Lincoln's Alive (w/ Sal Licata)

In this episode of Stugotz and Company, host Stugotz and guest Sal Licata dive into a mix of sports media culture, personal fitness struggles, and historical what-ifs, anchored by a hilarious deep-dive into a Chris Mad Dog Russo podcast clip about Abraham Lincoln's near-escape from assassination. The conversation begins with a lighthearted jab at Sal's weight gain and gym avoidance, leading to a playful debate over fitness goals—Sal admits he'd rather look like 25-year-old Izzy than be an athlete. The core of the episode centers on Mad Dog Russo’s dramatic retelling of how Ulysses S. Grant declined Lincoln’s invitation to the Ford Theater on the night of the assassination, a decision that, if honored, could have changed history. The hosts marvel at Mad Dog’s storytelling flair, especially his punchline: 'Lincoln's alive.' The discussion then shifts to April Fools' Day, with the hosts criticizing its decline in humor and relevance, especially due to social media overuse. They also debate the future of human umpires in baseball, with concerns about AI replacing human judgment and the erosion of the human element in sports. The episode closes with a scathing critique of Jets coach Aaron Glenn, who is accused of being out of touch and possibly sabotaging Geno Smith’s credibility after a drunken-sounding interview. Throughout, the hosts blend satire, sports analysis, and self-aware commentary on media culture.