The Press Box

CNN anchor Abby Phillip joins to discuss her new book on Rev. Jesse Jackson, reflecting on his significant political influence and mentorship under Martin Luther King Jr. She explores Jackson's legacy and its ties to modern figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC. Abby shares insights on her transition from reporter to anchor, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of each role. The conversation also delves into the evolving landscape of cable news and the importance of authentic dialogue in journalism.

The hosts dive into the fallout from Jaguars coach Liam Coen's controversial press conference after playoff elimination. They unpack the thin line between journalistic integrity and human compassion in sports. There's a critique of Tony Romo's lackluster commentary during the NFL playoffs, contrasting it with Tom Brady's impressive broadcasting debut. The discussion also touches on the new California Post raiding the LA Times staff and the implications of billionaire ownership on local news. Lastly, they explore recent media interactions involving Trump and their theatrical nature.

Joe Buck, a renowned sports announcer known for his NFL and MLB broadcasts, joins the conversation to share anecdotes from his career and life. He recounts an amusing story about getting a black eye while breaking up a fight between his sons. Buck reflects on his father, Jack Buck's, influence and his own experience with nepotism. The discussion also includes insights into his partnership with Troy Aikman and Buck's fond memories of St. Louis. Additionally, the hosts analyze the decline of local journalism with the closure of a Pittsburgh newspaper.

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the recent regime change in Venezuela and how major media outlets like CNN have covered it. They also discuss Tony Dokoupil's new role at CBS News and the implications of the network's fresh values. The hosts analyze the controversy around a spiked 60 Minutes segment involving Bari Weiss. Wrapping up, they share memorable football audio from the weekend and debate NFL announcers juggling side gigs while maintaining their broadcasting roles.

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.

Hello, media consumers! Today’s episode is a special year-end edition of The Press Box where Bryan is joined not only by David but by Joel as well! Bryan, David, and Joel come together to discuss the 12 people who shaped the media in 2025, in no particular order. The show starts out with Joel and David meeting each other for the first time, followed immediately by a dive into the first person on their list (02:47). The guys execute a three-man weave, discussing and sharing their thoughts on the 12 people they think shaped the media in 2025, including Donald Trump, Pablo Torre, and Bari Weiss. The show ends with Bryan, David, and Joel giving some 2026 predictions (1:41:58). All that and more, here on The Press Box. No. 1 - (02:47) No. 2 - (11:02) No. 3 - (18:10) No. 4 - (24:58) No. 5 - (38:22) No. 6 - (52:57) No. 7 - (1:03:21) No. 8 - (1:11:49) No. 9 - (1:23:05) No. 10 - (1:27:26) No. 11 - (1:33:53) No. 12 - (1:36:00) Hosts: Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Joel Anderson Producer: Bruce Baldwin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan and Joel exchange gifts in celebration of Jolabokaflod, diving into discussions about reading habits. They analyze Trump's recent TV speech, emphasizing his narrative shifts and the role of political theater. A profile on Susie Wiles in Vanity Fair sparks insights into her influence in Trump's circle. They also explore the peculiar saga of Sherrone Moore and critique ESPN's coverage choices. The conversation wraps up with reactions to the Oscars moving to YouTube, highlighting its implications for media consumption.

This episode dives into the fascinating world of Jolabokaflod, sharing the joys of Iceland's book-giving tradition. They discuss Vanity Fair's revealing profile of Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, exploring her commentary on various hot-button issues. The hosts also scrutinize the media's coverage of Rob Reiner's tragic death, analyzing how initial reports shaped public perception. Rounding off, they revisit classic moments in football and wrestling, while playfully dissecting the phenomenon of journalists sporting mullets.

In a lively discussion, hosts break down the potential sale of CNN and Trump's influence in reshaping its future. They critique a post-game interview between Laura Rutledge and Justin Herbert, suggesting innovative ways to revamp athlete interviews. The latest installment of the Telos-Novela reveals media intrigue surrounding key figures. They also dive into the outrage over the College Football Playoff bracket and analyze the impacts of such controversies. Finally, they review a revealing Diddy documentary, spotlighting its fresh insights and archival footage.

Media shake-ups take center stage as the hosts discuss Olivia Nuzzi's departure from Vanity Fair and the implications for Ryan Lizza's Substack. The potential futures of CNN, whether as a standalone or under Paramount, are dissected. College Football Playoff drama unfolds, with an analysis of controversial ranking decisions and the media's perpetual frustration with the selection committee. Plus, the White House's new 'media bias' webpage raises eyebrows, all wrapped up with some lighthearted segments on podcast clichés and more!