The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Hour 2: The One Man Show (feat. John Tesh)

Date: October 14, 2025

Episode Overview

Recorded at the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, this episode features a vibrant, wide-ranging conversation with musician, composer, and former “Entertainment Tonight” host John Tesh, celebrating the return of NBA basketball to NBC and the legendary “Round Ball Rock” theme. The crew dives into Tesh’s new album “Sports,” the iconic status of his music, and behind-the-scenes stories about his career, followed by a lively sports discussion and the show’s trademark humorous banter.

Key Topics & Segment Breakdown

1. Welcoming John Tesh: The Ultimate Renaissance Man

[01:37–02:56]

• Dan Le Batard and crew enthusiastically welcome John Tesh to the studio, introducing him as a six-time Emmy winner and two-time Grammy nominee, lauding his prolific music career.

• Revealing Tesh’s new album, simply titled “Sports”, much to the crew’s amusement:

  "You know what the title of the album is? ...Sports." – Dan Le Batard [01:54]

• Discussion about the enduring popularity of “Round Ball Rock,” the NBA on NBC theme, renewed attention as NBC regains basketball broadcasting rights after almost 24 years (~8,532 days, per Dan [10:43]).

2. The Story Behind “Round Ball Rock”

[02:56–07:29]

• Tesh details how multiple versions of the theme exist, the creative process, and the role of NBC executive Rick Cordella in choosing which version to use [03:11].
• Recalls his longstanding relationship with the Le Batard Show, thanks to granting perpetual use of his iconic music ("You have the rights forever...").
• Tesh explains the original creation of “Round Ball Rock” during his time covering the Tour de France and how the song has lasted 35 years:

  "It’s been 35 years since the song was written. So all I can say is Supernatural and the fans did it, not me." – John Tesh [03:49]

• Talks about regularly hearing his music and SNL’s famous parody with Jason Sudeikis and Tim Robinson (“Ba ba ba ba ba Basketball!”) [04:02–04:21].

3. Sports Music: Magic in the Studio

[07:29–11:11]

• Tesh describes his recording studio as his escape and creative playground, also mentioning his wife Connie’s comical reactions to his practice themes:

  "She'd hear like—[imitates dramatic sports theme]—and she'd go, 'football.'" – John Tesh [07:48]

• Shares the physical process for composing the high-energy tracks on “Sports,” field-testing them as de facto workout music [08:24].
• The album “Sports” is presented as an 11-track journey through high-adrenaline themes inspired by different sports, blending homage and fresh creativity.

4. The Human Touch: Real Musicianship vs. AI

[09:19–10:43]

• Tesh credits friends, family (his son Gib), and collaborators for inspiring him to return to composing, emphasizing live musicianship over artificial intelligence:

  "None of this could be produced by AI... It’s all live musicians... There’s a lot of stuff that quotes my favorites: Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Rush. This is not an album you relax to." – John Tesh [09:19]

5. The Return of “Round Ball Rock” on NBC

[10:43–12:18]

• NBC’s basketball coverage will once again feature “Round Ball Rock,” with Tesh playing the theme live on the Today Show and possibly at NBA games.

• Describes recording a fresh orchestral version in Nashville, but ultimately fans and NBC wanted the original 1989 demo:

  “The version you’re going to hear come back... is actually the demo that was done in 1989.” – John Tesh [11:34]

• Shares the now-legendary story of calling his own answering machine from France to preserve his theme idea [12:22]:

  “I called my answering machine... and then, you know, it hung up on me. I call back, here’s the rest of it... Two weeks later, I came home... and I put it on the piano.” – John Tesh [12:28]

6. Sports and Music Deep Dive

[17:53–23:59]

• Nostalgic lament for the decline of live organists at sporting events [17:53–18:01].
• Tesh’s first time hearing “Round Ball Rock” air in public and the lackluster response from a bartender:

  “I wrote that song.” — “That’s great. You want another beer?” [19:17]

• Tesh names “Monday Night Football” as a sports theme he wishes he’d written, explaining its production music roots [20:31–21:09].
• Reflections on the unique legacy of live performance:

  “There's nothing like being on a stage with an orchestra... no way to fix anything.” – John Tesh [21:32]

7. Enduring Legacy, Parody, and Fame

[22:08–23:59]

• Dan observes the lasting resonance of Tesh’s work and SNL’s loving parody:

  "You have to be honored that this has the echoing, enduring staying power to be brought back to life...” – Dan Le Batard [21:46]

• Tesh shares that his wife, Connie, called the SNL parody the best thing to ever happen to him, removing any uncertainty or hesitancy about being spoofed [23:21].
• Iconic quote:

  “She turns to me and she goes, ‘It’s the best thing that's ever happened to you.’ She was right.” – John Tesh [23:21]

8. The Live “Shredded” Performance

[24:31–26:51]

• Tesh performs “Legendary” and the “shredded” version of “Round Ball Rock” live for the show, with the crew energetically vibing along.

  “We were getting moved. We were starting to physically move with you, but now is the time... Let’s break out what NBC is going to break out again. This is the shredded version.” – Dan Le Batard [25:25]

• The moment is celebrated as "Peak October Peacocktober" with genuine appreciation for Tesh’s contribution and the infectious energy he brings [26:51].

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the creative process & sports music:

  “The only thing you need [to write a sports theme] is this sound from the 1980s blended with a little bit of piano.” – John Tesh [04:53]

• On legacy and gratitude:

  “You have to be honored that this has the echoing, enduring staying power.” – Dan Le Batard [21:46] “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” – Connie Sellecca (via John Tesh, regarding SNL parody) [23:21]

• On calling his answering machine:

  “I called my answering machine... and then, you know, it hung up on me. I call back, here's the rest of it.” – John Tesh [12:28]

• Fan Reaction to NBC’s Orchestral Version:

  “People are like, nope, no, we want the OG version.” – John Tesh [11:34]

• On the awkward bar reveal:

  “I wrote that song.” — “That’s great. You want another beer?” – John Tesh & Bartender [19:17]

Additional Segments

Sports Chat & Tony’s Top 5 (in the Hot Tub!)

[32:32–37:58]

• Tony delivers his Top 5 sports observations from the Elser Hotel hot tub, shirt-rip and all. Topics include NFL teams’ unpredictability, Kyle Shanahan’s challenges, the resurgence of the Chiefs, and the evergreen backup status of Jacoby Brissett.

  “The Chiefs are kind of MF and back.” – Tony [37:11]

• Lively banter about sports injuries, parody, and personalities, keeping the show's tone irreverent and energetic.

NFL and NBA Rapid-Fire

[37:58–43:43]

• The group discusses the landscape of the NFL season: injuries, unpredictability, and the challenges of evaluating teams.
• Quick hits on the Bills’ struggles, the enduring physical toll of football, and the mechanics of memorable games.

Noteworthy Themes & Takeaways

• John Tesh’s musical legacy: Still actively shaping the sounds of American sports, Tesh embraces his perennial association with “Round Ball Rock” and the joy it brings fans.
• Live musicianship vs. AI: Tesh celebrates real collaboration and musicianship, drawing a line against the rise of computer-generated music.
• Sports, nostalgia, pop culture: The episode is a blend of sports journalism, behind-the-scenes music history, and playful group dynamic, enhanced by the energy that only live performance can bring.
• Humor & camaraderie: Whether it’s reminiscing about ‘90s TV, arguing over nipple confidence in the hot tub, or geeking out to a live “Round Ball Rock,” the spirit is playful, irreverent, and welcoming.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:37 – John Tesh welcomed, “Sports” album revealed
• 03:11 – History and legacy of “Round Ball Rock”
• 07:29 – Tesh’s studio and composing process
• 09:19 – Decision to return to music, live musicians vs. AI
• 10:43 – NBA’s return to NBC, live “Round Ball Rock” plans
• 12:22 – Famous answering machine origin tale
• 17:53 – Decline of live sports organists & iconic theme talk
• 19:17 – Funny first public play of “Round Ball Rock”
• 21:32 – The feeling of live performance
• 22:31 – SNL parody, lasting pop culture impact
• 24:31 & 25:25 – Live performance of "Legendary" & "Round Ball Rock (Shredded Version)"
• 26:51 – Show’s appreciation for Tesh’s visit
• 32:32 – Tony’s Top 5 (from the hot tub)
• 37:58 – NFL injury and team performance discourse

Final Thoughts

This episode is both a tribute to the enduring excitement that John Tesh’s music brings to sports fans and a showcase of the Le Batard Show’s unique chemistry – blending nostalgia, genuine admiration, and playful antics. Tesh’s stories underscore the human element behind unforgettable cultural phenomena, and the segment is capped off with live music and infectious energy that remind listeners of why sports (and the arts that come with them) evoke such lasting joy.