Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – Episode PMS 2.0 1361

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Pat McAfee, ESPN
Guests: Quentin Richardson, Jeff Passan, Jackie Redmond, Shams Charania, AJ Hawk

1. Introduction and the Value of Sports

The episode kicks off with Pat McAfee sharing an inspiring sermon-like excerpt from the Pope, emphasizing the societal and personal benefits of sports. The Pope highlights how team sports foster cooperation, resilience, and community—values that align with broader human and divine principles.

Pat McAfee (00:00): "Sports are happening all around us... We're lucky that my entire life, and I assume a lot of boys in here as well, has literally been committed to sports."

AJ Hawk (02:05): "Amen, Pope."

2. NBA Finals Recap and Game 5 Preview

Pat McAfee dives into the tightly contested NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, currently tied at 2-2 in the series. He discusses Oklahoma City's recent dominant performance over the Pacers, particularly highlighting their strategic defense and control over free throws—a point of contention surrounding referee Scott Foster.

Pat McAfee (04:00): "62 free throws in one game... They even have a nickname for this guy. I had no idea. Everybody just kind of looks. Extender. Yep, that's the Extender."

Quentin Richardson joins the discussion to analyze the Pacers' chances in the upcoming Game 5, emphasizing the importance of key players like Miles Turner to secure victory and potentially win the series in six games.

Quentin Richardson (27:50): "I think, I think, you know, I mean, there's a lot of stuff that makes me feel like Pacers win this game tonight, they can go up three, two, and take control, but I think they actually win the next game following that."

3. US Open Highlights: JJ Spahn's Triumph

Pat shifts focus to the US Open, spotlighting JJ Spahn, the newly crowned champion. Spahn's remarkable performance included overcoming early struggles with the course's challenging layout and weather conditions. Pat and guests discuss Spahn's resilience and the emotional victory, underscoring his mental toughness and family support.

Pat McAfee (13:04): "He has to two putt here to win the US Open, or they would delay it till the morning for extra hole."

The team reflects on the grueling nature of Oakmont Country Club and the significant role of weather and course conditions in Spahn's victory.

Ty Schmidt (08:04): "It's something that constitutes how they believe... Marshawn... potentially going to win the Con Smythe Award, which is the MVP of the playoffs for the Florida Panthers."

4. MLB Spotlight: Shohei Ohtani's Return to Pitching

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who made a comeback to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Pat and Jeff Passan discuss the unprecedented nature of Ohtani's dual-role excellence as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter, comparing him to legends like Babe Ruth.

Pat McAfee (04:42): "What Shohei Ohtani has done for the MLB, what he has done for every team he's been a part of... people say, well, this guy can't major in both, brother. So I happen to be a punter and a kicker coming out of college, okay?"

They explore the challenges Ohtani faces in maintaining his pitching performance while excelling at batting, pondering whether his unique skill set will inspire more two-way players in the future.

Jeff Passan (49:01): "Once you get past the mindset of, like, oh, it's not fair, and you go like, all right, they have a head start, but let's see if we can catch them. It's like work ethic is the only thing."

5. NHL Focus: Florida Panthers' Dominance in the Stanley Cup Finals

Jackie Redmond provides insights into the Florida Panthers' formidable performance in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers showcased exceptional teamwork, depth, and resilience, positioning themselves as potential dynasty contenders with their consistent playoff success and strategic player acquisitions.

Jackie Redmond (75:28): "I do think that Florida has established themselves as the more dominant team. They have better in goal, better on the back end, deeper as a whole, they've won before."

The discussion highlights key players like Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, whose contributions have been pivotal in the Panthers' success. The team also touches on the emotional aspect of the game, remembering beloved figures like Joe Nardo and honoring the legacy of great players.

Jackie Redmond (78:52): "They have Sergei Bobrovsky, who was a Hall of Fame goalie. Brad Marchand is the old guy doing it for the Panthers... We love Corey Perry."

6. NBA Trades and Their Impact

The conversation moves to recent NBA trades, notably the Desmond Bain trade from the Boston Bruins to the Orlando Magic in exchange for four first-round picks and Cole Anthony. Quentin Richardson analyzes the strategic implications of such trades, emphasizing the balance between acquiring veteran talent and accumulating future draft assets.

Quentin Richardson (34:05): "I think they just trying to keep themselves out because you know that, that first and second apron, this is all new to me..."

The team debates the value of first-round picks versus established players, drawing parallels with high-profile trades like Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.

Ty Schmidt (115:21): "They were trading four first-rounders... think about Anthony Davis for Luka."

7. NFL Updates: Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce

Shams Charania discusses developments in the NFL, focusing on Aaron Rodgers' integration into the Pittsburgh Steelers and Travis Kelce's offseason activities. There’s speculation about Kelce's fitness and potential participation in social events like the upcoming game with celebrity appearances.

Shams Charania (72:33): "I have not spoken to him since he's been minicamp and everything with the Steelers. But going back to Kaboli, I would wonder if he has had any interaction with Karl Kaboli..."

The segment underscores the importance of team chemistry and the challenges of integrating high-profile players into new team dynamics.

8. College World Series and Other Sports Updates

The hosts provide updates on the College World Series, highlighting teams like Coastal Carolina and Arkansas. They discuss the impressive performances, elimination games, and potential matchups, adding excitement to the ongoing baseball season.

Ty Schmidt (156:35): "They have yet to win a college World Series, but Coastal Carolina has put themselves in a good position..."

Additionally, the conversation touches on emerging sports events and tournaments, including the World Cup of Club Teams in Miami, where teams from various leagues compete for a $100 million prize.

Pat McAfee (160:06): "The world is going to battle for $100 million. And it's happening in the United States of America."

9. Personal Anecdotes and Pop Culture References

Throughout the episode, Pat McAfee shares personal stories, such as painting with his daughter and humorous interactions with guests about reality TV shows like "Love Island." These segments add a relatable and entertaining layer to the podcast, showcasing the hosts' personalities beyond sports analysis.

Pat McAfee (08:30): "This is my daughter's dinosaur. We painted this together. Hers much nicer than mine."

10. Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their enthusiasm for the ongoing sports events, express gratitude to guests like Jackie Redmond and Jeff Passan, and offer predictions for upcoming games. Pat emphasizes the importance of work ethic in sports success, drawing parallels across various sports disciplines.

Pat McAfee (125:20): "Any bucket of life, you can name it... work ethic is the only common factor in every single bucket for massive success."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Pat McAfee (00:00): "Sports are happening all around us..."
• AJ Hawk (02:05): "Amen, Pope."
• Quentin Richardson (27:50): "I think, I think... the Pacers actually win tonight, they can go up three, two, and take control..."
• Pat McAfee (04:42): "What Shohei Ohtani has done for the MLB..."
• Jackie Redmond (75:28): "I do think that Florida has established themselves as the more dominant team..."
• Quentin Richardson (34:05): "I think they just try to keep themselves out because of the first and second apron..."
• Pat McAfee (125:20): "Work ethic is the only common factor in every single bucket for massive success."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Pat McAfee Show, listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of major sports events, including the NBA Finals, US Open, MLB's Shohei Ohtani, and the NHL's Florida Panthers. The blend of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and engaging discussions makes this episode a comprehensive and entertaining listen for sports enthusiasts.