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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. 

  • 1,299 episodes
  • Updated Yesterday
  • Explicit

Episodes1299

  • Apr 4, 2022 · 55 min

    Covering 'WrestleMania,' ESPN Re-Signs the Insiders, and Tiger at the Masters

    Bryan and David are in Fort Worth, Texas, to break down 'WrestleMania 38.' They talk about covering the event, the impact the sport has had on other forms of media, and discuss the art of wrestling (4:29). Later, they discuss the news that ESPN re-signed Adam Schefter and Woj, weigh in on the Tiger Woods tease ahead of the Masters, and touch on more sports reporting (33:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 30, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min

    The WWE’s Michael Cole on ‘WrestleMania,’ His Career in News, Great Announcers of the Past, and the Art of Calling a Match

    Bryan is joined by WWE announcer Michael Cole in advance of ‘WrestleMania 38.’ They discuss Cole’s former role at CBS News, his transition to announcing for WWE, the mechanics in calling matches, his relationships with former and current announcers and wrestlers, and much more! Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Michael Cole Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 28, 2022 · 36 min

    The Oscars Win Worst Editing. Plus, the Final Four and “Who Wants to Be an F1 Analyst?”

    Bryan and David talk through the altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars and discuss how the Academy handled the broadcast (3:10). Later, they break down the NCAA tournament and highlight the commoditizing of buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories (24:58). Then they introduce a new feature, Who Wants to Be an F1 Analyst?, in which they spotlight media types who share the newfound interest in analyzing the sport (29:36). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 25, 2022 · 35 min

    CNN Dives Into Streaming, Brutally Honest Oscar Ballots, and a Twitter Time Machine

    Bryan and David discuss the new streaming service on the market, CNN+. They break down the content it will provide, including shows featuring Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, and more, and then address how this transition will affect the way we consume live news (0:33). Then, they touch on The Hollywood Reporter’s "Brutally Honest Oscar Ballot No.3," in which another anonymous member of the Academy has come forward to discuss their honest thoughts on the Oscar nominees (20:33). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 21, 2022 · 52 min

    The Media Tries on Formula One, Free Speech, and a Tribute to ESPN’s John Clayton

    Bryan and David open by discussing the boom of Formula One in the United States, Netflix, and how this changes the sports-media landscape (1:08). Then, they weigh in on The New York Times’ editorial column on free speech, the subtweets, and how this was all handled (27:18). They end by paying respect to ESPN NFL reporter John Clayton (35:57). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 15, 2022 · 31 min

    The AP's Philip Crowther on Covering Ukraine, Live Shots, and Reporting in Six Languages

    Bryan is joined by Associated Press international correspondent Philip Crowther from Lviv, Ukraine. They discuss Crowther’s day-to-day operations, summarizing the news for other countries when recording live shots, covering this war in comparison to others, and more. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Philip Crowther Associated Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 14, 2022 · 1 hr

    Joe Buck to ESPN, Quarterback Media Transactions, 'Broadcast News,' and a Tribute to Brent Renaud

    Bryan and David address the news that Joe Buck will also be leaving Fox to join Troy Aikman at ESPN. (0:26) Then, they weigh in on media involvement surrounding player communications and breaking news, from Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay to Russell Wilson being traded to the Broncos (29:10). Later, they pay tribute to journalist and filmmaker Brent Renaud who was killed in Ukraine as well as actor William Hurt, who starred in 'Broadcast News.' Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 10, 2022 · 35 min

    Covering the MLB Lockout and Announcer Musical Chairs With the Washington Post's Ben Strauss

    The Washington Post’s Ben Strauss joins Bryan to discuss the news that after 99 days the baseball lockout has come to an end. They talk through the weight of the story and how coverage was perceived, break down Major League Baseball’s reaction to the lockout, and discuss theories that could potentially influence the coverage of labor issues. Plus, more on Troy Aikman leaving Fox for ESPN and Strauss’s paternity leave experience. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Ben Strauss Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 7, 2022 · 43 min

    Ukraine’s Media Strategy, Russia’s Ban on Journalism, and the Ongoing Coverage of the War in Ukraine.

    Bryan and David follow up on the ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine. They discuss The New York Times’ decision to publish a photograph of Ukrainian civilians who were killed as they tried to flee a battle zone, then weigh in on how both countries’ media approaches could affect the perception of the war (0:28). Later, they switch gears and touch on the debut of the new HBO show ‘Winning Time,’ about the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, and discuss the ongoing conversation surrounding Adam McKay and Will Ferrell (23:37). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Mar 2, 2022 · 50 min

    CBS News’s Margaret Brennan on Covering Ukraine, TV News During a War, and Hosting ‘Face the Nation’

    Bryan is joined by CBS’s Margaret Brennan following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address and amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They talk through the ongoing war in Ukraine and touch on how the United States is responding. Then, they discuss the responsibility TV news has to its viewers, and break down the preparation and execution involved in Brennan’s Sunday show, ‘Face the Nation.’ Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Margaret Brennan Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 28, 2022 · 43 min

    CNN and More on the Coverage of Ukraine

    Bryan and David discuss the latest coverage developments from the invasion of Ukraine. They break down the “fog of war” and decipher what we can understand from recent reports, weigh in on CNN’s on-ground coverage, and discuss media moments surrounding the invasion (0:39). Later, they touch on the sports news that Troy Aikman will be leaving Fox for ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football' (24:10). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 24, 2022 · 29 min

    Watching the Coverage of the Invasion of Ukraine

    Bryan and David break down the cable news coverage of the invasion of Ukraine. They discuss first impressions of videos and photos being aired, talk through the type of cable news coverage we’re seeing in comparison to the papers, and then specifically dissect CNN’s coverage of the events. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 22, 2022 · 1 hr

    Russia and Ukraine Coverage, NBA Locker Rooms, and RIP P.J. O’Rourke

    Bryan and David kick off the pod by reacting to coverage about Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine and discussing the latest war correspondent to capture America’s heart (00:50). They then break down Adam Silver’s recent comments about restricting locker room access (22:15) and dive into the legacy of satirist P.J. O’Rourke (38:22), before David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline (55:14). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 18, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min

    Trashy Tabloids and True Crime With Clare Malone and the Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle

    Bryan is joined by The New Yorker’s Clare Malone to break down The Ringer’s new podcast, ‘Just Like Us: The Tabloids That Changed America.’ They talk through the era of Bennifer, the evolution of celebrity, and discuss the values of America seen through celebrity media (0:33). Then, Bryan is joined by musician and novelist John Darnielle to dive into the genre of true crime, touch on writing songs vs. novels, and discuss his new book ‘Devil House’ (31:52). Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Clare Malone and John Darnielle Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 15, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min

    The Glory Days of Entertainment Weekly and Covering the Olympics With Ty Burr, Owen Gleiberman, and Jason Gay

    Bryan is joined by film critics Ty Burr and Owen Gleiberman to break down Entertainment Weekly dating back to the '90s. They discuss the evolution of the magazine, the environment and culture that Entertainment Weekly fostered, and of course, the letter-grade reviews (0:33). Later, Bryan is joined by The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to discuss his experience covering the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They touch on preparations prior to flying to China, what it’s like covering the Games in the middle of a pandemic, and weigh in on why it’s important for reporters to be on site (50:51). Additional information: Ty Burr's Watch List (https://tyburrswatchlist.substack.com/) Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Ty Burr, Owen Gleiberman, and Jason Gay Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Production Assistance: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 14, 2022 · 1 hr 7 min

    Super Bowl Instant Reaction Show

    Bryan and David react to Super Bowl 56 featuring the Los Angeles Rams vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. They touch on Al Michaels’s calls throughout the game, the subtle video aspects, all of the Super Bowl commercials, and much more! Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 9, 2022 · 45 min

    Live From Radio Row With Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter

    Bryan is live on Radio Row talking with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo from SiriusXM to discuss his career as a sports-radio host, the difference between local and national radio, what it’s like covering the Super Bowl, and more (0:19). Later, Bryan is joined by ESPN’s Adam Schefter to break down his and Jeff Darlington’s Tom Brady retirement news. They then talk through Schefter’s past Super Bowl experiences and what he has planned this time around (22:33). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Russo and Adam Schefter Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 7, 2022 · 42 min

    Live From Radio Row! Plus, Palin vs. NYT.

    Bryan is live from Radio Row to talk with David about the media leading up to the 2022 Super Bowl (0:00). They discuss the hype surrounding the Super Bowl, the Radio Row hierarchy, and the quid pro quos attached to the week (6:43). Later, they break down the ongoing Sarah Palin vs. New York Times libel trial and talk through what we could learn about journalism throughout (25:23). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Feb 2, 2022 · 46 min

    Al Michaels Revisits the 10 Super Bowls He Called

    Bryan is joined by Al Michaels to break down his past 10 Super Bowls called as we approach Super Bowl LVI, featuring the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams. Michaels revisits close games ending in interceptions or stops, discusses working alongside the great John Madden, and talks through what it’s like calling Super Bowls with dynasty teams versus games featuring new teams. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Al Michaels Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jan 31, 2022 · 39 min

    Takes on Tony Romo, the Halftime Show Invasion, Sideline Reports, and Tom Brady's Retirement U-Turn. 

    Bryan and David begin the pod by reacting to all of the pronunciations of the word 'Bengals' by TV and sports radio personalities. They then analyze Tony Romo's announcing performance, (3:17) Andy Reid's clock management, (10:47) and the unfortunate CBS half-time show during the Bengals-Chiefs AFC Championship game. They wrap up the pod by dissecting every chapter of Saturday's chaotic media mishandling of Tom Brady's botched retirement announcement (19:21) and look forward to the bevy of hastily assembled Bengals and Rams profiles being written for Super Bowl week. (34:52) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Production Assistance: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices