Why ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz will sound different starting Monday
The Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz will sound a little more familiar — more like its old self — beginning Monday morning.
ESPN Radio’s popular Miami-based show will be back in its studio Monday for the first time in nearly three months. It last emanated from the studio March 13, after which the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shut down The Clevelander hotel on South Beach, where the show originates.
Le Batard, cohost Jon (Stugotz) Weiner and producer Mike Ryan will be back in the studio with the OK of ESPN officials and adherence to local guidelines. Protective masks will be worn into the premises and social distancing will apply. Temperatures of cast members will be taken as they arrive.
The “Shipping Container,” consisting of co-producers Roy Bellamy, Chris Cote, Billy Gil and Anthony Calatayud, will continue for now to operate remotely from their homes. Tuesday appearances by the Miami Herald’s Greg Cote also will be done remotely for now.
“It’s massive because it’s our comfort zone,” producer Ryan said of he and the show’s namesakes getting back in the studio. “I’ll have my board with all the familiar show sounds fans of the show have been missing. And we rely so much on non-verbal [communication]” that requires being face to face.
Ryan said there may be “a re-acclamation period” of having to “relearn how to do the show.”
The radio show also is televised on ESPNews. It will continue to be presented as an animation graphic by artists Lebo and Angel Resto until the TV crew is permitted back in the studio.
The Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio outlets nationwide. A Miami-only local hour is available weekdays via the show’s social media platforms.
Le Batard’s television show, Highly Questionable, will continue as it has during the pandemic, although from the studios starting Monday instead of from Dan’s residence.
This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 11:20 AM.
