The Press Box

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!

Hello media consumers! Bryan and David are back to opine on the overwhelming amount of content that has come from Shedeur Sanders sliding in the NFL draft (1:00), including a bizarre story line about the son of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator prank-calling Sanders (22:00). Then, they run through a handful of smaller stories from the weekend, including the awkward Bill Belichick CBS Sunday Morning interview that went viral (32:00) and “WWW PR” trending (37:00). In the notebook dump, the Washington Post’s Kara Voght joins to relay her experience of attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner (44:00).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Kara VoghtSenior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, media consumers! On this Press Box Thursday, Bryan and Joel discuss the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit, Stephen A. Smith’s role in negotiating ESPN’s public response to it, and how the rest of the media world has reacted to this news (10:00). Then, they assess new entries in the “worst question asked at the White House” genre (32:00) and talk about the NFL draft as a media property—the TV show vs. attending in person, the overwhelming amount of mock drafts, and the line between fans of the NFL and fans of college football (39:00). Finally, they react to the turmoil at ‘60 Minutes’ following the $20 billion Trump lawsuit against CBS (52:00).Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. AndersonSenior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan, a Ringer superstar and former blogger, reflects on the transformative era of blogging from the mid-2000s. He shares nostalgic tales of early online communities and the freedom that came with blogging. The conversation delves into the evolution of music and NBA writing, emphasizing the personal connections and creative expressions that flourished. They discuss the bittersweet loss of much content to the digital age and wonder if blogging might see a resurgence in this social media-driven landscape.

Hello, media consumers! This Press Box Thursday edition includes a J-School on bylines, steak sauce, and nonprofit media (1:00). Then, Bryan and Joel dig into Lee Corso’s retirement from 'College GameDay' (20:00), Trump’s attempt to prevent the AP from covering the White House (33:00), and Nico Harrison’s bizarre closed-door press conference (40:00). Plus: journalists in space and an update on Journalism, the official race horse of The Press Box.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel D. AndersonSenior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.