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Dan Le Batard
Look, every football game is a grind and if you're like Dan and the crew, you know there's no such thing as one size fits all. Your sleep should be just as custom as Coach's game plan. That's where Sleep Number comes in. You get to call your own plays. Softer, firmer, cooler, warmer. Your side, your comfort. Change it whenever you want. No more feeling stuck like a busted play. And for all the late night fights over the thermostat, climate series cools up 20 times faster than the competition. True temp betting kicks heat and humidity to the sidelines so you can actually stay chill all night. Bottom line, Sleep Number is like having a sleep coach in your corner adjusting to you all night because your best game starts with the right rest. Why choose a Sleep number? Smart bed so you can sleep just the way that you like. The only bed that lets you make each side firmer or softer whenever you like your Sleep Number Setting Sleep Number's biggest sale of the year is here. All beds on sale up to 50% off the limited edition Smart bed limited time exclusively at a Sleep Number store near you. Sleep Number Official Sleep and Wellness partner of the NFL. See store or sleepnumber.com for details.
Mina Kimes
This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Checking off the boxes on your to do list is a great feeling. And when it comes to checking off coverage, a State Farm agent can help you choose an option that's right for you. Whether you prefer talking in person on the phone or using the award winning app, it's nice knowing you have help finding coverage that best fits your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Chris Cody
This is the Dan Levator show with the Stugats Podcast.
Mike Ryan
Mina Kimes will be here shortly. We look forward to all of her help during the football season. She'll be around here plenty. Pitch Clock is again segregated on our show. It exists apart from our show but adjacent to our show. We continue to segregate baseball. Pitch Clock will be in the post game today and Juju will will be joining us here shortly to update the polls. I want to ask both Juju and Mina about their best friend situation, but I will tell the group here when I tell you that Zaslow is a rising star at ESPN and ESPN Radio. He has been taunting Amber Wilson, his longtime co host here locally with pictures of the sweets he gets on the road now that he's traveling with college football every year. He's been taunting her with look at how not only first class flights. Somehow, somehow Zaslo is getting sweets at ESPN And I will tell you, I got no sweets at espn. I don't know how Zaslo is getting sweets.
Chris Cody
I would be on these stops late in the season. It could be in. It was in Norman, Oklahoma. I was in Tuscaloosa. It was in Atlanta. Championship.
Dan Le Batard
I hear Oklahoma is the worst.
Chris Cody
I mean, it was fine. I wouldn't say it was the worst. I didn't like Baton Rouge. Was not a big fan of Baton Rouge. Everyone, though, says that you got to go to a night game there in Death Valley. I do have a stop there this year. I'm hoping it's a night game, but yes, first class tomorrow morning. All right. I'll be flying to Columbus and looking forward to the suite that I get. That's right. Amber didn't believe me last year. When I'm getting. I get to my room. She gets to her room. She's in a regular room. That's all great. I get to. I. There's a. There's a living area. There's a kitchen. One of these. It had a full table with 10 chairs.
Dan Le Batard
Oh, I'm up.
Chris Cody
I'm not expecting a guest, but if I wanted a guest, they can come over.
Mike Ryan
Dinner party. You could have a dinner party at that Radisson Inn.
Chris Cody
And then in another room was my bedroom. And she didn't believe me. I was like, oh, you don't believe it. I sent her pictures. Yeah, she's in her nice little studio and I got a party if I feel like it.
Mike Ryan
He's a rising star. You can get him all over your Weekend coverage on ESPN Radio, 10:00am Eastern.
Chris Cody
Time, ESPN Radio Saturday morning college football tailgate.
Mike Ryan
He is not, however, as big a star at ESPN as Mina Kimes is. Mina, do you get a suite when you travel on the road? Because I've never gotten a suite at espn. I can't believe that Zaslo is out here getting sweets. And I'd have the follow up question. Any of those hotels, did the hotel lobby smell like chlorine because the pool is indoors?
Chris Cody
I don't think so.
Mike Ryan
Okay, so you're getting good. You're getting good hotels. Mina, do you have any sweets? Do you get sweets when you travel on the road?
Mina Kimes
No sweets like. You mean like a hotel suite? Not like a. Like a little treat?
Mike Ryan
Yeah. Not a cookie at the Double Tree. I'm talking about an actual. They don't do it anymore.
Dan Le Batard
No, we don't. We're not with ESPN anymore. Because you kicked Billy out of the studio so you can rip on Trump and espn.
Mike Ryan
I Kicked Mina out of the studio that day, too.
Chris Cody
It was really Nick Wright's fault. If we're gonna dissect the entire thing.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah, that's right.
Chris Cody
He wouldn't have gone on Twitter that morning. We would have been in a different world.
Mina Kimes
If you guys are deciding between hotels and one of them is a doubletree, would you book the doubletree solely for the free cookie? Even though you could buy a cookie somewhere else?
Mike Ryan
Great question. Put it on the poll, please. At Lebatard show, if you're choosing between the hotel. Is the doubletree cookie the tiebreaker?
Dan Le Batard
I love that hot drawer.
Chris Cody
I'm in a double tree next weekend, actually. I'll let you know.
Mike Ryan
Mina, we want to play for you here. Greg Cody getting furious with us earlier this week. I want to get your assessment here of what happened, who's right and who's wrong in the raging fury between Greg Cody and his son Christopher.
Chris Cody
Wait a second.
Mike Ryan
They're going to be elbows grabbed. They're going to be elbows grabbed. He's furious.
Chris Cody
Don't say anything about it. I'm serious. I want my laptop back. I'm not the least bit amused by this. I'm not kidding in how angry I am.
Mike Ryan
I'm gonna send them both to the penalty box.
Chris Cody
I'm not going to the penalty box put together. I'll bring this. I want my computer right here before I do anything. No, I'm not going to the penalty box until I get my computer right here.
Mike Ryan
You can bring it to me. This is fine. This is good.
Chris Cody
No, you can bring it to me.
Mike Ryan
Greg, you're going to stop that now. Yes.
Chris Cody
No, I'm not.
Mike Ryan
You're going to stop that now.
Mina Kimes
No.
Chris Cody
No, I'm not. I'll leave. I'll go home if you want me to with my laptop, but I am not going in the penalty box until my laptop is connected to my computer. My son is. This is not your fault. My son has gone over the line here. I am genuinely upset.
Mike Ryan
We know.
Chris Cody
Okay, so how about make it right, Christopher? If I don't have that computer here in three minutes, I am not hosting the draft party Thursday night on the screen. Please don't do it. I cannot express to you how serious I am. Hold your heart.
Mike Ryan
All right.
Chris Cody
Yeah. No, no. On my life, Greg, I am not hosting this draft party Thursday night. I've never been more angry connected with this show. Anybody who thinks that's me is an idiot. On my granddaughter's life. On my granddaughter's life, I am not hosting this wrap party unless I Have that computer. Whatever number he said will not be where the Dolphins are. Wait a minute. Oh, wait. Now the number's changing. Maybe. Oh, no. Depending on how accurate he was.
Mike Ryan
Mina. The context was he was mad that we were going to expose before it appeared in the Miami Herald where he ranked the Miami Dolphins for the season.
Mina Kimes
Where did you rank them? Now I'm titillated.
Chris Cody
Well, it was 14th, but when I said the number 14, just guessing, he was like, I need to change it. So he made it 15. Wow.
Mina Kimes
Wait, so is the. Greg, are you upset because of your afraid of invoking the ire of the fans or because you perceive this to be like an exclusive?
Chris Cody
Yes.
Mike Ryan
Greg's not here, Mina.
Mina Kimes
Oh, sorry.
Mike Ryan
That's a video. That's how television works sometimes.
Dan Le Batard
We could have set it up.
Chris Cody
Maybe she thought it was a reenactment.
Mina Kimes
It's really confusing, honestly, because the video does look like it's happening today. 14 seems fair. That seems pretty generous.
Mike Ryan
Not what I was asking you. Not surprising that that's what you decided to answer.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah, we established a setup.
Mina Kimes
My only takeaway from that video is that watching Greg discipline or try to discipline Chris is just exactly how I treat my toddler. And I'm glad to know that's not gonna change for 25 years.
Mike Ryan
What would be your assessment as a parent on Zaslow's home situation where his 16 year old texts him and calls him sugar tits by way of dismissal?
Mina Kimes
Is this a 16 year old boy or a 16 year old girl?
Chris Cody
Boy.
Mina Kimes
Okay. Yeah. He has no respect for you.
Chris Cody
Well, how would your answer have changed? If I said it was my daughter.
Mina Kimes
I would have said, that's funny.
Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan. Mike Ryan threatened to kill ESPN yesterday if they break into college football coverage to show anything regarding the Big Dumper.
Mina Kimes
Oh, wow.
Dan Le Batard
Look, I know we love rms, all right? I know you love. I know you love Cal Raleigh. I love him too, but I hate.
Mina Kimes
My Mariners group chat. I let you into the circle.
Dan Le Batard
I'm following the story. I'm all about Big Dumper. I hated when Aaron Judge did this. And ESPN wanted to interrupt AAC football for an Aaron Judge record. That's not the record. It's not a thing. Stop making the AL home run record a thing. It's not a thing. Now I understand Yankees branding. That's the argument. There's no way in hell they do this for the Mariners. No shot. And if they do, I'm going to kill him.
Mina Kimes
Well, Cal's only at, what, 50 now, so I feel like there wouldn't. I Mean, he has a few records to break. I think switch hitter is up next. Mickey Mantle, 54. And then he can break Griffey's franchise record at 50.
Dan Le Batard
These aren't records.
Chris Cody
Remember when 50 used to mean something? Me? You just said only 50.
Mike Ryan
She did hit a record. Only 50.
Chris Cody
What a world we live in.
Mike Ryan
Only 50.
Dan Le Batard
Not a record.
Mina Kimes
I just mean that I don't think he's gonna get the cut in until he gets to 61. If he gets there. And then he probably will, but I probably won't. You're right, because it's the Mariners. Although we've been doing Mariners three days in a row on pti, which I feel like is the most that ESPN has talked about the Mariners in probably since Griffey.
Mike Ryan
How much PTI have you done? I didn't know you were on pti. When did you start doing that? I literally have never seen you on pti.
Mina Kimes
That's because it's on espn, too.
Dan Le Batard
The Deuce.
Chris Cody
It's her and the Iceman.
Mina Kimes
Yeah, with the Iceman. Because tennis is on ESPN1. So I get the call up for, you know, the B team show.
Dan Le Batard
Let's be abundantly clear. And I'd love a judge's ruling on this.
Chris Cody
Okay.
Dan Le Batard
There is one single season home run record. It's 73.
Mina Kimes
Yeah.
Chris Cody
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Hold on a second. The honorable Jonathan Zapper. He's a lawyer, he's a judge, he's a race expert.
Chris Cody
Kind of undercut it. Answering it.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, he already answered. He already made his ruling. That sort of defeats what's happening right now.
Dan Le Batard
He forgot he was a judge.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, he forgot he was a judge. He forgot we'd do a segment with a judge.
Mina Kimes
See the whole. If cal gets to 61. Right. Let's just say it seems a little bit. I think he's on pace for a little less than that. I'm going to be really torn because I don't want to be one of those, you know, old traditionalist. The drug tainted records don't count. This is pure baseball. But if it's Cal Raleigh, I'm going to say those tainted records don't count. This is a true baseball player, but only if it's Cal Rally. I wasn't doing that for Aaron Judge.
Chris Cody
The record is 73. Drugs in baseball are good with press, giveable, forgiven.
Mina Kimes
I'm with you. I'm with you. Unless Cal gets there and then I'm against you.
Mike Ryan
I also think there is a great danger, based on everything that we've just done, is that someone in accounting realizes that Zaz isn't supposed to get a suite that he's getting a suite that.
Chris Cody
He'S not supposed to get. Yeah, chill on that. Keep that down low. What's the matter with you?
Dan Le Batard
Look, every football game is a grind. And if you're like Dan and the crew, you know there's no such thing as one size fits all. Your sleep should be just as custom as coach's game plan. That's where sleep number comes in. You get to call your own plays. Softer, firmer, cooler, warmer. Your side, your comfort. Change it whenever you want. No more feeling stuck like a busted play. And for all the late night fights over the thermostat, climate series cools up 20 times faster than the competition. True temp betting kicks heat and humidity to the sidelines so you can actually stay chill all night long. Bottom line, sleep number is like having a sleep coach in your corner adjusting to you when all night. Because your best game starts with the right rest. Why choose a sleep number? Smart bed so you can sleep just the way that you like. The only bed that lets you make each side firmer or softer whenever you like your sleep number setting. Sleep number's biggest sale of the year is here. All beds on sale up to 50% off the limited edition smart bed limited time exclusively at a sleep number store near you. Sleep number official sleep and wellness partner of the NFL. See store or sleepnumber.com for details.
Chris Cody
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Mike Ryan
With Zinn Rewards, you can redeem points.
Chris Cody
For premium tech outdoor gear and gift cards to your favorite retailers. Find your Zen and keep finding rewards that fit your lifestyle@zen.com rewards warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
Dan Le Batard
Hey, Tony.
Chris Cody
Hey Mike.
Dan Le Batard
Hey man. Summer's almost ending, man. I don't like that. There's no way. There's no way I am excited about cooler temperatures. But down here in South Florida, that just means slightly less boiling hot. It's been a pretty incredible summer. We've had a parade down here. We've grown our family down here at Meadowlark Media. A lot of exciting things, a lot of memorable benchmarks. And along the way, at almost every step, I've been tailed by that beautiful white can of Miller Light. Oh, that beautiful white or the brown bottle. You can do it on draft.
Mike Ryan
Draft is crisp.
Dan Le Batard
There's been so many great special times and each time I've decided to make those special times a Miller Time. Whether it's a long weekend like one we got coming up, or a full on vacation, it is a perfect time to get the crew back together. This year marks 50 years of Miller time, 50 years of great taste, great friends and unforgettable memories. 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 any anywhere they sell beer. Cheers to 50 years of Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Chris Cody
Don LeBatard did you get lost on.
Mina Kimes
The way to Home Depot today, Dan? Like what, what's going on with the plants? But you look like you're about to ask me to like check the oil on my car or like come over and like look around and point things in my house that need to be fixed.
Chris Cody
This is the Dan Levatar show with the stug.
Mike Ryan
I want to play something. Someone else is blowing up. You may have noticed here that Pablo Torre is very proud of his New York Times partnership. Mina, I want to get your thoughts here on Pablo's debut video here promising the New York Times and its its readers what they're going to get from Pablo. He's already wearing a New York Times shirt. Get your thoughts here.
Dan Le Batard
Okay.
Chris Cody
Hello, Pablo Torre here, host of Pablo Torre finds out now coming to you from our new home at the Athletic.
Mike Ryan
And the New York Times, where will.
Chris Cody
Use our brand of Murrow Award winning and Peabody nominated journalism to investigate mysteries. It gets back to the ultimate question.
Dan Le Batard
That we've been asking as it relates to this document.
Chris Cody
Why? Basically we're a sports podcast in the same way that Moneyball is a baseball book, meaning that we tell you stories that are about a lot more than just the game. If you show me a ring cam video with you.
Mina Kimes
Pablo, what the.
Dan Le Batard
This is crazy.
Mina Kimes
Pablo, what the.
Dan Le Batard
I don't understand.
Chris Cody
What podcast is this? Truman Show?
Mina Kimes
Is this world Truman Show?
Chris Cody
Where are we?
Mina Kimes
What's going on?
Chris Cody
We do interviews that'll make you think.
Mina Kimes
She'S fearless in those moments. I always joke that sue would have hated me as a teammate and laugh.
Chris Cody
But through all the pain and hopefully both, I mean, boom, that's hard.
Mike Ryan
And it is.
Chris Cody
So three times a week, follow us down the rabbit hole at Pablo Torre finds out you can watch or listen on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Can we call a coordinator? He says hamburger a lot. I don't know if I've ever Felt the feeling that I'm feeling right now. Love you.
Mina Kimes
Wow. Lot of thoughts. Lot of thoughts. First, Dan and I, despite doing dozens of episodes, didn't make the sizzle reel. Don't know if you noticed that, Dan. If you caught that, you and I not featured at all there. He compared himself to Moneyball at one point. Did anyone else catch that? Basically compared himself to Moneyball. The T shirt. I feel like Pablo works out in a Harvard shirt and then is like, oh, this whole thing is just laying around in my closet. 4. I'm very excited for him because he's my friend. I think they're gonna do a great job and I think it's a really great partnership.
Mike Ryan
So I have a question for you though, about that Belichick ring video that he aired.
Dan Le Batard
How did the. The awards that he won, rattling them off, not make the list? That's impressive. That just tells you his brand and his awards.
Mina Kimes
Being aware that he won and one.
Mike Ryan
That he was nominated for, that's important distinction. One that he won and one that he was nominated for. And both of them should have had better audio quality on that video. Like Edward R. Murrow. That was video and audio quality from Edward R. Murrows age right there. But if you had to take a guess, Mina did Pablo, when he recreated the Airbnb that Belichick emerged from shirtless, did he not do that himself in the recreation shirtless because he didn't think of it or because he would not be seen shirtless anywhere in public?
Mina Kimes
It's a great question. It's 100% the second thing. And it honestly discredits the entire video for me. When I first saw that and the way that he positioned it as like a recreation going undercover. And then I saw his shirt was on, I just turned it off. I didn't even watch. I don't even know what happened in that episode, honestly, because the lack of commitment to the bit ruined it for me.
Mike Ryan
Do you think Pablo put it on the poll at Lebatard show? Is Pablo someone who goes into the pool with his shirt on? I'm asking the question.
Chris Cody
Feels like a yes.
Mike Ryan
I think it's a sweater.
Mina Kimes
Harvard shirt. Pablo's looking good. How did I get here? I feel like Pablo is looking good for his age. I feel like he could have gone shirtless. I don't know. I've never seen him shirtless.
Mike Ryan
I want to talk football with you. We will get your sped up sounds and thoughts in a second. I enjoyed hearing you on with Dave Damaschek that podcast football America is going to be exceptional as we head into the season. What do you make of the most interesting contract situation? Whichever one it is you choose to make the most interesting?
Mina Kimes
Well, two of three are resolved, right? Because you got the Terry deal and you got the Trey Hendrickson pay raise. Probably going to be gone after this year. So it's Micah by default. But can I say something? I don't find the Micah situation interesting at all. It would be interesting if there was a debate over whether to pay him. Like sometimes with these contracts. I don't know. You couldn't say this about Dak Prescott, but certainly the case with Kerry McClaurin. You look at them and you understand to some extent why the team might have some hesitance if the player is asking for too much and they're older, things like that. Like Chris, you could negotiate a Micah Parsons contract.
Chris Cody
Thank you.
Mina Kimes
All you have to do. I don't know why I said Chris, sorry I went for you. You were right in front of me. All you have to do.
Dan Le Batard
It's not that he's an idiot.
Mina Kimes
All you'd have to do is find the highest paid edge Roger contract and then add some money to it. It's like the fact that we're here is so dumb and transparently just Jerry Jones wanting attention or something or being unsatisfied. The way business is done in 2025, I do not know. But it's not fun to talk about because there's nothing to debate. It's just stupid.
Chris Cody
Chris, Jerry Jones definitely takes you to the cleaners sitting here.
Dan Le Batard
Quite the brand you've established.
Mike Ryan
Mina, I think I have it correct when I say that Micah Parsons in terms of applying pressure when he's on the field does it better than anyone by percentage. Do I have it wrong? Like 7? I read a stat, I don't know how long ago it was. I think it was at about 17.8%. He was a decent amount ahead of all the other rushers in terms of percentage of times he's disruptive.
Mina Kimes
Him and Miles Garrett are pretty close but over the last three years you're right, he has led all edge rushers in pressure, percentage, pass rush win. He's been the second most double team player behind Micah, or pardon me, Myles Garrett. So yeah, he's. That's again and he's 26 or something. There's. It's not debatable. The thing that I find kind of interesting is usually with these contracts impasses you get inklings of like he's asking for a billion dollars and a share of the team. And he wants the next Cowboys documentary just to be about him. We haven't gotten those. Even those leaks which would suggest like, you know, like the Cowboys have not put that into the atmosphere. So I don't, I don't know what the heck's going on.
Chris Cody
Mina, how much does this have to do with the reputation of the agent as far as Jerry Jones not wanting to talk with him?
Mina Kimes
I mean, he represents a zillion players in the NFL and gets deals done all the time. Obviously the Watson deal is the one that the agent will get, is very known for because it will go down as one of the biggest mistakes in history by NFL franchise for, you know, a litany of reasons. But he's not like he did. There's. He does tons of deals all the time.
Mike Ryan
I found that Cowboys documentary wildly disappointing. I had big expectations for it. Didn't even finish it. Stopped after episode because they threw all that stuff in episode seven. They milked it for six episodes. Way too fat. All Jerry Jones's story. And then I just quit on it after seven episodes.
Mina Kimes
I thought about watching it, but then Love Is Blind UK was calling to me like a siren. Which by the way, amazing season. Love Is Blind UK for Billy?
Mike Ryan
No, for everybody. Who wants to check out the Mina Kimes podcast featuring Lenny. She is obsessed with the show. Is it your favorite? It's your favorite to talk about?
Mina Kimes
Yeah, I like it. But no. I have a TV recap show with David Dennis Jr called viewer discretion and we're doing combination of that and Alien Earth right now. So look at how exciting.
Mike Ryan
Look at how exciting Mike Ryan is.
Dan Le Batard
No, no, no. I just love the imaging that we made of Conor McGregor and Chris. He even found a way to get that quickly.
Mike Ryan
Alien hurt Chris. Find for me the music that will speed her up so we can get to some football. But I do want to get her thoughts here. ESPN's Dr. Jordan Rogers has carved out the lane as Jordan. I'm the only Arch Manning critic. He is being critical of Arch Manning. He's saying the hype doesn't match the tape. There are good things and there are some good things, but the tape to me doesn't tell me that you've got a first round draft pick or a top 10 pick or a number one overall draft pick. I think he's going to go into Ohio State and he's going to struggle because he hasn't played anybody. Zaslo's had the same opinion. Amina seems terrified by this opinion. York, what's happening.
Mina Kimes
How do you guys have strong opinions? We've barely seen the kid play football. He played two games against unranked opponents. He came in against utsa. I thought he looked good in that game. He also ran for 67 yards. That's the crazy thing about Arch Manning, right? He comes from the Manning family, it's royal family, etc. He is an athlete out there and I think that's going to bolster him early on even if there are some ups and downs. The athleticism is very unique.
Chris Cody
That's what it is though. Mina, I have a strong opinion against the strong opinion.
Mina Kimes
We haven't seen him. Wait, that's good. That's good. That's a great lane to carve out is the anti hot take.
Mike Ryan
Oh, but everybody though says he's good even though we haven't seen him. So you're sitting here saying how can you have a strong opinion? Well, there seem to be strong opinions that this is the best quarterback prospect there's ever been. That seems to be something that is a popular opinion.
Mina Kimes
Well, I mean those companions from the people who are actually in the know are based on like the quarterback camps and watching them in high school and I don't think anyone in this room has done either of those things. So I'm not going to take a strong stance about that because we're not comparing him to first round draft picks. We're comparing him to prospects at this point and it's quite possible that he is as good as a prospect at.
Mike Ryan
Least who is a team that's a lot better than people think.
Mina Kimes
I will go with I think the Bears are going to be good, but I think they're going to be really good in the second half of the season. I think early on it could look a little up and down, but I like the Bears defense. I think that everyone's talking about Ben Johnson and the offense, but I think the defense hiring Dennis Allen was one of the best hires of the entire offseason.
Mike Ryan
The gulf of difference between the worst team in the league and the Saints is what the Saints are the worst.
Mina Kimes
Team in the league.
Mike Ryan
Who's the second worst team in the league?
Mina Kimes
Probably Cleveland, I would say. It's been like Cleveland. New York's defensive line is so good it's hard for me to put them there. So I'll go Cleveland.
Mike Ryan
Nick Wright, your nemesis, says on Dan Patrick that he believes that the Chiefs are the single best team in the league. Is he a raging homer?
Mina Kimes
He came on my show in July and ranked the Eagles Number one. So I don't. I don't know what's changed between July and now, but I'm going to fact check Nick Wright with his own words on my own show.
Mike Ryan
Nick Wright out here doing the stugats of just telling everybody different things and having seven number one teams so he can be right at the end of the season. What is that?
Mina Kimes
Roll the tape. I'm telling you, we did a power rankings episode and he picked. I gave him the choice Eagles or Chiefs, and he picked the Eagles.
Mike Ryan
True or false? The Chiefs are better this year, but they're going to have a substantively worse record.
Mina Kimes
True. Because last year what they did, their record in one score games was like a historical aberration.
Dan Le Batard
Who will lead the NFL in passing yards?
Mina Kimes
Joe Burrow. Because he's gonna have to. Because he's gonna have to score like 40 points a game.
Dan Le Batard
Who's second?
Mina Kimes
I'll go with Lamar.
Mike Ryan
Give us a player who is going to explode a name that's going to explode and grab everybody's attention this year.
Mina Kimes
I mean, I think lad McConkey is like, yeah, I could not speak highly enough about him after reviewing him this offseason. I think he's so talented and I think he's going to get more attention as being like a true number one receiver. Like one of those dudes this year.
Chris Cody
Mina. Travis Hunter will be what this year?
Mina Kimes
Primarily wide receiver. Because I failed to see the whole how the whole him playing both ways thing plays out to the extent that.
Mike Ryan
People think Cam Ward's going to be what this season.
Mina Kimes
Promising, inconsistent, consistent. But a lot of that has to do with his surroundings. Not the greatest group of receivers. I think the offensive line will be better, but I really liked what I saw from in the preseason. He's just. He's gonna be fun to watch, which is something they haven't had in Tennessee in a while.
Mike Ryan
Shador Sanders is going to be what.
Mina Kimes
Possibly a starter for a couple games at the end of the year.
Mike Ryan
A wide receiver who's going to break out this season.
Mina Kimes
I already did. Ladies. I think Roma Du is going to be a lot better this year. To go back to the Bears thing, I think that Ben Johnson is going to find really interesting ways to use.
Chris Cody
Is Tyreek Hill on the Dolphins past the trade deadline?
Mina Kimes
Yes, because I think the Dolphins will still be competitive.
Mike Ryan
What's Belichick going to be at North Carolina.
Mina Kimes
Mid.
Mike Ryan
She's gotten good at the game of speeding things up. Mina, we look forward to talking to you this season. We are. What are you Pointing at us for no.
Mina Kimes
I say if it's something I don't actually want to answer, that's when I will give you the one word answer.
Mike Ryan
Oh, is that what happened? Okay, double check.
Mina Kimes
Door. I got my whole.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, well, then we're going to replace you right now with a song by Jeremy about Bill Belichick and his copywriting of Gold Digger.
Mina Kimes
Oh, boy.
Chris Cody
Now chapel butcher mocking gold digger and he ain't messing with no pot blow Chat Bill scoring touchdowns Chatfield Bill scoring touchdowns Chat bill scoring touchdowns Chapville bill score in she is Jordan met her on a flight he was on with college textbooks on logic and calm she said do you want to talk? Cause quite frankly I'm drawn to your swag. You got a lock I can tell by half sleeves on your arm But I'm going up to North Carolina, I'm going back to college football but then I make this really awkward for these kids cause I got a day to go their age while I got grandkids. Okay, so get this. I'm meeting with a band I didn't see the lens when I got up in I was shirtless then at the Airbnb Now I gotta show my nips for the whole world to see and.
Juju
Now I'm getting crushed by the media.
Chris Cody
But my girl got the skills to be my handler while I deal with the college kickers and punters I don't care what none of y' all say I still love lover now chapel butcher mocking gold digger and he ain't messing with no pop now chapel butcher mocking gold digger Good job, Jeremy. I did my best.
Mike Ryan
Wait a minute. The word wasn't Pablo.
Mina Kimes
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Chris Cody
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Mina Kimes
Obvious, but it's real, and so is.
Dan Le Batard
The relief from EBGLIS.
Mina Kimes
After an initial dosing phase, about 4 in 10 people taking EVGLIS achieved itch relief and clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks, and most of those people maintain skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.
Chris Cody
EVGLIS Lebricizumab LBKZ a 250mg per 2ml injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with prescription.
Mike Ryan
Therapies used on the skin or topicals or who cannot use topical therapies.
Chris Cody
EBGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to epglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with Epglis. Before starting Epglis, tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection searching for real relief?
Mina Kimes
Ask your doctor about ebglis and visit epgliss.lily.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979.
Dan Le Batard
Save big during Labor Day at Lowe's, get up to 40% off select major appliances plus buy more to get up.
Chris Cody
To an additional 20% off shop. Even more savings with three stay green 1 cubic foot vegetable and flower garden soil bags for $10 this Labor Day.
Juju
Take care of your home for less.
Dan Le Batard
It lowes we help you save ballot through nine three soil offer excludes Alaska.
Mike Ryan
And Hawaii selection barriers by location.
Chris Cody
Select locations only while supplies last.
Dan Le Batard
Seelows.com for more details.
Mike Ryan
Don Levitard there's sunglasses in boxes today.
Dan Le Batard
But in my dead in the hospital ending our lives all the same.
Chris Cody
St.
Mike Ryan
It'S the final night gown.
Chris Cody
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats. Thursday Thunder is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings the Crown is yours.
Mike Ryan
Juju Won a couple of weeks ago Thursday Thunder has been, I think, pretty consistently two for three. Like if you were betting these individually, you'd be at about a 75 or 80% clip because Juju's very good at.
Dan Le Batard
This guy doesn't get it, but that's.
Mike Ryan
Not how it works.
Chris Cody
66% off. So it's adorable to say two out.
Dan Le Batard
Of three doesn't get.
Juju
All right. He's so adorable. But yeah, man, last week we went 2 for 3. Yet again, a knife through the heart. But this week, we going to write that, baby. First leg, I'm going with my sister, the sharpshooter. She got her shooters back, Brianna Stewart back. She got Emma Simon over there. I'm going with Sabrina UNESCO for over 5.5 assists tonight. Lock it in. Second leg, I'm going to Seattle. It's storming right now. I hear. I hear the thunder.
Mike Ryan
I hear it. It is storming.
Juju
Yes, sir. And it's gonna be storming a lot of neca goomake points tonight. I'm going over 16.5 points for my sister, Madam President, tonight, last leg, Alyssa Thomas, MVP candidate, man, she been on the road lately, and I think she gonna keep it rolling tonight against the sky with over 9.5 rebounds tonight. Lock it in.
Mike Ryan
Juju, your dream last night. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Juju. I'm sorry. That's. That's the biggest game, the biggest home game, and I don't know how long. Are you okay?
Juju
I am extremely distraught. Let alone like, the game was so close within that third quarter. Asia Wilson woke up with two threes out of nowhere. The crowd, the home crowd, our home crowd, was louder for the Vegas Aces than they were for our big dogs. I do not stand for it. My sister, Ryan Howard spoke out against it last night. Salute to Ryan. Total heartbreak, though.
Mike Ryan
We're gonna get to polls here in a second, but the Athletic is reporting that ESPN is demoting hall of Famer Doris Burke off its NBA Finals team and promoting Tim Legler.
Dan Le Batard
Finally.
Juju
Man.
Mike Ryan
Right, juju, did you have any interesting thoughts on anything that we were discussing today? Did you have any thoughts on Chris Cody saying he has no best friend, but an alarming number of general friends in his inner circle?
Chris Cody
That's right.
Juju
Right. It made me think, and I really. I was trying to go through my list. I don't have a best friend either. I had a best friend, and he was taken from us way too soon. And I think about him all the time. I got his name tattooed on my face. But, yeah, I don't have a best friend either. So I think it's just a growing pain.
Dan Le Batard
I'm sorry that we've already established on this show that's a penalty.
Mike Ryan
That's not a penalty. It's not a penalty. No. He had a best friend, but his best friend died. You don't just report plays your best friend.
Dan Le Batard
Okay, well, then just say you don't have a best friend.
Chris Cody
Okay.
Dan Le Batard
Don't draw me. Don't trauma dump on me, sir.
Chris Cody
Nobody's trying to hear that.
Juju
To say. To say.
Mike Ryan
Dismissed again. Got my own problems. The dismissals were very popular this. This year. What do you have for us on dismissals, Juju?
Juju
Billy Gill man. I think he has. I think this might be the earliest nominee for the next year episode that Billy had, bruh. You took out David Sampson before the break in the best dismissal for 2026 winner. Already already.
Mike Ryan
You're. Wait a minute.
Juju
Already already?
Chris Cody
That's gonna be a talking to later.
Juju
I know. It was magnificent. And the YouTube Chad loved it.
Mike Ryan
What do you have for us in the way of polls here today, juju? I didn't feel like we had very many of them today.
Juju
Yes. Our kids. Ingrates. 89 of the audience says, yes, they are.
Chris Cody
Of course.
Juju
That blazer is looking great on you. My brother's ass.
Chris Cody
Thanks. Thanks, player.
Juju
Extremely. Extremely. Player. Do you have a best friend? 72% of the audience says, yes, they do.
Dan Le Batard
Anybody else have someone die? Can we move on?
Juju
I'm gonna serve my penalty on Monday. Is the mercury in a thermometer poisonous? 94 of the audience says, yes, it is, Billy.
Mike Ryan
But it's not poisonous. It's poisonous if you ingest it.
Chris Cody
Right?
Mike Ryan
It's not poisonous, though, if you just get it on your hands or anything. Right? It's not. It's. It's only if you have it. If. Like, why would. Why would you have mercury that you're just swigging?
Chris Cody
Okay. But that's a given that it's. If you ingest it. Like, you know a rattlesnake snake has. Has poisonous venom. Yeah. If it bites you, not just if you're around it. It's a given you could survive about a rattlesnake bite. Zaz, you should try.
Dan Le Batard
Show me.
Mike Ryan
How is it that you survive a rattlesnake bite somebody?
Chris Cody
I was trying to get to him to get bit by a rattlesnake, but he beat me to it. He's got a sharp tongue. This is outsmarted. Yes.
Juju
Also a sharp blazer. The last poll. Are farms cool. 67% of the audience says, yes, they are. And those are your poles.
Mike Ryan
What the hell would be wrong with farms? I'm still not understanding why it is that you guys brought that up today. And then no one had any further explanation on why it is farmaged. I know, but why. Why would we. Why would we cancel Farmageddon?
Chris Cody
The hot tip is that the Big 12 are the ones who are uncomfortable with it, but no one seems to know why K State denied being involved in asking that they stop calling it. So now it's Iowa State that we're looking at or the Big 12.
Mike Ryan
I should tell people, incidentally, because we're doing so much in the way of football coverage, that Football America is going to be a very good show. Like, I can already tell how good that's going to be. Mina and Rossini are going to be on with us all season, so we're going to get ramped up on all matters football here in a way over the next couple of weeks that I find disconcerting. I find Mike Ryan is already yelling at me that I'm talking about dirty things, even though that I was just saying that we are all physically dirty. At the end of this weekend, he's getting mad in defense of Urban Meyer and other dirty college people that. That I would call his sport dirty.
Dan Le Batard
Stop calling it dirty. Stop referencing the business of college football. Let me enjoy our week.
Mike Ryan
Okay, you can enjoy this week.
Dan Le Batard
I have a Lee Corso tattoo. Let me say goodbye to my hero.
Mike Ryan
I didn't know you had a Lee Corso. Now you do.
Dan Le Batard
Now you do.
Mike Ryan
Let me see your Lee Corso tattoo.
Dan Le Batard
It's fan fiction. It's him wearing a Sebastian the Ibis headgear that he's.
Chris Cody
Can you lift up your leg a little higher?
Dan Le Batard
I'm sorry. I'm trying, dog. I'm 40.
Mike Ryan
I did not. Sweet calves elite Corso tattoo.
Dan Le Batard
Hang on. Let me see if I. Dude, should I put it in a stationary place? How do you not know that about me?
Chris Cody
We're nailing this right now. Put that leg up there.
Mike Ryan
I don't know any of your tattoos. I do.
Chris Cody
There you go. Get the mic.
Mike Ryan
I do do think, and I don't mean to hamstring shame you, but I do think your hamstring needed a little bit of help there on this on the stretch. I think that was a lot of inner thigh juju than Clevelander. Good, good week of polls. Juju. Appreciate the time, sir.
Dan Le Batard
Churchill won that, too.
Juju
Thank you.
Dan Le Batard
Hey, Tony. Hey, Mike. Hey, man. Summer's almost ending, man. I don't like that. There's no way. There's no way I am excited about cooler temperatures, but down here in South Florida, that just means slightly less boiling hot. It's been a pretty incredible summer. We've had a parade down here. We've grown our family down here at Meadowlark Media. A lot of exciting things, a lot of memorable benchmarks. And along the way, at almost every step, I've been tailed by that beautiful white can of Miller Light. Oh, that beautiful white.
Chris Cody
Or the brown bottle.
Dan Le Batard
You can do it on draft.
Chris Cody
Draft is crisp.
Dan Le Batard
There's been so many great special times. And each time time, I've decided to make those special times a Miller time. Whether it's a long weekend like one we got coming up, or full on vacation, it is a perfect time to get the crew back together. This year marks 50 years of Miller time. 50 years of great taste, great friends and unforgettable memories. 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. Cheers to 50 years of Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Episode: Hour 2: Best Friends (feat. Mina Kimes and JuJu Gotti)
Date: August 28, 2025
Guests: Mina Kimes, JuJu Gotti
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
This episode is a lively, free-flowing hour featuring the full crew—Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Chris Cody, Mike Ryan—with special guests Mina Kimes and JuJu Gotti. The group covers a blend of sports, pop-culture, and their unique behind-the-scenes dynamics, from travel amenities and ESPN drama to NFL analysis and the nature of friendship. Mina shares insights on NFL contracts, media hot takes, and breakout players for the coming season, while JuJu delivers his signature poll updates and bets for Thursday Thunder. Personal stories, quick-fire games, and plenty of banter keep the tone energetic and irreverent.
Mina Kimes (on home run records):
“If Cal Raleigh [breaks the record], I’m going to say those tainted records don’t count. This is a true baseball player, but only if it’s Cal Rally. I wasn’t doing that for Aaron Judge.” (11:15)
Dan Le Batard (about football contracts):
“There is one single season home run record. It’s 73.” (10:52)
Chris Cody (on ESPN travel):
“Amber didn’t believe me last year…There’s a living area. There’s a kitchen. One of these had a full table with 10 chairs.” (02:52)
Mina Kimes (on enforcing discipline):
“Watching Greg discipline or try to discipline Chris is just exactly how I treat my toddler. And I’m glad to know that’s not gonna change for 25 years.” (08:13)
JuJu Gotti (on loss and friendship):
“I had a best friend, and he was taken from us way too soon. I think about him all the time. I got his name tattooed on my face.” (36:08)
This episode deftly blends pop-culture, inside jokes, and serious analysis. Mina Kimes shines both with football expertise and comedic timing, while JuJu Gotti delivers both his signature betting energy and an unexpectedly sincere reflection on loss and friendship. If you missed it, this summary should give you all the key laughs, debates, and sports insights—along with a taste of the show’s inimitable style.