The Press Box

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail in a mailbag episode of 'The Press Box.' They answer questions about upcoming Biden books (2:50), the “embattled” journalism debate (16:45), Curtis's high school yearbook signed by the one and only Shoemaker (34:15), 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. They discuss its appeal before breaking down the discrepancies between the men’s and women's tournaments (3:35). Then, novelist Harlan Coben stops by to discuss his Myron Bolitar series, the writing process, and his new novel 'Win' (23:30). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Harlan Coben Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark joins the show to discuss the details of the monster NFL rights deal and what it means for the media consumer. Then, Bryan and David answer your listener questions including thoughts on embattled governors, the best ways to get fired, and sounding bald. Lis Power of Media Matters also stops by to talk about what life is like needing to consume cable news around the clock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the recent call for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign. They touch on whether or not cancel culture is involved, discuss how Democrats are reacting, and when or if it's appropriate to label someone as disgraced (4:45). Later, The Athletic's Lindsey Adler joins to share her experience covering the New York Yankees and baseball during a pandemic (20:55). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Lindsey Adler 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 talk through Joe Biden's first prime-time address, Mike Pence's new podcast, strained puns in the newsroom, and much more (3:30). Later Evan Smith, CEO of The Texas Tribune, joins to discuss how his team of journalists are covering recent events in Texas. They weigh in on Ted Cruz fleeing during the snow storm, Greg Abbott lifting the mask mandate, and discuss the controversy around banning the University of Texas's fight song, "The Eyes of Texas" (25:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Evan Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by New York Times opinion writer Charlie Warzel to share his experience reporting on events such as the riot at the Capitol and discuss what it's like covering post-Twitter Trump (2:30). Later, The Athletic's Ed Malyon joins to talk through Oprah's special with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. They talk through Oprah's impressive interview, Meghan and Harry's responses, and how the British press and tabloids could respond (34:20). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Charlie Warzel and Ed Malyon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the Dr. Seuss controversy that has resulted in six of his books no longer being published. They discuss this news in relation to cancel culture and how it’s being covered in the media (3:45). Then Listener Mail, where they answer your questions about 'New York Times' columnist David Brooks, sports gambling, the bad headline debate, and more (26:40). 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 break down Trump’s first post-presidency speech at CPAC this past weekend (3:25). Later they weigh in on the new stage of the pandemic that features celebrity-authored coronavirus books (25:30). 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 news of Tiger Woods’s car accident and how the media decided to cover the story (6:10). Then, they open some Listener Mail and answer your questions about Twitter’s new features, favorite journalism movies, and much more (27:20). 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 break down how two politicians are finding themselves in trouble amid national disasters. They discuss Andrew Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes in New York throughout the pandemic (2:20) before weighing in on Ted Cruz’s trip to Cancun amidst a winter storm that left millions of Texans without power, food, and/or water (21:20). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David take a look at the controversial legacy of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh following his death. They examine how the conspiratorial and bigoted nature of his personality left a lasting impact on conservative politics and media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker talk about why local media is essential when it comes to covering things like the Texas snowstorm (2:31). Then they discuss the case of TJ Ducklo and how a media ethics story became a White House scandal (20:22). Plus, some Overworked Twitter Jokes and Strained-Pun Headlines. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by author and creator of Kentucky Sports Radio Matt Jones to discuss his book ‘Mitch, Please! How Mitch McConnell Sold Out Kentucky (and America, Too)’. (4:05) Later, on Listener Mail, they answer the question "If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?" (37:32) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Matt Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the similarities between this year’s NFL offseason and a typical NBA offseason (3:50). Then they discuss recent media transactions, such as Fox News canceling Lou Dobbs’s show and Donald McNeil Jr. leaving The New York Times (20:30). 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 react to Super Bowl LV. They weigh in on Tony Romo's performance as an announcer, discuss the best and worst commercials, and offer thoughts on the pregame segment. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker seek to better understand how we cover and report on the Senate. They are joined by NBC News reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell (3:00) and Senator Angus King (36:00) to discuss their approach on Capitol Hill. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Leigh Ann Caldwell and Angus King Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Katie Baker to help break down the stock market, GameStop, and the ongoing saga (3:00). Then they discuss what the Super Bowl could look like without all of the hype of past years (27:45). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Katie Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker address the question, can you lose your job because of a tweet? They weigh in on the situations surrounding Lauren Wolfe, Will Wilkinson, and others (3:15). Later, they open some listener mail and answer your questions about QAnon, Super Bowl radio row, podcast fatigue, and much more (29:55)! 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 Time senior correspondent Charlotte Alter to discuss President Joe Biden's agenda and the era of misinformation (3:30). Later, Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay joins to pay tribute to and remember legendary talk show host Larry King (31:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guests: Charlotte Alter and Jason Gay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Inauguration Day and 46th President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. They discuss Biden’s inaugural address, Harris making history as the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected vice president, and everything we saw at today's inauguration. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the last days of the Trump administration. They address the National Garden of American Heroes, the MyPillow guy’s support, and Trump's ranking as a U.S. president (2:45). Then later, Rich Cohen joins to discuss his new book, ‘Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent' (22:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Rich Cohen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Jon Krakauer, author of ‘Into the Wild,’ for its 25th anniversary. They discuss the story of Christopher McCandless, the book's impact on McCandless's story and Krakauer, and what has unfolded in the 25 years since. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Jon Krakauer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump has become the first president to be impeached twice. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker reflect on Pence’s decision not to invoke the 25th amendment, discuss the representatives involved in today's process, and consider the ramifications of impeachment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the possible impeachment of President Trump … again. They weigh in on the Democrats' decision to file an article of impeachment and then make the case for both sides for impeaching President Trump (3:15). Later, they switch gears as ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. joins to discuss the Manti Te’o saga that involved Te’o becoming a victim of catfishing (27:45). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained Pun-Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Don Van Natta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker react to the news that Twitter has banned President Trump permanently from their platform. They reflect on Trump’s relationship with Twitter, the media’s reaction to the news, and the timing of the ban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive deeper into yesterday's events, where Trump supporters rioted and stormed the U.S. Capitol. They break down the aftermath and discuss everything from Trump being deplatformed to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham saying his piece (0:25). Later, journalist McKay Coppins joins to discuss his perspective on the siege, Mitt Romney's response, and what we can expect from the media moving forward (26:32). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: McKay Coppins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump supporters rioting and storming the U.S. Capitol. They break down what we’re witnessing, how politicians are reacting, and how the media is covering the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker kick off the year by discussing Trump's explosive phone call to Georgia's secretary of state in which he attempted to sway that state's election results (02:35). Later Bryan sits down with authors Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian to discuss the new HBO documentary based on their Tiger Woods book (21:26) before David guesses the first strained-pun headline of 2021 (54:44). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are rounding out the year by answering your Listener Mail (8:05). Then, writer Jesse Washington joins to discuss the writing process for John Thompson’s memoir, ‘I Came As a Shadow’ (38:00). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the Elle magazine story about journalist Christie Smythe and "pharma bro" Martin Shkreli's relationship (2:50). Then the Press Box gang talks holiday carols, food, and traditions (26:32) before sportscaster Jim Gray joins to talk about his book ‘Talking to GOATs’ (36:52). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down what cable news networks such as MSNBC and CNN could look like after a Trump presidency (2:30) before tackling another round of Listener Mail, where they answer the question, “Who is the best strained-pun headline-creating writer/editor you have ever worked with?" (24:15) Then David Axelrod, a CNN senior political commentator and Barack Obama’s former chief campaign strategist, joins to discuss his career as a journalist (43:40). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker unpack the response to the news that the Pfizer vaccine has been cleared in the U.S. (2:12) before breaking down ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’ in We’ve Got Notes (19:00). Then writer Ken Layne joins to discuss his book ‘Desert Oracle,’ and his experience in the desert (45:45). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss media coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine (3:35) before Listener Mail, where they answer a question about the dramatic license taken in the portrayals of the royal family on ‘The Crown’ (23:10). Then, Maury Povich joins to discuss his career in media and his experience with 'A Current Affair' and 'The Maury Show' (41:10). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker tackle Biden’s digital divide (2:50) before breaking down the unfortunate news that ESPN is making additional layoffs (21:55). Then former ESPN commentator Michael Smith joins to discuss his career and his podcast, ‘Brother From Another.’ (39:00) 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

Neera Tanden was nominated to be Joe Biden’s director of the Office of Management and Budget, which led Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker to discuss whether or not you can tweet your way into or out of the White House (3:25). Then, Listener Mail, where they answer the question, “Which three people would reassure you the most if they got vaccinated on live TV?” (26:45) Then, BuzzFeed’s Ruby Cramer joins to discuss what it was like covering the 2020 presidential campaign (43:00). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down ‘60 Minutes’ in the feature We’ve Got Notes (2:25) before discussing publishing news, including Penguin Random House buying Simon & Schuster and Trump’s future memoir (30:00). Then, FS1’s Emmanuel Acho joins to discuss his career and his new book, Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man (51:40). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your questions for a Thanksgiving edition of Listener Mail (2:30). Then magazine writer, editor, and podcaster Josh Dean joins to discuss his new podcast Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen (37:45). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Donald Trump’s disappearance from the media and weigh in on what a post-Trump presidency will look like (2:10). Then they break down ‘Meet the Press,’ in a new feature called We’ve Got Notes (21:25). Then Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies joins to discuss his career and his favorite media movies (48:40). 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

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barack Obama has released his 768-page memoir, 'A Promised Land.' Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss his book, his playlist, and the accompanying poster (2:10). Then, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “What is a piece of media you consume to get away from the world of media you spend the most time in?” (31:12) Then, Ringer writer and author Claire McNear joins to discuss her book, 'Answers in the Forms of Questions,' which covers 'Jeopardy!,' former host Alex Trebek, and much more (44:45). Finally, 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Matt Yglesias’s announcement that he will no longer be writing for Vox but will be publishing his writing in Substack (1:45). They then write their own 2020 campaign retrospective, recounting the chain of events leading up to the election (22:10). Then New York Magazine editor and author Reeves Wiedeman joins to discuss the fall of WeWork and Adam Neumann (47:18). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker attempt to break down the dynamic between Fox News and Donald Trump (3:30), before answering, Listener Mail, where they guess “Who will be Time’s person of the year?” (31:40) Then New York Times critic Dwight Garner stops by to discuss his new book and his career as a critic (53:40). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on the aftermath of the 2020 election. They discuss major headlines that include Trump running for reelection in 2024 (2:30), review all the media stories that ran after Biden won the election (9:00), and then discuss who covered election week better: CNN or MSNBC? (32:00) Then, Washington Post political reporter Dave Weigel joins to discuss covering the 2020 election (49:00). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker unpack the 2020 presidential election that resulted in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being elected as President and Vice-President. They weigh in on the week-long process, Trump refusing to concede, and celebratory parades across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the day after the election. They discuss Trump’s late night and early-morning speech, each party's strategy, and media coverage on election night (2:00). Then, writer Jemele Hill joins to discuss election results and the state of our country (42:00). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker cover 2020's election night. They address votes in swing states, the needle, and media coverage, and then make predictions while results come in and a winner has yet to be announced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Bryan sit down for the final time before the 2020 election to look over what the candidates are doing in their final hours before November 3. They also look at the bizarre prop bets that Vegas has concocted for election night. And Bryan is joined by The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich to discuss the end of the campaign trail, how Trump has changed Washington, and more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the predictions, reactions, and coverage we might see from TV networks and media on election night (4:00). Then on Listener Mail, they answer the question “Who else will get an exclusive interview with the president with a week until election day?” (27:00) Then Politico’s Jake Sherman joins to discuss Politico’s Playbook newsletter and much more (47:00). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker take a mental break and try to ax any mention of the pandemic, election, or Trump. They rank pun column names (3:00); throw it back to 1996 to discuss early internet journalism (8:30); test Chris Almeida with a new game, Generational Media Literacy (30:30); and then former producer Jim Cunningham joins to say a few words (44:00). Then author Ben Macintyre stops by to discuss his new book, 'Agent Sonya.'(52:00) 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker react to the second and final Trump-Biden presidential debate. They offer first impressions, discuss each candidate's effectiveness, and predict how the election might unfold moving forward. Plus, journalist Peter Hamby joins to discuss campaign advertising, media coverage, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices