Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 2: We Taught Mina Kimes How To Do TV
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," hosts Dan LeBatard and Stugotz, along with co-hosts Chris Cody, Mike Ryan, Amin Elhassan, and Jessica (affectionately known as Poppy), delve into a lively discussion centered around Mina Kimes' career trajectory and a humorous segment dubbed the "Cheese Conundrum." Filmed from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the episode blends sports commentary with personal anecdotes, showcasing the show's signature blend of humor and insightful conversation.

Mina Kimes: Coaching and Career Contributions

A significant portion of the episode revolves around Mina Kimes, a respected sports journalist known for her role on ESPN's "Around the Horn." Amin Elhassan sparks a heated debate by asserting that the Dan Le Batard Show played a pivotal role in teaching Mina how to excel in television:

Amin Elhassan [08:44]: "Mina Kimes made her first appearance on 'Around the Horn' a year and a half after joining our show, the Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz. We gave her the confidence and coaching to deliver definitive and declarative hot takes."

This claim leads to a spirited exchange among the hosts, with Chris Cody and Mike Ryan disputing Amin's assertion. Chris points out that Mina's first appearance on "Around the Horn" predates her involvement with their show:

Chris Cody [10:02]: "Chris proved it. Pablo was on 'Around the Horn' first in October 2012."

Despite the disagreement, Amin remains steadfast, emphasizing the show's role as a "training ground" for talents like Mina:

Amin Elhassan [10:35]: "We put in so much work and development here. This is the training ground. This is where the Crucible was experienced."

The debate escalates into what Amin calls his "victory lap," humorously asserting his and the show's influence over ESPN's programming decisions:

Amin Elhassan [16:19]: "We're losing recipes. What's happening with this show? You guys are just letting everyone just take our shit across generations because the..."

The confrontation highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the hosts, blending genuine sports discourse with playful banter.

The Cheese Conundrum: A Lighthearted Debate

Shifting gears, Chris Cody introduces a quirky segment known as the "Cheese Conundrum," where he grapples with the dilemma of whether to consume a piece of cheese that accidentally fell on the garage floor. The cheese in question is enveloped in a wax casing and plastic wrapping, prompting a humorous debate about food safety and personal boundaries.

Chris Cody [13:56]: "Do I throw this away? Because who would eat a piece of cheese that fell on the floor in the garage while you're gonna walk?"

Mike Ryan offers a practical perspective, arguing that the protective layers make the cheese safe to eat:

Mike Ryan [15:04]: "I think the wax protects you. I think the paper protects you, but I think the wax protects you."

However, Chris counters by pointing out the potential contamination from the garage environment:

Chris Cody [15:22]: "People urinate in there. That's the thing."

The hosts engage in lighthearted exchanges about hygiene and the acceptability of consuming "floored" food items, ultimately leaving the decision open-ended and fostering laughter among listeners.

Behind the Scenes: "Highly Questionable" and Family Dynamics

Transitioning to behind-the-scenes insights, Mike Ryan shares the genesis story of the show "Highly Questionable," linking it to personal family experiences. He recounts how his father's job loss and subsequent identity crisis inspired the creation of the show as a means to maintain familial stability:

Mike Ryan [30:03]: "The idea of putting him on the television show was how do I get my father, who needs some rigid patterns, who needs some scheduling, who's been going to work every day from 8am to 6pm, what can I do to make sure that my parents are good..."

Jessica (Poppy) adds depth to this narrative by reflecting on her father's struggles and the dynamic shift brought about by their collaboration:

Jessica [33:35]: "I like it because people got to know Dan. Not the guy that is writing columns or talking on the radio that sounds stuck up."

The segment underscores the blend of personal stories and professional endeavors that enrich the show's content, providing listeners with a multifaceted view of the hosts' lives.

Notable Quotes

• Amin Elhassan [10:35]: "This is the training ground. This is where the Crucible was experienced."

• Chris Cody [13:56]: "Do I throw this away? Because who would eat a piece of cheese that fell on the floor in the garage while you're gonna walk?"

• Mike Ryan [15:04]: "I think the wax protects you. I think the paper protects you, but I think the wax protects you."

• Amin Elhassan [16:19]: "We're losing recipes. What's happening with this show?"

• Jessica [33:35]: "People got to know Dan. Not the guy that is writing columns or talking on the radio that sounds stuck up."

Conclusion

"Hour 2: We Taught Mina Kimes How To Do TV" offers listeners an engaging mix of spirited debates, humorous dilemmas, and heartfelt personal stories. The hosts' dynamic interactions and willingness to dive into both professional controversies and personal anecdotes make for a compelling episode that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Through discussions about Mina Kimes' career, the amusing "Cheese Conundrum," and behind-the-scenes family tales, Dan LeBatard and Stugotz deliver another memorable installment of their unique take on sports and pop culture.