Dave Weekly is joined by Dave Bryan of Steelers Depot to break down the growing offseason drama involving Joey Porter, Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin, and former Steelers weighing in via podcasts. They discuss Chris Carter’s comments questioning Hines Ward’s Hall of Fame credentials and the ripple effects inside the fan base. The segment also shifts to draft strategy, including whether Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson fits Pittsburgh’s plans and how the Steelers should approach the position in 2026.

Dave Weekly checks in with Chef Paul Smith from Charleston, South Carolina, discussing rising coffee prices and how restaurants are handling higher costs without passing them along to guests. Chef Paul shares details about Bad Happy Burrito’s opening in Hurricane, including the popular street tacos and the “Big Papa” burrito challenge. The conversation also explores specialty salts, Dickinson’s Salt Works in West Virginia, and how different salts enhance flavor and presentation in both savory dishes and desserts.

Dave Weekly talks with entertainment journalist Kristyn Burtt about the passing of Robert Duvall and the legendary actor’s lasting impact on film and television. They also dive into Netflix’s new docuseries examining America’s Next Top Model and Tyra Banks’ leadership, plus the controversy surrounding AI-generated fight footage featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. The segment wraps with updates on Dancing with the Stars spinoffs and the latest developments involving Savannah Guthrie’s extended absence from Today.

Film journalist Germain Lussier joins Dave Weekley on Hotline for a deep dive into upcoming sci-fi blockbusters. Germain shares early impressions from seeing footage of Project Hail Mary, the adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel starring Ryan Gosling, and explains why its emotional human-alien dynamic could make it the next great space film. The conversation then shifts to Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, a cryptic summer release centered on revealing that aliens may already be among us. From Gosling’s career momentum to Spielberg’s blockbuster instincts, it’s a wide-ranging look at Hollywood’s next big swing at the stars.