The Big Suey: Bare Hands and Bad Intentions (feat. Kevin Harlan)

Summary of The Big Suey: Bare Hands and Bad Intentions (feat. Kevin Harlan)

by Dan Le Batard, Stugotz

41m•October 10, 2025
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Summary — "The Big Suey: Bare Hands and Bad Intentions (feat. Kevin Harlan)"

Host: Dan Le Batard & Stugotz
Guest: Kevin Harlan (veteran sportscaster)
Format: Radio/podcast episode with interview, show banter, sponsor reads, and listener bits

Overview

This episode features a wide-ranging conversation with longtime sportscaster Kevin Harlan about his craft, preparation, career highlights, and mindset. Interspersed are regular show segments and advertising reads. The hosts also cover lighter, personal stories—including Tony’s TikTok/cartel claims and a false home-invasion scare—plus recurring bits (Fan of the Week) and sponsor promos (DraftKings, Shopify, Monarch, Miller Lite).

Key points & main takeaways

  • Kevin Harlan on craft and preparation:

    • He rigorously reviews every broadcast (radio/TV), grading himself and identifying points to improve.
    • Views the job as a continual challenge: even after decades he seeks improvement and strives to stay relevant.
    • Emphasizes cadence, pace, and matching tone to the moment rather than flash.
    • Plans to join Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage (promo: Prime NBA begins Oct 24).
    • Still excited by live moments; believes “my best call is ahead of me.”
    • Feels a strong sense of responsibility rather than fear due to the high visibility and savvy audiences of modern sports broadcasts.

  • Career origin and personal ties:

    • Started calling games as a kid (10–14), was a Lambeau Field ball boy, attended University of Kansas.
    • Father was president/CEO of the Packers and led Lambeau’s rebuild—giving Harlan personal attachment to Green Bay.

  • Examples of desirable calls:

    • Slow, sustained plays (e.g., Marshawn Lynch’s playoff run) provide ideal cadence for broadcasters.
    • Iconic calls (e.g., black cat on the field, buzzer-beaters) are memorable but he hopes to top his own best moments.

  • Show host content:

    • Tony recounts being targeted by cartel recruitment videos on TikTok (and the podcast discussions that alerted him to this tactic).
    • Tony also shares a home-invasion scare that turned out to be a detached SimpliSafe garage sensor; Dan quips “Bare hands and bad intentions.”
    • Regular comedic banter and show bits continue (Fan of the Week, live reactions).

  • Sponsor content repeated throughout: DraftKings, Shopify, Monarch Money, Miller Lite.

Notable quotes / insights

  • Kevin Harlan:
    • “I go back and listen and watch and grade each radio and TV.”
    • “I like what I do like is the challenge of getting better.”
    • “My best call is ahead of me.”
    • “Fear is probably not the right word. It’s more responsibility.”
  • Dan (on his home-charge reaction): “Bare hands and bad intentions.” (used humorously to describe his readiness to confront an intruder)

Topics discussed

  • Sportscasting craft: preparation, cadence, self-critique, learning from peers (Joe Buck, Mike Breen, Sean McDonough).
  • Kevin Harlan’s career highlights: NFL/NBA calls, Super Bowl, Lambeau/Packers background, upcoming Amazon Prime NBA role.
  • Memorable sports calls and what makes them great (slow, descriptive plays vs. buzzer-beaters).
  • Modern audience expectations and the pressure of live national broadcasts.
  • Social media dangers: alleged cartel recruitment via TikTok/Instagram.
  • Home security anecdote: SimpliSafe sensor falling off causing false alarm.
  • Show segments and recurring bits (Fan of the Week, comedic interplay).
  • Sponsor promotions: DraftKings (sports betting), Shopify (e-commerce), Monarch (personal finance), Miller Lite (beer).

Action items & recommendations

  • For sports fans:

    • Listen/watch Kevin Harlan on Prime Video’s NBA coverage (Prime NBA starts Oct 24).
    • Pay attention to broadcaster cadence and tone as a way to appreciate the craft.

  • For aspiring broadcasters:

    • Regularly review and grade your work (listen as both broadcaster and neutral fan).
    • Study peers’ calls for cadence and tone—don’t copy, but learn from masters.

  • For general listeners:

    • Be cautious of targeted recruitment scams on social platforms; verify suspicious messages and avoid engaging.
    • Maintain home-security devices—check sensors, adhesive mounts, and app alerts to avoid false alarms.

  • For advertisers/listeners:

    • Sponsors mentioned repeatedly: DraftKings (promo code DAN), Shopify (trial offer), Monarch (code Dan for 50% off), Miller Lite (promos).

Brief takeaway

Kevin Harlan’s interview highlights relentless professionalism: decades of experience paired with continual self-evaluation and reverence for the craft. The episode mixes serious reflections on broadcasting with lighter, personal show segments—ranging from social-media warnings to a comedic false-alarm home-invasion story—while delivering standard sponsor messages and ongoing show humor.