Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 2: What's That Gnawing On My Leg? (feat. Jemele Hill)
Release Date: July 14, 2025
1. LeBron James and the Lakers’ Transition (00:57 - 04:48)
The episode opens with a heated discussion about the Los Angeles Lakers' potential transition from LeBron James to Luka Dončić. The hosts delve into the rumors surrounding LeBron feeling undervalued and the implications of Rich Paul's comments on other teams showing interest in LeBron.
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Greg Cody (02:00): “A lot of this is self-governing too. If you're an MLS team and you receive word, hey, Messi is interested in a move to the United States, I think Real Salt Lake is going to be like, we're probably out on this one.”
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Mike Ryan (02:26): “LeBron has been in the center of the news stream in a way that has turned a basketball player into the next closest thing to Michael Jordan...”
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Stugotz (03:38): “He's gotten proper value, including the one-year contract he just signed.”
Despite the varying opinions, the consensus leans towards the Lakers handling the situation with respect, emphasizing LeBron's stellar career and the complexities of transitioning such a high-profile athlete.
2. Aging Superstars and Team Dynamics (04:00 - 05:40)
The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing aging superstars in sports. The hosts compare LeBron's sustained performance to other legends like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.
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Chris Cody (04:11): “Do you believe that though? Because I would be a lot of some people are saying that they don’t believe there’s a market for him...”
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Mike Ryan (04:31): Discusses the difficulty in coaching an aging superstar and the high standards LeBron likely holds.
The segment underscores the delicate balance teams must maintain between leveraging veteran talent and fostering new star players.
3. Game Show Segment: "Are You Willing to Die on That Hill?" with Jemele Hill (05:00 - 17:56)
Jemele Hill joins the show to participate in a playful and engaging segment titled "Are You Willing to Die on That Hill?" The hosts pose various hypothetical and humorous scenarios, encouraging Hill to take a stance.
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Jemele Hill (06:37): “I don’t think it’s that serious with them boys, though?”
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Mike Ryan (16:11): “Are you willing to die on that hill? That Greg Cody, no way. He’s too old for dabbling in any of that Internet smut.”
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Jemele Hill (17:32): “I have a hard time believing [LeBron] is watching porn.”
The segment showcases the hosts' chemistry and their ability to blend serious sports commentary with lighthearted banter.
4. Parenting and Letting a Teen Attend UFC Event (18:21 - 21:56)
A listener named Zaslow seeks advice on whether to allow his 16-year-old son to travel to Chicago for a UFC event with friends. Jemele Hill offers thoughtful insights into parental decision-making and the importance of granting teenagers independence.
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Jemele Hill (19:25): “Part of what I see with these young people is because their parents do everything to continually protect them from discomfort...”
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Chris Cody (21:09): “He bought tickets for UFC Chicago without asking you first.”
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Jemele Hill (20:45): “I think you should let him go. It’s a great experience...”
The discussion emphasizes trust, responsibility, and the benefits of allowing teens to navigate new environments.
5. Stugotz Receives the Green Eyeshade Award (27:35 - 34:05)
Stugotz shares his recent achievement of being honored by the 75th Annual Green Eyeshade Awards, a prestigious recognition in southeastern journalism. The hosts congratulate him and explore the significance of the award.
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Stugotz (27:58): “I was surprised to win. It probably ranks [with AP awards]...”
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Greg Cody (29:05): “Does it help you do something in particular?”
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Mike Ryan (30:04): “Why was that even a hat? It doesn't seem super practical...”
The segment highlights Stugotz's contributions to sports commentary and the respect he commands within the industry.
6. Movie Discussions: "What's That Gnawing on My Leg?" and Iconic Scores (34:00 - 38:56)
The hosts transition to discussing the significance of movie titles and scores, referencing the iconic nature of films like "Jaws." They humorously contemplate how a different title might have affected a film's legacy.
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Mike Ryan (37:30): “One of the rejected titles was 'What's That Gnawing on My Leg?'”
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Greg Cody (37:58): “As old as I am, the green eye shade predates me...”
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Stugotz (37:16): “In the mid-70s, that movie had a chilling effect on beach-going...”
The conversation underscores the impact of creative choices on a movie's enduring popularity and cultural footprint.
7. Final Remarks and Awards Banter (38:57 - End)
The episode winds down with light-hearted banter about personal achievements and awards. The hosts joke about their own experiences with the Green Eyeshade Awards and continue to engage in playful exchanges.
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Mike Ryan (31:15): “I don't even remember if I've won...”
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Greg Cody (33:50): “Why do you have such little regard for the green eye shade?”
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Stugotz (34:05): “Thanks, Mike.”
The episode concludes on a humorous note, celebrating camaraderie and personal milestones among the hosts.
Notable Quotes:
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Mike Ryan (02:26): “LeBron has been in the center of the news stream in a way that has turned a basketball player into the next closest thing to Michael Jordan...”
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Jemele Hill (19:25): “I think your teeth would appreciate that. You gotta do it for your teeth.”
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Stugotz (27:58): “I've made the Associated Press sports editors top 10 three times. And this probably ranks.”
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Greg Cody (37:58): “I like that one.” (Referring to the alternate movie title)
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a blend of intense sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and light-hearted segments, making it a comprehensive and engaging listen for fans and newcomers alike.