The Press Box

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Brad Pitt's revealing GQ Style profile post-divorce (5:00), Pitt's newfound love for Frank Ocean (15:30), Chris Rock's Rolling Stone profile (19:00), mourning the loss of the Met Gala's relevance (29:00), Kanye's absence (38:00), and Prince William and Kate on BBC Radio (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with first-time director J.D. Dillard to discuss how he went from dropping out of school to being on the set of ‘The Force Awakens’ with J.J. Abrams to debuting his first film, ‘Sleight,’ at Sundance. Dillard also talks about helming the long-rumored reboot of ‘The Fly.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis is joined by BuzzFeed's Joel Anderson to discuss Donald Trump's impact on the NFL, the price of Colin Kaepernick's protest (6:00), Trump's ideal athlete lifestyle (11:00), and the political climate within football locker rooms (17:00). Then, The Ringer's Kevin Clark joins to discuss the similarities between CNN and ESPN (23:30) and the intersections between sports and political coverage (31:00). Finally, The Ringer's David Shoemaker joins to give his thoughts on professional wresting in the world of Trump (36:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with director Ben Wheatley to discuss his latest film, ‘Free Fire’ (0:10), getting sought out by star actors and directors like Armie Hammer and Martin Scorsese (6:40), and striking a balance between entertaining and traumatizing an audience (14:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Ryan O’Hanlon discuss UEFA’s decision to force Borussia Dortmund to play after the attack on their bus (1:25), officiating in the match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid (7:14), and the upcoming market for strikers (20:26). They wrap up with predictions for the Premier League (28:21). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Harry Styles's 'Rolling Stone' cover (5:00), Styles living in Ben Winston's attic (10:00), and dating Taylor Swift (14:00). Then, Ringer staff writer Kate Knibbs joins to discuss internet gossipmonger Nik Richie's 'The Dirty' (17:45) and the best place to find gossip in 2017 (26:00). Finally, Juliet and Amanda give their thoughts on Serena's snap (33:00), Meghan Markle's role with the British royal family (38:00), and more Chris Evans (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Sean Fennessey, Micah Peters, and Justin Charity discuss Kendrick Lamar's new release, 'Damn.' (5:00). Topics include: the collabs on the album (11:00), the logical progression of K-Dot (17:00), Kendrick's taste (22:00), his grand design (30:00), his influence on fellow rappers (34:00), and a ranking of Kendrick's albums (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with acclaimed director James Gray to discuss the high stakes of filming his new movie, ‘The Lost City of Z,’ in the jungle, the near-impossible task of making a classic film, and why he isn’t interested in making a television series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey sit down with actor Jake Johnson and director Joe Swanberg to discuss their new gambling film ‘Win It All’, why they wanted to make a movie for Netflix, and what it’s like teaming up for multiple projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Jenny Slate's press tour for 'Gifted' (5:00), Chris Evans's Disney-level fame (11:00), Anne Hathaway's confessional (16:00), A-Rod and J.Lo's new romance (24:00), Ed Sheeran's Taylor Swift remarks (27:00), and Nan Talese's Vanity Fair profile (34:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Editor-in-Chief Sean Fennessey sits down with director Charlie McDowell to discuss his new film 'The Discovery' (1:55), casting Robert Redford (12:58), being one of Netflix's first major features (21:05) and how to pull off an ending with a twist (18:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins are joined by Bill Simmons to discuss Reese Witherspoon's sprawling catalog (5:00), her relationship with Ryan Phillippe (12:00), her R-rated turn in 'Cruel Intentions' (16:00), her missed opportunity with 'Clueless' (23:00), her Oscar curse (29:00), her fling with Jake Gyllenhaal (36:00), her comeback with 'Gone Girl' (43:00), and her next big career move after 'Big Little Lies' (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Micah Peters and 'Get Out’ star Lil Rel Howery examine his character, Rod (7:20), and take a look film’s intricate cinematography (12:05). Later, they discuss the future of "social thrillers" (23:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion have a spoiler-free discussion about their impressions of the perplexing 'Mass Effect: Andromeda,' Bioware's brain drain, and the ways in which recent releases have raised the bar for big-budget games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Micah Peters sits down with producer Mike WILL Made-It to discuss working with Pharrell on 'Ransom 2' (01:00), his recording process (06:00), and his dream collaboration (15:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker teams up with Bleacher Report's Dave Schilling to discuss Shane McMahon's elbow drop on 'SmackDown' (03:00), the general manager situation on 'Raw' (10:00), how Braun Strowman could fit into the Roman Reigns–Undertaker match (21:30), the "Missing Ron Simmons" teaser (29:00), and Twitter questions (34:00). Then Bruce Prichard of "Something to Wrestle With" calls in to discuss kayfabe in today's wrestling (39:00) and share Andre the Giant stories (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Micah Peters, Hannah Giorgis, and Justin Charity discuss Drake's latest project, 'More Life,' and whether it's an album (00:30), grime songs (06:00), and their least favorite track (11:00). Then, The Ringer's Rob Harvilla calls in to talk about the song "Fake Love" (18:00), Drake the underdog (25:00), and "tough guy" Drake (26:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss the end of a gossip era with the selling of Us Weekly (5:00). Then, former Us Weekly editorial director Lara Cohen joins to give her thoughts on the invention of "Bennifer" (11:00), Britney Spears's head-shaving incident (17:00), and the biggest celebrities today (25:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Geoff Shackelford and Joe House welcome four guests in one show, starting with Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Marc Leishman (02:00), then shifting to discussion of the upcoming WGC Match Play and Austin golf with Criquet Shirts cofounders Billy Nachman and Hobson Brown (18:30). Then they welcome Geoff’s dad, former UCLA basketball star Lynn Shackelford, to further discuss the Austin golf scene (34:00) and the 50th anniversary of his first NCAA championship (37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion talk to Compete writer Maddy Myers about experimenting with supplements that promise gaming benefits, covering competitive gaming's growing pains, and gender imbalance in eSports. For a full version of this episode subscribe to Achievement Oriented on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Ryan O’Hanlon discuss Manchester City’s Champions League exit (0:55), glance at the top English teams (11:50), and later take an in-depth look at the Champions League quarterfinalists (17:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker and Bleacher Report's Dave Schilling team up to discuss the passing of Dennis Stamp (02:00), Triple H's and Finn Balor's returns (10:00), the 'WrestleMania' card (19:00), and Twitter questions (37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss Nick’s decision to choose Vanessa over Raven (0:30), things they’d rather see in a finale (7:30), and a new version of 'The Bachelor' with celebrities (18:50). Then Ringer 'Bachelor' recap writer Rodger Sherman joins to further dissect Monday's finale (32:12). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins are joined by ‘Girls’ writer Sarah Heyward to discuss the final season (5:00), the infamous Iowa episodes (12:00), Judd Apatow’s subtle influence (22:00), the best moment in the series (27:00), the best guest stars (33:00), and the feeling of wrapping the series (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Tate Frazier and Mark Titus discuss the NCAA bracket release (5:00), Duke’s additional adversity (9:00), the UNC-Arkansas rivalry (14:00), the First Four game worth watching (19:00), potential matchups in the Midwest (28:00), Gonzaga’s favorable path (32:00), and the biggest snubs of the tournament (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion bring on Kotaku news editor (and author of the forthcoming book 'Blood, Sweat, and Pixels') Jason Schreier to discuss reviewing great games (1:00), how 'Breath of the Wild' departs from and improves upon previous 'Zelda' installments (8:30), what lessons developers can take from the game's open-ended structure (34:00), and the Switch's post-launch outlook (40:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker, Bleacher Report's Dave Schilling, and "Hollywood" Dan St. Germain team up to reluctantly break down 'Fastlane' (01:00), the end of Kevin Owens's championship reign (13:20), Goldberg headlining 'WrestleMania' (17:00), Braun Strowman and the Undertaker (25:40), Jack Gallagher's headbutts (34:00), and AJ Styles's loss to Randy Orton (37:00). Then they wrap up by answering some of your Twitter questions (40:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins celebrate Connie Britton's birthday (5:00), discuss Brad Pitt's rumored reunion with Jennifer Aniston (12:00), and Meghan Markle wins. Then, Ringer writer Allison P. Davis joins to give her thoughts on Emma Watson's press tour for 'Beauty and the Beast' (22:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with writer-director Jordan Peele (of 'Key & Peele' fame) to discuss his new hit film, 'Get Out,' how and why he made it, and its overwhelmingly positive reception. Peele also talks about ideas for alternate scenes and endings as well as his reasoning behind some of the movie's most pivotal moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman is joined by former Bachelor Ben Higgins to discuss the Fantasy Suite (0:45), his thoughts about Raven’s celebratory “music video" (22:25), and Nick’s upcoming appearance on 'Dancing With the Stars' (37:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion have a spoiler-free chat about the newly released PS4 exclusive 'Horizon Zero Dawn,' discussing its obvious influences, how it tweaks the open-world formula, and whether games have gotten too long (1:00). Then they bring on Kotaku editor Luke Plunkett to talk about his aborted attempt to play 'Resident Evil 7' and try to pinpoint what combination of in-game mechanics and hangups inside their own psyches makes some video games so scary (24:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker teams up with Dave Schilling and Steve Kazee to discuss the "Dusty Finish" at the Oscars (02:00), whether the WWE will sign Matt and Jeff Hardy (05:45), AJ Styles defeating Luke Harper (18:10), and Randy Orton burning down Bray Wyatt's compound (19:45). They finish with a preview of 'Fastlane' (31:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman is joined by Rob Mills, ABC's senior vice president of alternative programming, to discuss being at the Oscars (1:20), this week’s episode of 'The Bachelor' (9:00), the top five 'Bachelor' contestants (18:00), and the decision to pick Rachel as the next Bachelorette (36:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer celebrates Last Meal on Earth Week with two unique audio stories. First, Danny Chau reports on an ambitious new product attempting to solve one of the food industry's biggest dilemmas (0:10). Then, Katie Baker introduces us to the Lopez siblings and their critically acclaimed family-run Oaxacan restaurant, located in Los Angeles's Koreatown (11:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House so they can respond to The Ringer's top-50 fast food list and offer up their thoughts on which items were overrated, underrated, and properly rated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Geoff Shackelford and Joe House discuss Ricky Fowler's bizarre win at the Honda Classic (03:05), Johnny Miller's criticism (04:05), and the upcoming changes to the rules of golf (15:45). Then they welcome golf instructor/equipment reviewer/travel guru Mark Crossfield to share how he used honesty to build an online presence (24:05) and answer a few questions from the Callaway Community (27:05). To close out the show, Geoff and House preview the WGC-Mexico Championship (45:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion briefly consider the future of TV video game adaptations, reacting to comments by 'Castlevania' producer Adi Shankar and 'The Expanse' co-author Ty Franck (3:30). Then they bring on longtime Giant Bomb video producer Drew Scanlon to discuss having a GIF of his face go viral and how long his fleeting internet notoriety will last (9:30). Lastly, they talk to Kotaku staff writer Heather Alexandra about glitching, speedrunning, and the creative ways in which players navigate games (25:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker and Bleacher Report's Dave Schilling team up to honor Ivan Koloff (3:30) and George "The Animal" Steele (8:30), and discuss Max Landis's video on Kevin Owens (16:50), the art of projecting during a promo (21:10), the Rock calling out CM Punk (26:00), and the downsides to attending 'Raw' (30:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Harrison Ford's flying skills (5:00), Malia Obama's sabbatical (10:00), the Clooney twins (18:00), Kirsten Dunst's Soho apartment (23:00), Miles Teller's birthday party (32:00), and Eileen Fisher's morning routine (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman sits down with Bill Simmons and Mallory Rubin to discuss a day in the life of Vanessa (2:00), being in on Corinne (6:50), Rachel's level of interest in Nick (25:25), and a trip to Arkansas with Raven (43:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion talk to Jordan Thompson, lead software engineer for the latest Google Doodle game, about building games for a massive search-engine audience with unique control constraints and compatibility concerns (0:15). Then they bring on Ubisoft creative director Jason VandenBerghe to discuss the innovative combat system at the center of newly released fighting game 'For Honor,' why sword-fighting is so tough to translate to video games, and how he created the concept of Vikings versus Samurai (19:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with Academy Award winning director Gore Verbinski to discuss his new film 'A Cure For Wellness' (0:40)as well as his career arc of going from directing music videos and television commercials to big budget features like the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Rango' (11:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Ryan O'Hanlon discuss Arsenal–Bayern Munich (5:00), Barcelona-PSG (13:00), and the concept of club identity in the sport (20:00). Then, USMNT member and Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris joins (30:00) to give thoughts on the role of college development on the pitch (34:00), break down what a manager actually does during a game (38:00), and discuss how he watches soccer as a fan (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s David Shoemaker teams up with Bleacher Report’s Dave Schilling to break down the main event from 'Elimination Chamber' (01:30), Bray Wyatt’s future as champion (03:05), Emmalina and the most meta moment in professional wrestling (23:35), Bailey ending Charlotte’s reign (29:00), Kevin Owens betraying Chris Jericho at the 'Festival of Friendship' (36:10), and the upcoming Andre the Giant documentary (41:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman sits down with the Bachelor, Nick Viall, to talk about being on the show four times (1:30), kissing in front of the other contestants (7:14), and his biggest surprise thus far(11:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh and Jason Concepcion discuss PS4 Pro envy and 'Resident Evil 7' (0:40) and talk to The Guardian's games editor Keith Stuart about the continued sales success of 'Grand Theft Auto V,' the perpetual repackaging of old titles, and the worst US presidents in video games (6:08). Lastly, they talk to Polygon's Owen Good about the latest bad news for NBA Live, why so many sports games are going extinct, and the NBA's plans to partner with Take-Two to launch an official 'NBA 2K' esports league (26:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with writer and director Barry Jenkins to discuss his film ‘Moonlight’ and its eight Oscar nominations, what it’s like working with his old friends (6:30), casting nonactors (12:52), and whether or not he plans to speak out politically onstage if he wins at the Academy Awards (28:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's David Shoemaker, Bleacher Report's Dave Schilling, and "Hollywood" Dan St. Germain team up to preview the "Elimination Chamber" (00:30) and discuss Bray Wyatt and babyface Luke Harper (02:20), booking Samoa Joe (16:45), Jeff Jarrett's control of TNA (23:00), Hulk Hogan's rumored return (27:30), and the Hall of Fame induction of the Rock 'n' Roll Express (32:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins discuss Beyoncé’s big Instagram announcement and her pop star supremacy (1:30), Lady Gaga’s personae and Super Bowl performance (13:05), Chris Evans and Jenny Slate’s breakup (20:15), and Ed Sheeran and Russell Crowe’s unlikely friendship (25:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman sits down with Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio to discuss 'The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions' (00:30), staying competitive (06:30), the 'Are You The One?' kids (7:15), the best 'Challenge' competitor of all time (10:35), and what comes next (25:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices