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.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

1,299 episodes
Updated Yesterday
Explicit

Episodes1299

Newest first

May 27, 2025 · 52 min
The Reign of the Three-Man Booth, Why ‘Mission: Impossible’ Is Getting a Pass, and More Sliding Doors Metaphors
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David come to you on this Press Box Monday (Tuesday) edition with some thoughts on the NBA’s gradual acceptance of the three-man announcer booth (1:30), Elon Musk’s media blitz (13:00), the coverage and criticism of the latest installment in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise (24:00), more sliding doors metaphors in journalism (35:00), and more. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, the Media Piss Test, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 22, 2025 · 56 min
Tyrese Haliburton Goes Full Reggie Miller. Plus: A Final Farewell to ‘Around the Horn.’
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel are back on this Press Box Thursday Edition to discuss peak sports media beef (2:00), Reggie Miller’s unique perspective on the Eastern Conference finals and Tyrese Haliburton’s choke sign (17:00), and Draymond Green being added to ‘Inside the NBA’ for the ECF (23:00). Then, they discuss another wave of pieces chronicling the end of ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ and what it says about ESPN’s strategy (28:00). Finally, they discuss the latest in AI nightmares trickling into the journalism and media world (44:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19, 2025 · 51 min
How Sports Ate TV. Plus: Journalism’s Triumphant Return!
Hello, media consumers! On this Press Box Monday edition, Bryan and David discuss Journalism, the official horse of The Press Box, winning the Preakness (1:00) before discussing the end of TNT’s era of broadcasting the NBA and what they’ll miss most about it (6:00). Then, they discuss the career of legendary WWE announcer Jim Ross after learning about his colon cancer diagnosis (18:00) before digging into some recently published data about TV ratings and the ways in which sports have completely consumed them (23:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, Media Piss Test, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
The Tell-All Book Haunting Washington. Plus: Can Podcasts Become the New Magazines?
Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and Joel go to J-School to discuss the reactions to and coverage of the Jayson Tatum injury (1:00). Then, they digest the various news ripples that have come from excerpts of ‘Original Sin,’ Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book about Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection (10:00). Next, they react to a recent report on Pablo Torre Finds Out about Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson, and they assess whether or not this kind of reporting is replacing magazine journalism of old (35:00). Finally, they talk about the evolution of newsroom etiquette (53:00) and how the media reacted to the news of Pete Rose’s baseball ban being posthumously lifted (1:02:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12, 2025 · 59 min
An American Pope Media Frenzy, Jayson Tatum Take-a-Palooza, and the Reemergence of Joe Biden
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back on this Monday edition to talk about the election of a new Pope and the media frenzy it spawned (1:00), the week of Jayson Tatum takes (8:00), NBC’s plans for the future of its basketball coverage, including Michael Jordan (17:00), and new media ventures being unable to come up with compelling names for their products (24:00). Then, they’re joined by Politico’s Adam Wren to talk about the reemergence of Joe Biden in the media ahead of a book that’s about to be released about him (38:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Adam Wren Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
25 for 25: Brian Windhorst on the Future of NBA Reporting
Hello media consumers! This week, please enjoy a little J-School (1:00) before Bryan and Joel are joined by ESPN basketball reporter Brian Windhorst to talk about his path to ESPN and whether it’s replicable, the place good reporting has in our modern media ecosystem, the dreaded aggregators, Gregg Popovich stories, and what direction he sees the future of basketball reporting heading in (26:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Guest: Brian Windhorst Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 5, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Sports Media’s Familial Obsession, a Fascinating John Fetterman Profile, and Cold-Calling the President
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are here this Monday to discuss sports media’s evolving coverage of athletes’ families and significant others after recent stories about Bill Belichick, Jax Ulbrich, and John Haliburton (1:00). Then, they run through a handful of bite-size topics, including a new entry in the running for worst question ever asked in the White House press room (23:00), a lengthy and interesting New York Magazine profile of John Fetterman (28:00), CNN’s Scott Jennings appearing onstage at a Trump rally (37:00), some disconcerting news out of Meadowlark Media (42:00), and notes from the NBA playoffs (46:00). Finally, they’re joined by The Atlantic’s Ashley Parker to discuss the feature story in which she and her colleagues cold-called Donald Trump on his personal cellphone to get an interview (57:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Ashley Parker Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 1, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
The Bill Belichick Interview Heard Round the World, Plus: Mike Tirico on a Horse Named "Journalism"
Hello media consumers! On this Press Box Thursday edition, Bryan and Joel dig deeper into the strange Bill Belichick CBS news interview that recently went viral after Jordon Hudson, his girlfriend, interrupted the interview multiple times (1:00). Then, they discuss the fallout and media fervor from the Jax Ulbrich–Shedeur Sanders NFL draft prank call (18:00), before discussing Pete Buttigieg’s appearance on the Flagrant podcast and assessing the state of prominent Democrats’ media strategies (35:00). Finally, they’re joined by NBC’s Mike Tirico to discuss the official horse of the Press Box, "Journalism," and covering the Kentucky Derby (53:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Guest: Mike Tirico Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 28, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
A Deluge of Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Takes. Plus: Kara Voght on the Embattled White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Hello media consumers! Bryan and David are back to opine on the overwhelming amount of content that has come from Shedeur Sanders sliding in the NFL draft (1:00), including a bizarre story line about the son of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator prank-calling Sanders (22:00). Then, they run through a handful of smaller stories from the weekend, including the awkward Bill Belichick CBS Sunday Morning interview that went viral (32:00) and “WWW PR” trending (37:00). In the notebook dump, the Washington Post’s Kara Voght joins to relay her experience of attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner (44:00).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Kara Voght Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 24, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
How the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit Is Being Covered. Plus, the NFL Draft Media Economy.
Hello, media consumers! On this Press Box Thursday, Bryan and Joel discuss the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit, Stephen A. Smith’s role in negotiating ESPN’s public response to it, and how the rest of the media world has reacted to this news (10:00). Then, they assess new entries in the “worst question asked at the White House” genre (32:00) and talk about the NFL draft as a media property—the TV show vs. attending in person, the overwhelming amount of mock drafts, and the line between fans of the NFL and fans of college football (39:00). Finally, they react to the turmoil at ‘60 Minutes’ following the $20 billion Trump lawsuit against CBS (52:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 21, 2025 · 50 min
25 for 25: Chris Ryan on the Birth, Death, and Rebirth of Blogging
Hello, media consumers! In our latest 25 for 25 installment, Bryan is joined by Ringer superstar Chris Ryan to discuss his come up in the mid-2000s blog world, how it set up the rest of his career and changed media forever, where the energy of blogging was dispersed, and whether there will be a revival of blogging. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 17, 2025 · 59 min
Lee Corso’s Legendary 'College GameDay' Run. Plus: The White House's Attack on the Associated Press.
Hello, media consumers! This Press Box Thursday edition includes a J-School on bylines, steak sauce, and nonprofit media (1:00). Then, Bryan and Joel dig into Lee Corso’s retirement from 'College GameDay' (20:00), Trump’s attempt to prevent the AP from covering the White House (33:00), and Nico Harrison’s bizarre closed-door press conference (40:00). Plus: journalists in space and an update on Journalism, the official race horse of The Press Box. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 14, 2025 · 54 min
Rory McIlroy’s Long-Awaited Masters Win, the Barstool Apology Tour, and the Nico Iamaleava Saga
Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and David discuss the intense back and forth of Rory McIlroy’s first win at Augusta National (1:00), before running through a number of short items, including: The faux reluctant update about Stephen A. Smith’s presidential campaign (17:50) The bevy of Barstool personalities releasing apologies for their discussion of the Mary Kate Cornett rumor (20:00) The newest era of college football insider-dom and how it’s covering the Nico Iamaleava story (29:20) An update on Journalism, the official racehorse of ‘The Press Box’ (40:00) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 10, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
25 for 25: The New York Times’ Jamelle Bouie on the Future of the Opinion Columnist
Hello, media consumers! This week, Bryan and Joel are joined by Jamelle Bouie, opinion columnist at the New York Times, to discuss a number of timely media topics before backtracking and talking through Bouie’s career, writing an opinion column in this era of the internet, the relationship between his TikTok and his journalistic work, and more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Guest: Jamelle Bouie Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 7, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Catching up on the Atlantic Mega-Scoop and Stephen A. vs. LeBron. Plus: Bryan’s Southwest Travelogue.
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss the highlights, lowlights, and books bought during Bryan’s family vacation across the American Southwest (1:30). Then, they dig deep into three stories that Bryan missed while he was out: Jeffrey Goldberg’s Signal scoop of the Trump administration’s war plans (15:00) The latest chapter of the LeBron vs. Stephen A. Smith feud (29:00) The messy removal of Amber Ruffin by the White House Correspondents' Association (47:00) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 3, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis on Launching the Sports Gabfest, the Benefit of Mutually Reinforcing Weirdo Tendencies, and Why They Hate the Hall of Fame
Hello, media consumers! Bryan is still out on vacation, but Joel is here with two former colleagues, Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis. They kick off the show by discussing the first time Joel joined them on a podcast (0:44). Then they discuss the following: ‘Hang Up and Listen,’ a sports show that was produced by a non-sports publication (14:00) The reason Josh and Stefan hate the Hall of Fame (28:34) Josh and Bryan’s "mutually reinforcing weirdo tendencies" (32:01) How covering sports for ‘Hang Up and Listen’ helped with their other work (52:34) How Josh and Stefan’s relationship evolved as they worked together (57:33) Host: Joel Anderson Guests: Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2025 · 1 hr 59 min
25 for 25 Industry in Memoriam: Remembering the Publications Lost in the 21st Century
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel are back with the second edition of The Press Box's 25 for 25. Today, they look back at the publications lost in the 21st century—including ESPN the Magazine, Gawker, and many others—and ask: What do we lose when a media company disappears? And how should we remember them, if at all? Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 27, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
Van Lathan on What Makes a Good Political Pundit, How TMZ Shaped Him and His Career, and a Very Special Request for Hillary Clinton and His Mom.
Hello, media consumers! While Bryan is on vacation, Joel is in the driver’s seat and he welcomes in The Ringer’s own, Van Lathan (3:10). They kick off the show by discussing their paths to today’s episode then talk about the following: How Van prepares for his CNN appearances (6:56) Stephen A. Smith as a presidential candidate (17:52) Who will be the face of the NBA (32:23)? NIL ruining college sports (44:19) Van’s time at TMZ and what he learned (51:23) Life after confronting Kanye West (1:03:29) Host: Joel Anderson Guest: Van Lathan Producers: Brian H. Waters and Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2025 · 50 min
Graydon Carter on ‘Vanity Fair,’ ‘Spy,’ and the Glorious Excess of the Magazine Era
Bryan kicks off the week with a conversation with Graydon Carter, who comes on to discuss ‘Spy Magazine’ going to ‘Vanity Fair’ and more. They discuss the following: The idea behind 'Spy Magazine' (2:46) Who took the stories the hardest from 'Spy' (9:57) His perception of Donald Trump (10:36) If Spy could have worked in the early 2000s (13:20) Being offered a choice between 'Vanity Fair' and 'The New Yorker' (14:19) How writers were treated like stars (23:26) How 'Vanity Fair' was able to land the”deep throat” story, the source behind the Watergate scandal (29:10) Creating the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (38:00) Why he left 'Vanity Fair' in 2017 (40:50) What we lost from the magazine era (43:33) Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Graydon Carter Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 20, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
A Contentious White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Jackie Robinson and the Defense Department, and a Buyout Bloodbath in Chicago
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel fire up the mics to close out the week here at 'The Press Box.' Joel takes you to J-School, where he discusses whether or not there is a diet for Kanye West content, Collin Morikawa’s comments on mainstream coverage, and getting off the Feinstein train. Joel closes the segment with a brief tribute to his uncle Doug (1:45). Then they get into the following headlines: The Trump administration's replacements for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner (26:12) The removal of Jackie Robinson’s story from the Department of Defense’s website (36:08) Is March Madness losing its luster? (46:39) The Chicago Sun-Times buyout (1:02:30) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices