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
Updated Monday
Explicit

Episodes1299

Newest first

Jun 21, 2021 · 1 hr 11 min
NBC’s Chuck Todd and The Athletic's Tim Cato
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by NBC moderator Chuck Todd. They discuss the format of ‘Meet the Press,’ weigh in on the impacts of moving to streaming, and talk through the media’s coverage of the Trump era (7:06). Later, The Athletic’s Tim Cato joins to discuss his piece covering the Dallas Mavericks and their front office. He talks about the process of writing and sharing the story, the resignations of Rick Carlisle and Donnie Nelson, and Mark Cuban’s response (39:07). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Chuck Todd and Tim Cato Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 18, 2021 · 1 hr
Listener Mail on Janet Malcolm, the Mavericks Story, and Biden and Reporters
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They reflect on the life and career of journalist Janet Malcolm, and discuss how her work has impacted the field of journalism (8:30). Then, they answer your questions about The Athletic's Dallas Mavericks story revealing front-office troubles (24:30), weigh in on President Joe Biden's response to CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins (48:44), and add to the list of “only in journalism” words and phrases (54:50). 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
Jun 14, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
How to Write a Campaign Book With The Atlantic’s Edward-Isaac Dovere
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Atlantic writer Edward-Isaac Dovere to talk about his book ‘Battle for the Soul.’ They discuss Dovere’s decision to write a campaign book (10:28) and the challenges that arose during the writing process (22:52) before brainstorming campaign-book power rankings (33:40). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Edward-Isaac Dovere Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
Listener Mail. Plus, Peter Kiefer on his Yashar Ali Profile.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are responding to Listener Mail. They answer your questions about Jeffrey Toobin’s return to CNN, athletes talking about vaccines, and “only in journalism” word nominees (8:55). Later, Peter Kiefer joins to discuss his profile of journalist Yashar Ali in Los Angeles Magazine (30:44). They touch on how this story came about, discuss Ali’s role within the media world, and hear what it was like talking with and interacting with Ali. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Peter Kiefer Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 7, 2021 · 48 min
Brian Stelter on Fox News, CNN, and Feuding With Rob Schneider
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by CNN’s Brian Stelter to discuss his career in cable news, reporting on Fox, and his response to individuals such as Rob Schneider and Glenn Greenwald. Then they dive deeper into Stelter's book, ‘Hoax.’ Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Brian Stelter Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 4, 2021 · 50 min
Listener Mail on LeBron Takes, Biden Books, and Media Tours
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They discuss the race to publish a book about President Biden (12:30), weigh in on the discussion over television ratings (25:10), and touch on where the word “embroiled” fits in the dictionary of words used only in journalism (43:21). 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
Jun 2, 2021 · 44 min
Naomi Osaka Doesn’t Need to Talk
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the news that Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open. They talk through the tournament's response to Osaka refusing to appear at press conferences, weigh in on the evolving coverage of athletes, and discuss how this type of situation has and could impact an athlete's relationship with the media. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Listener Mail. Plus, Gideon Lewis-Kraus on Covering UFOs.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail! They touch on The New York Times’ interest in acquiring The Athletic, discuss Bob Garfield getting fired for violating anti-bullying policies, and answer which Texas food dish they miss most since leaving the state (4:00). Later, Gideon Lewis-Kraus joins to talk about his piece in The New Yorker, “How the Pentagon Started Taking U.F.O.s Seriously.” (32:06) They talk through how this story came about, how the pandemic affected the writing process, and the response to the piece. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline of the Week. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Gideon Lewis-Kraus Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 24, 2021 · 50 min
Why the AP Fired Emily Wilder, Plus John Gonzalez on the Future of NBA Studio Shows
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down news of the Associated Press firing staffer Emily Wilder. They discuss how this affects journalists, how "cancel culture" was involved, and how the Associated Press is justifying the firing (3:08). Then, The Ringer’s John Gonzalez joins to talk about NBA studio shows and what we can expect from sports television in 2021 (22:18). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker and John Gonzalez Guess the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: John Gonzalez Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2021 · 1 hr 12 min
Listener Mail. Plus, Author Jeff Guinn on His Book ‘War on the Border.’
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They answer questions about Chris Cuomo (3:40), the ‘Friends’ reunion (19:14), NBA play-in games (28:05), and who could be the heir to the Dale Hansen throne (31:30). Later, Jeff Guinn joins to discuss his new book, ‘War on the Border,’ and his career as a writer (42:17). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Jeff Guinn Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 17, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Masks Off. Now What? Plus, Sebastian Junger on His New Book.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the new CDC guidelines that state fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most situations. They touch on the impact the new guidelines have had, and weigh in on this new phase of the pandemic (4:42). Later, Sebastian Junger joins to talk about his new book, ‘Freedom,’ and his journey to uncover what the word “freedom” really means (29:13). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Sebastian Junger Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 13, 2021 · 58 min
Listener Mail on Liz Cheney and the NFL Schedule Release, Plus NASCAR Announcer Jeff Gordon
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your Listener Mail! They discuss Liz Cheney’s removal from her position as House GOP conference chair, the spectacle that is the NFL’s schedule release, and which book given by a first date would make you get up and leave (2:10). Later, NASCAR announcer Jeff Gordon joins to discuss his experience transitioning to the booth, working alongside Clint Bowyer, and what he has planned for the future (26:40). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Jeff Gordon Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 10, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Do I Have to Go Back to the Newsroom? Plus, Bloomberg’s Justin Sink on the Jobs Report.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss The Washington Post's op-ed piece written by the CEO of Washingtonian Media, Cathy Merrill. They discuss the pros and cons of going back into an office versus working remotely, and further break down how Merrill approached the topic (4:20). Then, last week CNN released a job's report citing far fewer jobs were added last month than expected. White House correspondent for Bloomberg, Justin Sink, joins to help break down what we saw (31:01). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Justin Sink Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 6, 2021 · 53 min
How to Write About Mask-Wearing. Plus, Listener Mail!
David Shoemaker is joined by Ringer writer Claire McNear to break down the Atlantic story "The Liberal Who Can't Quit Lockdown." They discuss readers' reactions to the piece, how it was reported, and touch on the related news about herd immunity (3:40). Then, Listener Mail, in which they answer questions about the audio-book process, who would make the best 'Jeopardy!' host, and Mike Greenberg hosting ESPN's NFL draft night (28:22). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week! Host: David Shoemaker Guest: Claire McNear Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 29, 2021 · 58 min
Listener Mail and the NFL Draft Devil’s Dictionary With Danny Heifetz
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your questions about Joe Rogan and the vaccine, a New York Post Kamala Harris controversy, and The New York Times losing the term “op-ed” for “guest essays” (2:50). Then, Danny Heifetz joins for the Devil’s Dictionary of NFL Draft Clichés to go through three rounds of top picks (23:12). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guess the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Danny Heifetz Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 26, 2021 · 55 min
Oscar Takes. Plus, Noreen Malone on 'Slow Burn.'
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker share their takes from the 2021 Oscars and discuss the speeches, production value, and all the think pieces that came after (2:55). Then, host of Slate’s ‘Slow Burn’ podcast, Noreen Malone, joins to talk through Episode 1 of the new season and shares what we can expect from Season 5 (29:37). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Noreen Malone Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 22, 2021 · 1 hr 10 min
The Chauvin Verdict, European Super League, and Author Brendan Koerner on a Kidnapping Gone Wrong
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker open up the mailbag and answer your Listener Mail. They weigh in on the Derek Chauvin verdict (3:20), discuss everyone’s reaction to the news of the Super League (14:40), and share which of their non-journalism jobs were the most memorable (29:12). Then, author Brendan Koerner stops by to discuss his recent piece in The Atlantic, “A Kidnapping Gone Very Wrong” (36:30). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Brendan Koerner Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 20, 2021 · 56 min
Are Journalists Doing It Wrong? Plus, Jessica Bruder on ‘Nomadland.’
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect columnist Margaret Sullivan’s piece, "A New Way of Looking at Trust in Media," to determine what journalists and citizens care about, and how to accommodate this change in journalism (3:50). Then, Jessica Bruder, author of the book ‘Nomadland,’ joins to discuss her experience reporting on the phenomenon of older Americans leaving their homes in pursuit of seasonal work, and touch on the Oscar-nominated film adaptation (30:28). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Jessica Bruder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
Listener Mail and Michael Riedel on Covering Broadway
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail! They weigh in on the new Anthony Bourdain book (17:15), discuss the journalistic use of the word “slap” (23:00), and touch on the potential repackaging of retired or aging NFL quarterbacks on our televisions screens (25:58). Then longtime theater columnist Michael Riedel joins to discuss his new book, ‘Singular Sensation,’ as well as his thoughts on Broadway post-pandemic (32:15). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Michael Riedel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 14, 2021 · 51 min
The Joe Biden Three-Month Check-in and Rob Stone on the Greatest Bowling Call Ever
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker check in with Joe Biden three months into the job and discuss how the media is treating him (4:06). Then they share some Overworked Twitter Jokes of the Week (23:27), and Fox's Rob Stone joins the show to talk about his viral bowling call at the Professional Bowlers Association Tour (25:35). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Rob Stone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices