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

Jul 20, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
Chris Wallace and How Sportswriting Got Weird. Plus, Chris Mannix on the NBA Bubble
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect the interview Trump had with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, and Wallace's unique position in reporting for 'Fox News Sunday' (2:30). Then, they talk about the strange position sports media types find themselves in as they cover the sports restart (28:10), right before talking to Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix from the NBA bubble (36:30). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 16, 2020 · 1 hr 8 min
Sending Kids Back to School and Listener Mail. Plus, Justin Chang on Movie Reviewing Without Theaters
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into the political battle about sending kids back to school in the fall, and what this means for the safety of kids, teachers, and their families (2:15). Then, during listener mail, they answer the question: “What do you guys think of the Bari Weiss thing?” (22:55) Then LA Times movie critic, Justin Chang, joins to discuss what it’s like to be a movie critic without movie theaters (40:00). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 13, 2020 · 59 min
Woj-gate and Fauci vs. Trump. Plus: Christopher Buckley on Satire in 2020.
After U.S. Senator Josh Hawley issued a press release about the NBA’s relationship with China, ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski had a few words to say in reply. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Woj-gate (1:30). They then talk about the disappearance of Dr. Anthony Fauci from the media, and how the Trump administration appears to be campaigning against the expert (23:30). Then, writer Christopher Buckley joins to discuss his new novel, ‘Make Russia Great Again’ (32:00). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 9, 2020 · 51 min
Mary Trump’s Book, That Harper’s Letter, and Listener Mail
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the new book by Mary Trump, niece of Donald Trump, in which she writes about how her family "created the most dangerous man" (2:05). They then touch on the letter in Harper’s that was signed by everyone from J.K. Rowling to Matthew Yglesias and discuss what brought these people together and what the point was (20:35). Then, they respond to some listener mail and address the urgent question, “Did The NYT reuse the heavy-weight champion of celebrity-profile headlines?" (34:15) Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 6, 2020 · 57 min
Trump’s Fox News Campaign, Beat Writing in the Bubble, and Ben Widdicombe on Gossip
Trump gave two speeches during July 4 weekend, and Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss how Trump's reelection campaign and how Fox News is involved (2:10). Next, Curtis and Shoemaker take a look at what sports beat writing looks like in the age of COVID-19 (20:00). Ben Widdicombe, author and former writer for the New York Post’s Page Six and TMZ, joins to discuss his career as a gossip columnist (32:50). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 29, 2020 · 49 min
Russian Bounties, Protest Rebrands, and Listener Mail
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker look at the story of Russian intelligence offering bounties to the Taliban for the killing of American troops (01:30), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (14:45), the Dixie Chicks' new name (18:45), and listener mail (29:30).
Jun 25, 2020 · 58 min
Biden Is Crushing Trump, a Washington Post Controversy, and Listener Mail
A New York Times/Siena poll out Wednesday shows that Biden is ahead of Trump nationally. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss how the presidential race could unfold (1:20) and break down the strange story behind a Washington Post piece about a two-year-old blackface incident that got a non-famous woman fired (23:40). Then they answer the question “What do we think now about the Bubba Wallace NASCAR situation?" during Listener Mail (37:10). Plus: The Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 22, 2020 · 48 min
Trump in Tulsa, Bubba Wallace, and the Temporary End of the Newsroom
Donald Trump had a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, and the subject was not George Floyd or the coronavirus; Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down what was said (1:15). Next, they talk about the racist incident that took place after NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace called for the ban of the Confederate flag (27:20). Lastly, Curtis and Shoemaker discuss the effects that long-term work-from-home protocols could have on the newsroom (37:00). Plus: The Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 18, 2020 · 58 min
Breonna Taylor, Listener Mail, and the Seattle Protests
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Ringer staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn to talk about Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was killed on March 13 by Louisville police (0:45). Then, Curtis and David answer your listener mail, where they consider the question “Which White House memoir would we actually want to read?” (20:20). Then the hosts welcome Seattle Times reporter Evan Bush to talk about the Seattle protests, which have become an autonomous part of the city (38:30). Plus: the return of the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 15, 2020 · 41 min
The Coronavirus and the Media, the NBA and the Protests, and the Week in Trump.
It's been 49 days without a formal White House briefing about the virus. Politico reporter Dan Diamond joins to discuss where to find critical information about the coronavirus and what he anticipates the virus will look like going forward (1:10). Then, Ringer sportswriter Paolo Uggetti joins the show to break down the latest on the NBA’s return to play, the players' interest in activism, and how it could affect the return in the fall (17:30). Then the week in Trump, in which Curtis and Shoemaker touch on the latest briefings, rallies, and more (31:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2020 · 43 min
L.A. Times Columnist Erika Smith, the Protests in Washington, and Newsroom Reckonings
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by 'L.A. Times' columnist Erika Smith as she takes us through protests, column writing, and the future of the 'L.A. Times' (1:20). Next, 'Ringer' intern Lex Pryor joins the discussion from Washington, D.C., to talk about what it was like covering protests three days after the infamous Trump church photo-op (17:20). Finally, Curtis and Shoemaker break down the "media reckonings" that have resulted in the resignations from 'The New York Times,' 'The Philadelphia Inquirer,' and more (31:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 9, 2020 · 49 min
Jemele Hill on Protests, Roger Goodell, and ESPN. Plus, Police Unions and James Bennet
Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Chris Almeida are joined by Jemele Hill, host of the podcast 'Way Down in the Hole,' to discuss the effects of the protests that are now in their 14th day (0:45). Then, 'Philadelphia Inquirer' columnist Will Bunch joins to explain police unions and what they mean for reform (23:00). Finally, Curtis, Shoemaker, and Almeida discuss James Bennet's resignation from 'The New York Times.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 4, 2020 · 56 min
Reports From Brooklyn and Minneapolis, Plus: Trump Goes to Church
After a week of protests around the country, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Ringer writer Tyler Tynes and Washington Post reporter Robert Klemko to discuss their perspectives from the ground of both cities, Brooklyn and Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 1, 2020 · 1 hr 3 min
George Floyd, Minneapolis, and Beyond
Days of nationwide protests have followed the killing of George Floyd, who died while in police custody. Ringer writer Justin Charity joins Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Chris Almeida to discuss the situation unfolding before all of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2020 · 56 min
Trump vs. Scarborough, Listener Mail, and Rob Mahoney on Empty Stadiums
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump’s latest allegations against Joe Scarborough and the supporters “urging him to stop" (1:35). Then listener mail, including the question “Will we ever again get a 'DAVID…' opener from Bryan before the intro music?” (19:05). Lastly, Curtis is joined by Rob Mahoney, sports writer at The Ringer, to explore what arenas and stadiums could sound like without a crowd (33:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 25, 2020 · 56 min
Return of the Veepstakes, Peak Sports Docs, and Will Sommer
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the veepstakes that includes Elizabeth Warren, Stacey Abrams, and Amy Klobuchar (1:35). They touch on the seemingly endless cycle of sports documentaries (21:40), and then talk with 'Daily Beast' reporter Will Sommer, who gives the inside scoop on the QAnon conspiracy theory (33:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker guesses the strained-pun headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2020 · 52 min
“Obamagate” Explainer, 'Call Her Daddy', and Listener Mail
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Trump’s claims against Obama and what he refers to as “Obamagate” (1:30) as well as the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast feud that has Dave Portnoy taking over the show, social media, and merch (including a “Cancel Suitman” hoodie) (23:00). Next is Listener Mail, where Bryan and David answer the question “If you could buy one media outlet, which would you buy and why?” and more (37:45). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David guesses the strained-pun headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 18, 2020 · 1 hr 4 min
Last Dance Wrap-up, Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith, and Lawrence Wright on Fact and Fiction
As The Last Dance came to an end this weekend, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss its impact and what this means for ESPN (1:30). They then break down the Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith situation and give their thoughts (27:58). They are then joined by journalist and writer Lawrence Wright to discuss his new book The End of October and how it relates to our current pandemic (39:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker guesses the strained-pun headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2020 · 52 min
Trump vs. Fauci, NFL “Fake” Crowds, Listener Mail | The Press Box
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump vs. Fauci and the debate on science (1:20), whether or not the NFL will utilize fake crowds as fans (23:30), and lastly, Listener Mail, when we answer questions including: “If Bryan and David could be the host of another 'Ringer' podcast, which would it be, and why?” Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and of course, David Shoemaker guesses the Strained Pun Headline.
May 11, 2020 · 58 min
COVID-19 in the White House. Plus, Michael Jordan and the Media With Jack McCallum | The Press Box
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the major news that COVID-19 is now inside the White House: We discuss who’s infected, what this means for the White House, and what this means for the country (1:30). Then, we are joined by longtime 'Sports Illustrated' writer Jack McCallum to discuss 'The Last Dance' and what it was like reporting on Michael Jordan (18:00). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, David Guesses the Strained Pun Headline, and much more!