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The Big Suey: David Samson Steals a Bike (feat. David Samson) - The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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The Big Suey: David Samson Steals a Bike (feat. David Samson)

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Thu Nov 13 2025

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Big Suey — David Samson Steals a Bike

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz | Nov 13, 2025 | Featuring David Samson

Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in downtown Miami, this episode of “The Big Suey” welcomes frequent contributor David Samson for an expansive and emotional conversation. The show weaves together candid reflections on Samson’s personal struggles, behind-the-scenes sports business insight, and trademark show banter. The conversation is particularly poignant as Samson opens up about his family’s ongoing challenges, revealing the realities of working and parenting through immense adversity. The episode also covers the recent baseball gambling scandal, delves into pop culture, and, true to the title, recounts the saga of Samson “stealing” a rental bike in New York.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. David Samson’s Personal Journey and Family Crisis

Samson’s Head-Shaving & Beard
Samson explains he shaved his head for his daughter, who is currently undergoing treatment, and keeps his beard because it brings her comfort.

“I will never shave it...the hair was — because part of treatments is that she is without hair for the most part. And so I wanted it to be...take power over that.”
— David Samson [05:23]
Vulnerability & Working Through Pain
Samson shares how working on the show and interacting with the audience gives him solace during this difficult period.

“The reason I do shows is that I want to feel less lonely...I enjoy interacting with the audience.”
— David Samson [07:01]
Acting Cheerful for His Daughter
Samson discusses the daily need to put on a brave face for his daughter, despite constantly battling his own emotions.

“It is a lot of acting. It’s a lot of pretending...when you’re crying, you can’t stay in the room with her because you don’t want her to see you crying.”
— David Samson [10:28]
Grappling with Regret and Love
He touches on the complexities of love, regret, and family dynamics under stress:

“None of us are taking care of ourselves the way we should because we’re focused on taking care of her because that’s all that matters. And...the impact on everyone else is as significant as the impact on her.”
— David Samson [07:54]
Breaking Down

“I’ve cried every day since September 12th...There isn’t a day that goes by...there’s no escape from it.”
— David Samson [12:37]

2. Comic Relief: The 'Stolen' Bicycle Incident

Rental Bike Fiasco
Samson shares a chaotic moment — getting trapped with an alarm-blaring rental bike in a Manhattan studio while balancing intense family responsibilities.

“During the filming of the show, the bike went dead and the alarm went off as though I had stolen it...I was schwitzing trying to move the bike...I was in full panic mode.”
— David Samson [18:11]
Bimmel’s 'Content First' Attitude

“He can’t help me because he’s too busy videoing.” — David Samson [18:11]
Show’s Playful Teasing

“David Samson is a noted bicycle thief.” — Chris Cote [34:15]
“Stop, thief.” — Dan Le Batard [34:31]

3. Wilt Chamberlain Debate

The panel debates Wilt Chamberlain's skills, spotlighting multigenerational arguments about his legacy.

“Wilt Chamberlain had an entire...great mid-range game...the things he was doing we’ve never seen since.”
— David Samson [04:12] “His game was limited...he was bigger, stronger and more athletic than everyone else.”
— Chris Cote [03:37]

4. Baseball Gambling Scandal

Coverage vs. Consequences
The group discusses why NBA gambling controversies overshadow the arguably more impactful MLB betting scandal, which now threatens a top closer’s career.

“The basketball gambling scandal seems to be getting a lot more attention, coverage and interest when the baseball scandal means one of the best closers in baseball is probably never going to throw a major league pitch again.”
— Chris Cote [21:04]
Sportsbook and MLB Collaboration

“It took three days for MLB and the sports books to get together and change the rules...that’s the thing to do when you’re in the news and it’s bad. Do something good and do it fast.”
— David Samson [21:04]
Players’ Financial Pressures
Samson explains economic realities for players, especially from the Dominican, whose extended families often depend on their earnings:

“The pressure on the players in the Dominican should not be undersold.”
— David Samson [27:55] “Their expenses are so much higher than you realize.”
— David Samson [26:25]

5. Pop Culture Sidebar: “House of Dynamite”

David reviews the film “House of Dynamite” (Katherine Bigelow, Netflix), focusing on nuclear threats and political response. He laments how controversy often overshadows substantive art:

“People are very concerned with the end of this movie and they’re losing what the movie was about...an examination of what perilous ground we stand on as it relates to nuclear proliferation.”
— David Samson [33:13]

6. Lighter Bits, Whistles & Suit Talk

Show Banter & Hijinks
Ongoing technical and comedic bits ensue, notably involving video room distractions, studio “coach” press conferences, and a running joke about Charles Barkley’s appearance post-weight loss.

“This is actively distracting to me as I’m trying to do a live show.”
— Chris Cote [34:39] “You’re telling me that him skinny looks to you more mortal than him heavy?”
— Chris Cote [41:33] “If he got, like, a fitted suit... it would be night and day.”
— David Samson [41:43]
Amin Finds Out: iOS Typing Glitch
Roy Bellamy shares that iPhone users’ recent typing woes are due to an iOS bug, not a neurological issue:

“It’s entering the wrong letters...I literally thought I was having some neurological disorder.”
— Roy Bellamy [37:01]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On Persevering Through Family Tragedy:
“I enjoy doing this with you every week. I enjoy interacting with the audience. Unfortunately, my day today... I have to do something with Pablo that I really don’t want to do, but I feel totally obligated to.” — David Samson [07:01]
On Emotional Honesty in Crisis:
“I’ve cried every day since September 12th. At some point. There isn’t a day that goes by where something where it’s not in my head. There’s no escaping from it.” — David Samson [12:37]
On Player Temptations & Scandal:
“Rich people want to be richer and players in that category... it doesn’t matter. Classe was not thinking to himself, ‘Hey, I got a chance to make $20 million. I’m going to turn down five grand.’” — David Samson [23:00]
On Dominican Player Realities:
“You have no idea how big the payroll is for some of these players, how many people they’re actually supporting...their families, their friends, their friends’ family.”
— David Samson [26:25]
On Ignored Context in Film Criticism:
“We are forgetting the forest and we are so focused on an individual tree and its sapling that it’s making me insane actually.”
— David Samson [34:05]

Timestamps of Important Segments

[01:44] — Chris introduces David Samson and his recent challenges
[02:57] — David discusses head shaving, beard, and audience support
[07:05] — On coping with love, time, regret, and family stress
[10:19] — The difficulty of shielding his daughter from his own pain
[12:37] — Samson reckons with daily emotional struggle
[18:11] — The infamous “stolen bicycle” story
[21:04] — Sports gambling scandals: MLB vs. NBA
[26:25] — Discussion of Dominican players’ family and financial pressures
[33:13] — Review and meta-conversation around “House of Dynamite”
[37:01] — Roy reveals iPhone typing glitch
[41:33] — Lighthearted suit talk and deeper commentary on aging and mortality

Conclusion

In this episode, the Le Batard crew sets aside some of its usual irreverence to offer a remarkably empathetic look at hardship and resilience, courtesy of David Samson’s vulnerability. The conversation blends heartfelt moments with lighter comedic relief—true to the show’s DNA. Listeners are treated to honest insights into the business of sports, cultural debates, and the strange, chaotic, very human lives of the people behind the microphones.

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Transcript

Dan LeBatard (0:01)

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David Sampson (0:54)

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Chris Cote (1:09)

Welcome to the Big Suey presented by DraftKings. Why are you listening to this show, the podcast that seems very similar to.

David Sampson (1:17)

The other Dan LeBatard podcast?

Chris Cote (1:18)

I'm sorry, I'm not gonna apologize for that. In fact, this the only difference seems to be this imaging. I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys.

Shaquille O'Neal (1:31)

I've done it.

Chris Cote (1:32)

And now here's the marching man to Nowhere, Fat Face and the Habitual Liar.

Amin Elhassan (1:38)

This episode of the Dan Levittart show is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.

Chris Cote (1:44)

So I really don't know, even though I am talking to David Sampson, where and when the time permits. I really don't know how he is doing what he is presently doing, which is a daily show that is three times a week now, but is normally daily as he manages some stuff at home that has been really profoundly difficult. Some of the worst pain that I can't imagine, much worse pain than what it is that he's presently going through. I assume that he's still working because he's duty bound, he's responsible and because there are parts of this that he Enjoys. He has now shaved his head in solidarity with his daughter and his family. Family and Zaslow asked me a question. I didn't know how to answer it, even though I've known you for 20 years, and I could generally feel pretty confident answering these questions. He's like, can we say who David looks like now? Is that insensitive? Is it insensitive to say who in arts or entertainment David looks like now that he's got this big gray beard and that he's shaven? And I would assume that you'd be okay with that, but he didn't want to be indelicate over something that was, you know, so family personal as you shaving your head to show everyone really that you're in pain with your daughter.

David Sampson (7:54)

Definitely could never have imagined the situation. And I would say where I am with love. And it's something that I think about, obviously, because you think that your reaction would be that you want to take advantage of every minute, that you want to remember every moment, and that you are. You go back with some regret over decisions that you've made over time you didn't spend with your daughter when you could have. And the struggle I'm having is that I don't know that I would have done anything differently because I only had the information I had at the time. And I never would have expected there to be this sort of issue that, that exists that costs time because as you know, my relationship with time is far more complicated than my relationship with love. But right now, the family and we're very much hunkered down. And the problem is that there is no time to show enough grace to. To each other. There is no time to show enough love to each other because it is basically every day dealing with something. Does this help her get better? That's the question. Does this help give her a moment of being happier? That's the question. Not how do I show more love to myself or to others. None of us are taking care of ourselves the way we should because we're focused on taking care of her because that's all that matters. And the question you have to ask yourself is that balance is a difficult one because it is having a tremendously negative impact on everyone in the family. And I could almost argue, and people are going to misunderstand this, there is an argument to be made that the impact on everyone else is as significant as the impact on her. And there's a Bunch of factors that I don't want to talk about that make that a true statement. That may not sound true to you, but these are issues that come up, including until one in the morning last night during a family meeting, while there is a show the next day at, you know, 7:00am live, I had to be someplace, so I had to get on my bike and go to a House at 10:30 at night for several hours, and my phone goes off. And that's not a fine because it's on silent except for family who texts from time to time about treatments and stuff. So it's all a mess. Dan. And I don't want to waste your audience's time. And I'm not looking for anything other than love that you guys have given me, and I appreciate that.

Mike Ryan (28:41)

When I think about the holidays, I think about the little moments with my dog Roma, the ones that make the season feel special. Put a little elf ears on her. You know the deal. Take some selfies, post it for people that probably seen it too much. I love my dog. That's what I'm trying to get at. That's why I'm joining Chewy Claws, who's out here making pet's wishes come true. From November 4th through December 24th, you can share your pet's wish@chewy.com chewyclaus. It might come true. And it helps others too. Every wish triggers a donation of five meals to shelters and rescues across the country. And if you share your pet's wish through the Chewy app, they'll double that donation. That's 10 meals for pets in need just for participating. I've been using Chewy for years legitimately. They've made my life easier for me and my dog, Roma. Food, toys, meds. All of it shows up fast. No stress and being part of something like Chewy Claws, where a small thing like a wish can make a real impact. That's the kind of stuff I care about. Every pet deserves a wish come true. Send your pet's wish to chewy.com chewyclaus it might become a reality. Plus, your wish means Chewie will donate five meals to pets in need. Folks, the leaves are turning. The weather's getting a little chillier. That means the football games are more important. That means football time should be Miller Time. Game day hits different with a Miller Light in your hand. From jaw dropping touchdowns to fantasy heartbreaks. My fantasy season's over already. But you know what makes that better? Miller Time. It's the beer that's been there for every moment. 50 years of great taste, simple ingredients and that iconic golden color you can spot from across the room. And here's the kicker. It's just 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. The original light beer since 1975 and still hitting different five decades later. So whatever your game day looks like, remember Miller Time is always a good time. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you too. Or you can pick up Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.