

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

Nov 19, 2020 • 1h 21min
Obama Writes a New Book. Plus, Claire McNear on 'Jeopardy!'
Barack Obama has released his 768-page memoir, 'A Promised Land.' Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss his book, his playlist, and the accompanying poster (2:10). Then, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “What is a piece of media you consume to get away from the world of media you spend the most time in?” (31:12) Then, Ringer writer and author Claire McNear joins to discuss her book, 'Answers in the Forms of Questions,' which covers 'Jeopardy!,' former host Alex Trebek, and much more (44:45). Finally, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 2020 • 1h 22min
Everybody’s Going to Substack. Plus, Journalist Reeves Wiedeman on WeWork.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Matt Yglesias’s announcement that he will no longer be writing for Vox but will be publishing his writing in Substack (1:45). They then write their own 2020 campaign retrospective, recounting the chain of events leading up to the election (22:10). Then New York Magazine editor and author Reeves Wiedeman joins to discuss the fall of WeWork and Adam Neumann (47:18). Plus, The Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2020 • 1h 27min
Trump and Fox News, Plus: New York Times Critic Dwight Garner
Dwight Garner, a New York Times critic, shares insights on his new book and the art of criticism. He discusses the intriguing dynamics between Fox News and Donald Trump, emphasizing their complex yet enduring relationship. Garner reflects on the public’s fascination with Trump literature and the ethical boundaries faced by journalists in today's media landscape. The conversation also touches on the significance of memorable literary quotes and the challenges of writing critiques that resonate with readers.

Nov 9, 2020 • 1h 22min
Election Aftermath Edition. Plus, The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on the aftermath of the 2020 election. They discuss major headlines that include Trump running for reelection in 2024 (2:30), review all the media stories that ran after Biden won the election (9:00), and then discuss who covered election week better: CNN or MSNBC? (32:00) Then, Washington Post political reporter Dave Weigel joins to discuss covering the 2020 election (49:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 8, 2020 • 50min
Biden Wins Reaction Edition
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker unpack the 2020 presidential election that resulted in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being elected as President and Vice-President. They weigh in on the week-long process, Trump refusing to concede, and celebratory parades across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2020 • 1h 16min
Day After the Election Reaction Pod
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the day after the election. They discuss Trump’s late night and early-morning speech, each party's strategy, and media coverage on election night (2:00). Then, writer Jemele Hill joins to discuss election results and the state of our country (42:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 4, 2020 • 35min
Election Night Reaction Pod
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker cover 2020's election night. They address votes in swing states, the needle, and media coverage, and then make predictions while results come in and a winner has yet to be announced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 3, 2020 • 1h 12min
Election Night Previews, Prop Bets, and a Bizarre Atlantic Story. Plus: The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich.
David and Bryan sit down for the final time before the 2020 election to look over what the candidates are doing in their final hours before November 3. They also look at the bizarre prop bets that Vegas has concocted for election night. And Bryan is joined by The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich to discuss the end of the campaign trail, how Trump has changed Washington, and more.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2020 • 1h 17min
Will the TV Networks Lose Election Night? Plus, Politico’s Jake Sherman.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the predictions, reactions, and coverage we might see from TV networks and media on election night (4:00). Then on Listener Mail, they answer the question “Who else will get an exclusive interview with the president with a week until election day?” (27:00) Then Politico’s Jake Sherman joins to discuss Politico’s Playbook newsletter and much more (47:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 2020 • 1h 28min
The Mental Health Break Show. Plus, Ben Macintyre on Spies.
Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker take a mental break and try to ax any mention of the pandemic, election, or Trump. They rank pun column names (3:00); throw it back to 1996 to discuss early internet journalism (8:30); test Chris Almeida with a new game, Generational Media Literacy (30:30); and then former producer Jim Cunningham joins to say a few words (44:00). Then author Ben Macintyre stops by to discuss his new book, 'Agent Sonya.'(52:00) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices