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Titi
You're listening to an I Heart podcast. Your gut microbiome and those healthy bacteria can actually have positive effects. Your mental health, your immunity, your risk.
Rishi
Of cancer, almost any disease under the sun.
Titi
This week on Dope Labs, Titi and I dive into the world of probiotics. The hype, the science, and what your gut bacteria are really doing behind the scenes. From drinks and. And gummies to probiotic pillows. Yes, really, probiotic pillows. We're breaking down what's legit and what's just brilliant marketing with expert Insight from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. Listen to Dope Labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Why is a soap opera western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me, start Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.
Titi
Or wherever you get your podcasts. In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare. Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michael Kassin, founder and CEO of 3C Ventures, and your guide on Good Company, the podcast where I sit down with the boldest innovators shaping what's next. In this episode, I'm joined by Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. We dive into the competitive world of Stream. What others dismiss as niche, we embrace as core. There's so many stories out there, and if you can find a way to curate and help the right person discover the right content. The term that we always hear from our audience is that they feel seen. Listen to Good company on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You feeling? This too is a horror anthology podcast. It brings different creators to tell ten vile. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Grotesque. Oh my God. Horrific stories on what scares them the most.
Dan Flores
You feeling this too?
Titi
Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dan Flores
Hey, thanks for listening to the Best of Cabino and Rich podcast. Be sure to catch us live every day from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio.
Rishi
Find your local station for Cavino and rich@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR.
Dan Flores
It was a good weekend. Happy Mother's Day. Hopefully, like you said, you enjoyed your NBA. Now the NBA in the news on a Monday and it has nothing really to do with the playoffs. You would think, man. Is it about how the Knicks might just give this series right back to the Celtics today? Is it about can the warriors just hold on without Steph until he recovers? No, the story is about Michael Jordan and the story is about NBC.
Rishi
I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the story because I was like, what? It just seems so weird. And that's really what we're asking. What, who? Where? Why? We're actually asking more of the why who? Now. I'm not complaining who the who is. Everybody knows who is Michael Jordan or as they're calling now, Special contributor for NBA on NBC and Peacock starting next year, 2026.
Dan Flores
Special contributors the most vague stuff you could say, that way they could figure it out later. Special contributor could mean one time he does a sit down interview or special contributor can mean he's part of the weekly coverage or analysis.
Rishi
Right. And that would be crazy because we don't know Michael Jordan on that level. That was part of the reason why we loved him so much. There was so much mystique around the guy like you referenced earlier, Rich, on our Patreon show. Yeah, we know how we felt about certain players like Kobe and you know, LeBron. He never gave LeBron really the love that I think LeBron wanted from him. We know how he feels here and there. But as far as game to game, day to day analysis, we never got that sort of insight from a Michael Jordan. So that's like a, a weird place to see him. And then you have to ask yourself, well, he doesn't need the money, so why? There's something cool about his mystique. Now he's putting himself out there to be speculated upon. Much like Tom Brady in the booth. You know, it's like, did Tom really need that? Well, there's life after sports or life after the field and on the court.
Dan Flores
My, my thinking is simply Michael Jordan. We saw the Last Dance during COVID and what I think struck people was, oh wow, he's a competitive maniac.
Rishi
Yeah.
Titi
Wow.
Rishi
Michael Jordan, we heard and we could assume, but we never heard those backstories. Like he's competing with the security guy.
Dan Flores
You heard the stories, but not like the full stories. Right. And you know the whole joke of him looking at the iPad? I took that seriously. Michael Jordan, we learned a lot more about him through a documentary. Because you're right, there is a mystique and a mystery, oddly enough, about the most popular sports icon of our lifetime. So the fact that he's going to be doing anything with coverage. Like we know Shaq and Barkley, they like to bust each other's chops trying.
Rishi
To step into my world.
Dan Flores
They make fun of each other, yet they mock the game now. And that's a little counterproductive.
Rishi
I would have said it.
Dan Flores
Ernie.
Rishi
MJ Trying to be like me.
Dan Flores
That whole crew is fantastic. Right, Ernie, Kenny, you got the broadcasting chops and Charles. But what does a guy like Michael Jordan bring to the table? Which is where we open it up to you. What do you want to see? And by the way, Michael Jordan doing.
Rishi
Does he start cutting in like the other old heads, like the Barclays and Shaqs of the world where they're just dumping on these younger dudes? Because that might be a bad look too. That might be something we don't want to see from Michael Jordan. Or are you interested in his insight? I am, but I don't know if that's what we're going to get. But is he now an interviewer like you referenced? Possible counter productive Camino.
Dan Flores
If Michael Jordan just hops on NBC and starts talking about load management and soft players and all. Because that's what the league doesn't need. They don't need another veteran hall of.
Rishi
Famer dumping on the league.
Dan Flores
Yeah. So is Jordan become like the NBC cheerleader?
Rishi
Right, right, right. Yo, really interesting stuff. Michael Jordan breaking news this morning. I was like, what? And then your mind thinks the worst and then you read the little story and you're like, special contributor. What does that even mean, contributor? Okay. I can meet a wide variety of things and he's a special guy. So he's special contributor coming next season for the NBA. A brand like his and a name like his can only help the league. But again, I think the biggest question is why?
Dan Flores
Maybe he could for only so many decades think he's just bored and that's it. Be like rich and awesome.
Rishi
Yeah.
Dan Flores
Like what if Michael Jordan's like, I could go take my private jet to play golf anywhere, you know, I Could just sit back and watch my billions.
Rishi
Yeah, but in today's world, Rich, when you're putting yourself out there and you're putting your opinions out there and it's a two way street of social media like he is setting himself up for extra criticism and back and forth with these players and he may be exposed with his opinions and his thoughts where he never was before. And that's why he maintained a level of awesomeness in our minds as we didn't know all about Michael Jordan.
Titi
Well, he does keep himself busy with nascar. He's a co owner of a team slaying it there. Yeah, he's there at the garage throughout the week and then of course on race days he's there with the team. So he's kept himself competitive with that sport. So it would surprise me if he has a full time role with NBC.
Dan Flores
Maybe if you remove yourself from something long enough you could come back in with a fresh set of eyes. Maybe up until recently, Michael still feels like I'm too close to the game.
Rishi
Connected.
Dan Flores
I'm too connected. I played with players that are still playing. You know, I mean that's ended a little while now, but still maybe, maybe that was sort of the bottom.
Rishi
Now it's just time. Yeah, I'm curious to see, you know, what inspired him because here's the few factors. He can't be the money. Right. You would assume can't be between racing stuff and his branding stuff, Nike and everything else. Can't be the money that enticed him. So the why is most likely because he feels that he has something that we want to see. Some insight that is intriguing interviewing skills that we never thought about. Maybe.
Dan Flores
I mean does he have something or.
Rishi
Just straight boredom like, like Rich said, the time is right. Like he's just bored. And it's time to get back to what really defines Michael Jordan, which is basketball.
Dan Flores
He said something a few minutes ago to Danny and it's a really interesting point that's I think a big factor. What I say you said Michael Jordan has never lived in a world where what he says and does is open for a back and forth and a criticism. Michael Jordan did what he did. Who's going to question him? A Chicago reporter.
Rishi
Yeah, we had like a young player be like, man, Michael, shut up, man. He doesn't know what he's talking about.
Dan Flores
There's never been a world where Michael Jordan after a while had to answer it to anyone because the reporters all looked at him as like an icon. You know, he, he left, he won Three in a row left, came back, won three in a row. And even when he was a wizard, there was a sense of like, he's doing it for, like, the good of the league.
Titi
Like, what a guy.
Rishi
By the way. He's so revered and he's so special. Special contributor Michael Jordan to get criticism from Shaq and Barkley. It's expected at this point. Right. We all know that Shaq and Barkley's not kissing anyone's ass, but imagine growing up idolizing Michael Jordan and now he's the guy dumping on your game or it's going to sting in a whole new way.
Dan Flores
What if Michael takes a liking and throws like, ridiculous props to someone in particular, like an Anthony Edwards, like, it's an Edward. Or maybe he's like, you guys might not see it yet, but Michael Jordan here, when Benyama is going to win six or more. Like I did. Like, he could very well throw some heavy weight. Let me ask you, Rich, behind someone.
Rishi
As a broadcaster, you know, has he found his new basketball or is he going to be more of a baseball guy? Do you think he's going to be great or you think he's going to be struggling a little bit? Or are we looking way too into it? Because special contributor means he's just doing some minor stuff.
Titi
To me, this feels like NBC just trying to use his name. Lean into the nostalgia of what they were known for when we were kids, especially with the AI story we're gonna get to and everything. That's what.
Rishi
And the John Tesh.
Titi
Yeah, that's what I took away from it. Is that they want to flash us back and bring that feeling back.
Dan Flores
Everything with NBA on NBC tickles a marketing.
Rishi
It's just a marketing.
Dan Flores
Tickles the. The nostalgia huevos. It really does. Like, tickles your fancy.
Rishi
Yeah, but you don't get a Michael Jordan unless he wants to do it. Yeah, great move for the NBA. But there's got to be great incentive for this dude. He has too much to lose.
Dan Flores
I mean, we're getting the return of. Of Round Ball Rock, which is maybe the best sports theme ever. You can play the SNL one. I want basketball. Let's do that one, Sam. Why not?
Rishi
That's a good one.
Dan Flores
It's all good.
Titi
Basket.
Rishi
Maybe they lean into this one. These are the lyrics. A lot of people don't know that.
Dan Flores
So they bring it back. Ground Ball Rock.
Rishi
What was your first reaction when you saw the breaking news? Michael Jordan, like, shock. Like, oh, wow, that's. Or interest or why or.
Dan Flores
Honestly, my. My first Thought was why? Because again, he's. He's a billionaire.
Rishi
His golfing brand, he's chilling, he's doing what he wants.
Dan Flores
He could, you know, if Michael Jordan wants to buy a racing company or whatever he wants to do.
Rishi
Here, here's the thing here, here's what I thought and I want to hear what DB Thinks too. I thought to myself, Michael Jordan lived and played in a time where he got away with so much and yet we still loved him because we didn't know all the backstories, right? We didn't know. And he survived a world without social media. So he just slid by. It's like our parents in a way. You know how they. Dad never checked in. He was probably at the nudie bar. But he just grew up in that time and we loved him for it. Anyway, dad got home late because he was at the nudie bar. Michael Jordan, we don't know what he was up to. We don't know what he was thinking. And he got away in a time where it didn't exist.
Dan Flores
And Michael Jordan so big Cavino that I feel like we all the the collective us think that Michael Jordan's probably too good for social media, right?
Rishi
So why enter a world now where I don't know if he has the equipment to survive? Like does he have the social media skills to combat with today's annoying person? Does he want to expose himself in this way, set himself up for again media scrutiny of today? He got away with it scot free back then. Now he's putting himself out there to be exposed with anything he does or says. Is that really worth it?
Dan Flores
And is there anyone that doesn't love Michael? He's so loved.
Rishi
Like he's different world. He's entering that social media world is brutal.
Titi
I don't hate Michael Jordan, but I definitely did not cheer for him in the bulls in the 90s. You know, like in that case, I don't think that there's any way that he is exposed in this scenario to get him to do this. They're not going to say Michael, how do you think Pacers, Cavs sorts out? I just, I don't think that's not his.
Rishi
No, not analysis on his wheelhouse.
Titi
Yeah, that's.
Rishi
So then what his first interview is.
Dan Flores
With Chicago born the Pope. Michael sits down with. The Pope. Michael sits down with. Maybe it's like maybe it is an interview thing.
Rishi
Special contributor is the story for NBA on NBC.
Titi
Yeah. This isn't Charles Barkley sitting on the desk of Inside the NBA. People think that that's. This is special contributor. So everything is going to be packaged. Also, when you look at the Last Dance, it was so heavily slanted towards Jordan. Jordan had the last word in everything. And I think my opinion of why he's doing this is he still wants his last word. We're at a point where LeBron's career is coming to an end. We are also at a point where we're getting just further and further away from Michael Jordan's career as it is. And I think that he still wants that voice for his career and his generation and that final, you know, final word. He didn't do the Last Dance to have people tarnish his legacy. He did it to try to increase the legacy and show everybody what he was all about. To a generation that wasn't familiar with what he accomplished, I would have to think that that would be the reason why he does something like this.
Rishi
Yeah. And he has a team of brand people, I'm sure, that are steering the ship and advice on what's great for the brand, for the future. Yeah, that's a great point.
Titi
There's going to be no. Who do you think Brooklyn's going to take with the sixth pick? Like that is. That is not why you have Michael Jordan there. Unless at any point.
Dan Flores
Unless he records a version of everything and then they do a post game and it looks like he just knows everything.
Titi
Jordan.
Dan Flores
Hey, Mike. Let's see who Mike liked, the. The Knicks or Celtics. Well, I tell you, I feel like game four, Celtics probably by six. Celtics by six. You know, you're familiar with this in radio.
Titi
Rich people do this in radio to make sure they have their. Their butts covered for Monday.
Dan Flores
Yeah, maybe.
Titi
Maybe their version of Tony Romo you can just call things before they happen.
Dan Flores
Exactly. Imagine he's just.
Rishi
Or maybe, you know, speaking of marketing and things like that. In today's world, we've seen guys like Tom Brady, who's also a goat, pivot to a guy that we didn't really know a whole lot about. Like, to a guy with a lot of personality to share. Like, we just started to learn about Tom Brady in the past few years. Like, really know about the guy. Right. Because he was under Belichick's wing and they kept business. Business. We didn't know about Tom Brady. The guy. Maybe he's seen the good it's done for a guy like Tom Brady and he feels he has something to add. But not everybody's kind in this world of social media, man. And you said it, Rich. Michael Jordan's Such a beloved hero of ours that it'd be interesting to see people hating on him because of a misstep he may have or something he says or his opinion. And that might not be the case at all. Perhaps Dan Byers. Right. That's not what we're going to get from this situation.
Dan Flores
If I were Michael Jordan, I would go around telling people today that Nike's up 10% today, not because of the tariffs, but because of this announcement. Because I just looked at Nike stock and I'm like, man, that's right. The tariff thing. Yes. But yes.
Rishi
You don't know. You don't think that's kind of part of it? Because when I think Nike, I think.
Dan Flores
Jordan, Nike's one of the top three brands that will benefit from tariffs.
Titi
To DB's point, if it's to protect his legacy and his era of basketball. Bring back Ahmad Rashad and they could do like a Throwback Thursday type thing we do where they do like, you know, the throwback throw jam.
Rishi
Is that backwards marketing or would you say Jordan's the exception because you want to appeal to the younger guys?
Titi
You do, but in this age nowadays, I mean, my teenagers ask about Michael Jordan all the time and look at.
Dan Flores
His YouTube clips and the ultimate in connecting generations. If Michael Jordan could bridge that gap of like father, son or mother, daughter, mother, son watching a game and like, yeah, Michael Jordan, watch him, he's sitting down and you know.
Rishi
Or do you think NBC threw some money at him that he couldn't refuse?
Dan Flores
No, I don't think this.
Rishi
No, I don't think so either. I don't think we're just asking the why. Maybe the timing's right. Like you said. Like you said, rich people get bored after a while.
Titi
Maybe he's done golfing with the style NBC's presenting. How this looks like it's going to be, you know, a flashback to what they were famous for, then I feel like it's connecting the. It's a bridge. Like you said, it's a bridge.
Rishi
Hey, and you may think we're over speculating, guys, that's fine. But we've never really got to know Michael Jordan in that way. And he's probably the biggest icon. He is the biggest living sports icon, period.
Dan Flores
No doubt.
Rishi
Is there another one? You could say a soccer star for debate, but here in this country is Michael Jordan.
Dan Flores
No, I don't care. Soccer star or not, Messi, when you.
Rishi
Look at the numbers, dude, their social.
Dan Flores
Media, then you're talking about social media numbers. What they.
Rishi
Those are worldwide worldwide impact. I'm not saying Jordan doesn't have that.
Dan Flores
But I'm saying dollar companies based on their silhouette on a shoe and branding clothing.
Rishi
That's up for debate again. And I'm a Jordan guy myself, but I can't tell you if Ronaldo was worldwide more popular. I don't know. I'd say it's, it's debatable.
Dan Flores
I think here's where I want to go with this because there's another layer to the NBC coming back to the NBA coming back to NBC and it has to do with a dead guy. I'll explain coming up. But I do want to hear from you guys as far as what do you want to see Michael Jordan do? Let's forget what he's really going to do.
Titi
What role?
Dan Flores
When you heard this announcement, what would you, deep down inside want to see Michael do? Would you want to see Michael sit down and interview Giannis or interview Anthony Edwards or some of the young players?
Rishi
I'd want to see him. I'd want to see his insight and true thoughts on, on the players in the game today.
Dan Flores
Would you want to see him goofing around at a roundtable or do you want to see him more of an analyst or interviews? Like I said, your thoughts. But right now we got some breaking NFL news.
Titi
Breaking from Fox Sports. I know this tickles Rich Davis's fancy, even though it's not 49ers related. We have more. And what's that?
Rishi
You know where his fancy is. I'm not sure you want to tickle it.
Titi
We have more NFL schedule news. Are you ready?
Dan Flores
I'm ready. I knew they were going to le it's Wednesday, but I was like they're going to leak everything in the next two days.
Titi
Yep. Fox is having an announcement which I'm about to tell you. We found out earlier today. It's Cowboys and Eagles to start the season. Fox has chosen to tell America that on Saturday, December 20, get ready for a double header on Fox featuring the Philadelphia Eagles at the Washington Commanders, followed by the Green Bay packers going down to Chicago to face the Bears.
Dan Flores
Wow.
Titi
And this is interesting. This is Saturday, December 20th. This is week 16. This also runs up against the first round of the college football playoffs for the three games on that Saturday. So FOX is saying, all right, College Football Playoff, bring it on. We're going to give you Eagles Commanders, Packers, Bears on Saturday, December 20th.
Rishi
Two Eagles games announced already.
Titi
Correct.
Rishi
So we know more about the Eagles than anybody so far.
Dan Flores
Yeah. As of Wednesday, I imagine Dan will keep finding out little tidbits along the way, but Wednesday is the official schedule release. And every year, the teams, their social media teams right now are probably trying to think of the most clever, cool ways to release the schedule. I'll be honest. I love it. Every team comes up with these first.
Rishi
Two games are tough. The Cowboys and the Commanders.
Dan Flores
Well, those are two division games. They're guaranteed to play those teams. Yeah.
Titi
The Commanders will be in December again, week 16, December 20th. Yes.
Dan Flores
And we know.
Titi
We know that schedule watching tickles Rich's fancy. That's why we should have played this instead of breaking news. The Rich loves to look at the schedule game.
Dan Flores
Yeah, I love it. So, I mean, we're gonna find out all on Wednesday. And that's when guys could start planning and women could start planning their little weekends away, their. Their family trips, their bro weekend. So the schedule officially Wednesday. Thank you, DB for that update. So you're right, Camino. We got two Eagle. They're divisional games, so they're expected, and they were obvious. But both in big spots. The opening game and of course, leading into Christmas week. All right, a Saturday game to compete. That's. That's the thing. Competing with the college playoff. You're going to have to have a matchup. Washington, Philadelphia. All right, now, coming up, what do you want Michael Jordan to be doing at NBC? And another layer of this dude, that awesome fun fact Danny G. Hit us up with. Three pairs of brothers have hit home runs on Mother's Day, making their moms the proudest moms of all time. Do you know who they were?
Rishi
The Ripkens. The Conseco Twins.
Dan Flores
No.
Rishi
The Ripkins and the Uptons.
Dan Flores
They're all fantastic guesses, but brothers with conviction, though. Brothers to each hit a home run on Mother's Day in 1942. The DiMaggios.
Rishi
Ooh. Dom and Joe, who I learned during.
Dan Flores
A documentary that Joe DiMaggio, he did those Mr. Coffee commercials, and he had stopped drinking coffee, but he did it because the guy bothered him so much.
Rishi
And over the weekend, they call him the Martian. Jason Dominguez, 22 years old for the New York Yankees, hit three home runs in one game, and he became the youngest player since Jody broke Joe D's record for the Yankees to hit more than two home runs in one game.
Dan Flores
So the DiMaggios, then in. Oh, two.
Rishi
Okay.
Dan Flores
The Giambis, the G Nos, Jason and the late Jeremy and Wilson and William Contreras did it yesterday.
Titi
So.
Dan Flores
Mama Contreras.
Rishi
Nice.
Dan Flores
So as. As we celebrated Mother's Day yesterday, I can't be the only guy that I wanted to give my wife a little downtime. Like, honey, just chill. You know, you do so much with the kids. But no matter how much dad takes on, like, yo, kids, come with dad. We're gonna go to Starbucks and get mom coffee. Hey, kids, let's go in the pool. They still, like, will run to mom and bother her throughout the day.
Rishi
Like, it's just their instinct.
Dan Flores
Their instinct. Like, mom, wipe my butt. Mom, I need. Mom, I need this.
Rishi
How bad you want to give her a foot massage? You always end up rubbing her cheeks. So, I mean, yeah, moms never get a break.
Dan Flores
So, I mean, I couldn't be the only one that was like, we're going to give mom a break today. But within every hour the kids bothered her about something because it's mom, you know, the mom doesn't get a day off. I'm sorry.
Titi
Yeah.
Dan Flores
How it is?
Rishi
Love your moms.
Dan Flores
Let's go to your phone calls about Michael Jordan. Yes, Michael Jordan. It's not a lazy LeBron Jordan debate. It's, I promise you it's not that Jordan's going to be part of the NBA on NBC coverage as. What are they calling him again?
Rishi
The special contributor. But again, I think Dan Meyer hit the nail on the head because we're asking first and first mostly, why, why Jordan? Yeah. Is it time? Why would Jordan want to do something like this? But we're expecting some sort of crazy analysis and breakdown from Michael Jordan or that's what we would want. His opinions on the game today. And I doubt we're going to get that. And then we suggested, well, maybe he does a quick little interviews. It's like, well, do you see him as a Bryant Gumbel type? I don't see that. I don't see him as that role. And then Dan Beyer off the year said it's probably just going to be some overly produced little segment on Jordan's advice.
Titi
I told you, throwback packages.
Rishi
Yeah, overly produced where you can't really big picture stuff. Brand him in a negative light.
Dan Flores
Yeah, it's very. It's like low risk stuff.
Rishi
Low risk stuff. Yeah, I think that's probably it. And it's so disappointing because, yeah, we'd want so much more from that. It'd be weird to see.
Dan Flores
I know. I'll give you the best analogy. I remembered it during the break. I said to Dan Byer, there was recently something with a lot of promise. And you're like, that's it. Didn't they say Mariah Carey was gonna sing All I Want for Christmas is yous before one of the NFL games during the holidays. And they kicked it to a pre done video of her in a studio doing it. And I'm like, I thought she was gonna be like on the field or something. So don't get your hopes up as well. Say.
Rishi
Yeah, they're just sort of bending the truth here for the headlines. Like, yeah, he's involved, but barely.
Dan Flores
Let's say hi to Tony in Virginia. What's up, Tom?
Titi
Hello again.
Dan Flores
What's up, buddy?
Titi
I think it would be so cool if he was a sideline reporter now. It'll never happen, but they'd line up for the halftime interviews, walking off the court.
Dan Flores
Yeah. Like no one would give MJ the cold shoulder. It just wouldn't be. It wouldn't happen.
Rishi
How would our boy George Sedano feel about this?
Dan Flores
That's a good question to take away.
Rishi
See, that's the thing. These NBA guys come and they take over the. All the broadcasting layman's jobs. What about actual broadcasters?
Titi
Can you imagine though, MJ in like some oversized, like Bill. What's the word? Billis. What's the billowy suit? And he's on the sideline, the microphone. He'd look. He'd look out of place.
Dan Flores
But you know, it's interesting. Cavino brought up a good point. The last time we saw Jordan suited up was like in those nice oversized 1990s suits.
Rishi
He comes out.
Dan Flores
Is he like all tapered now in a David Byrne?
Titi
Like, comes out like Carmelo.
Rishi
Yeah.
Titi
No, oversized 90s Carmelo at the draft.
Dan Flores
With the shoulder pads and everything. Yeah. I mean, I don't know if I've seen mj like a nice fitted current day suit. Georgia T, you're on with Kavito. Rich, what's up, buddy?
Titi
Dnr. What's up, fellas? What's up, Danny G? Shout out Spotty on the video and shout out Big Apple if you know. You know, I have a couple of things on Jordan. I agree with Danny G about it being. I don't want it might sound like a crazy take. I don't want it. I want to keep the mystique alive. I want to as much as. And I'm not a. I'm not a. I wasn't born in. I wasn't born early enough to see him do his thing. But I saw the Last Dance and it was one of those things where when you saw it, during the time that you saw it, it was still during the run, where the Lakers were still like, people were like, oh, man, LeBron's still doing something. Something. So, again, competition, mystique. Do we need more stories from Jordan again? We've. We've gone through the whole gambling incident, his golfing, his.
Dan Flores
His other stuff.
Titi
I'm not saying it's not bad or you can't tell different iterations of it. I'm saying just like Tom Brady being the greatest football player of all time and not doing well in. In, you know, like, broadcasting is one of those things where you can be great at something, but, you know, you all can be great at one something.
Dan Flores
Yeah. I mean, Jordan's proven that he's not the best owner in management. Right. I mean, that. That didn't work out well, but they will not expose him that.
Rishi
Read the story. Maybe it's Belichick's Jordanettes doing this for the NBA. Maybe it's that Jordan.
Titi
Jordan.
Rishi
Or maybe they have a show. Jordan and Jordan.
Dan Flores
I'm here on the sidelines.
Rishi
I'm here with Michael Jordan, and we're interviewing Giannis.
Dan Flores
Who?
Titi
You.
Rishi
Exactly. Maybe we misread it.
Dan Flores
Oh, you want to say hi to someone real quick? That we'll go to Dan Buyer. Mr. Butt. Remember the guy you used to see at the clothing store?
Titi
No way.
Rishi
The guy that would come in last minute. What up, Mr. Butt?
Titi
Yeah.
Dan Flores
I can't.
Titi
I can't believe he used to make fun of my big ass. Medical condition.
Rishi
Well, you would always show up when the store was closing in five minutes.
Dan Flores
Yeah.
Titi
All these years, I reached back. I reached back. I reached back to grab my wallet over my shoulder.
Dan Flores
My butt's so big now. Thank you.
Titi
If you don't know who Mr. Butt is, go back to last Thursday's podcast.
Rishi
Yeah. We talked about people that came in as the restaurant was closing or as the store was closing. There was always a guy named Mr. Butt who would cry on jeans and stuff, and I'd be, like, ready to leave the store. Like, come on with this guy.
Titi
He'd tear them, too, with his big butt.
Rishi
It was crazy. And it's crazy, even crazier to hear from him after all these years.
Dan Flores
Thank you. Let's go to your pal and ours, Dan Beyer, for an update. DB what's going on, buddy?
Titi
Guys, get some NFL stuff to you in just a sec. But since we are talking hoops for the first time in his career, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may be open to options outside of Milwaukee. A report from ESPN says Giannis right now is being open minded. Was the phrase that was used about where his best long term spot is, whether it be in Milwaukee or with an another team, but the 30 year old in tempo apparently mulling those decisions. The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.
Dan Flores
I'll correct my kids now and then.
Titi
Where they'll say when cave people were here.
Dan Flores
And I'll say it seems like the.
Titi
Ice Age people that were here didn't.
Rishi
Have a real affinity for caves.
Titi
So join me starting Tuesday, May 6th where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today. Listen to the American west with Dan.
Dan Flores
Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.
Titi
Or wherever you get your podcasts. On November 5, 2018 at 6:33am, a red Volkswagen Golf was found abandoned in a ditch out in Sleep Hole Valley. The driver's seat door was open. No traces of footsteps leaving the vehicle. No belongings were found except for a cassette tape lodged in the player on that tape were 10 vile no, no no no no no no no no no. Grotesque. Oh my God. Oh my God. Horrific stories that to this day have been kept restricted from the public until now. You feeling this too? A horror anthology podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Your gut microbiome and those healthy bacteria.
Dan Flores
Can actually have positive effects throughout your body.
Titi
Not just your gut, but your mental, your metabolism, your immunity, your risk of cancer, heart disease, almost any disease under the sun. Yep, you heard right. Probiotics might actually impact everything from your brain to your heart. So what's science and what's just really good marketing? On this episode of Dope Labs, me and Zakiyah cut through the hype and get into the real deal behind probiotics, with help from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. So yes, bacteria is definitely having a.
Dan Flores
Moment and I'm very excited about that.
Titi
From probiotic drinks and gummies to face creams and pillows. Yep, we said pillows. The probiotic boom is everywhere. But how much of it actually works and what does it all mean for your gut, your skin, and even your mood? Join us On Dope Labs where we break it all down in the lab like only we can listen to Dope Labs on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. In 2020, a group of young women in a tidy suburb of New York City found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare. Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts on my body parts that looked exactly like my own. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to scream. It happened in Levittown, New York. But reporting the series took us through the darkest corners of the Internet and to the front lines of a global battle against deepfake pornography. This should be illegal, but what is this? This is a story about a technology that's moving faster than the law and about vigilantes trying to stem the tide. I'm Margie Murphy. And I'm Olivia Carville. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iheartra podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michael Kassin, founder and CEO of 3C Ventures and your guide on Good Company, the podcast where I sit down with the boldest innovators shaping what's next. In this episode I'm joined by Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi for a conversation that's anything but ordinary. We dive into the competitive world of streaming. How she's turn turning so called niche into mainstream goal connecting audiences with stories that truly make them feel seen. What others dismiss as niche we embrace as core. It's this idea that there's so many stories out there and if you can find a way to curate and help the right person discover the right content. The term that we always hear from our audience is that they feel seen. Get a front row seat to where media, marketing, technology, entertainment and sports collide and hear how leaders like Angelique are carving out space and shaking things up a bit in the most crowded of markets. Listen to Good company on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Rishi
Now it's time for a tire rack play of the day. Pacers Cavs game got heated yesterday.
Dan Flores
Therefore play will be resumed with one.
Rishi
Issue, two free throws with a flagon.
Titi
File penalty due, it will be Cleveland basketball.
Dan Flores
Now you bring up a very valid.
Titi
Point there that the momentum is all in Indiana's favor. What Matheran did there is simply unacceptable. And inexcusable. It just doesn't make any sense. And it's. It's been. But flagrant too. Is he done? Did he say flagrant, too? Yeah, Flagrant two is an ejection. He said flagrant penalty too. Is that correct, Pat? Is that right?
Dan Flores
That's what he said?
Titi
Yes, he's done. He didn't say that Matheran was ejected. He didn't add on that part, but that's the rule. And it looks like Joe is walking him out of the arena as we speak. You're out of here.
Dan Flores
An ejection Pacer went on, obviously to take that commanding three one lead over the number one seed Cavs, obviously without Donovan Mitchell. That's courtesy of the Pacers radio network. And that is our tire rack play o the days.
Rishi
Now again, we're Covino and Rich at Covino and Rich. 87799 on Fox. Danny G says we have another call about Jordan. Is it Belichick's Jordan or Michael Jordan?
Titi
Michael Jordan.
Dan Flores
Hey, what's up, Greg in Connecticut. What's up, Greg?
Titi
Hey.
Rishi
So just thinking.
Titi
I don't understand exactly what Jordan's gonna be doing, but it started making me think about disastrous on air stuff with. So I remember.
Rishi
Do you remember when. When Joe Namath got drunk and he did his interview.
Dan Flores
I want to kiss you.
Rishi
You know what, though, man? Maybe this is the new blueprint. Okay? When you think of the goats, right? Tom Brady, he's broadcasting now. He put fear aside and ridicule and criticism aside. He put his image and legacy aside and said, you know what? I want people to know more about who Tom Brady is. And I'm going to take this chance. And greatness comes with a risk. I'm going to go out there and do my thing. Tom Brady didn't have to do all this stuff. And he did. Who else? Derek Jeter is now an analyst. The thing is, you put yourself out there for criticism. We're not used to seeing Michael Jordan in that vulnerable situation. Is that what he's going to do or not? They're saying, special contributor, we don't know.
Dan Flores
I'll say it's the first time we're going to see Michael Jordan, in my opinion, not in a bubble of some protection or where we're all like, oh, mj, mj.
Rishi
Unless it's some overproduced over hype nonsense.
Dan Flores
Which it probably will be. But there's one other note on the NBA on NBC. And then we're going to get to some NFL, some schedule stuff. We're Going to play a game. But they had a promo for the NBA going to NBC. And I want you to take a listen to the voice in the promo. Listen.
Titi
The NBA on NBC is back. See you this October for the NBA season tip off.
Dan Flores
Whoa. Now, that sounded really nostalgic, right? Because the voice there is a gentleman by the name of Jim Fagan, big time voiceover guy. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. What? They are using AI to put that together. And that is now a prime example of when, you know, there's strikes and media tries to figure out who gets the rights to someone's voice when they're gone. Because we've never really seen it. But to me, that hits your nostalgia bone a little bit. It's kind of like perhaps tickles at Sam.
Rishi
Yeah, it does tickle my face.
Titi
And they are going to use his voice for the upcoming season.
Rishi
That's insane. We said the one redeeming benefit of the fight two weeks ago. Fatal Fury Garcia, Tia Fimo Haney. That card in Times Square. One of the redeeming benefits was the nostalgic comfort food known as Jim Lampley's voice.
Dan Flores
But he's still with us.
Rishi
He's still with. That's what I'm saying, though. But there's something to be said about. Yeah, that voice is familiar with us and we like the nostalgia and the feel of it. They're just leaning into it in a different way.
Dan Flores
You know, respectfully, let me throw this out there. I don't think there's a baseball fan on planet Earth that doesn't admire the legacy and the greatness of than Scully. He's broadcasted long enough that if they really wanted to, there will be in the future, if not already, a way where they could probably have him call game. Is that fair?
Rishi
Do we want give you directions on your Google maps?
Dan Flores
But Vin Scully could probably with the database of every word he said in his. They could do it. Should they? Would they?
Rishi
Is it wrong or awesome?
Dan Flores
And is this just step one On Mother's Day yesterday, this is a total dad victory. So I have to share it because I feel like very rarely do us dads get this moment. At my son's t ball game after the game, all the boys gave the moms a rose and I took a picture where my son and my wife both look good. And my wife's like, that's the best photo. And I'm like, that's your Mother's Day present.
Rishi
Oh, my God. You didn't get yelled at because of the angle or anything?
Dan Flores
No, I did the right angle. I got them both smiling and looking good. And I was like, how often does the dad get the good picture?
Rishi
You didn't get. Why did you post that ugly picture of me in response, no matter how.
Dan Flores
Beautiful your wife or girlfriend is, guys are always known to take the worst photos.
Rishi
Apparently I'm the worst photographer that ever was. So, man, yeah, that's a great job.
Dan Flores
I shot myself on the back. I feel like that was.
Rishi
Rich got a good picture of his wife yesterday. Look at that action shot.
Dan Flores
Look at that.
Rishi
Great job.
Dan Flores
But yeah, let's. Let's get back into this.
Rishi
I thought about it, Rich.
Dan Flores
The NBA on NBC. We know the Michael Jordan thing. We're past that now. It's the intro. You can play it against him. I mean, it's only 10 seconds. They did a little teaser for the NBA coming back to NBC. And the voice sounds familiar.
Titi
The NBA on NBC is back. See you this October for the NBA season tip off.
Dan Flores
And that voice is familiar because I guess it's the voice of the late great Jim Fagan, who's no longer with us, but he did the voice and he was the voiceover guy for NBA and NBC.
Rishi
So by the way, for the record, he passed away in 2017. But you recognize the voice and it becomes a question of awesome or just odd and. Or just the future. We got to get used to it. Thought about it, Rich, and I feel like this is a. Well, it's cool homage to him if you want to look at it that way. But it could be a slippery slope for people in our industry. People make a great living doing voiceovers. And as a broadcaster myself, that just shows how replaceable you are. And if AI's able to do that, it's able to do what we do in the future. And I've heard it as far as AI introducing songs on the radio and that sort of thing.
Dan Flores
No AI can come up with the dumb analogies I come up with so I feel safe.
Rishi
Yeah, I don't know if AI could ever be as dumb as Rich.
Titi
But however, they're so dumb, they're untouchable.
Dan Flores
No AI can come up with this stupidity. I have a. My theory on this goes one way.
Rishi
What if they come out with as artificial stupidity? Then you're doomed.
Titi
What if you ask AI to come up with a dumb analogy like Rich Davis of Fox Sports Radio?
Dan Flores
Sure.
Rishi
Yeah, I'm sure it could do it.
Dan Flores
I have my answer. My answer is simple. It depends on whether or not it's a one off or as Mickey Would say in Rocky. Now, if it's a one off, meaning Derek Jeter has his last at bat at Yankee Stadium. And Shepard, Bob Shepard now batting, number two.
Rishi
And they play the recording number two.
Titi
That's a great point. Like honorary.
Dan Flores
Yeah. If it's. If it's the first day of baseball, Dodger Stadium, and they. They press play and it's Vin Scully saying, yeah, let's play Dodger baseball, I.
Rishi
Could see what's happening.
Dan Flores
But that's a nice little tribute. Now, if you said that's the permanent job every day. No, no, no. I don't like that.
Rishi
Testing. See how people feel about it. It's kind of weird. It's kind of odd. I think. I really do. And let me give you another example. We've seen this in our industry before. We've seen it before where hosts. There was something called hosts, presenters, TV hosts and TV presenters. My ex was a TV presenter, a host, and she started losing jobs for probably multiple reasons, but one of them was that those jobs were going towards celebrities, celebrity hosts. So there was no need for an actual professional host anymore because celebrities were more familiar and capable of doing this, and people identified more with those celebrities. Now it seems like we're gonna be losing jobs to these AI sort of broadcasters. I believe that is probably what's next. Why pay someone X amount when they could just pay the likeness of the voice? And maybe it goes to the family. I don't know how that works.
Dan Flores
There's a difference between opinion and just a voice, meaning podcasting and radio and audio entertainment is as healthy as ever, because people love opinions, they love debate, they love storytelling, all that. I think that's safe. What I think is not, honestly, is, like you said, voiceover work. I think if you're introducing a product and it's just simply talking points.
Rishi
Yeah, but what's our analogy? We always say, what's the saying or the quote? When you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else. You say yes to Jim Fagan, who passed away in 2017. You say no to that young guy, like a Danny G with a great voice who could have easily done that, made a few bucks, and then you set his career on a sweet trajectory. Do you feel. How do you feel about hologram live performances? Because Sharon Osborne recently said. And Ozzy's still alive, by the way. She said she's open to it in the future.
Dan Flores
That's an interesting one, because I feel like.
Rishi
But again, you're saying yes to hologram performances. You're saying no to maybe seeing a band that's alive that you could be contributing to.
Titi
And by the way, Fagan's family will be compensated for this because it is a partnership.
Rishi
That's pretty cool then, as broadcasters and likeness. That's why actors went on strike, right? Because they wanted to protect their likeness. And they were using their likeness. Studios were just using their likeness for whatever. You don't even to be. You don't even need extras anymore because they just use likeness.
Titi
And we figure because something this big, like a network this big and something official like that, of course they have to compensate the estate or the family. But how many bootleg AIs are we seeing? That is the real issue. Because nobody's gonna see any money from the bootlegs.
Dan Flores
That's true.
Rishi
And Mike, who runs this place, made another good point.
Titi
Who?
Rishi
If I were you, I would open up your trust and will and redo the whole thing. Like, why? Because what if you were to die like Jim Fagan, right? They use your voice. You're making money now. Who's getting that money if you're not making it clear in your will? It's just something to think about. Something we never really had to think about before.
Dan Flores
Danny, if something happens to you, can you leave me your voice?
Rishi
Yeah.
Dan Flores
Can you leave someone? I would say if I want your Iowa T shirt, you got it. The yellow one you wear like once.
Rishi
A week, that I want the watermelons all over it. They're both in the wheel, very summery. I could use. Use that one.
Dan Flores
So your thoughts? Hey, why not?
Rishi
Are they watermelons or pineapples? What's on you?
Titi
I have two watermelon shirts I want.
Rishi
Yeah, I want those. Thanks.
Titi
All right.
Dan Flores
Upside down pineapples. What's going on there?
Rishi
What's going on with those shirts?
Dan Flores
Interestingly enough, that's what's happening.
Rishi
AI broadcasters and voiceovers. But if you really want to do the math, I think the NBC on NBA is doing a real good job. Strategy is involved here with really bringing us the nostalgia that maybe NBA needs. John Tesh, Bo Bo Basketball. Michael Jordan, Jim Fagan.
Dan Flores
All ties together. Let's say hi to David. You're on Cavino. Rich, what's up, buddy?
Titi
Hey, dude. Just press on on the AI stuff here at work. And we kind of consider the AI a computer here at work. Another idiot.
Dan Flores
So AI stands for another idiot for us.
Titi
I love that. Yeah.
Dan Flores
I mean, listen, there's gonna be uses for it. And it's like anything, right? You try to resist it and you're Gonna realize eventually, like, well, it's gonna be a part of our lives. You just don't hope it replaces humans making money and incomes and families. But unfortunately, that will likely happen. What happened when they made factories with machinery? Like, right. How many humans are like that? We did that.
Titi
You know, that's why these actors unions are like, don't even get your foot in the door with AI. We do not want it in our industry whatsoever. Because once that foot is in the door, then it's gonna blow wide open.
Dan Flores
And Sam, I agree. I'm not. I'm not pro. I'm not pro machine, you know, anti human. I'm just saying what happens is the technology's there and we try to resist it, but the inevitable ending is that some of these things will happen. I just hope it doesn't infiltrate the industries that affect us. Yeah, selfishly, everyone doesn't want it to affect them. But go back a hundred years. What did people say that worked on assembly lines and factories? Oh, these. These machines are gonna. And they did. They put them out of business.
Titi
Does it have to happen, though? Just because things can happen in the future, is it best for everybody? I mean, people argue about the bringing back the woolly mammoth all the time.
Dan Flores
Let me, Let me ask you this.
Titi
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Dan Flores
Let me ask you this, because I'm not saying it's related completely, but do we lean into these things anyway? Like for me, oh, man, I must be a jerk because I opt for self checkout every time I prefer to use the robot at the supermarket. Right. Do you stand in line and wait?
Titi
I hate self checkout. 99, 1699. I'm so spiteful with the self checkout that I do one for them, one for me. One for them, one for me.
Dan Flores
That's called fever.
Titi
Not really. Because I'm an employee at the store.
Rishi
Danny G. Apparently I'm working there.
Dan Flores
I am an employee.
Rishi
I just. I was on ChatGPT as we speak for and I said, what sort of analogy would Rich Davis give about the dangers of AI broadcasting? Do you want to hear what it says? This is according to ChatGPT to see if you could truly be replaced. If Rich Davis, known for his witty, relatable style.
Titi
Oh, that's already wrong.
Rishi
It's already wrong. Of shows like Cavino, Anders.
Titi
Stop you right there.
Rishi
Were able to give an analogy about the dangers of AI broadcasters. It might sound something like this.
Titi
Hit it.
Rishi
Imagine. Imagine you're at your favorite neighborhood bar. That's what it says. And the bartender knows your name, your drink, your favorite sports team, and now suddenly he's replaced by a robot that pours the perfect drink but doesn't know your story, doesn't laugh at your dumb jokes, and definitely doesn't remember that time you cried after your team blew a 31 lead. That's AI broadcasters. Slick, efficient, but totally soulless. He might follow it up with something tongue in cheek, like, sure, the AI won't call out sick or ask for a raise, but it also won't give you that human spark that makes radio feel like a conversation, not a script.
Dan Flores
I don't like that AI could even do what you just read.
Rishi
Actually, I think AI was better than anything you came up with, by the way.
Titi
Apparently it takes, what is it, four bottles of water every time you ask ChatGPT a question.
Rishi
Rich would have said something so much more dumb than that. Like, it's like a corn dog. You ever have a corn dog with. What are you talking about? And there's like, mustard and then there's dog, but you're not sure if it's.
Dan Flores
Like, what kind of monster.
Titi
Covino, There's a related story from last week where China has opened the world's first AI powered hospital. I heard about that. Did you see that? 42 robots and they're performing surgery on humans. I'm sorry, I'm not letting a robot do a surgery.
Dan Flores
However, Danny, what if the stat showed after a year of actual data that the survival rate in the robot hospital was higher?
Rishi
It's flawless Hospital. Like a flawless.
Titi
Every futuristic movie, it's always done by computers. They always like computer Bishop in Aliens. Yeah, there's always a malfunction. Always. It's always Will Smith chasing the malfunction. And is there? They're this thirsty. Go back to that water thing you were saying. Oh, yeah. Apparently it takes like it's bad for the environment. They're saying how bad chat GPT is for the environment. Like a bitcoin harvesting. Because of the power it takes to answer these questions, the computers are using.
Dan Flores
Up the moisture level. You made that up just to stop us? I read it.
Rishi
Hey, for Jim Fagan and his family, I think it's a cool story.
Titi
No doubt.
Rishi
But there are other things to think about in the future.
Dan Flores
Man, is it still weird if you make love to a robot? A sex robot? Is that cheating? Did we go over that yet? Where's that cheat?
Rishi
Only if you take your socks off. Otherwise you're good.
Dan Flores
Okay, just.
Titi
Oh. A single chat GPT conversation might use about half a Liter of water.
Dan Flores
I can't even equate how.
Titi
Because it has to cool the system. Yeah, like, it's coolant harvesting. Quote, unquote harvesting. Cryptocurrency takes. Uses a lot of energy and water. Keep these machines cool and the electricity you need cool, cool. They're very thirsty.
Dan Flores
I know nothing about what you're speaking of.
Titi
Humans and robots need cooling down.
Dan Flores
What? In fact, I own, like, the computers. I was the idiot. I was the idiot that. I was the idiot that bought crypto early just out of whim. But I know nothing about it. When you say mining crypto, I'm like, I don't even.
Titi
I used to do that. I. I think there are.
Rishi
There's a lot of Chilean miners out there trying. Look at the bitcoin.
Titi
They're stuck in a bitcoin mine.
Rishi
Yeah, no, but like, I think there's.
Titi
A finite amount of bitcoin out there now. Like, there's no. But at the time, they were actually quote, unquote harvesting them.
Rishi
What do you think the Zoolanders were looking for?
Titi
It's.
Dan Flores
The files are in the computer.
Rishi
I think I got the black lung.
Dan Flores
I found some doge and some ethereum.
Rishi
Looking for Solana.
Dan Flores
That's what they were digging for. All right. Hey, you know what?
Rishi
I think we could sum it up by saying the NBA doing a pretty good job of wrangling us back. NBA on NBC.
Dan Flores
You got Michael Jordan and the voiceover guy that died. I think they're. They're two for two so far.
Rishi
Basketball and John Tash Baker.
Dan Flores
Yeah, three for three. Baker in Illinois wrapped us up, buddy. Hey, no, I just want to say.
Titi
About the AI and the robotics and.
Dan Flores
All that stuff, what's going to end.
Titi
Up happening is people are going to.
Dan Flores
Say they took their job, they took her job, they broke his jaw.
Rishi
Every time you lean toward that, that's what I'm thinking in the back of my brain for sure.
Dan Flores
Yeah.
Rishi
So funny.
Titi
We'll have to build walls around computers.
Rishi
AI Sound bites. AI Promotions.
Dan Flores
Well, hey, two things I want to do coming up. There's a. There's an Antonio Brown story in the news. And this is. This is something that AI can't do. How are Antonio Brown and the Pope alike?
Titi
Oh, what? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me, writer and historian, Dan Flores, and brought to you by Velvet Buck. This podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode, I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and meat eater founder Stephen Rinella.
Dan Flores
I'll correct my kids now and then.
Titi
Where they'll say when cave people were.
Dan Flores
Here and I'll say it seems like.
Rishi
The Ice Age people that were here.
Titi
Didn'T have a real affinity for caves. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6th where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the west in which we experience the region today.
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.
Titi
Or wherever you get your podcasts. On November 5, 2018 at 6:33am, a red Volkswagen Golf was found abandoned in a ditch out in Sleep Hole Valley. The driver's seat door was open. No traces of footsteps leaving the vehicle. No belongings were found except for a cassette tape lodged in the player. On that tape were 10 vile no, no no no no no no no. Grotesque. Oh my God. Oh my God. Horrific stories that to this day have been kept restricted from the public. Until now. You feeling this too? A Horror Anthology podcast. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your gut microbiome and those healthy bacteria can actually have positive effects throughout your body. Not just your gut, but your mental health, your metabolism, your immunity, your risk of cancer, heart disease, almost any disease under the sun. Yep, you heard right. Probiotics might actually impact everything from your brain to your heart. So what's science and what's just really good marketing? On this episode of Dope Labs, me and Zakiya cut through the hype and get into the real deal behind probiotics, with help from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. So yes, bacteria is definitely having a.
Dan Flores
Moment and I'm very excited about that.
Titi
That from probiotic drinks and gummies to face creams and pillows. Yep, we said pillows. The probiotic boom is everywhere. But how much of it actually works? And what does it all mean for your gut, your skin, and even your mood? Join us on Dope Labs, where we break it all down in the lab like only we can listen to Dope Labs on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. In 2020, a group of young women in a tidy suburb of New York City found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare. Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts on my body. Parts that looked exactly like my own I wanted to throw up. I wanted to scream. It happened in Levittown, New York. But reporting the series took us through the darkest corners of the Internet and to the front line of a global battle against deepfake pornography. This should be illegal, but what is this? This is a story about a technology that's moving faster than the law and about vigilantes trying to stem the tide. I'm Margie Murphy. And I'm Olivia Carvell. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts, Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. In 1978, Roger Caron's first book was published. And he was unlike any first time author Canada had ever seen. Roger Caron was 16 when first convicted, has spent 24 of those years in jail, 12 years in solitary. He went from an ex con to a literary darling almost overnight. He was instantly a celebrity, he was an adrenaline junkie, and he was the star of the show. Goboy is the gritty true story of how one man fought his way out of some of the darkest places imaginable. I had a knife go in my stomach, puncture my spleen, break my rib. I had my guts all in my hands, only to find himself back where he started. Roger's saying is, I've never hurt anybody but myself. And I said, oh, you're so wrong. You're so wrong on that one. Rob from Campside Media and iHeart Podcasts. Listen to GoBoy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dan Flores
Spotty, I know you were hard at work. Details. Soon enough, we have our big Cavino Enrich party, June 20th to the 22nd in Vegas.
Rishi
Everybody's invited.
Dan Flores
Yo, it's gonna be a big deal. Sp. We're, you know, we're working out like pool parties, live broadcasts, like a. Can't wait, like a big party night, Giveaways, all the details on how you could get in again, a pool party, a broadcast, a night, maybe a karaoke night. We're working out all these fun details. So just a lot of fun. We're the show that loves to hang with the people that support us. So, yo, come hang with Cavino and Rich. You will not be disappointed.
Rishi
Say, come to the karaoke night. Maybe we'll get Manny Pacquiao there because he loves it. But he's fighting Mario Barrios now.
Dan Flores
I thought he was. He's not done.
Rishi
No, no.
Dan Flores
Manny Pac Man Pacquiao.
Rishi
No, he's got a fight coming up. All right. You know, otherwise he'd be coming to our party.
Dan Flores
You know what? It's time for a game that gives Covino the nervous farts, but I love it. Last one standing. Let's go.
Titi
You have five seconds to battle for your sports trivia.
Dan Flores
Life, man.
Titi
Ah, I got it. Yeah. I don't got it. I don't got it. Put your electronic devices down and pick your sports knowledge.
Dan Flores
It's CNR's last one standing. Last one standing.
Titi
You could hear Covino preparing. I have four categories ready to go if needed. A tiebreaker. Each contestant gets five seconds to stay alive in the round. If you run out of time or you answer incorrectly, Iowa. Sam takes you out with his big bad buzzer. You do not want to hear that. We keep battling until you are the last one standing. If you win two of the rounds, you are the top dog. Here are the contestants. Seven time winner, Steve Kov Vino right over there. Let's go to his right. 10 time winner, Rich Davis.
Dan Flores
One day you'll get to double digits, buddy.
Titi
The leader.
Rishi
That's what your wife said.
Titi
The leader in the clubhouse. 28 time winner.
Dan Flores
Doesn't even make sense, but it was funny.
Titi
We are laughing. These are the moments I. I wish I had. AI hosts over there. 28 time winner, Dan Byer right over there. Hello.
Dan Flores
Look at his face. He's like. He's like Kramer with Karate Kids.
Titi
Let's go to the studio lines. He got through first. And you guys got to give Eric and Phoenix props. He tries to get through for the games every week.
Rishi
Thank you, buddy.
Titi
Eric got in first. Eric, you're the contestant for last one standing.
Dan Flores
What's up, E?
Titi
Good afternoon, gentlemen. How you doing?
Rishi
Thank you, man. Thanks for playing.
Titi
What do you do for a living there in Phoenix? Yeah, I'm a procurement officer for the county. So I'm like Ron Swanson over here. Oh, nice.
Dan Flores
Cool.
Titi
I like that he's got a real job. All right, Spotty is the fact checker during this game. Yeah, he's got a lot of anxiety. When I say your name, the clock is going to begin. Here is the first category. It's called A lot of real estate. You have five seconds to name an MLB team whose current stadium has one of the deepest outfield walls. All right, we'll take the top 17 MLB stadiums with the deepest outfield walls. Covina, you're going to be up first as soon as the timer goes Now.
Rishi
Fenway. Center field is deep.
Titi
Okay. Yes. Number one.
Rishi
Bam.
Titi
Good pull. Give me team.
Dan Flores
Mets.
Titi
Mets. Yes. Number 13, 408ft. Buyer. I feel the Tigers have a deep outfield wall. Tigers do. They are number five with 412, Eric in Phoenix. How about the Astros? Astros, number 11 with 409ft.
Dan Flores
Remember they used to have that little funny thing in the outfit with the flagpole?
Rishi
So stupid. I hated that.
Titi
All right, we're off to a good start. Back to Covina.
Rishi
That was my answer. Texas Rangers.
Titi
Rangers. Yep. They are number 16 with 406. Nice, rich.
Dan Flores
Blue Jays.
Titi
Blue Jays not on the list. Out of there. Fire. Baltimore. Baltimore orioles are number seven with 410ft.
Rishi
Wow.
Titi
Eric. Rockies.
Rishi
Colorado Rockies.
Titi
415, number two. That's a good guess. What an educated guess. Good job by you. Covino.
Rishi
Minnesota.
Titi
Minnesota.
Rishi
Where are they?
Titi
Yeah. Twins. 411ft. Number six, fire. How about the Angels? Angels are not on the list, Eric. Oh, Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh are not on the list. Not there. That means Covino is the last one standing in that round, at least.
Dan Flores
You know, my philosophy was I was trying to think of, like, some older parks I thought might have been a little bigger. And then I thought the Blue Jays, like, dome bigger. And that was my. I. I was out early.
Rishi
Justifying, Buddy, why don't you just suck it up?
Titi
Giants were the one of the big ones. You missed 415ft. Diamondbacks, 413ft. And guardians, 410ft. All right, all right. Second category.
Dan Flores
What's this? What's the park with the smallest dimension? Is there a team that has, like, center field, like 390s something? Who's in last place?
Titi
I think Wrigley's probably short because their lines extend deep.
Dan Flores
Yeah, the. Keith Fernandez always talked about Wrigley being his favorite place to hit.
Titi
Where's my list here?
Dan Flores
Well, I don't want to hassle you.
Titi
Oh, I mean, it's okay. Yankee Stadium. Shortest is actually Petco park and Angel Stadium tied for the shortest.
Rishi
You got the pesky pole. You got Boston. That's short. Yankees got a bit little.
Titi
Little.
Dan Flores
Little nook in right field.308, I think. Right? Geez, it's like a softball field.
Titi
Covino on the board as we go to the second round. Want to be like, Steph, you have five seconds to name an NBA player who's in the top 25 for most three pointers made this season. All right. Top 25, most three pointers made this season. Eric, you're going to be up first as soon as the timer goes now. First and last name, please. Draymond Green. Thank you. Not on the list. Come on. Sorry. Buy Anthony Edwards. Anthony Edwards. Number one. Numero uno. Rich.
Dan Flores
Jalen Brunson.
Titi
Jalen Brunson. No. Covino.
Rishi
I love the NBA, huh? Carl Anthony Towns.
Titi
Carl Anthony Towns.
Dan Flores
Oh, no. What is this?
Titi
Jason Tatum. Yes. Tatum's on their. And Byer wins that round.
Rishi
So sad.
Titi
People misunderstand the question. I think they did.
Rishi
You know, I was thinking, the Celtics throw up so many threes. Should have went there.
Titi
Just name the stars that are on that top 25. Hold on. Let me go. You want to go Stars? Steph's number three.
Dan Flores
Let's see.
Rishi
Well, I didn't know we could answer him. He was part of the question.
Dan Flores
He wasn't part. Yeah, you can answer.
Titi
I know, but let's see. Harden was nine. James Harden. Yeah. Jalen Brown. Was he on the list? Jalen Brown was on the list. Yeah. Austin Reeves, 20. I don't know.
Rishi
Know.
Dan Flores
I'm just.
Titi
It's a whole huge list.
Dan Flores
Yeah.
Titi
Celtics shoot so many threes that.
Dan Flores
Hey, we.
Rishi
We.
Dan Flores
We gave that one up.
Titi
Tyler Harold. It's like the warriors just threw and threw away the game. All right.
Rishi
So sad.
Titi
So far, that was just like. Everyone just struggled. Everyone gave up.
Dan Flores
I was like Bellinger. You see Bellinger swinging a pitch that was like 20ft out of the strike zone.
Rishi
If we hit a break, sometimes you miss.
Titi
All right, Covino and Buyer, both on the board as we move to the third category. Hope you guys do better here. Cross the line. You have five seconds to name an NFL running back. Who is top 17 and most touchdowns scored over the past five years. NFL running back. Top 17. Most touchdowns scored over the past five years. Covino, you're going to be up first as soon as the timer starts right now.
Rishi
Got to go. Saquon Barkley.
Titi
Number 11. 39. Rich.
Dan Flores
I mean, my dude. Christian McCaffrey.
Titi
Your dude. Number 9. 42. Buyer. Aaron Jones. Aaron Jones. Number 12 with 38. Good poll. Eric Derek Henry. Derrick Henry. Number 1.
Rishi
Number 1. 73 of my answers.
Titi
Covino.
Rishi
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock.
Dan Flores
I mean, I was like, not even in a football mindset. I love it.
Titi
Three.
Rishi
Got me.
Titi
Two. One. All right, good one.
Dan Flores
Josh Jacobs.
Titi
Josh Jacobs. Number three with 55. Yes, sir. Buyer. Nick Chubb. Nick Chubb. Yep. Number 13 with 38. Chubb. Rock Eric. Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan Taylor, number two with 56. Nice, fool.
Rishi
Good one.
Titi
Yeah, Rich. Three, two, one. Out of there. Fire. Joe Mixon. Joe Mixon. Number 453. Back to Eric. Oh, picked all my picks. How about Austin Eckler? Austin Eckler. Yep. Number five, Fire. Kyron Williams. Kyron Williams. No. Oh. Eric is the last one standing in that round.
Dan Flores
There you go.
Titi
All right. Three way tie. Covino, Buyer, Eric and Spotty. Got a couple more names that were on that list there. Oh, yeah, sorry.
Dan Flores
I'll take accountability. I'll take accountability for sucking at the. The basketball question. But that one, it's so funny when you move on from a sport seasonally, mental, mentally, like when you are like, I am in my mind, like football. I'm on my mental timeout from football. I had to like go through the teams like, who's their running back?
Titi
NFL's year round, though.
Dan Flores
I know.
Titi
James Connor with 50. Alvin Kamara with 48. David Montgomery 48 with 40.
Dan Flores
That's crazy.
Titi
Cook on that list. I think Cook is towards the bottom. Towards the bottom. Yeah. He's 1733. Yeah.
Dan Flores
Wow.
Titi
All right, fourth category in a three way tie between Cove Box and Eric is Ace Hardware, you have 5 seconds to name an. Yeah. You guys are in the baseball mindset, so no excuses. Ace Hardware, you have five seconds to name an MLB Cy Young Award winner from the past 15 seasons, starting with 2010 from AL or NL, of course. And Eric, you're going to be up first as soon as the timer goes. Right now. Max Scherzer. Max Scherzer. Yep.
Dan Flores
How many years, by the way?
Titi
You said 15 seasons. Fire. Corbin Burns. Corbin Burns. Yep. 2021. Yes, sir. Rich.
Dan Flores
Jacob deGrom.
Titi
Jacob deGrom. Yes. Two years off to a good start.
Rishi
Covino Verlander's one.
Titi
Verlander. Yep. Eric Clayton Kershaw. Peyton Kershaw. Yep. DB Tarek Scubal. I love his name. There you go. Rich.
Dan Flores
Garrett Cole.
Titi
Garrett Cole. Yep.
Rishi
20.
Titi
Covina.
Rishi
Oh, man. Did Shohei win three? No, I'll go with Shohei. Yeah, I don't think he won.
Titi
Didn't win. Sorry. Eric Snell. Snell.
Rishi
Blake Snell.
Titi
Yeah. Yeah, he didn't. 2018. 2023. Buyer. Nothing's ringing a bell. Right off. Going back to 2010. Yep. Three Bumgarner. Oh, sorry. Nope. All right, to between rich and Eric. 3, 2, 1.
Dan Flores
Chris Sale.
Titi
Yep. Good pull. 20, 24. Eric Erickle said already. Bieber.
Dan Flores
Shane Bieber. Yeah, I think he's 2020.
Titi
Yeah.
Dan Flores
Good call.
Titi
That's a real good, good battle here. Back to Rich. Three, two.
Dan Flores
Zach Wheeler.
Rishi
Nope.
Titi
Oh, Eric walks off as the last one standing.
Dan Flores
Eric, give us one More.
Titi
You were pretty good at that.
Rishi
I had one. I didn't know. I, I. Because I thought maybe I was thinking like Dan Byer when he said Bumgarner. What about lincecum? Is that prior to 2010?
Dan Flores
Yeah.
Titi
Yeah, I think it is.
Rishi
Right before. Let's see.
Titi
Okay, 15 years goes fast. Corey Kluber.
Rishi
That's a good one.
Titi
Arietta. Ari Dickey.
Rishi
Oh, I forgot about that.
Dan Flores
I believe that was in the last 15 holiday. What a failure I am.
Titi
Trevor Bauer.
Rishi
No one said, oh, another good one.
Dan Flores
No one wants that guy still.
Rishi
Hey, great job, Eric. Yeah, man, your patience paid off, man.
Titi
Eric, glad that you finally got in and you won. Gonna mail off that shining CNR Swiggy to Phoenix for you. All right, thanks, fellas.
Dan Flores
Hey, throwing some koozies since you're a good dude. All right, buddy? Yeah, I guess you need koozies in Arizona. Keep those drinks.
Rishi
I know the Pope.
Dan Flores
Yes.
Rishi
You said that he and AB Are the same guy.
Dan Flores
I know. I said. I said, how are Antonio Brown and the Pope alike? Alike? And the question is this, do you. Before I tell you how they're alike, when I say social media, media, do you think social media is real life?
Rishi
Certain aspects I tend to believe more than others. Like, if someone's shown me how great their relationship is through photos all the time, I don't necessarily believe that. Yeah.
Dan Flores
I saw a great post from this dad on TikTok. I follow. And he's like, everyone with kids, every weekend is a struggle. So if you see a great picture of, like, the family together after having ice cream after a game, do you know the struggle at the took to get to that point? Danny, if I see a picture of little Koa smiling on your lap, do I know what went into getting to that moment, struggling?
Titi
Let me tell you, I stayed. I was back east and I stayed with my brother and his wife and their kid. And seeing it firsthand, living with it for a couple days, versus what I just saw posted on social media for Mother's Day. Completely.
Rishi
Yeah. You're seeing everybody's best.
Titi
Right?
Rishi
No one's advertising, so we know not to believe that. And people like to exaggerate and show off and brag and. Yeah. Were you really sitting first row at the game? Probably not. You just did that for the gram, so. But when it comes to people posting their thoughts or like a news.
Dan Flores
Break.
Rishi
Or alert, you assume that it's real because it's coming from them. The source.
Dan Flores
Now, social media, from the sense of you said news alerts, that's One thing, but how people present themselves. And I bring up how. How are the Pope and Antonio Brown dealing with something similar. The Pope, who was announced last week. And I think it's cool how they have footage of Pope Leo at the White Sox game because he's American. He just seems more relatable than any religious figure we've ever seen in our lifetime.
Rishi
At least pretty much, yeah.
Dan Flores
I bring up the Pope only because his older brother is on social media.
Titi
Oh, boy.
Dan Flores
Talking about politics. And he's pretty opinionated. And it makes you realize that even if you're the Pope, you might have a brother, an uncle, a parent who goes on social media and starts yap, yap, yap, yap, yap. And did you see what the Pope's older brother was saying about Nancy Pelosi? Let's just say not nice things. Things you would think a Pope's brother might not say.
Titi
But then again, the Pope's brother is like, Antonio Brown.
Dan Flores
No, but the Pope has to deal with social media. He's the Pope, and he has to probably field questions like, hey, Pope Leo, like, you know your older brother. You see what he's doing? And Antonio Brown came out and said, oh, just so you know, in real life, I love Tom Brady. Don't look at my ex, and all that. Which makes you wonder, X meaning Twitter. X meaning Twitter. Don't look at my Twitter. Do some people deem social media as, like, that's just not real life. That's the imaginary me.
Rishi
You know, I have a lot of.
Dan Flores
People say, it's the real me. And I think that's where we get.
Rishi
I think that's on us. And we're getting trolled all the time. It's on the, like, Gen X generation for not reading through the BS where younger generation. A slightly younger generation. Generation. The weenials or millennials.
Dan Flores
No, millennials. Not younger millennials. Like 40 now. Gen Z. Gen Z.
Rishi
Slightly younger than us.
Dan Flores
Okay.
Rishi
View it as, like, who cares? Meaning, like, your.
Dan Flores
Your parents.
Rishi
Right? Remember, like, your family members wouldn't accept certain people because they really as friends on Facebook. Because they're really not friends. Like our buddy. Our buddy Stanley T. Did he used to do that?
Dan Flores
Buddy Stan, be like, yo, this guy friend requested me, but we're not really that tight. I'm like, yeah, saying it's a Facebook.
Rishi
Because, you know, Stanley T. Stanley.
Titi
Stanley Tucci.
Rishi
No, because again, an older generation would take things too literally. As do we sometimes when it's on social media. So that's us. That's like, shame on us, bad on us. When a younger, a slightly younger generation looks at it like nonsense. I could say and do what I want and it has no ramifications. It doesn't matter. It's not a real reflection of me or my family members. I guess garbage is trash. It's all fake because they grew up knowing how BS it all is when we put an ounce of stock of reality into it still, and credibility into it.
Dan Flores
So The Pope and A.B. how are they doing with the same thing? The Pope, people asking about his brother, tweeting about Nancy Pelosi, Antonio Brown being asked about. Wait, you said you love Tom Brady, but what about your Twitter? He says it's not real life. So you got to ask yourself, do you look at social media other than officially verified news accounts, do you look at social media as real life? And I'd like to think it's a weird, exaggerated, false falsehood. I. I do not see your Mother's Day photo and assume life is all sunshine and rainbows. Right? All right, cool. We'll see you guys tomorrow. Ariba dare you, baby.
Rishi
See you in the promised land. Goodbye, guys.
Titi
Your gut microbiome and those healthy bacteria can actually have positive effects. Your mental health, your immunity, your risk of cancer, almost any disease under the sun. This week on Dope Labs, TT and I dive into the the world of probiotics. The hype, the science, and what your gut bacteria are really doing behind the scenes. From drinks and gummies to probiotic pillows. Yes, really, probiotic pillows. We're breaking down what's legit and what's just brilliant marketing. With expert Insight from gastroenterologist Dr. Roshi Raj. Listen to Dope Labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare. Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts. This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You feeling? This too is a horror anthology podcast. It brings different creators to tell ten vile. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Grotesque. Oh, my God. Horrific stories on what scares them the most.
Dan Flores
Feeling this too.
Titi
Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts why is a soap opera Western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.
Titi
Or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michael Kasson, founder and CEO of 3C Ventures and your guide on Good Company, the podcast where I sit down with the boldest innovators shaping what's next. In this episode, I'm joined by Angeli Su, CEO of Tubi. We dive into the competitive world of streaming. What others dismiss as niche, we embrace as core. There's so many stories out and if you can find a way to curate and help the right person discover the right content. The term that we always hear from our audience is that they feel seen. Listen to Good company on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to an iHeart podcast.
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hosts: Covino & Rich
Episode Title: The Best Of Covino & Rich
Release Date: May 12, 2025
In this episode of The Best Of Covino & Rich, the dynamic duo delves into one of the most intriguing developments in the sports broadcasting world: Michael Jordan's unexpected announcement as a "special contributor" for NBA coverage on NBC. Alongside this primary topic, Covino & Rich explore the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports broadcasting, examining its implications for the industry and its impact on beloved sports personalities.
Announcement and Initial Reactions
At the outset (03:20), Covino introduces the surprising news of Michael Jordan's new position with NBC's NBA coverage, highlighting the initial disbelief and skepticism surrounding the announcement. Rich expresses his astonishment, saying, "I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the story because I was like, what? It just seems so weird."
Understanding the "Special Contributor" Title
The hosts dissect the vague nature of Jordan's title, with Dan Flores questioning its actual significance: "Special contributor the most vague stuff you could say, that way they could figure it out later." This ambiguity leads to discussions about the potential roles Jordan could assume, ranging from occasional interviews to more substantial analytical contributions.
Impact on Michael Jordan's Legacy
Rich muses on how this move might affect Jordan's legendary status: "There's something cool about his mystique. Now he's putting himself out there to be speculated upon." He draws parallels with Tom Brady's transition to broadcasting, pondering whether Jordan seeks to redefine his post-playing career or merely capitalize on his enduring fame.
Concerns About Depth of Contribution
The conversation pivots to concerns that Jordan's involvement may lack the depth fans crave. Rich opines, "But as far as game to game, day to day analysis, we never got that sort of insight from a Michael Jordan." This sentiment underscores the fear that Jordan's role might be more about nostalgia than offering substantive commentary.
Jordan's Selective Openness in the Media
Dan Flores reflects on Jordan's historically guarded relationship with the media: "Michael Jordan has never lived in a world where what he says and does is open for a back and forth and a criticism." The hosts debate whether Jordan is prepared to handle the relentless scrutiny that comes with today's social media-driven environment, contrasting it with his previously untouchable image.
Speculation on Jordan's Intentions
Rich and Dan speculate on what motivates Jordan's move, dismissing monetary incentives due to his vast wealth: "Can't be the money, right. You would assume can't be between racing stuff and his branding stuff, Nike and everything else." They suggest that Jordan might be driven by a desire to maintain relevance and leave a lasting mark on basketball's current landscape.
Potential Roles Jordan Could Assume
The hosts explore various possibilities for Jordan's role, from being an analyst akin to Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal to a more behind-the-scenes contributor. Dan Flores humorously imagines scenarios like Jordan conducting exclusive interviews or providing pre-game insights, though he remains skeptical about the practicality and authenticity of such roles.
Nostalgia vs. Modern Broadcasting Needs
Covino and Rich discuss the tension between leveraging nostalgia and meeting the modern demands of sports broadcasting. They acknowledge the value of tapping into the emotional connection fans have with Jordan but question whether this strategy aligns with the evolving landscape of sports media.
Introduction to AI Voiceovers
Transitioning from Jordan's role, the conversation shifts to the use of AI in sports broadcasting, particularly the replication of deceased announcers' voices. Dan Flores introduces the topic with the example of NBA on NBC using an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan for promotional material: "They're using AI to put that together. And that is now a prime example of when, you know, there's strikes and media tries to figure out who gets the rights to someone's voice when they're gone."
Ethical and Professional Implications
Rich raises ethical concerns about replacing human voiceovers with AI: "But there's something to be said about. Yeah, that voice is familiar with us and we like the nostalgia and the feel of it." The hosts debate the potential loss of jobs for voiceover artists and the broader implications for the broadcasting industry, considering how AI might render certain roles obsolete.
Nostalgia vs. Authenticity Debate
Covino emphasizes the emotional aspect, suggesting that using familiar voices can create a sense of continuity and comfort for audiences: "That's the NBA on NBC is back. See you this October for the NBA season tip off." However, Rich counters by questioning the authenticity and potential creepiness of AI-generated voices, especially when replicating someone who has passed away.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The hosts speculate on the future of AI in broadcasting, discussing whether networks will increasingly adopt AI to reduce costs and reliance on human talent. Dan Flores expresses concern over the lack of personal touch and the potential homogenization of sports commentary: "But there's something to be said about the humanity we lose."
Audience Reception and Adaptation
They consider how audiences might react to AI voices, pondering whether the initial novelty would sustain or if viewers would quickly tire of the lack of genuine human emotion and spontaneity. Titi points out, "It's like a conversation, not a script," highlighting the dynamic and interactive nature of human broadcasters that AI currently struggles to replicate.
Combined Impact on Broadcasting
The hosts reflect on how Jordan's active role alongside the introduction of AI voiceovers could reshape the NBA broadcasting landscape. Rich wonders if Jordan's genuine insights could counterbalance the potentially soulless nature of AI-generated commentary.
Preserving Iconic Voices
Dan Flores discusses the delicate balance between honoring past broadcasters and embracing technological advancements: "There's a difference between opinion and just a voice, meaning podcasting and radio and audio entertainment is as healthy as ever." He underscores the importance of maintaining human elements in broadcasting to preserve the authenticity and depth of sports analysis.
Potential for Enhanced Engagement
Covino suggests that combining Jordan's leadership with AI could create a hybrid model where technology assists rather than replaces human engagement: "And that could possibly keep the human touch alive while leveraging AI for efficiency."
Future of Sports Broadcasting
The conversation culminates with a contemplation of the future, pondering whether the integration of legendary figures like Jordan and AI will coexist harmoniously or if one will overshadow the other. Rich concludes, "Michael Jordan's Such a beloved hero of ours that it'd be interesting to see people hating on him because of a misstep he may have or something he says or his opinion."
While the primary focus was on Michael Jordan and AI in broadcasting, Covino & Rich also touched upon recent sports news and engaged in interactive segments:
NFL Schedule Announcements (20:03)
The hosts briefly discussed Fox Sports' scheduling announcements, highlighting key matchups and the strategic positioning of games against the College Football Playoffs to maximize viewership.
Mother's Day Baseball Highlights (22:36)
Celebrating Mother's Day, they spotlighted standout performances by the DiMaggio brothers, emphasizing their unique achievement of hitting home runs on this special day.
Interactive Trivia Game: Last One Standing (60:41)
Covino & Rich hosted a lively sports trivia segment engaging with listeners, featuring categories spanning MLB stadium dimensions, NBA three-pointers, and NFL running backs, showcasing their competitive spirit and deep sports knowledge.
In this episode, The Best Of Covino & Rich provided an engaging exploration of Michael Jordan's unexpected venture into sports broadcasting with NBC and the broader implications of AI's growing presence in the industry. Through insightful discussions and relatable banter, Covino & Rich navigated the complexities of maintaining sports legends' legacies while adapting to technological advancements. Their balanced perspective invites listeners to reflect on the future of sports media and the enduring impact of iconic figures like Jordan.
Rich on Michael Jordan's Announcement:
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the story because I was like, what? It just seems so weird." (03:44)
Dan Flores on "Special Contributor" Title:
"Special contributor the most vague stuff you could say, that way they could figure it out later." (04:24)
Rich on Jordan's Mystique:
"There's something cool about his mystique. Now he's putting himself out there to be speculated upon." (07:01)
Dan Flores on AI Voiceovers:
"If they really wanted to, in the future, if not already, a way where they could probably have him call game. Is that fair?" (39:21)
Rich on AI's Impact on Broadcasting:
"But when you think of the goats, right? Tom Brady, he's broadcasting now... Derek Jeter is now an analyst." (37:03)
Dan Flores on AI Replacing Voices:
"That's a slippery slope for people in our industry. People make a great living doing voiceovers. And as a broadcaster myself, that just shows how replaceable you are." (42:25)
03:09 - 07:36:
Michael Jordan's role with NBA on NBC – Announcement, reactions, potential impact on legacy.
07:37 - 15:18:
Further discussion on Jordan's motivations, possible roles, and comparison with other sports figures.
15:19 - 26:54:
Nostalgia in sports broadcasting, AI voiceovers, ethical implications.
26:55 - 39:21:
Deep dive into AI's role in broadcasting, including using Jim Fagan's voice.
39:22 - 54:20:
Continuation of AI discussion, ethical concerns, future implications, and brief sports news updates.
54:21 - 77:37:
Interactive segments, sports trivia, Mother's Day highlights, and further discussions on AI and social media's impact.
77:38 - End:
Repeating advertisement segments and closing remarks, which are summarized but not detailed per instructions.
Note: Advertisements, podcast promotions, and non-content segments have been omitted to focus on the core discussions and analyses presented by Covino & Rich in this episode.