

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

May 6, 2021 • 54min
How to Write About Mask-Wearing. Plus, Listener Mail!
David Shoemaker is joined by Ringer writer Claire McNear to break down the Atlantic story "The Liberal Who Can't Quit Lockdown." They discuss readers' reactions to the piece, how it was reported, and touch on the related news about herd immunity (3:40). Then, Listener Mail, in which they answer questions about the audio-book process, who would make the best 'Jeopardy!' host, and Mike Greenberg hosting ESPN's NFL draft night (28:22). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week!Host: David ShoemakerGuest: Claire McNearAssociate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 29, 2021 • 58min
Listener Mail and the NFL Draft Devil’s Dictionary With Danny Heifetz
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your questions about Joe Rogan and the vaccine, a New York Post Kamala Harris controversy, and The New York Times losing the term “op-ed” for “guest essays” (2:50). Then, Danny Heifetz joins for the Devil’s Dictionary of NFL Draft Clichés to go through three rounds of top picks (23:12). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker and Danny Heifetz Guess the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Danny HeifetzAssociate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 26, 2021 • 55min
Oscar Takes. Plus, Noreen Malone on 'Slow Burn.'
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker share their takes from the 2021 Oscars and discuss the speeches, production value, and all the think pieces that came after (2:55). Then, host of Slate’s ‘Slow Burn’ podcast, Noreen Malone, joins to talk through Episode 1 of the new season and shares what we can expect from Season 5 (29:37). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Noreen MaloneAssociate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 22, 2021 • 1h 11min
The Chauvin Verdict, European Super League, and Author Brendan Koerner on a Kidnapping Gone Wrong
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker open up the mailbag and answer your Listener Mail. They weigh in on the Derek Chauvin verdict (3:20), discuss everyone’s reaction to the news of the Super League (14:40), and share which of their non-journalism jobs were the most memorable (29:12). Then, author Brendan Koerner stops by to discuss his recent piece in The Atlantic, “A Kidnapping Gone Very Wrong” (36:30).Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Brendan KoernerAssociate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 20, 2021 • 56min
Are Journalists Doing It Wrong? Plus, Jessica Bruder on ‘Nomadland.’
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect columnist Margaret Sullivan’s piece, "A New Way of Looking at Trust in Media," to determine what journalists and citizens care about, and how to accommodate this change in journalism (3:50). Then, Jessica Bruder, author of the book ‘Nomadland,’ joins to discuss her experience reporting on the phenomenon of older Americans leaving their homes in pursuit of seasonal work, and touch on the Oscar-nominated film adaptation (30:28). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Jessica Bruder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 15, 2021 • 1h 10min
Listener Mail and Michael Riedel on Covering Broadway
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail! They weigh in on the new Anthony Bourdain book (17:15), discuss the journalistic use of the word “slap” (23:00), and touch on the potential repackaging of retired or aging NFL quarterbacks on our televisions screens (25:58). Then longtime theater columnist Michael Riedel joins to discuss his new book, ‘Singular Sensation,’ as well as his thoughts on Broadway post-pandemic (32:15). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Michael Riedel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 2021 • 52min
The Joe Biden Three-Month Check-in and Rob Stone on the Greatest Bowling Call Ever
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker check in with Joe Biden three months into the job and discuss how the media is treating him (4:06). Then they share some Overworked Twitter Jokes of the Week (23:27), and Fox's Rob Stone joins the show to talk about his viral bowling call at the Professional Bowlers Association Tour (25:35).Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Rob Stone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 8, 2021 • 1h 5min
Listener Mailbag on 'Gutfeld!,' Mike Pence’s Book Deal, Paul Pierce, and More
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They address Fox New’s new comedy show ‘Gutfeld!’ (3:10), Mike Pence’s seven-figure book deal with Simon & Schuster (20:00), and ESPN’s decision to fire Paul Pierce (37:15), before they rank Texas’s literary novels (53:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2021 • 42min
Matt Gaetz Investigations and Covering the Men’s and Women’s Final Four
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the investigation involving Florida Representative Matt Gaetz. They weigh in on his response to the sex trafficking investigation, his interview with Tucker Carlson, and decided where Gaetz falls along the scale of politicians labeled by the press (5:10). Then, they switch gears and talk through the highlights and key takeaways from the men and women's NCAA tournaments (21:13). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 2021 • 1h 4min
Al Michaels Talks About His Career as a Baseball Announcer
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by sportscaster Al Michaels in preparation for the start of the baseball season. They discuss Michael’s relationships with Curt Gowdy and Sal Bando (6:30), his first broadcasting job for the Hawaii Islanders (16:00), the art of calling baseball (37:40), and much more!Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Al Michaels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices