Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3 Featuring Doug Gottlieb as Guest Host

Release Date: July 4, 2025

In this special episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, guest host Doug Gottlieb steers the conversation through a diverse array of topics, blending sports analysis with engaging personal anecdotes. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Host Introduction and Fireworks Discussion (03:04 - 12:31)

Doug Gottlieb kicks off the episode by celebrating Independence Day from his location in Green Bay, Wisconsin, contrasting it with the Southern California crew's experience. This segues into an enthusiastic exploration of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

• Fireworks Fascination: Doug expresses a deep interest in the science and artistry behind fireworks displays. He marvels at the complexity involved in creating intricate patterns and colors, stating, “I just want to know who's developing these things. Where are they developing? Who comes up with it?” (04:30).

• Pyrotechnicians Insight: The discussion introduces the role of pyrotechnicians—professionals responsible for the safe handling and execution of fireworks. Doug muses, “What does it take to be a pyrotechnician? That sounds like fun.” (08:42), highlighting the blend of chemistry and creativity in the field.

• AI and the Future of Fireworks: Transitioning to technological advancements, Doug raises concerns about artificial intelligence potentially replacing human pyrotechnicians with drone shows. He remarks, “AI is going to take people's jobs, have drone shows, taking pyrotechnicians jobs.” (10:15).

• Safety and Responsibility: Emphasizing personal accountability, Doug shares his approach to managing his son's safety during the festivities: “If you need a ride, wherever you are, you call me, tell me, drop a pin, I'll send you an Uber and get you home.” (12:26).

2. LeBron James and NBA Trade Speculations (12:31 - 37:17)

The conversation shifts gears to focus on one of the NBA's most debated figures—LeBron James—and the complexities surrounding his career decisions.

• LeBron's Contract and Team Dynamics: Doug references an article by Sam Quinn of CBS Sports, discussing LeBron’s decision to pick up his player option with the Lakers despite potential opportunities elsewhere. He states, “LeBron James… picks up his player option and then, of course, Rich Paul comes out, says LeBron wants to compete for a championship.” (20:19).

• Guest Insights from Jason Stewart and Mark Stein:

  • Jason Stewart analyzes the implications of LeBron’s contract, noting the challenges the Lakers face in potentially trading him due to his substantial salary and no-trade clause. He explains, “the Lakers are not just going to buy him out… they do greatly value everything he's brought to that franchise.” (25:26).

  • Mark Stein delves deeper into the strategic missteps and future possibilities for LeBron, questioning the logic behind his current contractual moves. He emphasizes, “LeBron has said one thing and done another for a long time. That’s not surprising.” (30:00).

• Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks: The discussion broadens to include Giannis Antetokounmpo, examining his commitment to the Bucks amidst recent trades and team changes. Jason remarks, “Teams around the league have approached it as they think he’s staying in Milwaukee.” (28:44), highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his future.

• Mike Brown and New York Knicks Coaching Change: Transitioning to the Knicks, Doug addresses the recent coaching change, expressing curiosity about the hiring process and the potential impact of Mike Brown as the new coach. He notes, “I think Mike is a better coach in Sacramento than he was in LA.” (38:12), indicating cautious optimism.

3. Hot Dog Eating Contest Highlights (37:09 - 44:27)

Adding a lighter note, the hosts cover the latest Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, celebrating Joey Chestnut's impressive victory.

• Joey Chestnut's Triumph: Joey secures his 17th title by consuming 70.5 hot dogs, surpassing his previous record. Doug humorously remarks, “It's not a sport. It's cool, but let's just not compare the two.” (41:00), emphasizing the contest's unique place in sports culture.

• Controversy Surrounding Kobayashi: The discussion touches on Takeru Kobayashi, a rival competitor who has been banned since 2010. Chris Burfet comments, “Without seeing Kobayashi, who is arguably kind of up there with Joey Chestnut, we were deprived of seeing these two going back and forth.” (42:42), lamenting the absence of this competitive dynamic.

4. Final Thoughts and Best for Last Segment (45:55 - End)

In the closing segment, Doug and Chris Burfet engage in a humorous and relatable discussion about summer cookouts and the essentials of a perfect barbecue plate.

• Cookout Essentials: Doug outlines the prioritization of foods on a barbecue plate, emphasizing protein (especially pork), carbs like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and watermelon. He humorously insists, “Protein… ribs, any sort of pork product… Mash potatoes or macaroni and cheese… And number five, dessert.” (52:04).

• Seasonal Reflections: Doug reflects on the time of year as a sports reset period, wishing listeners a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July: “Hope you have a great, safe fourth July.” (50:33).

Notable Quotes

• Doug Gottlieb on Fireworks Development:
  “I just want to know who's developing these things. Where are they developing? Who comes up with it?” (04:30)

• Doug Gottlieb on AI Impacting Jobs:
  “AI is going to take people's jobs, have drone shows, taking pyrotechnicians jobs.” (10:15)

• Jason Stewart on LeBron and Lakers’ Future:
  “The Lakers are not just going to buy him out and let him walk out the door and choose his next team.” (25:34)

• Chris Burfet on Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi:
  “We're going to arbitrarily keep this one guy out.” (43:20)

• Doug Gottlieb on Cookout Prioritization:
  “Protein… ribs, any sort of pork product… Mash potatoes or macaroni and cheese… And number five, dessert.” (52:04)

Conclusion

Doug Gottlieb's guest-hosting stint on The Herd delivers a dynamic blend of in-depth sports analysis, particularly focusing on NBA star LeBron James and the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside lighter, entertaining segments on events like the hot dog eating contest. His engaging discussions on fireworks and the potential impact of AI on traditional jobs add unique flavors to the episode. Overall, the episode offers listeners a rich tapestry of sports insights intertwined with relatable personal anecdotes, making it both informative and enjoyable for those who couldn’t tune in live.