Hour 2: Eat S**t, Mike Ryan

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 2: Eat St, Mike Ryan
Release Date: June 10, 2025**

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1. NHL Playoffs and Brad Marchand Discussion

Timestamp: [01:02] – [02:06]

The episode kicks off with Mike Ryan addressing a humorous mistake he made during the NHL playoffs coverage concerning the Florida Panthers' acquisition of Brad Marchand. Ryan grapples with the correct pronunciation and nickname for Marchand, leading to a playful exchange with his co-hosts.

• Mike Ryan: “I always make it Marchand even though it's Marchand because I always want to make it a little bit extra French... But it's Marchand correct.”
• Dominique Foxworth: “It's Marchand.”
• Tony Kornheiser: “Marshie.”

This light-hearted banter sets the tone for Ryan's deep appreciation of Marchand's impact on the Panthers.

Timestamp: [02:05] – [02:34]

Ryan lauds Brad Marchand's exceptional performance, highlighting his critical role in pivotal games.

• Mike Ryan: “He had the greatest individual performance in Panthers history. Not just the biggest goal, but also crucial plays earlier in the game that were must-win moments.”

2. Top Five 'Dogs' of the Game

Timestamp: [02:34] – [09:11]

The hosts transition to discussing the "Top Five Dogs and Cats" from the night's game, focusing on standout players who made significant impacts.

• Dominique Foxworth: “Number five: Aaron Ekblad. Did you see when he put Connor McDavid on his ass?”
• Tony Kornheiser: “He couldn't.”
• Dominique Foxworth: “Number four: Nico Mikola. He turned and laughed at Corey Perry, which is super disrespectful but makes him my dog.”

The segment continues with playful commentary on players like Jonah Gad and Sam Bennett, blending sports analysis with humor.

3. Marriage as a Renewable Contract

Timestamp: [19:23] – [25:24]

Dominique Foxworth introduces a thought-provoking discussion on redefining marriage contracts based on a 2012 Washington Post article. The idea is to treat marriage like a lease, renewable every five years, to potentially reduce divorce rates.

• Dominique Foxworth: “Let's rethink this whole thing... instead of making them lifetime contracts, make them leases.”
• Mike Ryan: “If this were an American product, we'd recall it. Because it's got like a 50% failure rate... Let’s make marriage renewable.”

The conversation delves into the psychological implications of viewing marriage as a temporary contract versus a lifelong commitment, with co-hosts sharing personal anecdotes and humorous takes on the concept.

4. Personal Anecdotes from Stugotz

Timestamp: [19:23] – [24:59]

Stugotz shares a relatable and humorous story about his 12-year-old son teasing him about his wife allegedly flirting with an Uber driver. This segment adds a personal touch to the show, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend light-hearted banter with relatable family dynamics.

• Stugotz: “My son texted me, ‘Mom must be pretty, because it’s a shock that this Uber driver is flirting with her when she has two annoying kids.’”
• Mike Ryan: “I had to admit, I was a little proud of it.”

5. NBA Finals Analysis: Thunder vs. Pacers

Timestamp: [28:37] – [41:06]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The discussion centers on the distinct playing styles of both teams and the challenges of replicating their success.

• Greg Cote: “OKC is harder to replicate because you need an MVP-level guy like SGA... with proper coaching and the right pieces around him.”
• Jessica Smetana: “Tyrese Haliburton might be even rarer because we’re talking about a pure point guard in today’s NBA who is of star caliber.”

The hosts debate the feasibility of other teams emulating the Thunder's and Pacers' strategies, emphasizing the unique talents of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Tyrese Haliburton.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Kidd Discussion:

  • Mike Ryan: “Jason Kidd’s not the guy that’s going to take the ceiling off of what we’re doing here and take us to the next level.”
  • Stugotz: “A former point guard is the type of coach a team like the Knicks could use coming off of Thibodeau.”

• Comparisons to Legendary Players:

  • Jessica Smetana: “SGA didn't step over someone's carcass.”
  • Greg Cote: “I’m taking current SGA over Dwyane Wade.”

The analysis includes hypothetical matchups with legendary players, further exploring the strengths and weaknesses of current stars compared to NBA greats.

6. Conclusion

The episode concludes with continued light-hearted banter and a playful rating of Al Pacino's performance in Carlito's Way, alongside final thoughts on the NBA Finals. The hosts wrap up the discussions by maintaining their signature blend of sports analysis, personal stories, and humor.

• Dominique Foxworth: “That’s a 7.6 solid.”
• Jessica Smetana: “We got ourselves an NBA Finals, ladies and gentlemen.”

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Key Takeaways:

• Brad Marchand’s Impact: Mike Ryan emphasizes Marchand's crucial role in the Panthers' success, blending serious analysis with humorous name struggles.

• Top Performers: The "Top Five Dogs and Cats" segment highlights key players from the NHL game, providing both accolades and comedic observations.

• Innovative Marriage Concepts: A deep dive into reimagining marriage contracts sparks engaging debate on relationship dynamics and societal norms.

• Personal Connections: Stugotz’s anecdote about his son adds a relatable and entertaining dimension to the show.

• NBA Finals Breakdown: An in-depth analysis of the Thunder vs. Pacers Finals showcases the hosts' expertise in basketball strategy and player evaluation, enriched with comparisons to NBA legends.

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This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a rich blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking discussions, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic humor and insight. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual listener, the episode provides valuable perspectives and entertaining content without the interruptions of advertisements or non-essential segments.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. From streaming to shopping, prime helps you get more out of your passions. So whether you're a fan of true crime or prefer a nail biting novel from time to time, with services like Prime Video, Amazon Music and fast free delivery, prime makes it easy to get more out of whatever you're into or getting into. Visit Amazon.comprime to learn more. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Stugotz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Mike Ryan]

I've made a terrible error here as part of the presenting coverage for the NHL playoffs as the reigning champion team and the COVID of that team. The mistake that I have made is you guys do realize that as a show we have not celebrated nearly enough the fact that that Mike Ryan is on the verge of an all time bad take when it comes to the Panthers acquiring Brad Marchand. I always make him Marchand even though it's Marchand because I always want to make it a little bit extra French, which is correct because I always make it Marchand when I see the spelling. But it's Marchand correct. No, it's Marchand.

[Dominique Foxworth]

It's Marchand.

[Tony Kornheiser]

People definitely say Marchand a lot. I don't know what it actually is.

[Mike Ryan]

Regardless.

[Dominique Foxworth]

And do you call his nickname Marshy or Marchie?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Because I say Marchie, I go Marshy.

[Stugotz]

Marshy.

[Mike Ryan]

Is it Marchand or is it Marchand?

[Dominique Foxworth]

Marshand.

[Mike Ryan]

Marshand.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Marshawn.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, we can't get agreement on this and I'm going to need it. Because he's a Panthers legend. We need to get his name right.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Such a legend.

[Mike Ryan]

I mean, he's a legend.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Such a legend. Dan. He had the greatest individual performance. Game two he had the greatest individual performance in Panthers history. I'm not talking about the biggest goal, although the goal was obviously enormous. But he, he also had a shorty earlier in the game in a game that if you don't want to call it must win fun, have to win down one game to none. Have to. That was a have to win game. He had the greatest individual performance in Panthers history.

[Mike Ryan]

Let me play again this video of the other night because Ethan spoke for A lot of people with what he sneaks in at the back end of this. When the Panthers win in double overtime, you can hear Ethan have a little message for Mike Ryan.

[Stugotz]

Oh, Mar.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's go.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Go.

[Mike Ryan]

Let's go.

[Izzy Gutierrez]

Oh, I can breathe.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Mike Ryan.

[Greg Cote]

Oh, my God.

[Izzy Gutierrez]

Mike Ryan.

[Mike Ryan]

26 Eastern.

[Stugotz]

You got it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You got to sing All I Do is win there, Ethan. Spot on.

[Mike Ryan]

No, you can't do that. You can't do that. If you look like Ethan, you cannot say that. If you are Ethan, you cannot sing that and then tell Mike Ryan to eat shit. When Mike Ryan hired you, I did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

All of that, too. He said in that I can breathe again. I said that I sang All I do is win. And I told Mike Ryan to eat shit. I did. I was at a different location saying the exact same things as Ethan.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That should be a thing that when your favorite team wins, you tell people who hired you to eat shit.

[Mike Ryan]

Put it on the poll at show when your favorite team wins, should you tell the people that hire you to eat shit? We've got before Zaslo gets out of here because he's got a meteoric rise on ESPN Radio to take care of top five dogs from game three. I know we've all been waiting for it. You could have gotten that exclusively on Zaslo 2.0, but he gives it to us. He's bringing us.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's right.

[Mike Ryan]

Stuff. As our. As an employee here throughout the hockey season of Meadowlark Media, are you ready for top five dogs from game three? Dominique, are you ready? I don't feel like you're ready for. For this.

[Stugotz]

I'm ready now.

[Mike Ryan]

All right, number five or Oli.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, no, we're just going right into it.

[Greg Cote]

Number five.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. No, no foreplay, nothing.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, just right into number five. Number five. Top five dogs. Also cats from last night.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, Dogs and cats.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Number four, because they're cats. Dominique, they're my dogs, but the cats, they're Panthers. Top five dogs. All right, number five.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Keep up.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Aaron Ekblad. Did you see when he put Connor McDavid on his ass?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, he was like.

[Stugotz]

He couldn't.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's right. He looked like he never knew. I've never skate. All right. That's right.

[Stugotz]

Look like that little piece right there.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That'S right. Number four, Nico Mikola. Boy, you see at the end of the game. We're close to the end of the game there. Corey Perry's looking for somebody to fight. Nico Mikola turned, laughed, and pointed at him. Anytime you point and laugh, at somebody, laughing at somebody is super disrespectful. But pointing and laughing. That's what makes him my dog. He's number four. Number three, Jonah Gad.

[Jessica Smetana]

Wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Only number three.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's right. It's a great list today, Jonah Gad. Look, Euler didn't get the memo. They got these hands for free. Two for one all day.

[Mike Ryan]

So the hands are for free. Two for one all day.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's right.

[Mike Ryan]

And all night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Maybe they received the memo after the game.

[Billy Corben]

If they're two for one, they're free.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Yeah, that's what I'm saying.

[Stugotz]

Are they free or are they all day?

[Billy Corben]

Bogo.

[Stugotz]

All you could eat, but they're also two for one.

[Mike Ryan]

What part are you not understanding, Tony? They're free, and it's two for one and it's all day.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, no, no, I get it now.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Number two. Brad Marchant.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Mike Ryan.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Florida Panther leg. Brad Marchand gets the scoring started. Less than a minute in, they were still showing the starting lineup graphics on the television screen when Marshan scored that goal to put the Cats up. One nothing. Brad Marchant. That's my dog right there.

[Mike Ryan]

So hold on, hold on. So we're not even at number one yet, but we're. We're two games away from all time. Bad take from Mike Ryan.

[Jessica Smetana]

Are.

[Mike Ryan]

Are you guys in agreement that. That I have not pointed this out enough or celebrated enough that he's been really wrong for. For three rounds and two games?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, he has backpedaled on. He's playing well. He has acknowledged that Marshawn is playing well. At the beginning of the playoffs, he was saying he's not even a bad player.

[Dominique Foxworth]

He said he wanted to be a healthy scratch.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now he's just leaning on. I won't root for him, but he has played well.

[Jessica Smetana]

He.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's backtrack. He has no choice. I mean, Marshawn has been the best player by far.

[Billy Corben]

Heat shit.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Well, he hasn't been the best player because that's reserved to number one, which, of course, is my dog. Sam. Ben.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How does Bob not even make this list?

[Mike Ryan]

Four.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Well, just talk about last night. All right? 14 goals in the postseason, 12 on the road. But he mixed in one at home last night, of course, and it capped off the probably the greatest shift in Florida Panthers history, where he lays a hit on not just one guy, but. But another guy. He did get the memo, actually, that they can get those hands for free. Two for one. Specials all day. And then at the end of that same shift, a breakaway where E2 Loreen said, Here, you take it. You take. You don't need me. You do it on your own. And of course he beats Skinner. Top shelf. Where Mrs. Moeller keeps the peanut butter. And Sam Bennett, number one dog from.

[Mike Ryan]

Last night, Verhagi, doesn't even make the list. Thank you.

[Stugotz]

Where was Seth Jones on this list?

[Dominique Foxworth]

It's not top six. Dominique, top five if it's free.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Can I get three for one all day?

[Dominique Foxworth]

You know, three arms.

[Billy Corben]

It comes in increments of two.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No one on that ice had three arms.

[Mike Ryan]

No one did. Why are you not understanding two hands? It's two for one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Like eight people fighting all day.

[Mike Ryan]

All day, free all night as well.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Two for one.

[Mike Ryan]

Zazzle's got to go. He's got big. He's a big rising star at ESPN Radio. You just saw why? Because he's got dogs that are cats and he's got a top five. And Bob not even on it.

[Stugotz]

See you later. Pinkman Group.

[Mike Ryan]

That is a good one. Pink Man Group is good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Performing in Vegas.

[Mike Ryan]

Somebody said the other day that Rick Carlisle looks like a down on his luck. Retired Blue man group member that Rick Carlisle has given off a lot of that. Like tells the young blue manners what's what from their past.

[Billy Corben]

A lot of Vegas in his past.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, a lot of long nights, dirty early Vegas there when the Blue man group was coming up with all the toilet paper in the audience shtick. Rick Carlisle wrote it to great fame. I wanted to ask you guys about Jason Kidd to the Knicks. Is this so New York has its best team in 25 years, a team with expectations. Tom Thibodeau is inarguably the best coach they've had since Pat Riley in terms of results. They keep getting 50 win seasons. They're better than they've been in 25 years. He gets fired and the idea is bring in somebody who's not that. So Jason Kidd's not that. But when I think of Jason Kidd, I don't know how you guys regard him as a coach, but having watched the entirety of his career where he's a college basketball player who's having trouble with drunk driving incidents to being a great point guard that wins a championship by becoming someone who can three point shoot, somehow one of the few players I've ever seen go from not good shooter to good shooter, where I've seen that arc of his career has the respect of others as a point guard and is the player's coach who will do things in his inaugural season like get a timeout by spilling a Soda on the floor on purpose and illegally and getting fined for it. But I don't think of him as a take the next step coach. I think of him somebody just that the players will like. Do I have this wrong?

[Jessica Smetana]

No.

[Billy Corben]

It feels like he's a guy that will get you to the playoffs. Right. He got obviously took Luca Luka, took him all the way to the NBA finals, but doesn't feel like he's the guy that you bring in to be like, oh, this is the guy that's going to take the ceiling off of what we're doing here and take us to the next level.

[Mike Ryan]

I've thought a number of times that Jason Kidd's career is over as a coach and it's never over.

[Stugotz]

I don't think the next take you to the next level coach is always the coach that you expect. Normally those guys have jobs so you have to have some projection. And I would argue that a point guard is the type of coach, a former point guard is the type of coach that a team like the Knicks could use coming off of Thibodeau because Thibodeau. And correct me if I'm wrong, I would say the assessment of Thibodeau is he's not a great X's and O's guys. Like he's a, he's a tough, hard nosed coach who's gonna grind his guys down but he's not gonna be the guy.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't think Jason Kidd is great X's and O's guy I know knows the game but I don't like, I don't know why it is that you guys would put him in the class of. Look, there were three guys that got this coming up, okay? Point guard who might be a coach cuz he was cerebral. It was Derek Fisher, it was Steve Kerr and it was Jason Kidd. It was the three of them.

[Stugotz]

I don't think Steve Kerr got it. Steve Kerr was thought of as a good coach when he became a good coach. But I don't think, I mean Steve Kerr wasn't like running any team that he was on. He wasn't.

[Mike Ryan]

Steve Kerr was the GM with the Suns and then him and Derek Fisher both got offers with no coaching experience of 5 years, $25 million to coach the Knicks and the warriors and. But they didn't, they didn't deserve those jobs or those contracts. There were just two guys, hey, they're really smart at basketball, let's hire them. Jason Kidd cut the line the same way. None of them trained as coaches. They were just great as players.

[Stugotz]

Agreed. And J, if we're going over, going off of how great as a player someone. Someone was in the type of player that they were, I would think Jason Kids fits that category. The only point that I'm trying to make is when you come into this conversation saying, I don't think he's a get you to the next level coach. Get you to the next level coaches aren't available. I think it might be unfair for me to tell you to name the guy who's available right now to get because you haven't thought about it. But I think it's probably pretty hard. I'm going through my mind of like available coaches and trying to think who I know will get you to the next level. And to your point, there was nothing about. You said that Steve Kerr skipped the line. He obviously was a get you to the next level coach. At that time, no one thought he was.

[Billy Corben]

That's the thing. He, Mark Jackson, you felt was the guy, the motivator. He's the preacher, the pastor that's going to get all these guys ready to go.

[Stugotz]

It felt odd to move on, get.

[Billy Corben]

This guy who's a gm, who was like on the broadcast and it's like, okay, sure, like he was around Popovich, who was around Phil Jackson, but is that going to actually seep in and osmosis, turn into. Turn you into a good coach and then all of a sudden they're dynastic and great for 10 years.

[Mike Ryan]

You guys aren't of the belief that there is a coach that exists, a person, anybody, anybody you choose that is making the Knicks championship worthy based on those same players that they have. Because I feel like that team got its ceiling and it's no indictment of that team. You can get to the Final Four, you might even get to the Final Two, but not good enough to win the championship. Not, not unless somebody gets hu hurt. Not unless they just happen to be playing games and then Shay Gilgeous Alexander gets hurt. But you tell me there's a human being that you guys think exists, that he will do something with X's and O's or she will do something, either gender, anybody on earth that will make the Knicks appreciably better with that same personnel.

[Stugotz]

Stan Van Gundy can't disagree with that.

[Mike Ryan]

Man. Those are two big failures on Stan's resume. The last two, Detroit and New Orleans, neither of which has recovered from what happened there.

[Billy Corben]

Pistons got a little bit, you know, Pistons are on their way.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. The Pistons did recover, but quietly. Well, this, this is the Thing about this, that is really stupid. The Pistons are just a great example. I will remind you that it wasn't but a couple of seasons ago that the highest paid coach in the NBA was Pistons coach Monte Williams, who got fired and then the team got good. And so when we do this stuff with leadership, like, it is pretty dumb to think I. I think it's pretty dumb to think that I'm going to get someone who's appreciably better than Tom Thib out.

[Stugotz]

I don't think that's pretty dumb. I do think that, to your first point, because of their defensive deficiencies, I think it's probably unlikely that they are going to win a championship barring any sort of like wild happenstance or stroke of luck. But I do think that the small changes can make a team appreciably better. And I don't know what those changes are because I'm not a coach. But like, I think the, the course of a season, in the course of a playoff run, the ability to develop a culture that can adapt, I think is one of things that we're solving for in a lot of these pro sports now is the teams that can adapt more quickly. And OKC is a team because of their roster depth and because of the intelligence and flexibility of their players, is that they can adapt within the game, from game to game. And that's the thing that we saw that the Knicks were unable to do. Even though they have some pretty flexible players, it didn't seem like they did a whole bunch. Like their big move was to change the starting lineup when they already down, way down in that final series. They just didn't seem to have any other moves. And so I get the idea that we want to bring somebody that we, we think would be willing to try a move, do something, knock a cup on the court, get me a timeout. I don't know.

[Mike Ryan]

But even if you think someone's going to make them appreciably better than Thibodeau. Jason Kidd, that's the thing.

[Billy Corben]

Jason Kidd's been like, he's always been attached to somebody great, right? Milwaukee, he had Giannis in Dallas, he had Luca. He was an assistant coach who was there with LeBron. Like, you start seeing all these trends and like, is Jalen Brunson that guy who can carry a team? He's. He's done it. He's taken him to the Eastern Conference finals. But is, Is Jason Kidd the X's and O's guy?

[Jessica Smetana]

No.

[Billy Corben]

Is he the motivator? Sure. Okay. But so was Thibodeau and like now where are we?

[Mike Ryan]

Why are we separating those things though? Like, if one can only be an X's and O guy and one of them, that's only. That's all I got. I got no motivation in me. I can either be. I can be Tony Robbins or I.

[Billy Corben]

Can X is an O's guy or.

[Mike Ryan]

I could be Pete Carroll.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's relatability, right? That's what you're looking for when you're going for a Thibs type to a former player, it's like maybe you're looking for someone who relates to the players more.

[Mike Ryan]

Is that how simplistic we're doing it?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't know.

[Mike Ryan]

But I'm just. When it comes to leadership, I'll get off of this in a second. But it seems like a pretty important job and we really do seem to like the idea that some leader has an idea that other leaders don't have. We like to believe in that. And I just keep asking you. So Jason Kidd's the one we're doing it with, right? We're gonna. Okay, so Jason Kidd's got whatever magical elixir it is that Dominique thinks or anybody thinks will make the Knicks better than the Pacers because they have some adjustments in margins that can be made to take advantage over a seven game series of Pacer weaknesses.

[Billy Corben]

And also, am I crazy or. He's still under contract with Dallas. So, like, how is that going to turn into. Are you going to give picks, you're going to give plate, you're going to do something and make a trade for Jason Kidd. When you have deficiencies on your roster and you're going to be giving them.

[Tony Kornheiser]

A way to then get a coach another maverick trade.

[Stugotz]

Oh boy.

[Mike Ryan]

What gets people excited as a Knicks, like I saw that Patino said, hell no when asked the other day.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, but you know, Jay Wright, I.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Feel like would have got people happy.

[Billy Corben]

Jay Wright already said, like, I'm retired, I don't want to do it. Those rumors and out there, like, it's. It's not happening. But like, man, I would have been excited for that if I was.

[Mike Ryan]

So those are just names though, right? Like, I've seen the whole Patino thing. I saw it in New York. I've seen it. I know what it is.

[Billy Corben]

The 90s are back though, Dan, across the world.

[Stugotz]

I get that. They're just days and I get your point. I don't disagree with you, Dan, but that's all we got. Like, normally in an interview there'll be a Series of interviews which includes the coach, then given their vision to the ownership and the decision makers. No one's going to give us a press conference where they give us our vision. We're just going based on what we know of. Guys, you got a big name. We know you've had success on other like, that's what we're basing on.

[Mike Ryan]

It just seems kind of silly, though. I got an X's and O's guy or I got a motivator. That's how I'm analyzing leadership.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What if the Knicks due to the Heat. What the Heat did to the Knicks once. Ooh, we stole Riley.

[Stugotz]

Well spoke.

[Greg Cote]

Dan.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If you're spoiled, do you say no?

[Stugotz]

No reason to stay down here.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't know why it is that we do this. Forgive me forever bringing it up because I did get ensnared in recycled Jason K. So would look good in New York. I I wish instead to detour into what it is that it felt like Dominique was trying to and successfully convincing the group of before the show. Correct me if I have the argument wrong, but you should. You said that marriages.

[Stugotz]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Billy Corben]

Be careful with my boy. Happily married. Look at that wedding ring. You see any pinky rings on my boy?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Remember what Juju said yesterday in the post? We don't want to make more work for him after.

[Stugotz]

You're not gonna make any work for me. That's the thing, is I. I'm not concerned. This is a funny little detour. So I had to tell my son that I'm not concerned. So they were flying down on a different flight for me, my wife, and my three kids. And so my son texted me, hey, Dad. I was like, what's up? He said, I think you got some competition. Like, what are you talking about? Mom's laughing a little hard at the Uber driver's jokes. And I was like, I'm not worried. And he said, but his name is Louis. Like ten S's on the text. And I was like, what I love. And he said, louis, how old is.

[Mike Ryan]

Your son taunting you that your wife is flirting with the uber driver?

[Stugotz]

He's 12.

[Mike Ryan]

And then he was like, you got to watch Luis.

[Stugotz]

He said, mom must be pretty, because it's a shock that this Uber driver is flirting with her when she has two annoying kids. And I texted back, there's three of you. I said, annoying? Oh, wow. I was like, got me. You got me. I had to admit, like, I was a little proud of it. His little jokes make A lot of people laugh. They mostly get on my nerves. That was a solid. That was a solid, like, running joke.

[Billy Corben]

So he was. He was very much listening to what was going on in the car.

[Stugotz]

He had. So I told my wife about it later, and she said he had his AirPods on the whole time.

[Tony Kornheiser]

She noticed that, huh?

[Mike Ryan]

Everyone noticed, Lee. And anytime you get into his Uber, which smells like cologne and feet. Oh, tell me I'm wrong.

[Billy Corben]

I think if. If he's spitting game and trying to do his work early. Right. We talk about getting in the post and doing your work early before you actually have to do any moves. Right. That's the key.

[Mike Ryan]

I think Luis has so much game that he can overcome the smell of feet and cologne.

[Billy Corben]

There may be other.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Sure. This is not our Lewis because he wasn't here yesterday.

[Billy Corben]

He does have games.

[Mike Ryan]

It's not Louis. No, Louis. There's a difference between Louis and Luis.

[Greg Cote]

I do believe.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I call him Luis.

[Mike Ryan]

Your limited fake skipper is, I do believe so, remarkably limited and not useful.

[Billy Corben]

It's got range, Dan. He uses it in a bunch of different places.

[Mike Ryan]

Just never. It's always, I do believe. And then it's Foghorn Leghorn. It's not any. It's. There's nothing to the impersonation. It stinks.

[Stugotz]

Okay?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now, De la Baton.

[Mike Ryan]

It stinks.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's how he says your name.

[Mike Ryan]

But he does have trouble with Latin names, so it does become Louis.

[Stugotz]

Hello, Luis.

[Mike Ryan]

Or Luis. So the.

[Stugotz]

The thing that Dan was trying to get to before I sidetracked us with.

[Mike Ryan]

The story, it was a 2012 Washington Post article, to be clear on what the starting point of this story is.

[Stugotz]

Well, the starting point was, I don't want to put anybody's business out there, but someone was saying that they were celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary. And then that person also said, out of 10. And I was like, what? I was like, what? You got a plan for it? But what I didn't understand was the person was saying that they've been together for 10 years, but only married for four. So that's what got me down the track of, like. It's like, you got a lease. So I Googled it, and there was an article that I read in there, and then it made a compelling argument for reducing the divorce rate by having. It's a little.

[Greg Cote]

You just.

[Stugotz]

All right, we're gonna. We're gonna lock this in for five years. It's like this in five years. We discuss it at the end of five, locking it for 10, we check it out again.

[Billy Corben]

So, like, A team option.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Contract year.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, renegotiate, Renegotiate.

[Stugotz]

I mean, you gotta.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Sometimes you're working out, it's like. Yeah, contract year. Trying to keep her.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, you gotta get in shape that year. Refinance. Yeah. The vacations get a little bit better. You put in a little extra work.

[Billy Corben]

In all areas, but then you sign that deal, and then what's the next year?

[Stugotz]

Are you hungry?

[Billy Corben]

Are you good enough like Ray Lewis? Or are you Dominique Fox? We're staying on a Thursday night in Cleveland. You know what? I don't care this much.

[Stugotz]

Oh, no. I'm crying in the tunnel on a Thursday night in Cleveland for my marriage. I ain't losing that. Got a gots to have it.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't know what the divorce rate is. Is it 50% still on the divorce rate? And the other 50% aren't going great all the time.

[Billy Corben]

Everybody in a terrible marriage.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What percentage of marriages are really happy?

[Mike Ryan]

You see, this is where I was headed with this. Like, so 50% fail outright. We can't be around each other anymore. But some percentage of the next 50%, we can all agree, also miserable.

[Tony Kornheiser]

30% are miserable. Also failure going 20%.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't know what the number is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

30%.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm sorry I made it, everybody, but just know that if this were an American product, we'd recall it. Okay. Because it's got. It's got like a 50% failure rate and then 25%. I'm not sure work so well over here either. So whatever the numbers are, though, Dominique is saying, let's rethink this whole thing based on a 2012 Washington Post article. And instead of making them lifetime contracts, make them leases. Make. Make the marriage contract that you get at the courthouse renewable every five years.

[Stugotz]

I mean, you can pick whatever duration you want, but, like, you can. I personally, I signed a lifetime deal. I'm out here Max play on a lifetime deal because I got to. That's what I. I need it. I know. I already know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I gots to have got at a good number, though.

[Izzy Gutierrez]

I mean, you just made marriage a Honda.

[Mike Ryan]

He just.

[Stugotz]

My marriage is not a Honda. I'll tell you that much right now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You get a much better deal if you just commit to the long term.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

This is your financial advice here? This is. This is sound.

[Billy Corben]

It's sound.

[Stugotz]

The psychology of it, though, is a little weird, because I do whenever, like, my wife and I have some disagreement, it never even crosses my mind because it's like it's permanent. This is it. Like, it doesn't like if we fight. Disagree. Like, all right, but is it. You better figure it out. I better figure it out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're all the happy ones.

[Mike Ryan]

Like.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Like, we're that 20%. All of us here. We're all in that 20.

[Stugotz]

We're happy.

[Mike Ryan]

Oddball. Next.

[Billy Corben]

We all think we know where our money's going until you actually look for it. And happen to me, between food delivery, teething rings for the baby, random Amazon orders, life. And things add up fast. That's where Monarch money comes in. It's like having my own personal CEO, but one that doesn't judge me for ordering sushi four nights in a row. Listen, my wife really likes spicy tuna right now. What do you want me to tell you? Monarch brings all your accounts, credit cards and investments together so you finally get the full picture. We started using it to track our spending and set goals that feel real. And you can see everything clearly. What we're spending, what you're saving and what you should be doing. And it's not about restricting you. It's about helping. Helping you build the life you want, whether you're juggling money solo or trying to get on the same page with someone else. Monarch makes it simple. It's why over a million households are using it and why the Wall Street Journal named it the best budgeting app of 2025. Get control of your overall finances with Monarch Money. Use code [e-mail] in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first year. @monimalmoney.com with code DAN.

[Izzy Gutierrez]

Howdy, folks, it's Mike Ryan. Now, if you've been listening to the show a lot lately, you've heard so much playoff talk. Playoff hoops. Down here in South Florida, we're especially enamored with playoff hockey. It's not just limited to the playoffs. Motorsports, tennis, golf. It's truly one of the best times in the sporting calendar. And with the weather outside warming up, it's just perfect to hop in a pool, maybe grill up some food, but most certainly crack open some Miller Lights. I just described a pretty perfect day, didn't I? And it culminates with Miller time. There's something about a perfect grilling day. The sun's out, friends show up, and that first sip of Miller Lite just hits different. I've been stocking up the cooler with it for years. This year, Miller Lite turns 50. That is five decades of cookouts, laughs, and ice cold moments that never miss. And if you've listened to the show for its 20 year existence. You know this to be true. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Light 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.

[Billy Corben]

The NBA Finals are here, and we've already started off on a great foot. DraftKings Sportsbook is an official sports betting partner of the NBA and they're pulling out all the stops to make the Finals unforgettable new customers. Here's your shot. Bet just 5 bets bucks and get 300 bucks in bonus bets if your bet wins. Don't miss your last chance to Bet on the NBA this season. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use Code Dan. That's Code Dan for new customers to get 300 bucks in bonus bets. If your bet wins. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours.

[John Skipper]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text Hopeny at 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg. Or on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward. Minimum minus 500 odds. Required bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co audio.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Don LeBatard John, can you rate my Al Pacino from that billiard scene in Carlito's Way? If I do it for you, I think it's pretty good.

[Stugotz]

Good.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Greg Cote]

Okay.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Sts you think you're big time when you're gonna die big time.

[Jessica Smetana]

That is on my infamous scale of 1 to 10.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's a.

[Mike Ryan]

That's a 7.6 solid.

[Izzy Gutierrez]

That's a sui nominate right now.

[Stugotz]

Good.

[Dominique Foxworth]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the St. Gads.

[Jessica Smetana]

We got ourselves an NBA Finals, ladies and gentlemen, because the Oklahoma City Thunder went ahead and tied it all up. It's 11 now as the series shifts to Indiana.

[Greg Cote]

Was there fear that the. That the Patriots would run away with it and go up 20 and then say, hey, this series is over?

[Jessica Smetana]

I wouldn't say there was fear, but definitely they were a lot. The crowd was a lot less confident last night, like when they were up and the paces, make it three. You start to hear that murmur of like, wait a second, we've watched this movie again. So Izzy, one of the things people like to say is that, you know, success breeds copycats. And so our producers were wondering of these two teams, the Pacers and the Thunder, which success would be easier for other teams to copycat?

[Greg Cote]

It's a good question. Like, so let's look at what these models are, right? So we've got okc, which is very much a one man sort of centerpiece in terms of offense. And everything flows through him. By far the best player and again, give one the mvp. So you could argue best player in the league right now with quality pieces around him, a bunch of two way players, little freakish athlete and size there. And Chet Holmgren, the other side being the Indiana Pacers, more of a style team, right? They, they run, they, they play on, you know, they play like Tyrese Halliburton, right? But it's also the coaching that helps you get there. It's also the personnel, three point sh. A bunch, a couple of two way players. To me, I think the Oklahoma City one's harder to replicate because I think I'm talking about the quality of the player at the top. So you need to have MVP level guy, you need to have Kobe, you need to have sga, you need to have, I don't know, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, that type of player at the top. And then with proper coaching, with proper people around, you build that team that can operate around that one guy. That takes a lot, right? That takes chemistry, that takes right decisions on the players. The other one is very much a style situation. It is running. It is again not easy because Tyrese Halliburton skill set is not similar to every other point guard out there. But I would say that's easier to replicate because you can create the style and create the pieces around him without needing that one person that's best in the league overall. Like, I know it's difficult to find a quality point guard of Halliburton's caliber, but find the best player in the league.

[Jessica Smetana]

Let me tell you, while I hear you about sga, the best player in the league is definitely not easy to find, right? These guys are rare, but I think Tyrese Halberton might be even rarer because we're talking about a pure point guard in today's NBA who is of a star caliber, not a backup, not a guy who just comes out there, facilitates like star caliber. It. It's almost impossible to find because right now, in our development system, if you are a smart player with handles and can shoot, guess what they're making you do? They're making you play, become a scorer. They're making you become sga, who, by the way, is the starting point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. We don't think about that because he does lead them in scoring. And so for me, I think it's way harder. I know you're talking about the Pacers style. The Pacer style emanates from Tyrese Halliburton. The coaching that Rick Carlisle does, he's able to do it because he has Tyrese Haliburton. If he had a different point guard, I guarantee we wouldn't see Rick B. As Lazar with the situation. And so, to me, it's so rare to find a guy like. Like Halliburton who's legitimately elite and desirous of playmaking. But if he needs to score, if he needs to shoot, he's really good at that, too, in many ways. Like, there's always an SGA in the league. Yeah.

[Greg Cote]

I guess that's where I could. I could lean. Your way is that I could replicate the style of play that Indiana does with the right pieces, but not at this level, right? Not at this caliber. To get me to the finals, there's been a lot of good run and gun teams that are fun to watch. But, yeah, you're saying to get that to this level, you need Tyrese Halliburton, and. And that's harder to find because there's more sga. I'll give you that. I. I will say that the formula seems like it makes. It's been done before, more with the way that the Thunder have done it, I just find it hard to replicate because you, again, still have to have the best player. Sure.

[Jessica Smetana]

They're both really hard to replicate. Like, let's make it clear. Oh, yeah, why don't we just do that? Oh, there's reasons, like, because you don't have sga, you don't have Tyrese Halliburn. I guess my thing is the basketball factory that is youth basketball, college basketball, and even early NBA basketball puts guys like that in that mold. Oh, you're good. You're gonna be like sga. We're gonna. We're gonna feed you like sga. I'm not saying you're gonna be as good as. But that's the. The model in which we start to craf very young age. And like, I used to say this about Steve Nash years and years ago, when you think about the great passers, right. Even if you go to NBA history, like the great pass first guys, guys that made plays for others, most of them weren't good shooters to start with. Right. It's almost an evolution thing, right. Why are you such a good passer? Because I didn't like shooting because I wasn't good at it. So I do all of this. Right. Like Magic Johnson wasn't a great shooter. Right. But love doing all this.

[Greg Cote]

But when they back off of you shoot, you've got no choice but to learn how to shoot.

[Jessica Smetana]

Sure. Exactly. Jason Kidd is another one. Right. Like they might get to the place because they're great players and they develop into that. But the essence of like a 10 year old Magic Johnson, a 12 year old Jason Kidd was yeah, I'm doing this because I can't do this. Steve was always a great shooter who chose to pass. Which is weird. Which is weird because a like if you're such a great shooter, why don't you just keep shooting as a 50, 40, 90 guy? Why are you averaging only 16 to 18 points? But the other part of it is it's like, oh, I need to shoot. Okay, I'll do it. And like when the necessity comes and then how do you guard that guy? Right.

[Greg Cote]

Yeah.

[Jessica Smetana]

And that's, that's Halliburton closer and, and guys like that, like I said, few and far between most of the guys. If you're a good shooter, you're going to be encouraged to shoot the ball a ton of times.

[Greg Cote]

I will say that like Tyrese Halliburton is an easier guy not necessarily to replicate but to wrap your mind around. Oh, ok. That's a team that you could say was led by a similar leader. You just mentioned the Phoenix Suns there, the one that's interesting to me, sga, like I get what he is right in terms of head the snake leader for a team score as a from a guard position. But like how he got there and you know, whether we can see that coming again for somebody else, I don't think we can because the dude you know was number 11 in the draft, fell that far, was traded after his rookie season. That's probably the one where you're just like wait a second. Most of these guys who are MVP are not traded after their rookie season.

[Stugotz]

Reason.

[Greg Cote]

But I don't know if this is a question of how we find the next SGA or do we sort of try to figure out what this SGA really is because in my mind I very much point to the O6 finals with Dwyane Wade. We're in his third year. Everybody saw this guy coming out of no, oh, wow. This guy's great with sga. A little bit different, but it's also, like, I don't know. We didn't expect it. And so now that we're seeing it, we're sort of wrapping our minds around what it could be.

[Jessica Smetana]

Well, I got to give credit to the Clippers, because the day that, like, right when they did that Paul George trade, they were telling everybody, man, we would have given up 10 more picks just to keep SGA. Like, so they knew. They knew he was special. Did they know he was this special? Maybe not, but they knew for sure he was someone. Like, they had no qualms. They gave up a boatload of rap picks that the Thunder is still feasting off of, and they literally lost no sleep over that, but they lost sleep over losing sga.

[Greg Cote]

Wasn't it Patrick Beverly who told. Who says that? He told him when he was in the Clippers practice, like, you can be Kobe good. Like, you're that level of good. And maybe that's where the Clippers are just like, hey, maybe he's right.

[Jessica Smetana]

That story is according to whom?

[Greg Cote]

According to Patrick Beverly. Oh, I think SGA has confirmed it, though.

[Jessica Smetana]

Yeah, that's like when LeBron said, I turned on the TV and I saw Kobe warming up, and I said, oh, he's about to have, like, 80 today.

[Greg Cote]

Yeah. Well, I mean, again, if SGA confirms it, I believe him.

[Jessica Smetana]

But he's a nice guy. He's a nice Canadian boy. It's a polite thing to do, right? Speaking of the polite thing to do. The polite thing to do is to acknowledge that he scored. Scored more points in the first two games of the finals debut than the one and only Allen iverson, who had 48 in his debut. So one would think he had a huge early lead on that. And so we gotta ask this, Izzy, who would you take? Sga or let's start with Owen Iverson.

[Greg Cote]

I think they call this, like, an elevator series, right? So if you open up the elevator and it's like, oh, Dwyane Wade's there. Do I go with him or do I take the guy? I'm standing with sg, right?

[Jessica Smetana]

Yeah. Let's start. Let's start with Iverson. Look, that's the guy he just passed.

[Greg Cote]

All right. I think what. You know, obviously size factors in. He's a better defender, probably a more efficient scorer. And, yeah, I think it's just a new evolution of today's. Game. No knock on Iverson.

[Jessica Smetana]

I'll just take SGA counterpoint. SGA didn't step over someone's carcass.

[Greg Cote]

Yes.

[Stugotz]

If you want the.

[Greg Cote]

The all time highlight. Yeah. You got Iverson.

[Jessica Smetana]

All right, so everyone, just so you know, I know where Izzy's weak points are. It's like Jiu Jitsu SGA or 06 Dwyane Wade.

[Greg Cote]

Oh, man. Look, I'll be 100. Honest in terms of knowing how you're gonna get it, where you're gonna get it, start the possession. I know this dude's gonna. It's SGA over Dwyane Wade. Like it is. Right?

[Stugotz]

Wow. Wow.

[Greg Cote]

Dwayne led the league in scoring one time, but it wasn't really what he wanted or needed to do like sga. It's just part of what he does. Like, right. He's gonna give you 35, and there's really nothing you can. Today's game, like, I think it's just. Now, Dwayne will give you other stuff. He'll block more shots. He'll probably get more steals defensively, maybe a couple of pick sixes that SGA didn't. But in terms of, like, affecting winning, I think they're both right there. So maybe it's prisoner of the moment, but I'm taking current sga.

[Jessica Smetana]

Okay. Man, I didn't. I didn't have Izzy like that. Absolutely not. All right, let's. Let's take it up a notch. What about 2000? Kobe.

[Greg Cote]

Ooh, Froby.

[Jessica Smetana]

So that's. That's Kobe against the Pacers in the finals. Kobe to Shaq. Alley oop against the Blazers.

[Greg Cote]

Sounds crazy. Gonna sound crazy.

[Jessica Smetana]

Come on.

[Greg Cote]

What the hell does SGA look like with Shaq?

[Jessica Smetana]

Look, I tell you what. I'm gonna tell you why I think Kobe was a more talented player. He was certainly a more explosive athlete right at that moment. But the maturity. I think SGA got a lot more maturity here, man.

[Greg Cote]

Look, here's the main thing. I don't know what his numbers would be, but I know if SGA was playing with Shaq.

[Stugotz]

Shaq.

[Greg Cote]

Shaq wouldn't be mother effing that dude like, the way he did Kobe.

[Jessica Smetana]

Right?

[Greg Cote]

So I'm gonna stay with Shaq. I mean, I'm sorry. I'm gonna stay with SGA over Froby.

[Jessica Smetana]

Let's go one more. How about Michael Jordan 1991? His first final.

[Greg Cote]

This is where I might be stepping off the elevator. I think you've got depoy level mj, and, you know, one two dribble, pull up and just, yeah, I, I have to get off the elevator here.

[Jessica Smetana]

A spectacular move. A spectacular move by Michael Jordan.

[Greg Cote]

Yes.

[Jessica Smetana]

All right, well, last one, Steph Curry, 2015.

[Greg Cote]

I mean, I'm already off the elevator, but I'll jump out the window for, for Steph Curry. I think I'm gonna take him and that whole universe he creates just with his skill set.

[Jessica Smetana]

This is again, this is what I'll tell people. Like especially people are like, oh, he didn't play well in 2015. He put deli in the hospital.

[Greg Cote]

For real.

[Jessica Smetana]

Like he is hospitalized the man. Yeah, so, so, all right, so there it is.

[Greg Cote]

I'm shocked that you, me and Michael Jordan are now on a, what is it, a three way date.

[Jessica Smetana]

We're just in an elevator. What are you talking about?

[Greg Cote]

All right. Just hanging out in the elevator.