The Press Box

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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are discussing the 2020 NFL draft: Roger Goodell’s demeanor, Jerry Jones’s setup, and all of our favorite moments (2:45). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (25:00), Part 3 of the Coronavirus Hall of Shame (29:10), and listener mail (40:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss their first impressions of the Michael Jordan documentary 'The Last Dance' (1:40). They then go over the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (35:20), the death of the beloved indie bookstore (38:05), and more from the Hall of Shame, with updates on media companies hit hard by the pandemic (48:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker touch on the latest update from the president on reopening the economy and talk about the Michigan protesters, who had a lot to say (2:00). Then they discuss the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (17:30), Chris Cuomo’s comments about cable news (21:30), and finally, listener mail (31:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the age of COVID-19 coverage, a new type of media figure has emerged: the celebrity doctor. We break down three types that have seen a lot of airtime in the past month (1:15). Plus: our overworked Twitter joke of the week (20:04), some snippets from Trump’s daily press briefings (23:02), and pay cuts at ESPN (32:57). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by producer Jim Cunningham to discuss worrying about their parents during a quarantine (2:00). They then talk about the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (19:58), sports that are trying to return ASAP (24:15), Bernie Sanders leaving the race (32:15), the Wisconsin catastrophe (35:00), and finally Listener Mail (37:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss parenting during a quarantine (2:40), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (23:00), all the second-class nominees that have made it into the Corporate Hall of Shame (25:20), the future of the 2020 elections (34:00), and more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker look at the issue of the coronavirus and government power (01:00); the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (19:15); the excitement for the upcoming Michael Jordan documentary, ‘The Last Dance’ (24:15); and listener mail (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the rise of Andrew Cuomo (01:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (18:00), how you and your non-news website can continue to create content during the coronavirus pandemic (20:00), and sportswriting during this national emergency (32:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker look at how the coronavirus fallout has been handled by Bloomberg (01:00), Harvard (08:00), the Philadelphia 76ers (12:00), the Boston Bruins (14:30), and the International Olympic Committee (18:15). Then they discuss the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (26:00), whether or not coronavirus news should be behind paywalls (29:30), listener mail (38:30), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump’s daily coronavirus briefings (01:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (21:30), how Bernie Sanders lost the Democratic presidential nomination (24:45), Rand Paul testing positive for COVID-19 (36:00), Richard Burr dumping stocks (38:15), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Donald Trump’s gaslighting of America (01:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (16:30), Joe Biden choosing a running mate (21:45), some coronavirus media layoffs (39:15), and listener mail (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss covering the coronavirus from quarantine (02:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (18:15), the NFL’s decision to charge ahead with free agency (21:15), what sportswriters and sports TV people do with themselves when there are no games (31:15), and some of the media lowlights of the pandemic coverage (36:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker talk about the coronavirus (02:00) before looking at what Bernie Sanders does next (24:00) and the discussions about Joe Biden’s health (33:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker link up to preview Tuesday night’s Michigan primary (03:00) before discussing the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (24:30), Bernie Sanders’s online fans (26:30), Ronan Farrow going after his publisher, Hachette, for agreeing to publish the memoirs of his father, Woody Allen (37:00), Brian Williams’s attempt at math (51:15), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are back after a Super Tuesday blowout that left Joe Biden with the majority (03:00) and Bernie Sanders reevaluating his campaign (13:00). Also: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (27:45), the end of Elizabeth Warren’s campaign (30:30), Mike Bloomberg’s exit (44:15), and listener mail (49:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Joe Biden’s successful Super Tuesday, how quickly Bernie Sanders lost the centrists, the future of Mike Bloomberg’s campaign, Pete Buttigieg's and Amy Klobuchar's exits from the race, Chris Matthew quitting ‘Hardball,’ and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Tuesday’s wild debate in South Carolina (03:00) and the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (26:15), before previewing the South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday (29:00). Then they examine the Project Veritas recording of ABC News’s David Wright (43:00), and wrap up the show with listener mail (47:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker look at Bernie Sanders’s big win in Nevada (03:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (28:00), an unfortunate analogy from MSNBC’s Chris Matthews (31:00), Anderson Cooper's grilling of Rod Blagojevich (50:30), the Deontay Wilder–Tyson Fury fight (55:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the fallout from Wednesday’s Democratic debate in Las Vegas (03:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (24:30), the resurgence of Elizabeth Warren’s campaign (27:15), how to watch Saturday’s Nevada caucuses on cable news (39:30), and listener mail (46:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to look at Bloomberg and the Nevada caucuses (04:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (20:30), Google finally paying for news content (23:15), and the end of Jessica Mendoza’s runs with ESPN and the Mets (29:15), before bidding farewell to reclusive novelist Charles Portis (34:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Mike Bloomberg’s legitimacy as a contender for the Democratic candidacy (04:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (23:30), the state of the Democratic race (26:00), the XFL and future of football on TV (38:00), Wes Anderson’s New Yorker movie (42:00), plus “guess the celebrity Democratic endorser” (44:45), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Bernie Sanders’s victory in the New Hampshire primary, the night's biggest winners and losers, the dropouts, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the never-ending Iowa caucuses (03:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (26:45), Rush Limbaugh’s announcement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (29:45), Nancy Pelosi ripping up a copy of Trump’s speech (40:30), impeachment hero Mitt Romney (43:45), Spotify’s purchase of The Ringer (48:45), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the caucus in Iowa that hasn’t gotten any results, plus cable news follies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker talk about the final lead-up to the Iowa caucuses (01:55), the selling off of a major portion of Barstool Sports (17:45), and all of the goings-on from the media frenzy that is covering the Super Bowl in Miami (37:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the passing of Kobe Bryant (03:00), Joe Rogan’s endorsement of Bernie to the Bernie freakout (26:30), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s interview with NPR (35:30), plus Super Bowl conspiracy theories (40:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss California Representative Adam Schiff’s statement at the impeachment trial (03:00), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (20:30), the hacking of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (23:15), the case of journalist Glenn Greenwald (29:15), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices