Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 1: Not Your Traditional Author (Feat. David Samson)
Release Date: November 27, 2024

From the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz dive deep into a myriad of topics ranging from authorship and sports contracts to personal anecdotes about family and movie reviews. Featuring special guest David Samson, this episode offers a blend of insightful discussions, humor, and candid reflections.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with a playful introduction as Dan Le Batard and Stugotz set the stage for a lively conversation. The focus quickly shifts to the primary topic: Stu Gotz's newly released book, which promises unconventional perspectives on sports and pop culture.

2. Diving into Stu Gotz's Book

Dan Le Batard opens the discussion by recounting his unexpected involvement in Stu Gotz's book project.

Dan Le Batard (00:34): "Stu Gotz is writing a book and he'd very much appreciate it if [I] would write an essay about why Shohei Ohtani's contract is or is not the worst contract in the history of sports."

Initially skeptical, Dan admits to ignoring the first email request but later commits to contributing an essay, reflecting his support despite uncertainties about the book’s authenticity.

Dan Le Batard (01:34): "I did what any friend of Stu would do. I ignored it... Then I got a follow-up email asking for the essay, and I responded saying, 'Okay, I will put as much effort into this as Stu did into the book.'"

Dan's essay on Shohei Ohtani spans two pages, completed in a single draft, highlighting the spontaneous and collaborative nature of the book's creation.

3. The Process and Content of the Book

As the conversation unfolds, Dan critiques the book’s content, describing some arguments as "asinine" yet amusing.

Dan Le Batard (02:45): "What makes me smile is that you have arguments in here that are so asinine. That you are going to end up not taking credit for them."

Stu Gotz's unconventional viewpoints spark debate among the hosts, with Dan expressing both amusement and skepticism about the book’s stance on various sports topics.

Billy Corben (03:08): "The Kevin Durant one is all mine. The Elijah one not having any rings, all mine... I found that a lot of people were agreeing with my takes."

This segment underscores the diverse opinions within the book and sets the tone for a candid critique of Stu Gotz's perspectives.

4. Interactions with Co-Authors and Team Members

The discussion shifts to the dynamics between Stu Gotz and his co-authors, including David Samson and Pablo. Dan reveals his efforts to support the project by purchasing multiple copies of the book.

Dan Le Batard (04:22): "I bought four copies at retail to help you in your endeavor."

However, there’s a humorous exchange about personalized letters included in the books, questioning their authenticity.

Dan Le Batard (04:16): "Stu, can you confirm that you wrote the letter...?"

Stu clarifies that the letters were handled by others, highlighting the collaborative yet somewhat disjointed process behind the book's publication.

5. Tampa Bay Rays' Scheduling Adjustments

Transitioning from authorship, the conversation delves into sports, specifically the Tampa Bay Rays' new scheduling strategy following Hurricane Milton's damage to Tropicana Field.

Billy Corben (11:27): "The Rays, in a first, will play 47 of their first 59 games at home and 69 of their final 103 on the road to optimize for the best weather conditions."

Dan criticizes this move, arguing it's an unfair advantage compared to previous seasons when the Rays had to deal with unpredictable weather without schedule adjustments.

Dan Le Batard (12:30): "It's ridiculous. Now Tampa, one year in Steinbrenner Field, and all of a sudden I change a bunch of series around and put them on the road."

This segment highlights the challenges teams face in adapting to unforeseen circumstances and the perceived inequities in league responses.

6. Thanksgiving Anecdotes and Personal Reflections

The hosts share personal stories about Thanksgiving, revealing humorous strategies to avoid lengthy family gatherings. Dan recounts making trades on Thanksgiving to escape the traditional six-hour meal.

Dan Le Batard (14:16): "I used to try to purposely make trades on Thanksgiving so I could get away from the Thanksgiving dinner."

Billy and Greg join in, sharing their own tactics and poking fun at the lengths they've gone to dodge the annual holiday ritual.

7. Balancing Fatherhood and Business

A poignant segment unfolds as Dan reflects on the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. He candidly discusses his absence from his children's activities, leading to a heartfelt moment with guest David Samson.

Dan Le Batard (17:15): "You can't be a good father and a successful businessman... I chose work over family every time."

This honest introspection sparks a deeper conversation about personal choices, regrets, and the impact of prioritizing work over familial relationships.

David Sampson (25:01): "You can't be a good father and a successful businessman."

The dialogue underscores the recurring theme of work-life balance and invites listeners to contemplate their own priorities.

8. Movie Reviews: "The Substance" and "Seven"

Shifting gears, the hosts delve into movie critiques, focusing on the unsettling film "The Substance" and the classic thriller "Seven."

Mike Ryan praises "The Substance," describing it as a masterpiece that blends horror and dark comedy, while acknowledging its challenging content.

Mike Ryan (27:20): "It's the darkest, most uncomfortable thing that you can imagine... It was tough to get through."

Dan contrasts this with his discomfort watching "Seven," citing its intense and disturbing narrative.

Dan Le Batard (30:02): "I was uncomfortable watching Seven. That is probably my number one least comfortable watch."

The reviews highlight the hosts' differing tastes and the evolving landscape of horror and thriller genres.

9. Attempting to Connect with Mike Schur

Towards the episode's conclusion, Dan expresses a desire to connect with Mike Schur, referencing a project Mike is involved in. This leads to a humorous yet tense exchange about communication barriers and personal interactions.

Dan Le Batard (37:10): "I have a feeler out, actually, that I think I have a way in."

The conversation becomes increasingly playful and confrontational as the hosts tease each other about efforts to bridge professional and personal gaps.

10. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and humorous jabs among the hosts and guest, leaving listeners with a mix of thoughtful insights and entertaining exchanges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Le Batard (01:34): "I did what any friend of Stu would do. I ignored it... Then I got a follow-up email asking for the essay, and I responded saying, 'Okay, I will put as much effort into this as Stu did into the book.'"

• Dan Le Batard (02:45): "What makes me smile is that you have arguments in here that are so asinine. That you are going to end up not taking credit for them."

• Dan Le Batard (17:15): "You can't be a good father and a successful businessman... I chose work over family every time."

• Mike Ryan (27:20): "It's the darkest, most uncomfortable thing that you can imagine... It was tough to get through."

• Dan Le Batard (30:02): "I was uncomfortable watching Seven. That is probably my number one least comfortable watch."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully blends critical discussions on authorship and sports contracts with deeply personal reflections on family and career. Through honest dialogue and engaging banter, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and David Samson offer listeners a multifaceted perspective on balancing professional ambitions with personal life, all while navigating the ever-evolving landscapes of sports and entertainment.