The Press Box

Rory McIlroy's thrilling triumph at Augusta takes center stage, revealing the drama of live sports reporting. The hosts dive into Stephen A. Smith's quirky presidential ambitions and the Barstool apology tour sparked by a controversial rumor. They explore the evolving landscape of college football reporting, particularly the Nico Iamaleava saga. Humor intertwines with insights as they discuss the racehorse 'Journalism' and tackle everything from steak sauce debates to the absurdities in the media and politics.

Jamelle Bouie, an opinion columnist for The New York Times and political analyst for CBS News, shares insights into modern journalism. He discusses the evolving role of opinion columnists in the internet age and how platforms like TikTok influence his work. The conversation dives into the complexities of editorial policies and the importance of diverse viewpoints. Bouie also reflects on the romanticization of past jobs, the misinterpretations of trade by political figures, and the responsibilities of journalists in addressing significant societal issues.

Bryan shares hilarious tales from his family vacation in the Southwest, including a wild trip to Las Vegas. The hosts dive into Jeffrey Goldberg's scoop on the Trump administration's war plans, unpacking the chaos of military strategy leaks. They also navigate the ongoing feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, revealing the complexities of sports media narratives. Plus, a discussion on the cancellation of Amber Ruffin by the White House Correspondents' Association brings attention to the intersection of humor and politics.

Josh Levin is the Editorial director of the Slow Burn podcast and author of The Queen, while Stefan Fatsis has penned several books including Word Freak. They delve into the quirks of sports media, expressing disdain for the Hall of Fame and discussing their unconventional paths in journalism. Their 'mutually reinforcing weirdo tendencies' shape their collaboration, enhancing their podcasting experience. They reflect on the evolution of their friendship and how their time on ‘Hang Up and Listen’ has influenced their current work, providing insights into both sports and media.

The discussion dives into the loss of iconic publications like Gawker and ESPN the Magazine, reflecting on their influence on journalism. There’s an exploration of emotional experiences tied to media closures, blending personal joy with professional loss. The legacy of sports journalism is examined, highlighting transformations and the impact of digital evolution. Nostalgia fuels a look back at publications that changed societal conversations and shaped media narratives, underscoring the challenge of adapting to an ever-evolving landscape.

Van Lathan, a political pundit and CNN contributor known for his potent commentary, shares his journey from TMZ to the media spotlight. He discusses the importance of preparation for TV appearances and reflects on the implications of NIL on college sports. The conversation touches on Stephen A. Smith as a potential presidential candidate and the quest to find a new face for the NBA. Van also recounts his unforgettable confrontation with Kanye West, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned in the world of entertainment.

Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair and Spy Magazine, joins the conversation with his sharp wit and insights. He shares the backstory of Spy Magazine's satirical edge and the heavy impact it had on its targets. They discuss his complex perception of Donald Trump and speculate whether Spy could thrive today. Carter also recounts landing the explosive 'Deep Throat' story and the glamorous Vanity Fair Oscar Party, while reflecting on what we've lost since the magazine era, revealing the unique era of print journalism.

The podcast dives into the contentious environment of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner during the Trump era. It discusses the controversial removal of Jackie Robinson's military story from the Defense Department's website, sparking debates on historical representation. The hosts ponder if March Madness is losing its charm, reflecting on its evolution and the impact of gambling. Lastly, they unpack the Chicago Sun-Times' struggles amid buyouts, emphasizing the challenges and importance of diverse voices in journalism today.

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David kick off the week by discussing Donald Trump’s dismantlement of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees the Voice of America (0:45). Then they get into the Old Guy’s Still Got It Segment with sounds from Rick Pitino (8:40), Tom Izzo (10:30), and Dick Vitale (14:20). Afterward they discuss Michael Wilbon’s tribute to John Feinstein (16:20). Later in the Notebook Dump they discuss the changes happening at The New Yorker (38:42).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducers: Jessie Lopez and Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello media consumers! "Bryan and Joel kick off the show with J-School during which they discuss Monday’s topics, including Stephen A. Smith vs. Tim Walz for the 2028 democratic nominee, sources calling after a Kendrick Perkins story, and more (1:24)They then get into the following headlines: Reflecting on John Feinstein’s legacy including his book, ‘A Season on the Brink’ (16:36) NFL free agency week in America (24:55) Michelle Obama and Gavin Newsom launching podcasts (43:38) Three pieces of audio that may make you smile, laugh, or furrow your brow (57:10) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel AndersonProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices