The Press Box

Mark Kriegel, author of 'Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson', shares fascinating insights into the life and legacy of Mike Tyson, exploring how his persona has evolved within sports and pop culture. He discusses the challenges of writing a compelling sports biography, highlighting themes of mentorship and personal struggle. The conversation also touches on Tyson’s lasting impact on both boxing and broader cultural narratives, showcasing how a fighter's story can resonate through generations.

Bryan and Joel dive into the Democrats' ambitious quest for a charismatic liberal figure like Joe Rogan, highlighting the challenges of engaging audiences through new media. They explore the blurry lines between journalistic integrity and the entertainment-focused podcasting landscape. The conversation shifts to Texas barbecue, celebrating its rich culture while ranking the best joints according to Texas Monthly. The hosts balance political insights with humor, making for an engaging listen that mixes food, politics, and media discussions.

Explore the rise of the three-man announcing booth in the NBA and its impact on commentary quality. Delve into Elon Musk's media presence and the challenges in shaping his public image. Discuss the latest 'Mission: Impossible' film and its mixed reviews, along with amusing insights into celebrity culture. Hear about the most awkward question ever asked at a White House briefing and its effect on political discourse. Plus, enjoy playful puns and a fun giveaway to engage listeners!

The hosts dive into the heated world of sports media beef, highlighting Reggie Miller’s take on the Eastern Conference finals and Tyrese Haliburton’s antics. Draymond Green's new role on 'Inside the NBA' adds to the conversation about personalities in sports commentary. A heartfelt reflection on the end of 'Around the Horn' sheds light on ESPN's shifting strategy. Finally, the discussion touches on the quirky challenges AI poses to journalism, including its hilarious blunders in book recommendations.

This episode dives into the thrilling conclusion of the Preakness Stakes and the artistry of race commentary. It reflects on the nostalgia surrounding the end of TNT's NBA broadcasts and the changing landscape of sports coverage. The dominance of sports in television is examined, highlighting its overshadowing of scripted content. Attention shifts to the new era of ESPN's streaming service and its implications for sports viewers. Humorously, the hosts dissect Twitter jokes and the blend of sports with journalism, creating an entertaining dialogue.

Dive into the intriguing world of media with a look at how tell-all books, like 'Original Sin', are reshaping narratives about political figures like Biden. Explore the impact of injuries on athlete legacies and the changing landscape of sports journalism, especially how podcasts are taking the place of traditional magazines. Reflect on Pete Rose's controversial ban and discuss the evolving etiquette in newsrooms. This engaging conversation highlights the intersection of media, storytelling, and personal influence in modern sports.

Adam Wren, a national politics correspondent for Politico, dives into the media frenzy surrounding the new Pope. He shares quirky insights about the cultural excitement of papal coverage and how it compares to other contemporary events. Wren also discusses the resurgence of Joe Biden and the strategies his team is employing ahead of an upcoming book release. The conversation touches on the challenges Biden faces and how current media dynamics influence public perception of political figures.

Brian Windhorst, an ESPN basketball reporter known for his insights on NBA dynamics, joins the discussion to share his journey to ESPN and what aspiring journalists can learn from it. He delves into the challenges of modern reporting in an era dominated by aggregators and social media. Windhorst shares captivating stories from Gregg Popovich and reflects on how the NBA media landscape has transformed, affecting player and reporter relationships. He also discusses the future of basketball reporting and the importance of responsible storytelling.

Ashley Parker, a reporter for The Atlantic known for her insightful political coverage, joins to discuss her bold attempt at cold-calling Donald Trump for an interview. The conversation dives into the unique challenges of modern political journalism and the unusual strategies employed to secure high-profile interviews. Additionally, the hosts explore how sports media is increasingly intertwining with personal narratives, especially those involving athletes' families, reshaping audience engagement and storytelling in the industry.

Mike Tirico, renowned NBC Sports sportscaster, joins for a lively discussion on various sports topics. He dives into the chaos of Bill Belichick's recent interview, shedding light on how personal stories shape public perceptions. Tirico also shares insights on covering the Kentucky Derby, including the significance of a horse named "Journalism." The talk reflects on the dynamic interplay between sports and media, and the challenges faced by commentators in today's landscape. Expect wit, humor, and a passionate take on the evolving world of sports!