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Mike Ryan
Hey folks, it's Mike Ryan. And if you're watching our show, you probably know your boy has undergone a little bit of a body transformation. And I gotta tell you, Peloton has helped me on my fitness journey. It got the ball rolling for me because I watch my wife on the Peloton. She takes all these great classes. She has her favorite instructors. I listen to the music. I'm a big music guy. Gets me fired up. Makes me want to take part in this fitness phenomenon known as Peloton. Peloton offers a variety of challenging classes from four week strength building classes to running, cycling and everything in between. Peloton will help you achieve your goals and maybe you'll have some fun along the way. I know I have. It's backed by thousands of members whose lives have been changed. Be part of that group. Telling you I'm better for it. Have it in my office. Sometimes I can put on the baseball game. Sometimes I can put on a soccer match. Some other times I'm totally locked in on an emo playlist. Find your push. Find your power with peloton@1peloton.com shadow show.
Chris Cody
Shadow show Shadow Show Shadow Show Shadow.
Dan LeBatard
Show Shadow Show Shadow Show Shadowing it. Shadowing it. Zaslo did you sleep last night?
Chris Cody
I slept like a baby last night. I am fresh and ready to go. Look at this face right here. Look at this face.
Dan LeBatard
You can't see the face because it's the shadow show.
Chris Cody
Look at it.
Dan LeBatard
There's no video. Hold on a second. There's no video yet.
Roy Bellamy
The audience doesn't know this, but during the shadow show, we all have our eyes closed so that we can.
Dan LeBatard
No, he's not.
Roy Bellamy
Be like the audience.
Dan LeBatard
So here, this is the thing, right? I would like us to tell the audience and for the audience to know that, yes, during the shadow show, the reason that we're doing it is because we all have our. Our. We all have our eyes closed, and we are remembering what the show was when it was only an audio experience. Only audio. And so let's all close our eyes right now and do what Chris wants us to do.
Roy Bellamy
The Naked Chris segment, please. I'm now naked, only wearing a hat, because that's my thang. Good callback.
Stugotz
Back to you.
Dan LeBatard
No, I kind of. I'd like to stay with the spirit. Look, I haven't gotten the shadow show where I wanted it. The way. The way that I wanted the shadow show to work is us milling about and just talking the way we do in the morning meeting. And if they overhear it, they overhear it. That's what I wanted it to be, but we didn't get there. Do it now as an exercise with Zaslow. Old timey 790 radio. Zaslow. You can do that with your eyes closed, could you not?
Chris Cody
Yeah, I'll roll out of bed. I'll hit it out of the park. Come on.
Dan LeBatard
This is why he's a rising star in the business. This is why we're lucky to have his time. Espn. Yesterday, he ran out of here to do what with espn? They're pulling him by the ear. They want. They want to send him into the stratosphere.
Chris Cody
Yesterday was a long day. I did afternoon drive yesterday on espn, which I love. It's great.
Dan LeBatard
No, but I'm saying Zaslow's a rising star. Everybody knows it. He's a legend in this industry. And now he's got stakes on the next few shows. Because the reason I was asking you how you slept last night. Yeah, I figured that with the Pearl Jam ticket still up in the air, you would have slept much more peacefully, because there was hope now that there wasn't before.
Chris Cody
Yeah, that's why I slept really well. I was able to get through the night because it. Even though I don't have the tickets in hand. It feels like. Feels like I might be going, so.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah. All right, Chris, this is what I would like for you to help me with. Still naked through the entirety of the show. Naked, Chris. Thank you. Just a hat. The entirety of the show. Today, I would like for all of us to work together to see how high we can get the stakes on Zaslow. Will Rising star Zaslow at ESPN Radio, who's very busy right now, will give us the entire hockey playoffs. Will give us what? In exchange for the hardest ticket in South Florida and I don't know how long. Pearl Jam in an intimate venue 10 minutes from his home.
Chris Cody
So close. I could walk there. I wouldn't walk there because I'd be sweaty by the time I got there, but I could if I wanted to. It's that close.
Roy Bellamy
Can't be more difficult than a Taylor Swift concert. Come on. The most difficult ticket. I feel like we're prisoner of the moment right here.
Jeremy
Okay.
Chris Cody
Taylor Swift was playing in a venue of 60,000 seats.
Chime Representative
That's true.
Dan LeBatard
Are you saying that Pearl Jam's better than Taylor Swift?
Chris Cody
No, I'm saying that it's a harder ticket. You're right.
Dan LeBatard
A harder ticket.
Tony
Yeah.
Chris Cody
It's only, like, 8,000 seats. You know how math works, right?
Dan LeBatard
I don't think I'm right. You think I'm right?
Chris Cody
Yeah, I think you're right that it's incredibly hard ticket.
Dan LeBatard
You think it's a harder. It can't be a harder ticket than Taylor Swift.
Tony
I love that Dan said this is the hardest ticket in South Florida. Yeah.
Chris Cody
Now he's not.
Tony
Dazzler said. Yes. He's like, wait, wait. Why are you arguing?
Dan LeBatard
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugach podcast. Okay? So if America thought this show was annoying, this show was annoying. When Mike Ryan and Jeremy are Heat homers and parakeet.
Chris Cody
Oh, yeah, baby.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so wait a minute. This is going to be bad. I mean, this is going to be bad today because people do not like when the. The playoffs start in the NBA. And we're going to start with Heat talk. Because I was the most wrong yesterday. I predicted matter of factly how they would lose, and they did not lose that way at all. They go to Chicago and they win. And in the last 15 games, you could talk yourself into some Andrew Wiggins. And of course, they will lose to Cleveland. But last night, I looked like a fool to start. I am totally wrong again. But Zaslo is going to be worse than. Than Jeremy, Mike Ryan Two time champion broadcaster about what that Heat victory meant last night.
Chris Cody
Fairly certain they're going to be the first 10 seed to get to the finals. Fairly certain. Not 100% fairly certain. What a night. What a day. I had a day. Can we be honest with saying it's a good day? We're doing good day or bad day? It's a good day.
Dan LeBatard
He thinks it's a good day because he's very close to these Pearl Jam tickets. Oh, I'm sorry. I should have said something. W.A. bellamy, thank you for being the executive producer today. And thank you, John Amici, for finally getting someone to wear a costume. Roy, I have to admit, you look great in a hockey uniform.
Mike Ryan
Thank you.
Jeremy
I appreciate that. It's one problem, though. I've had an itch on my nose for the past 10 minutes and I.
Chris Cody
Can'T get to it.
Roy Bellamy
I would love to scratch your nose. No, let me do it for you.
Jeremy
It's on the right side.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so here.
Chris Cody
This is gonna have a moment.
Dan LeBatard
You're having a moment. Yeah, yeah. There we go. There it is.
Chris Cody
It's a moment.
Tony
It looks like he's picking his nose.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Jeremy
Thank you, Chris. I appreciate you.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so thank you, WA Bellamy, for being in the executive producer producer seat today. It's a difficult job, I would say to you. It's a difficult job. When you're not wearing equipment. It doesn't seem like you can move very well. You're very imposing. You look more like a leader than you ever have because you're the biggest body in the room.
Jeremy
Oh, yeah. Also, I had the captaincy on the old jersey, so that also helps. I'm the captain today.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, but you're the captain. But I don't look. That's a big job, Chris Cody can tell you. Chris, like what? I'm worried about his ability to do a very technical job today in this costume.
Roy Bellamy
I got the A today here to support Roy. Anything he needs.
Jeremy
Yeah, Alternate captain over there.
Chris Cody
What makes you worry that he's wearing gloves and he has to press buttons?
Roy Bellamy
I always thought the A stood for assistant.
Jeremy
No, it's alternate.
Chris Cody
Alternate should be on, man. Amateur hour.
Roy Bellamy
Should be. It should be assistant.
Jeremy
You're assisting the captain.
Roy Bellamy
You're the assistant captain.
Chris Cody
Alternative.
Tony
Roy looks like one of those mannequins you see at the team store that's fully clothed, head to toe in all the gear. When you. Right.
Roy Bellamy
When you walk in a progressive team store.
Dan LeBatard
He. He looked strapping. I look, you guys are going to tell me I've got This wrong. Roy Bellamy walked in the room today, did so in a hockey uniform. He's a champion. Roy Bellamy enters these hockey playoffs with a hockey show occasionally on Fridays, and he's a defending champion. Zaslow can't say that.
Chris Cody
No, I'm not a hockey champion. No.
Tony
Also, you're not wearing skates. Roy's wearing skates right now. Go ahead, show the cameras.
Roy Bellamy
There he is.
Chris Cody
Wow.
Dan LeBatard
Roy is more of a hockey media legend in this market than Zaslow is. You would agree. Correct. You would agree.
Roy Bellamy
Yeah.
Chris Cody
I mean, he's hockey guy.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah. Yeah. So Roy's in charge today, but his equipment doesn't work. Yes. This is what's going to. Chris, you're not being helpful.
Roy Bellamy
He's trying to plug his thing back at him. Chris, he's cheating. Oh, that's cheating.
Dan LeBatard
Roy. Chris. So he can't do the job this way. Chris.
Roy Bellamy
I think he's crushing it.
Dan LeBatard
Tony. Zaslow is a heat homer. Jeremy is a heat homer. I mean, what are you talking about? I'm. I mean, I need you to reign Zaslo in here, because they will excite themselves very quickly about the idea of. Well, if Andrew Wiggins is healthy and it's a big three with two all stars and somebody's doing the scoring, can we talk ourselves into culture can do something for six games?
Tony
They try to blow the game last night. What are you talking about? They tried to play the game last night.
Chris Cody
There is not a single moment in that game that you thought Chicago had a chance. You know what? Let's just get to brass tacks here. You know what happened to the Bulls last night? Does somebody want to ask me what happened to the Bulls last night?
Roy Bellamy
What happened to the Bulls?
Chris Cody
Got that ass took.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, not again. Not again with this rising star. Tony, it's not fair.
Amin Elhassan
I told you what the game plan was yesterday. Dano, during. Against the spread. All you got to do is kick this game down the road. It's the Bulls. Let them have a. Let them have something. Who cares? All right? You focus on 2%. You focus on 9.4% to get a top four pick. All of a sudden, now we're gonna be playing Atlanta. Then, oh, you beat Atlanta, then you go to Cleveland. Like, what are we doing?
Chris Cody
Just mentioning a bunch of W's is what you're doing.
Tony
They got one more opportunity on Friday, Tony.
David Sampson
They do.
Amin Elhassan
They do.
Tony
They got an opportunity to make things right on Friday. Just let Trae young have, like, 40 and say, oh, what are we gonna do? Trae Young went crazy and killer on the boards and all that.
Amin Elhassan
47 rebounds. It's never happened before.
Tony
Dyson Daniels had 17 steals in the first quarter. And then. And then we just lost the game after that. And no one will be none the wiser.
Chris Cody
You're talking about the greatest playing team in the history of the NBA. And that right there is not something you could dispute because all the facts are on my side. And you think the greatest playing team in the history of the NBA is going to Atlanta tomorrow? They're losing to the stupid Hawks. That's what you're trying to tell me.
Roy Bellamy
It's so ridiculous to play a game where it's like, hey, let's compete for who can't get Cooper flag, huh? And it's just like, I'd rather lose. Like, I. When we had Jimmy, I was in the team of. Let's just get in the dance. We have a chance. Zaz. Jeremy, That's a bar.
Dan LeBatard
You know that's a bar right there.
Roy Bellamy
They know this team can't make it. This team, without Jimmy. This team's not making that run with Jimmy.
Stugotz
We.
Roy Bellamy
You could say we have a chance. Let's. Let's give me that 3% chance of Cooper flag.
Chris Cody
Did you see what Tyler Hero did last night?
Roy Bellamy
I did. He was nice.
Dan LeBatard
Tony, they're stealing your shit. You told us you were so. Tony, you were so ahead. Look, man, people make fun of Tony around here. Tony had real vision. He told us years ago, just tank for the.0001% chance that the 77 inflatable car wash guy who flaps in the wind won't break. And you said don't. Don't try to win. Tank. Tank and get wembanyama.
Amin Elhassan
And look at him. He's become the best player in the NBA almost. And you know, the shoulder thing, the blood clot, you know, who can see that coming? But. But again, we thought it was going to be an ankle. We thought it was going to be a knee.
Dan LeBatard
A hammy. Whatever. Something else.
Chris Cody
Something else.
Dan LeBatard
We could all see it coming. He's 77 or whatever. They're not supposed to be that big.
Amin Elhassan
Or flying that much, which is another story.
Dan LeBatard
No, let's say what it is, though. The blood clot or whatever it was going to be. It was going to be something. It's going to be something.
Amin Elhassan
But I'd rather be something here, something somewhere else, right? So now I implore you guys again, one more time. Okay? See what we're looking at here? We have. We have almost. I don't even know what the percentage Chance, like a thousand percent. Better to get Cooper flag than we do Wembanyama at that point.
Tony
And we keep talking about Cooper flag, but there's Ace Bailey, there's Dylan Harper. There are other great players in this draft. You've got almost a 10% chance of moving to that top four versus getting your head caved in by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a couple of nights. I mean, what's. What's the point?
Chris Cody
I don't know about that. I don't see anyone in the Heat jerseys getting their head caved in. I don't know what you're talking about. Cleveland Cavaliers. What have they ever won?
Dan LeBatard
Okay, here we go. So. So listen to me. This is a problem we're going to have with Zaz. Somebody look up brass tacks for me. I don't know. Do you know what it means to get down to brass tax? Do you? I don't really know what it means. I know it sounds like something, but I don't know what it means.
Chris Cody
Do you says, yeah, it means we're getting serious.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, that's not an answer to my question. What are brass tacks?
Chris Cody
I don't know. It's the thing I said.
Tony
Yeah, they're these little tacks, and they're made out of brass. Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Literally.
Tony
P, A, C, K. What do they do?
Chris Cody
Yes, they. They get everybody's attention. It gets you serious. It gets you serious. That's brass tax.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, look, this. This is not gonna work around here if Zazzle is just trying to get off phrases, and he already got off one with got that ass took.
Chris Cody
You want to ask me what Tyler hero did last night? Somebody asked me what Tyler here did last night.
Tony
What Tyler here do last night?
Dan LeBatard
That ass.
Chris Cody
Come on, now. You know what I'm talking about.
Tony
Kind of walked into that one.
Chris Cody
You know what I'm talking about?
Dan LeBatard
It's a great trick. He has it in all shapes and sizes. Got him. All right, so look, I mean. I mean, I will. I will not be talked into a Miami Heat playoff front. You will not. I will not have the team be what it's been all year, be confused at every turn with, hey, you got two All Stars. It should all be better than, oh, okay, so maybe a bomb goes off and Andrew Wiggins can be Jimmy Butler if you give him 20 healthy games. What can we figure it out and talk ourselves into? The Cavs aren't a whole lot better than the Heat, and you can't talk yourself into any of this. Not even a game against the Cavs.
Tony
I think the Big problem is when you look at the Heat overall, the team doesn't really have a Runway of improvement, not with the current guys and cap space is still at least a year away. So in a draft like this, having that pick as opposed to not having it, not. Not having a lottery pick, not having a pick at all because it goes to Oklahoma City if you make the playoffs, it's kind of important to give this team a little bit more assets in the cupboard.
Chris Cody
Well, they are going to get Golden State's pick like they do. They are going to have a first round pick. It's going to be in the late teens instead of, you know, what would have been the early teens, you know, I mean, come on, like what are we talking about here? It's not that much of a difference.
Tony
On my chance to jump into the.
Chris Cody
Top four, but come on, a 3% chance. That's what we're talking about.
Amin Elhassan
Cooper flag, buddy. It's a 10% chance to jump chance.
Chris Cody
It's again the top four. Right, right. I'm talking about to get number one. Yes.
Tony
Number. Number one is a stretch, I always say. Look, you think?
Chris Cody
I mean that literally never happened for this franchise.
Roy Bellamy
Never or do.
Chris Cody
It's true.
David Sampson
I just love that we're having the exact same conversation and show that we had during the play in. In 2023 as we were doing this exact same thing about a camp miss Prospect and you tried to tell us then and the team that lost the playing game just got the pick that they were projected for, did not get Victor Wembanyama and the Heat went on to go to the finals. And I'm not saying that this is the same team. I'm not saying this is the same team at all. But I just can't believe even a fan base that has witnessed the impossible happen wouldn't want to give themselves a chance at a fun playoff series and would rather rely on ping pong balls when through 2028. The amount of first round picks that you have will not change regardless. It's just the year.
Roy Bellamy
But you just said this team is not the same. Like not the same that this team is. This team is not as good.
David Sampson
Well, if you want me to do that thing like we all celebrated Jimmy Butler as being the greatest play in performance the other night and then Tyler Hero went out and scored the same amount of points more efficiently. So he be great. He can be great. So can Bama Tobayo and I know that from talking to them. They're certainly not afraid of the Cavs.
Dan LeBatard
From talking to them.
David Sampson
They want it, Jer.
Dan LeBatard
Well, Jeremy just hit the room with a. From talking to them, I want to.
Tony
Know the day that you talk to them and they say, Jeremy, I'm a little nervous. I'm nervous about the Hawks on Friday.
David Sampson
I think they're more. I. If I had to bet, if I had to bet. They're more concerned about playing the Hawks on Friday than going into a seven game series with Cleveland. They knowing themselves. That doesn't make sense. The one game sample. I actually think we might have had the this exact conversation, this exact take two years ago as well.
Tony
Let me just say right now real quick, there's a difference between scoring 38 against the Bulls versus scoring 38 versus Memphis. Yeah, right. What Jimmy did on Tuesday night was that was everything that when you think of, oh, this is a team that could make a run, Jimmy and Steph Curry doing what they did versus what I saw last night, which is why is this game even happening? Like this shouldn't even. This 9, 10, this one should have been eliminated. Right. Like these. Neither of these teams is going to do anything. We're just wasting time.
Dan LeBatard
That's a good slogan. It is what Jaslo, don't laugh at that. Don't laugh at that because we are all wasting time. But Zaslo will not believe that. He will never believe that. He's more in the tank for the Heat than anyone has ever been.
Tony
True. I'm sitting next to him.
Chris Cody
I just like Adam Silver's playing. We're wasting time.
Dan LeBatard
I mean, we are. We're wasting time talking about a game because it's the last embers of the dynasty. Unless you want to believe one last time somebody surprised us. Sports, please. It's the only argument I have.
Tony
You know who I feel bad for? I feel bad for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Chris Cody
That's right.
Tony
Everybody else.
Chris Cody
This train is common.
Tony
Everybody else knows who they're going to play at. Like, you know, Boston knows they're playing Orlando. The Knicks know they're playing.
Chris Cody
Cats know who they're going to play.
Tony
No, they don't. They got to do advanced scouting on.
Chris Cody
They've known for a few days.
Dan LeBatard
Actually, you missed, I mean that in that small window that the Cavs Zaslow warned this train is coming.
Tony
I didn't miss it. I ignored it.
Dan LeBatard
Well, you can't ignore it. Listen, this is. I want you to please, somebody put a camera and bring it close to Zaslow's face. Because if Heat fandom were to have a face of its most passionate cavemanry over the last 15 minute year. 15 years of consuming Heat basketball in a way that is. Was deeply unhealthy. He was doing morning shows. It aged him about 15 years and about three.
Chris Cody
Look at this face.
Dan LeBatard
He was doing post games at midnight, like four hours before. Before radio carved this man up. He loved the heat during the hardest time. It built an economy. And now today, that face is here to tell you he's not gonna bow. That train is coming.
Chris Cody
Look at this face.
Roy Bellamy
Nice skin.
Amin Elhassan
You sure you got good sleep last night?
Chris Cody
Very good.
Dan LeBatard
So where are we with these Pearl Jam tickets? Chris Cody? What. What should these negotiations be? Because it appears this is. I'm.
Chris Cody
I'm about what, a day?
Dan LeBatard
I. I can't believe what I'm about to tell you. Chris Cody. Our ticket people for Zaslow combined have gotten Zaslow an ability to have not. Not just. I mean, possibly in the best case scenario here, not just ticket, like great tickets to both nights to great ticket. But also two other tickets for one of the nights because we had an accident and too many people calling in power at the same time.
Tony
I'd like to know, because Zaz sounds very confident, very confident in the Heat. He also is very confident in these Pro Jam tickets.
Chris Cody
Well, no, I don't have them. Like, I'm. I'm hopeful.
Tony
What are you more confident in?
Roy Bellamy
I like you'll be at Pearl Jam.
Tony
Or that the Heat will beat the cab.
Chris Cody
I don't have the Pearl Jam tickets yet in my hand. And Dan, like, we still have a lot of negotiating to do right here.
Tony
The Heat don't have.
Chris Cody
I don't have any negotiating. Deal with the Heat. It's happening.
Tony
The Heat don't have the eight seed in hand either.
Chris Cody
Can we be serious for a second here? Like, this isn't fantasy. I mean, get serious. All right? Wasting time.
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Dan LeBatard
Simple.
Amin Elhassan
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Roy Bellamy
Folks, the time has come to get some new golf clubs. And that means one thing. Heading over to my local PXG store for fitting. They make the best golf clubs. I'm telling you guys, I went there. In and out. Efficient, the nicest staff. If you need to improve your golf game, if you want to scratch strokes off your score, go to pxg. Get a fitting instantly. The irons fit so perfectly. You get fitted. It's quick. As soon as I got home with my clubs, I go to the range. I'm telling you, I gave away my old clubs. PXG is where it's at, guys. If you need to change your golf game, the fastest way to improve your performance on the golf course is PXG fitting. The PXG fitters are highly trained, incredibly experienced, and have a deep understanding of how to optimize your clubs to get the most out of your swing. Their fittings. They're educational. They're fun. Schedule your fitting today, and for a limited time, you can save up to 20% off your entire order. Head to pxg.com dan that's pxg.com dan to save up to 20% on your entire order. Pxg.com dan restrictions apply. C Site for details.
Stugotz
You may or may not know this, but 20 years ago, the origins of this very show were just a dream. For Dan and Stugotz, that dream turned into a show and a business you're listening to today. Starting your own business is a dream lots of us share, but too many of us let it remain just a dream. Don't hold yourself back thinking, what if I don't have the skills? What if I can't do it alone? Turn those what ifs into why nots. With Shopify by your side, Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, including 10% of all U.S. e commerce. Whether you're Mattel or you're just getting started, Shopify's got your back. Not a web designer.
Chris Cody
No problem.
Stugotz
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Dan LeBatard
What do you think? Stugats.
Chris Cody
Look at this face while I tell this to you, okay? Because I don't want there to be any kind of confusion. You look me right in the eye. There's gonna take that ass, man.
Jeremy
This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.
Dan LeBatard
See, he. This is what Zaz is doing to you. Amin is. He is saying to you, please stop getting me to comment with respect for the Hawks. Like, I look at what my face is over the last 15 years, it is not threatened by Hawks basketball.
Chris Cody
John Koncac's not one walking through that door.
Roy Bellamy
So maybe if the Hawks beat the Heat, you only go to one night a Pearl Jam. Yeah.
Chris Cody
No, no, no, no, no, no.
Roy Bellamy
Like, oh, you're not that confident in the Heat.
Chris Cody
Oh, no. I'm just. I thought you were asking, like, would I not go to Pearl Jam because I have to stay home?
Dan LeBatard
So wait a minute. So, Chris, hold on a minute. That is a good bet. Hold on. So could we actually bet right now? Since there are two extra tickets, Would Zaslo be willing to make a bet that is the Heat will beat the Hawks? If they do, you get the two tickets. If they don't, you don't get either ticket.
Chris Cody
Whoa.
Dan LeBatard
Like, what are you willing?
Chris Cody
That would be the highest stakes ever for me watching a Miami Heat game. And I was there for the Heat playing game seven against the Spurs.
Roy Bellamy
You're confident, though. You're super confident in the Heat.
Chris Cody
No, I am confident to the Heat. But do I want to sit there sweating out that? If the Heat, I would. If the Heat were to lose that game so I lose Pearl Jam tickets, I would hate the Heat. I wouldn't be able to recover. The stakes would be so high for me. I don't like that.
Dan LeBatard
Well, no, we're doing it then.
Chris Cody
No, I don't like that. I don't like that.
Dan LeBatard
What do you mean, no?
Amin Elhassan
So they're gonna take that ass, right?
Chris Cody
Well, they are. Yes.
Dan LeBatard
That's the whole part done.
Roy Bellamy
That's the whole part of a bet. You have to. If you're confident, you risk something.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Chris Cody
You know what? Screw it. Let's do it. The Hawks.
Roy Bellamy
The Hawks.
Chris Cody
The Hawks are gonna prevent me from. Yeah, screw it. Let's do it.
Roy Bellamy
So he's already. We're in this scenario. We're giving him the first night the two tickets, and now he's. This Heat game determines whether he gets Saturday.
Dan LeBatard
Let me just stop you for a second, okay? Because I'm simply worried about WA Bellamy. I asked him before the show to get me the sound of me just saying matter of factly yesterday, just matter of factly, the Heat will lose that game. They will have a lead late, and then they will lose it because they're bad late in games because they can't score matter of factly. And then the season. Yes. Will be over. And I got it all wrong. And I asked Roy to get that for gas bag of the week to make me the gas bag of the week. But when I asked him for it, his stick broke. He had some trouble with an entanglement with his skate, and it's an entanglement. And because of how long it took him to walk in here in that costume, he can't touch the buttons that I need to get so that I get the sound of me getting it matter of fact wrong. And he can't do WA Bellamy can't do his job correctly today.
Tony
I just want to say to Zaszlo right now, as you accept this wager, that gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1-800 GAMBLER.net. in New York, call 8778 Hope NY or text Hope NY 467369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-787-9-7777 or visit CCP.org Please play responsibly.
Dan LeBatard
It's hard to do. This is the stakes, and this is big because. Zaslo, please, just. I mean, a minute or less. Can you tell us, explain your Pearl Jam fandom if you were trying to impress somebody?
Chris Cody
There is nothing in my life that brings me as much joy as seeing Pearl Jam. I love them so much. I started going when I was 16 years old. I fell in love with them. I've seen them 27 times. It's not a competition, but I've seen them 27 times. And now I take my son with me sometimes both. But now I take my son with me. He's 16. I was 16 when I first started going to shows. So it's the thing that we do now together, and it's like the greatest joy in my life.
Roy Bellamy
Does he actually. Does he genuinely like it?
Chris Cody
Loves it.
Roy Bellamy
Because my dad brought me to a Bob Dylan concert.
Chris Cody
We're not talking Bob Dylan, we're talking Pearl.
Roy Bellamy
And I was just like, you like this music, huh?
Chris Cody
Dad loves him. Loves him.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so father, son connection through music, it's the. You feel the music and you know all the lines and you know the set lists, and you can remember what they played in what order in 2003.
Chris Cody
Oh, my God. I mean, give me. I'll name every song in two notes, all right? I know every song they're about to play. I love it.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so the stakes on this are. He is so confident that the Atlanta. I'm. So help me with this. The Atlanta Hawks will have their ass taken or they're going to have their ass took. Okay.
Chris Cody
You understand tense, right?
Dan LeBatard
No, I don't. You're too fast for me here.
Tony
Too relaxed.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah. Well, he. This is his signature catchphrase.
Chris Cody
One of them. I got a few. Yeah, that's old school. Got to evolve.
Dan LeBatard
The stakes are you're so confident the heat will take that ass that you are willing to say right now that two Pearl Jam tickets that you have secured for one of the nights. Good seats is the bet.
Chris Cody
We're betting for the second game, Second show now, Right?
Dan LeBatard
We're betting for a show that there's two extra tickets to. I don't know which show it is.
Roy Bellamy
Wait, so he's only risking the two extra tickets? That feels like he's not risking a lot.
David Sampson
No, he should be able to go to one.
Chris Cody
I need to be at both shows. I'm risking everything.
Roy Bellamy
No, I'm confused. Is. Okay, are there four tickets to one of the shows?
Dan LeBatard
All right. No, this is. This. I'm going to explain this again. I know people hate their math, so here's the deal. Somehow this very difficult ticket, because so many people were calling in favors yesterday.
Chris Cody
More difficult than Taylor Swift.
Dan LeBatard
This is an embarrassment of riches. It honestly embarrasses me that Zaslo is not only gonna be able to get his dream scenario, possibly of two shows, two nights, great seats, dream scenario. It's why you couldn't sleep for how long?
Chris Cody
It's been a few weeks now. I've been.
Dan LeBatard
Because you were not gonna get tickets.
Chris Cody
It's just. It's. Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
And you were not going to get good tickets.
Chris Cody
Not going to get tickets.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so we are plus two on his dream scenario. In this scenario, he can bring guests to one of the games, and he gets his dream scenario. Now what. What needs to be taken away there, Chris, for the stakes to be high enough for you? For the stakes to be. Zaslow is going to work for us for free through the hockey playoffs. Like, we're going to figure out how to make the bet. Zas works for free for months with.
Roy Bellamy
The confidence he has in the Heat. I think if the Heat lose against the Hawks, he needs to not be able to go to one of the nights.
Tony
Please play responsibly.
Chris Cody
Okay, but. So when I say no, then what happens?
Dan LeBatard
How much do you believe?
Chris Cody
Do I just get the tickets anyway?
Dan LeBatard
No, no. How much do you believe in the Heat? The stakes are, say, publicly, whether you actually believe. 100. And it's not a character that there's going to be an ass taken here.
Chris Cody
Yeah, the Heat. I mean, like, no.
Dan LeBatard
Do you know it or do you not?
Chris Cody
Yeah, the Heat are going into Atlanta tomorrow night. They're winning that game.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, so you're so sure of it that you'll take. I'll take one away. One total night away if they lose.
Chris Cody
Well, but the point is, why do I have to do that? Can I just say, to prove your.
Roy Bellamy
Allegiance to the Heat and how much you believe in them.
Tony
He's making a great point. He's saying, basically, if I'm going to wager, it's because I'm going to win an even greater prize, right? Like, if I have the backstage passes. Right. What if. What if we said. If he's right, he gets backstage passes on top of it, but if he's wrong, he doesn't get to go at all. But if you do stakes.
Roy Bellamy
No. If you don't take the back, you're just admitting to us that you don't actually believe in the Heat.
Chris Cody
Yeah, but who gives a shit? I want to go to Pearl Jam.
Roy Bellamy
Just saying that's what you're doing.
Dan LeBatard
Then the whole thing falls apart. You guys don't understand how this works. No. Zaslo has to be tested for his Heat allegiance, and the stakes have to be. You don't get. One of the things in the dream scenario. Can't be we just all go back to normal afterward because he didn't actually care about it that much.
Roy Bellamy
$500 bar tab, courtesy of Dan. If you. If you get it.
Chris Cody
Right now we're talking trying to get.
Amin Elhassan
Alcohol, poison, dinner, dinner. To dinner.
Dan LeBatard
It's a totally different game.
Roy Bellamy
Just Trying to add something if he wins. I'm trying to play the game here, all right?
Dan LeBatard
So, I mean, I feel like we're negotiating very poorly here. You.
Chris Cody
You.
Dan LeBatard
You understand that? What is it? The value of what is here is Zaslow's dream scenario. Plus, that is available to him right now in exchange for. He's got to work for free if he gets those tickets. But he's now got his Heat allegiance being tested because he says he believes in the Heat, but he doesn't actually.
Tony
But I think, look, you gave him the reward. He's already got it in pocket.
Chris Cody
That's what it's about.
Tony
He's got no point in proving his allegiance to you.
Chris Cody
That's what it's about.
Tony
You already took that ass, and I.
Amin Elhassan
Already took that ass, and what's the point?
Roy Bellamy
But we're seeing how scared you really are as a Heat fan. That's. That's what you're revealing.
Dan LeBatard
But this. No, but this is the other.
Chris Cody
But I'm not scared.
Dan LeBatard
No, you are. No, but this is the thing, guys. This is what I'm saying. How do we put the stakes on this? So, yes, the tickets are secured. Zaz will not get them unless the stakes are this needs to happen or Zaz works for free.
Tony
I think that's. That's the thing.
David Sampson
That.
Chris Cody
That's probably the wager. That's probably the wager.
Tony
Yeah. So if he. If the Heat win, am I willing.
Chris Cody
To put the Heat win on the line versus working for free? That's probably the wager.
Dan LeBatard
So that. So that he does not. Right now, he has nothing. And the stakes on all of this have to be for Zaslow's Pearl Jam allegiances, for his Heat allegiances, for him to test, win or lose one bet. I either get my dream night or not. Or not.
Chris Cody
Not.
Dan LeBatard
If this happens.
Chris Cody
I'm ready. I'm ready. Yeah, I'm ready. If that's the wager. So Pearl Jam tickets. You have them. I don't have them. You have them for me. Am I wagering to get those tickets?
Dan LeBatard
You will never get those tickets unless the stakes are decided by the end of this. Like, it has been decided. Zaz does not have the tickets.
Chris Cody
I don't have tickets.
Dan LeBatard
He does not have the tickets. Will not get the tickets unless it gets decided before the end of the show today.
Tony
So we basically rescinded our offer from yesterday.
Chris Cody
Well, no, he.
Dan LeBatard
We didn't know we had the tickets.
Chris Cody
A fair question.
Dan LeBatard
We didn't know we had the tickets. Yes, that offer has been rescinded. David Sampson negotiated poorly. Everyone agrees with that, correct?
Tony
He just gave him away.
Dan LeBatard
Yes, for me, but that's privilege. That's privilege. Jesus. That's a show off move by him. Like, that's honest to God. Obnoxious. Obnoxious. Oh, David.
David Sampson
Obnoxious David Sampson. We're talking about the same guy.
Dan LeBatard
Come on.
Chris Cody
The best part is, I went home yesterday, and I said to my son, I said, hey, I think we got Pearl Jam tickets. He was so happy. He was so pumped. And he says, how? I say, well, David Sampson from the Le Batard Show. And my son goes, you mean the guy everyone hates?
David Sampson
Yep.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, Uncle David.
Dan LeBatard
He's a problem.
Tony
Chris, how would you react? I'm your father. I walk in and say, buddy, guess what I got. Hey, dad, we got Bob Dylan tickets from David Sampson.
Roy Bellamy
Yay. Super excited to spend time with you, dad. That's not really someone I want to go watch, though.
Dan LeBatard
That one hurts me for your dad, that he took you to Bob Dylan and you didn't care at all.
Roy Bellamy
I was just looking around. I'm like, what are we doing here? He's just, like.
Dan LeBatard
So disrespectful.
Chris Cody
To who? To Bob Dylan or to Greg?
Dan LeBatard
No, no, look, look, look. Greg and Chris not connecting here has to infuriate his father that because.
Roy Bellamy
Because you're not Elton John. I kind of get, like, he showed me Elton John. I like Elton John. That Bob Dylan thing, I was just.
Tony
Like, it sounds like Greg took you to an Eric Reed concert.
Roy Bellamy
It's the third time you've sent me to this concert.
Dan LeBatard
You guys understand, and please help me figure it out. It's not that confusing. Tony, I need your help. Wa. I need your help. Jeremy, I need your help. We got off to a stumbling start because I don't understand how to make the stakes to the bet, but the stakes have to be Zaslow being tested for all of his allegiances, all of his Pearl Jam allegiances, all of his Heat allegiances, has to have a single bet that will put him at risk of getting nothing at all or getting a bounty beyond his dreams. And the stakes are he'll also, somewhere in here, have to work for free for the entire hockey playoffs.
David Sampson
Okay, I think we've got it. So to combine tickets working for free and making sure that we're not rescinding offers that were made before. If the Heat win, Zaslow gets tickets to both Knights of Pearl Jam and actually gets paid to work here here for the work that he does. But if the Heat lose, he gets one night of Pearl Jam tickets and has to work for free.
Tony
No, I. I think if the.
David Sampson
We have to take away entirely.
Dan LeBatard
That's entirely.
Tony
You got to put Pearl Jam on the line, buddy.
David Sampson
Oh, man.
Tony
Pearl Jam.
David Sampson
I was trying to hedge that at least a little for you.
Roy Bellamy
See how much he believes in the.
Tony
Heat and indentured servitude. That's the other part of this.
Roy Bellamy
They're going to take that ass.
Chris Cody
Well, yeah. It's not just how much do I believe in the heat. Heat. It's also working for free. My wife loves money. I don't know if you know this about wives. They love money.
Roy Bellamy
They love it.
Chris Cody
So that I have to go home, tell her I'm working for free. Not the ideal scenario. Wives love money.
Dan LeBatard
You love Pearl Jam.
Chris Cody
I love Pearl Jam so much more than I love.
Dan LeBatard
The stakes have to be all or nothing here. People like you understand it. This is a magical place where music and sports meet and please help me figure it out because wa is in trouble. Is the sound ready?
Jeremy
Yes, it is, Dan.
Dan LeBatard
Can you press it with your gloves? I actually wanted in the local hour to talk about simply a play in game against Chicago that they will lose late after leading because they can't do anything late in games because they have a systemic problem. Gas bag of the week. Fairest thing ever said around here. So matter of fact. And this will happen. And this will happen. This will happen because I. I literally know it all. As if I know anything about sports. Been faking it for 40 years. I can't tell you what's going to happen. It wasn't that. And the heat has taught me no lessons over 15 years because every time they do this, I'm like, oh, that's stunning. Is it?
Tony
That third quarter, though, you felt like I'm a genius. It's all happening now, I think.
Roy Bellamy
Giddy hit like back to back threes and you're like, oh, here we go.
Tony
That dunk he had on the baseline.
Chris Cody
Single moments that you thought that the Bulls were making that the Bulls. The closest they got was like 13.
Dan LeBatard
Do you understand that. That the stakes on this heat season, I mean, yeah, maybe they get a whale or whatever. I mean, but the stakes on this heat season is you're. You're playing what for what feels like the last embers of what was a pretty cool thing for 15 years. And here's where the meteor falls apart. They're not nearly as good as these other teams. They needed someone like Jimmy at the top of this thing.
Tony
Yeah, I mean, I think it. It all depends on how you view Tyler Hero, if you are gonna.
Dan LeBatard
Well, I said he was maxi. How do I. How should I view him?
Roy Bellamy
Is that a cool way to say he's worth a Max deal?
Dan LeBatard
No, no, Tyrese.
Amin Elhassan
Maxi.
Dan LeBatard
No Tyrese.
Roy Bellamy
He's Maxi.
Dan LeBatard
I wish I had.
Roy Bellamy
I wish I seems maxi.
Tony
I'm not mad at that, by the way.
Dan LeBatard
I like it. I like. I like it.
Tony
Like, we could say Kevin Drat. Max player, right?
Roy Bellamy
Super Maxi.
Tony
No, not even Maxi. Super Max, right? LeBron James. Super Max. Luka Doncic. Super Max. Tally. Hero.
Chris Cody
Maxi.
Tony
Maxi.
Chris Cody
Maxi.
Dan LeBatard
Why did you laugh, Tony, at the idea that Tyler Hero would be about the equivalent of Maxey?
Amin Elhassan
Because Tyrese Maxey is so much better. And we had this conversation, like the wembanyama conversation two or three years ago. I was like, tyrese Maxey's clearly the best, better player.
David Sampson
And now Tyler Hero is one of the most improved players in the NBA.
Amin Elhassan
Most improved, sure.
Chris Cody
Now most improve has to go to a guy who was number one overall at some point.
David Sampson
It's crazy. I hate the way they do it.
Chris Cody
It's a dumb award.
David Sampson
Look, the guy has played very well. I'm not saying he's Jimmy Butler in terms of being able to take over games, but to. To turn your nose at it. No, but hold on.
Roy Bellamy
If you're not saying he's not Jimmy.
David Sampson
Butler, all Jimmy Butler.
Roy Bellamy
What do you mean it wasn't all Jimmy Butler? Butler. It was literally all Jimmy Butler in that playoff run after the Bucks series.
David Sampson
Right? And so what are you watching last night? All of these other guys contribute, right? It wasn't Tyler Hero, but Tyler Hero is there now as a completely different player than he was two years ago. I'm actually not even sitting here trying to say that the Heat are gonna, like, make this run to the finals. I'm saying I think it's valuable for.
Chris Cody
The best playing team of all time.
Roy Bellamy
I'm not doubting.
David Sampson
Look, look, I'm not doubting anybody. I think that the Heat are capable of it. I'm not trying to predict it. Capable of going in and having a competitive series against the Cavs? Because he keeps saying Finals, upsetting them. What I'm asking is, is there. All I'm asking is, is there any value for a team like this one to extend their season, go to the postseason, have a different collection of picks, and get guys like Khalil Ware, who's a first round pick, an opportunity to play against the Cavs in the first round where we'll have tough matchups. Like, I'm it's not all always about the championship when there are experiences for your younger players to be had, especially when you're not actually losing picks by making the postseason, you're just changing the years in which you have them.
Chris Cody
Here's the question. All right, I'm going to put an end to this. I just don't. Here's the question. If the Cleveland Cavaliers, they got the truth serum, we pumped them with the truth serum tomorrow night, how badly are they rooting for the Atlanta Hawks?
Roy Bellamy
Now that I agree with, of course. But I can agree with that and also say they're not going to beat the Cavs. Like, both those can be true.
Tony
We said the same thing about the Boston Celtics the other night, Orlando versus Atlanta. Of course they would have rather played Atlanta than Orlando. There are easier matchups, but that doesn't mean the matchup itself is dangerous. It's just one is less easy than the other.
Chris Cody
I don't know what the Cleveland Cavaliers have ever won. Guys on this Heat team been the finals, some of them several times. Really good one on one. Defenders on that Heat team several times.
David Sampson
Got wings and bigs and guards.
Tony
I gotta ask, how excited, how excited. How pumped did you guys get? Get When Mitchell had the 24 second violation?
Chris Cody
Can I ask you something? I want to be serious here. Can I ask you something? Because this is something I'm really confused with and I have this conversation at home with my son over like the last month because my son really likes what he's seeing from Davion Mitchell. And man, that block he had on Colby White and the violation.
David Sampson
Oh, my God, he's a dog.
Chris Cody
All right, that's Heat culture right there.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, everyone hates that.
Chris Cody
Is Davion Mitchell good? Because like, I, it's. It's one of those where I can't. I don't know, I can't.
Dan LeBatard
Why, why can't it just be. He's a really good perimeter defender.
Chris Cody
No, I'm talking overall, like, I. He might be good and I. But I don't know. I can't tell.
Tony
Some nights I think he is a talented player.
Chris Cody
It's a lottery pick.
Tony
I also think that when you burn through three teams in like three years, right, that means something, right?
David Sampson
Well, unlike Gabe Vincent, he's shooting a thousand percent from 3 right now, so that sort of changes things.
Chris Cody
Folks, listen up.
Roy Bellamy
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Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Local Hour: The Greatest Play-In Team in The History of the NBA
Release Date: April 17, 2025
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, recording from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, along with their team, delve into the intricacies of the NBA playoffs, particularly focusing on the Miami Heat's performance and prospects. The show intertwines spirited debates, humorous exchanges, and high-stakes wagers, all while maintaining a lively and engaging atmosphere.
[02:18] Dan LeBatard:
The episode kicks off with the "Shadow Show" segment, a unique feature where hosts interact without visual cues, engaging in playful banter. Dan prompts Chris Cody about his night's sleep, leading to a humorous exchange about Chris being "naked" for the show, underscoring the playful chemistry among the hosts.
[06:17] Dan LeBatard:
Dan opens the discussion on the Miami Heat's recent playoff performance, admitting his misjudgment in predicting their loss against Chicago. He introduces the notion that analysts like Zaslow may have been overly optimistic about the Heat's chances, setting the stage for a deeper analysis.
[07:02] Chris Cody:
Chris expresses confidence in the Heat's ability to reach the finals as the first 10th seed, highlighting a "good day" for the team despite Dan's earlier miscalculations.
[10:00] Amin Elhassan:
The conversation shifts to strategic decisions, with Amin Elhassan questioning the Heat's game plans and draft strategies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on key percentages and top picks to enhance the team's future prospects.
[12:03] Roy Bellamy:
Roy criticizes the Heat's current trajectory, suggesting that without pivotal players like Jimmy Butler, the team lacks the necessary foundation to make a significant playoff run. He advocates for a 3% chance to secure key draft picks like Cooper Flag, emphasizing the need for strategic asset accumulation.
[16:07] Amin Elhassan:
Amin underscores the value of acquiring top-tier players in the draft, arguing that even a modest increase in draft position could provide substantial long-term benefits for the Heat.
[20:42] Dan LeBatard:
Dan challenges the team to focus on the immediate playoff performance rather than long-term draft considerations, highlighting the tension between current success and future planning.
[26:04] Chris Cody:
The discussion takes a dramatic turn as Dan proposes a high-stakes wager involving exclusive Pearl Jam concert tickets. He challenges Chris to bet these coveted tickets based on the outcome of an upcoming Heat game against the Atlanta Hawks.
[26:28] Chris Cody:
Initially hesitant, Chris contemplates the emotional and personal stakes of the bet, balancing his passion for the Heat against the allure of the Pearl Jam experience.
[27:02] Dan LeBatard:
Dan emphasizes the need for clear stakes to validate the wager, insisting that it tests Zaslow's allegiance to the Heat and his dedication to the show by potentially requiring him to work for free during the hockey playoffs if the Heat lose.
[28:16] Tony:
Tony interjects with a responsible gambling reminder, highlighting the seriousness of the wager and the importance of playing responsibly.
[29:20] Chris Cody:
Chris passionately defends his devotion to Pearl Jam, sharing personal anecdotes about attending numerous concerts and fostering a generational connection through music with his son.
[32:22] Dan LeBatard:
Dan reiterates the wager's terms, clarifying that Zaslow will receive the tickets only if the Heat win the game, thereby forcing Zaslow to prove his loyalty to the team.
[38:00] David Sampson:
David attempts to mediate the negotiation, suggesting adjustments to the bet to balance the rewards and consequences more effectively.
[44:44] Dan LeBatard:
As the show nears its conclusion, Dan reflects on the Heat's perennial struggles in critical game moments, underscoring his skepticism about their ability to sustain success without systemic changes.
[45:10] Roy Bellamy:
Roy wraps up the episode by highlighting key performances from Heat players like Davion Mitchell, emphasizing their contributions and potential impact on the playoff series.
[46:05] Mike Ryan:
The episode concludes with a nostalgic ad segment celebrating Miller Lite's 50th anniversary, reminiscing about the brand's long-standing partnership with the show.
Dan LeBatard ([07:02]):
"I'm totally wrong again. But Zaslo is going to be worse than Jeremy, Mike Ryan — two-time champion broadcasters — about what that Heat victory meant last night."
Chris Cody ([12:03]):
"I'm talking about the greatest playing team in the history of the NBA. And that right there is not something you could dispute because all the facts are on my side."
Roy Bellamy ([16:07]):
"It's a 10% chance to jump chance. Cooper Flag, buddy."
Dan LeBatard ([26:04]):
"The stakes are you're so confident the Heat will take that ass that you are willing to say right now that two Pearl Jam tickets that you have secured for one of the nights. Good seats is the bet."
Chris Cody ([29:20]):
"There is nothing in my life that brings me as much joy as seeing Pearl Jam. I love them so much. I started going when I was 16 years old. I've seen them 27 times."
This episode masterfully blends sports analysis with personal anecdotes and high-stakes interactions, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the Miami Heat's playoff journey while entertaining them with the hosts' dynamic chemistry. The wager over the Pearl Jam tickets serves as a focal point, encapsulating the show's unique ability to intertwine passion for sports with engaging, real-time storytelling.