Jon “Stugotz” Weiner used the opening segment of Wednesday’s Stugotz & Company LIVE on FOX Sports Radio to publicly address his departure from Meadowlark Media and his longtime partnership on The Dan Le Batard Show, offering an emotional and, at times, raw reflection on one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Speaking candidly, Weiner acknowledged that his split from Dan Le Batard remains unresolved publicly, noting that he is not yet ready to detail what exactly transpired between them. However, he did not shy away from describing the emotional toll of the situation.
“I will tell you — and this is the first time I’ve said anything about this subject. I’m only telling you to point out just how important these people are to me and Israel Gutierrez is to me. Whatever went down with me and Dan [Le Batard] was deeply hurtful. It took me to some really strange and dark places. And I’m still trying to claw my way out.”
Despite the tension surrounding his exit, Weiner emphasized his pride in the show he helped build alongside Le Batard. He described the program as one of the most successful radio shows of the past two decades, arguing that its appeal extended well beyond the boundaries of traditional sports radio. While sports often took a back seat to personality-driven conversations, Weiner said that creative freedom ultimately defined the show’s identity.
“We didn’t talk about sports all that much. As much as I tried to talk about sports, we just didn’t.” explained Weiner. “It’s a show that still has my name on it, and quite frankly, if I’m being honest, it’s a show that should always have my name on it.”
At his lowest point, Weiner admitted he considered stepping away from the media industry altogether. The combination of professional uncertainty and personal strain led him to question whether continuing made sense.
Conversations with trusted colleagues, however, helped redirect his mindset.
“I was thinking about getting out of the industry entirely,” explained Weiner. “Taylor reminded me and actually said to me, hey, have you forgotten who you are? You’re Stugotz. Let’s go. Let’s go do this.”
Weiner also used the moment to express gratitude toward Israel Gutierrez, who he said offered unexpected support during the transition. Fighting back emotion, Weiner explained that Gutierrez’s decision to stand by him carried significant weight, particularly because it came from someone he least expected to step forward at that moment.
“Of all the people to walk away from our show and Meadowlark Media and stand by my side. Quite frankly, many of them should have done it and didn’t do it. The person I was least expecting to do it was Israel Guitterez,” said Weiner.
That support now coincides with a new role at FOX Sports Radio, where Stugotz & Company LIVE debuted earlier this month. The weekday program airs from 3 to 5 p.m. ET on more than 270 stations nationwide and streams on iHeartRadio and FOXSportsRadio.com, with full episodes available as podcasts shortly after each broadcast. Originating from South Florida, the show serves as a live extension of Weiner’s existing podcast brand and features a rotating cast of guest co-hosts alongside familiar voices.
As part of a broader partnership between FOX Sports Radio and iHeartMedia, Weiner is also launching the Stugotz Podcast Network with iHeartPodcasts.
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