The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 1 - Shohei Is Your Daddy, Glow-Ups

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Description: In this episode, hosts Rich Davis and Steve Covino delve into the recent developments in the sports world, focusing on Shohei Ohtani's new role as a father, the current renaissance in Major League Baseball, and the significant transformations—or "glow-ups"—in major sporting and entertainment events over the past five decades.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Becoming a Dad

The episode kicks off with the exciting news that Shohei Ohtani, the star MLB player, has welcomed a new baby. Rich Davis expresses his congratulations, albeit with a touch of confusion.

• Rich Davis (05:59): "Congrats to Shohei. What'd he do? I thought he hit some more bombs or something."

Steve Covino humorously acknowledges Ohtani's elevated status both on and off the field, commending him as a transcendent figure in sports.

• Steve Covino (06:10): "Shohei transcends fandom. He transcends your rooting interest. He's just one of those next-level guys, like Michael Jordan."

The discussion transitions to Ohtani's personal life, particularly his relationship with his dog, Decoy. Rich questions whether Ohtani's new role as a father has led him to neglect his pet.

• Rich Davis (05:58): "Shohei became a dad. Congrats to Shohei and his wife. [...] Shohei Ohtani hates his dog now."

Steve defends Ohtani, suggesting that being a father doesn't mean abandoning his dog but rather integrating all family members harmoniously.

• Steve Covino (07:09): "Shohei is a dog guy. [...] I think real dog people do not feel the way you feel if they toss their dog aside because they have a kid."

2. Pets vs. Parenthood: A Heated Debate

The conversation intensifies as Rich admits he's not a dog person, while Steve insists that true dog lovers manage to balance their love for pets with parenthood.

• Rich Davis (12:51): "I have a dog. My kids are with my dog every day."

• Steve Covino (13:05): "I'm not a dog guy. [...] Real dog people make it one big happy thing and include the dog."

Listener interactions further fuel the debate, with various callers chiming in to share their perspectives on balancing pets and children. The discussion highlights differing viewpoints on pet priority within family dynamics.

3. MLB's Renaissance: A New Era of Superstars

Rich and Steve shift their focus to Major League Baseball, praising the league's resurgence and the emergence of new superstars who have revitalized public interest.

• Rich Davis (07:48): "Baseball's going through something magical right now."

• Steve Covino (08:38): "Baseball renaissance."

They compare the current state of MLB to past eras, noting the rise of prominent figures like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and others who have become household names, driving increased fan engagement and media attention.

• Rich Davis (08:38): "Shohei, Judge Lindor, Bryce Harper... it's unbelievable how baseball is in a moment."

4. The Evolution of Major Events: "Glow-Ups" Over 50 Years

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the "glow-up" or transformation of major events over the past five decades. The hosts explore how events like the NFL Draft and WrestleMania have evolved from modest gatherings to grand spectacles.

• Rich Davis (35:08): "What has gotten the biggest glow up over the last 50 years?"

• Steve Covino (36:45): "The NFL draft used to take place in your grandparents' basement [...] Now it's a spectacle where almost a million people flock to a city."

They draw parallels between the growth of the NFL Draft and WrestleMania, emphasizing the increase in production value, audience size, and cultural significance.

• Steve Covino (40:00): "Wrestling went from old oily guys grappling to a billion-dollar industry."

Additionally, Comic-Con's transformation from a niche convention to a global phenomenon is highlighted as another prime example of a major "glow-up."

• Steve Covino (42:21): "Comic-Con went from Nerdfest to a global phenomenon where people need to buy tickets."

5. Listener Feedback: Identifying "Glow-Ups"

Interactive segments allow listeners to contribute their thoughts on other notable "glow-ups" in society. Responses include the evolution of rap music and hip-hop, the World Series of Poker, and changes in political conventions.

• Listener Dave (52:21): "The Little League World Series [...] now they have all the regional coverage."

• Listener Doug (52:39): "World Series of Poker [...] post Chris Moneymaker, everybody's dropping $50 to go play."

6. Concluding Discussions and Upcoming Topics

As the episode nears its end, the hosts touch upon imminent topics such as the upcoming NFL Draft, NBA playoffs, and trivia segments. They encourage listener participation and promote related podcasts and events.

• Steve Covino (53:28): "What's got the biggest glow up? [...] And we're live from Mercedes Benz studios."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rich Davis (05:59): "Congrats to Shohei. What'd he do? I thought he hit some more bombs or something."

• Steve Covino (06:10): "Shohei transcends fandom. He transcends your rooting interest. He's just one of those next-level guys, like Michael Jordan."

• Rich Davis (07:48): "Baseball's going through something magical right now."

• Steve Covino (35:08): "The NFL draft used to take place in your grandparents' basement [...] Now it's a spectacle where almost a million people flock to a city."

• Steve Covino (40:00): "Wrestling went from old oily guys grappling to a billion-dollar industry."

• Steve Covino (42:21): "Comic-Con went from Nerdfest to a global phenomenon where people need to buy tickets."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Balancing Family and Pets: The discussion underscores the challenges and personal variations in balancing affection for pets with the responsibilities of parenthood. While some, like Steve, believe it's possible to maintain strong bonds with pets even after having children, others like Rich acknowledge that priorities naturally shift.

• MLB's Revival: The rise of new superstars has significantly revitalized Major League Baseball, attracting a broader audience and increasing the sport's cultural relevance.

• Transformation of Major Events: The "glow-up" of events like the NFL Draft, WrestleMania, and Comic-Con illustrates how production value and audience engagement have exponentially grown, turning them into major cultural phenomena.

• Impact of Listener Engagement: Interactive segments highlighting listener opinions provide a diverse range of perspectives on societal changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of sports and entertainment industries.

This episode offers a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and engaging debates, making it a compelling listen for fans eager to understand the evolving landscape of sports and its intersection with personal lives.