Podcast Summary: The Big Suey – "You Okay, Greg?" The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: July 21, 2025

1. Late Night Television's Evolution and Stephen Colbert's Departure

Dan LeBatard opens the discussion by expressing his disappointment over the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a staple in late-night television for 33 years. He laments the decline of traditional late-night formats due to the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, which have significantly reduced live viewership.

Dan LeBatard [04:25]: "Late night television is dead. He had the highest rated one. But that only means fewer than 2.5 million viewers a night."

Stugotz adds that the shift isn't the death of late-night TV but its transformation, emphasizing how shows adapt to digital consumption.

Stugotz [04:41]: "Cannibalizing itself to understanding the different trends."

The panel discusses Colbert's impactful monologues and his role in shaping televised comedy, with Dan criticizing CBS for misleading the public about Colbert's firing being solely a financial decision.

Dan LeBatard [06:17]: "They won't say this, but this was the monologue a few days before he was fired."

Billy Corben supports Colbert, highlighting his integrity and the significance of his departure.

Billy Corben [09:01]: "I love Stephen Colbert. Smart, smart show. I lean with him politically."

2. Corporate Settlement with Donald Trump: Potential Bribery

Dan shifts focus to a controversial $16 million settlement between Paramount and Donald Trump over a lawsuit concerning a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. He insinuates that the settlement resembles a bribe, undermining trust in corporate media.

Dan LeBatard [07:29]: "I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles. It's big fat bribe."

Stugotz elaborates on the implications of such settlements, suggesting they are strategic moves to bypass governmental obstacles, hinting at broader corruption.

Stugotz [08:23]: "We’ve seen donations go to the presidential library. Some of the biggest tech companies in the world are doing that right now to curry favor with the president."

3. The Future of Comedy and Late-Night Shows

The conversation broadens to include the uncertain futures of other influential shows like The Daily Show and South Park. Jon Stewart's uncertain position at Comedy Central post-merger is a focal point, reflecting the tumultuous state of comedic programming.

Stugotz [09:07]: "The south park creators... said this merger is a disaster."

Dan emphasizes the importance of voices like Jon Stewart and John Oliver in holding corporate media accountable.

Dan LeBatard [10:42]: "We need the press to be stronger, we need voices to be stronger."

4. Washington Football Team's Name Change and Trump's Intervention

The panel critiques Donald Trump's involvement in the Washington Football Team's name change, viewing it as a distraction from more serious issues like the Epstein scandal. They argue that Trump's actions are intentionally polarizing to divert public attention.

Billy Corben [35:23]: "It's just further polarizing and dividing the country. It's just so stupid."

Stugotz [36:09]: "It is so clearly an intentional popular move with this base to get them fired up."

5. Nick Saban's Potential Return and NIL Executive Order

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around rumors of Nick Saban returning to coaching, influenced by potential executive orders from Trump to cap NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for college athletes. The panel debates the likelihood and implications of Saban's return, considering his age and influence.

Dan LeBatard [37:12]: "Nick Saban's timing on retirement was as impeccable as Bob Iger's was the first time."

Billy remains skeptical about Saban's return, citing personal insights from Saban's daughter.

Billy Corben [38:39]: "Nick Saban coming back is not a given under any circumstances."

6. Fox's Partnership with Barstool and Dave Portnoy's Role

The discussion shifts to Fox Sports' partnership with Barstool Sports, particularly the hiring of Dave Portnoy for Big Noon Kickoff. The panel analyzes whether this move is a strategic effort to attract younger audiences or a sign of desperation to boost ratings through controversial figures.

Dan LeBatard [25:27]: "They lost Skip Bayless. You've fired everyone else. The place has been a dumpster since Jamie Horowitz left."

Stugotz praises the partnership, highlighting Barstool's energetic and engaging content as a potential game-changer for Fox.

Stugotz [27:44]: "We waited with bated breath to find out what they do with Jon Stewart."

Greg Cody adds that Dave Portnoy's genuine sports enthusiasm will align well with Fox's core audience without necessarily introducing overt controversy.

Greg Cody [29:23]: "He seems genuine in those. Like, this is a shtick or like an act that he's going on."

7. Broadcasting Insights and Personal Remarks

The hosts engage in light-hearted banter, commending Greg Cody's broadcasting skills and sharing amusing anecdotes about on-air moments, including a coughing incident that added humor to the episode.

Stugotz [34:29]: "There is a sincere compliment."

8. Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Dan wraps up by reiterating concerns about corporate media's integrity and the influence of powerful figures like Rupert Murdoch. The panel underscores the necessity for robust and honest media voices in an era dominated by corporate interests and political agendas.

Dan LeBatard [37:16]: "Then Cody's talking about him returning to coaching."

Final remarks reflect on the ongoing challenges in sports media, the impact of executive decisions, and the evolving landscape of television and digital content.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan LeBatard [04:25]: "Late night television is dead. He had the highest rated one. But that only means fewer than 2.5 million viewers a night."

• Billy Corben [09:01]: "I love Stephen Colbert. Smart, smart show. I lean with him politically."

• Dan LeBatard [07:29]: "It's big fat bribe."

• Stugotz [08:23]: "They have news programs. When John Skipper tried to hire Barstool years ago, it lasted one day."

• Stugotz [36:09]: "It is so clearly an intentional popular move with this base to get them fired up."

This episode delves deep into the intersections of media integrity, corporate influence, political maneuvers, and the future of sports and entertainment broadcasting. Through candid discussions and insightful commentary, Dan LeBatard and his co-hosts navigate the complexities of modern media landscapes, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of current events shaping the industry.