Episode Summary: "Hour 2: John Ortiz Loves The Boost Mobile Hotline"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
• Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
• Guest: John Ortiz
• Release Date: April 22, 2025

1. Aaron Rodgers’ Free Agency Frenzy

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the tumultuous free agency of NFL star Aaron Rodgers. Stugotz initiates the discussion, highlighting Rodgers' persistent presence in the media despite his declining performance and waning demand in the league.

• Stugotz ([01:44]): "Aaron Rodgers exists basically to make news, even though there's no new ground to cover here."

Billy chimes in, predicting Rodgers' imminent retirement and critiquing his drawn-out public statements about leaving football.

• Billy ([03:03]): "I think he's going to retire... stringing it out like this works in his favor where he can make it sound like he decided I don't want to play football anymore."

Mike Ryan and others analyze Rodgers' interactions with the New York Jets, emphasizing the quarterback's perceived lack of self-awareness and the franchise's efficiency in handling trades.

• Mike Ryan ([04:48]): "He could draw this out however long you want. They didn't waste any of your time. This is how a breakup happens."

Mina Kimes expresses frustration over the constant media focus on Rodgers, indicating her desire to move past his ongoing saga.

• Mina Kimes ([07:11]): "I'm at the point where my eyes just gloss over when I see any bit of text written about Aaron Rodgers."

The hosts collectively critique Rodgers' legacy, debating his treatment by both the media and his former team.

2. Listener Hot Takes via Boost Mobile Hotline

A recurring segment features listener calls through the Boost Mobile Hotline, where fans share their "hot takes" on various sports and pop culture topics. The hosts engage humorously with callers, showcasing a blend of lighthearted banter and sharp commentary.

• Chris Cody ([10:27]): "If in the NBA playoffs a team beats another team by 45 plus points, series over. Series over."

• Mina Kimes ([33:16]): "There's a lot of memes going around because J.D. Vance met with the Pope, obviously, a few hours before he died."

These interactions add an interactive and dynamic layer to the show, allowing listeners to partake in the conversation and present unconventional viewpoints.

3. Special Guest: John Ortiz

John Ortiz takes center stage as the episode's featured guest, sharing insights from his acting career and current projects. Ortiz discusses his experiences filming iconic scenes and his latest documentary endeavors.

a. Reflections on Acting Careers

Ortiz reminisces about his debut in "Carlito's Way," recounting the challenges and memorable moments while working alongside Al Pacino.

• John Ortiz ([21:12]): "First of all, that was my first movie ever. I was nervous as hell being next to the legend Al Pacino."

He narrates a particularly intense scene where his co-star's unexpected behavior added both pressure and humor to the filming process.

• Ortiz ([27:04]): "I was looking at him from afar, still on the floor, covered in fake blood. And he turns around... 'If I win them both, I ain't coming back.'"

b. Documentary Highlight: "The Diamond King"

Ortiz introduces his documentary project, "The Diamond King," a heartfelt exploration of a Puerto Rican baseball artist named Dick Perez. He connects personally to the subject, drawing parallels between Perez's life and his own experiences.

• Ortiz ([30:28]): "It's a beautiful film that combines my love for documentaries, sports, and baseball."

He delves into the cultural and personal significance of the project, emphasizing its impact and the stories it aims to tell.

4. Sports and Pop Culture Discussions

The hosts extend their conversation to encompass a broad spectrum of sports and entertainment topics, including critiques of recent movies and reflections on iconic sports moments.

• Stugotz ([34:29]): "Is Conclave a movie? I thought it was a series. I didn't know it was just one movie."

• Mina Kimes ([34:17]): "It's like a mystery thriller about electing a pope, and it's great."

The discussion veers into humorous territory as the hosts debate their favorite movie characters and memorable scenes, blending their sports commentary with pop culture references seamlessly.

5. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the myriad topics covered, from Aaron Rodgers' career and listener hot takes to John Ortiz's compelling documentary work. They express gratitude towards their listeners and sponsors, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor, insight, and engaging dialogue.

• Dan LeBatard ([31:44]): "Most of all, thanks so much. It was a pleasure being here."

The episode encapsulates the dynamic energy of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," delivering a rich tapestry of sports analysis, celebrity insights, and interactive listener engagement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stugotz ([01:44]): "Aaron Rodgers exists basically to make news, even though there's no new ground to cover here."
• Billy ([03:03]): "I think he's going to retire... stringing it out like this works in his favor..."
• Mina Kimes ([07:11]): "I'm at the point where my eyes just gloss over when I see any bit of text written about Aaron Rodgers."
• John Ortiz ([21:12]): "First of all, that was my first movie ever. I was nervous as hell being next to the legend Al Pacino."
• Ortiz ([27:04]): "If I win them both, I ain't coming back."
• Stugotz ([34:29]): "Is Conclave a movie? I thought it was a series."
• Mina Kimes ([34:17]): "It's like a mystery thriller about electing a pope, and it's great."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting critical discussions, memorable moments, and guest contributions, all while providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners.