Le Batard & Friends Network

Stugotz, Billy and Mikey A try and make sense of what happened in the last few minutes of the Cowboys vs Commanders game. Stugotz is sick of special teams. Billy wants the Bears players to make it clear that they are not rallying around Matt Eberflus. In fact, he wants one of the vets to publicly state that and Mikey A has the perfect guy to do it. Lucy joins the show to talk about the craziness that went on this weekend in college football and her experience going to "the game" before headed out this week to "the game". We play a little "if the season ended today" and Billy has some words for Mike Golic. The BBBBBB's look to get back on track after the first 1-2 week since Week 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron is taking a break from social media. Should you? Are you ready to stop being performatively fascinating and get authentically dull? And is Bluesky the XFL of Twitter — or a refreshingly Musk-free community worth joining? Plus: "Re-Potting with Pablo," making lentil, fighting in Temecula, road rage, Mastodon, two ejaculating giraffes, a charging wildebeest and the actually hungry hippo (with suspenders and a pocket watch). Relevant reading: How Bluesky, Alternative to X and Facebook, Is Handling Explosive Growth (Mike Isaac) The Age of Social Media Is Ending (Ian Bogost) The Bluesky Bubble (Ian Bogost) "With so much hate and negativity in the world today..." (Rich Kleiman) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jorge "Mr. Eats 305" Arango joins the Mystery Crate for episode 305. Mike Fuentes is having a full blown midlife crisis, Tony tries to explain to Billy why men gain weight when their partners are pregnant, and Billy tries to find an influencer lane for a negative Fuentes. Also, Izzy is buying a Miami Subs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stugotz, Billy, and Mikey A are getting ready for a big week of football surrounding...Indiana? Mike Golic joins the show to play a game of What if? and hear some of Billy and Stugotz's ideas to improve the college and NFL game. Golic is less than impressed. Simms joins the show in the middle of Stugotz's book tour and isn't happy about it. Simms thinks the Giants might have an issue with Tommy DeVito starting instead of Drew Lock or Daniel Jones. Simms is really impressed with the Bills and thinks they would beat the Chiefs again in the playoffs if they match up. K Funk is back to make picks with the rest of the crew, but Mojo has a new approach when talking to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump won, Silicon Valley is Moneyballing everything, and the worldview of the most famous political nerd on Earth... is eating the world. But Nate Silver still wants to prove people wrong: on what the 2016 and 2024 elections really told us; his falling out with the Left; and how tech billionaires are more irrational than they like to admit. Also: Elon Musk totaling a car, Peter Thiel believing in destiny, and Neymar playing poker. Buy Nate Silver's new book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/529280/on-the-edge-by-nate-silver/ Subscribe to Silver Bulletin: https://www.natesilver.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's Nothing Personal word of the day is "2028," as in the year MLB plans to create national packages for major streaming companies to bid on to end local blackouts. (17:06) Will Juan Soto end up back in The Bronx? Hal Steinbrenner met with Soto, saying he has "no idea" if the superstar will sign with the Yankees...yikes. Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal are your 2024 Cy Young Winners. MLB MVPs will be announced tonight, SPOILER: expect Ohtani and Judge. (30:23) Review: People Versus Larry Flynt (35:28) A Florida man is suing Netflix because he couldn't access the Tyson Paul fight. (40:14) NBA and Disney are producing an animated Alt-Cast called "Dunk The Halls." It'll be a Mickey and Friends-themed version of Knicks Vs. Spurs at noon ET on Christmas Day. (45:15) Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D) plans to introduce a bill called the fair ball act which would roll back MLB’s exclusion meaning they would have to pay minor leaguers fair wages and overtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just 3 weeks left of the college football season, the chaos is heating up as we barrel toward the 12-team playoff. Jordan and Peter make a case for Army before their huge matchup against Notre Dame this weekend. The BIG12 is on the brink of a tie-breaker situation, and which major SEC team will be left off? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Celtics ended the Cavaliers’ winning streak in a nail-biter that went down to the wire. Despite missing key players, the Cavs kept it close, but Boston ultimately came out on top. Over in Los Angeles, rookie Dalton Knecht lit up the Crypto.com Arena with a performance that has fans buzzing about his Rookie of the Year potential. Even LeBron James chimed in, reminding everyone that he saw Knecht’s potential long ago. Meanwhile, the 76ers are facing internal turmoil, with Joel Embiid at the center of scrutiny from Tyrese Maxey. Amin and Charlotte break it all down and dive into the latest DraftKings prop bets in this week’s game of "Prop-A-Slot." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘unilateral’ as in the Jets as in Woody Johnson and in Aaron Rodgers as in Joe Douglas. What a mess this team is. The Athletic released an article after Johnson fired Douglas yesterday and it’s damning. (11:55) Deion Sanders is the hottest name in coaching right now. His son may be a Top 5 pick. His other player Travis Hunter may be a Top 5 pick. Is Sanders following them? Is he the next Cowboys head man? (17:10) What is happening with the Rays? Is a new stadium happening? Is the county commission finally going to vote? Is the Rays letter going to get anything done? (34:00) Review: My Old Ass. (37:10) The Sixers have some issues. Big issues. Embiid sized issues. The 76ers reportedly have a team meeting where Tyrese Maxey called out Embiid. Uh oh. (42:40) NPPOD. (45:20) Manager of the Year was announced. Congrats! Vogt and Murphy win the award in their debut seasons. Wow. (49:20) I was supposed to be there for Rafa Nadal’s final match at the Davis Cup and the universe had other plans! Spain was eliminated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the week—Trivia Tuesday! Last week, Israel Gutierrez stepped in for Amin and narrowly lost to Jeremy Tache in a 4-3 battle. This week, Amin returns to reclaim his crown, but standing in his way is our special guest challenger, Mo Dakhil. Mo and Amin field questions about buzzer-beaters from Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle, NBA Cup standings featuring the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, and historic milestones like Chris Paul chasing Jason Kidd on the all-time assists leaderboard. They also tackle debates about teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers, and highlight standout performances from players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, and James Harden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are entrapped by an algorithm preying on our most terrifying human vulnerabilities. But inside us exists a cabinet of curiosities, and few are better at finding poetry in our past than Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace, an award-winning podcast and new book. Pablo's kindred spirit conjures a time before Jason Giambi and the golden thong, when the least qualified Major Leaguer of all time was also, somehow, the luckiest. Plus: a new video about pigeons; swimming “lesser channels”; and, yes, raccoons failing to eat cotton candy. Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-memory-palace-true-short-stories-of-the-past-nate-dimeo/21177599 Subscribe to The Memory Palace: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-memory-palace/id299436963 And listen to the Prince episode of "Pablo Torre Finds Out": https://podcasts.apple.com/jm/podcast/when-docs-cry-inside-the-secret-netflix-masterpiece/id1685093486?i=1000672194989 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘outbid’ as in Juan Soto as in the Mets as in the Yankees as in the Red Sox as in the Blue Jays as in the Dodgers as in Scott Boras. What is the latest on the pursuit of Juan Soto? (12:10) The 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot was released. Ichiro and CC Sabathia are the two favorites to get in. (17:40) Rookie of the Year was announced yesterday. Paul Skenes and Luis Gil were your winners! (20:20) The Dallas Cowboys are a disaster. Jerry World is a doom hole of abyss. They can’t win at home. Jerry Jones is losing it. This is bad bad bad. (33:15) Review: Between the Temples. (35:25) The Houston Astros have a new stadium name. So long Minute Maid Park. Hello, Daikin Park. (38:07) NPPOD. (41:00) Today is a monumental day for the Tampa Bay Rays. There’s a vote today. If it doesn’t go well the new stadium deal in St. Pete is all but dead. (46:35) The Buffalo Bills are taking on money. The Pegula Family is set to sell 20% of the Bills to investors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big news: Inside the NBA is heading to ABC and ESPN, replacing NBA Countdown. Charlotte and Amin react to the shift and what it says about the challenge of replicating Inside's success. On the court, Jayson Tatum’s OT game-winner sparks controversy over missed calls and Joe Mazzulla’s postgame comments annoy Amin. The Cavaliers remain undefeated at 15-0, with Amin explaining why they’re legit contenders—Georges Niang’s surprising impact included. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ season swings between highs and lows, and the Thunder defy logic starting a 6'5" center. Plus, the Mavs face tough questions about Luka’s fit as Kyrie thrives in his absence. Finally, we make our picks in Hot Streak, presented by DraftKings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stugotz, Billy and Mikey A take a look back at the big Sunday in the NFL. Billy is mad at Joe Burrow for making him stay up late only to lose the game. Stugotz wonders if Mike Tomlin not scoring a touchdown means he has you exactly where he wants you. And congratulations of you started Taysom Hill in fantasy, but he won't do that again this year. Lucy stops by and is harassed by Fuentes for sounding negative about her trip, which turns everyone (Billy) against him. The BBBBBB is still red hot and he Billy gives his picks for the Monday Night game between the Cowboys and Texans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Father Time’ as in Mike Tyson as in Jake Paul as in Netflix as in boxing as in buffering. Let’s discuss the winners and losers of what we all watched on Friday night. Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson lost to Father Time. And we all lost for watching that. (14:55) NFL Week 11 had some great matchups! Josh Allen gets it done against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs! The Steelers field goal their way to a win vs the Ravens! The Jets stink. Giants are benching Daniel Jones! So much! (31:30) Review: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. (34:30) We have an NBA update! It looks like Inside the NBA is head to … ESPN!? What!? (46:15) NPPOD. (48:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Pirates offer for the Paul Skenes rookie card. Would you take this offer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘home sweet home’ as in the Tampa Bay Rays as in Tropicana Field as New York Yankees as in Spring Training. The Rays announced yesterday they will play home games at the Yankees Spring Training field. Wow. That’s two MLB teams that will play games at Minor League ballparks next season. (13:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the MLB awards and why MLB decides to drag this out so long? Would I change this as Commissioner? (23:00) Diamond Sports Group emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. What does this mean? Can you now watch your games? (36:12) Review: SLC Punk. (38:43) Mike Tyson is fighting Jake Paul tonight. Are you excited? Netflix is! This is genius! (44:00) NPPOD. (47:13) Is the NBA nearing a settlement with Warner Bros. Discovery? This saga has gone on for months now. TNT lost the NBA to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. And they’re still fighting for something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Fuentes feels bad for not doing anything special for Mystery Crate number 300. The crew tries to remember movies that ended poorly and recap how Billy got a fan ejected from the God Bless Football watch party. Later, they review Fuentes' Fast Food tiers and explore a brand new edition of Unpopular Opinions with Amin being very passionate about one in particular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stugotz, Billy and Mikey A give their thoughts on the Thursday Night matchup between the Commanders and Eagles as the game is ending. Mike Golic tells us what the latest CFP rankings mean for the teams on the bubble as well as his lifelong dream to be a security guard. Simms stops by to share his thoughts on the JFK assassination, Aliens and a little bit of football. The crew is worried when K Funk doesn't show up again to make picks, but Mojo and Rallis tell us their worst losses from their college football days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlotte kicks things off with a shoutout to Gregg Popovich before diving into LeBron James’ jaw-dropping 35-point triple-double. After that, we keep things in the family and discuss Bronny James' unique G League season plans. Then Charlotte and Amin do a rapid-fire roundup of insane scoring nights from around the NBA, including Victor Wembanyama’s record-breaking 50-point game, Giannis’ monster performance, and Jared McCain’s stunning performance for the Sixers. We also dive into the NBA GOAT debate, predict NBA Cup winners, and debut a brand-new segment—Prop-A-Slot, presented by DraftKings. Plus, Charlotte reacts to an on-brand Joe Mazzulla moment from Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘leader’ as in Aaron Rodgers as in the quarterback as in the leader of men as in the Jets as in Jeff Ulbrich as in 2025. Aaron Rodgers “thinks” he’ll play next year. Enough already! He can’t help making everything about himself. (8:50) Anthony Richardson is back to being the Colts starter. 2 weeks after being benched. Shane Steichen said Joe Flacco was the best bet to win games… nope. Where is Chris Ballard? Where is Jim Irsay? In 2 weeks Anthony Richardson has figured it all out? (16:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about MLB and the Braves dropping objections against the Diamond Sports bankruptcy plan. Hmmm. (28:42) Review: Broadcast News. (35:30) Gregg Popovich is not coaching the Spurs right now after suffering a stroke. The team says he will make a full recovery. He’s in his 29th season as an NBA coach and all with the Spurs. (41:05) NPPOD. (42:30) Deion Sanders is ready to take on the NFL Draft. Just like Archie Manning did with Eli back in the day. Deion wants what’s best for his son Shedeur and Travis Hunter. How will this happen? (48:10) Joel Embiid didn’t play again last night. He said he would play back to backs and here we are with him not playing. What are the Sixers doing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices