

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

Aug 15, 2024 • 50min
The Return of Hannibal Lecter, the Trump Hack, and a ‘Hard Knocks’ Check-In With Alan Siegel
Hello, media consumers! Bryan welcomes The Ringer’s own Hollywood bureau chief, Alan Siegel. They both share some of their lukewarm takes on the media and the following subjects:
Donald Trump’s love affair with Hannibal Lecter (01:31).
The Donald Trump hack: documents sent to Politico emails (8:42)
A sports documentary check-in on 'Hard Knocks' and 'Receiver' (18:15)
The essence of cable news (28:01)
Australian B-girl Raygun breaks her silence (37:26)
Alan closes out with a few of his “only journalism words" (43:22)
Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Host: Bryan CurtisGuest: Alan SiegelProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 56min
The Tim Walz Coach Campaign, the Return of the Trump Exposé, and Charles Barkley’s New-Old Job.
Tim Walz, a political figure potentially vying for a VP role, dives into the intricacies of his candidacy amid Kamala Harris's rise and the shifting dynamics of the 2024 race. Donald Trump’s campaign strategies are scrutinized, highlighting his quirky comments and adapting media tactics. The comedy of political jabs is explored, alongside notable performances in Olympic basketball. Plus, Charles Barkley shares insights on his return to broadcasting, reflecting on his influence in the sports media landscape.

6 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 53min
Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz, Evan Gershkovich Is Free, and the RFK–Bear Cub Affair
Tim Walz, recently chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate, discusses his unique approach to connecting with voters in a changing political landscape. Evan Gershkovich shares insights following his dramatic release from a Russian prison, highlighting the gravity of journalistic ethics. The podcast also dives into a bizarre bear cub incident that sparks laughter and controversy. With wit and depth, the hosts explore the nuances of media narratives and the evolving expectations of political discourse, making for a lively and informative conversation.

Jul 29, 2024 • 48min
The Veep TV Auditions, Olympics Takes, an (Almost) NBA Rights Deal, and Remembering Evan Wright
Evan Wright, a celebrated journalist known for his brave reporting on challenging issues, is remembered in this lively discussion. The hosts delve into the star-studded opening ceremonies of the Olympics and ponder the influence of AI on sports commentary. They also explore the intriguing political auditions for Kamala Harris’s running mate, highlighting notable names. The chaotic NBA media rights negotiations unfold with humorous takes, and the conversation concludes with an insightful tribute to Wright’s impactful career.

5 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 51min
The Kamala Harris Campaign, Fraught Political Relationships, and the Last Days of the Biden 2024 Beat With Axios’s Alex Thompson
National political correspondent Alex Thompson discusses Biden dropping out of the race, Biden-Harris relationship dynamics, Biden-Obama tensions, and the upcoming coverage of Kamala Harris. Plus, some humorous political puns and bribery conviction insights.

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Biden-Harris Switch, Three Weeks of Political Scoops, and Farewell to Skip Bayless and Pete Wells
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed by President Joe Biden in a surprising move. Cable news slow to cover event. Skip Bayless leaving Fox Sports, TNT competing with Amazon for NBA media rights, Pete Wells resigning as NY Times food critic. Hulk Hogan and Dana White appearances at RNC discussed. Cultural shifts in content consumption also mentioned.

Jul 18, 2024 • 27min
A Report From the Republican Convention With the Washington Post’s Chris Suellentrop
Chris Suellentrop from The Washington Post discusses the excitement at the Republican National Convention, analyzing J.D. Vance's speech and Trump's potential effectiveness. They explore the impact of an assassination attempt at the convention and the shifting tones from anti-Biden rhetoric to lighter moments like Trump dancing. The chapter also covers reporter roles and interactions at political conventions.

Jul 15, 2024 • 33min
How the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump Was Covered
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David react to the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. They discuss the following, regarding the coverage:
Reactions to hearing the news (0:36)
The photographers and the amazing photos they captured (4:30)
Interviews that took place immediately after the shooting (10:40)
Social media conspiracy theories (20:12)
Host: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 52min
Reporting on the Biden Age Question, Interviewing Kamala Harris, and the Democrats’ MSNBC Problem With NYT’s Astead Herndon
Astead Herndon from The New York Times talks Biden's age impact and potential one-term presidency. Discusses Biden's online campaign shift and his interview with Kamala Harris. Includes banter on punny headlines and NBA media rights deal speculations.

4 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 53min
Did Reporters Blow It With Biden? Plus, POTUS Breaks His Silence and a Report From the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp.
This podcast talks about reporters potentially mishandling coverage of Joe Biden, his recent interview with ABC, and the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp for players transitioning into broadcasting. They discuss the impact of media coverage on Biden, storytelling in sports versus politics, and concerns about Biden's age and ability to win.