
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

7 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 55min
ESPN's Rece Davis on Year One of the College Football Playoff, Lobbying the Committee on TV, and the True Story of LANK
Rece Davis, the insightful host of ESPN's GameDay, shares his thoughts on the inaugural year of the College Football Playoff. He reveals the pivotal role media personalities play in influencing committee decisions. Davis discusses the idea of hosting playoff rounds at home campuses, potentially boosting fan engagement. He reflects on working alongside legends like Nick Saban and the memorable phrase, “let a naysayer know,” offering a peek into the world behind the commentary. His anecdotes blend insights and humor, showcasing his deep love for college football.

12 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 14min
The Cowboys Coaching Content Machine, More on Big Cat, and Zuck’s Inauguration Plan
This week, the hosts dive into Tom Brady's surprising foray into broadcasting post-retirement. They discuss the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing coaching search and the complexities of managing such a high-profile franchise. Mark Zuckerberg's attendance at an upcoming inauguration with tech titans adds a political twist. The show also offers a heartfelt tribute to the late Bob Uecker, celebrating his comedic charm and lasting impact on baseball and entertainment.

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h
More Notes on the L.A. Fires, the Tom Brady One-and-Done Theory, and Sounds From the NFL Playoffs
The podcast dives into the impact of the recent L.A. fires, illuminating personal stories and communal resilience. Tom Brady's pivotal game raises questions about his future in broadcasting and his role as a minority owner of the Raiders. A.J. Brown grabs attention, reading on the sidelines, sparking debate about focus in sports. They also discuss the legacy of teams branded as 'proud franchises' and dissect the emotional ties fans have to their teams, from exhilaration to shame. Plus, intriguing insights from NFL playoff dynamics and evolving media trends.

6 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Night of the L.A. Fires, The Washington Post Vs. The Atlantic, and How to Cover Trump: Part 2
The hosts dive into Bryan's thoughts on the Intuit Dome and Hulk Hogan's unexpected reception at WWE's Netflix debut. A gripping account of the Los Angeles wildfires reveals how technology, like the Watch Duty app, aids residents during crises. They also analyze the rivalry between The Washington Post and The Atlantic, and the challenges of covering Donald Trump in today's turbulent media landscape. Lastly, they touch on Jason Kelce's late-night show featuring Charles Barkley, adding a fun twist to their discussions.

10 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 52min
The Washington Post Blues, the FS1 Lawsuit, and a Ringside Report From 'Raw' on Netflix
Dive into the electrifying ringside atmosphere of WWE's Netflix debut, with firsthand accounts from a live attendee. Explore the decline of The Washington Post as key journalists depart, raising questions about its future. Reflect on the legacy of Aaron Brown and the intriguing potential of Aaron Rodgers in television. A new magazine, ‘Metrograph,’ garners attention with unique insights, while a controversial Fox Sports lawsuit invites both scrutiny and humor. Plus, enjoy a witty banter about on-air personalities and amusing takes on media controversies.

Jan 6, 2025 • 57min
Paul Levesque on WWE’s Netflix Debut, How Streaming Will Change Wrestling, and the End of the 10:59 Problem
Join WWE's chief content officer, Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H, as he dives into WWE's transition to Netflix. He reveals how this streaming shift allows for more creative freedom in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the changing viewing habits and how streaming is poised to transform wrestling's future. Levesque discusses the complexities of roster management and navigating challenges in live broadcasts. Overall, it's a fascinating look at how digital platforms can redefine the wrestling experience.

11 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 3min
ESPN Does Journalism (of a Sort), Last Year’s Media Screw-Ups, and a Report From the Rose Bowl Press Box
As the new year kicks off, the hosts share amusing anecdotes about personal mishaps and the world of sports. They dive into the complexities of Ashton Jeanty's challenging game against Penn State and explore the impact of unconventional high schools on basketball rankings. A poignant discussion on ESPN's coverage of a tragic event highlights changes in sports journalism. Personal experiences from the vibrant Rose Bowl atmosphere bring nostalgia and community into focus, while reflections on media accountability wrap up a thought-provoking conversation.

11 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 12min
ESPN's College Football War, the Year of the Media Bro, and One Last Jolabokaflod Gift
Hello, media consumers! Do not adjust your podcast feeds, as Bryan is joined by Joel on the Monday edition with David away on assignment. They kick off the show with J School, where he discusses a few things, including covering big games on holidays and the Netflix NFL broadcast team (1:30). Then, they exchange Jolabokaflod Gifts (13:31). Then they discuss college football and how ESPN has been critical of the College Football Playoff… while televising it (17:53).They close out the show by recapping 2024. First, they talk about it being the year of the “Media Bro,” where they discuss athletes/sports pods rejecting Democrats (37:37), then it being the year of the “media layoff” (48:22), and lastly, it being the year in “ducking media” (52:40).Finally, they reflect on the lives of Jimmy Carter and Greg Gumbel (56:31).Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel AndersonProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 58min
Netflix Comes for the NFL, the Argument About the College Football Playoff, and a Very Merry Jolabokaflod
The hosts celebrate the festive tradition of Jolabokaflod while diving into Netflix's ambitious NFL Christmas broadcasts. They discuss Shannon Sharpe's fiery comments on the College Football Playoff aftermath. Moreover, they explore how media companies are reshaping content for CEOs and the ensuing challenges in sports broadcasting. With humor and insights, the conversation reflects on the evolving media landscape and the quirky dynamics of sports commentary.

20 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Year in ESPN, the Washington Post's Editor Search, and the NBA Ratings Puzzle
Explore the surprising ups and downs of ESPN in a year of major changes. Delve into the complex search for the Washington Post’s executive editor and its implications on journalistic integrity. Listen as the hosts analyze Donald Trump’s latest legal battles and their impact on media. Unpack the puzzling decline in NBA ratings, discussing the theories behind shifts in viewer habits. This lively conversation blends humor with sharp insights on the evolving landscape of sports media.