The Press Box

Bryan and David open up the mailbag and answer your Listener Mail. They talk through the Gabby Petito coverage (5:15), weigh in on ESPN’s high-profile employees investing in gambling (14:00), discuss how members of the media consume content (30:35), 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

David Shoemaker is a married man! After discussing the nuptials, Bryan and David touch on ‘Peril,’ the latest Bob Woodward book, co-authored by Robert Costa (6:00). Then they dive into Politico’s "OFF THE RECORD" debacle (25:30) and charging a fee to be on podcasts (34:22). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David answer your Listener Mail and discuss how the rules of journalism are approached (0:36), react to the reporting about the “concerned citizen” at Elizabeth Holmes’s trial (21:42), touch on what an in-season version of 'Hard Knocks' could look like (29:21), 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

Bryan is joined by The Ringer's Kevin Clark to break down Peyton and Eli Manning's 'Monday Night Football' broadcast. They discuss the chemistry between the brothers, talk through which elements were a hit or miss, and predict how this type of broadcast could impact broadcast television moving forward. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Kevin Clark Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David recap Week 1 NFL media reactions and address the self-aware overreactions (5:23). Then they answer more Listener Mail and discuss newscaster pronunciations (22:10), overused headlines (25:06), and the transition to digital edition covers in journalism (33:21). 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

Bryan and David answer your Listener Mail and talk through the piece “The Dying Art of the Hatchet Job” (0:35), touch on former president Trump providing an alternate audio feed for the Holyfield-Belfort fight (40:12), and discuss the news that Rachel Bonnetta will join the NFL Network and focus on legalized sports betting content (43:29). 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

Twenty years have passed since 9/11. Writers Tom Junod and James B. Stewart stop by to remember and reflect on the events of that day. Bryan talks with Stewart to discuss his 2002 New Yorker piece, "The Real Heroes Are Dead," which follows Rick Rescorla—former soldier, officer, security specialist, and hero who helped save thousands of lives on 9/11—through his love story with his wife, Susan (0:53). Later, Tom Junod stops by to talk through his 2003 Esquire piece that focuses on the infamous picture of "The Falling Man." They discuss how the story came about, why finding the identity of the man in the photo was important, and how the story is received years later (27:40). "The Real Heroes Are Dead" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/02/11/the-real-heroes-are-dead "The Falling Man" https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a48031/the-falling-man-tom-junod/ Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: James B. Stewart and Tom Junod Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David break down the ongoing coverage of Hurricane Ida as they discuss how social media and new technology are being used to relay footage and enhance reporting. Then, they weigh in on how these clips and updates are circulating throughout the news. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David open up the mailbag and answer your Listener Mail. They discuss the removal of Rachel Nichols from NBA programming (0:38), talk through Stephen A. Smith’s vision for ESPN (8:55), weigh in on 'Monday Night Football' coverage for the upcoming season (22:20), and more! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David discuss the question: When will sports TV start to sound more like a podcast? They weigh in on the difference between the television and podcast art forms and the difference between the spheres of fame on both platforms. Then they talk through the evolution of television. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David are joined by Ringer writer Claire McNear to unpack her story about recently chosen and now-ex ‘Jeopardy!’ host Mike Richards (0:30). They break down Claire’s reporting, discuss the response she received to the piece, and touch on what will come next in the ongoing saga that is the search for the next ‘Jeopardy!’ host. Later, Listener Mail, in which they answer questions about David’s new WWE content and add more in-journalism words to their list (27:50). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Claire McNear Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis is joined by author and journalist Spencer Ackerman to break down his new book ‘Reign of Terror’ and to discuss recent news and events involving the United States leaving Afghanistan. They cover the 20-year “War on Terror,” weigh in on the decision Biden and his administration made to pull out of Afghanistan, and talk through the United States’ approach to foreign policy since 9/11. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Spencer Ackerman Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis is joined by New York Magazine contributor David Freedlander to discuss the news that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned. They break down the events that led up to his resignation, the way in which Cuomo’s team decided to handle the news, and how this affects New York’s political climate. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: David Freedlander Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive deeper into the ongoing saga involving brothers Andrew and Chris Cuomo. They discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s stance on resigning as inquiries into accounts of sexual harassment continue (6:25). Then, they weigh in on Chris Cuomo’s decision to take a “previously scheduled vacation” during this time, as well as CNN’s decision to keep him on the air (21:10). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your Listener Mail! They unpack Chris Cuomo’s role at CNN as the inquiries into accounts of sexual harassment by his brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, continue (6:15), talk through the reinvention of the NBA draft (15:02), and discuss how to watch the Olympics (27:42). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Gawker 2.0 and discuss how it compares to the older site (0:35). Then, host of the 'Fiasco' podcast, Leon Neyfakh, joins to talk about the new season that dives deeper into Benghazi (6:22). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Leon Neyfakh Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer some listener questions about the media's reaction to Simone Biles, the new dateline approach for NFL beat reporters, and a lot more (4:05). Then Bryan is joined by Bob Costas to discuss his new HBO Show 'Back on the Record,' his famous interviews with Vince McMahon, and his favorite parts of hosting the Olympics (36:38). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Bob Costas Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker start by going through all their media notes about the Olympics (4:48). Then Slate's Josh Levin joins to talk about his new podcast, 'One Year,' (20:04) and Levin helps David guess this week's Strained-Pun Headline (45:10). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Josh Levin Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Josh Levin Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker open up the mailbag and answer your listener mail. They touch on the ESPN announcement that the Manning brothers will cohost a 'Monday Night Football' telecast (5:40), discuss Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson heading to space (15:52), and weigh in on Addison Rae’s short-lived UFC journalism career (20:56). Later, Brian Raftery joins to break down his new narrative podcast series, 'Gene and Roger' (31:50). Host: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Brian Raftery Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Shoemaker is joined by Ringer writer Mirin Fader to discuss her new book, 'Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP.' They talk about the process of converting her original feature story into a book, how Giannis’s free agency affected the timeline, and what it's like publishing a book in real time as Giannis is currently in the NBA Finals. Host: David Shoemaker Guest: Mirin Fader Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis is joined by NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton to discuss David Halberstam’s book “The Breaks of the Game,” about the 1979-1980 Portland Trail Blazers. They discuss Walton’s relationship with Halberstam, his experience playing with the Trail Blazers, and why Walton has not yet read the book. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Bill Walton Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your listener mail about the ongoing saga inside ESPN (7:35), the lack of information coming from the White House press corps (15:48), their Olympics viewing plans (32:50), and whether or not David calls Bryan “babe” (47:02). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker unpack the news that ESPN analyst Rachel Nichols will no longer be the sideline reporter at the NBA Finals after making inappropriate comments about her coworker Maria Taylor. They discuss how the saga unfolded, ESPN’s response, and what this could mean for both Nichols and Taylor. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into a new batch of Listener Mail. They break down the history of harsh obituaries (8:40), Mitt Romney’s latest Trump wrestling analogy (13:20), how to correctly write an oral history (21:40), 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: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker provide some media notes on the 2021 NBA playoffs. They weigh in on whether or not this will be a lesser NBA title than ones before (7:13), discuss their perceptions of the teams left (17:56), and how sports media has changed over the years (24:57). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your Listener Mail and talk about the difference between Trump-era journalism and what we’re seeing today (4:08), Conan O’Brien stepping away from his talk show (9:33), and what an NBA team’s standing could mean for its reporters (15:11). Then, Michael Roston and Sabrina Imbler from The New York Times join for a postgame interview to discuss their clever headline about moray eels (27:16). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Michael Roston and Sabrina Imbler Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They address Fox New’s new comedy show ‘Gutfeld!’ (3:10), Mike Pence’s seven-figure book deal with Simon & Schuster (20:00), and ESPN’s decision to fire Paul Pierce (37:15), before they rank Texas’s literary novels (53:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the investigation involving Florida Representative Matt Gaetz. They weigh in on his response to the sex trafficking investigation, his interview with Tucker Carlson, and decided where Gaetz falls along the scale of politicians labeled by the press (5:10). Then, they switch gears and talk through the highlights and key takeaways from the men and women's NCAA tournaments (21:13). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by sportscaster Al Michaels in preparation for the start of the baseball season. They discuss Michael’s relationships with Curt Gowdy and Sal Bando (6:30), his first broadcasting job for the Hawaii Islanders (16:00), the art of calling baseball (37:40), and much more! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Al Michaels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker remember the great novelist Larry McMurtry. They reflect on his novels and films such as ‘Lonesome Dove’ and ‘Terms of Endearment,’ and talk about the impact McMurtry had on the state of Texas (3:05). Then, author Alexander Wolff stops by to discuss his recent trip to Germany, his relationship with his father, and what it was like revisiting the past in the process of writing his new book, ‘Endpapers: A Family Story of Books, War, Escape, and Home’ (30:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Alexander Wolff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices