Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

Margaret Cho is a comedy legend. She’s worn her heart on her sleeve since the start of her career, and now she’s bearing it on South Beach Sessions. Together, Dan and Margaret explore her past: her unusual upbringing, her record and boundary-breaking impact on comedy, and her personal struggles with deep depression and anxiety. Margaret tells Dan about her childhood in the Bay Area, including her early start in comedy and performance, which emerged from a deep feeling of loneliness and being unseen. She ties her queer identity to her growth and development as an artist, but also to her isolation. And, as Margaret embarks on a new tour, they discuss the state of comedy today… including what it means to wholeheartedly push back against an administration that was supported by mainstream comics. Go see Margaret live on her “Choligarchy” tour, dates and tickets are available at margaretcho.com/tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"You're always sure that another shoe's gonna drop and this is all gonna go away..."  A teenage icon turned struggling actor to Emmy Award-winning sitcom star, Jon Cryer has seen every side of Hollywood and made an impact most couldn't even dream of. Jon tells Dan what it was like growing up in a showbiz family and how he experienced fame early in his career with "Pretty in Pink", being associated with the Brat Pack, and performing on Broadway as a teenager. He also explains the unique disappointment that comes with working on a failing TV show or a movie that bombs... to the then life-altering popularity of "Two and a Half Men", how he's moved on since it ended, and why he's still not ready to reconnect with Charlie Sheen. Listen to the true crime podcast, "The Man Who Calculated Death", available on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jo Koy makes moves and always brings the laughs. He has sold-out tours, sets new records with the upcoming first comedy event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (with Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias), and even has holidays named after him... but what he really wants to do is make people laugh. From a hilarious story about betting on himself and producing his own special despite being told (repeatedly) no one wants it... to now multiple Netflix specials, breaking barriers in Filipino representation in entertainment and his pride in his cross-cultural comedy, Jo finds the ultimate joy in connecting with his audiences. Jo also gets real about his family: he tells Dan all about his military brat upbringing to working in entertainment just like his mother, and how humor got him through it all. Jo is currently on his "Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour", for upcoming dates, tickets, his bestselling book, and more, visit JoKoy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From being the face of Old Spice, to Black-ish, to Conan, to touring around the country... Deon Cole is everywhere. Deon tracks his career, from not even knowing he was funny... to performing on Conan and immediately earning himself a job there... to the "awkward" through-line of all his characters. He also memorializes his mother, recounting her love and support of him and why he named his special, "Charleen's Boy," after her. With Dan, Deon explores his grief, and feeling her presence during the performance. Deon's latest Netflix special, "Ok, Mister" is streaming now, and you can watch "Average Joe" on BET+. Visit deoncole.com for upcoming tour dates and tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An icon in the flesh, after seventy years in the spotlight, Williams Shatner continues to live long and prosper. William shares over 90 years worth of wisdom, drawn together from a life of incredible experiences— from exploring the final frontier on camera, to real-life space travel. He and Dan explore the beauty of our planet, cosmic joke of our brief existence on it, and the unifying grief all humans share. They also look back on the enduring legacy of Star Trek, the way it forever revolutionized fan culture, and how it continues to change his life and countless others for generations. For an unforgettable experience to see this icon live on stage and a screening of the classic, "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan," go to WilliamShatnerTour.com for dates and tickets. For all the latest projects and appearances, visit WiliamShatner.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Football has always been at the center point of my life - I accomplished anything and everything in that space, and there's so many other things for me to go and explore." Ndamukong Suh was a dominant force in the NFL for 13 seasons and now, he’s ready to tackle his next chapter with the same discipline and determination that made him so unstoppable on the field. Ndamukong opens up about the last two seasons leading up to his retirement on July 12, 2025, the opportunities he turned down, and the advice from his father that he's honoring a year after his passing. He also tells Dan why he avoided the media as a player despite his star status, and what he really thinks about 99% of those infamous fines he received. Listen, watch, and subscribe to "No Free Lunch with Ndamukong Suh" from The Athletic, available now wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even as "king of Latino comedy", Eugenio Derbez always dreamed of Hollywood. Now, he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Eugenio shares with Dan how he's overcome countless doubts over the decades, fought to break stereotypes of Latinos in media, and the pride he feels in seeing the joyous representation of Mexican culture in his Apple TV+ series, ACAPULCO. He also reveals the humbling experience of writing, directing, and starring in the all-time highest grossing Spanish-language film in the world ("Instructions Not Included") to leaving a life of success and stardom in Mexico in pursuit of making it (again) in Hollywood. The first two episodes of the fourth and final season of ACAPULCO are now available on Apple TV+, with new episodes every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Rodriguez has lived the majority of his life under the intense pressure of the public eye - reaching prolific highs and startling lows, leading to his guarded reputation… until now. There’s a deep history for Dan and A-Rod to explore in this unforgettable episode of South Beach Sessions originally recorded back on December 11, 2023. Alex opens up to Dan about his life-changing experience in intensive therapy, how he’s addressed his shortcomings as a father, and finally learning how to truly move forward from past mistakes. From the truth about his relationship with Derek Jeter to rumors about mythical creatures, A-Rod leaves no stone unturned.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether you love him or hate him, you've never heard Stephen A. Smith like this before. In this now infamous conversation with Dan Le Batard from March 20, 2023, Stephen shares with Dan how despite all the success, growing up in poverty will never leave him and the controversy that still haunts him today. Dan pushes Stephen to address his relationship with the black community, how he handles the haters and imitators flooding the landscape, if he's getting bored with "First Take", and where things stand with him, Skip Bayless and Max Kellerman. Stephen also tells Dan how his words of advice and a near-death bout with Covid, changed his life forever. Watch Stephen A. daily on ESPN’s "First Take" and his bestseller, "Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes", is available wherever you get your books and audiobooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“I go, ‘No, Mr. Muhammad, I'm the greatest of all times.’” Nancy Lieberman is a legend. She’s conquered basically every court, in women’s and men’s basketball, from playing to coaching in the WNBA, NBA, and BIG3. Now, when women’s basketball has reached new heights, Nancy looks back on how far the game has come… and how brightly the stars of the current day – Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and more – shine when the spotlight is finally put on them. Nancy also speaks about her unthinkable path from an impoverished upbringing, finding her confidence and community at Rucker Park as a teenager, to befriending her idol… Muhammad Ali, who served as a guiding light over the course of her life and career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Things are pretty strange right now... let's get into it.  In this special episode of South Beach Sessions, Dan wants to know how his friends have been handling the neverending vacuum that is their phones and social media. Meeting for the first time, ESPN's Mina Kimes and writer/creator Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Ted Lasso, Cougartown, Bad Monkey) share their experiences carving a path for themselves in their respective careers, dealing with self-doubt, and how they've navigated the criticisms over the years. Mina also gets Dan to reveal one of his biggest insecurities... and why it has gotten worse more recently. It's a good time to make some new friendships...  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Reali has been the definition of a television staple for more than two decades... and now, that's changed. After years of friendship and support, Tony and Dan come together to break down the biggest roadblocks and successes of their careers and their personal lives. Tony looks back on his very early success, the legacy of Around the Horn and processing the loss of "the best job ever", and how he maintained his positivity through it all. Tony, who has championed mental health awareness through open conversation, also bears his heart over his personal journey through anxiety, fertility issues, and the unthinkable grief of losing a child. Powerful and uplifting, this episode will stay with you… Be a part of “Team Reali”, go to TonyReali.com and subscribe on YouTube, @TonyReali. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the announcement that he'll be missing his first NBA Finals in nearly four decades, we look back at Michael Wilbon's personal, thoughtful, and intimate conversation with Dan Le Batard from June 8, 2023. Michael Wilbon brings a whole new meaning to "PTI" on South Beach Sessions. Raw, uncut, and as real as it gets - Dan says all the things he's always wanted to and in return, Wilbon shares moments from his life that he's never told anyone. You'll just have to listen... you won't regret it. Watch Michael Wilbon & Tony Kornheiser on "Pardon the Interruption" weekdays on ESPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 NBA Finals tip-off tonight with the Indiana Pacers versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, so we look back at when Mike Breen, the voice of the NBA Finals, hit South Beach Sessions with a BANG. Originally recorded on June 6, 2023, and now, broadcasting his 20th NBA Finals, he will be more than comfortable calling the games, but sitting down with Dan to talk openly about HIMSELF? That's history in itself too. Mike shares with Dan how he still feels like the shy kid who is simply a fan of the game, and the love he has for his broadcast brothers, Jeff Van Gundy & Mark Jackson, even when they won't say it back. Mike also talks about how from the devastating ashes of his family's home, deep gratitude rose. Watch the 2025 NBA Finals as the Indiana Pacers battle the Oklahoma City Thunder LIVE on ABC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As "Inside the NBA" on TNT comes to an end, we look back at Ernie Johnson's incredible South Beach Sessions with Dan Le Batard, originally recorded on May 22, 2023. A legend, a national treasure, and the glue that has made "Inside the NBA" on TNT the best show on television for nearly three decades, Ernie Johnson is the best of the best because he's done it all with love. Dan explores the secrets behind the magic of what Ernie does, the humbling wisdom learned from his son, Michael, and the unspoken sensitivities surrounding Shaq, Charles, and Kenny. Ernie also reveals being haunted for years by a rare moment when his ego unleashed the worst in him. Watch the last shows of "Inside the NBA" on TNT's Eastern Conference Finals coverage and listen & subscribe to "The Steam Room with EJ and Chuck" wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry Charles is eccentricity manifested in human form. The creative genius’ journey through television (Seinfeld, Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm), film (Borat, Bruno, Religulous), and new media has been winding and star-studded. Larry has worked with greats from every industry, from the likes of Bob Dylan, to Nic Cage, Sacha Baron Cohen, and (quite famously) Larry David. Larry and Dan chat about his upbringing, his struggles with love and identity, and how he began to find peace in his forties. They also revisit his wildest journeys, from seeing the darkness of humanity making Borat and Bruno… to finding light while visiting comedians in Somalia. Larry’s book, “Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter” is available on June 17th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The soundtrack to your childhood… and probably everyone else’s, too…  it’s “Weird Al” Yankovic. Al joins Dan for a chat about his legendary 40 year career (he’s one of the best-charting musicians of all time), from how he became “Weird” to his 5 Grammy Award wins to embarking on his latest tour around the country. Al, a consummate performer, also opens up about performing immediately after the loss of his parents, what it was like growing up incredibly sheltered, and how he maintains his sterling reputation and sparkling attitude through it all. Weird Al’s “Bigger & Weirder” Tour is on sale now - visiting 65 cities across North America from June through September. For tour dates and tickets, visit weirdal.com/tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“These grandmas are straight up in Mafias.” Atsuko Okatsuka is magnetic, hilarious, and was kidnapped as a child… by her grandma… who is also her best friend.  Atsuko and Dan compare their upbringings, looking beyond the bounds of the “typical” immigrant experience… and Atsuko shows off her incredible ability to make deep trauma extremely funny. She shares her experience learning to care for her schizophrenic mother and coming to terms with her past. They also talk about the necessity of loving support in success, revisit Atsuko’s pre-comedy resumé, and explore the freedom of imagining a better future for yourself. Watch Atsuko’s new Hulu comedy special, “Father” streaming June 13th and go to atsukocomedy.com for upcoming shows and tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Lovett has had a wild ride – from being plucked to write speeches for some of the largest figures in the Democratic Party (yes, like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama)... to creating a television show… to starting the bastion of “resistance” media in “Pod Save America” and Crooked Media. Jon takes Dan through his career, from his uncertain start through the many challenges (and joys) today of running your own company. Jon also opens up about his insecurities, his anxious energy, and how he uses those to his advantage. For more of Jon and Crooked Media, go to Crooked.com and watch, listen and subscribe to “Pod Save America” and “Lovett or Leave it”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Performing sold-out shows and starring in an Oscar-winning movie… to helping catch a serial killer, Patton Oswalt has one of the most eclectic careers of anyone working today.  Paradoxically known for his wholesome characters and his provocative stand-up, Patton speaks with Dan about what it was like forging his comedy career and falling into acting without intending to make a living off of it. Patton’s also no stranger to grief and recovery. He speaks about dealing with his vast anxiety surrounding his wife’s passing, raising their young daughter alone, and explores the joys of finding new love and building a life after the unimaginable. For upcoming shows and tickets to see Patton live, go to PattonOswalt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices