The Press Box

Bryan and David discuss The New York Times replacing its sports section with The Athletic and what that means for their sports writers (2:10). Then, they talk about GQ’s column about Warner Bros. Discovery president David Zaslav (32:06). Later, they get into the latest round of ESPN layoffs and how it is now affecting the people we see on air (41:01). Finally, Bryan has some notes for David from his summer vacation (58:37). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Erika Cervantes and Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss his upcoming thriller novel, ‘All the Demons Are Here.’ They begin talking through the writing process whilst being a lead anchor, discuss why Tapper chose to write a novel based in the 1970s, and touch on which characters in his novel were inspired by actual media members. Then later, they assess how CNN should define itself in the year 2023, and finally, Tapper explains just how difficult it was to watch the Philadelphia Eagles lose in the Super Bowl. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jake Tapper Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Assistance: Eduardo O'Campo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by journalist Chris Jones to remember his 2010 piece in Esquire, "The Things That Carried Him," a true story about Sgt. Joe Montgomery’s last trip home. They discuss how Jones knew he was ready to write this particular story, the process of covering the death of a loved one, and how this story resonated with readers. Then, they touch on Jones's experience writing for Esquire Magazine in the early aughts and working for David Granger. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Jones Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Assistance: Eduardo O'Campo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Billy Ray, writer and director of ‘Shattered Glass,’ a movie that covers the Stephen Glass New Republic scandal, for the 20th anniversary of its release. They discuss Ray’s experience transitioning from writer to director, how he cast Hayden Christensen as the lead, what it was like writing for a protagonist such as Glass, how Tom Cruise received a producer credit, and much more! Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Billy Ray Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by journalist Tim Mak in Kyiv to discuss his time reporting from Ukraine. They talk through his time in the country when the invasion began, why he decided to return to Kyiv to continue war coverage, and his unique, journalistic style, which captures an immersive picture of life in Ukraine. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Tim Mak Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the NBA draft, Bryan and David talk through the announcement from Woj that he will not tip the picks on Twitter before they’re made (0:25). Then, they discuss Trump’s outing in Miami and the media’s uncertain coverage of such events amid his second indictment (9:53). Then they touch on news of layoffs at The Athletic and consider what this means for the website and beat writers (25:55). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is live from the U.S. Open and dives into news of the LIV Golf–PGA Tour merger with Kevin Van Valkenburg (2:07). They discuss how the story broke, what the relationship is like between both entities, and what it’s like as a golf writer during these events. Later, NBC’s John Wood joins to talk about his experience as an on-course reporter, including inspecting the course, talking with the audience, and grabbing exclusive bits for the viewers (31:02). Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Kevin Van Valkenburg and John Wood Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David talk through CNN’s future and possible restructure (0:40), before jumping into the news of yet another indictment for former president Donald Trump (13:34). Later, they discuss the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger and how it all unfolded in the media (31:02), and then touch on newspapers' role in the story of Ted Kaczynski, a.k.a. the Unabomber, back in the 1990s (39:58). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Jokic’s impressive performance in the Finals and the media’s response to the Denver Nuggets. Then, they talk through Russillo’s theory on how we all get what we want from the media and how one prepares for the draft. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David talk through the pronunciation of presidential candidate Ron DeSantis’s last name (0:41) before jumping into media news involving Chuck Todd leaving ‘Meet the Press’ (9:48) and Shannon Sharpe leaving FS1’s ‘Undisputed’ (21:02). Then, they dive into Tim Alberta’s piece about CNN’s Chris Licht and provide their top three takeaways (31:48). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by The Ringer’s Tyler Parker to discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals, how ABC’s commentary crew handled Denver’s blowout win and their praise of Nikola Jokic (02:43). Then, they discuss the media’s lack of coverage towards the Nuggets this season (12:08). After, they offer their praise to Kevin Harlan, discuss LeBron James’s retirement comments, their favorite postgame moment of the playoffs, and more (24:26). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Tyler Parker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David start the pod talking about why discussing the NBA Finals TV ratings doesn’t matter (00:39). Then, they discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign launch on Twitter, its technical difficulties, and why the approach backfired on him (05:42). Then, they’re back with another segment of NBA2Day to discuss some of the best sound bites from Game 7, TNT’s cutting to commercial break during a pivotal foul review in Game 6, and LeBron’s retirement comments (26:48). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Politico’s congressional bureau chief, Burgess Everett, to discuss what it’s like to cover Congress in the midst of the debt ceiling negotiations and what’s at the heart of the discussions (01:19). Then, they discuss Everett’s experience working on the congressional beat, including his approach to getting politicians to talk, the kind of shoes he has to wear, and why the beat is so rewarding to him (14:28). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Burgess Everett Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David discuss Pat McAfee’s huge contract signing with ESPN, his fit with the sports media conglomerate, and the company’s shift to signing top-level talent (00:32). Then, they’re back with another segment of NBA2Day to talk about Kevin Harlan’s performance during the playoffs, Michael Malone’s “Nobody believes in us” comments, and more (17:06). After, they give the latest updates on the 2024 election, including Senator Tim Scott’s announcement speech for president, Ron DeSantis bypassing the “mainstream media” for his presidential run, and former vice president Mike Pence plagiarizing bits from a Donald Trump speech (29:58). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by ESPN’s Marc J. Spears ahead of the Western Conference finals to discuss his time as a Denver Nuggets beat writer starting back in 1999. They reflect on past moments, from players boycotting team practice to covering the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy while in town for work, to Carmelo Anthony being drafted third overall, and more! Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Marc J. Spears Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David are back with another segment of NBA2Day to discuss one of the biggest stories in the NBA that focuses on Anthony Davis's recent injury (0:40). Then, they begin by breaking down the CNN town hall with former president Donald Trump and the strife that ensued, before touching on Ron DeSantis in Iowa, and bidding farewell to MTV News (10:57). Later, former senior White House media spokesman Eric Schultz joins Bryan to discuss his role in ‘Succession.’ He talks about being approached by the show, the scenes that required his expertise, and then ranks his favorite political shows (32:40). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Eric Schultz Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Lakers radio announcer John Ireland to discuss the team’s turnaround after the trade deadline, their style of play, and Anthony Davis’s injury (01:26). They talk about Ireland’s career path from local news to talk radio to being the Lakers’ play-by-play commentator (20:20). Also, they recount Kobe Bryant’s last game, power rank the L.A. sports teams, and recall memorable celebrity encounters (29:20). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: John Ireland Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David discuss what went wrong with the New York Times profile about Elizabeth Holmes (9:48). Later, they discuss Donald Trump’s town hall being broadcast on CNN and more Tucker Carlson news (35:18). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Chris Heath to discuss his new Tom Hanks profile for The Atlantic. They dive into Heath’s experience profiling Hanks (3:30), talk through Heath’s career working for magazines such as Smash Hits and GQ (11:52), and then review past profiles on celebrities ranging from Robert De Niro to Donald Trump to Russell Crowe (13:38). 'The Making of Tom Hanks' Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Chris Heath Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David break down Biden’s reelection announcement and press conference cheat sheet and weigh in on the type of “Rose Garden” campaign he could be running (13:10). Then, they highlight some key takeaways from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner hosted by Roy Wood Jr. (29:40) before addressing Giannis’s response to the media when asked what he thought about the season (35:24). Later, they bid farewell to beloved talk show host Jerry Springer (44:55). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Brian Stelter to talk about Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News, what may have caused it, and what's next for Carlson. They also discuss the Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems settlement and how the network may change going forward. Later, they talk about Don Lemon’s departure from CNN and what it means for the network. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Brian Stelter Associate Producer Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David dive into recent news that Tucker Carlson and Fox News, as well as Don Lemon and CNN, have parted ways (0:42), and discuss what this means for all parties involved. Then, they providing more details behind ESPN’s layoffs (23:21), and the announcement that BuzzFeed News will be shutting down (35:52), before weighing in on the media’s current stance on Ron DeSantis’s chances in a Republican primary against Trump (43:00). They then wrap things up with an NBA conversation focused on the need for a new word for “midsection” (52:55). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Jemele Hill to discuss the news reported by CNBC that ESPN will be making layoffs beginning next week. Jemele reflects on the layoffs back in 2018 while she was still at the company, then discusses the similar experience had at CNN+. Later, they talk through what life has been like after leaving ESPN, and then react to current media stories from Elon’s Twitter to the Fox-Dominion lawsuit and settlement. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jemele Hill Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David break down all the media notes from the first weekend of the NBA playoffs. They highlight LeBron and the Lakers' win, touch on Sunday’s injury reports, and discuss whether we’re in announcing’s golden age with individuals such as Mike Breen, Ian Eagle, and Kevin Harlan (5:58). Later, they dive into a new segment, This Week in 2024, where they talk through what’s happening on the campaign trail (26:44). Then, they provide a cheat sheet of things to know heading into the Fox News–Dominion trial (37:20). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by NPR’s David Folkenflik to discuss NPR’s decision to quit Twitter (1:30) before he then provides an expert briefing on the Fox News defamation lawsuit (6:19). They begin by breaking down what happened back in 2020 that led Fox into court, dive into the details of the case provided in emails and texts from Fox reporters, executives, and Rupert Murdoch himself, and then discuss the cost of the lawsuit for Fox and, potentially, the work of journalists. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: David Folkenflick Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David start the pod by reacting to the media’s coverage of last night’s episode of ‘Succession’ (00:31). After, they discuss whether the 2024 presidential election is mirroring the election in 2016 and Al Roker asking President Joe Biden whether he’ll run in 2024 (08:07). They also debate whether bringing back the political debate show ‘Crossfire’ would work today (17:30). Later, they give their Masters TV scorecard and ask: How did every movie end up becoming a cult classic (30:43)? Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David discuss former president Donald Trump’s arrest, and dive into how reporters are covering the indictment (3:13). Later, they weigh in on the conversation between Stephen A. Smith and Dan Le Batard, on 'The Dan Le Batard Show' where they discuss debate television and their parts within the sphere (22:50). Then, they address news that Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been the first American arrested in Russia (43:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David are back ahead of ‘WrestleMania’ 39 to discuss what it’s like to cover WWE as both a fan and a journalist (0:38). Then, Bryan is joined by executive director of WWE’s creative writing team, Bruce Prichard, to discuss the start of his career, talk through the process of writing for stars like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin, and then decide which play-by-play announcer he’d like to call a wrestling match (17:00). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Bruce Prichard Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David touch on a few obits, starting with the Texas Observer, which may or may not be shutting down (0:43). Then they discuss the presidential campaign’s first walk-back of the season, featuring Ron DeSantis and his stance on the invasion of Ukraine (12:08). Later, they dive into the Wired profile of popular fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and discuss the writer’s approach and the backlash to the piece (30:12). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Padres announcer Don Orsillo to discuss the adjustment both broadcasters and players are experiencing due to the recent rule change introducing a pitch clock (1:41). Then, they reflect on Orsillo’s start as a broadcaster and his blueprint to the Major Leagues, starting with the Red Sox and eventually transitioning to the Padres after 20 years (10:11). Plus, a conversation about Orsillo’s favorite hobbies: cooking and fishing. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Don Orsillo Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David start the pod by discussing a recent article about Jimmy Carter that some are using to discount his presidency. Next, they dive into Donald Trump's possible impending arrest, listen to Ron DeSantis's comments about it, and break down the logistical complications of indicting a former president and what this might do for Trump's reelection campaign (6:11). After the break, they discuss FDU's upset over Purdue in the NCAA tournament, the rumors around Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film, and the life of film critic Pauline Kael (27:09). David ends the pod by trying to guess this week's Strained-Pun Headline (38:30). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David are back to discuss all that’s happening throughout the NFL "legal tampering period," a.k.a. free agency (0:40), and they touch on the biggest stories involving Aaron Rodgers, trade inflation, and more! Then, they switch gears and review Tucker Carlson’s media position while more information is released from the Dominion lawsuit (22:24). Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Host: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Jason Gay to break down BBC’s response to political comments by 'Match of the Day’ host Gary Lineker. They discuss Lineker’s support from colleagues and the all-too-familiar reaction when sportscasters talk politics (1:53). Then, they weigh in on Diamond Sports' bankruptcy and how this will affect the sport of baseball if it's forced to be broadcast locally (10:56). Later, they touch on Seth Rogen’s commentary about film critics on the 'Diary of a CEO' podcast (24:40) before diving into JJ Redick's response to shows like 'First Take' (33:12) and then Aaron Rodgers’s potential with the Jets and New York media (38:43). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and Jason Gay Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik. They talk about his role in ‘Tár’ and what it was like to work on the movie (1:50). Then, they discuss The New Yorker and his career in journalism (14:50). Finally, they get into his relationship with sports and sports media (26:00). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Adam Gopnik Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David break down the Dominion lawsuit against Fox News and discuss what we’ve learned (2:55). Later, they preview the Oscars and refer to past campaigns with the help of Michael Schulman's new book, 'Oscar Wars,' (25:03) before weighing in on Ron DeSantis’s media strategy that doesn't involve mainstream media (40:18). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Tara Palmeri from Puck to preview the 2024 presidential race. They discuss Trump’s current position in the polls and relationship with the media (2:00), weigh in on Ron DeSantis’s potential candidacy against Trump compared to that of other Republican candidates (10:22), and then review President Biden’s potential for reelection with VP Kamala Harris (20:28). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Tara Palmeri Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David are back with some news from Texas: Chip Gaines bought Larry McMurtry’s bookstore in the “hard-scrabbled” town of Archer City, Texas (0:37). Then, they check in on the 2024 presidential race, which may or may not include President Joe Biden, and discuss the handful of Republican candidates who would be tasked with running against fellow party candidate Donald Trump (11:31). Later, they discuss Don Lemon’s recent misogynistic comments (29:31) before touching on media news, including Jen Psaki’s new television program and A.O. Scott moving to The New York Times Book Review (33:25). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by NY Magazine features writer Shawn McCreesh to discuss his profile on crisis communications representative Risa Heller and to touch on his career at the magazine. They dive into how this story came about, which well-known clients Heller has represented, and her relationship with the media (1:36). Then, they talk through McCreesh's career, from working for Maureen Dowd as an editorial assistant at the Times to finding his space at New York Magazine (16:30). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Shawn McCreesh Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Kevin Van Valkenburg to discuss his career as an editorial director for ‘No Laying Up.’ Valkenburg dives into his transition from ESPN and his revitalized passion for the sport of golf (5:46), touches on next career moves writing columns and storytelling (18:46), and talks through the advantages of working for a smaller company. Later, they weigh in on how the sport of golf has evolved, what watching players such as Tiger, Mickelson, and Spieth has been like over the years, the future of golf with the help of Netflix series ‘Full Swing,’ and the impact of LIV Golf (44:17). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Kevin Van Valkenburg Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David react to the 57th Super Bowl, which ended with the Kansas City Chiefs taking home the championship win against the Philadelphia Eagles. They begin with thoughts on the controversial fourth-quarter holding call, discuss Greg Olsen and Kevin Burkhardt's analysis, and touch on all the celebrity commercials and Rihanna’s halftime performance before wrapping things up with some pregame notes. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined on Radio Row by Chris “Mad Dog” Russo of Sirius XM to talk about his career as a radio host, from the biggest media transitions throughout the year to his favorite thing about radio, and about his recent reunion with Mike Francesa on ‘First Take’ (1:45). Later, Bryan is joined by Sports Hub radio host Mike Felger to dive into his career covering Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, finding his niche on air, and radio’s competitive edge compared to other mediums (21:12). Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Chris Russo and Mike Felger Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is live from Radio Row and joined by The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to discuss the news of Tom Brady’s retirement, take two. They talk through his future at Fox and his no. 1 comp, Greg Olsen, and then break down other comparisons in media, such as Frank Gifford and Tony Romo (1:08). Later, they bid farewell to Gawker 2.0, touch on news that the National Enquirer has been sold, and ponder whether or not the Super Bowl party is doomed (36:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and Jason Gay Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Wright Thompson on the 10-year anniversary of his ESPN profile "Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building." They begin by reflecting on the pitching process—discussing how the story came to be and how Thompson got a hold of Michael—then touch on his expectations for the piece, his experience talking with both Michael and Michael's friend George Koehler, and what he came prepared for. Later, they discuss the impact the piece had on his career and how it compares to features highlighting other greats such as Tiger Woods, Ted Williams, and Phil Mickelson. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Wright Thompson Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David react to the news that BuzzFeed will be utilizing artificial intelligence throughout the company and discuss how this could impact the media landscape (5:47). Then, they talk through weekend media takeaways from the NFC and AFC championship games, from the lack of replay shots to Tony Romo’s overly enthusiastic performance in the booth (19:20), before weighing in on Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s column in The Guardian where she discusses the cult of book ownership and why she’s giving away her books (39:46). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by Nora Princiotti, a few weeks before from the Super Bowl, to unpack NFL playoff media topics, ranging from Colts owner Jim Irsay potentially hiring Jeff Saturday, to Tom Brady thanking beat writers after his last game of the season (1:55). Then, ‘Wall Street Journal’ columnist Jason Gay joins to remember the legendary sports announcer Billy Packer and how his career transformed college basketball (33:18). Host: Bryan Curtis Guests: Nora Princiotti and Jason Gay Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and David begin the week talking about the Dallas Cowboys' playoff loss against the San Francisco 49ers and discuss the role they play as a content machine (0:34). Then, they break down and rate the multitude of fibs told by U.S. Representative George Santos (7:17), before weighing in on Shannon Sharpe’s altercation with Memphis Grizzlies players at the L.A. Lakers game last week (26:40), and highlighting New Jersey restaurant Meemom's and their pun-y menu item “Chorizo Me Crazy” (37:06). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained Pun Headline. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Mike Sielski to talk about covering the Eagles and what it’s like to write in Philadelphia. They start by discussing the unique nature of Philadelphia sports fans. Then they talk about Mike’s career and how he approaches writing columns and writing on tight deadlines. Later, they discuss his book, ‘The Rise’, about the origin story of Kobe Bryant. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Mike Sielski Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by author and Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay to discuss Prince Harry’s new memoir, ‘Spare.’ They weigh in on the American interest in the royals and highlight a few disclosures that stood out in the memoir (1:44). Later, they recap the wild-card playoff round and touch on what could have been Brady’s last game as a player and his potential future at Fox (27:40) before diving into Netflix’s newest documentary series on tennis, ‘Break Point,’ and discussing the possible impact it could have on the sport (48:38). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and Jason Gay Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by ESPN’s Joe Buck to discuss his perspective on Damar Hamlin’s injury in the Bills-Bengals game. They touch on the booth’s immediate reaction to Hamlin’s injury, the responsibility of an announcer in moments of uncertainty, and how the players and coaches handled the situation. Later, they revisit Buck’s first year on ‘Monday Night Football,’ discuss preparation for the upcoming playoff game between Tampa Bay and the Dallas Cowboys, and recall his weekly dreams with visits from his late father. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Joe Buck Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan is joined by football Hall of Famer and NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin on the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Dallas Cowboys. They revisit that season’s NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, reminisce about Dallas’s Super Bowl victory over the Buffalo Bills, and discuss details behind the Cowboys’ performance—including Irvin’s most replayed catch of all time—and offer a last-minute discussion about the current team heading into the playoffs. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Michael Irvin Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices