The Press Box

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker offer a debate preview prior to the second and last 2020 presidential debate. They then discuss anti-Trump rhetoric, including a New York Times editorial highlighting Trump’s failures. Then, MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff joins to discuss his new book, Separated: Inside an American Tragedy, as well as his career as an MSNBC correspondent. 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 top Failed October Surprises, ranging from Hunter Biden’s emails to a Benghazi conspiracy theory. Then, Listener Mail, when they address the most pressing questions regarding the restaurant Ruby Tuesday. Then Keith Olbermann joins to discuss his political commentary on YouTube and how he got denounced by Senator Mitt Romney. 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 Trump campaign after Trump declined to participate in a virtual presidential debate. They then weigh in on the re-reporting of The New York Times' narrative podcast, ‘Caliphate.’ Plus, The Washington Post’s Robert Costa joins to discuss covering politics, interviewing Trump, and booking John Mayer for his senior prom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker react to the 2020 vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris. They discuss each side's game plan, who came out victorious, and how they expect this debate to impact the candidates' respective campaigns going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has tested positive for COVID-19. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the president’s well-being, the impact it has on the election, and how the media has responded (0:38). Then on Listener Mail, they answer the question “How would the media have covered the last four days if Joe Biden were the one in the hospital?” (26:58) Then, The New Yorker’s Jeffrey Toobin joins to talk about his new book and his career in journalism (36:30). Plus, David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the fallout from the first presidential debate. They weigh in on responses from several reporters and news anchors (2:38) and discuss conspiracy theories that have surfaced. Then on Listener Mail, they answer the question “What cardboard cutouts should be put in the audience at the presidential debates?” (22:53) Then, Texas Monthly writer and editor Skip Hollandsworth joins to discuss his new crime podcast, ‘Tom Brown’s Body’ (32:32). 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 first presidential debate of the 2020 election with Trump and Biden. They offer their impressions and reactions, as well as predictions for the upcoming debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With presidential debates around the corner, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down what to expect from both Trump and Biden (3:20). Then they answer your questions during Listener Mail and say their farewell to newspaper editor Sir Harold Evans (26:10). Plus, NYT TV critic James Poniewozik joins to discuss Trump’s impact on television, and what he expects television to look like after Trump's presidency (41:28). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline and the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Ginsburg’s reputation on the Supreme Court and her impact (2:10). They then say their farewells to columnist and critic Stanley Crouch who died at 74 (22:08). Then Wall Street Journal sports columnist Jason Gay joins to discuss his experience being a sportswriter during a pandemic (34:18). 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

College football is back ... sort of. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the unusual return of college football, but more specifically the Big Ten (2:20). Then, Listener Mail, when they answer the question, “What’s your favorite word to try and jam into every one of your stories?” (24:20) Plus, Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan White House photographer Pete Souza joins to discuss his journey in the White House and his new documentary, “The Way I See It.” (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 what the upcoming presidential debates could look like with moderator Chris Wallace—or perhaps Joe Rogan, who recently expressed interest in moderating on a recent episode of his podcast (3:08). They then discuss the return of the NFL (19:00) and its broadcasting as Fox sportscaster Adam Amin joins to discuss his first game back in the booth (30:40). 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 dive deep into Trump’s recent comments to veteran journalist Bob Woodward (2:08). They question Woodward’s motives and examine whether or not he should’ve waited to release his revealing interview earlier (13:33). Novelist Don Winslow joins to discuss his latest collection of short stories, ‘Broken’ (32:10). 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 dissect Trump’s complicated relationship with the military and the truth (2:36), and they break down Jeffrey Goldberg’s Atlantic story on the president and the complexities of anonymous reporting (3:34:). Then, they discuss remote learning and COVID-19’s impact on education (22:37). Next, Time magazine’s Molly Ball joins to discuss her book ‘Pelosi’ (36:00). 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

From antifa planes to golf metaphors and bags of soup, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the chaotic Trump campaign (2:05). Then, during Listener Mail, they answer the question, “Why does every nonfiction book have such a long subtitle?” (23:18). Then CNN commentator Brian Stelter stops by to discuss his new book, ‘Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth.’ (36:10). 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 discuss Trump’s approach to this year’s election. They break down his remarks on protesting, violence, and the Democratic Party (2:35). They then discuss the newspapers that are getting rid of their newsrooms and the impact it could have on the profession (20:30). Then, sportswriter Jeff Benedict joins to talk about his new book about the New England Patriots, ‘The Dynasty’ (31:30). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the best and worst of the Republican National Convention (3:00). Then they discuss the NBA strike and how it has turned the attention from Orlando to Kenosha, Wisconsin (36:10). Then it's time for Listener Mail, as the guys answer the question, “What is the highest achievement a Press Box listener can unlock?” (44:05). 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 Republican National Convention kicks off today. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down what we can expect (2:58). Then, they discuss sports announcer meltdowns during the pandemic and weigh in on some of the racist, homophobic, misogynistic comments from some of the most popular announcers (20:55). Then political writer Ben Jacobs joins to discuss his journey covering the Kanye West campaign (30:30). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the best and worst moments from the 2020 Democratic National Convention (2:45). Then, Listener Mail, where they answer the question, “What is the worst pun meteorologists are using in 2020 and how do we stop it?” (42:40). 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 Democratic National Convention kicks off tonight with speakers including Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Quibi CEO Meg Whitman. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss what we can expect and what a virtual convention could look like (2:25). The NBA playoffs have also commenced, and they address the league’s newest free agent, Shams Charania (21:05). Then, Politico reporter Alex Thompson joins to discuss his experience on the campaign trail, and what Barack Obama really thought of vice president Joe Biden (27:30). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on how the Kamala Harris selection could affect the Biden campaign (2:15). Next, Listener Mail, where they answer the question, “Why does every celebrity who gets written about by the media have a great sense of humor?” (21:45). Then, Ringer staff writer Rodger Sherman joins to discuss the news that conferences have canceled college football this fall (35:30). 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

With many major sports making their return, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss what they’re seeing on television and what's catching their attention (2:15). Then they break down the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump PAC, and its recent ads (22:35). Then, baseball writer Joe Sheehan joins to discuss his career and the current baseball climate (31:00). 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

Joe Biden will choose his running mate next week, and Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on the pros and cons for his potential vice president nominees (3:30). They then discuss Jonathan Swan’s AXIOS interview with President Trump, and how Swan’s interview tactics worked in his favor (22:10). Then, Listener Mail, when they answer the question, “Why do sideline reporters have to wear masks but coaches and players don't?” (37:10) 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

As Joe Biden’s search for a running mate continues, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the media’s portrayal of the potential nominees (3:00). They then turn their attention to comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who is facing criticism after two BuzzFeed articles pulled back the curtain on her popular talk show (32:10). Then, former New York Times sportswriter Ira Berkow joins to discuss column writing, Red Smith, Isaiah Thomas, and so much more. 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 NBA is back! Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker give notes on the restart (3:10). Next, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “Why should I support local newspapers again?” (20:30) Then, L.A. Times writer Gustavo Arellano joins to talk about his experience with reporting, food writing, and growing up in Orange County (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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker assess the professional sports comeback given recent news of players and coaches testing positive for COVID-19 (2:30). They then turn their attention to Portland, where Trump has sent federal troops to enforce “law and order.” They discuss the warlike way Trump is treating the situation and how it’s affecting his campaign. (22:35) Then sportswriter Diane K. Shah joins to talk about her new memoir, which discusses what it was like to write a sports column in the '80s (28:10). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down a few recent conspiracy theories, including QAnon, the Jeffrey Epstein case, and one related to Love Connection host Chuck Woolery (1:10). Next, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “What happens when you dream about 'The Press Box'?” (16:50). Then, Ringer staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn joins to discuss his new book, The Road From Raqqa (31:30). 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

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

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

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

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

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

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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect the David Muir interview with Donald Trump (1:30), tackle the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (23:00), discuss the steps certain sports organizations are taking when it comes to reopening (28:22), and finally, listener mail—when David tells us about a potential *tattoo*? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Tara Reade, who says Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993, and Biden's candidacy (1:25). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:50), the sports comeback that could take us to Las Vegas (26:30), and finally, the sports reporter during the '90s who seemed to have gotten it right: Ahmad Rashad (31:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the commercials that have touched on the pandemic, including, but not limited to, Pizza Hut, Walmart, and State Farm (2:55). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:20), new presidential nominee Justin Amash (25:20), and finally, listener mail (35:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After months of quarantine, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker touch on what it would look like to reopen America (2:00). Then, they discuss the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:22), 'The Last Dance' and the iconic ’90s figure that is Dennis Rodman (25:12), President Trump's suggestion to chug Lysol as coronavirus cure, (46:20), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices