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

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
A Deluge of Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Takes. Plus: Kara Voght on the Embattled White House Correspondents' Dinner.
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

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
How the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit Is Being Covered. Plus, the NFL Draft Media Economy.
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

22 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 53min
25 for 25: Chris Ryan on the Birth, Death, and Rebirth of Blogging
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.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Lee Corso’s Legendary 'College GameDay' Run. Plus: The White House's Attack on the Associated Press.
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

6 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 57min
Rory McIlroy’s Long-Awaited Masters Win, the Barstool Apology Tour, and the Nico Iamaleava Saga
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.

16 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 27min
25 for 25: The New York Times’ Jamelle Bouie on the Future of the Opinion Columnist
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.

5 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Catching up on the Atlantic Mega-Scoop and Stephen A. vs. LeBron. Plus: Bryan’s Southwest Travelogue.
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.

12 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 34min
Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis on Launching the Sports Gabfest, the Benefit of Mutually Reinforcing Weirdo Tendencies, and Why They Hate the Hall of Fame
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.

15 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 2h 1min
25 for 25 Industry in Memoriam: Remembering the Publications Lost in the 21st Century
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.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 34min
Van Lathan on What Makes a Good Political Pundit, How TMZ Shaped Him and His Career, and a Very Special Request for Hillary Clinton and His Mom.
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.