Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Hour 2: The Group Backtracks (feat. Dan Graziano) Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction and Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, welcoming their audience from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami. They introduce their guest, Dan Graziano, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion centered around sports and personal development.

Western Conference Finals Preview

Timestamp: [01:34 - 02:30]

Tony Kornheiser provides an insightful preview of the Western Conference Finals, specifically analyzing the upcoming game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

• Tony Kornheiser: "Minnesota Timberwolves plus seven and a half. They've had a lot of rest, a lot of time to create a zone that can bother the Oklahoma City Thunder." ([01:38])

He emphasizes the Timberwolves' advantage due to their recent rest and strategic preparation, predicting a favorable outcome against the Thunder.

Mariners’ Hot Streak and Betting Insights

Timestamp: [01:57 - 02:40]

Greg Cody shifts the focus to Major League Baseball, discussing the Seattle Mariners' impressive performance against the Chicago White Sox.

• Greg Cody: "These M's are streaking. Yeah, I'm taking the Seattle Mariners against the spread on the hill." ([01:57])

He highlights the Mariners' momentum and expresses confidence in their ability to continue their winning streak, despite uncertainties surrounding their pitching staff.

University of Miami Baseball Struggles

Timestamp: [02:30 - 03:52]

Dan Graziano brings attention to the University of Miami Hurricanes' underperformance in the ACC tournament against California.

• Dan Graziano: "I see that California is up nine nothing in the seventh inning in the ACC tournament over your beloved Miami Hurricanes." ([02:30])

Greg Cody expresses disappointment, noting the rarity of the Hurricanes missing regionals and speculates on the coach's future.

• Greg Cody: "If you think that's something that they do, you've been paying attention to baseball for a year. This is sad." ([03:07])

Dan Graziano’s Fitness Journey

Timestamp: [03:52 - 07:02]

The conversation transitions to a personal topic as Dan Graziano shares his transformation and commitment to fitness.

• Dan Graziano: "He's laughing now because he's the face of fitness now. He's a television person. He exercises every single day." ([03:52])

Tony Kornheiser clarifies that he did not call Graziano a liar, but Graziano admits that others have teased him about his fitness routine.

• Tony Kornheiser: "I did not call him a liar." ([04:15])

Dan Le Batard reveals his own dedication to maintaining a workout streak, emphasizing the importance of consistency.

• Dan Le Batard: "I can't let it stop now. Like, the streak is its own motivation." ([04:55])

Maintaining a Workout Streak and Challenges

Timestamp: [05:04 - 08:10]

Dan Le Batard discusses the challenges of maintaining his workout streak, including bouts with COVID-19 and the temptation to skip workouts during vacations.

• Dan Le Batard: "My big fear is that that's how it'll end. Right. It's like I'll get to 12:01." ([05:04])

Billy Corben humorously references the difficulty of sticking to the streak during late hours.

• Billy Corben: "It's time for a five minute sleep meditation here." ([05:04])

Dan Graziano and Greg Cody engage in a light-hearted exchange about the sustainability and perception of being fitness enthusiasts.

Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals Defense

Timestamp: [21:22 - 22:39]

The discussion shifts to NFL analyst Trey Hendrickson and his impact on the Cincinnati Bengals' defense.

• Greg Cody: "How's this Trey Hendrickson saga gonna end?" ([21:22])

Dan Le Batard analyzes Hendrickson's role, suggesting that the Bengals' defensive struggles are not solely his fault.

• Dan Le Batard: "The Bengals did not lose because of offense. They lost because of defense. A defense anchored by Trey Hendrickson." ([22:06])

The hosts debate Hendrickson's effectiveness and his influence on the team's overall performance, highlighting differing opinions on his contributions.

Juan Soto’s Transition to the Mets

Timestamp: [23:00 - 29:31]

A heated discussion unfolds around Juan Soto's move from the Yankees to the Mets and the ensuing media scrutiny.

• Dan Graziano: "Michael K. is reporting that he has found that Soto is sullen, that he is sad because he never wanted to leave the Yankees in the first place." ([24:29])

Greg Cody and other hosts express skepticism about the legitimacy of the reports, questioning whether Soto's emotions are being misrepresented.

• Greg Cody: "He's not going to his funeral, though." ([28:43])

Dan Graziano critiques the portrayal of Soto's satisfaction in his new role, suggesting that external factors like media pressure contribute to his alleged discontent.

• Dan Graziano: "It's a clubhouse and coworkers. And your daily work experience... It's just odd." ([29:05])

The conversation highlights the pressures athletes face when transitioning between high-profile teams and the impact on their performance and mental health.

Movie Reviews: "The Fan" and "Dead Reckoning"

Timestamp: [31:55 - 37:15]

The hosts delve into their opinions on recent movie releases, specifically criticizing "The Fan" and "Dead Reckoning."

• Dan Graziano: "I can't believe how much you know about this movie. It's a good impersonation he's doing. It was terrible." ([34:19])

Greg Cody praises the integration of stunts in "Dead Reckoning," albeit with mixed reviews on the overall execution.

• Greg Cody: "The way that the Mission Impossible movies work is they map out the stunts at the start and then they write a story about that." ([35:11])

Billy Corben laments the length and pacing of the movies, suggesting they could have been more concise.

• Billy Corben: "I wish I wouldn't have seen it, honestly." ([35:13])

The segment reflects the hosts' critical stance on current cinematic efforts, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and execution in filmmaking.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [37:13 - End]

As the episode winds down, the hosts make final comments on the topics discussed, reiterating their opinions and teasing future discussions.

• Greg Cody: "Dead Reckoning part one, which is now just called Dead Reckoning because they gave up on part one." ([36:49])

• Mike Ryan: "That's a 7.6 solid." ([20:38])

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and plans for upcoming segments, maintaining the show's engaging and conversational tone.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Le Batard: "I can't let it stop now. Like, the streak is its own motivation." ([04:55])

• Greg Cody: "The Timberwolves' advantage due to their recent rest and strategic preparation." ([01:38])

• Dan Graziano: "It's odd that all of you backtracked on Graziano. He was here and all of you didn't want any part of him." ([22:44])

• Tony Kornheiser: "I did not call him a liar." ([04:15])

Key Takeaways

1. Sports Analysis: In-depth discussions on the Western Conference Finals, PGA Tour advancements, and the Seattle Mariners' performance provide listeners with expert insights into current sports events.

2. Athlete Accountability: The conversation around Juan Soto highlights the pressures athletes face when transitioning between teams and the impact of media narratives on their mental well-being.

3. Personal Development: Dan Graziano's dedication to fitness underscores the importance of consistency and personal motivation in achieving long-term goals.

4. Entertainment Critique: The hosts' critique of recent movies like "The Fan" and "Dead Reckoning" offers a candid perspective on the current state of filmmaking, emphasizing the need for quality storytelling and execution.

5. Engaging Banter: The dynamic interactions among the hosts, filled with humor and candid opinions, maintain an engaging atmosphere that resonates with listeners.

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz delivers a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and critical commentary on entertainment, all enriched with the hosts' signature humor and insightful discussions. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or someone interested in personal development stories, this episode offers valuable perspectives and engaging conversations.