The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Local Hour: Goodbye Billy, Hello Stevie (feat. Some Hot Guy Who Used To Work Here)
Date: October 17, 2025
Episode Overview
This “Local Hour” episode is a lively, heartfelt, and nostalgic tribute to longtime contributor Billy Gill, whose last day is marked by a blend of sports talk, classic show banter, and inside jokes. Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and the crew reminisce about Billy's years on the show, play memorable audio moments, and debate who could possibly fill Billy’s unique role. The episode weaves in recent sports news—particularly about “old guys” making headlines—and features a surprise appearance by former behind-the-scenes favorite Stevie, along with plenty of signature chaos and Miami-centric conversation.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Power Dynamics and Sports Drama
- Opening banter dives into recent NFL news, particularly the behind-the-scenes drama with the Clippers, Bill Belichick, and interplay of ego and influence in sports leadership.
- [00:25] “It’s a window into how the power dynamics at play. Because I think all this time we’ve been saying it’s Jordan and she’s running the stuff…”
(Amin elaborates on the Game of Thrones-like competition for control.)
- [00:25] “It’s a window into how the power dynamics at play. Because I think all this time we’ve been saying it’s Jordan and she’s running the stuff…”
2. Billy Gill’s Last Day: Farewell Tributes
- Emotional Goodbyes: Several cast members, including Jeremy Tache and Greg Cody, express their affection for Billy through song and sentiment.
- [03:00] Jeremy's serenade setup.
- [03:29] Greg Cody’s tearjerker farewell song:
“You became the duke as you vaulted higher... our favorite hypochondriac. So bang those pots and pans into the sky to go where apple pies and eagles fly, it’s hard to say goodbye…”
— Greg Cody ([03:29])
- Dan, overwhelmed by emotion:
“I got no shot today. I got no shot of being any good today.” — Dan ([04:41])
3. Sports Discussion: Old Quarterbacks Shine
- NFL Recap: The crew praise the performances of "old arms" in sports, such as Aaron Rodgers, Max Scherzer, and especially Joe Flacco, marveling at his late-career resurgence.
- [05:08] “Last night was a great night for old guy in sports. Actually three old arms. … Aaron Rodgers throwing a Hail Mary, 70 yards.” — Dan
- [06:12] “My favorite subplot of the NFL season is this war between Joe Flacco and Mike Tomlin that has been right under our noses…” — Chris
- [07:19] On Mike Tomlin’s fear of Flacco:
“That man who’s never had a losing season… we’ve never heard of him afraid of anybody except clearly Joe Flacco.” — Dan
4. Reliving Show History: Billy's First Words and ESPN Memories
- Nostalgia Segment: Dan and Chris Cody play Billy’s first ever words on the show, discussing how he started quietly before emerging as a central personality.
- [11:22] “Billy, do you have any recollection whatsoever… do you remember your first words on the program?” — Dan
- [11:43] Billy’s confident gymnastics knowledge:
“The vault. And it is a vault… It’s a form of the pommel horse without the handles…” — Billy
- [13:29] Billy reflects:
“Two years. Like you have to earn. Yeah. Show for two plus years before I said anything. Sitting in the corner with Stevie, who could barely log the show, just answering the phone…” — Billy
- Stevie Memories:
- [13:46] “That was quite the producer battle. Stevie king of the mountain. Who wants it, boys?”
- [14:01] “I invited Stevie to my wedding.” — Chris
5. Show's Internal Culture & Producer Dynasty
- Old Home Week: Stevie (the "hot" former producer) FaceTimes in to share goodbyes and reminisce about past show shenanigans, including being the favorite of the group for his looks and chill attitude.
- [27:06] “Stevie’s gonna be here on Monday, Dan. Just you wait and see. … A handsome guy. No wonder.” — Billy & Dan
- [27:11] “Stevie, you’re on the air, pal. … Old home week, old crew. The old crew is back. I love it.” — Dan
6. Billy's Escapades at ESPN
- Infamous Stunts: The cast tells wild stories about sneaking onto ESPN sets, crashing studios, and Billy intentionally sabotaging bits he grew tired of (e.g., the “Masked Singer” skit and a well-timed ladder incident).
- [25:13] “We got some strongly worded emails after the fact for just crashing a set and not going through the proper protocol and furthermore playing with puppets…” — Billy
- [26:50] “You clearly pulled that ladder over during your Dancing with the Stars update.” — Dan
- [28:40] “Billy reached the point where he didn’t want to do it anymore. He hated the bit, so he just tried to sabotage it.” — Amin
7. The Next Billy: Auditions and Open Competition
- Who's Next? Auditioning possible successors to Billy’s unique role (Stevie, Jeremy, Udonis Haslem), with a running joke about competing for the “Billy seat.”
- [38:07] “Country, the vibes. Him or Udonis Haslem or James Franklin. We’re going to have an open tryout for Billy’s seat.” — Dan
8. Miami Sports Talk and ACC Football
- Analysis: Miami vs. Louisville and the stakes for “The U” are discussed, including Miami’s recent improvement, the pressure not to embarrass the city on a national stage, and in-depth breakdowns of matchups.
- [40:00] “Miami looks more formidable than they have looked in in 20 years. 20, maybe 25...” — Dan
- [41:59] “In my lifetime, [Louisville has] never had a good [defense].” — Dan
9. Classic Irreverence & Fun
- The Return of Beepo and Absurd Characters:
- [44:00] “That you guys are talking about? And Louisville this. And they’re not gonna beat the K. The kids are gonna beat the s*** out of scene today. ... Let me tell you a little story.” — Beepo's dramatic “stock options” rant, spoofing business jargon and his time in the show’s universe
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “[Billy] became the duke as you vaulted higher … our favorite hypochondriac. So bang those pots and pans into the sky… it’s hard to say goodbye.” — Greg Cody’s song ([03:29])
- “You clearly pulled that ladder over during your Dancing with the Stars update.” — Dan ([26:50])
- “Stevie, the seat's open for you. Oh, he’s got a beard now.” — Dan ([27:06])
- "Jeremy is vying for the position left open by Billy by trying to yammer more than Billy." — Dan ([37:56])
- "We’re going to have an open tryout for Billy’s seat. Do you know how difficult it is, Jeremy, to yammer so much that Billy tries to wrap you up?" — Dan ([38:07])
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:25 | Power dynamics in sports (Clippers) | | 03:13 | Greg Cody’s emotional farewell song | | 04:41 | Dan admits he’s too emotional to host | | 05:08 | Celebrating ‘old guys’ in sports | | 06:12 | Flacco vs. Tomlin subplot | | 11:22 | Billy’s on-air debut - historic audio | | 13:29 | Billy recalls early years, Stevie memories | | 27:06 | Stevie FaceTimes on his return | | 26:50 | Ladder sabotage revelation | | 38:07 | Competition for Billy’s seat | | 40:00 | Miami vs. Louisville football preview | | 44:00 | Beepo returns, “stock option” rant |
Episode Tone and Language
The language is warm, irreverent, and filled with affectionate teasing, Miami sports pride, meta-humor, and genuine nostalgia. The banter is quick, often overlapping, and alternates between raucous laughter and heartfelt farewells. Regular inside jokes and callbacks abound, catering to longtime fans.
Summary
This “Local Hour” is a masterclass in balancing sports and personality, blending in-depth football talk with deep nostalgia for Billy’s long run and trademark quirks. On Billy’s last day, the show spotlights his evolution from silent producer to irreplaceable on-air character through tribute songs, comedic stories, and audio flashbacks. The episode also features sports debates, a look back at ESPN hijinks, surprise guest Stevie, and the ever-present search for the next “Billy” amidst the show’s singular brand of chaos and affection. It’s both a heartfelt goodbye and a perfect encapsulation of why the Le Batard Show remains such a beloved constant in sports radio.
