Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

It’s hard not to smile when you see and hear Ron Funches. Between performing all around the country in comedy’s best venues and in countless shows and movies… he also spreads love, motivation, and charm everywhere he goes. With Dan, Ron explores how he keeps his outlook so bright and the massive impact having his son had on affirming his sense of self-worth. They also chat about comedy legends, 80 for Brady, and all of the other jobs that have turned Ron into a one-of-a-kind comedian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With more than a quarter of a century calling the biggest games and events in sports - from ABC's Saturday Night Football, unforgettable Wimbledon and French Open matches, to the College Football Championship Game on ESPN - Chris Fowler exudes excellence… and he’s bringing that special sauce to South Beach Sessions. Chris joins Dan to talk about the immense pressures we place on ourselves, the drive that can cause us to hold self-resentment, and the life-changing experience from discovering tapes his late father recorded as he was dying of cancer They also discuss his profound love of nature, including Chris’ journeys to the mountains of Nepal, and the lessons he learned from sherpas while he was there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a trailblazer in sports media, Michelle Beadle has run the gauntlet of everything that this industry has to offer. In this episode of South Beach Sessions from Los Angeles, Michelle takes Dan through the start of her career, the challenges of navigating a world where women are pit against each other for few opportunities, and identifies her strength in moving through tough times. Michelle and Dan also explore the nuances of dealing with anger and grief… and the power that loved ones have in helping us with those feelings. Listen to “Beadle and Decker” weekdays from 12PM-3PM ET on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio Channel and on the SiriusXM app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of the NFL looks a lot brighter with Mike McDaniel leading the way… How many people do you know made their childhood dream come true? How many coaches are truly understanding of the pressures young players face today... and lead their entire team with empathy above all? There aren’t many like the Miami Dolphins head coach. On this South Beach Sessions, Mike opens up about why his unique approach to the game is borne out of his obsessive drive and valuing relationships beyond the traditional player-coach dynamic. Mike also gets candid with Dan about his journey getting sober, and learning how to balance the highs and lows of fatherhood with one of the most demanding jobs out there. The 2024 Dolphins Training Camp begins July 28th through August 15th. Claim your free tickets and view the full schedule at MiamiDolphins.com/TrainingCamp. The Dolphins’ 2024 NFL Regular Season kicks off Sunday, September 8th against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ted Danson is dangerously delightful... don't let him try to tell you otherwise.  Ted and Dan bond over coming to terms with their insecurities late in life… could you imagine a world where the adored icon was not only shy, but thought he lost his funny, and needed Larry David to save him? That last part was about Ted, of course, not Dan. (Sorry, Dan). Ted also shares memories from his legendary time on “Cheers” and his magnetic friendship with the “whimsical” Woody Harrelson that has now culminated in their wonderful new SiriusXM podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes)”. Cheers to Ted Danson… Listen & subscribe to Team Coco's “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes)” on the SiriusXM app and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ramona Shelburne is uncompromising.  The longtime ESPN reporter and proud Los Angeles native welcomes Dan to her beloved city and speaks to the heart of why she's never wanted to leave "home".  Days after her father's passing, Ramona opens up about how she's been moving through life without her "biggest fan" and how her parents have cheered her on from her days as a star college athlete to becoming one of the best sports writers in the game. Ramona also shares untold stories of how her relationship with Kobe Bryant grew from beat journalist to friend and the many ways his life and legacy will forever impact her own. Ramona details the crazy behind the scenes from her coverage of former Los Angeles Clippers' owner Donald Sterling’s scandals that led to his lifetime ban from the NBA and how she produced the story into the new FX series, CLIPPED.  FX’s Clipped: The Scandalous Story of LA’s Other Basketball Team is now exclusively available on Hulu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kathy Griffin won't be canceled anymore...  After a battle with cancer and a federal investigation that had her on the no fly list..... the comedy legend is back. Kathy and Dan don't shy away from anything as Kathy reveals the terrifying toll of being blacklisted that led to addiction, PTSD, and the darkest moments she never could've imagined, and why the laughter and love she receives from audiences today is (no joke) the greatest medicine she could ever hope for.  With Kathy, there's no holding back so she also shares her stories about dating Quentin Tarantino, her personal "Mount Rushmore of Comedy", the reason her stint on "The View" didn't last long, and why one of the most hurtful comments she's endured came from Andy Cohen.   See Kathy on her “My Life On The PTSD List” tour, performing across the country with shows into 2025. Go to KathyGriffin.com for dates and tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You won't find a more honest and respected presence in the NBA than TNT's Stan Van Gundy. While the bond between brothers runs deep... the competition between Stan and Jeff Van Gundy runs even deeper. Stan gets into his relationship with his younger brother, what it was like facing off against each other as coaches time and time again, the depth of the love they share as they've gotten older, and what he expects next for Jeff in the NBA. Stan and Dan also talk about how they became friends, seeing greatness in the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra early on, and the often toxic criticism that surrounds sports today. Then, Stan opens up with Dan about learning to balance asking for support from family and friends and self-reliance as he processes his grief over the loss of his wife, Kim. It's hard not to love Stan Van Gundy. Watch the 2024 NBA Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves on TNT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hearing that Kenny G. is the guest on this week's South Beach Sessions... now that's music to our ears. A favorite all-time guest and the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, Kenny G. is in-studio with Dan for a special conversation that goes beyond the bits and jokes you've seen before. Dan gets to the heart of what has made Kenny so successful - from being cut from his high school jazz band to his near-obsessive drive for perfection. Kenny explains his zen mode of blocking out the haters, the bliss he finds in flying an airplane, his favorite performances and why he finally decided to write his memoir. This one is smooth listening at its finest... You can pre-order his memoir, “Life in The Key of G”, out September 24th, available wherever books (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blackstone Publishing) and audiobooks (Audible, Apple Books) are sold. Kenny's new album, Innocence, is out now and go to KennyG.com for tour dates & tickets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It seems impossible, but Joakim Noah is the ultimate combination of a free spirit and a competitive warrior. Now that his NBA playing days are over, he’s fully embraced looking deep into the passion and pain that drove him from living in his father’s shadow to becoming a leader at the highest level. Joakim gets real with Dan about the overwhelming physical and mental toll he took on in his insatiable desire to win, the regrets he has from his personal failures with the Knicks and how he's now found a new title he's ready to compete with his heart and soul for... happiness. To help support The Noah’s Arc Foundation, visit NoahsArcFoundation.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc may be the ones on the podium, but Guenther Steiner is THE breakout star of Drive to Survive, the hit Netflix series chronicling Formula 1 racing… and, no, he swears he hasn’t seen it. Now an ambassador for this year’s Miami Grand Prix, Guenther opens up about his nearly four decade career in motorsports and how he led teams by tapping into the cultures of All-American NASCAR and the world of Formula 1. Guenther bluntly shares how things ended for him with Team Haas, why he was more than ready to move on and happiest when taking on the next challenge. While the biggest party in the world will be happening at Miami Grand Prix May 3 - 5th, Guenther can’t help but giddily ask Dan Le Batard about the craziness of Miami in the 80s. Get your tickets to an unforgettable experience, the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2024 at F1MiamiGP.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The biggest moments, the excitement and heartbreak... when the players make it happen, the announcers make us feel like we’re there. "Best of South Beach Sessions: The Voices of the NBA" features the legendary broadcasters and analysts of the NBA sharing how the love of the game has led each of them to dream careers and lifetime friendships. Michael Wilbon, of ESPN and "Pardon The Interruption", never expected to be a pioneer in sports television and he lets Dan know damn well why. Ernie Johnson, beloved host of TNT's "Inside the NBA" expresses why the greatest gift for him has been the love that Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal all have for each other: "This is as close as I’ll ever come to having brothers. And that’s what they are to me." Mike Breen, the lead voice for the NBA on ESPN and ABC, shares how in the pursuit of perfectionism, the biggest mistake you can make is to be too afraid to make any. Rachel Nichols, longtime NBA reporter and host of "Headliners" and "Bully Ball with Rachel Nichols & Demarcus Cousins", recalls meeting Dan when they were both coming up in their careers and puts it all in perspective how far they’ve come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Highly Questionable" was the introduction to so many of your favorite personalities but the behind-the-scenes dynamics and mechanics of how it all came to be was never revealed like this before. In this "Best of South Beach Sessions: Highly Questionable," you'll hear from Mina Kimes on the pressure of what it was like to join Dan and Papi before really "getting the show" and what led Pablo Torre to wanting to team up with Dan yet again after HQ. Katie Nolan opens up about all of the challenges she was facing while working on the show... and the rockiness of what happened afterwards. Then, Israel "Izzy" Gutierrez talks about being in the middle of the father-son relationship between Dan and Papi and the secret inner workings to some of the show's best moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jay Bilas knows excellence. From his time on the court to his time in the courtroom and broadcast booth, Jay has one hell of a work ethic and fought for what’s right without ever seeking recognition in return. If he did, his wife and kids would be the first to call him out on it… Jay and Dan recognize a fellow workaholic when they see one and explore their parents’ influence on their drive. Jay reflects on the challenge of living in the moment and the “gut punch” of learning to say no to opportunities in order to prioritize his family, and what he learned from his high school acting teacher that no coach could ever teach him. They also connect on the profound role their wives have had in shaping their lives and getting them out of their own heads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Jackson has never backed down from anything. Never held back from speaking his mind. And yet... this is the most open and raw he’s ever been. When the South Beach Sessions and All The Smoke worlds collide, you know it’s about to get real. Brought together by love and trust, Dan and Stephen leave no stone unturned. Stak reveals how growing up in Port Arthur - steeped in violence and loss - made him the man he'll always be, telling his journey to finding an outlet in basketball and creating a new life for himself. From highlights to the infamous… including Stephen’s truth about the Malice at the Palace and a breakdown of how the media distorted the narrative. Together, they open up about the unhealed wounds of losing the ones that inspire us the most, the profound impact of George Floyd’s death, and dealing with anger in order to accept the care and support of those who love them most. Watch new episodes of ALL THE SMOKE every Thursday from 6-7:30pm ET on DraftKings Network, available on the Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Google TV, and DKNetwork.DraftKings.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don’t worry, the consummate comedian Sam Morril doesn’t understand Dan Le Batard’s fascination with comedians either... Sam shares his thoughts with Dan on the “slow climb” of making it in comedy and how everyone’s been forced to adapt to the new status quo, no matter how funny they are. They look at the role of "freedom of speech" in the scene today and debate if all comedy comes from a place of pain. Dan and Sam also open up about their rigid self-critique and, naturally, they talk about what brought them to therapy. Hilarious, right? You'll be surprised with this one...  Watch Sam's Netflix special, "Same Time Tomorrow", streaming now and see Sam on his "Class Act Tour". Go to SamMorril.com for tour dates and tickets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bassem Youssef approaches his comedy with the precision of a heart surgeon - a profession he knows all too well, having left it behind in pursuit of comedy. In either case, he lives in constant fear of messing up... at this point, laughter better be the best damn medicine. While selling out shows across the world in both English and Arabic, Bassem joins Dan in Miami for an honest exploration of his transformative odyssey. Bassem’s journey, from despising his life as a surgeon to creating the most-watched, groundbreaking talk show in the Middle East, ultimately led to fleeing his homeland with only hours warning… all because of jokes he told about the Egyptian government. What happens when being called “the Jon Stewart of the Middle East” and a recent viral appearance with Piers Morgan leads to people pushing you to be a political activist? But between the heavy issues of politics and exile, Bassem truly just wants to make people laugh. Dan and Bassem bond over their shared family dynamics and search for happiness after finding unexpected success. For tickets and tour dates to see Bassem Yousef, go to BASSEMYOUSSEF.XYZ and follow him on Instagram @Bassem 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. 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.  Gum disease affects over 65 million Americans, even baseball legends. When Alex Rodriguez learned that gum disease disproportionately affects people of color, he partnered with OraPharma and Arestin to help bring awareness to the issue. Visit arestin.com for more information about how to protect yourself from gum disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Nichols has earned her flowers.  Rachel and Dan have known each other for nearly 30 years but have never had the space for an unapologetic deep dive like this. Together they explore the price of their ambition and refusal to back down from the industry BS and the vicious double standards Rachel has had to face in pursuit of a career… and motherhood. This conversation isn't just about breaking down barriers in journalism; it's a raw exploration of life beyond the headlines, to find balance, purpose, and a deeper understanding of themselves. The new season of "Headliners with Rachel Nichols" is now streaming on Paramount Plus and listen and subscribe to the podcast, "Bully Ball with Rachel Nichols & DeMarcus Cousins", presented by DraftKings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I don't know if God brung me here to get a lot off my chest..." Nicky Jam, a beloved Latin icon recognized around the world as a Reggaeton pioneer, shares with Dan the harsh truth about the isolating nature of fame, his battle through addiction, and the chaotic struggle for authentic connections in the spotlight. In what Nicky describes as “the best interview I’ve ever done”, Dan guides him through the demons he had to confront in his family dynamics and artistry in the quest for inner peace and happiness beyond the superficial trappings of success. This is where vulnerability and authenticity collide to remind all of us that we’re not alone.  The holidays can be a challenging time for all of us. If you or a loved one are struggling with loss, addiction, depression, or need help maintaining good mental health, here are some resources to help:  The National Institute of Mental Health at nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help The National Alliance on Mental Health at nami.org TheTrevorProject.org The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/hispanic-latino The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices