Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions

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

Patton Oswalt, a celebrated actor and comedian, dives into the eclectic nature of his career, balancing humor and heartfelt storytelling. He shares the challenges of parenting alone after losing his wife, offering insights on grief and the journey to finding new love. The discussion also covers the evolution of comedy, exploring how personal struggles can inspire creativity and connection. Patton emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work, revealing how every experience, even the mundane, can fuel artistic expression.

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

You know him from his voyages around the world, showcasing (and eating) staples from every culture on the planet, and now Andrew Zimmern is here in South Beach demonstrating the kind of open heart it takes to do that work.From childhood hardship, to devastating addiction, into incredible ambition and drive, Andrew describes his journey and the presence of food along his way. He details the start of Bizarre Foods, his experience traveling and learning… and of course Andrew talks about his friendship with Anthony Bourdain, their shared mission through their shows, and Anthony’s legacy. In the past, Andrew has been open about the depths of his addiction, but with Dan, he explains in new light the lengths he went to support it. Andrew also explains why he’s so vocal about his journey and the incredible benefits sober life has given him since he got clean. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of substance abuse, addiction, mental health struggles and self harm. If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of self harm, you can get help by calling 988 for the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Big Hurt hits South Beach Sessions. Frank Thomas looks back on his legacy - one held up by professionalism and relentless strive for excellence – from his start as a dominant athlete, to a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, and the real hurt and loss he’s battled along the way. For all of his love for the game and historical dominance in baseball - Frank reveals how he paid the price in injuries, disrespect from management, and betrayal from his peers. Frank shows Dan the brutal truth and strength behind ‘no pain, no gain’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices