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.

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Yesterday · 58 min
Ross Douthat Grills Trump. Plus: Russini’s Return.
Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson break down Ross Douthat’s '60 Minutes' interview with Donald Trump, examining Douthat’s aggressive follow-ups, his questioning of Trump’s cryptocurrency business and immigration policies, and the religion-themed closing that highlighted the president’s fixation on punishing his political enemies (01:29). They also survey the early maneuvering around the 2028 presidential race, roast The Free Press’s erroneous claim that Abdul El-Sayed delivered his victory speech in Arabic, debate the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, and assess Dianna Russini’s return to NFL media with BetUS (25:45). And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Saturday · 39 min
How Democrats Blitzed the Midterms With JB Pritzker
Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson sit down with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker following his historic third-term victory and the Democrats’ sweeping midterm success. Pritzker discusses Donald Trump naming Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, whether the war with Iran cost Republicans the election, how Democrats changed their message, and the investments he made in Texas races (0:00)—later touching on his long-running feud with Greg Abbott (18:15). They also ask about his conversations with Jim Clyburn and Pritzker's possible 2028 ambitions, as well as the effort to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois (28:08). In the conversation that followed, Bryan and Joel assess Pritzker’s presidential prospects. And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Governor JB Pritzker Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wednesday · 1 hr 42 min
The Democrats Win in a Texas-Sized Blowout
Bryan Curtis, Joel Anderson, and David Shoemaker break down the stunning 2026 midterm election, in which Democrats swept Texas’s statewide offices and scored major Senate victories in Kansas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, and Maine. They examine the reporting and candidate failures that helped produce the wave, visit the “Fox News Funeral Parlor” to assess conservative media’s response, and check in on the still-unresolved contests in Mississippi and Alaska before trading election-night television takes. And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Joel Anderson Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
November 2 · 1 hr 2 min
Haley Stevens Turns Heel in Michigan. Plus, Our Midterms Picks!
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker preview Election Day by unpacking a final wave of Democratic-friendly Senate polling and the bizarre fallout in Michigan after Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers, then struggled to explain her reversal to Anderson Cooper (12:52). Bryan and David rank the 10 races they’ll be watching most closely—from Michigan and Texas to Kansas, Iowa, and potential surprise states (41:02). Then Bryan offers his final predictions for control of the House and Senate before they discuss an update on Michael Wilbon’s health (53:44). And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter [⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠] Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 29 · 55 min
Why We’ll Miss Ernie Johnson. Plus, What's Pat McAfee Upset About Now?
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker celebrate Halloween by dressing as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman before reflecting on Ernie Johnson’s 37-year run as host of 'Inside the NBA,' the understated instincts that made him a uniquely beloved broadcaster, and what the show might become without him. They also dissect Pat McAfee’s escalating response to a harmless Utah student video and how his outsize presence has changed 'College GameDay' before surveying a batch of startling midterm polls in South Carolina, Kansas, Texas, Maine, and Michigan. And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 27 · 1 hr 17 min
How To Write A Detective Novel with Michael Connelly and Chris Ryan
Welcome to the October Issue of the Press Box. First, author Michael Connelly joins the show to talk about his years as an LA crime reporter, his Harry Bosch novels, why Bosch lives in the hills above LA, and much more. He also weighed in on the Bosch Amazon series and the current state of his old paper, the LA Times. Then, Chris Ryan and Bryan list their all-time favorite detective novels. Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Michael Connelly and Chris Ryan Producers: Jon Jones and Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 26 · 55 min
Joel’s Official Election Predictions. Plus: Farewell, to an NFL TV Glue Guy
Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson make their final predictions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, debating whether James Talarico can break Texas Democrats’ statewide drought, whether Susan Collins can survive once again in Maine, and whether Democrats will take control of the Senate (5:35). They also examine the consequences of weakened voting protections, the possibility of challenges to election results and why celebrities and athletes who align themselves with Donald Trump may face lasting backlash (24:15). Bryan also bids farewell to an unsung broadcast hero (46:00). And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 22 · 52 min
Will Troy Aikman Have a TV Job Next Year? Plus, Election Madness in Ohio.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down CBS’s decision to elevate J.J. Watt to its top NFL broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, assess Watt’s development as an analyst, and consider what the network shuffle could mean for Troy Aikman’s future in the booth. They also examine an increasingly ugly Ohio governor’s race, the wider midterm media narrative (16:31), and Blake Griffin’s new media-criticism show, 'The Step Back,' including whether its John Oliver-inspired format makes the best use of Griffin’s perspective as a former player (37:58). And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 19 · 58 min
The Times Reopens the O.J. Simpson Case. Plus, the Horror of a 24-Team College Football Playoff.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel kick things off by talking through more of the Joe Buck-Troy Aikman drama at ESPN (6:20). They then get into the incredible O.J. Simpson story that the New York Times dropped over the weekend (24:47) and Katie Zacharia’s five-day tenure as White House press secretary (34:13), before closing out with thoughts on the potential 24-team college football playoff (40:17). And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Jon Jones and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 16 · 1 hr 39 min
Is the Troy Aikman Era Over at ESPN? Plus: Peter King on 40 Years on the NFL Beat.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David discuss all the reports around the tension between Joe Buck and Troy Aikman in the 'Monday Night Football' booth. They talk about how we got here and what could be next for Troy and ESPN (13:16). Then they talk about the new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia (33:57). After that, Bryan is joined by Peter King to talk about his long career covering the NFL and his new book, 'The Game' (47:05). Subscribe to Bryan's newsletter here! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Peter King Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 13 · 1 hr 1 min
The Democratic Senate Race Confidence Rankings. Plus, ESPN’s Nick Saban Doc!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel take a look at nine interesting Senate races and tier them in order of Democrats' confidence that they'll win (9:39). They end with talking about ESPN's new 'Saban' documentary (47:22). Subscribe to Bryan's newsletter here! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 7 · 49 min
Can CNN Survive the Paramount Merger? Plus: The Next Host of ‘Inside the NBA.’
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David discuss potential retirements on 'Inside the NBA,' the Paramount–Warner Bros. deal finally going through (9:09), and potential Halloween costumes for the pod (21:34). Then Bryan is joined by Lachlan Cartwright from Breaker to talk about James and Lachlan Murdoch (27:15). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Subscribe to Bryan's newsletter here! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Lachlan Cartwright Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 6 · 1 hr 3 min
A Weekend of Wild Senate Polls and Nearly Dropped Children. Plus, Gina Hinojosa on How Democrats Can Win Texas.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel discuss the latest polling information that provides an optimistic view for Democrats. Then they are joined by Gina Hinojosa, Democratic nominee for governor in Texas. They talk about why she joined the race, ICE, data centers, and much more (25:59). They wrap up with a Joel Anderson lightning round (55:11). Subscribe to Bryan's newsletter here! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Gina Hinojosa Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Sarah Reddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 2 · 50 min
Tony Romo Changed Sports Television. Now He’s out of a Job.
Today on an emergency edition of the podcast, Bryan and Joel react to the news that Tony Romo is officially out at CBS. They give their instant reactions to the news, discuss Romo's history and legacy at CBS, and wrap up with a discussion of the shuffle at the top to be a network's no. 1 NFL color analyst. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Donald LoBianco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
October 2 · 1 hr 6 min
What Happened Between Troy Aikman and ESPN? Plus, a Senator's Hawk-Sized Airball.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start with sports TV news. They talk about Kirk Herbstreit's contract extension with Amazon, the upcoming expiration of Troy Aikman's contract with ESPN, and the fight for no. 1 play-by-play jobs. Then they talk about the news that David Ellison is considering retaining Mark Thompson as the CEO of CNN (21:00). After that, they react to the sports mistake that Missouri senator Eric Schmitt made while questioning Jack Smith (26:00). The guys are later joined by former Michigan state representative Mari Manoogian, and they discuss a handful of upcoming races, Democrat hopium, and a story about negative political ads and Grantland (40:58). Plus David Shoemaker and Mari Manoogian Guess the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Mari Manoogian Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Sarah Reddy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 28 · 1 hr 8 min
Here Comes the Democrats’ Blue Wave. Plus, the New Dennis Miller ‘Monday Night Football’ Doc!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel get into a wild weekend in college football, from Texas-Tennessee and Steve Sarkisian spilling the beans on what happens to coaches’ headsets when President Trump moves around the stadium, to the scary Dante Moore injury and Desman Stephens's fallout at USC. They also get into the latest on the increasingly hard to ignore Democratic blue wave, with the midterms now just 36 days away, and ask the question hanging over all of it: Are we actually seeing a wave, or are we falling for this again (17:26)? Plus, Dennis Miller’s strange and fascinating run on 'Monday Night Football' (43:53). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Devon Renaldo and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 25 · 51 min
The September Issue: ‘Primetime’ and the Age of ‘To Catch a Predator.’ Plus: The Latest on the Trump Ban!
Today on The Press Box, it’s the September Issue. Bryan and David give updates on the banned outlets from the White House and the awkward situation surrounding Graham Bensinger and Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, as well as their reaction to the latest trailer for David O. Russell’s ‘Madden.’ Next, they share their opinions on the new movie ‘Primetime,’ starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, host of the popular TV series ‘To Catch a Predator’ from 2004. They discuss how the show grew from a segment on 'Dateline NBC' to a full-fledged TV series, the early-2000s era of sensational TV programming, and the legacy of ‘To Catch a Predator’ and Chris Hansen since the show ended (32:32). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Jon Jones and Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 22 · 1 hr 7 min
What Happens to CNN Now? Plus: Fighting Back Against Trump’s Media Ban
Today on the Press Box, Bryan and Joel start with the news of the Paramount-Warner Bros. lawsuit being settled and that the merger can proceed. They discuss what this means for CNN (2:54). Then, they talk about Donald Trump banning CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House. They talk about the partial collective action by other TV networks to decide not to cover Trump, why Trump did this now, and what's next (11:38). Then, they discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones's follow-up piece in the New York Times about re-examining her decisions with her child's education (38:47). They wrap up with Tom Brady swearing on-air, and the McClatchy layoffs (52:18). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 17 · 2 hr
You Are Cordially Invited to Cover Don Jr.’s Wedding. Plus, an NBA Roundtable With Howard Beck and Logan Murdock!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David discuss the ProPublica piece revealing that Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding was funded by a Russian oligarch (18:16). Then they touch on a handful of other media topics, including Arch Manning and Holly Rowe, a Troy Aikman verbal tic, and more (37:12). Then Bryan is joined by Logan Murdock and Howard Beck to discuss some pre-preseason NBA media stories. They provide some thoughts on the Clippers scandal, investigative reporting in sports, all-time quote guys, LeBron's impact on the media, and much more (54:15). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 14 · 1 hr 8 min
The Weekend Reaction Pod: Bryan in Austin, Bad Omens for Tony Romo, and the Season Premiere of ‘60 Minutes’
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel recap Bryan's exciting weekend in Austin, Texas. They talk about the Texas–Ohio State game, Ted Cruz on 'College GameDay,' and some other sights and sounds Bryan witnessed this past weekend. Then they provide their thoughts on the season premiere of '60 Minutes,' and they talk about CBS's 'NFL Today' (37:53). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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