Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 1: Would You Die On That Hill? (Featuring Jemele Hill)

Release Date: May 20, 2025

From the vibrant Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz engage in dynamic conversations revolving around sports, pop culture, and current events. In this episode, featuring guest Jemele Hill, the hosts delve into heated debates, fan behaviors, and introduce their interactive segment, "Would You Die On That Hill?"

1. Introduction to Guest and Initial Banter (01:03 – 03:58)

Dan Le Batard opens the show with his signature enthusiasm, introducing the playful tension surrounding their upcoming guest, Dan Graziano.

• Stugotz (01:11): "I have been told that we have secured Dan Graziano. He will be joining us in about an hour so that Billy can accuse him to his face and Tony can accuse him to his face of lying about his workouts."

The hosts engage in light-hearted teasing about Graziano's fitness commitments, setting a humorous tone for the episode.

2. Jemele Hill on America's Support for New York Sports Teams (03:58 – 16:19)

Jemele Hill, a respected journalist and host of the podcast "Spolitics," provides an in-depth analysis of America's apparent favoritism towards New York sports teams, particularly the Knicks.

• Jemele Hill (05:17): "I think that people are similar to current healthba... Jane fine with that, but without supporting my base."

She explores the dichotomy between passionate fan bases and the media's role in shaping public support. Hill emphasizes the complexity of fan behaviors, especially highlighting incidents like trash-throwing at Brian Windhorst:

• Stugotz (07:33): "What do you want to know about the media, but don't know what people hate them enough."

Hill discusses how media personalities become easy targets for disgruntled fans, using Windhorst as a prime example.

3. Fan Behavior and Media Interactions (16:19 – 25:24)

The conversation shifts to broader themes of fan conduct, media influence, and the psychological impact on sports figures.

• Mike Ryan (07:50): "They put on your back. They should wear their hat, but they are also the symbol for ESPN."

The hosts debate the fairness of holding media figures accountable for team performances, with Jemele providing insights into the pressures faced by sports journalists.

4. Introducing "Would You Die On That Hill?" Game Segment (25:24 – 41:34)

The show transitions into an interactive segment where guests and hosts answer provocative questions, gauging their willingness to stand firmly on controversial opinions.

• Stugotz (32:46): "Is the median grandfather racist?"

• Jemele Hill (33:34): "I will die on the hill."

The game becomes a platform for spirited debates, touching on topics ranging from sports legends to cultural preferences like pineapple on pizza.

• Jamel Hill (35:15): "I would die on that hill. Pineapple on pizza is disgusting."

This segment highlights the hosts' and guest's strong stances on various issues, fostering engaging and sometimes humorous exchanges.

5. Deep Dive into Athlete Rivalries and Media Narratives (41:34 – 38:32)

Returning from the game segment, the conversation centers on athlete rivalries and how media narratives shape public perceptions.

• Jemele Hill (29:54): "When you bring in somebody's family, you're going to get a reaction."

She analyzes the dynamics between athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, exploring the intersection of personal relationships and competitive sports.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (38:32 – End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of sports fandom and media representation.

• Stugotz (40:03): "I just can't see."

• Jemele Hill (41:20): "I just think that... I just think that every headline is just like, did you just jumble up a bunch of the strangest things that you could put together?"

The episode concludes with a blend of humor and thoughtful commentary, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder about the intricate relationships between sports, media, and fan culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (01:11): "I have been told that we have secured Dan Graziano. He will be joining us in about an hour so that Billy can accuse him to his face and Tony can accuse him to his face of lying about his workouts."

• Jemele Hill (05:17): "I don't know that to be the case, but I do know that generally speaking, American sports fans appreciate and like it when there is a new name that is in the mix to win a championship..."

• Jamel Hill (25:12): "I think that's what Ryan was trying to say. I'm not. I haven't talked to Ryan. I don't know."

• Jamel Hill (35:15): "I would die on that hill. Pineapple on pizza is disgusting."

Conclusion:

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a compelling mix of sports analysis, cultural commentary, and interactive fun. With insightful perspectives from Jemele Hill and the hosts' trademark humor, listeners are treated to a rich exploration of what drives sports fandom and media narratives in today's landscape.