The Press Box

The Democratic National Convention kicks off tonight with speakers including Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Quibi CEO Meg Whitman. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss what we can expect and what a virtual convention could look like (2:25). The NBA playoffs have also commenced, and they address the league’s newest free agent, Shams Charania (21:05). Then, Politico reporter Alex Thompson joins to discuss his experience on the campaign trail, and what Barack Obama really thought of vice president Joe Biden (27:30). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on how the Kamala Harris selection could affect the Biden campaign (2:15). Next, Listener Mail, where they answer the question, “Why does every celebrity who gets written about by the media have a great sense of humor?” (21:45). Then, Ringer staff writer Rodger Sherman joins to discuss the news that conferences have canceled college football this fall (35:30). 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

With many major sports making their return, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss what they’re seeing on television and what's catching their attention (2:15). Then they break down the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump PAC, and its recent ads (22:35). Then, baseball writer Joe Sheehan joins to discuss his career and the current baseball climate (31:00). 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

Joe Biden will choose his running mate next week, and Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on the pros and cons for his potential vice president nominees (3:30). They then discuss Jonathan Swan’s AXIOS interview with President Trump, and how Swan’s interview tactics worked in his favor (22:10). Then, Listener Mail, when they answer the question, “Why do sideline reporters have to wear masks but coaches and players don't?” (37:10) 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

As Joe Biden’s search for a running mate continues, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the media’s portrayal of the potential nominees (3:00). They then turn their attention to comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who is facing criticism after two BuzzFeed articles pulled back the curtain on her popular talk show (32:10). Then, former New York Times sportswriter Ira Berkow joins to discuss column writing, Red Smith, Isaiah Thomas, and so much more. 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

The NBA is back! Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker give notes on the restart (3:10). Next, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “Why should I support local newspapers again?” (20:30) Then, L.A. Times writer Gustavo Arellano joins to talk about his experience with reporting, food writing, and growing up in Orange County (36:30). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker assess the professional sports comeback given recent news of players and coaches testing positive for COVID-19 (2:30). They then turn their attention to Portland, where Trump has sent federal troops to enforce “law and order.” They discuss the warlike way Trump is treating the situation and how it’s affecting his campaign. (22:35) Then sportswriter Diane K. Shah joins to talk about her new memoir, which discusses what it was like to write a sports column in the '80s (28:10). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down a few recent conspiracy theories, including QAnon, the Jeffrey Epstein case, and one related to Love Connection host Chuck Woolery (1:10). Next, on Listener Mail, they answer the question “What happens when you dream about 'The Press Box'?” (16:50). Then, Ringer staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn joins to discuss his new book, The Road From Raqqa (31:30). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect the interview Trump had with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, and Wallace's unique position in reporting for 'Fox News Sunday' (2:30). Then, they talk about the strange position sports media types find themselves in as they cover the sports restart (28:10), right before talking to Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix from the NBA bubble (36:30). 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

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into the political battle about sending kids back to school in the fall, and what this means for the safety of kids, teachers, and their families (2:15). Then, during listener mail, they answer the question: “What do you guys think of the Bari Weiss thing?” (22:55) Then LA Times movie critic, Justin Chang, joins to discuss what it’s like to be a movie critic without movie theaters (40:00). 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