Hour 1: You Wanna J-Off With Them? (feat. Brad Williams)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz: Episode Summary

Title: Hour 1: You Wanna J-Off With Them? (feat. Brad Williams)
Release Date: April 24, 2025

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1. NFL Draft Predictions and Greg Cody's Exactos

The episode delves into the anticipation surrounding the NFL Draft, with Greg Cody presenting his exacto picks for the Miami Dolphins. The conversation begins with Dan LeBatard teasing with a humorous take on Ed Orgeron, setting a lighthearted tone before transitioning into the serious analysis of draft prospects.

Key Discussion Points:

• Greg Cody’s Top Five Picks: Greg confidently lists his initial five or six picks, including Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Will Campbell, and Mason Graham. He emphasizes the potential impact these players could have on the Dolphins.

  • Greg Cody (02:48): “Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Will Campbell, the tackle to New England, and Mason Graham, by far the best interior.”

• Concerns About Early Predictions: Chris Cody expresses apprehension about Greg publishing his exactos too early, fearing that subsequent reports might undermine his predictions.

  • Chris Cody (02:25): “I actually, I have a bad feeling... I saw some more reports come out about, like, oh, pretty sure this player is going to go here... I’m a little anxious for you.”

• Potential Changes to Exactos: Dan challenges Greg by asking what he would change about his picks if given a do-over, highlighting the fluid nature of draft predictions.

  • Dan LeBatard (03:27): “If we could let you make some changes, I'd be willing right now to publicly allow you to make the changes and then claim them as exactos tomorrow... what would you change?”

• Greg’s Stance on His Picks: Greg stands firm on his selections, despite acknowledging the unpredictability inherent in draft outcomes.

  • Greg Cody (03:46): “I am very confident in my first five or six... But the problem with that is that one surprise has a domino effect.”

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2. The Influence of Mock Drafts and Hope Trafficking

A significant portion of the episode critiques the phenomenon of mock drafts and the associated "hope trafficking" within sports fandom. Dan LeBatard shares his skepticism about the value of mock drafts, contrasting his view with that of the hosts and guests who find excitement in the speculative aspects of the draft.

Key Discussion Points:

• Dan’s Critique of Mock Drafts: Dan expresses his frustration with the extensive focus on mock drafts, arguing that they often create unwarranted expectations and distract from actual games.

  • Dan LeBatard (08:14): “The thing that baffles me truly is I know Mina Kimes to be someone who has a wild diversity of interests and there's nothing she cares about more than mock drafts. And I don't get it.”

• Billy Corben’s Defense: Billy counters Dan’s viewpoint by explaining the allure of mock drafts, likening them to lineup rumors for a music festival, which heighten excitement and engagement among fans.

  • Mike Ryan (09:26): “But you’re seeing your team add people in real time and you can get excited to have informed people. Talk about upside. It’s the biggest sport in America... It’s all a ramp to tonight.”

• Greg Cody on Sports Fans and Hope: Greg emphasizes that the excitement surrounding the draft is a fundamental aspect of being a sports fan, where speculation and hope play critical roles.

  • Greg Cody (05:38): “I think the Dolphins are getting a little bit nervous... I am very nervous about Shador Sanders to the Saints at nine.”

• Impact on Fan Behavior: The hosts discuss how the focus on the draft can sometimes overshadow live games, leading to a shift in what fans prioritize during key sporting events.

  • Dan LeBatard (10:28): “But I would just simply say to you, when I put them next to each other in terms of my getting what sports fans want from their content... this kind of talk, I understand when this is the hope trafficking.”

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3. The Zaslow and Brad Williams Feud

A humorous yet revealing segment features Ike recounting an incident where he unintentionally disrupted Brad Williams' comedy show, leading to a lighthearted feud between Zaslow and Brad Williams.

Key Discussion Points:

• Ike’s Apology and Story: Ike shares the story of how he, in an attempt to silence loud and disrespectful fans, inadvertently caused chaos during Brad Williams’ performance by yelling “shut the up,” only to realize later that he had interrupted the comedian’s set.

  • Ike (28:24): “All the people were being loud behind us. ... I turned around and I yelled for everyone here, shut the up, Brad.”

• Brad Williams’ Reaction: Brad recounts the disruption, maintaining a good-natured stance despite the interference, and humorously invites further antics.

  • Brad Williams (28:47): “There was no 'will.' It was 'shut the up.' All right, so here's what happened...**

• Group Dynamics and Resolutions: The hosts and guests engage in playful banter about the incident, emphasizing camaraderie and the ability to laugh off misunderstandings.

  • Ike (31:54): "... I'm still embarrassed. And Brad does meet and greets after the show. So all was well in the end."

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4. General NFL Draft Insights and Observations

The conversation shifts back to the NFL Draft, with the hosts providing broader insights into the significance of the event and its impact on the sports landscape.

Key Discussion Points:

• Importance of the NFL Draft: The hosts discuss why the NFL Draft garners such massive attention, likening its significance to an "off-season Super Bowl" due to its concentrated impact and the hopeful anticipation it generates among fans.

  • Greg Cody (15:40): “The NFL draft... is mammoth in terms of interest... It's going to be highly rated for a reason.”

• Comparisons with Other Sports Events: Comparisons are made between the NFL Draft and other sporting events like the NBA Playoffs and World Cup draws, highlighting the unique place the draft holds in American sports culture.

  • Mike Ryan (13:30): “I love World Cup draws... But I get to know what the games are gonna be.”

• Fan Engagement and Emotions: The discussion touches on how drafts can evoke strong emotions from fans, citing examples of reactions to draft picks and the validation or disappointment that follows.

  • Mike Ryan (17:43): “... when the New York Jets fans are booing the pick of Kyle Brady... It just keeps getting better.”

• Impact on Teams and Players: The hosts explore how draft picks can significantly alter team dynamics and player careers, referencing past instances where drafts have led to championships or unexpected outcomes.

  • Dan LeBatard (16:07): “Eagles had a hell of a draft last year... But it took six months to get there after the draft.”

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5. Other Notable Segments

The episode features additional lighthearted moments and anecdotes that add flavor to the discussion.

Key Highlights:

• Ike's Talladega Experience: Mike Ryan shares his excitement about attending the Talladega Superspeedway, describing it as a thrilling and unpredictable NASCAR event.

  • Mike Ryan (20:13): “This is the biggest, most dangerous race on NASCAR circuit... I cannot wait.”

• Dan’s Mockery and Light Banter: Dan pokes fun at the show's dynamic and Ike's antics, maintaining a jovial atmosphere.

  • Dan LeBatard (22:23): “Nobody needs to do that 10 hours beforehand in order to show us you're in Green Bay for the draft. We're not going to be in Green Bay for the draft. We're going to be in Tennessee for the draft.”

• Comedic Bits and Audience Interaction: The hosts engage in playful exchanges and humorous commentary, enhancing the show's entertainment value.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Cody (02:48): “Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Will Campbell, the tackle to New England, and Mason Graham, by far the best interior.”

• Chris Cody (02:25): “I actually, I have a bad feeling... I saw some more reports come out about, like, oh, pretty sure this player is going to go here... I’m a little anxious for you.”

• Dan LeBatard (08:14): “The thing that baffles me truly is I know Mina Kimes to be someone who has a wild diversity of interests and there's nothing she cares about more than mock drafts. And I don't get it.”

• Ike (28:24): “All the people were being loud behind us. ... I turned around and I yelled for everyone here, shut the up, Brad.”

• Greg Cody (15:40): “The NFL draft... is mammoth in terms of interest... It's going to be highly rated for a reason.”

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Conclusion

In this episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," the hosts navigate through a mix of serious NFL Draft analysis and humorous personal anecdotes. Greg Cody's exacto picks spark debate over the validity and impact of mock drafts, while Ike's story about the interrupted comedy show adds a layer of relatable humor. The discussion extends to the cultural significance of the NFL Draft, illustrating its profound influence on fans and the sports industry alike. Throughout the episode, the blend of insightful commentary and playful banter ensures an engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Transcript

[Mike Ryan]

Hey folks, it's Mike Ryan. And if you're watching our show, you probably know and your boy has undergone a little bit of a body transformation. And I gotta tell you, Peloton has helped me on my fitness journey. It got the ball rolling for me because I watch my wife on the peloton. She takes all these great classes, she has her favorite instructors. I listen to the music, I'm a big music guy. Gets me fired up. Makes me want to take part in this fitness phenomenon known as Peloton. Peloton offers a variety of challenging classes, from four week strength building classes to running, cycling and everything in between. Peloton will help you achieve your goals and maybe you'll have some fun along the way. I know I have. It's backed by thousands of members whose lives have been changed. Be part of that group, telling you I'm better for it. Have it in my office. Sometimes I can put on the baseball game. Sometimes I can put on a soccer match. Some other times I'm totally locked in on an emo playlist. Find your push, find your power with [e-mail] this is the Dan Levatar show.

[Stugatz]

With the Stugats podcast.

[Billy Corben]

Tonight join Billy Mikey a Andrew Walter Hawkins live from the DraftKings Sports & Social Nashville, 128 Second Avenue North. Live stream begins at 8pm Eastern on Lebitard Show YouTube channel presented by Smirnoff. We do game days. Please drink responsibly. The Smirnoff Company, New York, NY journalist.

[Dan LeBatard]

Chris Cody is trying to give us his dolphin information. Get it out there before the draft tonight. Before we do that, however, do you guys have any interest in hearing Ed Orgeron speaking French? The swamp creature, the creole creature. I see him all the time down here in South Florida, jogging right on the beach. He's always around shirtless. Let's hear Ed Orgeron. Since you all nodded vigorously, let's hear Ed Orgeron speaking French. That's always what he's wearing.

[Greg Cody]

That's great.

[Dan LeBatard]

Since he retired and left as a champion in disgrace from LSU for Miami with a whole bunch of crimes in the rearview mirror, he's always either wearing that or not even that shirt as he jogs. Very red, pink and kind of muscular, but also a bit inflated as he huffs past jogging off off whatever he drank the night before.

[Chris Cody]

I actually, I have a bad feeling. Greg, about your exactos tonight. Yeah, I don't know if you're going to get that many. I during the break and after we talked To Diana. I saw some more reports come out about, like, oh, pretty sure this player is going to go here, blah, blah, blah. And I'm worried that you published too soon. And now I'm. I'm a little anxious for you.

[Greg Cody]

I am. I am very confident in my first five or six. But. But the problem with that is that one surprise has a domino effect.

[Ike]

But can I hear the first five or six?

[Greg Cody]

Yeah. In order. Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Will Campbell, the tackle to New England, and Mason Graham, by far the best interior.

[Dan LeBatard]

If we could let you make some changes, I'd be willing right now to publicly allow you to make the changes and then claim them as exactos tomorrow because you don't do multiple drafts. But you already know that some of your information is bad. Has changed. What would you change if you had a do over? Right. Give you that do over.

[Greg Cody]

Well, I'm not going to take it because I don't change. If I were, I'm very nervous about. As Diana said, I'm very nervous about Shador Sanders to the Saints at nine.

[Ike]

So if you could. If you could, I would.

[Greg Cody]

I would drop Shador Sanders. I'm not sure if I would keep Will Johnson, the cornerback from Michigan, as the Dolphins pick at 13. I think the Dolphins are getting a little bit nervous that he had sort of a down senior year with an injury his sophomore and junior years. He was the best DB in the country.

[Ike]

He would have been like a top five guy.

[Greg Cody]

Absolutely.

[Dan LeBatard]

Chris Cody seems to have better information in the Cody family about what the Dolphins are doing. He, too, is a journalist, as much of a journalist as Zaslow and his father. What are you reporting from your inside sources now?

[Billy Corben]

I've been thrown a few names that the Dolphins are considering. I don't know if I want to say the names, but I feel confident about one thing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Why wouldn't you want to say the names?

[Billy Corben]

Because, you know, I got to, you know, protect sources, Dan. You know, you know, journalism, how this works. First let me say my first part, and then you guys can dig deeper. I'm confident that the picket the Dolphins make at 13 will come from one of two schools, Michigan or Texas.

[Chris Cody]

Okay, so it's one of the corners.

[Billy Corben]

Well, I have a list of five names, and it's all from those two schools that I think that one of those five guys will be a Dolphin. I know maybe that's not going out on the limb, but that's what I'm reporting.

[Greg Cody]

Okay. All right.

[Billy Corben]

It's Texas and it's Michigan.

[Greg Cody]

I'm Sticking with Will Johnson because that's who's in in my mock draft for Michigan. Right. But I also have five names on my list of players that they would consider if available at 12 and 13.13J off now. And those players. Those players are Houston tackle Kelvin Banks, Alabama guard Tyler Booker, South Carolina safety Nick Ammon worry, Texas cornerback Jade Barone, and defensive lineman Walter Nolan from Ole miss.

[Dan LeBatard]

The last 12 seconds are why I hate this week.

[Mike Ryan]

What? They're J and off.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's just reading names poorly.

[Greg Cody]

I'm reading names that I think the.

[Dan LeBatard]

Dolphins just could possibly reading names poorly that he hasn't broken down.

[Greg Cody]

I'm sorry I'm not perfect like you. Keep an eye on aspiring, though.

[Billy Corben]

Keep an eye on Mason Graham, defensive tackle for Michigan, and Kenneth Grant, defensive tackle.

[Dan LeBatard]

You understand why I heard this.

[Greg Cody]

There is no way Mason Graham drops to 13. Put that in the bank. No way.

[Dan LeBatard]

Nobody would deposit. There's not a bank.

[Greg Cody]

Zero chance. I would go right into my bank right now and say, I want to deposit Mason Graham going higher than 13. And they would say, yes, sir. Where is he going or saving?

[Billy Corben]

Where do you have him?

[Greg Cody]

He's going number five to Jacksonville.

[Mike Ryan]

Says you want to J off with them. What are you hearing? How many names you got? How many schools?

[Dan LeBatard]

Greg, do you understand why I hate that? You grab a couple of Athlon's magazines, you read a couple of Schrager's drafts and Mel Kuiper's drafts, and then you make your pay and it's dry.

[Chris Cody]

It's not like we've been doing this for the last, like, three months. Like, let us have a couple hours on. We're not even doing a live show like last year. It's like, okay, save it for the show. We're not even doing that this year. This is all we got.

[Mike Ryan]

We are doing the live show out in Nashville.

[Chris Cody]

I meant like in the studio, streaming it like we did last year with Greg and the board and the Exactos, et cetera.

[Greg Cody]

First of all, does Athlons even still make a magazine?

[Dan LeBatard]

They do.

[Greg Cody]

Okay. I haven't read Athlons in 30 years.

[Ike]

It's not plural.

[Greg Cody]

I think it's Athlon. Okay, whatever. Bad name. Then again, I thought the Athletic was a bad name, and that worked out pretty well. I purposely, especially the closer it gets to the draft, I purposely do not read other drafts because I don't want to be overly influenced. Do I read drafts in the build up, like a month ago? Of course I do. And certain people I respect, like Field Yates of ESPN who's a guest on the Greg Cody show. Check it out. He's got some good intel. I really respect him. I read his draft. But mine are different. Mel Kuiper and I have 10 of the same 32 picks, meaning 22 of our picks are different. So we'll see.

[Dan LeBatard]

They're different. But I'm going to go ahead and say that if they were exactly the same, you'd change it just so they wouldn't be.

[Greg Cody]

And you think the odds of us picking 32 same.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'm saying he influences you. I'm saying you don't sit out the Kuyper information. I say you use it. You use it discriminately.

[Greg Cody]

I read a half a dozen drafts that I respect. But when it comes down to I think, I think mock drafts are the most overthought process in sports. When it comes down to it, you pick a team's draft needs and best available at that position.

[Dan LeBatard]

I know I'm in the minority on this and I have been for about 10 years as this thing has grown into a seismic event that is a celebration of the sports fans love of the transaction. Like I know that I am largely alone in preferring games with action tonight than the hope trafficking of some team may or may not have gotten better. I'll find out in a few months. But I'll give you my very strong opinions right now and none of us will know anything for a few months. It's part of the reason that I don't celebrate this the way that you guys do. But the thing that baffles me truly is I know Mina Kimes to be someone who has a wild diversity of interests and there's nothing she cares about more than mock drafts. And I don't get it. Like it's just simply something that I have no link to being attached to.

[Chris Cody]

Perhaps it's because she enjoys the sport of football and sports are fun and so hypothesizing where a player who is fun to watch and was very good in college playing a sport that's fun to watch may play in the pros and be fun to watch is a fun exercise.

[Dan LeBatard]

Agreed. If I could watch them play tonight and see if the team's any better.

[Mike Ryan]

But you're seeing your team add people in real time and you can get excited to have informed people. Talk about upside. It's the biggest sport in America. College football is the second biggest sport in America. You're adding guys from one sport to the next. I get it. It's like, you know, it's like sharing lineup rumors for a music festival. You just get pumped for it. That's what mock drafts are. It's just all a ramp to tonight.

[Greg Cody]

I think it's a great night. And trafficking in hope is the number one drug of sports fans. It's what sports fans do.

[Dan LeBatard]

It is. But I would just simply say to you, when I put them next to each other in terms of my getting what sports fans want from their content, when we're talking about the love of the transaction, Chris Haynes speaking this strongly as I've heard no one speak about a star that I know will make any team better upon arrival, this kind of talk, I understand when this is the hope trafficking.

[Greg Cody]

Will Giannis finish his career in Milwaukee?

[Tim Reynolds]

I don't think so. I don't think so. I. I just, you know, this is going to be a pivotal playoff. This 20, these 20, 25 playoffs for the Milwaukee Bucks. It's going to be pivotal. You know, Will, if they don't get to the Finals, win the finals or even make a deep run, you can probably see some wholesale changes going on in Milwaukee from, you know, you can go from coaching staff from front office to the players. Like, it can be a pretty big significant wholesale. If Milwaukee Bucks don't make a significant.

[Stugatz]

Run this postseason, could you see them trading Giannis?

[Tim Reynolds]

I could see them going in a different direction. And yeah, I can. I can see that possibility. If things go sour this postseason for.

[Dan LeBatard]

Eagles had a hell of a draft last year and it had draft drafted players who contributed to the winning of a championship. But it took six months to get there after the draft. This, when this transaction makes an appearance, is instantaneously hopeful in a way that I get more than I understand what we're doing tonight.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't understand. You're playing both sides. You literally took part in the hype for a transaction while moments before lamenting the hype.

[Dan LeBatard]

Because this is a player I know instantaneously makes someone better. I don't know anything about tonight making anyone better.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, but that's on you.

[Ike]

You.

[Dan LeBatard]

There's not on me. No one does.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, really? Well, I was super, I was super hyped about Baker Mayfield going to the Browns, and it ended up working out until it didn't. But, like, that's what people, that's what sports fans do. They watch guys in college, they say, I think this guy's going to be really good. And they'll get confirmation bias one way or another. But it's, it's a way to get hyped.

[Ike]

I'm not sure that it's a competition though. Like, we can get hyped over the transaction where you're making a trade or you're signing a free agent superstar like you just heard right there. Or we could get excited about the hope that something like the NFL draft or even the NBA draft brings. Like, I don't think it's a competition.

[Greg Cody]

One thing I think is that there's not much difference between somebody speculating about Giannis's future and somebody speculating about who the Giants are going to take at number three. It's the same thing. And in this draft, because it isn't a great draft, because there isn't a sure fire quarterback, I think there's going to be a lot of drama tonight that's unexpected when Shador Sanders starts falling and all of a sudden it appears he might not even go in the first round. That's a huge story that's going to dominate the draft. Somebody's going to take a guy in the top 10 or 12 that nobody had going in the first round. That's a good story. Travis Hunter is going to be picked number two. His dad's prison sentence was delayed so he could attend the draft. That's a human interest story that draws me into.

[Dan LeBatard]

I wonder how much coverage that's going to get tonight. As though it is a competition in this respect. Tonight there are playoff games with stakes being played and those eyes are being taken by something that isn't games. It's paperwork, it's accounting, it's.

[Mike Ryan]

It's additions. I, I don't get it. Like, dude, I. Okay, you don't like it. I love World cup draws. They're not playing the games that night, but I get to know what the games are gonna be.

[Dan LeBatard]

I hate schedule stuff too.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. Why do anything.

[Dan LeBatard]

Play the games? That's the doing of things. All this is front office transactions. Well, guess what?

[Chris Cody]

Give us, give us Nick's Pistons preview, then I'm ready for it.

[Mike Ryan]

I like the games too. Like, I like. I like the hype for the games. I like sports.

[Chris Cody]

I like the fun outfits. I like seeing the fans. I like the suspense. I like the music. Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo.

[Ike]

I think we have to also give context to. Yes, you're right. The NFL draft, which is a transaction, will be going on at the same time as NBA playoffs tonight, and the NFL draft will dominate it in the ratings. Okay, but that's a whole lot more about the sport we're talking about as opposed to the hope trafficking in the transactions because if you flipped it and you did a show with NBA transit, NBA trades or, or, or NBA free agency is going on at the same time an NFL game. A game is going on just like tonight. But you flip the sports the NFL game is going to crush this transaction. Show that the NBA is putting everything.

[Dan LeBatard]

Except the decision which got 10 million fans a football type of. And if Giannis did that tonight, if Giannis did that tonight, it would also be something that would rival a football game.

[Andrew]

I would say if you were combining like because the NFL draft also often includes. We talked about Kirk Cousins earlier. Like there are these big names that could potentially move. If you basically took all of the NBA's transaction window, all the free agency, all the trades, the draft and put it all within the span of three or four days like this, it might do well on a random NFL weekend. The NFL is so much bigger. Not it's not going to happen on the NFL playoff. Still outrage it it will and that's what I'm saying. But it's, it's the combination of you're also taking all of the best players from a sport that we love in college football and telling us what they're the next stage of their futures are going to be. So it's not just the hope trafficking for the NFL. It's if you're a college football fan, you're getting to see where some of your favorite players are about to start their careers and that is exciting.

[Greg Cody]

The NBA and the NHL playoffs last for two months. They've just begun. No game played tonight is going to decide anything. Whereas the NFL draft is a once a year enterprise. They call it the off season super bowl because it is mammoth in terms of interest in terms of the intersection of NFL and College Football, America's 2 favorite sport. It's going to be highly rated for a reason. People adore it and should. I'm looking forward to it.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah. Like also the WNBA draft the last two years, over a million people watched this year. Over 2 million people watched last year. It's not just the NFL. It's. It's sports where you have hugely popular players playing a college sport. You want to see what they do the next year. It's pretty normal I think.

[Mike Ryan]

And it's about moments too like you may not know what finished product you're getting but if the Falcons draft Michael Penix after they just gave Kirk Cousins one of the biggest contracts at the position in NFL history that is a seismic event in that sport and it's just a thrilling made for television event. And I understand you don't know whether or not these players are going to be good. You could say that about damn near everyone in this draft. But let's not pretend like fans aren't right. A lot more too, than we're giving them credit for. When the New York jets fans are booing the pick of Kyle Brady because they pass up on Warren Sapp, that's a moment that's also almost immediate confirmation that this front office doesn't know what the hell they're doing. And a lot of people are watching just to have faith that there's proof of concept and they're doing stuff that I like.

[Andrew]

Okay.

[Mike Ryan]

I want more reasons to be optimistic.

[Chris Cody]

One of the best man on the street things Charlotte and I did at SI was we went to a bar in the Village when the Giants drafted Daniel Jones, was a number six overall. This fan, this poor Giants fan, he just lost his mind on our live show and it was so funny and I was like, oh, I don't know. Like Daniel Jones, he had some moments that do they beat Notre Dame last year? I don't know. He was right. He was right. And it was very fun and very funny and he was, I'm sure, very sad about it to this day. But yeah. And Dan, Will I be asleep the minute the Steelers finish their pick? Probably. It drags a little bit at the end and it's like, okay, do we really need 10 minutes on the clock for the Titans to pick? They've been on the clock.

[Ike]

That's going to make me crazy. That makes me crazy.

[Chris Cody]

Put in the pick. But will I watch it anyways?

[Ike]

Of course I. Roger Goodell is going to step up to the podium tonight and say the NFL draft is open and then they're going to put a clock up there that says 10 minutes and the godforsaken Titans are going to take their entire allotted time to draft Cam.

[Mike Ryan]

I need those 10 minutes for just the cow highlights.

[Andrew]

Just to to Dan's point, there are some people that have gone too far into the transaction space over the games. The Heat are not the only franchise that had its fan base rooting against making the postseason and having moments that are game action because they want to hope traffic because they want to think about the future draft pick that's going to come this year and start looking at mock drafts and things. That's where maybe we start moving forward in a way that is too much, where you can have moments like Zaz and I were talking about last night's game. That's this electric feeling as you're coming back, even if you get swept, you have the moment of the game where there are some fans that would rather not watch that and start hope trafficking. That's where it probably, you know, jumps the shark. But I think that there's a clear entertainment in looking at which of those superstars from the previous league get into this.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay. And so you can say. And the majority of people listening to this can say, there's clear entertainment in that. I know I'm in the minority. I just gave Diana Rossini an hour to talk about this. And we do it every single year because I consistently step out of the way on what it is the customer's desires are here. But when you guys bring up the examples of Daniel Jones and Baker Mayfield, and those people are people we argued about on both sides of. Are they good or are they not for several years? I'm not in a hurry to start that before I have any additional information on how good they actually are.

[Greg Cody]

What sports are about.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm still fighting about Dak.

[Ike]

I'm still fighting about that.

[Greg Cody]

Are you sports good or not?

[Billy Corben]

Is Ryan Dennis, you have a number.

[Ike]

20 behind your head, food on your table.

[Mike Ryan]

You're just an asshole.

[Billy Corben]

This is how I pay my rent.

[Ike]

Come on.

[Dan LeBatard]

Pitch clock is going to be in a couple of minutes. If you want your baseball and don't want us to be talking baseball, just want Jeremy and friends. Jeremy has fuzz in his eyebrow and.

[Billy Corben]

It'S pissing me off.

[Mike Ryan]

You traffic on fans all the time.

[Dan LeBatard]

Mike Ryan is headed to Talladega this weekend in an rv in a camper of some sort with friends that I don't imagine is going to smell very good.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm going with College Mike, too.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, no.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, College Mike. My man, Ross. Nate, I'm so excited for this. I was listening to Talladega by Eric Church, and this is a superspeedway. This is the biggest, most dangerous race on NASCAR circuit. They do it twice. Once here during the regular season, once during the playoff. I was texting with Marty Smith yesterday because this is my rookie journey over to Talladega. And he said, it's like Mardi Gras for rednecks. That's a direct quote to which I said, I thought that was Mardi Gras, but there's body parts, beer, fast cars. Apparently, where I'm sitting right on the finish line, it feels like Armageddon literally every time they go around that track. So I cannot wait. And I'm gonna be doing a lot of content up there for DraftKings, who is so kind to help me out. And it's presented by NASCAR.

[Ike]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

At Talladega Superspeedway. Tune in Sunday, April 27th at 3:00pm Eastern on Fox. Hopefully I get in that grid, walk a little bit. I'll be out there with a garage pass. And we're hoping that Ryan Blaney's luck changes. Remember when he was on with us a couple weeks ago, he said that it's entirely possible that he gets hit by an asteroid on a final lap and that kind of happened. His engine blew out over at Homestead. His luck has to change. But this is such a dicey track. It's almost impossible to predict what is going to happen at a super speedway because there are multiple big ones.

[Dan LeBatard]

Thank you, Mark.

[Mike Ryan]

And I'm talking about the butts.

[Dan LeBatard]

I know you're really excited about this. I look forward to seeing what you produce for DraftKings. I am looking forward, actually, to seeing what it is that Walter Hawkins and Billy and Mike E.A. do tonight on YouTube as they go to the place the draft isn't. It's not in Green Bay where everybody is right now, ridiculously sitting in the actual cold. It just stupid. Just go inside.

[Ike]

Just.

[Dan LeBatard]

Nobody needs to do that 10 hours beforehand in order to show us you're in Green Bay for the draft. We're not going to be in Green Bay for the draft. We're going to be in Tennessee for the draft.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah. Weird.

[Dan LeBatard]

It is unusual. And Walter Hawkins is there and not the toothache of Stugot. But that will be on YouTube tonight. Before we do anything else, though, around here, I wanted to ask Greg Cody something about something that he wanted to talk about today because he was lamenting a happiness report that ranks the United States lower than he's ever seen it ranked in whoever it is that's measuring this happiness report.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah. Oxford University in England does this. They've been doing it, I think, 20 years, not that long. But, you know, they measure, you know, mental health and income and crime and all these different factors. Whether it's legit or not, I don't know. But Finland wins every year. Finland, okay. But the United States this year ranked lower than it's ever ranked before, which was 24th. And I just find that interesting because, you know, when I look around the country and everything, I'm happy, personally. Like, when I look at happiness through the micro.

[Dan LeBatard]

The draft is tonight. Why wouldn't you?

[Greg Cody]

I mean, I'm. I'm as happy as I can be unfortunate. But. But when I look at happiness through the macro. I see it, and I don't want to get too political here, but I'm not quite as proud to be an American as I once was for various reasons.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's pretty political.

[Greg Cody]

And I wonder if. If that factors into the World Happiness Report ranking America lower than it's ever ranked.

[Ike]

Like, what are they normally? You're saying this is the lowest that they've. They've ever been. What are they usually we've ever been? Right, yes. Sorry.

[Greg Cody]

I mean, normally they're in the. In the 10 to 12 range or something like that. Because I think the major industrial countries never rank super high. Scandinavia dominates this thing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Why did you say Finland the way that you did?

[Ike]

Well, yeah. What's Finland got going on anyway?

[Greg Cody]

I don't know.

[Dan LeBatard]

Got a lot of national parks, great.

[Greg Cody]

Hockey players, I'll tell you that.

[Dan LeBatard]

But why did you say Finland with a. With a derisiveness, a disgust?

[Greg Cody]

I didn't know I did.

[Dan LeBatard]

It felt like you were. Like, Finland shouldn't be happier than us.

[Greg Cody]

I love Finland.

[Dan LeBatard]

Finland doesn't have. Have you ever been?

[Greg Cody]

I've never been.

[Dan LeBatard]

What do you know about Finland?

[Greg Cody]

You know, they produce great NHL players.

[Dan LeBatard]

So nothing.

[Greg Cody]

I think they lead the league in most hot tubs per capita. I think they love their hot tubs there.

[Ike]

Bark off.

[Greg Cody]

I would actually. I'd love to go to Scandinavia. My wife is like, no, no way. I've also mentioned Japan. She doesn't want to go to Japan. She's got very strongly opinionated on where she wants to visit women.

[Dan LeBatard]

What?

[Mike Ryan]

Hey, you in the audience, it's Mike. You've been a fan of this show, hopefully for a long time. And you know how Miller Lite means to me, this partnership. It's real. It's documented. For almost 20 years, Miller Lite has been a partner of the Dan Lebatard show with Stugatz. And now Miller Lite is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I've had so many great moments with Miller Lite. So many great activations, so many great events presented by Miller Lite. A great partner. Cheers to them. Cheers to 50 incredible years. And for you at home, you know that Miller time always means a good time. From game night to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer. For people who Love beer since 1975, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family and a great tasting light beer. It's Miller Time Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Greg Cody]

Folks.

[Billy Corben]

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[Ike]

Don LeBatard I've never stepped foot on that campus. I if you told me right now your life depends on it. Go to Santa Fe University and just, just, just take a picture.

[Dan LeBatard]

Stugats.

[Ike]

I would die. I don't know where it is.

[Mike Ryan]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the st.

[Dan LeBatard]

I have so many questions for this man. I don't understand how it is he's at the center of the Broncos decision making. I don't understand why he's in Green Bay and will be a centerpiece at tonight's draft.

[Billy Corben]

A centerpiece. That's not nice.

[Dan LeBatard]

And I want to also ask him.

[Mike Ryan]

Also not accurate.

[Dan LeBatard]

It is accurate and we will talk to him about it. I want to talk to Brad Williams about his feud with Zaslow. Did you guys know that Brad Williams has a feud with Zaslow?

[Mike Ryan]

So I'm in a group chat with both Brad and Zaslow and once I added Zazlow to the group chat, I everyone caught a vibe and Brad kind of took him out. And I've been waiting for this story. There is a longstanding beef between the two.

[Dan LeBatard]

Hold on, Brad. Zaslow, what is your side of things before Brad eviscerates you and wins this discussion?

[Ike]

I have no issue with Brad. I like Brad a lot. I consider Brad a friend at this point. But I did do something once that I guess I regret. Okay. I made a scene at one of Brad's shows. Like a legit scene.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, no. BradWilliamsComedy.com is where you go for dates and tickets. He's joining us from Green Bay. What was this scene? Was he heckling you? What happened, Brad?

[Stugatz]

All right, before Zaz makes it sound like he was the ideal audience member. He was not. By the way, welcome to my lovely hotel room in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I'm glad I cleaned it up for you guys. Either way, Zaz was in the audience. I'm on stage doing my show, and then. Is this the version of the show where I can curse?

[Dan LeBatard]

Yep.

[Stugatz]

Okay. So I'm just doing my set, and then all of a sudden, from the audience, you just hear the loudest person ever just yell, will you shut the. And that was Zaslo in the middle of my show screaming, will you shut the up? And it is quite the feat when you pull focus from a dwarf telling jokes. That is quite the feat.

[Ike]

So, yes, he's right. All right, here's. I cannot deny what I cannot deny. Although I will say it wasn't Will you. Okay. I wasn't asking a question. I was telling. All right, There was no will. It was shut the up. All right, so here's what happened. So we're in the middle of the show. I. I said hello to Brad before this show. He's my friend. It was good to see him on there. I've seen Brad several times do his act. And my wife and I were at the show. We're sitting. You know, we're sitting toward the back of one of the couches, and there is a really loud man who is behind us with a couple of women. They have been overserved. They are clearly drunk, and they are loud. And my wife. I don't know if you guys are like this, but if you're out with your wife and you get any kind of sense, it could be unspoken that she is not enjoying herself, that she is bothered by something. I can sense it, and it ruins my night. All right? And so I could feel the buildup. My wife is getting agitated at the people who are being loud and disrespectful to Brad. But people are being loud behind Us. And eventually it's growing, and it's growing, and I go from 0 to 100. I'm a calm dude, but when I get upset, especially in this case where my wife is bothered, I don't mess around. And it got to a point where I turned around and I yelled for everyone here, shut the up, Brad.

[Dan LeBatard]

Were you hearing the previous people, or did you just hear Zaz ruining your show?

[Stugatz]

I just heard Zaz ruining my show. I did not hear the previous people. And just to be clear, Zaz is making his wife the Jada Pinkett in this scenario where it's like Will was sitting there like, I don't want to slap Chris Rock, but my wife's uncomfortable, so let me go assault one of the best comedians ever. So Zaz is sitting there going, like, I don't want to ruin the show, but my wife's uncomfortable, so let me go ruin the show.

[Ike]

And so Brad's immediate reaction. Cuz Brad can't see the lights are in his face. He can't see the crowd, certainly cannot see the back of the crowd. And all he hears is me yell. He doesn't know it's me.

[Dan LeBatard]

Can you not do this again? Just because. Kids to work day. You've done this five times already.

[Ike]

So Brad. So Brad then all of a sudden stops. He goes, me, shut the up. And so then I realized what just happened. And the security comes. They kick the people out. But here's the thing. I'm, like, mortified now because I didn't realize. My God. Like, I like Brad. And I feel like I just ruined the show.

[Dan LeBatard]

You didn't realize you were loud?

[Ike]

Yeah. And so the show ends now. The show ends. Okay, I'm still embarrassed. I feel really terrible. And Brad does meet and greets after the show. All right? And I'm like, I can't even handle it. I feel so terrible. I have to go rat myself out. And so I run up to the front of the line. I just skip everything. Everybody. I run up to the front. I can't hold it in anymore. I run up to the front of the line, and I grab Brad. I go. He's happy to see me go, hey, man, that was me who yelled and interrupted the show. I'm so sorry, but they were being really rude. I feel really terrible, but it was me. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. And he. Yeah.

[Stugatz]

So do me a favor, Zaz. Can you do the same thing at Pearl Jam? Can you do the same thing at Pearl Jam? Win any Vedder is going On a rant in between songs about, you know, current tariffs and other political beliefs that he has. Can you just scream out as loud as you can, Will you shut down?

[Dan LeBatard]

Don't do this again.

[Stugatz]

Please do that.

[Dan LeBatard]

We've got kids in the room. I regret giving you guys permission to curse. I have a couple of other questions, including how it is that you ended up at the table with the Denver Broncos tonight. But before we get to that, I want to know, because we're talking about the Tush push as an evolution, because I have seen a Reddit post, not the most credible of things, saying that Mike Leach once suggested the idea of using a little person in football because you can then hand him the football in short yardage situations and just flip him over the defensive line. Have you seen this? Have you heard of it? Do you believe it? And is it something that would clearly work?

[Stugatz]

Not only have I seen this Reddit post, but I was firmly aware of it. And last night at the NFL draft, me and a select group of fans got to have a sort of private press conference with Roger Goodell, and they took questions from the audience. And there is video currently on my Instagram of me asking Roger Goodell this very question I asked the commissioner of the NFL. You know, you're banning the tush push. How about we make it legal if we throw dwarves over the. Over the offensive line in to the end zone? Roger immediately hired me. I believe I am now a full time active member of the Denver Broncos. If this whole standup comedy thing doesn't work out, I mean, Hollywood's not hiring us. There's no dwarves in the Snow White movie. So we got to do what we can to find work. And this is what we're doing.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is a glitch in the system. I can get you five yards of carry this way, and that pays in the NFL, they cannot allow this. Why was your question so long, Goodell?

[Stugatz]

Why was it so long? It's called setting up a bit. It's called setting up a bit, Dan, I don't know if you know how to do this, but you can't just go in there, guns ablaze it. You got to set up the bit. So I wanted to make Goodell comfortable and have him thinking that I'm asking him about the Tush push when. When he thinks I'm digging, that's when I'm zagging. And that's what I ask about the Mike Leach.

[Dan LeBatard]

So you don't think, you don't think you set up the bit simply by standing in Front of Goodell, huh? You thought you need it needed. You thought it needed more setup than that?

[Stugatz]

No, he doesn't know that I'm a comedian. He sees a dwarf in a John Elwood jersey stand up, he's probably thinking, all right, they gave him make a wish kid some tickets. So that's what he's thinking. So then I. Then I have to actually show him the bit. And Goodell and I exchanged numbers. I could now text Roger Goodell. I believe I'm invited to an Eyes Wide Shut style Illuminati party next week. It's going to be a blast.

[Dan LeBatard]

How did you end up at Denver's table tonight? And how active are you going to be? Are you going to shut the bleep up or are you going to be giving helpful tips?

[Stugatz]

I ended up at Denver's table tonight because I'm a C list celebrity. And if you're going to be a C list celebrity, choose an NFL team that doesn't have a lot of celebrity fans or at least vocal celebrity fans. If I was a Chiefs fan, I'm like 12th in line behind the ninth lead in modern Family, but I'm a Broncos fan, so it's like me and Angela from the Office, and that's about it.

[Dan LeBatard]

Are you excited about tonight in terms of a sports perk? Because you really have been adopted by the Broncos fan base, by the Broncos themselves. You've been on the Jumbotron dancing. It's got to be a bit surreal to be at the center of all this.

[Stugatz]

It's very surreal and I'm very excited. I believe multiple mock drafts have the Broncos choosing a running back in the first round, Amarian Hampton from the University of North Carolina. I'm really excited about that. I think he's a stud of a running back. Comparisons have him to like maybe a Jonathan Taylor. He's got a lot of speed, got a lot of size. I think he's an upgrade from Javante Williams, who the Broncos traded to the Dallas Cowboys. So I'm really excited about that draft and get some Bo Nix, some. Some more offensive help. But yes, I have been adopted by the Broncos and I am stoked about it.

[Dan LeBatard]

Any Green Bay observations? Is that a place that you've been to very often?

[Stugatz]

I have. I've been here multiple times, but this time, because the draft is here, they greet you at the airport with cheese curds. It's amazing. They hand you a. A bag of cheese curds when you get off the plane at the airport. I was on. On my flight, I was Sitting next to Ronde Barber and which we both walked off the flight at the same time, which had to be very confusing for anyone who was watching us get off the plane. Like, seeing Ronde Barber and then me right next to him. They're like, well, this is a new category on pornhub.

[Mike Ryan]

It's actually not that new.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's a friend of the show comedian Brad live on tour. You can see him live on tour, and you can go to bradwilliamscomedy.com for show dates and tickets. Look forward to seeing you tonight. Enjoy yourself, Brad. Always nice.

[Ike]

Sorry, Brad.

[Stugatz]

Hey, hey. It's all right, Zaz. Let's put it to bed, and let's just have a Miller Light together. Excellent work. You know, not a lot of carbs. I think it's like 96 calories. No big whoop. So. And brewed right here in the great state of Wisconsin. So I'm really excited about the draft.

[Dan LeBatard]

Thank you, Brad. Good talking to you. I just want to foul up Zaz's mood right now. Zaz was predicting a Miami Heat victory last night. He was very confident. And this is a stat from. From Tim Reynolds. Okay, this is the Heat last night had 112 points. They had 16 threes. They had better than 50% shooting, and they allowed less than 50% shooting in playoff games all time when those things were so. NBA teams were 90. I'm sorry, 76 and oh, 76 and oh, and the Heat with those numbers all time were 45 and 1 and they lost. The Heat played their game. I mean, I know that Andrew Higgins, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam weren't good. They played their game, and the Cavs beat them anyway because they made more threes in a second quarter or in a quarter than any team has ever made in the postseason.

[Andrew]

Yeah, all those numbers are cool, but when the other team shoots 50% from three and breaks a record in the second quarter, you're probably not going to win.

[Ike]

Folks, listen up.

[Billy Corben]

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[Mike Ryan]

Hey, you in the audience, it's Mike. You've been a fan of this show, hopefully for a long time, and you know how much Miller Lite means to me. This partnership, it's real. It's documented. For almost 20 years, Miller Lite has been a partner of the Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotz. And now Miller Lite is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I've had so many great moments with Miller Lite, so many great activations, so many great events presented by Miller Lite. A great partner. Cheers to them. Cheers to 50 incredible years. And for you at home, you know that Miller Time always means a good time. From game night to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Light, the great tasting light beer. For people who loved beer since nineteen nineteen seventy five, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family, and a great tasting light beer. It's Miller Time. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.