Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

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

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.