Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

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

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

The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and Olympics may have its individual legends, but Al Michaels is the legendary voice of them all.One of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time shares with Dan his most cherished moments and iconic calls from six decades of covering the most major prime-time sports events of any announcer. Al reveals how it all began for him, how he created the career of his dreams and how equal parts luck and skill turned him into the man he is today. Al also tells Dan what he learned from the incredible broadcast partners like John Madden and Cris Collinsworth he's had along the way, and he explains the reason why he's not looking to retire anytime soon. The legacy of Al Michaels continues... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@HasanAbi is in the house.Hasan Piker streams eight hours a day… every single day… to combat the flood of alt-right and conservative media online. No weekends off. In this episode of South Beach Sessions, Hasan explores how his nigh-obsessive output comes from a place of both impressive motivation and a deep passion to make the world a better place.Together, Hasan and Dan explore the trenches of insecurity, addiction, and self-improvement. Hasan also opens up about his body dysmorphia and about what it was like to be bullied for his appearance. Follow and subscribe to Hasan’s Twitch and YouTube channels @HasanAbi.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Napheesa Collier is Unrivaled.Even with an ever-growing list of accomplishments - NCAA champion, four-time WNBA All-Star, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist - Napheesa shares with Dan that her greatest achievement will always be becoming a mother. Napheesa doesn't shy away from revealing the doubts she had about resuming her playing career after pregnancy, fears of an early retirement, and why she was so determined to create an empowering women's basketball league with her fellow UConn Huskies champion, Breanna Stewart. Napheesa also doesn't mince words on how her Minnesota Lynx's controversial loss to the New York Liberty in last year's WNBA Finals has her mentally stronger and feeling "super greedy" about adding to her accomplishments.Watch Season 1 of Unrivaled on TNT, TruTV and stream on MAX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices