Stan Van Gundy | South Beach Sessions | The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

You won't find a more honest and respected presence in the NBA than TNT's Stan Van Gundy.
While the bond between brothers runs deep... the competition between Stan and Jeff Van Gundy runs even deeper. Stan gets into his relationship with his younger brother, what it was like facing off against each other as coaches time and time again, the depth of the love they share as they've gotten older, and what he expects next for Jeff in the NBA. Stan and Dan also talk about how they became friends, seeing greatness in the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra early on, and the often toxic criticism that surrounds sports today.
Then, Stan opens up with Dan about learning to balance asking for support from family and friends and self-reliance as he processes his grief over the loss of his wife, Kim. It's hard not to love Stan Van Gundy. Watch the 2024 NBA Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves on TNT.
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[@DC3PO-ty3mz]

This was a heavy but profound session. Thank you Stan, thank you Dan, thank you live chat. My wife deals w anxiety and depression and I feel more equipped to help her after this discussion. I am sooo sorry Stan. All the love.❤

[@shawndaly4510]

Q

[@PaulMcAnally-fz2pu]

My balls kinda stink

[@TsunamiWebster]

These 2 guys are the most vile human beings and it's not even debatable. Karma doesn't discriminate

[@DC3PO-ty3mz]

A couple days later and this South Beach Session is still impacting me greatly. I've used Stan's wife's saying a few times already, "It is better to be kind than right" I actually listened to my wife explain her feelings without offering a solution and without applying my typical logic to why she "shouldn't" feel that way. It was Stan "feeling" that he failed his wife even though his analytic brain can logically explain it was mental illness, not him. That explanation has done what countless therapies could not. I get it now. Thank you again, Stan. You have no idea how helpful this is. Please reach others with this message if you're able to.❤

[@user-rq1qj8jk6y]

Stan coaching us with life lessons. Mad love

[@rock9393]

Grief is F'in brutal. My baby was 9 when she was taken from us. I've now had to live without her longer than I got to live WITH her. The unexpectedness of the future you always saw for yourself being ripped away in an instant hit like a sledgehammer. The struggle to remember her as she deserves to be remembered is real. The ability to recall the smiles, the laughs, the mischief, everything just takes more effort as the weeks, moths, and years roll by, while the soul-crushing agony can be as fresh as the day of her funeral sometimes. It can all be SO cruel some days. Thanks to you both for this conversation this day.

[@preetisulm]

holy hell...i cant even imagine the pain Stan is going through. hope the universe finds a way to heal you Stan.

[@TsunamiWebster]

Karma

[@slopez1901]

My brother took his life January 20th 2024 I’ll NEVER be the same!!!!!! I miss him so deeply I can’t stand living. Darren Allen Mattern forever 46!! I’m crying my eyes out I NEVER saw it coming!!!!! I don’t find joy in life whatsoever

[@DC3PO-ty3mz]

I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤ I'd normally offer support or solutions like, "try to find purpose and pour your love for your brother into those worthy causes." This session has made me realize that's a selfish and unhelpful response. Instead it is better to acknowledge your feelings of guilt, helplessness and regret. I empathize w the sincerest of condolences. Know those feelings are normal for all survivors, as Stan articulated so well. ❤❤

[@TERRYKATHCHICAGO]

what about christ?

[@internetneverlies]

I listened twice to this interview - im grateful for the candor these two expressed their loss, though it broke my heart each time hearing about it.

[@xicanapeliculas]

My nephew took his life in 2024.. 6 months ago.. and everyday is different..just taking it one day at a time.

[@mousepadgangsta]

Praying for you and yours.

[@thisguy8106]

Stan shattered my soul when he said he failed. I literally had to pause bc i couldn't stop crying. I know he'll never see this, but you didn't fail her, Stan. It's not your fault.

[@thisguy8106]

I'm glad he went on to clarify it a bit, but still...

[@ColbyONE]

I live in SVG’s shoes, & unfortunately what he said is true. Is what he & I feel accurate? Probably not. But, that doesn’t change the way you feel. It’s just something that can’t be comprehended unless you’ve lived it.

[@thisguy8106]

@@ColbyONE 😞😞 what he says afterwards made sense.. I hope both of you find some semblance of healing through y'alls journey.. I'm sorry y'all had to experience it.

[@ColbyONE]

@@thisguy8106 Thank you. It’s certainly no shot at Dan. Everyone does that. It’s only natural. Like I said, I did the same thing. When someone you care about is hurting, you naturally want to try & say something that will fix the situation. There is just no way for anyone to understand unless you’ve been through it. There are just some things that happen in life that there isn’t an answer for. There are some things that can’t be solved, and that’s ok!!!!!!! Trust me when I tell you it means so much more for a friend just to be there & just listen & spend time with you. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s everything. A simple lunch with a friend gives me a couple of hours where I’m not thinking about the nightmare when there is a good chance I probably would have been had it not been for a simple lunch invite. I’m not going to turn this into another book, but to put it plain, sometimes you don’t want to hear any advice but you just want to hear someone say “this sucks.” You’re just looking for someone to say, “I get it & I’m sure I’d be feeling the same way.” It’s a tricky situation bc everyone’s family dynamics are different, but hopefully SVG can find love again. It won’t take the guilt & regret away, but it goes a long way when it comes to finding joy again. Thanks for the kind words.

[@JamesG1880]

I feel him in a way.. it’s difficult to not blame yourself

[@paulrutter9929]

As usual, a powerful show Dan, and I must agree with Stan, we really, really, really miss your writing.

[@localchief]

Stan if you’re reading this , my brother, you have helped so many people just hearing you say these things about how you’re dealing with the loss of your late wife. I commend you for opening up about this and honestly I’ve always liked you but I love you now bro! Your words hit home man and anyone who has lost a loved one definitely felt this in their soul. Love you OG!

[@MaddieLivingston42069]

A few weeks ago on the show Stan Mentioned his wife passed, I was shocked, they didn’t elaborate, I’m not sure how many people even caught that, so of course my nosey ass hit the internet looking for answers, and I stopped digging when someone made a remark that it might have been suicide, I didn’t want to believe it… when Stan actually said it out loud I froze, I was doing dishes and I couldn’t move, right before the tears started rolling, my angel of an 8 year old, who’s mother also has mental health issues, snapped me out of it when he came up to me asking for a snack…. this episode shook me in my bones and reminded me of the importance of good old fashioned kindness, thanks for sharing Stan, you’re my hero, and your wife’s story is absolutely worth sharing, she will be missed, never forgotten 🙏🏼

[@jeremiahw1369]

This made me cry a lot but was very much appreciated.

[@NichoD3]

Jimmy V said If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. I did all 3 of those in this interview. Thanks to you both for being so open and vulnerable and I hope this can help with aiding those out there who are going through similar things.

[@HalliePerez310]

OMG as a youngish recent widow this hit home in so many ways. Thank you Stan for opening your heart and sharing your experiences. It honestly felt like the best therapy session ever. I feel like we should be in a support group together!

[@Dashone184]

Lifelong Miami Heat fan here, super proud of him for his honesty and transparency. I am comforted by the fact he can express how I and millions of people feel. Not spoken enough about.

[@SaltySac1999]

Thanks Dan and Stan. Losing my little brother in 2011 at the young age of 26 on his bday, this really put a smile on my face. Never give up on your happiness folks

[@IncorrectYouTubeUser]

I am pretty sure I have cried on 80% of these interviews. Thank you Dan for doing these and the guests for opening up so much. Makes you think about your role in your life quite a bit.

[@DonSouthworth-rd2fy]

Thank you Dan and Stan. So rare to hear two men speak about grief and therapy in such an honest and meaningful way. My heart is broken for both of you and please know your honesty is helping so many people watching and listening.

[@robx-tremecomputers]

Watching the mutual admiration between longtime friends and two people I admire as well made my day. I was having a bad day but after watching this I reached out to my two younger brothers and told them how much I care about and appreciate them. Thank you Dan and thank you Stan.

[@agentx2316]

I really love Stan and I really love what Dan has created with South Sessions: A very comfortable space where his guests can be at ease. I love you, Stan. Continue to learn and continue to thrive. And as always Dan, thank you for being who you are.

[@MarkStein0]

❤ Stan. Couldn't believe what I heard. What a powerful discussion..

[@miamulkey8830]

The best SBS ever. Love Stan and Dan both.

[@tylermcdonald3617]

Thank you Stan, and thank you Dan for this. I am so grateful for the people in my life today.

[@tbone198521]

I can’t believe I watched that whole thing, it was just so interesting. I only got on because it was mentioned on espn about his wife committing suicide and I basically just wanted to hear that part but it was all interesting. Definitely feel for Stan here and I feel like I will start appreciated my wife and family more from this. Im glad I was brought to this video

[@mahadali2739]

What a rare but much needed discussion about grief.

[@Eskay_The_Evil_Genius]

Great talk about real life and getting thru the day. Respect.

[@user-pu7vu7sb6m]

SVG brings such joy and entertainment to us all, I just hope he knows how much we enjoy him. I hope he finds a way to feel happiness again. Much love to SVG and Dan.

[@brettlanglois8769]

Very sorry to hear about your wife Stan. I lost my little brother to suicide 12 years ago and not a day goes by I don’t think about him. For years I was consumed with anger and grief. Keep doing the counseling, it helps. Again, my condolences.

[@skyeisthelimit309]

Love me some Stan Van Gundy

[@frederickgonzalez8086]

The mundane routine of life is always better with a partner. Having gone through a tough lost myself, you will never be the same! Thank your for sharing your vulnerabilities. Such real life lessons being taught today.

[@joebrooks3553]

This is one of the if nit the best south beach sessions I've listen to. I love the whole Lebatard family🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

[@terrone346]

Wow, what an amazing display of emotional vulnerability and courage. I've learned over the course of time that grief is a funny animal, it comes and goes, it has a life of it's own, sometimes sad, sometimes funny. I have found it's best to work it, before it works me. Thank you for this phenominal session. Peace be with you both.

[@gamarosado]

Thank you Dan and Thank you Stan!! We love you guys

[@matren821]

Stan the Man! We love you

[@LuisFlores-wz1rs]

Thank you Dan Thank you Stan Thank you Dan Thank you Stan But seriously, been anticipating this one

[@TsunamiWebster]

Dan and Stan are truly 2 deplorable people..

[@zechariahcameron3645]

​​@@TsunamiWebsterStan's wife passed.

[@edsongarcia8608]

Stan you are a great man and always good to me. I remember you every morning at Coral Reef greeting all of the kids when you dropped off Michael. My condolences to you.

[@MattRotz-qe9fo]

Thank you Stan for the absolute honesty about the mental health problems..So sorry for your loss Sir..I've always enjoyed him..This made me respect him more👏👏 And you are a great human being! Kim is proud of you. I know that

[@BeyondTheGame]

Gosh Damnit. Having lost my mom last Easter. Dan losing his brother and hearing Stan about his wife. Man I’m feel y’all. Everyday practically starts off sucky and you fight thru 😢. I’m so sad with y’all. Love ya Dan & the whole setup. Proud listener since 2012🙏

[@benelledge4366]

Nothing but love for both of you guys.

[@marcusgullatt7030]

Thank you very much for your vulnerabilities. Much needed and much appreciated

[@mariopot789]

I lost my mom almost 2 years ago and the lack of joy or severely reduced joy troubles me. It feels like life as a whole got dimmer after her loss and it's a hard thing to work past

[@peterkovach8655]

Sorry man that does suck. Time does tend to heal things. I hope you feel better soon.

[@erichacker5857]

Wow seriously great episode. you never really know what is going on in other people's lives. Appreciate all of you

[@bluemagic5829]

Incredibly powerful conversation. This is pure gold. Thank you Stan and Dan. God bless you.

[@burekevan]

Thanks Dan & Stan for open and vulnerable discussion among adult men. Stan really does a good job describing his grief and the illogical nature of it.

[@thomasopp9104]

Thank you both for opening your hearts. This is a powerful conversation.

[@lionelt7882]

I’ve lost many relatives because of cancer, including my own Mom. But man…I can’t imagine dealing with suicide, especially a wife. As a man, not only losing the love of your life but the mind, constantly thinking “what could I have done differently?”, “how could I have protected her better?”, etc. One of the parts of grief people don’t talk about is the amount of guilt you unfairly put on yourself. Most times, if not all, death is completely out of your control, but the guilt still comes with the grief.

[@n7nico942]

Stan is my favorite guest, looking forward to watching this

[@johnshaw1327]

I can’t say how much I’ve been moved by watching this. Thank you Dan, thank you Stan. I’m calling everyone I love tomorrow!

[@CC-gq7sx]

Love Stan explaining the distinction between emotional health (feelings) and mental health (intellect). I use it all the time with the people I work with. They are often quiet when I go over it with them, but later on tell me that it helped them to see the bigger picture. Helps improve their coping tools. They can work through the real feelings, and not think they are losing their mind. I also add the concept of behavior health (interacting with others). Awesome learning session coming from the courage of these two in opening their hearts and minds. Was not sure if I was going to listen to this, thinking it was going to be 2 gasbags talking. Well done, SBS!

[@AMLG]

If this isn't nominated for a reward then its a shame. This is very powerful and one of the best conversations that I have seen. Its raw emotion. Its therapy. This will help so many people dealing with similar things.

[@armonwilliams4735]

I lost my mother about twelve years ago, and it's never easy when you sit and dwell on it. But this was therapeutic to see Dan & Stan share their grief and pain that we all have if we are fortunate to live long enough. Joy & Pain.

[@nyguerilla]

Wow. Peace, love and deep solidarity to Dan, Stan & the DLS fam! Tell your loved ones how much you love them, and do it often. You won't ever regret it.

[@Nick3lod3on]

Thank you for sharing. 😢

[@glowbush]

Thank you, Dan and Stan, for being open, vulnerable and real. Stan's words resonated deeply with me. This conversation is a great reminder to cherish every moment of your most special relationships, because they won't last forever 😭

[@lolusodiya1131]

This interview was vulnerable, honest and enlightening. Conversations like this need to be heard by everyone so the stigma around mental illness is smashed forever. I wish nobody had to suffer alone in silence but too many of us feel like we do. Thank you Stan and Dan for your extreme bravery in being so vulnerable and for your rigorous honesty. My deepest and sincerest condolences to you both for your losses.

[@lummy7865]

That's probably the best South Beach Session. Love ya Stan. As a Detroiter & LeBatard fan, I experienced you through your coaching career and having fun on the radio. Not many people I enjoy listening to more in both settings. You always stood for something & spoke the truth. My condolences to you & your family.

[@NotPennysB0AT]

Thank you Stan and Dan for having this conversation on this platform. Hearing people talk about it, especially someone like Stan who you don’t expect to hear being vulnerable, will help a lot of people deal with their own losses.

[@MrMysteriousB]

I was not ready for this episode. I hope you both find a little solace from reading the comments to see how much you touched others with this interview

[@jonathancastillo2736]

Very sad, appreciate every moment, every second with your loved ones

[@nicholasbarker4552]

Same Stan. Much love.

[@torriehutchinson7790]

We never see it coming. Rest easy big bro, Terrance Hutchinson. U didn't take ur life, the devil stole it. And that is how I cope with it till this day. GOD bless anyone who has been through this 🙏🏽. I didn't even know this conversation was going to this subject at all. Glad I clicked on it 👍🏽

[@justinrenaud4818]

This was an amazing episode. Hard to get through but well worth it

[@beatsbykana]

Man this was a tough listen, but so beautiful to hear how much they love the ones they've lost

[@marcosfernandez1387]

I really appreciated this SBS. I was thinking it was more of a natural passing but really tough to hear this for Stan. Such a genuine individual and hearing more of his story makes me appreciate him more. I hope he continues to try to take it easy in himself and let those around him support him in this sensitive time. Thank you for this episode. Such a great one on one conversation that digs deep. You don't know how much this helps your audience. 🙏

[@jg7830]

Man this was fantastic. Grief is such a strange beast, I’m glad the world is opening up to these conversations, there’s so much wisdom to be shared amongst those of us who are hurting

[@Domo-yo4pz]

This was deep and much needed for my mental.... Thank you guys for that💯💯💯

[@BrettHowe2]

I lost my dad to cancer last year. The feeling of being able to function but feeling no joy and fear of tragedy is too real. I hate hearing it for someone else but appreciate to not feel alone with it

[@user-zt1dc4yt5g]

Your husband is a multi millionaire and you take your own life....when they say money dont make you happy this really hits home....especially at 61....suicide at 61 is profound....you would think you got over life by then....im 37 and i struggle with my mental life hoping to make that age thinking it would all be over by then but clearly the more you live the more life gives....rip ms van gundy...one love!!!

[@SEA_BLK]

How does this guy manage to get me to cry when i least expect it? Dammit man, where are my tissues....

[@toulor3403]

Dan, thank you for being light hearted, fun but most importantly a stand up guy who cares you people.

[@brianjauhiainen3954]

Extraordinary. Thank you.

[@IrishWeegee]

[0:00-13:49] Remembering career highlights [13:51-17:51] Recognizing Erik Spoelstra [17:52-24:45] Rivalry with Jeff Van Gundy [24:46-33:25] Making opinions heard [33:26-44:58] Supporting his brother [44:59-1:22:15] Coping with loss [1:22:16-1:31:28] Relationship with Dan

[@JuanGarcia-hr1wf]

Very heartfelt South Beach Session with Stan. Thank you to both of you for opening up and sharing your personal losses. Although the pain never goes away,We hope you find solice and peace as you move forward in your lives each and everyday.

[@giancarlorodriguez574]

Thank you for this ☝🏽 🙏🏼

[@DjShini]

Thank you for the time stamps! 🙏

[@bdrigg]

Damn Stan. I'm sorry. Love ya buddy.

[@16Regulator]

Another great session. You guys are bringing out things I think I need to address myself. Thank you.

[@thedefinitionisthis]

Fuck, had no idea Stan lost his wife, let alone lost her to suicide. Hate that this happened to his family, I absolutely appreciate him being open about her struggles, and frankly his own struggles. This open dialogue helps a lot of people.

[@terryryan3705]

❤Stan

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

As a Celtics fan and a guy who wanted nothing but the worst for most of the teams the brothers coached getting into the mix and putting a speed limiter on Mourning with that leg grab is actually what made me like and respect Jeff. Not a lot of coaches and not a lot of guys that size would put themselves out there like that for their squad. He showed the hustle, effort and heart of a guy I'd always want on my team.

[@PorqueNoLosDos]

Gosh damn Dan! Thank you and love you, but damn.

[@blackspider1405]

Oh my god, Stan.. oh goodness.. May your wife rest with the angels. And may you have some bit of peace.

[@corbenwatts9375]

So heavy. My heart breaks for both of these great guys. Thanks for sharing Stan, I appreciate it.

[@TsunamiWebster]

😂😂, these guys are 🤡 s

[@odhere]

I miss Wednesdays with Stan. He’s the best. Thanks Dan you’re an incredible interviewer.

[@benniesngreen]

Wow I about lost it at 51:07. Going through a dreary time myself, less "want to do"s than there used to be.

[@Douglas-bg1qt]

The stuff about Stan feeling like he failed his wife after her suicide was heavy. I was not ready for this.

[@thisguy8106]

Been waiting a long time for this session..

[@wjchesla]

We need more Stan on the show!

[@user-rq1qj8jk6y]

Heavy episode. Love both you guys ❤

[@bustatron]

Men need to talk about grief more.

[@jeffreytubbs8262]

goddamn what a great interview... thank you dan, thank you stan... much love guys

[@seanedferguson]

What a great show.. this was a tough one

[@hpflashman3328]

important episode - thank you Dan and thank you Stan.

[@wendymalone1598]

I was living in new york years ago when jeff van gundy was the coach of the knicks. And i saw a piece where stans name came up and thats when i found out it was jeffs brother. Anyways i have been a fan of stan van gundy ever since and more so when he became head coach of my team the miami heat since im from miami. I always got the vibes from stan that he was a really nice guy and im so very sorry he had to go through this. I wish peace upon him and that somehow joy can be returned to his life and same for dan . I always say that only when you go through tough times do you have the most compassion and empathy for others and dan and stan both know this grief all to well. Peace to both of them, but i will tell you what living in a incredibly beautiful place like miami does put things into perspective.

[@KM-ql4eb]

I am a mom and wife that has been suicidal and depressed at points in my life. I have attempted suicide more than once and am ashamed to say my kids saw the aftermath of an attempt once. I lived, obviously, and got the help I needed. It breaks my heart to hear that Stan feels he failed Kim. I can't imagine my husband and kids feeling that way. I would never want them to feel that. It was simply, I can't go on, the pain is too great, they are better off without me, and I just want to sleep forever and stop feeling tortured. I can't say what Kim felt but I am sure she would not want her husband and kids to feel that they failed her. Probably, they were the greatest thing in her life, but the pain was just too great to overcome. May she rest in peace. I hope Stan and the kids can live long and happy lives and cherish her memory. And I also hope Dan and his family are able to cherish the memory of their loved one as well.

[@patrickhennessy4159]

I lost my girlfriend suddenly in July of last year. In the immediate aftermath I wish I had the opportunity to bury myself in work. My background is fixing helicopter electrical systems and it’s a rigorous and demanding job that requires your full attention. Unfortunately I have quite possibly the most boring desk job in the world now and going back to work after a few weeks all I did was sit at my desk, alone in my thoughts, staring at my computer screen wondering “wth am I doing with my life, all this stuff is meaningless” I’m glad Stan was able to find a distraction in his passion

[@thepicklepuckers]

Suicide Suicide is the loneliest of acts for the victim and her survivors. Over and out for her, Over and over for us. Forever…

[@Norfeese]

Thank you both for sharing that.

[@muddywaters2818]

Man this was tough. I lost my father to depression last year unexpectedly. Me and my family were all completely blindsided by it. If you suffer from depression don’t even hesitate or think about. Seek professional help and reach out to your friends and family.

[@phlip9037]

This was a powerful episode. My prayers to both.

[@henryhall298]

that was very brave guys thank you

[@dave.weigel]

God Bless you, both.

[@Matt4star]

I didn’t know about Stan’s wife. That’s so sad. 😢

[@superconvoy]

I cried on the behalf of Stan. His personality is why he’s a great coach. Even in tragedy he puts others first. He’s not cold.. he’s just a great leader. I can’t imagine what he sleeps with

[@TsunamiWebster]

Stan is a vile human being.