Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Episode: The Big Suey: Night Terrors (feat. David Sampson)
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan LeBatard and Stugotz delve into a mix of heated sports debates, personal anecdotes, and light-hearted segments. Featuring a guest appearance by David Sampson, the conversation spans from controversial remarks in the hockey world to the deeply personal topic of night terrors. Additionally, the show includes humorous interactions, debates over player reputations, and a fun segment on matzo ball soup.

1. Controversial Remarks in Hockey: "Pigeon" and "Turtle" Insults

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about recent events in the hockey world, specifically focusing on John Morant’s controversial buzzer-beater over Khalil Ware, where Morant referred to Ware as a "pigeon." This term sparked confusion and backlash among the hosts and listeners.

Notable Quote:

Dan LeBatard [01:08]: "I have a question for the group before we bring in David Sampson. None of you were as surprised as I was earlier this season when John Morant made a buzzer beater over Khalil Ware, an amazing athlete, and called him a pigeon."

Stugotz and the team dissect the meaning behind these insults, comparing them to similar terms like "turtle." Dominique Foxworth attempts to clarify, linking "turtle" to players like Matthew Tkachuk and Evander Kane, suggesting it implies toughness that crumbles under pressure.

Notable Quote:

Dominique Foxworth [03:13]: "So turtle, I can Google it to see what it means for hockey, but I think what he's talking about is these are all tough guys, but then when it comes time to think, down they go in their shell."

The conversation expands into a broader critique of player behaviors and reputations, with specific attention to Brad Marchand. Dominique vehemently labels Marchand as a "garbage person," igniting a spirited debate among the hosts.

Notable Quote:

Dominique Foxworth [24:04]: "My main point of contention is he's a piece of garbage. And you cannot... you can pull all the data points you want, pal, to try to convince me I'm wrong about that, but I am not wrong. Brad Marchand, garbage person."

2. Stugotz’s Night Terrors: A Deep Dive into Personal Struggles

Transitioning from sports controversies, the show takes a more personal turn as Stugotz opens up about his struggle with night terrors. He describes the terrifying experience of recurring nightmares where he is chased and threatened with death or capture, even seeing familiar faces like the hosts in these dreams.

Notable Quote:

Stugotz [08:00]: "When I fall asleep, what happens, Dan, is it's the same one. I'm being chased, and I'm being chased to be Captured. And what happens is there are people on the sidelines watching like it's a game, except it's not a game. I'm actually being chased. That will result in my death or my capture."

The hosts express empathy and curiosity, with David Sampson questioning why Stugotz hasn't sought more focused psychological help despite undergoing therapy. The discussion highlights the stigma and challenges surrounding mental health, especially for public figures.

Notable Quote:

David Sampson [11:13]: "But here's what I can't understand. Why are you living with this recurring nightmare that causes you such pain? Why don't you seek counseling or something of that nature to try to solve the issue?"

Stugotz explains that while he has received therapy, night terrors remain a low-priority issue despite their impact on his quality of life and work.

3. Debating Player Reputations: Brad Marchand and Beyond

Returning to sports, the hosts continue their passionate debate over Brad Marchand's character and performance. Dominique stands firm in his negative opinion, while others challenge his stance, citing Marchand's contributions and popularity within the sport.

Notable Quote:

Greg Cody [25:00]: "Brad Marchand. Okay. All right. So there we are. There we are. Garbage person."

The debate intensifies as Dominique defends his viewpoint, refusing to be swayed by statistics or testimonials from other players and coaches who regard Marchand positively. The exchange underscores the subjective nature of sports fandom and player evaluations.

Notable Quote:

Dominique Foxworth [24:43]: "But my main point of contention is he's a piece of garbage. And you cannot... you can pull all the data points you want, pal, to try to convince me I'm wrong about that, but I am not wrong. Brad Marchand, garbage person."

4. Light-Hearted Segments: "Back in My Day" and Matzo Ball Soup

Amidst intense discussions, the show intersperses lighter segments to balance the tone. The "Back in My Day" segment features nostalgia-inducing conversations about past sports eras and memorable moments.

The hosts then introduce a fun segment centered around matzo ball soup. They inspect and humorously critique the appearance and texture of the soup, playfully debating its merits without actually tasting it.

Notable Quote:

Stugotz [26:37]: "Anything else?"

Dan LeBatard [26:03]: "How's the soup?"

The segment culminates with the hosts humorously evaluating David Sampson's show's new opening sequence, comparing it to a funeral tribute due to its somber tone.

Notable Quote:

Dominique Foxworth [40:30]: "For the audio audience, it felt like David Sampson had died and we were putting together a tribute, basically."

5. Humor and Banter: Building the Show's Dynamic

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful teasing and inside jokes, enhancing the camaraderie and entertainment value of the show. From poking fun at Stugotz's punctuality and wardrobe to ribbing each other over pronunciation mishaps and personal quirks, the banter adds a relatable and humorous layer to the discussions.

Notable Quote:

Greg Cody [15:22]: "You said zippers on shorts."

Dan LeBatard [15:24]: "Get out. You've got to leave the room."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully weaves together intense sports debates with personal revelations and humorous segments. The discussion ranges from dissecting controversial remarks in hockey to exploring the deeply personal issue of night terrors, all while maintaining a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Notably, the hosts’ ability to balance serious conversations with light-hearted banter ensures a well-rounded and captivating listening experience for both regular fans and new audiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Sports Controversy: The use of derogatory terms like "pigeon" and "turtle" in sports slurs sparks significant debate and confusion, highlighting the complexities of athlete interactions and reputations.

• Mental Health Awareness: Stugotz’s openness about his night terrors brings attention to the importance of mental health support, even for those who appear strong and fearless.

• Subjective Fandom: The passionate debate over Brad Marchand exemplifies how personal biases and experiences shape sports fandom and player evaluations.

• Balanced Content: The inclusion of humorous and lighter segments ensures the show remains entertaining and relatable, catering to a diverse audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan LeBatard [01:08]: "I have a question for the group before we bring in David Sampson. None of you were as surprised as I was earlier this season when John Morant made a buzzer beater over Khalil Ware, an amazing athlete, and called him a pigeon."

• Dominique Foxworth [03:13]: "So turtle, I can Google it to see what it means for hockey, but I think what he's talking about is these are all tough guys, but then when it comes time to think, down they go in their shell."

• Stugotz [08:00]: "When I fall asleep, what happens, Dan, is it's the same one. I'm being chased, and I'm being chased to be Captured. And what happens is there are people on the sidelines watching like it's a game, except it's not a game. I'm actually being chased. That will result in my death or my capture."

• Dominique Foxworth [24:04]: "My main point of contention is he's a piece of garbage. And you cannot... you can pull all the data points you want, pal, to try to convince me I'm wrong about that, but I am not wrong. Brad Marchand, garbage person."

• David Sampson [11:13]: "But here's what I can't understand. Why are you living with this recurring nightmare that causes you such pain? Why don't you seek counseling or something of that nature to try to solve the issue?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners seeking to understand the key discussions and dynamics at play.