The Press Box

Eugene Daniels, White House correspondent for Politico and co-author of Playbook, shares insights from the front lines of political journalism. He delves into Kamala Harris's campaign challenges, questioning whether they truly view themselves as underdogs. The conversation reveals the nuances of running a risk-averse campaign and the struggle for authenticity in politics. Daniels also reflects on his transition from college football aspirations to journalism, highlighting the hurdles and discrimination faced along the way, all while keeping it engaging and informative.

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David open with two contradictory ideas: “The return of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog” and “there are too many bits (0:36).”Then they get into the following: Kamala Harris's current podcast tour (10:12) NFL players wanting to kick reporters out of the locker room (22:54) Kate Winslet playing a war correspondent in the movie 'Lee' (31:03) Everyone is introducing a paywall (36:27) Later they react to breaking news, as Shams Charania joins ESPN as the new senior NBA reporter (44:34).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, Only in Journalism, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, media consumers! Today, Bryan is joined by Bomani Jones—host of ‘The Right Time With Bomani Jones’—to discuss all things politics, media, and sports, including: Thoughts on the vice presidential debate (03:11) Democrats’ lean-into-football strategy (Coach Walz) (08:06) What to make of the coverage around Kamala Harris (11:50) Zach Lowe and ESPN in the 2010s (21:15) College football, the 12-team playoff, and NIL (30:53) Looking back on ‘High Noon’ (40:31) Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Host: Bryan CurtisGuest: Bomani JonesProducers: Brian H. Waters and Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjy Sarlin, a Semafor commentator, shares his instant reactions to the Tim Walz–JD Vance debate, highlighting the surprising civility and standout moments from both candidates. He discusses who exuded confidence and the contentious January 6 exchange. Gabriel Sherman, a screenwriter, dives into his work on 'The Apprentice,' exploring Donald Trump's complex relationship with Roy Cohn and the influence of Cohn's tactics on Trump’s strategy. Sherman also reveals insights into casting decisions and the storytelling process behind the film.

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David open the show by discussing Zach Lowe’s departure from ESPN (0:34). Then they preview the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance (12:34). Later, they react to DiJonai Carrington’s postgame interview about Caitlin Clark (28:37). Then they talk about Only in Journalism classics following the story about New York City Mayor Eric Adams (37:56).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, Only in Journalism, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Gay, a writer for The Wall Street Journal, discusses the layoffs at ESPN, focusing on Zach Lowe's departure and its impact on sports commentary. He also examines Travis Kelce's media scrutiny and its cultural implications. Technology reporters Kate Conger and Ryan Mac delve into Elon Musk's controversial changes at Twitter, including the block feature modifications and the chaos at the headquarters. They address Twitter's decline in value and the aftermath of verifying check removals, highlighting the shifting landscape of social media.

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David have a scandalous episode coming up. They discuss the following: Mark Robinson’s post on an adult website (0:35) Oliva Nuzzi being placed on leave after a relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (7:12) The controversy surrounding 'Megalopolis' (22:46) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, Only in Journalism, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, media consumers! Bryan welcomes The Ringer’s head of content, Sean Fennessey, this week. First they discuss Woj’s shocking announcement and the value of the sports insider (1:39). Then they discuss the latest with the election and what they expect in the remaining months (16:3 0).And to stay on theme with election season, they close the show with their top 5 campaign movies (30:54).Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan CurtisGuest: Sean FennesseyProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David immediately react to Adrian Wojnarowski’s retirement from ESPN (0:30). They reflect on: His commitment to bell-to-bell NBA coverage (2:40) Being the first iPhone alert sports journalist (11:40) How his NBA draft day tweets changed when he began at ESPN (14:45) How the “Woj bomb” caught on (17:30) The NBA media in the post-Woj era (22:39) Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss what’s next after the Donald Trump–Kamala Harris debate (4:00). They share their thoughts on the moderators (6:15), JD Vance’s responses to the "cats and dogs" comment (9:32), and Kamala Harris’s performance (17:26).Later in the notebook dump they react to the following: Linda Deutsch's legacy as a court reporter (32:10) How iconic James Earl Jones’s voice was (35:00) Plus a couple of TV host–TV producer meltdown clips (37:57) Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David ShoemakerProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices