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The Press Box

The Ringer

The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.

Location:

United States

Networks:

The Ringer

Description:

The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.

Twitter:

@BillSimmons

Language:

English


Episodes
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25 for 25 Industry in Memoriam: Remembering the Publications Lost in the 21st Century

3/31/2025
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

Duration:02:00:45

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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.

3/27/2025
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

Duration:01:34:25

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Graydon Carter on ‘Vanity Fair,’ ‘Spy,’ and the Glorious Excess of the Magazine Era

3/24/2025
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

Duration:00:52:25

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A Contentious White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Jackie Robinson and the Defense Department, and a Buyout Bloodbath in Chicago

3/20/2025
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

Duration:01:16:17

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John Feinstein and March Madness, News from the New Yorker, and Gutting the Voice of America

3/17/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing the Donald Trump dismantling the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the company that overseas the Voice of America (0:45). Then they get into the ‘Old Guys Still Got it Segment’ with sounds from Rick Pitino (8:40, Tom Izzo (10:30) and Dick Vitale (14:20). Afterwards they discuss Michael Wilborn’s tribute to John Feinstein (16:20). Later in the ‘Notebook Dump’ they discuss the changes happening at the New Yorker (38:42)Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Jessie Lopez and Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:52:13

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The Horrors of NFL Free Agency, Michelle Obama and Gavin Newsom Pivot to Podcasts, and Remembering John Feinstein

3/13/2025
Hello media consumers! "Bryan and Joel kick off the show with J-School during which they discuss Monday’s topics, including Stephen A. Smith vs. Tim Walz for the 2028 democratic nominee, sources calling after a Kendrick Perkins story, and more (1:24) They then get into the following headlines: Reflecting on John Feinstein’s legacy including his book, ‘A Season on the Brink’ (16:36) NFL free agency week in America (24:55) Michelle Obama and Gavin Newsom launching podcasts (43:38) Three pieces of audio that may make you smile, laugh, or furrow your brow (57:10) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:10:11

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Four NBA Media Meltdowns, Oscar Season for Democrats, and a Great Editor’s ‘Only in Journalism’

3/10/2025
Tim Walz is making the media rounds, leading The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker to ask whether the Minnesota governor or Stephen A. Smith is more likely to run for president in 2028 (00:00). Then, the guys get into a series of media meltdowns, including the ongoing beef between Stephen A. and LeBron James (13:00), Charles Barkley vs. Kendrick Perkins (26:12), Draymond Green’s shameless self-promotion (35:08), Mark Cuban’s thoughts on the Luka Doncic trade (40:57), and more. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:03:18

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The Curious Case of Shedeur Sanders, the L.A. Times’ Broken Bias Meter, and Farewell to ‘Around the Horn’

3/6/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel return to discuss the State of the Union address (2:04). Then, they break down the press surrounding NFL draft prospect Shedeur Sanders and the Bias Meter (21:40). They close by remembering 'Around The Horn' and FiveThirtyEight (56:43). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Stefan Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:20:15

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Conan and the Oscars, Trump and Zelensky, and More WaPo-Bezos Fallout

3/3/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off recapping the Oscars, including Conan O’Brien’s performance as host (0:34). Then they discuss the following stories from Washington: Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting in the Oval Office (18:39) Finally having the Jefferey Epstein files (33:20) The Washington Post losing over 75,000 subscribers (41:23) Then in the ‘Notebook Dump’, they discuss Jimmy Johnson’s retirement from television (52:37) and former Biden officials' explanation of the 2024 election (58:09). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:11:43

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Jeff Bezos Vs. The Washington Post, When NFL Insiders Attack, and the Remaking of MSNBC

2/27/2025
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 talks to Bryan about his media diet, Stephen A. Smith's presidential bid, and his return to D.C. (1:22). Then they get into the following headlines: Jeff Bezos’s extreme opinion section makeover (19:24) When NFL insiders attack: the battle between Ian Rapoport and Jordan Schultz (47:14) A new book on Joe Biden (53:55) Joy Reid out and the remaking of MSNBC (57:16) Curt Menefee interviews New York Mayor Eric Adams (1:00:42) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:21:21

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The Trump Dump Theory of News, Stephen A. for President, and an ‘Only in Journalism’ All-Timer

2/24/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing the massive amount of news coming from Donald Trump and how people outside of news are trying to process it (0:30). Then they discuss the following topics this week: Stephen A. Smith’s odds to be president (12:23) The AP getting banned for not using the term ‘Gulf of America’ (32:38) A new press box rule clarification (42:27) Remembering Dimitri Sotis (44:16) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:58:39

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'25 for 25': Nick Wright on the Future of Sports Debate

2/18/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel kick off their new podcast series, '25 for 25'. They welcome Fox Sports 1’s Nick Wright, and he discusses the following: His thoughts as the Chiefs were losing the Super Bowl (5:25) Why the Chiefs are the villains (12:56) Why he decided to start his career in sports radio (20:00) The biggest difference between TV and radio (40:00) Linear television vs. streaming (1:01:10) Quick takes on current TV hosts (1:09:34) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Nick Wright Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:26:45

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Trump Presses the Press, Luka Doncic and the Fans, and Introducing ‘25 for 25’

2/13/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel kick off the show with this week’s class in J-School. Joel discusses Bryan’s appearance on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ in which they talked about whether or not Patrick Mahomes will reach another Super Bowl (1:26). Then he gets into the Jalen Hurts media tour that Hurts himself appears disinterested in, John Rocker vs. Patrick Mahomes Sr., and Kendrick Lamar’s performance. (7:49). Then they go over the following headlines: Donald Trump’s full court press on the media (20:18) Luka Doncic’s fans are still upset (45:48) Jeffrey Toobin joins the New York Times (59:01) Journalism advice from a basketball coach (1:00:35) They conclude the show by introducing a new bonus podcast series called ‘25 for 25’ (1:04:35). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:14:17

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The Best Super Bowl Review in the Business, the Trump-Politico Gambit, and the Death of the Book Blurb

2/10/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are here to review the Super Bowl, where the Eagles dethroned the mighty Chiefs. The best review features the following: The amount of money Fox spent (0:40) Tom Brady’s best game of the year (13:32) Kevin Burkhardt’s grade after his second Super Bowl (28:28) Fox’s broadcast production magic (33:04) The pivot of the game (35:40) Later, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss the following: Donald Trump is canceling his subscriptions to Politico Pro (45:15) Hubie Brown’s final sign-off (48:25) The death of the book blurb (50:12) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:06:01

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Super Bowl Stories From New Orleans, a Farewell to Hubie Brown, and Eagles Talk With CNN’s Kasie Hunt

2/6/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel kick off the show with this week’s class in J-School. Joel discusses some of the highlights from Bryan’s interview with Chris Berman (1:45). Then Bryan shares some of the best stories from radio row (15:59). Then they get into some more headlines, including: Donald Trump being the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl (25:20) The Dallas fan base's feelings after Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers (29:25) Hubie Brown’s farewell tour (39:40) Stephen A. Smith’s potential presidential bid (59:08) And as they get ready for Sunday’s big game, they welcome CNN anchor and Eagles superfan Kasie Hunt, who discusses her excitement for Super Bowl LIX. She discusses the following about her fandom: Her worst experience as an Eagles fan (1:03:32) The secret society of Eagles fans in Washington (1:08:23) Rapid-fire questions, including her favorite Eagles player, who she considers to be their biggest rival, and more (16:48) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Kasie Hunt Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:28:04

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Chris Berman on Covering Super Bowls, ESPN’s Three Eras, and the Origin Story of ‘NFL Primetime’

2/5/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan has a special bonus episode for you. He caught up with one of ESPN’s originals, Chris Berman, in New Orleans. They sit down and discuss the following: What Chris Berman’s Super Bowl week is like (2:12) When ESPN asked him to stop using nicknames (14:34) The original idea for ‘NFL Primetime’ (23:33) Turning down NBC (36:14) The three eras of ESPN (53:08) And then Bryan closes out the show with a fun lightning round where Berman talks about his favorite anchors to work with, getting a Super Bowl ring from the San Francisco 49ers, what he would have done if he wasn’t a sports anchor, and more (58:27). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Berman Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:12:18

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The WTF Luka Scoop, Super Bowl Scenes From New Orleans, and Trump’s Pentagon Switcheroo

2/3/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing the chaos surrounding the reporting on the blockbuster trade involving the Dallas Mavericks' decision to send Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis (0:30). Then Bryan, who is in New Orleans, shares the current temperature of radio row (19:16). Later, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss the following: Reports that Chuck Todd is leaving NBC (38:30) The new media switcheroo (42:16) In the Hall of Departed Journalists, they reflect on the life of Jules Feiffer (48:55). Plus, Bryan shares an update on his movie career (0:00).Finally, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Brian H. Waters and Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:53:57

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New Media Invades the White House, Chiefs Conspiracy Theories, and When Ex-Quarterbacks Attack

1/30/2025
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 Donald Trump’s first press briefing since returning to the White House, the tragic plane crash in Washington, and giving props to The New Yorker, and he revisits an interview he had with the late Cedric Benson (1:53). Then they get into the following headlines: The White House embracing new media (14:45) Whether the Chiefs really are the villains (23:00) Ryan Fitzpatrick with an edition of ‘when ex-quarterbacks attack’ (37:25) Paul Krugman’s exit from The New York Times (47:037) Nick Saban on the media (59:24) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:13:00

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The CBS Disaster and NFL Sound, The New Yorker Turns 100, and More Tales of Journalistic Failure

1/27/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing The New Yorker turning 100 and what it has been throughout time (0:00). Then they get into the sounds of the NFL playoffs: Strangest moment from the Eagles-Commanders … from the referee (32:00) Tom Brady on his future in the broadcast booth (40:34) The CBS disaster with the phantom flag in the Bills-Chiefs game (44:12) Then in the Notebook Dump they follow up Thursday’s episode of how failed profiles came apart with a couple of stories from listeners (50:32). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:02:29

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White House Media Wellness Check, the New NBA Announcers, and a Report From the Press Box in Atlanta

1/23/2025
Hello, media consumers! Bryan opens the show to share some notes from the press box of the national championship game with David (1:01). Then, they discuss notes and sounds from the game, including Donald Trump’s message at halftime and Kirk Herbstreit’s emotional reaction to his Ohio State Buckeyes winning it all (11:30). Later, they get into what journalists are facing covering Donald Trump's second presidency (23:21) and the new NBA announcers for NBC and Amazon (37:35).Then, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss the appetite for profiles and movies that were never published (44:11).In the hall of departed journalists, they reflect on the life of Jules Feiffer (48:55). And Bryan shares an update on his movie career .Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:04:53