

The Press Box
The Ringer
The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker and Joel Anderson catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
ESPN’s Gamble, CBS and John Dickerson, and Graham Platner’s Reddit Posts
The hosts dive into the NBA gambling scandal, examining major arrests and ESPN's questionable coverage. They discuss John Dickerson's exit from CBS Evening News and speculate on possible replacements. A controversial Reddit post by Senate candidate Graham Platner brings attention, highlighting past comments and a tattoo controversy. The conversation emphasizes the blurring lines between media and politics, alongside a playful take on football cliches and the latest trending jokes.

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h
How Zohran Mamdani Won the Hearts and Minds of the Media (and New York City)
Eric Lach, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Ready or Not,' joins to discuss Zohran Mamdani, a rising star in New York politics. Lach delves into Mamdani's engaging media presence and how he captivates reporters. They explore Mamdani's campaign promises, from universal childcare to affordable housing. Lach also shares insights from his unique interviews, including interactions with Mamdani's father, and reflects on the delicate balance of admiration and critique in political profiling. It's a lively look at a young leader shaking things up!

6 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 58min
An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés
Dive into a lively chat about the unexpected 'your mom' retort from the White House and some uplifting news regarding The Washington Post. Explore the exciting NBA season ahead, including Dirk Nowitzki's debut as an analyst and Mike Tirico's return to the court. The hosts also have fun with NFL clichés submitted by listeners, poking fun at expressions like 'great on great.' Plus, they share a humorous Halloween candy mix-up story that adds a personal touch to the discussion!

6 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
Zohran Mamdani Goes on Fox News, the Great Pentagon Walkout, and Awkward NFL Coach Audio
In a lively discussion, hosts tackle the dramatic media walkout at the Pentagon over new restrictive guidelines. They also highlight Olivia Nuzzi's comeback and her upcoming book deal. Zohran Mamdani's interview on Fox News is scrutinized for its sharp policy framing and the way he handled Trump’s attacks. NFL scrutiny continues with awkward coach interviews that reveal the challenges of media relations. The duo wraps up with a humorous dive into football clichés and shares their thoughts on newsroom quirks.

6 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 57min
Bari Weiss’s Memo, Marc Maron’s Goodbye, and College Football’s Most Interesting Coach
Dive into Bari Weiss's intriguing memo to new hires—could it be seen as threatening? Discover the highlights from Marc Maron’s emotional farewell with Barack Obama, including Obama’s thoughts on social media. Enjoy a hilarious roundup of football audio, featuring quirky characters and player blunders. The hosts critique the worst White House questions, dissect a viral Tua Tagovailoa meme, and explore J.B. Pritzker's political moves. Tune in for a lively discussion on Pentagon press access and a playful guessing game on strained puns!

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 32min
Jen Psaki on the Democrats and the Future of MSNBC. Plus, Paul Finebaum vs. ESPN and the End of LeBron’s Media Headlock
Jen Psaki, MSNBC host and former White House press secretary, discusses the Democratic Party's communication strategies and the future of cable news. She critiques Katie Porter's interview techniques and emphasizes the need for politicians to effectively engage with modern media, including podcasts. Psaki advocates for innovative White House briefings and attracting younger audiences to MSNBC. She also explores the importance of diverse representation within the party and how candidates can creatively connect with voters.

10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
Bari Weiss’s First Day at CBS, Reporting on Mark Sanchez, and the GOAT-dom of Chris Berman
The hosts dive into Bari Weiss's first day at CBS News, exploring her potential impact on the network amidst declining public trust in media. They discuss the misreporting surrounding Mark Sanchez's arrest and the pitfalls of breaking news on social media. Highlights include praise for Eric Collins's enthusiastic NFL debut and a nostalgic look at Chris Berman's legacy in sports broadcasting. Finally, they touch on the challenges of modern headline culture and the evolving landscape of audience trust.

13 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 21min
The Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates Showdown, Floating Paul Finebaum for Senate, and the Meaning of Kamala’s Book Sales
Dive into a heated exchange between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates as they debate the ethics of journalism in light of political grief. Explore the surprising prospect of ESPN's Paul Finebaum running for the Senate and the implications of his political leanings. The discussion also touches on the explosive sales of Kamala Harris's memoir and the evolving landscape of Washington Post's opinion section. With a mix of serious discussions and lighter moments, the hosts keep listeners engaged throughout!

13 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 47min
A 25 for 25 Double Feature: Dean Jelani Cobb on the Future of J-School. Plus, Spencer Hall on “Weird Internet.”
Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and New Yorker staff writer, discusses the evolving future of journalism education, emphasizing ethics, public trust, and the importance of transparency in media. He argues for a balance of subject expertise and journalistic technique. Spencer Hall, writer and co-founder of Channel 6, reflects on his unique voice, the 'weird internet,' and how his unconventional path shaped his career. He shares insights on community engagement and creative independence in the media landscape.

Sep 29, 2025 • 55min
A Report From the Cowboys-Packers Tie, the Rise of the Bernie Bio, and Barbecue Notes From Texas
Bryan shares insider stories from his trip to Dallas, revealing secrets of football reporting and contrasting the Micah Parsons trade with Luka Doncic's. They dive into lively moments from a Cowboys-Packers game, including unexpected broadcaster antics and a hilarious sideline interview with Ben Johnson. Discussions also touch on why Bernie Sanders is getting biographies now, and Leonardo DiCaprio's viral name anecdote. Plus, there's a humorous look at the overused Twitter jokes about football ties.


