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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1,299 episodes
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Feb 5, 2024 · 44 min
How Sportswriters Can Win the Super Bowl. Plus: Inside Radio Row, Politicians Avoiding Nosy Reporters, and the Death of the D.C. Bureau
Bryan and David discuss Super Bowl week’s radio row with the Radio Row power rankings (2:12)! Then they host a Super Bowl editorial meeting that touches on Taylor Swift being the biggest story (9:55) and Brock Purdy’s legacy if he wins the big game (19:49). Later they talk about the Wall Street Journal cutting jobs from the D.C. Bureau (31:06). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. And finally, the Media Piss Test returns. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 1, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
Autopsy for The Messenger, Tom Brady to Fox, 2024 Media Rooting, and Farewell to Anthony Lane With The New York Times’ Benjamin Mullin and Puck’s Teddy Schleifer
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by two guests! First, Benjamin Mullin of The New York Times to discuss the shut down of The Messenger—a story he broke this week (1:32). Then he is joined by Puck’s own Teddy Schleifer and the latest in media, including the latest media apocalypse (17:51), Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift versus certain elements of the Right (29:41), how long Tom Brady will last calling games for Fox next year (40:28), and the current state of the Presidential election and whether or not reporters are rooting for Nikki Haley (47:12).Plus, Bryan has a few surprise questions for Teddy—and an editor's note. Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Ben Mullin and Teddy Schleifer Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 29, 2024 · 57 min
Our Media Apocalypse, NFL Championship Game TV Notes, and the Feel-Bad Presidential Election
Bryan and David begin the episode discussing cuts that major publications have been making over the last two weeks, and what it means for the future of journalism (0:37). Then, they discuss the fun sounds from both the AFC and NFC championship games, including Phil Simms being the voice of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s on-field celebration (19:11). Later, they discuss the creative ways that political writers are describing the upcoming election (47:57). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 25, 2024 · 58 min
What Do You Tell Someone Who Wants to Be a Journalist? Plus: Jon Stewart, New Hampshire, and ‘Barbie’ Think Pieces With The Washington Post’s Chris Suellentrop
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by his big brother in the media, Chris Suellentrop After thousands of conversations, their first recorded discussion will address the following: Advice you give to students who want to be in journalism (2:30) Whether or not the New Hampshire primary is a semi-decisive moment (13:02) The expectations set for Nikki Haley and how to interpret the results in real time (24:52) Jon Stewart’s new show coming in February (36:27) An inevitable “somebody’s got to say it” think piece on ‘Barbie’ (45:52) Host: Bryan Curtis Guest:Chris Suellentrop Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 22, 2024 · 47 min
The Latest Death of ‘Sports Illustrated,’ Playoff Audio and Observations, and Pitchfork and the Plight of the Midsized Publication
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing the latest news regarding ‘Sports Illustrated’ and its many deaths. (0:37). Then they get into the NFL divisional round and some of the observations from the games, such as the Texans special teams coaches’ reactions (13:20) and Jason Kelce’s reaction to his brother Travis’s touchdown (27:40). Later, talk of Ron DeSantis ending his presidential campaign with a “quote” and some only-in-journalism words from an unlikely source: Donald Trump (41:46). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Read Bryan’s column on the Ringer dot com regarding Sports Illustrated. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 18, 2024 · 1 hr
Covering a War, Reinventing the Newspaper, and NFL Press Conference Questions With The New Yorker’s Clare Malone
Covering a War, Reinventing the Newspaper, and NFL Press Conference Questions With The New Yorker’s Clare Malone On the Final Edition, The New Yorker’s Clare Malone joins Bryan. First she talks about her piece that discusses Clarissa Ward’s coverage of the war in Gaza (2:00). Then they get into Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles’s response to questions about the upcoming weather in Detroit even though the game will be played in a dome (12:39). Then they discuss what newspapers will look like in 2024 (19:30), Mark Thompson's reinvention of CNN (32:22), and a journalist's thoughts when someone calls their work a “great write-up” (51:50) Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Clare Malone Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 16, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
NFL Wild-Card Weekend Fun, How the Networks Botched Iowa, and ESPN’s Year From Hell
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing how 2024 can rival 2017 as ESPN's year from hell. From fake names, to Stephen A. Smith’s spat with Jason Whitlock, to Pat McAfee … and we're only days into January (00:30). Then they get into NFL wild-card weekend, from streaming on Peacock to the Cowboys' and Eagles' meltdowns (18:10). Later, they discuss the Iowa caucus and some interesting sound from Donald Trump (46:44). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 11, 2024 · 52 min
Bill Belichick’s Awkward Goodbye, Business Insider, the Iowa Caucuses, and Campaign War Stories With the Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan starts off with his thoughts on Stephen A. Smith’s takedown of Jason Whitlock and what it says about ESPN’s management style (07:37). Then, Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic joins the show to discuss Bill Belichick’s farewell press conference with the Patriots, his relationship with the media, and whether he could find himself working in television (07:37). Then, they talk about the lead-up to the Iowa Caucuses, Nikki Haley, how a horse race–less field impacts reporters, and more (19:23). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Mark Leibovich Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 8, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min
Pat McAfee Vs. Norby Williamson, the NFL Playoffs on Peacock, the Messenger in Peril, and the Debut of Press Botch
Bryan and David kick off the show with a discussion about McAfee calling out ESPN executive Norby Williamson. (00:40) Then they get into what is going on with the Messenger (25:15). Later in weekend audio, they discuss Shannon Sharpe reacting to the criticism he faced after his interview with Katt Williams (33:40), the AFC wild-card game being available on only Peacock (42:00), and more. In our brand new segment, Press Botch, they revisit the Embroidery of Brian Williams (47:12). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 4, 2024 · 59 min
The Rodgers-McAfee Debacle, How Debates Became Politics’ In-Season Tournament, and the Barry Sanders Doc With Slate’s Joel Anderson
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Joel Anderson of Slate. They discuss Aaron Rodgers’s comments about Jimmy Kimmel and Pat McAfee’s response (1:44). Then, Joel shares a story of being called into the office for a tweet he liked during his time at ESPN (25:51). They discuss many memes in college football and how the national championship game may be the all-time nobody-believed-in-us game (30:04). Later, they talk about how debates have become politics’ in-season tournament (40:51). Lastly, they close with Bryan’s new rules for sports documentaries after watching the new Barry Sanders documentary (43:43). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Joel Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 2, 2024 · 59 min
Report from the Sugar Bowl Press Box, Rece Davis, the Campaign Is Here, and a New Segment Coming to the Show!
Happy New Year! Bryan and David start the show by recapping Bryan’s experience in the press box at the Sugar Bowl to see his beloved Texas Longhorns. (00:47) Then in weekend audio, they discuss Rece Davis and Pat McAfee creating the funniest TV moment (23:41). Later, they discuss Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve drinkathon (39:50). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline, and the introduction of a new segment comes to ‘Press Box!’ Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 21, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
The Year in Media: From Elon Musk to ESPN and Taylor Swift to Michael Lewis
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan and David hand out some year-end awards! They cover many categories, including the Media Company Makeover of the Year (4:20), the Erratic Executive of the Year(15:01), and the Newsroom Intruder of the Year (40:23). Then, they close the show with one final strained pun of 2023 (1:03:09). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 18, 2023 · 46 min
How to Win a Campaign News Cycle, Criticizing The New York Times, and RIP to HBO’s ‘Real Sports’
Bryan and David kick off the show with a media memorial service for HBO’s ‘Real Sports,’ which will air its final episode after 29 seasons (0:33); then they get into how to win a campaign news cycle (4:17) and James Bennet’s piece criticizing The New York Times (16:49). Later, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss Al Michaels, who's sitting out the playoffs, and who NBC will have in his place (27:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 15, 2023 · 51 min
The One-Month-Till-Iowa Campaign Check-In, Draymond’s Swing, Belichick’s Silence, and the Campaign Reporter’s Reading List
For the 'Press Box: Final Edition,' Bryan is joined by Washington Bureau Chief at Semafor, Benjy Sarlin. One month out from the Iowa Caucuses, they discuss Nikki Haley pulling in front of Ron DeSantis in the polls (2:21), and the low ratings for the campaign debates (19:49). Later, they react to Draymond Green’s latest flagrant foul that got him suspended indefinitely, and his apology to Jusuf Nurkić (31:34). Next, they react to Bill Belichick’s response to a reporter asking him about his future in New England (38:25). They close the show with Bryan asking Benjy who does he read and watch that makes him feel smarter during a campaign (43:10). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Benjy Sarlin Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 11, 2023 · 43 min
Screwing Up the Ohtani Story, the WaPo Walkout, and Mahomes’s Meltdown
Bryan and David start the show discussing Shohei Ohtani’s blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and how it was the first spoiler-free signing since Adrian Wojnarowski joined X. (00:30) Then they discuss the Washington Post union staff’s walkout (9:16). Later in weekend audio, they react to Patrick Mahomes's meltdown after an offensive offsides takes the game-winning play off the board—and the media reaction to that (25:50). Bryan shares a Time magazine person-of-the-year update and discusses the amount of presales the magazine has garnered (33:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 9, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
The Spoiler-Free Shohei Sweepstakes, Person(s) of the Year, and an Oscar Contender That’s Really a Journalism Movie
For the Press Box: Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay. They discuss the Person of the Year awards from both Time magazine and Sports Illustrated, with Time selecting Taylor Swift and SI selecting Deion Sanders (2:21). Then they dive into the coverage of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes and how this is projected to be the biggest free-agent signing in MLB history (39:15). Last, they close the show with a spoiler-free conversation about the Netflix movie 'May December' and how this could be the next movie being shown in journalism classes (47:22). Hosts: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 5, 2023 · 53 min
The College Football Media Machine, Jezebel Resurrected, and More on SI and AI
Bryan and David start the show by discussing George Santos being kicked out of Congress and the gift he was to political reports. (00:30) Then, in weekend audio, they discuss the College Football Playoff selection and ESPN’s Booger McFarland’s reaction to Florida State missing the tournament despite being undefeated (7:57). Next, they discuss the scuffle on the sidelines where Chad Greenlaw suplexed Eagles security guard Dom DiSandro. Later, they revisit Sports Illustrated AI reporter (30:49). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 27, 2023 · 41 min
How to Cover the 2024 Campaign, Weekend NFL Audio, and the McMurtry Mystery Solved
Bryan and David revisit Chip Gaines's recent used-book purchase, with clarification on why this purchase was made (0:33). Then, they kick off the show with some audio—from a weekend full of football from the Hail Mary turned “Hell” Mary during the Jets-Dolphins game to the record breaking pick-6 by Cowboys cornerback, Daron Bland (7:30). Later, they talk through news from Futurism that claims Sports Illustrated has been using fake AI generated writers, before then predicting what we could see in the 2024 campaign coverage if Trump is reelected (23:21). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 20, 2023 · 46 min
Making Up Sideline Reports, Musk’s Latest Meltdown, and Weekend Audio
Bryan and David discuss the companies that have withdrawn ads from Twitter due to Elon Musk’s endorsement of an antisemitic post and what the next move should be for journalists (00:34). They then go over Charissa Thompson’s remarks on ‘Pardon My Take’ regarding fabricating sideline reports, the outrage from most of those in sports media, and more (06:10). After, they do a quick round of weekend audio, including the Rock being asked questions on Capitol Hill and Brandon Staley’s heated postgame press conference (26:41). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 13, 2023 · 1 hr
Should Sportswriters Bet on Sports? Plus, the Taylor Swift Beat Writer and Logan Murdock on Covering the NBA.
Bryan and David rehash football notes from this weekend starting with the Michigan-Penn game and the Dallas Cowboys’ second win against the New York Giants (0:40). Then, they review the guidelines that ESPN employees will have to follow once their new sports-betting app launches (6:20), before then dissecting the intersection between journalism and fandom, as Gannett Media has hired a Taylor Swift beat writer (16:56). Later, Logan Murdock from the ‘Real Ones’ podcast joins to discuss his career covering the NBA and his thoughts on the evolution of journalism from reporting in locker rooms to player podcasts around the league (28:48). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Logan Murdock Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices