

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

Mar 29, 2021 • 59min
Remembering Larry McMurtry and Chatting With Author Alexander Wolff
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker remember the great novelist Larry McMurtry. They reflect on his novels and films such as ‘Lonesome Dove’ and ‘Terms of Endearment,’ and talk about the impact McMurtry had on the state of Texas (3:05). Then, author Alexander Wolff stops by to discuss his recent trip to Germany, his relationship with his father, and what it was like revisiting the past in the process of writing his new book, ‘Endpapers: A Family Story of Books, War, Escape, and Home’ (30:05). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Alexander Wolff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25, 2021 • 41min
Mailbag Episode: The Best Biden Books, Overlong Docs, and an “Embattled” Update
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail in a mailbag episode of 'The Press Box.' They answer questions about upcoming Biden books (2:50), the “embattled” journalism debate (16:45), Curtis's high school yearbook signed by the one and only Shoemaker (34:15), and much more! 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 22, 2021 • 57min
Covering March Madness and Novelist Harlan Coben
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. They discuss its appeal before breaking down the discrepancies between the men’s and women's tournaments (3:35). Then, novelist Harlan Coben stops by to discuss his Myron Bolitar series, the writing process, and his new novel 'Win' (23:30).Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Harlan Coben Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 19, 2021 • 1h 10min
NFL's Mega Rights Deal With Kevin Clark, Listener Mailbag, and Lis Power
Kevin Clark joins the show to discuss the details of the monster NFL rights deal and what it means for the media consumer. Then, Bryan and David answer your listener questions including thoughts on embattled governors, the best ways to get fired, and sounding bald. Lis Power of Media Matters also stops by to talk about what life is like needing to consume cable news around the clock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 15, 2021 • 53min
The End of Andrew Cuomo? Plus, The Athletic's Lindsey Adler
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the recent call for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign. They touch on whether or not cancel culture is involved, discuss how Democrats are reacting, and when or if it's appropriate to label someone as disgraced (4:45). Later, The Athletic's Lindsey Adler joins to share her experience covering the New York Yankees and baseball during a pandemic (20:55). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Lindsey Adler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 12, 2021 • 58min
Listener Mail and The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail. They talk through Joe Biden's first prime-time address, Mike Pence's new podcast, strained puns in the newsroom, and much more (3:30). Later Evan Smith, CEO of The Texas Tribune, joins to discuss how his team of journalists are covering recent events in Texas. They weigh in on Ted Cruz fleeing during the snow storm, Greg Abbott lifting the mask mandate, and discuss the controversy around banning the University of Texas's fight song, "The Eyes of Texas" (25:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuest: Evan Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 9, 2021 • 1h 2min
Post-Twitter Trump With Charlie Warzel and Meghan and Harry With Ed Malyon
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by New York Times opinion writer Charlie Warzel to share his experience reporting on events such as the riot at the Capitol and discuss what it's like covering post-Twitter Trump (2:30). Later, The Athletic's Ed Malyon joins to talk through Oprah's special with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. They talk through Oprah's impressive interview, Meghan and Harry's responses, and how the British press and tabloids could respond (34:20). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerGuests: Charlie Warzel and Ed Malyon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 4, 2021 • 60min
Dr. Seuss Uncanceled. Plus, Listener Mail.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the Dr. Seuss controversy that has resulted in six of his books no longer being published. They discuss this news in relation to cancel culture and how it’s being covered in the media (3:45). Then Listener Mail, where they answer your questions about 'New York Times' columnist David Brooks, sports gambling, the bad headline debate, and more (26:40). 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 1, 2021 • 41min
Trump at CPAC and Coronavirus Celebrity Books
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Trump’s first post-presidency speech at CPAC this past weekend (3:25). Later they weigh in on the new stage of the pandemic that features celebrity-authored coronavirus books (25:30). 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

Feb 25, 2021 • 55min
How Tiger Woods’s Accident Was Covered. Plus: Listener Mail.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the news of Tiger Woods’s car accident and how the media decided to cover the story (6:10). Then, they open some Listener Mail and answer your questions about Twitter’s new features, favorite journalism movies, and much more (27:20). 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