Podcast Summary: The Best of SBS: Alex Rodriguez
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: July 17, 2025

Guests:

• Alex Rodriguez: Renowned former Major League Baseball player, media and business tycoon.
• Jimmy Patero: ESPN's host and interviewer.

1. Introduction to Alex Rodriguez [01:39 - 02:22]

Jimmy Patero welcomes Alex Rodriguez to the studio, highlighting their long-standing relationship spanning nearly three decades. Patero emphasizes Alex's dual legacy as one of South Florida's greatest athletes and a formidable figure in media and business.

Quote:
Jimmy Patero [01:39]: "He is now one of, if not the best in the athletes in the history of South Florida, one of the best baseball players ever and a media tycoon and a business tycoon."

2. Aspiring for an Honest Conversation [02:22 - 03:00]

Jimmy expresses his ambition to engage in the most genuine and sincere dialogue with Alex, moving beyond superficial interactions previously had through magazine stories and past conversations.

Quote:
Jimmy Patero [02:32]: "I would like to have the most honest conversation I've ever had with you and I'VE done magazine stories on you... I'm aspiring to. How do you think we're going to do?"

3. Early Life and Family Background [03:00 - 08:00]

Alex delves into his childhood, discussing the profound impact of his father’s absence starting at age 10 and the struggles his family faced. He recounts living in New York and the Dominican Republic before settling in Miami at age nine. The influence of his hardworking mother and the lack of a paternal figure are highlighted as shaping factors in his resilience and independence.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [04:28]: "I'm a great audio listener... but I'm not a good writer and I'm not a good reader."
Jimmy Patero [07:14]: "Your mother... is now 88 vibrant, drinks you under the table. What was the imprinting left by your mother and your sister in raising you in a house that didn't have male leadership."

4. Struggles During Adolescence and Early Career [10:07 - 12:21]

Alex reflects on the challenges of adolescence, balancing school, baseball, and familial responsibilities after his father left. He shares a pivotal moment at age 12 that instilled in him the necessity to support his family, emphasizing the dual nature of his independence as both a strength and a source of loneliness.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [10:07]: "I was a good kid... I had to be a good student to get a scholarship... and I was starving."
Jimmy Patero [11:46]: "What is your relationship with money? Were there any insecurities there early on with money?"

5. Relationship with Money and Financial Literacy [12:21 - 16:32]

Alex discusses his relationship with money, driven by early exposure to financial struggles and witnessing his father's poor financial decisions. He underscores the importance of financial literacy, a passion that led him to educate others and democratize investing, aiming to empower especially minority communities.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [12:21]: "One of my great passions in life is financial literacy... It's the only way that we can really empower our future and ensure that we have a good life after sports."
Jimmy Patero [15:22]: "Strategic pivoting is what, what is the class?"

6. Personal Struggles and Embracing Therapy [19:01 - 29:22]

The conversation shifts to Alex's personal struggles, notably his suspension for PED use, which became a turning point leading him to intense therapy. He shares candid insights into battling imposter syndrome, self-loathing, and the journey towards self-forgiveness and emotional maturity. Alex credits therapy for transforming his life, making him a better father, partner, and individual.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [21:41]: "I was 18 years old. I looked like I was 28, but I had the emotional maturity of a 12 year old, a boy."
Jimmy Patero [24:23]: "I struggle with how I could be more forgiving, giving with myself."

7. Redefining Success and Personal Growth [29:22 - 38:21]

Alex emphasizes the importance of redefining success beyond athletic achievements. Post-suspension, his focus shifted to personal relationships, philanthropy, and community engagement. He highlights his roles on the boards of the University of Miami and the Boys and Girls Club, advocating for education and support within minority communities.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [35:20]: "You don't have to be defined by your biggest mistakes. How you come back matters, too."
Jimmy Patero [32:18]: "What have you learned about love in all of its forms with your family, with your children, with relationships, friendships?"

8. Relationships with Family and Co-Parenting [38:21 - 55:11]

Alex discusses his evolved relationship with his ex-wife, Cynthia, emphasizing their strong partnership in co-parenting their daughters. He shares heartfelt anecdotes about being a present father, building trust, and creating meaningful routines with his children. The dialogue touches on overcoming past relationship challenges to foster a supportive family environment.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [37:16]: "We have over 500 people that work at a Rod Corp. Own a professional NBA team. I mean, I'm living the American dream."
Jimmy Patero [47:23]: "What are you doing to ensure you’re not leaving the same scars you experienced in your childhood?"

9. The Importance of Mentorship and Surrounding Oneself with Positive Influences [55:11 - 66:50]

Alex highlights the crucial role of mentors like Magic Johnson and Pat Riley in his personal and professional development. He stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and wise individuals to navigate challenges and foster growth. Additionally, he draws parallels between his relentless work ethic and that of successful figures like Warren Buffett.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [56:18]: "But what you see here, we're just having the conversation the same, like, I'm not changing, right?"
Jimmy Patero [65:56]: "What does jealousy look like, what is happening that is making you feel that jealousy?"

10. Reflections on Fame, Media, and Legacy [66:50 - 72:27]

In the latter part of the conversation, Alex reflects on his experiences with fame and the media, including his relationship with Derek Jeter. He discusses the pressures of public scrutiny, the value of authenticity, and the importance of building a positive legacy through resilience and accountability. The dialogue concludes with Alex promoting awareness about gum disease, linking it to his personal experiences and community impact.

Quotes:
Alex Rodriguez [71:39]: "I had something like this above my bed... it's so infamous a story... I think it's actually kind of funny."
Jimmy Patero [72:04]: "What do you think of when you think of... your happy place now, if you're slogging through it, trying to figure out what happy looks like."

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [72:27]

The episode wraps up with Alex expressing gratitude for the journey of personal growth and the support he has received. He reiterates his commitment to giving back, fostering financial literacy, and maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Quote:
Alex Rodriguez [72:27]: "Thank you. Proud of you as well."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alex Rodriguez [04:28]: "The curse is obviously you miss that... I missed the mentorship from a father and just the guidance of just someone who loves you infinitely, I guess."
• Jimmy Patero [24:23]: "I struggle with how I could be more forgiving, giving with myself."
• Alex Rodriguez [35:20]: "You don't have to be defined by your biggest mistakes. How you come back matters, too."
• Alex Rodriguez [66:23]: "We're going and learning at the same time, right?"

Key Insights

• Resilience Through Adversity: Alex's journey from a challenging childhood to professional success underscores the power of resilience and self-improvement.

• Importance of Financial Literacy: Recognizing the pitfalls of early financial struggles, Alex advocates for education in financial management as a tool for empowerment.

• Therapy and Personal Growth: Embracing therapy played a pivotal role in Alex's transformation, highlighting the significance of mental health support in overcoming personal challenges.

• Redefining Success: Transitioning from athletic achievements to meaningful personal relationships and community contributions illustrates a mature understanding of true success.

• Mentorship and Support Systems: The influence of mentors and positive social circles is emphasized as essential for personal and professional development.

Conclusion

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Alex Rodriguez shares his profound journey of personal growth, resilience, and redemption. Through open dialogue with Jimmy Patero, listeners gain deep insights into the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Alex into not only a legendary athlete but also a dedicated father, philanthropist, and advocate for financial literacy. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of self-awareness, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of personal betterment.