The Press Box

This week on 'Damage Control,' The Ringer’s Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs discuss how Amazon Prime Day turned into an ethical mess (1:29) and how to handle Sacha Baron Cohen's political satire in the age of President Donald Trump and fake news (17:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker link up to look at Donald Trump taking his "fake news" vendetta overseas (03:00), the positive vibes in the NBA media (22:00), and Sacha Baron Cohen's trolling in 'Who Is America?' (39:00). Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant about his lasting legacy in film, reteaming with Joaquin Phoenix on 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot,' the role his late friend Robin Williams played in the film, and where to go when you’ve accomplished so much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins sit down to talk about Lindsay Lohan’s new beach club in Mykonos (1:00), what other celebrities have been up to this summer (21:55), and what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been up to since their wedding (24:56). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker link up to analyze the media's role in the recent resignation of Scott Pruitt as EPA administrator (02:00), the return of World Cup criticism in America (21:00), and the popularity of the NBA compared with the NFL's (31:30). Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with first-time filmmaker and longtime musician Boots Riley about the challenging transition from making music with his group The Coup to making his first feature-length film, the experimental social comedy ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ on his own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey speaks with filmmaker Peyton Reed about returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to make an Ant-Man sequel and the challenges of merging his story with the aftermath of 'Avengers: Infinity War.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker reflect on the tragic shooting at the Capital Gazette last week and how Donald Trump's and Milo Yiannopoulos's comments against the press can stoke violence toward journalists (02:26). Then they talk about the impact LeBron James has had on sports media in light of his recent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers (20:50) and examine Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s surprise win in the New York Congressional Democratic primary last week (37:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan discuss the unlikely 'Sicario' franchise and its approach to violence and morality along the U.S.-Mexico border with ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ director Stefano Sollima. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins get together to take a look at Mandy Moore’s recently completed mid-century mansion (0:30), explain the concept of "Big-Dick Energy" (7:54), and celebrate the start of celebrity-yacht season (20:12). Check out Mandy Moore's home here. Check out Allison P. Davis's article on "Big-Dick Energy" here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to weigh the images we see of immigrants at the border versus the tweets we see from Donald Trump and his allies (03:00). Then they dive into ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski tipping picks at the NBA draft (26:00) before closing out the show with a look at the Rolling Stone piece on Johnny Depp and the state of the celebrity profile (39:15). Credits: Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker J.A. Bayona about his new film, 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,' and what it’s like creating a terrifying new dinosaur and diving into a major franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on 'Damage Control,' The Ringer’s Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs discuss the political chaos surrounding children being separated from their families and detained at the U.S.-Mexico border (1:10). They also delve into the incredibly fraught life and legacy of rapper XXXTentacion, who died on Monday (19:46). More from The Ringer: The Unsolvable Difficulty of XXXTentacion’s Death Odd Future: The Death of XXXTentacion and Rap’s Generational Crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to sift through the blame game regarding children being separated from their parents at the border and how the media writes about "lies" (04:15), the Justice Department seizing 'New York Times' reporter Ali Watkins's emails and cell phone data (14:00), the recent profile of ESPN's Stephen A. Smith in 'The New Yorker' (28:00), and how the media handles celebrity suicide (37:00). Credits: Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with Pixar original Brad Bird about returning to his animation roots with ‘Incredibles 2’ after making live-action movies like ‘Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol’ and ‘Tomorrowland.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins give some background on Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson (1:00) before going deep on the timeline of their relationship leading up to their engagement (9:57). Plus, Amanda gives her two-minute review of ‘Ocean’s 8’ (29:17). Refinery29's timeline of their relationship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with the Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville about his new film, ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor,’ about one of the world’s foremost champions of kindness and decency, Mister Rogers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to reflect on the legacy of Anthony Bourdain (02:15), conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer announcing he has weeks to live (13:45), the Showtime doc series 'The Fourth Estate' (21:00), and the 'Fire and Fury' sequel (34:00). Credits: Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with filmmaker Ari Aster to discuss his first full-length feature, ‘Hereditary,’ and the process of crafting a deeply disturbing experience for moviegoers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs try to understand why there are so many conspiracy theories around the lack of public Melania Trump sightings (0:52) and how the first lady is different from both her family and her predecessors (4:37). They also discuss the rap beefs that are currently ruling the music world and how people remain entertained even as the public spats turn violent (17:20). More from The Ringer: Solitary Confinement: Seriously, Where—and Who—Is Melania Trump? Rap Beef Emergency: Drake vs. Pusha-T Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker run the hurry-up offense to tackle Donald Trump's issue with the Philadelphia Eagles (04:30), the Bryan Colangelo story (10:30), Bill Clinton's appearance on 'Today' (23:45), 'High Noon' with Bomani Jones and Pablo Torre (32:00), the end of 'Arrested Development' and 'Roseanne' (39:45), and LeBron James's press conference after the J.R. Smith snafu (46:45). Credits: Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with writer-director Bart Layton about his path from unconventional documentaries to his ambitious new docufiction heist movie, ‘American Animals.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins are joined by Justin Charity to break down the current feud going on between Pusha-T and Drake, including Pusha-T’s diss track alleging Drake has a secret child (1:32) and what this will mean for the future of the rappers' careers (14:26). Then they breakdown the other feud of the weekend between Kim Kardashian West and Rhymefest over Donda’s House (29:18) and Kardashian’s trip to the White House to discuss prison reform (34:05). More from The Ringer: Pusha-T Finally Became a Star by Being a Scourge Rap Beef Emergency: Drake vs. Pusha-T Drake Lost: The Ruthlessness of Pusha-T’s Ferocious Diss Track Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and David Shoemaker convene for an instant-reaction breakdown of the latest 'Star Wars' spin-off movie, ‘Solo,’ to discuss whether Alden Ehrenreich lives up to Harrison Ford’s legacy, how the story’s timelines fit together, and whether the movie actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kate Knibbs and Justin Charity unpack the complicated politics and relationship between pop musician Grimes and tech billionaire Elon Musk (1:50), and then analyze the recent television ad campaigns from Facebook and Uber that vaguely acknowledge each company’s recent scandals and promise to be better (13:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker "celebrate" the one-year anniversary of Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's possible involvement in the 2016 presidential election (02:30), examine how America consumed the royal wedding (22:30), and look at Alex Rodriguez's media makeover (35:30). Credits: Hosted by: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Produced by: Jim Cunningham Brought to you by: The Ringer Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with legendary filmmaker Paul Schrader to discuss his powerful new film, ‘First Reformed,’ starring Ethan Hawke; his patient style of filmmaking, and his major career achievements, such as cocreating ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull,’ and ‘The Last Temptation of Christ.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and Andrew Gruttadaro digest the latest blockbuster superhero movie, ‘Deadpool 2,’ by unpacking what worked and what didn’t among the numerous meta jokes and pop culture references. They discuss the long-anticipated arrival of Josh Brolin’s "Cable," why Deadpool is so popular, and where the character and the franchise goes from here. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains serious spoilers for the movie. Be warned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first micropod, chef and Momofuku founder Dave Chang is joined by The Ringer’s Mallory Rubin to recapitulate their debate over the controversial film ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi.’ Stay tuned for Dave’s interview with ‘Last Jedi’ director Rian Johnson and film critic Karina Longworth later this week. Subscribe to 'The Dave Chang Show' feed here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins answer listener questions about Saturday’s royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. They cover everything from the situation with Meghan’s dad (1:21) to speculation about Prince Harry's real parents (24:57). Then they make some predictions for the event (41:31). For more reading on the royal wedding, check out the links below: The latest on the royal wedding The New Yorker’s Lauren Collins on royal romance 14 etiquette rules the royal family must always follow The New York Times on Markle’s family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker take a look at how sports writers may be partially responsible for the Supreme Court's recent ruling on sports gambling (02:15), how the media is celebrating John McCain (21:00), and why Andrew Marchand of the 'New York Post' called out ESPN's Katie Nolan (37:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with comedic filmmaker Ben Falcone about ‘Life of the Party’—his new movie starring his wife, Melissa McCarthy—and what it’s like to creatively collaborate with his life partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker Jason Reitman about his early box office success with movies like ‘Juno’ and ‘Up in the Air,’ the complicated nature of making movies that are not meant to be blockbusters in 2018, and his new and terrifying film about parenting, ‘Tully,’ starring Charlize Theron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs discuss Childish Gambino's new song, "This Is America," and its controversial music video (0:29), what the qualifications are for handing out the "black genius" title (11:03), and R. Kelly potentially beginning to face consequences for his actions (19:31). More from The Ringer: When a Culture’s Fed Up Donald Glover’s Next Phase Is Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to examine Rudy Giuliani's enlightening interview with Sean Hannity (02:00), Peter King's departure for 'Sports Illustrated' (23:00), and the confusion surrounding MSNBC's Joy Reid (38:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss what led to Kanye West's latest controversial statement (2:13). Then, TMZ producer Van Lathan joins the show to discuss his confrontation with Kanye on 'TMZ Live' (15:48) and what happened after the cameras went off (30:33). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker deconstruct the media reaction Michelle Wolf's jokes (03:15), the role journalists played in bringing Bill Cosby to justice (26:00), and Mike Francesa's brief retirement and return to WFAN (28:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and David Shoemaker take an exhaustive trip through the galaxy to break down the plot twists, character deaths, and paths forward for the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the action-packed, plot-heavy ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ SPOILER ALERT: The second half of this episode contains serious spoilers for the movie. Be warned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs discuss Kanye West's latest deep dive into the MAGA life (1:38), how rants are his signature art form (9:37), and the parallels between him and Donald Trump (12:15). Then they break down the incel movement, which started as an innocent online community but has grown into a deadly threat (17:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Donald Trump's infatuation with Maggie Haberman (03:00), the media's outrage regarding sideline reporter Allie LaForce's question to LeBron James (23:00), and the fallout from 'Harper's' magazine firing editor James Marcus (41:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with legendary filmmaker Willam Friedkin, who’s responsible for films such as 'The French Connection,' 'The Exorcist,' 'Sorcerer,' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' Friedkin discusses his distinguished career in film and why, at 82, he decided to create a new documentary about a real-life exorcism called 'The Devil and Father Amorth.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with comedic actor, director, and writer Jay Chandrasekhar about returning to make a ‘Super Troopers’ sequel 17 years after the original. Chandrasekhar also discusses what it’s like being an Indian American in Hollywood, returning to his roots, and bridging the divided audiences in comedy. More from Sean Fennessey on Movies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Khloe Kardashian giving birth in the midst of her boyfriend's cheating scandal (0:38), Beyoncé's Coachella takeover (22:07), and Gwyneth Paltrow's engagement party, which definitely wasn't a wedding (33:35). More from The Ringer: The Beyoncé-at-Coachella Exit Survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the news of Sean Hannity being Michael Cohen's third client (02:00), the "Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week" (15:015), the James Comey book tour (19:15), and the media's coverage of the missile strike on Syria (39:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker Andrew Haigh about his emotionally devastating ‘Lean on Pete,’ about an orphaned boy (Charlie Plummer) and his horse, the titular Pete, and their journey from Oregon to Wyoming in search of a long-lost family member. Haigh also discusses his long career as a director and the difference between making TV shows and making movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Justin Charity and Kate Knibbs break down Mark Zuckerberg’s week testifying in front of Congress (2:04) and what the legislators questioning him were missing (14:03). Then, they discuss the backlash against the ‘Simpsons’ character Apu (18:07) and how the series decided to address the controversy this week, which caused even more outrage (20:19). More from The Ringer: A Visual Guide to the Facebook Congressional Hearing Five Pressing Questions About Facebook’s Future ‘The Simpsons’ Decides There’s No ‘Problem With Apu’ ‘The Problem With Apu’ Wonders How to Rehabilitate the Embarrassing ‘Simpsons’ Character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker sit down to unpack 'The Atlantic' severing ties with Kevin D. Williamson (02:00), how 'The Simpsons' responded to criticism of Apu's character (25:45), and the statement that news anchors on Sinclair-owned stations read (37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with Kay Cannon, the veteran screenwriter on ‘30 Rock,' New Girl,’ and all three ‘Pitch Perfect’ movies to discuss her new R-rated studio comedy and directorial debut ‘Blockers’ and her transition from writing to directing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss actress Allison Mack's reported involvement in the alleged sex cult called Nxivm (1:38), Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan's breakup (12:48), Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon's budding friendship (21:43), and the possible bad blood between Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss (28:06). You can find the official Ringer web store here: http://bit.ly/ringershop More from The Ringer: The Leonardo DiCaprio Baseball Cap Bracket Check out other podcasts from The Ringer Podcast Network On NXIVM: Here Comes The Legal Protection - Blind Gossip How ‘Smallville’ Actress Allison Mack Became a Women-Branding Cult Leader - The Daily Beast Inside a Secretive Group Where Women Are Branded - The New York Times On the Channing Tatum/Jenna Dewan breakup All the Gossip About Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan’s Divorce - The Cut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s David Shoemaker and Bryan Curtis discuss President Trump and Amazon’s latest spat (2:30), ESPN’s new morning show ‘Get Up!’ (18:05), and the latest Tiger Woods tell-all biography (35:51). You can find the official Ringer web store here: http://bit.ly/ringershop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices