Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

“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

In this engaging conversation, Tony Reali, a beloved television personality known for his role on ESPN's Around the Horn, shares the triumphs and challenges of his career and personal life. He candidly discusses the impact of anxiety, fertility struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of a child, all while emphasizing the importance of mental health. The bond between Tony and Dan shines through as they explore vulnerability, friendship, and the complexities of navigating parenthood. Their heartfelt dialogue balances humor with profound insights, making for a truly memorable experience.

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

In this segment, sports broadcasting legend Ernie Johnson shares his journey from aspiring baseball player to the beloved host of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT. He opens up about the valuable lessons learned from his son, the personal challenges of maintaining humility amid fame, and the close-knit relationships with co-stars like Shaq and Charles. Ernie reflects on a humbling moment when his ego got the best of him and reveals the profound impact of gratitude and balance in his life. Heartfelt anecdotes round out a touching discussion about love and personal connection.

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

Weird Al Yankovic, the beloved musician and satirist, discusses his incredible 40-year career, chart-topping hits, and the power of laughter. He shares how his sheltered upbringing and early influences shaped his unique style. With heartfelt stories, he reflects on performing after personal loss and embracing his 'weirdness.' From navigating industry rejections to the joy of connecting with fans on tour, Al's journey reveals the magic of humor and creativity in transforming lives.

“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