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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Episodes1299

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May 30, 2023 · 49 min
Ron DeSantis’s False Start, Game 7 Audio, and NBA Take Whiplash
Bryan and David start the pod talking about why discussing the NBA Finals TV ratings doesn’t matter (00:39). Then, they discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign launch on Twitter, its technical difficulties, and why the approach backfired on him (05:42). Then, they’re back with another segment of NBA2Day to discuss some of the best sound bites from Game 7, TNT’s cutting to commercial break during a pivotal foul review in Game 6, and LeBron’s retirement comments (26:48). 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
May 25, 2023 · 37 min
Politico’s Burgess Everett on Covering Congress During a Wild Week of Negotiations
Bryan is joined by Politico’s congressional bureau chief, Burgess Everett, to discuss what it’s like to cover Congress in the midst of the debt ceiling negotiations and what’s at the heart of the discussions (01:19). Then, they discuss Everett’s experience working on the congressional beat, including his approach to getting politicians to talk, the kind of shoes he has to wear, and why the beat is so rewarding to him (14:28). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Burgess Everett Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 22, 2023 · 50 min
Pat McAfee’s ESPN Deal, the Kevin Harlan Playoff Experience, and This Week in 2024
Bryan and David discuss Pat McAfee’s huge contract signing with ESPN, his fit with the sports media conglomerate, and the company’s shift to signing top-level talent (00:32). Then, they’re back with another segment of NBA2Day to talk about Kevin Harlan’s performance during the playoffs, Michael Malone’s “Nobody believes in us” comments, and more (17:06). After, they give the latest updates on the 2024 election, including Senator Tim Scott’s announcement speech for president, Ron DeSantis bypassing the “mainstream media” for his presidential run, and former vice president Mike Pence plagiarizing bits from a Donald Trump speech (29:58). 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
May 16, 2023 · 54 min
ESPN's Marc J. Spears on Melo's Arrival, a Practice Boycott, and Other Tales from the Nuggets' Locker Room
Bryan is joined by ESPN’s Marc J. Spears ahead of the Western Conference finals to discuss his time as a Denver Nuggets beat writer starting back in 1999. They reflect on past moments, from players boycotting team practice to covering the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy while in town for work, to Carmelo Anthony being drafted third overall, and more! Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Marc J. Spears Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2023 · 58 min
CNN’s Trump Town Hall, Stephen A. and Concussions, and How 'Succession' Got Election Night Right
Bryan and David are back with another segment of NBA2Day to discuss one of the biggest stories in the NBA that focuses on Anthony Davis's recent injury (0:40). Then, they begin by breaking down the CNN town hall with former president Donald Trump and the strife that ensued, before touching on Ron DeSantis in Iowa, and bidding farewell to MTV News (10:57). Later, former senior White House media spokesman Eric Schultz joins Bryan to discuss his role in ‘Succession.’ He talks about being approached by the show, the scenes that required his expertise, and then ranks his favorite political shows (32:40). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Eric Schultz Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12, 2023 · 43 min
Lakers Announcer John Ireland on the Warriors Series, Anthony Davis’s Injury, and Memories of Shaq and Kobe
Bryan is joined by Lakers radio announcer John Ireland to discuss the team’s turnaround after the trade deadline, their style of play, and Anthony Davis’s injury (01:26). They talk about Ireland’s career path from local news to talk radio to being the Lakers’ play-by-play commentator (20:20). Also, they recount Kobe Bryant’s last game, power rank the L.A. sports teams, and recall memorable celebrity encounters (29:20). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: John Ireland Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2023 · 53 min
Profiling Elizabeth Holmes, the NBA’s Fake Injuries, and Trump Returns to CNN
Bryan and David discuss what went wrong with the New York Times profile about Elizabeth Holmes (9:48). Later, they discuss Donald Trump’s town hall being broadcast on CNN and more Tucker Carlson news (35:18). 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
May 3, 2023 · 46 min
Writer Chris Heath on Tom Hanks, Adventures in the Magazine Trade, and the Art of the Celebrity Profile
Bryan is joined by Chris Heath to discuss his new Tom Hanks profile for The Atlantic. They dive into Heath’s experience profiling Hanks (3:30), talk through Heath’s career working for magazines such as Smash Hits and GQ (11:52), and then review past profiles on celebrities ranging from Robert De Niro to Donald Trump to Russell Crowe (13:38). 'The Making of Tom Hanks' Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Heath Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 1, 2023 · 59 min
Biden’s Media Cheat Sheet, “Gotcha” Questions for Giannis, and Farewell to Jerry Springer
Bryan and David break down Biden’s reelection announcement and press conference cheat sheet and weigh in on the type of “Rose Garden” campaign he could be running (13:10). Then, they highlight some key takeaways from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner hosted by Roy Wood Jr. (29:40) before addressing Giannis’s response to the media when asked what he thought about the season (35:24). Later, they bid farewell to beloved talk show host Jerry Springer (44:55). 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
Apr 28, 2023 · 31 min
Brian Stelter on Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, and a Crazy Week in Cable News
Bryan is joined by Brian Stelter to talk about Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News, what may have caused it, and what's next for Carlson. They also discuss the Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems settlement and how the network may change going forward. Later, they talk about Don Lemon’s departure from CNN and what it means for the network. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Brian Stelter Associate Producer Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 24, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon Out, the ESPN Layoffs, and RIP BuzzFeed News
Bryan and David dive into recent news that Tucker Carlson and Fox News, as well as Don Lemon and CNN, have parted ways (0:42), and discuss what this means for all parties involved. Then, they providing more details behind ESPN’s layoffs (23:21), and the announcement that BuzzFeed News will be shutting down (35:52), before weighing in on the media’s current stance on Ron DeSantis’s chances in a Republican primary against Trump (43:00). They then wrap things up with an NBA conversation focused on the need for a new word for “midsection” (52:55). 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
Apr 20, 2023 · 32 min
Jemele Hill on the ESPN Layoffs, Life After the Worldwide Leader, Tweeting in the Musk Era, and More
Bryan is joined by Jemele Hill to discuss the news reported by CNBC that ESPN will be making layoffs beginning next week. Jemele reflects on the layoffs back in 2018 while she was still at the company, then discusses the similar experience had at CNN+. Later, they talk through what life has been like after leaving ESPN, and then react to current media stories from Elon’s Twitter to the Fox-Dominion lawsuit and settlement. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jemele Hill Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 17, 2023 · 51 min
NBA Announcing’s Golden Age and Other TV Notes. Plus, a 2024 Campaign Update and Fox Trial Cheat Sheet.
Bryan and David break down all the media notes from the first weekend of the NBA playoffs. They highlight LeBron and the Lakers' win, touch on Sunday’s injury reports, and discuss whether we’re in announcing’s golden age with individuals such as Mike Breen, Ian Eagle, and Kevin Harlan (5:58). Later, they dive into a new segment, This Week in 2024, where they talk through what’s happening on the campaign trail (26:44). Then, they provide a cheat sheet of things to know heading into the Fox News–Dominion trial (37:20). 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
Apr 13, 2023 · 37 min
NPR’s David Folkenflik on Rupert Murdoch and the Fox News–Dominion Case
Bryan is joined by NPR’s David Folkenflik to discuss NPR’s decision to quit Twitter (1:30) before he then provides an expert briefing on the Fox News defamation lawsuit (6:19). They begin by breaking down what happened back in 2020 that led Fox into court, dive into the details of the case provided in emails and texts from Fox reporters, executives, and Rupert Murdoch himself, and then discuss the cost of the lawsuit for Fox and, potentially, the work of journalists. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: David Folkenflick Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 10, 2023 · 56 min
The 2016 Election Is Back. Plus: Masters TV Notes and How Everything Became a “Cult Classic.”
Bryan and David start the pod by reacting to the media’s coverage of last night’s episode of ‘Succession’ (00:31). After, they discuss whether the 2024 presidential election is mirroring the election in 2016 and Al Roker asking President Joe Biden whether he’ll run in 2024 (08:07). They also debate whether bringing back the political debate show ‘Crossfire’ would work today (17:30). Later, they give their Masters TV scorecard and ask: How did every movie end up becoming a cult classic (30:43)? 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
Apr 6, 2023 · 50 min
How Trump’s Indictment Was Covered. Plus, Rethinking: “Embrace Debate” and a Reporter in a Russian Prison.
Bryan and David discuss former president Donald Trump’s arrest, and dive into how reporters are covering the indictment (3:13). Later, they weigh in on the conversation between Stephen A. Smith and Dan Le Batard, on 'The Dan Le Batard Show' where they discuss debate television and their parts within the sphere (22:50). Then, they address news that Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been the first American arrested in Russia (43:05). 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
Mar 30, 2023 · 55 min
Writing (and Covering) Pro Wrestling with WWE’s Bruce Prichard and David Shoemaker
Bryan and David are back ahead of ‘WrestleMania’ 39 to discuss what it’s like to cover WWE as both a fan and a journalist (0:38). Then, Bryan is joined by executive director of WWE’s creative writing team, Bruce Prichard, to discuss the start of his career, talk through the process of writing for stars like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin, and then decide which play-by-play announcer he’d like to call a wrestling match (17:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Bruce Prichard Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 27, 2023 · 51 min
Doubts About DeSantis, Mean Magazine Stories, and RIP Texas Observer
Bryan and David touch on a few obits, starting with the Texas Observer, which may or may not be shutting down (0:43). Then they discuss the presidential campaign’s first walk-back of the season, featuring Ron DeSantis and his stance on the invasion of Ukraine (12:08). Later, they dive into the Wired profile of popular fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and discuss the writer’s approach and the backlash to the piece (30:12). 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
Mar 23, 2023 · 37 min
Announcer Don Orsillo on Baseball With a Pitch Clock, the Padres’ Golden Age, and His Years with the Red Sox
Bryan is joined by Padres announcer Don Orsillo to discuss the adjustment both broadcasters and players are experiencing due to the recent rule change introducing a pitch clock (1:41). Then, they reflect on Orsillo’s start as a broadcaster and his blueprint to the Major Leagues, starting with the Red Sox and eventually transitioning to the Padres after 20 years (10:11). Plus, a conversation about Orsillo’s favorite hobbies: cooking and fishing. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Don Orsillo Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 20, 2023 · 50 min
Undermining Jimmy Carter's Presidency, Donald Trump's Looming Indictment, and Quentin Tarantino's New Film
Bryan and David start the pod by discussing a recent article about Jimmy Carter that some are using to discount his presidency. Next, they dive into Donald Trump's possible impending arrest, listen to Ron DeSantis's comments about it, and break down the logistical complications of indicting a former president and what this might do for Trump's reelection campaign (6:11). After the break, they discuss FDU's upset over Purdue in the NCAA tournament, the rumors around Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film, and the life of film critic Pauline Kael (27:09). David ends the pod by trying to guess this week's Strained-Pun Headline (38:30). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices