The Big Suey: The Sounds of Saunas

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: The Big Suey: The Sounds of Saunas
Release Date: February 21, 2025

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1. NASA Asteroid Impact Odds Update

The episode kicks off with an engaging discussion about NASA's recent announcement regarding asteroid impact probabilities. The hosts delve into the fluctuating odds of a potential December 2032 asteroid collision with Earth.

• Tony shares his frustration with the constantly changing statistics, stating, "Every day we're gonna have huge swings on whether or not NASA's lost all credibility with me." [02:32]

• Mike Ryan expresses surprise at the updated odds, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding NASA's forecasts. "The percentage has already dropped back down." [02:56]

• Dan LeBatard adds a lighthearted note by recounting his experience at a basketball game, juxtaposing the gravity of asteroid news with sports anecdotes. "I told three teens sitting behind me I was gonna call their parents if they didn't shut up." [03:20]

2. Miami Hurricanes Game Insights

Transitioning from celestial threats to terrestrial sports, the hosts discuss Dan's recent experience attending a Miami Hurricanes game.

• Dan recounts sitting courtside near notable athletes like Brianna Stewart and interacting with Notre Dame staff. "I was sitting in Mike's seats with Lehman and we had one empty seat next to us." [03:59]

• Tony reflects on the awkwardness of encounters with certain individuals, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining professionalism in sports events. "You've been with me to a game where I just like have to walk right back." [04:41]

3. Notre Dame vs. Miami Basketball Performance

A critical analysis of the Miami Hurricanes' recent performance against Notre Dame is a focal point.

• Tony labels the men's basketball team as one of the worst he's ever seen, lamenting the wasted momentum from their previous tournament successes. "This is the worst men's basketball team I've ever seen." [07:00]

• Dan counters by praising the women's team, highlighting the exciting developments in women's college hoops. "It's a very exciting time to be a women's college hoops fan." [07:32]

4. Student-Athlete Safety Concerns

The conversation takes a somber turn as the hosts discuss alarming incidents involving student-athletes.

• Tony shares disturbing news about a home invasion affecting players Hannah Hidalgo and Carson Beck, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "They had a home invasion while they were sleeping and stole their cars." [08:00]

• Dan echoes the terror of the incident, underscoring the importance of player safety. "That is terrifying." [08:16]

5. MLS and Soccer Developments

Shifting gears to soccer, the hosts provide updates on Major League Soccer (MLS) and notable player movements.

• Tony expresses surprise over Lionel Messi playing in sub-zero temperatures for a CONCACAF Champions Cup match, highlighting the lesser-publicized aspects of MLS compared to other leagues. "Most people did not know that Leo Messi was playing a game in Kansas City in sub-zero temperatures." [09:00]

• Mike Ryan discusses the eligibility of Sporting Kansas City for the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the implications of recent match outcomes. "It's fascinating right now in the next five or so years for several of these different leagues." [10:22]

6. Movie Reviews and Oscar Predictions

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing recent films and Oscar nominations.

• Dan shares his goal to watch every Oscar-nominated film before the awards, grappling with time constraints due to the lengthy nature of some films. "The problem is a lot of these movies are plus two hours long." [12:04]

• Tony critiques specific films like A Real Pain and The Substance, offering his perspectives on performances and plot flaws. "He just playing like a kind of like a shithead little brother." [13:16]

• Jess and Tony engage in a dynamic exchange about the merits and shortcomings of various films, including discussions on artificial intelligence in film production. "We should maintain some sort of like, humanity in the arts." [43:33]

7. Zach Martin's Unexpected Retirement

The hosts express their surprise over the retirement of NFL player Zach Martin, delving into his career and the implications of his decision.

• Tony laments the abruptness of Zach Martin's retirement at just 34 years old, questioning whether the timing was influenced by lingering injuries or contractual issues. "Zach Martin really surprised me. Should I have been surprised?" [20:35]

• Dan speculates on the reasons behind the retirement, acknowledging Martin's long tenure and the physical toll of his position. "He feels like he has been in the league a long time and is a very taxing position." [21:09]

8. Dalton Connect Trade Drama

A heated discussion unfolds around the trade saga involving Dalton Connect, with the Lakers and Hornets at the center of the controversy.

• Mike Ryan breaks down the trade failure, attributing the Lakers' decision to falter on Mark Williams' physical to possible buyer's remorse. "The Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical." [22:50]

• Tony defends Dalton Connect, criticizing social media's rush to judge and highlighting the complexities of his situation as a young athlete not yet financially secure. "He's not this multi-millionaire. We're dealing with a very human thing." [23:17]

• Dan adds to the narrative by emphasizing the awkwardness of the situation and the lack of precedent for such trade failures. "It's one of the most awkward things I've ever seen." [24:36]

9. NBA Hot Takes: MVP Race

In a spirited segment, the hosts debate the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, positioning Nikola Jokic against the leading candidates.

• Jess asserts that Nikola Jokic should secure his fourth MVP award due to his unparalleled impact on the Denver Nuggets' performance. "Nikola Jokic should win a fourth MVP because he is literally the greatest player on the planet." [35:51]

• Mike Ryan supports this stance by highlighting Jokic's significant influence on the team's offensive ratings, both positively and negatively. "When he's on the floor, they had the greatest offensive rating of all time. When he's off, one of the worst." [38:06]

• Tony reinforces the argument, praising Jokic's efficiency and dominance despite the Nuggets' lack of a robust supporting cast. "There's nothing more valuable than someone who literally makes you one of the best teams ever when he's on the floor." [39:15]

10. Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking

The hosts explore the contentious role of artificial intelligence (AI) in movie production, particularly its use in refining actors' performances.

• Tony criticizes the overuse of AI to alter actors' accents, arguing that it undermines the authenticity of performances. "It's a big betrayal of artistry." [42:12]

• Dan acknowledges the debate, recognizing both the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in the arts. "There's helpful uses for it, but we should maintain some sort of humanity in the arts." [43:33]

11. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the blend of sports, entertainment, and societal issues discussed throughout the show. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, whether in sports management, filmmaking, or personal relationships.

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Notable Quotes

• Tony on NASA's credibility: "Every day we're gonna have huge swings on whether or not NASA's lost all credibility with me." [02:32]

• Dan on scolding teens at the game: "I told three teens sitting behind me I was gonna call their parents if they didn't shut up." [03:20]

• Tony on Zach Martin's retirement: "Zach Martin really surprised me. Should I have been surprised?" [20:35]

• Jess on Jokic's MVP candidacy: "Nikola Jokic should win a fourth MVP because he is literally the greatest player on the planet." [35:51]

• Tony on AI in filmmaking: "It's a big betrayal of artistry." [42:12]

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts navigate a diverse array of topics, from impending asteroid threats and collegiate sports dilemmas to the intricate dynamics of professional sports trades and the evolving role of AI in the arts. Their candid discussions, laced with humor and insightful commentary, provide listeners with a comprehensive look into the intersections of sports, culture, and technology. Whether debating the merits of MVP candidates or dissecting the implications of high-stakes trades, Dan, Stugotz, and the crew deliver a multifaceted conversation that caters to both sports enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.

Transcript

[Dan LeBatard]

You're listening to giraffkings Network.

[Stugots]

You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back. Or maybe it's getting cash back from your favorite business when you pay with the Venmo debit card. Or it's realizing you can pay with Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands. Now there are so many more ways to answer the question, what's your Venmo? Download Venmo today. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. DOSH cashback terms apply. You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back. Or maybe it's getting cash back from your favorite business when you pay with the Venmo debit card. Or it's realizing you can pay with Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands. Now there are so many more ways to answer the question, what's your Venmo? Download Venmo today.

[Dan LeBatard]

Thanks.

[Stugots]

The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. DOSH cashback terms apply.

[Mike Ryan]

Welcome to the Big Sui presented by DraftKings.

[Tony]

Why are you listening to this show?

[Mike Ryan]

The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast. I'm sorry. I'm not going to apologize for that. In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.

[Tony]

I have been tempted in restaurants just.

[Mike Ryan]

Walking past tables to grab somebody's fries.

[Tony]

That if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys.

[Jess]

I've done it.

[Mike Ryan]

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

[Jeremy]

This episode of the Dan Lebatard show with Stu Gotts is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.

[Tony]

We need a fire. Taylor, that was.

[Jeremy]

That was pretty rough.

[Tony]

That was not cool. I'm mad on your behalf, man.

[Dan LeBatard]

How did he know to pick the photo from the behind the Bit video?

[Jess]

He's got a big smile back there, by the way. I just kind of leaned over and looked through the window.

[Dan LeBatard]

Your most insecure photo of all time.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, come on.

[Tony]

Not. Not great. Hey, I got breaking NASA news.

[Jess]

NASA.

[Tony]

NASA.

[Jess]

Okay.

[Tony]

Yeah, I've been kind of ticked off you've been following the asteroid. Don't put it. But I see it in preview. Do not put that photo back up.

[Mike Ryan]

It was up.

[Jeremy]

It's off now.

[Tony]

Okay. Do not. Do not. Jason, you're a gator you're already on thin ice, all right? So just. Let's chill. All right, so daily, whether or not we're gonna be here past 2032, you know, it's. It's fluctuating.

[Dan LeBatard]

Good news.

[Tony]

I've got bad news for you. The percentage which had been at, like, an all time high, 3.2. I guess not all time high, but NASA really wasn't around for the time of the dinosaurs, if that's what happened. NASA has just announced new data gathered last night dropped the December 2032 impact odds of the asteroid to 0.28%.

[Mike Ryan]

What?

[Jess]

All right, so we're good.

[Dan LeBatard]

Already dropped it back down.

[Jeremy]

Let's clarify, though, because I was worried that this was like an Earth ender. This is just a city ender, right?

[Dan LeBatard]

No, it's like, maybe not even that.

[Jess]

I mean, it depends on where it hits.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, but still that. It's obviously all bad. But that's better than Armageddon.

[Tony]

Yeah.

[Jeremy]

Like I was thinking.

[Dan LeBatard]

Well, depends on your point of view.

[Jeremy]

Our room out there was just. Our room was just poo pooing. 3%. They're like, oh, 3%. We're still good. I'm like, are you guys bleeping crazy?

[Tony]

And also so good. I had read that it was, like, too late to do anything about, which I was like, I saw Armageddon. You got plenty of time, maybe not enough time to turn astronauts into drillers, but you certainly have enough time to turn drillers into astronauts, as Michael Bay taught us. But as this story turns, because every day we're gonna have huge swings on Whether or not NASA's lost all credibility with me. Because I could wake up tomorrow and you could tell me it goes up to 6%. I'll be like, all right, cool. It's been that kind of thing following the stock market.

[Jess]

Like, it's up. Oh, it's up to 6%. Oh, no. What are we gonna do? No, it's back down to zero percent. Okay, what do we do?

[Tony]

Not now. We got enough going on. And I'm not. Look, this is not a can that you want to kick down the road, too, for. Well, we're bringing it all back.

[Dan LeBatard]

Check fork knocks potentially AI Last night, by the way, Mike was. This is why I will never make fun of Mike on air ever again. He graciously gave me his courtside seats for the Miami Hurricanes game as they hosted Notre Dame last night. I sat three seats down from Brianna Stewart. The Notre Dame. One of the Notre Dame staff members was like, yeah, we were trying to get courtside seats for Skyler Diggins, who was there, and Enrique and Jewel Lloyd and we couldn't find any. And I was sitting in mike seats with Lehman and we had one empty seat next to us because we don't have any friends to invite that wanted to see the game. And I touch and wood, I was like, you could tell Skyler she could come sit by me.

[Jess]

So you saw Josie?

[Dan LeBatard]

I did. He was calling the game for ACC extra and it was electric.

[Tony]

I see him all the time and it's never not awkward, Very awkward. Always awkward. I mean you've been with me to a game where I just like have to walk right back. My walk is I have to walk right behind Josie. I think we both kind of know. I hope he does. And I know he's not a fan, but yeah, a tough one for the University of Miami.

[Dan LeBatard]

He did lose by 40. But Notre Dame's the plus side. Notre Dame is the number one ranked team in the country.

[Tony]

Notre Dame's really, really good. And look, Hannah was dealing with something. Carson Beck was at the game.

[Dan LeBatard]

Carson Beck, he's always had the game. I was like, is he bending the elbow? Is it full mobility?

[Jess]

How does he look in person?

[Dan LeBatard]

The same.

[Jess]

No, I'm saying like, like statuesque. Does he look good?

[Dan LeBatard]

He's large, he's taller, he's big.

[Tony]

But also his hair is small.

[Dan LeBatard]

Cavenders are both hair smaller.

[Tony]

It's affiliate, it's always sunny thing. The Cavender's what, they're small? Yeah, the Cavenders are very tiny also.

[Dan LeBatard]

I. So Notre dame made these 3D printed point pocket sized point guard little figurines for their backcourt. Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. Olivia Miles is electric. Hannah Hidalgo is great and everyone knows that, but Olivia Miles, electric, one of the greatest passers in the women's game. And seeing her in person was. I mean her court vision is crazy. But anyways, I got these cute little figurines. I got a question about the figurines. Olivia Miles, after the game we took a picture together. It was so cute.

[Jess]

So you say 3D printed, but what's the line between 3D printed and just like whatever we used to do that wasn't 3D printed?

[Dan LeBatard]

Like, like handmade?

[Jess]

No. Like how would we make a little plastic figurine before 3D print GPT?

[Dan LeBatard]

I don't know. I guess it depends what it's.

[Jess]

A little machine would make a mold.

[Tony]

Yeah, but like we'll get on that crack research staff.

[Dan LeBatard]

Just reach out to the innovation lab in South Bend. That Printed these bad boys.

[Tony]

Yeah, but Haley Cavender is a brilliant passer and I going to those games are a great experience, Jess. Actually, look, there was plenty of reason Miami season hasn't gone well.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's a good atmosphere, good environment. Better than. I went to the Notre Dame Miami men's game, which was a Saturday night game a couple weeks ago.

[Tony]

That's toxic.

[Dan LeBatard]

And I told three teens sitting behind me I was gonna call their parents if they didn't shut up because they were being very loud and they were being very inappropriate and saying inappropriate things behind me. And they laughed and then they stopped. So I got my mom voice down. I scolded some kids.

[Jeremy]

I had an unnamed producer from the other room tell me the other day that the, um, men's basketball team is one of the worst teams he's ever seen play.

[Dan LeBatard]

They haven't seen Notre Dame's men's basketball team.

[Tony]

Yeah, this is the worst, um, men's basketball team I've ever seen. And for them to waste all that momentum from back to back, really deep runs in the men's tournament is really kind of heartbreaking for. I mean, as you know, I was a blue blood. I knew ball better than anybody when it came to college hoops. And for me to just.

[Mike Ryan]

You were.

[Tony]

Yeah, no, I could. You should be in my house when Cynthia asked me, hey, are we going to the game? And I just laugh her out of a room. There's. I literally would rather do anything else.

[Dan LeBatard]

Well, it's a very exciting time to be a women's college hoops fan and a women's basketball fan in general. With unrivaled tonight, just a lot of fun things happening. And if you're someone like me who didn't watch NBA all star or the Four nations tournament because you're watching college hoops, I mean, there's a lot coming up this weekend. So very exciting.

[Tony]

Yeah, I should. I should clarify. It's a men's hoops team. Like, I love going to the women's games and I know that this season's been disappointing.

[Dan LeBatard]

No, you clarified. Don't worry. Yeah, women's games. Electric men's games.

[Tony]

Yeah, but Hannah Cavender played in that game. Hannah Cavender had her car stolen. Carson Beck had two cars stolen. Have you read the details? This was a home invasion. While they were sleeping, the men went into their home and grabbed the keys, and that's how they stole all three cars.

[Dan LeBatard]

That is terrifying.

[Tony]

It's hugely terrifying. Really, really unfortunate and scary situation. They caught the guy that did it, who confessed to it and the entire plan.

[Dan LeBatard]

And they got their cars back.

[Tony]

They got their cars back intact. Quite honestly. You can talk yourself in.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's why Stugatz isn't here today.

[Tony]

That's why Stugatz isn't here today. Hugely. Look, everyone was having to go at Miami. Move to Miami, see what happens. Look, I'm not gonna issue the banter back like maybe stealing the car from a Georgia Bulldogs at public service. But. But, you know, the case is closed, so everyone is good. Hey, did you know MLS is back this weekend? No. No one knew it was back because.

[Jess]

Messi played in like negative 19.

[Jeremy]

That wasn't MLS.

[Tony]

I was curious to know that was.

[Dan LeBatard]

Not talk soccer yesterday.

[Tony]

So you. You guys are aware that Messi played in a game that was below zero, the coldest game.

[Jess]

And that wasn't MLS?

[Tony]

It was. It was on FSG.

[Dan LeBatard]

And Tony made a great Tua joke.

[Tony]

It was on FS2.

[Mike Ryan]

FS2.

[Tony]

And this was just the first leg. They're going to play Sporting Kansas City to win the CONCACAF Champions cup, hopefully. But MLS is back this weekend and look, most people did not know that Leo Messi was playing a game in Kansas City in sub zero temperatures. Mls, not really part of the national conversation. Even though it's coming back this week. I have a storyline that many people may not be aware of. Okay, here's a storyline that I think I'm breaking to everybody, but maybe Jess, because I've texted Jess about this. There is a player on FC Cincinnati, Peter Mangione. Do we have a photo of this soccer player on FC Cincinnati? Certainly a familiar surname. That is because he is Luigi's cousin. Luigi's cousin plays for FC Cincinnati and their kit sponsor. Anybody want to guess the kit sponsor for FC Cincinnati?

[Jeremy]

Oh, no.

[Tony]

They have a healthcare. They have a healthcare provider as their kit sponsor. And I'm pretty sure, like, no one knows about this.

[Mike Ryan]

They do now.

[Tony]

They do now. But look, if you're waiting, if you've been waiting for the right moment to politicize mls, here, here is your chance. Luigi's Gussin plays for FC Cincinnati.

[Jess]

Peter didn't get the eyebrows.

[Tony]

He didn't from.

[Jess]

From the family tree there. The genetics.

[Dan LeBatard]

God gave all of his eyebrows to Luigi.

[Tony]

Few do.

[Dan LeBatard]

They are great brows.

[Tony]

That wraps up our MLS preview. Good coverage. It's great coverage.

[Jess]

So what the hell was the game that Messi played and if it wasn't mls, what was it? Could somebody tell me what it was?

[Tony]

It's a CONCACAF change.

[Jess]

Oh, of course. Yes.

[Tony]

Yeah. But I'M not exactly sure.

[Dan LeBatard]

So I know what CONCACAF is, but Tony definitely.

[Jess]

No, it's concacaf. It's different from MLS cup, which is different from another Cup. Leagues Cup. Right. Which is also part of the mls.

[Tony]

So I'm assuming Inter Miami qualified for the CONCACAF Champions cup because they won the Supporter Shield. No. Well, Supporter Shield. They won the Supporter Shield because they had Messi, no doubt. So that gets them there. Man, I could not tell you who won MLS last year. I'm just drawing a blank here. And I like the sport. I follow it occasionally feels like an Atlanta United year. Wasn't it Los Angeles, the Galaxy? No, that feels right. Was it LA versus LA in the final? No, it was LA versus New York City.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is electric content.

[Tony]

I think it was. Yeah. Well, either way, Sporting Kansas City somehow got the other spot and they lost the first leg in.

[Jess]

Yes, the Galaxy won.

[Tony]

Can someone find out how sporting Kansas City made this thing? This is an electric seeing that LA.

[Jeremy]

Galaxy beat the New York Red bulls in the MLS Championship 2024.

[Tony]

All right, so it wasn't NYCFC, which is who Inter Miami start this season off against. Fan with folks. I mean, I've been so much we could do. Yeah, I've been through the ring.

[Dan LeBatard]

I've been on a mission to watch every Oscar nominated film before the Academy Awards next weekend. And I have left five deep. I have a lot left. I watched five out of the like 12ish that I have on my list. I'm debating next if I should watch the Timothee Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic or if I should watch Wicked, which I still haven't seen, which I heard is amazing. The problem is a lot of these movies are plus two hours long. It's just a big time commitment and it's hard. I want to crush like three in a day. And that's my whole day.

[Jess]

What have you seen already?

[Dan LeBatard]

I've seen Nora, which I really enjoyed. I saw Amelia Perez, which was a baffling film I've seen say that again. Conclave, which I also really enjoyed. And poignant. A real Pain, which I also enjoyed with Kieran.

[Tony]

I didn't like a real pain.

[Jess]

Really?

[Dan LeBatard]

Why not?

[Tony]

Because I thought I understand why he's getting all the fanfare and it kind of feels like, oh, a bunch of like movie people are watching Kieran Culkin for the first time. Because he's.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's playing a similar character to Roman Roy. Because I've heard people say that. Yeah, just playing like a kind of like a shithead little brother yeah, there doesn't.

[Tony]

For me, there doesn't. I understand there's an audience for it, and I'm sure they're connection points for a ton of people in that that.

[Dan LeBatard]

I did really like. I Actually, you're right. I think, like, he. His character was good, and I think there was enough depth that, like, I don't think it was that similar to Succession, but I could see where you're coming from. Like, it wasn't. Like, the plot wasn't. There wasn't any, like, action. It's just like a travelogue through Poland with the two cousins as they're trying to, like, grapple with their pain and suffering, but also, like, their ancestral pain and suffering. I thought it was well done.

[Tony]

No doubt.

[Dan LeBatard]

Definitely a big moment for Indiana University because Jesse Eisenberg, War in Indiana, had the entire film. But I liked it. I liked it more than the substance. Mike, which I know is your favorite.

[Tony]

I like the substance more because of the audacity of it. I just. I. Since I didn't have the connection points to a real pain, I went specifically for what I heard was a great Kieran Culkin performance. And I saw just Kieran Culkin. I wasn't blown away by the performance. He does a solid job. So without the connection points, it didn't do much for me. I understand why people don't like the substance, by the way. And I think you and I were talking about some of, like, there's like, a plot hole.

[Dan LeBatard]

There's a. Okay, this is, like, not really a spoiler, but if you haven't seen the substance and you don't want to know anything about it, Skip ahead like 30 seconds. But the premise of the substance is that Demi Moore takes the substance. She's like an aging fitness a list celebrity star in Hollywood, and she takes the substance to be younger. Question mark. But, like, a younger body hatches out of her body, and then every seven days they switch back. So, like, the younger body's unconscious, and then Demi Moore is out in the world, and then there's like, some twists and turns later in the movie. But my question is, there's a younger body that is out in the world while Demi Moore's, like, passed out in her bathroom. But Demi Moore and the younger body, they're technically supposed to be the same.

[Tony]

You are one. The whole thing is you are one.

[Dan LeBatard]

Different consciousnesses. Because, like, Demi Moore doesn't remember what the younger body is doing or, like, experience being in the younger body. And the younger person doesn't have the experience of Demi Moore when she's awake. It's very confusing. I'm like, what is the.

[Jeremy]

Maybe skip 45 seconds.

[Dan LeBatard]

What is the appeal, if you're Demi Moore, of taking the substance? If you are still in the same body and you don't get to be.

[Tony]

You don't get to actually enjoy it. Yeah, right. Yeah. Or you have no recollection of enjoying it. And when they really hammer home that you are one, well, of course one of them is going to go all wonky on the other and be greedy with their time with the substance. So I do think, like, it's not a perfect film at all. But I did like its audacity. I did like that the performances were visceral and they went for it.

[Dan LeBatard]

Sex were amazing, and the acting was good and it was disgusting to watch. And so it gets major points for that.

[Tony]

I need to get to Conclave, but so far, Honora is my favorite.

[Dan LeBatard]

I love how many different. They really nailed it with all the different types of Cardinals.

[Tony]

They really hammered home the message about beauty in Hollywood and the substance, I mean. And sexism. No sexism. No Dennis Quaid.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, Dennis Quaid was disgusting, which is foul. Foul mouth, man.

[Tony]

Job well done.

[Dan LeBatard]

Eating shrimp. Close up.

[Jeremy]

While we're catching up on Jess's movies she's watched, let me catch you up on the Venmo bucket. Presented by Venmo. A light week for the fines. Honestly, only Dan was fined yesterday. $1 for a mistake. We're gonna have to step this up next week. And my dad had to do something earlier this week that was fineable. But one fine this week from the venmo Fine bucket. $1 for Dan making a mistake, folks. Did you know that sleep is one of the most important parts of recovery? Whether you're a pro athlete or just looking to crush your day, getting the right kind of rest is key. And that's where sleep number smart beds comes in. Since 2018, Sleep Number has partnered with the NFL to help elite athletes get quality sleep that they need to perform at their best. In fact, 80% of NFL players sleep on Sleep number smart beds. Tough workout. The Sleep number smart bed can be adjusted to suit your needs. Firmer one night, softer the next, giving you the ultimate recovery boost. And let's talk about those sweaty, sleepless nights. The new Klymit Cool smart bed adjusts up to 15 degrees cooler on either side with scientifically designed cooling programs to keep you comfortable and undisturbed. Sleep number Smart beds don't just help you sleep. They learn how you sleep providing personalized insights to help you get even better rest. It's like having a sleep coach right in your bedroom. Why choose a Sleep Number Smart Bed so you can choose your ideal comfort on either side and now save 50% on the new Sleep Number Limited edition Smart bed limited time exclusively at a Sleep Number store near you. See store or sleepnumber.com for details.

[Dan LeBatard]

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[Jess]

The Dan Levittard show with Stugots is sponsored by BetterHelp. We talk a lot about red flags, the warning signs that tell us to stay away from toxic relationships. But what if we spent more time looking for green flags? You know, the signs that a relationship is actually healthy, supportive, and worth investing in. So what are some green flags to look out for? Good communication, emotional safety, mutual respect, and someone who genuinely listens to you, whether it's a romantic partner, a friend, or even a coworker. Recognizing these positive traits can help you build relationships that truly love you back. And if you're not sure how to spot them or even how to practice them yourself, therapy can help. It's not just for people going through major challenges. Therapy can teach you positive coping skills, how to set boundaries, how to show up as the best version of yourself. BetterHelp is accessible, affordable and convenient with over 30,000 licensed therapists and a fully online platform so you can find the right match for you. Plus, you can switch therapists at any time at no extra cost. Discover your relationship green flags with better help visit betterhelp.com DLB today and get 10% off your first month that's betterhelp h e l p.com DLB Don LeBatard.

[Tony]

Mike Bryan's in there and he's the one with a baby.

[Mike Ryan]

He's the one who's got to like, worry about what the future is. And Mike Ryan bet on DraftKings because.

[Tony]

Mike Ryan bet on us.

[Mike Ryan]

This is the bet you're afraid of.

[Tony]

Doubling down on putting up a billboard in Edmonton. Stugats. I care more about Matthew Tkachuk than I do my daughter. This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats. Zach Martin retired yesterday.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'm so Sad.

[Tony]

He's just 34 years old. That was, I guess we're not really allowed to be shocked by retirements in the NFL all that much. Aaron Donald retired, although we had been able to brace for Aaron Donald because there was that chatter there. Zach Martin really shocked me. Jaz. He's a.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's a memberdest guard of all time.

[Tony]

Notre Dame legend. Yeah, definitely a Notre Dame legend. And I know he's gone through some injury, but this surprised me. Should I have been surprised?

[Dan LeBatard]

I don't know. I wasn't that surprised. I mean, he's made so much money with the Cowboys. I don't know exactly what triggered it now, whether it was like just not wanting to sign another extension or whatever his contract situation was, but I don't know. It feels like he has been in the league a long time and is a very taxing position. Michael Jr. Is the expert of all things Zach Martin, so you should have him on just to ask him about.

[Tony]

Yeah, I guess I'm not allowed to be surprised anymore when. When someone retires, especially someone that has made their money and that gives gets me to Dalton Connect who I want to want to talk about because there were actually developments on this story. Jeremy, it would seem that the trade, like everyone's pointing their fingers at the Lakers right now for this Dalton Connect failed trade. Update the people. And then I want to talk about, like how people are psychoanalyzing Dalton Connect, which is a little unfair, by the way.

[Jeremy]

Bruce Matthews would like a word.

[Mike Ryan]

Essentially, it seems as though the Lakers are the ones that went back on the trade with Mark Williams because of the physical. And so they end up with Dalton Connect coming back to their team, Mark Williams going back to the Hornets. And it was just a really awkward time. JJ Redick, when Dalton Connect had. Had missed a game before the all Star break, kind of to me left Dalton Connect hung out to dry by telling everyone that he still needed time to process what had gone down because to me, as a coach, you're supposed to kind of shield players from that sort of thing. But it let the media and a whole bunch of people on social media go after connect. It let Mark Williams go back to Charlotte. And it's just been one of the most awkward things, things I've ever seen. And there was, I think there was a tweet yesterday or a post from Mark Williams that I'll try to go find now.

[Jess]

It was from Jeff Schwartz. Yeah, it came out and said, there's nothing wrong with Mark Williams. Like, the Lakers were wrong about this. There's been independent doctors that have come in and basically cleared Mark Williams of, hey, this, this guy is not damaged goods. Because the other thing is he's coming up on a contract this upcoming year and it's. You look around saying, well, if the Lakers denied a trade, why would we pay him any money? What leverage to the Hornets have at all? So that post by Jeff Schwartz is like, all right, wait a second. Mark Williams is good. The Lakers just kind of had buyer's remorse.

[Mike Ryan]

The official quote from Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management is the overwhelming sentiment after conferring with multiple nationally recognized doctors is that the Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical.

[Tony]

Well, that changes the narrative quite a bit because like the onus was falling on the, on the Hornets. Oh, you played, you played this guy to increase his trade value was the narrative that was going along there. But I want to focus on the Dalton Connect thing. And you said something interesting. It is. I agree. JJ Redick should have done a better job here. He's still learning. This is a teachable moment. It would have only bought so much time because remember Dalton Connect, maybe because of the actions of JJ Redick and how he exacerbated some of this stuff. He sat out some of the rising stars stuff, the all star weekend stuff. And at that point, you don't have your coach there to protect you. You're going to have to start asking, answering some, some questions there. I have a tough time with this one. And I understand where people are coming from. Like, you know, this is a business. You know what you're getting into. You, you've been grooming for this moment your entire life. You get to the league, you understand the association is a business. It didn't work out. You go back to a place that you don't feel wanted. I do actually think that this newest revelation does make it easier for the Lakers to welcome Dalton Connect back in that, look, we failed them. We shouldn't have. That's because we knew how special you were, Dalton.

[Mike Ryan]

And that's a hell of a spin.

[Dan LeBatard]

Look, you gotta make traded dots to like FS1 and then he failed a physical and we were like, oh, come back, man.

[Tony]

We had immediate regret. So, look, it's clandestine that. That you are coming back, Dalton. Connect. I'm willing to. I don't think I've ever seen a situation quite like this before, so I understand there's no playbook for it. I also, the way that I been kind of processing it and before, I don't have a take on this. Where I've settled is he hasn't made his money yet. So the spoiled athlete trope that you hear, like, go out there and understand the business, like, he hasn't made his money in this league yet. So I don't think that's necessarily. We're dealing with a very human thing. I think because it's framed in sports, everyone feels like they can disassociate. How awkward that must be. As someone that has previously walked into a building where he knew with full certainty that he wasn't necessarily welcome there or wanted there at that time. I understand how difficult it is to go about your job and to try to maintain a level of professionalism that then again, you are contracted to actually play. I don't know how much he is participating in some of the other stuff, though I'm sure there'll be a big investigative piece on it and hopefully it comes out on the other side. But I'm willing to not rush to judgment here, But I do hear a lazy trope on social media when it comes to spoiled athletes, and I don't think that applies here. He's not this multi millionaire.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, especially because his story is so interesting. Right. He was a guy who played junior college basketball and then transferred two more times before ending up at Tennessee. And then a first round pick who had moments. He hit nine threes in a game for the Lakers during the summer league. He was like white boy of the month for the NBA where everybody was obsessed with him. And oh my God, look at this steel hitting threes and Laker. Yeah, he was supposed to be the steel of the draft. After the draft had happened, everybody's upset that they passed on him.

[Tony]

He's.

[Mike Ryan]

He's going to be the spectacular player. And then a little bit of struggle as a rookie, and then all of a sudden you're shipped to a team in Charlotte that's one of the worst teams in the league. You had just been playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Dav Davis. Like it's a strange thing to happen to a young 20 something. And he's not someone who has been through the business in the same way. He's not even the type of guy who we're going to start seeing, who dealt with nil in college and so saw some of what the business was like. This is basically Duncan Robinson. But if Duncan had climbed so much at Michigan to be able to also be a first round pick. So it was the coolest story in the Lakers that embraced him and then all of a sudden he's discarded. I can understand how he would want to kind of take a moment and take a beat before returning to the team.

[Tony]

I've been told that Tony has a hot take that's too hot for this room. So, Tony, we prepared a place where you can formulate this hot take and unleash it on it better not be with our Briles. It's not our. It's not. But we are sending you away to a sauna, I believe.

[Jess]

I love the sauna.

[Tony]

So you can deliver this take.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, I'm jealous.

[Tony]

Yeah, sorry.

[Dan LeBatard]

Suckers love a sauna. This better be the hottest take I've ever heard in my life.

[Tony]

It better be. And it better be focused on the NBA because as I've already said, I.

[Jess]

Know you haven't been watching. So I want to get you up to speed with something that you may hear at first and be like, well, yeah, of course. But then I'm gonna give you some extra stuff, a little extra Heat.

[Tony]

Okay, thank you. All right, well, let's get over there. I want to inject the storylines now in the NBA because as I've stated, sports in shambles just lost the face of the league. Has a terrible all star game. Miami Heat are crap.

[Dan LeBatard]

You could have started with that one, the Miami Heater. The rest trickle out after that.

[Tony]

No doubt. And I will readily admit this, it's awfully convenient for me to say the NBA is in shambles when my team is no good. I know, yes, I'll wear it. My investment in this league was my team being good as the sport itself got less appealing to watch for me. And when the team started going about the regular season a certain way, I responded in kind. And then it was very disheartening to know that I knew better about the direction of the franchise than the franchise did. And so that's where I'm at. And then I start seeing all the other flaws. If I'm not invested to Watch my own team. I'm certainly not invested to watch other people not care about their sport. So that's where I'm at with it. And hopefully there's peaks and valleys. Baseball kind of figured something out. I watched that World Series. Granted, it was New York versus la, but look, Yankees. We got ungroomed beard, well groomed beards. Now they still can't believe that we did stuff to the shift. The games are moving faster. And the NFL a couple years ago was at the same point. The sport wasn't as watchable. They had to change the rules. You had the Kaepernick stuff. There was politics. Everybody was just exhausted. You had people saying, the UFC is going to be bigger than the NFL. The NBA is going to be bigger than the NFL. The NFL kind of figured all that stuff out. So I think that the NBA is at one of those points where they need to bring it in tight, do what's best for business and change something. But it's. I'm a little distracted by what I'm seeing right now because I wasn't fully prepared. I was not fully prepared for how this was going to go down for Tony's hot take. So. All right, that. That is a bit of a shock.

[Mike Ryan]

Hey, good for Mali.

[Tony]

Yeah. Now, Mali sleeper.

[Jeremy]

We're not showing it yet.

[Tony]

We're waiting.

[Mike Ryan]

He was right.

[Jeremy]

They're still previewing the shots. I don't reveal it yet, guys.

[Tony]

Mali's a sleeper. But I. Oh, man. The cockles of my heart are warmed right now as I'm watching First Take and Stephen A. Smith have to formulate hockey opinions. Oh, this is great. This is actually a great proving ground for him as he's going to have to, you know, one day possibly talk about the Balkans.

[Jeremy]

Well, they're doing it through the prism of how can this impact other sports? So they're like, hey, Stephen A. Just bring it to other sports.

[Tony]

Yeah. Which is why they're dragging PK and Damian Woody as well.

[Jeremy]

Damien Woody was there, too.

[Jess]

Well, Damian Woody's an island defense.

[Tony]

I can give him a pass. But Stephen, Stephen A. Smith.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, it's particularly interesting as MLB and ESPN have announced their kind of mutual separation forward after Amazon.

[Tony]

Is this Amazon?

[Mike Ryan]

I'm not sure where it goes. Amazon, Amazon or Apple do seem like the logical places.

[Tony]

Right.

[Mike Ryan]

And that Apple has already created a TV package around MLS and has learned how to do that.

[Tony]

And they have an MLB game.

[Mike Ryan]

And they have an MLB game already. Amazon obviously just announced a partnership with the network regionally that carries so many teams and allows.

[Tony]

Well, I know.

[Mike Ryan]

Avoiding some sort.

[Tony]

Yeah, we're giving you credit.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you.

[Tony]

Keep it going.

[Dan LeBatard]

I appreciate it. I said it in my sarcastic voice, but it was earnest.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you.

[Tony]

Appreciate the.

[Dan LeBatard]

Well said.

[Tony]

That's better.

[Mike Ryan]

That's a lot better.

[Jess]

Actually. It still felt.

[Mike Ryan]

It felt condescending.

[Jeremy]

The first one couldn't sounded more condescending.

[Tony]

Well said. I think everyone understands your position.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you.

[Dan LeBatard]

There's so many confused people listening though.

[Tony]

Nonetheless, or people like me that just once they realized, oh, you're going to charge me? What for that? No, thanks.

[Mike Ryan]

There's a package for that network to be on Amazon Prime Video now. And so with that, you would think that that's a space where a certain network and Amazon prime might be interested in getting in with mlb. Clearly, Major League Baseball, in what their statement was, this was a mutual thing. They talked about ESPN being like a declining network. And as they try to figure out how to discuss hockey, they're leaning away from talking about baseball. So it's. This is one of the most interesting inflection points in all sports. Right. NFL is the only thing that we understand exactly how it works in terms of TV nationally, and it's going to stay that way. But hockey has had recent changes. Baseball is about to go through a change. Basketball is about to go through a change. Going with Amazon prime and NBC, which you can only hope those two networks will know how to market the game better than ESPN has in the last 15 years. Because all ESPN has done is react to the decision and decide that, oh, ratings go up for the decision. Let's make everything about transactions.

[Tony]

MLS went through this change as well, and I don't think it was a good change.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, it's not always a good one. That's what's interesting.

[Tony]

I don't know how sporting Kansas City is eligible for the CONCACAF Champions cup. And that's not a thing that happened to me before when these games were more accessible. Now I couldn't really follow most of the league because the way that they stack their games was a lot in the same window. But I was locked in on what Inter Miami were doing. Now I'm kind of just living my life once I got priced out of those season tickets. And it, I mean, I gotta tell you, like there is an accessibility factor, 100%.

[Mike Ryan]

That's why the NFL is the NFL, right. You're getting it on CBS, on Fox, you're getting it nationally televised on, on broadcast television, where, you know, Dan brought up yesterday or maybe several days ago that the Heat ratings are down 56%. Well, a lot of that has to do with fans who no longer are able to access the games via whatever their cable subscription might be and don't want to pay for whatever the monthly subscription is and in turn have been priced out regionally and the Panthers are no longer on that network. So if you're a Panthers fan, you're watching via a different means. I, you know, we're not factoring in all of those things.

[Tony]

So that, that is a, that is a key one because if that's a.

[Mike Ryan]

Huge one, there plenty of Panthers and Heat fans who were watching Heat games as a result of the fact that they felt they needed to watch every Panthers game. And some, obviously at a time that would have worked vice versa as well. But when you have the Panthers kind of holding things up, there's some people there, there's some people with cable networks. So these things are shifting in a way that's really fascinating right now in the next five or so years for several of these different leagues are going to show us who is the second league after the NFL.

[Tony]

Well, I thought it was going to be the NBA.

[Mike Ryan]

Globally, there still is and it probably will be.

[Tony]

Yeah. Well, I mean, if we look globally, like the NFL isn't even. Isn't even. First, it's soccer.

[Mike Ryan]

Of course, we're talking in the United.

[Tony]

States, which is so strange that soccer.

[Mike Ryan]

Because we're not anti American, can't make.

[Tony]

A dent here despite loads of investment. But the NBA, because of its global reach, because of the fact that its best players or international, you would think that that is in a really good spot. But here in home base, with a league where the sport was invented, it's at a troubling time right now in its history. But I think Tony is here to rescue the sport somehow by pushing a topic that can be talked about on cable television and promote big games. So, Tony, we now have you in the Sonic. Hey, Mali, congratulations, pal. That's a good job by you. That's a, it's. You can tell a lot by who decided to go with the towel around the waist and the towels over the shoulders. But Tony, what is your hot take that we sent you to a sauna for?

[Jess]

Well, me and the boys are here in the sauna just hanging out. We got Mike, we got Mali obviously here flexing, doing his thing. We've got Ethan, who's. Sorry, it's a lot of sweat here. Ethan in a jersey for some reason.

[Jeremy]

Inside the sauna, just never stops wearing a hockey jersey.

[Jess]

A lot of a Lot of jersey there for the kids. All right, Mike, you haven't been paying attention to the NBA, but I want to tell you this, okay? SGA. Minus 500 to win the MVP.

[Tony]

Really?

[Jess]

Minus 500 to win the MVP. He's been arguably the best player on the planet. And the reason why I am gonna make this a hot take is because I don't think he should win the mvp. Shea Gillis Alexander, or Shane Gillis Alexander, as Dan likes to call him, should not win the mvp. The MVP should go to Nikola Jokic. Now, I know you're going to tell me, Mike. I know you're not watching the NBA. Obviously, he's the best player on the planet. He's the best player in the world. Of course he should win the mvp. The reason why. And I want to bring in Jeremy, too, to help me with this, because I know he's in on the analytics and the numbers. Jokic, when he's on the floor, a lot of sweat in this sauna. It's more of a steam room than.

[Jeremy]

And I can't stop looking at Mali.

[Tony]

I. I haven't heard a word that Tony has said. Right now, I'm just looking at the top four ABs of Mali.

[Jess]

All right? So Jokic. Don't touch me. Mali. Jokic is the best player on the planet. And his offensive rating. When the Nugget. When him and the Nuggets are on the floor together, when he's on the. On the floor is one of the greatest of all time.

[Jeremy]

Right?

[Jess]

The best net offensive rating were the Celtics of last year. When Jokic is on the floor with the Nuggets, they are the best team offensively, maybe ever. Okay? When he's off the floor, they are as good as. Here you go, Mel. Yeah, use that, buddy. But watch out, though. Here we go. Thank you. Okay, when they're. When. When Jokic is off the floor. Excuse me. They are basically the equivalent of the 2015, 2016 Philadelphia 76ers, who were obviously the tank teams, who were terrible. So Jokic, even though he's won three out of four MVPs, man, it's a lot of sweat. Even.

[Tony]

It's getting hot in here.

[Jess]

Ethan, why don't you take off that. That sweater? Ethan's gonna take it off now. Here we go.

[Tony]

Do you think another shirt underneath shaves his chest?

[Jess]

Do you shave your chest, Molly?

[Jeremy]

Oh, hell yeah. Ethan, he does. I'm more Ethan Speed.

[Jess]

Oh, a little chest hair on the boy. Okay, so with that, Nikola Jokic should win a fourth MVP in the. In the last five years because he is literally the greatest player on the planet. And if you take him off the Nuggets, they are terrible. They are the worst team, maybe in the last decade of offensive rating. Jeremy, can you back me up on these claims?

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. I mean, their disparity when he's on the floor versus off the floor is dramatic. And they're the number two seed in the Western Conference, a Western Conference that has been unbelievably competitive. Now, the one thing Tony, to Shay's advantage would be that they are running away with the Western Conference. And he has been so efficient and so dominant. But the Nuggets are not a team with a great supporting cast around Jokic. And it's proven in the numbers you're talking about. I. Back in November, we were talking about this, and I brought up that when he was on the floor, they had the greatest offensive rating of all time. And when he was off the floor, they had one of the worst offensive ratings you would ever get over a full season. That's the disparity of when he's there. He's such a singularly dominant force. And when you're talking, like we've spoken about on this show before, about value, there's nothing more valuable than someone who literally makes you one of the best teams ever when he's on the floor and one of the worst teams ever when he's off of it.

[Jess]

That's.

[Jeremy]

That's the steam you hear, by the way.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Jess]

What that was. Yeah. I didn't know if it was a flush.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's making it hotter in there.

[Jess]

I didn't know if it was a dookie bomb. I don't know what happened there.

[Jeremy]

Sounds of a dookie bomb.

[Dan LeBatard]

That Finland won the four Nations Cup.

[Tony]

You would. You would think that.

[Jeremy]

Let me remind the people first, though, to enhance your physical and mental wellness routines with Redwood Outdoors, take advantage of your special Savings today. Visit redwoodoutdoors.com and use code DAN to save $175.

[Tony]

So, just to be clear, we did the sponsored segment for a hot take, and the hot take was the best player in the world should win the mvp.

[Jess]

Yes. Yes. Theoretically, yes. Which is why it's a hot take. Right. You go full circle on, well, he's the best player in the world. Like, obviously, he should win the mvp, but then there's somebody who's got more. Damn it. Mali's just sweating all over the place. Mike, you want to come in here and switch place with me so you can be next to Mali?

[Tony]

Mali can come into this studio, I'll tell you that right now.

[Jess]

Oh, wow.

[Jeremy]

What's going on under that tab?

[Tony]

Yeah, I feel bad for the podcast audience because the only reward for this segment seems to be the visual component. And Mali is one star making turn.

[Dan LeBatard]

Mike, you have an ab now. Why are you.

[Tony]

I have. I have two. I think I have two now. Thank you for the shout out.

[Dan LeBatard]

Told you I would give your abs a shout out.

[Tony]

That was just for the close friends, but they wouldn't know that because Taylor had to pick that photo earlier in the show, so. All right, Tony, come back in here because I want to talk UFC with you as we try to depoliticize sports for a moment. I'd like to talk about ufc Miami. You can feel free to wear your same wardrobe. But, Jess, you mentioned you're doing your deep dive on the Oscars and how time consuming that is. I'm in a similar boat. I've got a lot to watch, so I need you to, like, essentially cut out two films Now. I'm pretty sure Emilio Perez like that. That's done. We're not doing that one, but I need another one that you just know that I'm not gonna jibe with because I know I gotta watch Conclave. I've had way too many people tell me that Conclave is a banger. So what should next? What should be next on my chopping block?

[Dan LeBatard]

Conclave is a banger, I think. Have you seen Anora?

[Tony]

I loved Anora. There's more sex in that film than I've ever seen in my entire life.

[Dan LeBatard]

Really?

[Tony]

Yeah. I read this article that said the. The Oscars are afraid of sex because certain films didn't get nominated. And I'm like, there is more sex in a Nora than you can possibly imagine.

[Dan LeBatard]

There's a lot of sex in that film. It's a very good movie. I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard don't waste your time with the Brutalist.

[Tony]

So the Brutalist is like three and a half hours long.

[Dan LeBatard]

Exactly.

[Tony]

It just. I think it just went on video on demand. I kind of need to see the Brutalist, man. It was going to be. It was the odds on favorite. And then this AI controversy sprang around the Brutalist, which I kind of. I don't get all too much. I saw the director speak on this AI controversy. For those that don't know, in post production, they used artificial intelligence to refine Hungarian accents to make it more authentic, rather than just let the performances speak for themselves, which sometimes is a good thing. Look, if you watch Blake Lively in the town, you wish that they used some artificial intelligence, because I don't know what that accent was.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, man. And I know you haven't seen the new season of White Lotus yet, but Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs are getting killed for their Durham accents, which I love.

[Tony]

So sometimes accents can be a huge distraction. I don't know how many people would be nitpicking the Hungarian accents, but this seems to be a big betrayal of artistry. But I thought the director acquitted himself nicely in that. Look, we're trying to make an authentic film that speaks to certain people and you literally want to speak to them. You don't want them to be turned off.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, I also get people that are concerned with the AI creep into the arts. But yeah, there is a lot of AI used for certain programs on computers and cameras and things like that that are sort of widely accepted. But I think it's a worthwhile to borrow Chris and Stugatz's line. I think it's a worthwhile debate. And it's still something that I don't know if anyone has really, like, a perfect answer for yet. Because yeah, there's like, there's helpful uses for it, but also, like, we should maintain some sort of like, humanity in the arts.

[Tony]

We should have had this entire discussion with Mallee. Shirtless folks.

[Jeremy]

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[Jess]

The Dan Levittart show with Stugots is sponsored by BetterHelp. We talk a lot about red flags, the warning signs that tell us to stay away from toxic relationships. But what if we spent more time looking for green flags? You know, the signs that a relationship is actually healthy, supportive and worthy, worth investing in. So what are some green flags to look out for? Good communication, emotional safety, mutual respect, and someone who genuinely listens to you, whether it's a romantic partner, a friend, or even a co worker. Recognizing these positive traits can help you build relationships that truly love you back. And if you're not sure how to spot them or even how to practice them yourself, therapy can help. It's not just for people going through major challenges. Therapy can teach you positive coping skills, how to set boundaries, how to show up as the best version of yourself. BetterHelp is accessible, affordable and convenient with over 30,000 licensed therapists and a fully online platform so you can find the right match for you. Plus, you can switch therapists at any time at no extra cost. Discover your relationship green flags with BetterHelp visit betterhelp.com DLB today and get 10 off your first month. That's BetterHelp H-E-L-P.com DLB.