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

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.

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]

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.