The Press Box The Holiday Mailbag Episode
Dec 29, 2025
Bryan and Joel dive into their favorite media habits, discussing pleasure reading versus work. They tackle the most overcovered story of the year and ponder which iconic publication should be revived. Amusing barbecue line anecdotes add a personal touch, while recommendations of influential authors highlight their writing processes. The duo reflects on memorable interviews and shares the thrill of discovering hidden book gems in used bookstores. Year-end sentiments wrap up their engaging banter and insights.
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Books As An Unplugged Reset
- Bryan Curtis treats books as his personal escape and reads physical books to disconnect from work and sleep better.
- He reads broadly, including fiction and nonfiction, to refresh his perspective and improve his writing.
Work And Pleasure Often Overlap
- Joel Anderson often consumes media that overlaps with his work because reporting lets him follow what genuinely interests him.
- He mainly uses audiobooks and podcasts in the dark hours so parenting duties and work rhythms fit together.
Grammar Of TV News Limits Reinvention
- Both hosts argue cable-news formats persist because television has tested and optimized language and presentation to keep viewers watching.
- Changing the grammar of TV news is the real obstacle to reinventing networks like CNN for new audiences.