Summary of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz"

Episode: Hour 1: The CVS Playlist
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Roy, Chris Cody, Jeremy, Izzy, Ryan Reynolds

Introduction

In the inaugural episode titled "The CVS Playlist," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve into the often-overlooked world of CVS store music. Joined by regular contributors Roy, Chris Cody, Jeremy, Izzy, and occasional guest Ryan Reynolds, the discussion explores how curated playlists influence the shopping experience and the broader cultural implications of background music in retail environments.

CVS Music: The Underappreciated Factor

The CVS Experience

The conversation begins with Stugotz highlighting the ubiquitous presence of CVS in daily life and the universal challenge of navigating store aisles in search of specific products. The frustration often extends beyond product placement to the selection of music playing in the background.

Stugotz [01:35]: "So CVS, what a start. Yeah, that's a nice dry entry point."

Roy contributes by imagining customers skipping ads due to the recognizable yet sometimes intrusive music.

Roy [02:02]: "I'm picturing people hitting the skip ahead button thinking this is an ad."

Emotional Impact of Store Music

The hosts discuss how certain songs can either exacerbate shopper frustration or provide a calming influence amidst the chaos of searching for items.

Stugotz [02:35]: "It's a song playing over the muzak and it's like, eh. You know what? Maybe all of a sudden I'm... Frustrated, but I'm tapping my foot."

Ryan Reynolds adds humor by mimicking the hectic scene of trying to choose the right cough medicine, only to be distracted by the store's playlist.

Ryan Reynolds [02:17]: "Where's this exact cough medicine that my wife wants for my daughter? I see seven other ones that are just like it that I could get, but I don't see the exact one."

The Creation of the Top 10 CVS Playlist

Motivated by their shared experiences, Dan and the team embark on creating a "Top 10 CVS Playlist," selecting songs that epitomize the quintessential CVS shopping soundtrack.

Song 10: Train - Drops of Jupiter

The team starts the countdown with Train's "Drops of Jupiter," a song they associate with the CVS ambiance despite some members not being familiar with it outside the store setting.

Dan Le Batard [09:39]: "Number 10. Two top fives. Train drops to Jupiter."

Roy [10:10]: "So far I've had these somewhere."

Song 9: Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me

Celine Dion's powerful ballad makes its way into the list, recognized for its emotional resonance and frequent playback in CVS stores.

Dan Le Batard [10:10]: "Now this was really tough because she might be the quintessential CVS artist..."

Song 8: The Fray - You Found Me

The Fray's "You Found Me" is lauded for its catchy melody that lingers in customers' minds long after they've left the store.

Dan Le Batard [10:54]: "The fray. You found me again."

Song 7: Edwin McCain - I'll Be

Edwin McCain's heartfelt lyrics and soothing tunes earn a spot, reflecting the sentimental side of CVS playlists.

Dan Le Batard [11:35]: "Number seven. Edwin McCain. I'll be."

Song 6: Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight

A nod to nostalgia, "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry is celebrated for its timeless appeal and frequent inclusion in CVS music rotations.

Dan Le Batard [16:22]: "Number six. Now I actually got a targeted ad that for a t-shirt that said, I can't stop thinking about how Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry is always playing at CVS."

Song 5: Vertical Horizon - Everything You Want

Vertical Horizon's catchy tune exemplifies the type of adult contemporary music that blends seamlessly into the CVS shopping experience.

Dan Le Batard [17:15]: "Number five is Vertical Horizon. Everything you want."

Song 4: Vanessa Williams - Save the Best for Last

Vanessa Williams' classic hit is acknowledged for its smooth vibe, contributing to the calming effect of the CVS playlists.

Dan Le Batard [19:21]: "Number four. Vanessa Williams. Save the best for last."

Song 3: Fastball - The Way

Fastball's "The Way" is highlighted for its storytelling quality, which resonates with the transient nature of retail environments.

Dan Le Batard [19:58]: "Number three, Fastball's The Way."

Song 2: Uncle Kracker - Drift Away

Uncle Kracker's rendition of "Drift Away" secures the second spot, praised for its laid-back rhythm that complements the CVS atmosphere.

Dan Le Batard [20:58]: "Number two. Uncle Kracker, Drift away."

Song 1: Goo Goo Dolls - Iris

The countdown culminates with the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris," chosen for its widespread recognition and enduring popularity, making it the quintessential CVS anthem.

Dan Le Batard [23:07]: "Number one. The Goo Goo Dolls. 'Iris.'"

Impact of CVS Music on Customer Experience

Memorability and Brand Association

The hosts reflect on how specific songs become ingrained in customers' memories solely through repeated exposure in stores like CVS.

Roy [05:13]: "The songs are just catchy enough where you remember them."

Co-Branding and Real Estate Partnerships

Dan elaborates on the strategic placement of CVS stores next to Publix supermarkets, a legacy of the original Eckerd Pharmacy locations, which enhances brand synergy and customer convenience.

Dan Le Batard [07:05]: "So you ever wonder how down here in South Florida a CVS is always next to a Publix? Because CVS used to be Eckerds..."

Playlist Curation and Corporate Influence

The discussion touches on the corporate responsibility behind playlist curation, pondering the individuals tasked with selecting music that aligns with CVS's brand image.

Stugotz [03:38]: "I have to think to myself, there's someone whose job it is at CVS Corporate who has to curate the playlist..."

Anecdotes and Humor

Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes related to the songs on their list, adding humor and relatability to the discussion. For instance, Roy recounts being the first-round pick in trivia nights, while Dan humorously mimics retail shopping scenarios.

Roy [10:11]: "Roy's always first round pick in Trivia Night."

Musical Missteps

Ryan Reynolds engages in playful musical performances, attempting to guess songs, which leads to humorous exchanges and light-hearted banter among the hosts.

Ryan Reynolds [03:47]: "I want to play the game. I have a song."

DVD Commentary Reflections

The conversation briefly veers into the nostalgia of DVD commentaries, lamenting their absence in the streaming era and reminiscing about behind-the-scenes insights that added value to movie-watching experiences.

Dan Le Batard [31:01]: "DVD commentary would be the same runtime as the movie. But instead of just watching the movie, you would hear different people..."

Conclusion

"Hour 1: The CVS Playlist" successfully highlights the subtle yet significant role that music plays in shaping retail experiences. Through engaging discussions, personal stories, and a collaboratively curated top 10 list, Dan Le Batard and his team shed light on how CVS's musical selections influence customer moods, brand perception, and the overall shopping journey. The episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to become more aware of the everyday environments that silently impact their daily lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz [02:35]: "It's a song playing over the muzak and it's like, eh. You know what? Maybe all of a sudden I'm... Frustrated, but I'm tapping my foot."

• Dan Le Batard [10:10]: "Now this was really tough because she might be the quintessential CVS artist..."

• Roy [05:13]: "The songs are just catchy enough where you remember them."

• Dan Le Batard [23:07]: "Number one. The Goo Goo Dolls. 'Iris.'"