The Press Box

The Ringer

The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker and Joel Anderson catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Thursday
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 56 min
Mark Guiducci Grew Up Reading Vanity Fair. Now, He's Running the Place.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan is joined by Vanity Fair's global editorial director, Mark Guiducci. They talk about how he became interested in Vanity Fair, his time at Vogue, his editorial purview at Vanity Fair, his five favorite Vanity Fair covers, and much more. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Mark Guiducci Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Lucy Brick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wednesday · 49 min
Governor Tim Walz on the Democrats’ Midterm Momentum, the Danger of Prediction Markets, and Replaying His Debate With JD Vance. Plus: Thoughts on Bari Weiss’s New ‘60 Minutes’ Cast.
On today’s special episode of The Press Box, Bryan is joined by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. But first, Bryan opens by talking about the new ‘60 Minutes’ correspondents at CBS. Then, Bryan and Governor Walz talk about why he is not running for reelection, the midterms, his coaching career, and much more (06:05). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Tim Walz Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 27 · 2 hr 1 min
The Democrats Picked Their 2028 Primary Calendar. Which Contender Benefits? Plus: Our July Issue Grapples With Hulk Hogan.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David take a look at the shift in the 2028 Democratic primary calendar and discuss which contenders can win which states (02:58). They also talk about the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner (38:12). Then they get to the July Issue (47:08). Bryan talks with David about his new book, 'Why Hulk Hogan Matters.' They talk about the ups and downs of Hogan’s time in the spotlight and how he was often a reflection of American culture. Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Lucy Brick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 23 · 1 hr 5 min
Senator Elissa Slotkin on the Democrats, the Mideast, and Election Security. Plus: Why Were the ESPN Layoffs So Messy?
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel start by talking about the ESPN’s layoffs again and getting Joel’s thoughts on how that process went down. Then they are joined by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin. They discuss election security, the Democratic Party’s messaging, Trump’s self-enrichment, and much more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Sen. Elissa Slotkin Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 23 · 53 min
MS NOW’s Stephanie Ruhle on Trump’s Billions, the Biggest Issues of the Midterms, and Moving From the Business World to Cable News
Today on The Press Box, Bryan is joined by MS NOW's Stephanie Ruhle. They talk about the money Trump has made in office, working in investment banking before getting into media, the purpose of cable news, and much more. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Stephanie Ruhle Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Lucy Brick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 21 · 1 hr 15 min
What Do the ESPN Layoffs Tell Us About ESPN’s Future? Plus: Trump vs. The New York Times, Tom Brady and WWE, and Bryan’s Broadway Notes.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by talking about Bryan's vacation in New York. Then they discuss the layoffs at ESPN (13:02), Trump's battle with The New York Times (59:11), and Tom Brady's newest endeavor (01:04:08). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 16 · 1 hr 16 min
Bomani Jones on Our Post-Literate Society, Who to Root for in the World Cup, the LeBron-Industrial Complex, and Jay-Z (Again)
Today on The Press Box, Bryan is out, but Joel Anderson is here, and he's joined by Bomani Jones. They discuss myriad topics, including the literacy crisis (04:07), Bomani's time at summer league (45:14), LeBron's decision (50:49), the Jay-Z concerts (01:00:52), and much more. Host: Joel Anderson Guest: Bomani Jones Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 1 hr 35 min
The Mitch McConnell Photo and the ‘Death’ of Reading. Plus: Comics Legend Frank Miller!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by looking back at the life of political cartoonist Pat Oliphant. Then they discuss the Mitch McConnell hospital photo and the conspiracy theories surrounding it (8:15). Next they talk about the death of Lindsey Graham (18:54), the "death" of reading, and some Trump news. Finally, Bryan is joined by comic book creator Frank Miller to talk about how he got into comics, writing ‘Sin City’, ‘Batman’, and so much more (53:43). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Frank Miller Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 9 · 54 min
The End of the Platner Campaign, Where's Mitch McConnell, and the Future of Youth Sports in America.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson discuss the end of Graham Platner's campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. Then they talk about Mitch McConnell's whereabouts and health before checking in on the Texas Senate race. Plus, they react to the New York Times' competition with AI slop and Alexi Lalas's take on youth soccer in America. (00:00) Intro (01:13) The end of the Platner campaign (09:44) Where’s Mitch McConnell? (21:38) Checking in on the Texas Senate race (27:34) The New York Times trying to outrun AI slop is fascinating (39:46) Alexi Lalas on youth soccer in America Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Tucker Tashjian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 8 · 52 min
The New Yorker’s Richard Brody on Movie Critics, the Complaints About Hollywood, and the Future of the Written Review. Plus, His Five Politically-Relevant Summer Movies.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan sits down with New Yorker film critic Richard Brody. The duo discuss Brody’s career reviewing movies, being a filmmaker in the early ’90s (while also working at a detective agency), and how exactly he shifted careers and got hired at The New Yorker. The guys also talk through the main complaints consumers have about movies these days and how warranted they are. To close things out, Brody gives his “Five Politically Relevant Summer Movies.” Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Richard Brody Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 7 · 53 min
The American Men's Soccer Bust, Graham Platner’s Media Refuge, and the Return of LeBron’s Free Agent Spotlight
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David recap their experiences watching Team USA’s run at the World Cup come to an end. Then they discuss Politico's story about Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner (14:30). They also talk about LeBron James taking his time with the latest version of "The Decision" (36:50) and the guest list at the Taylor Swift–Travis Kelce wedding (43:14). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 3 · 1 hr 18 min
Why Democrats Fell in Love With Jon Ossoff. Plus: NPR’s Supreme Court Botch, and The Athletic Vs. The New York Times.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel have a Senate race check-in. They take a look at multiple high-profile senate races in different states and provide their thoughts. Then, they check back in on the World Cup after the U.S. beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance to the Round of 16 (35:18). They also discuss the New York Times piece about Dianna Russini (40:38), NPR’s Supreme Court mishap (59:20), and more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie Yukich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 46 min
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on His Party’s Path, JD Vance’s Lectures, and Life as a Point Guard
Today on The Press Box, the Press Box primaries roll on with Bryan and Joel being joined by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. They discuss the potential ideological shift in the Democratic Party, the through line for voters that vote for Trump and Shapiro (19:08), lessons from Meek Mill (34:25), and much more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Josh Shapiro Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie Yukich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 25 · 1 hr 9 min
The June Issue: LeBron’s Final Decision With Brian Windhorst
Today on The Press Box, it's the June Issue! Ahead of what could be LeBron James's last free agency decision, Bryan is joined by ESPN's Brian Windhorst to look back at LeBron's past decisions and how they were covered by the media. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Brian Windhorst Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Sarah Reddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 24 · 1 hr 4 min
Nuggets From the Haberman-Swan Trump Book, the Best Announcer at the World Cup, and a Mark Singer Syllabus
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by updating the list of announcers with no fans that Bryan made with Joel last week. Then Bryan shares his big takeaways from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s book, ‘Regime Change.’(14:56) Then they talk about longtime ESPN anchor Linda Cohn retiring, discuss a Nancy Guthrie update, and say farewell to The New Yorker’s Mark Singer (47:33). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Sarah Reddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 19 · 1 hr 13 min
The Mysterious Iran Deal and the World Cup Announcer Nobody Likes. Plus: Joe Biden’s Comeback With New York Magazine’s Ben Terris.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel discuss how the media covered the Iran deal, despite the administration initially not letting anyone see the deal. Then they discuss an ESPN fight and what other ESPN figures could pick a fight with a colleague (10:25). Later, they dive into some World Cup thoughts and discuss the discourse around Alexi Lalas (29:00). After that, the two are joined by New York Magazine’s Ben Terris to discuss his trip to South Dakota for Joe Biden’s legacy comeback, his recent story about John Fetterman, and much more (44:37). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Ben Terris Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie Yukich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 17 · 1 hr 15 min
World Cup Takes and Trump’s UFC Birthday Party. Plus, Peter Kafka on Fox and Roku.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David share some thoughts from the first few days of the World Cup. Then they dive into UFC Freedom 250 at the White House and discuss the event and Trump's attraction to UFC (15:30). Then they give a few notes from the NBA Finals (35:05). Finally, Bryan is joined by Peter Kafka, chief correspondent for Business Insider, to talk about Fox's $22 billion purchase of Roku (55:37). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Peter Kafka Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jason Arreola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 12 · 1 hr 41 min
ESPN’s Game 4 Flop, Trump’s Epstein Strategy, and Everyone’s Favorite World Cup Fan. Plus: Semafor’s Dave Weigel!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start with their thoughts on the Knicks' historic comeback over the Spurs to take a 3-1 lead, and Bryan gives his notes on ESPN’s coverage of the game down the stretch. Then they talk about the New York Times excerpt from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's upcoming book about how the White House has been handling the Epstein files (16:23). They also talk about Twitter’s favorite World Cup fan (33:14) and a new addition to the Best Used Bookstores in the World list (43:04). Finally, Semafor’s Dave Weigel joins to talk about the Senate race in Texas, the change in campaign reporting, and much more (52:58). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Dave Weigel Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 10 · 1 hr 37 min
A Trumpy NBA Finals, Pat McAfee’s New Deal, and Scott Pelley’s Interview. Plus: MS NOW’s Michael Steele
Today on The Press Box, Joel takes over the Tuesday slot. Bryan and Joel start the show by discussing Pat McAfee’s reported extension with ESPN (01:11) before talking about Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals (14:52). After that, the guys dive into the Scott Pelley–'60 Minutes' situation, including Pelley’s interview with The New York Times (26:02) and what Bryan would have asked Scott if he had interviewed him (40:28). The show ends with an interview with MS NOW’s Michael Steele (54:35), where he and the guys talk about the 2024 DNC autopsy (59:04), why he hasn't become a Democrat, why he almost became a priest (1:26:10), and so much more. Michael Steele is the coanchor of 'The Weeknight,' airing weekdays at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW. Beginning Monday, June 15, Steele and his coanchor Symone Sanders Townsend will welcome Luke Russert as the newest coanchor at the roundtable. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Michael Steele Producer: Bruce Baldwin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 4 · 1 hr 18 min
'60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California Primaries
Today on The Press Box: '60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California primaries. Joel and Bryan react to the latest news regarding '60 Minutes,' including the hiring of Nick Bilton, Scott Pelley's departure, and more (01:20). Then, ESPN's Vince Goodwill joins from San Antonio, sharing his observations from Game 1 of the NBA Finals (25:30). Plus, Gustavo Arellano breaks down the California primaries (48:05). Host: Joel Anderson Guests: Bryan Curtis, Vince Goodwill, and Gustavo Arellano Producers: Tucker Tashjian, Isaiah Blakely, Conor Nevins and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices