:32 - End

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the discussions, reiterating their support for David Samson and his podcast. They touch upon the importance of recognizing hard work and dedication, whether in sports, film, or other fields. The episode concludes with humorous exchanges and light-hearted teasing, encapsulating the show's signature blend of insightful conversation and entertaining dialogue.

Notable Quotes:

Stugotz (25:54): “David, good seeing you... I urge you to check it out. No matter where he is in the world...”

Dan Le Batard (35:08): “Yeah, sure thing. Hey, you sold that car yet?”

Key Takeaways

• David Samson's Perspective: Emphasizes the importance of diverse and intellectually stimulating content in media, advocating for films and discussions that challenge and educate audiences.

• Oscar Nominations Debate: Highlights the tension between critical reception and industry recognition, questioning the factors that influence award nominations beyond mere popularity.

• AI in Filmmaking: Explores the growing role of AI in post-production and its potential ramifications on the authenticity and perception of films.

• Hall of Fame Voting Issues: Discusses the subjective nature of accolades in sports, using Ichiro Suzuki's voting experience as a case study for broader systemic issues.

• Humor and Camaraderie: Demonstrates the hosts' ability to blend serious discussions with humor, maintaining an engaging and relatable atmosphere for listeners.

This summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing insights into the hosts' perspectives and the depth of conversations with their guest, David Samson. From the intricacies of Oscar nominations to the nuances of Hall of Fame voting and the evolving impact of AI in film, the episode offers a rich tapestry of topics for listeners to engage with.