The Press Box

By The Ringer

What's The Press Box about?

The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker catch you up on the biggest media stories, from sports to politics and everything in between.

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The Press Box episodes:

04.15.2024
How the Media Covered O.J., Masters Observations, and The Rock Backs Away From Politics.
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing Verne Lundquist, who recently called his 40th and final Masters. In turn, Bryan brings up a memory he and Lundquist shared (0:53). Then, they discuss O.J. Simpson, how he became famous, and how...
04.11.2024
Covering the Campaign and Trump’s Third Run for the White House With New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi. Plus: Thoughts on O.J. Simpson and 'Civil War.'
Hello, media consumers! Bryan kicks off the show by discussing O.J. Simpson, who passed away this week (1:24). Later, he is joined by Olivia Nuzzi of New York magazine, who discusses Arizona's status as a swing state (5:16), covering Donald Trump’s...
04.08.2024
The Post-Norby Era at ESPN, the Magic of Ian Eagle, Eclipse Talk, and Caleb Williams Takes With Chicago Radio Host Danny Parkins
Hello media consumers! Today, Bryan is joined Chicago radio host Danny Parkins. They get into the post-Norby era at ESPN after the longtime executive, Norby Williams, was let go after being with the company since 1985 (1:53). Then, they get...
04.04.2024
Why The Cut Goes Viral, The New York Times Becomes a Gaming Company, Reporters Steal From Air Force One, and the New Netflix Movie 'Scoop' With Amanda Dobbins
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by The Ringer’s Amanda Dobbins as they discuss the viral first-person essays from The Cut, how it's doing them, and why they’re so compelling (01:56). They also touch on Lachlan Cartwright’s NYT Magazine...
04.01.2024
March Madness Fun, Blasting Your Bosses on the Air, LeBron Speaks, and Declaring a Media Apocalypse Too Soon
Bryan catches David up on the Ronna McDaniel–NBC catastrophe (0:50). Then, they get into The Washington Post’s profile on LSU women’s basketball coach, Kim Mulkey (12:37). Afterward, they get into some found sounds from March Madness, including one of the...
03.28.2024
One Year Without Evan Gershkovich With Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker
Hello media consumers! Bryan speaks with Emma Tucker, the Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief, on the anniversary of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich's imprisonment in Russia, the type of reporter he is, the charges against him, and more. (3:28). Then, Bryan gives some...
03.27.2024
Reporting the Shohei Ohtani Saga, The Washington Post’s Kim Mulkey Story, and ESPN’s Future With Jason Gay.
Hello media consumers! Bryan welcomes Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal this week as David Shoemaker is out on assignment. They discuss week two of Shohei Ohtani’s saga and how the fanbase of his former team, the Los Angeles...
03.22.2024
LeBron James Is a Podcaster, the Shohei Ohtani Affair, and Covering the Royals with Jay Caspian Kang and Ellie Hall
On the Final Edition, Bryan has two guests for you! First, he speaks with his former teammate Jay Caspian Kang of The New Yorker. They kick off the show by discussing the gambling story involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter...
03.18.2024
The Media Slips Into a Warm Bloodbath, the Craziest Scoops of NFL Free Agency, and the Twilight of Investigative Journalism.
Bryan and David kick off the show discussing a think piece in the Semafor from Max Tani on how hard it is to get a tough story out there (0:52), plus some good news about ‘Sports Illustrated’ (14:12). Then they...
03.14.2024
Aaron Rodgers 2024, Don Lemon–Elon Musk, the Vibes Beat, and 'The Girls on the Bus' With The Washington Post’s Kara Voght
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Kara Voght of The Washington Post. They kick off the show with the Venn diagram of sports, politics, and media as they discuss Aaron Rodgers's potential vice presidential candidacy in support of...
03.11.2024
Oscars Observations, a State of the Union U-Turn, a Royal Photo Scandal, and the Fate of ‘Good Morning Football.’
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing highlights and bad moments from the Oscars (00:56). Then get into this week’s topics, starting with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address (24:04). Then they get into the Notebook...
03.07.2024
The New York Times Leak Hunt, the Lousy State of NBA Discourse, and the ‘Madame Web’ Anti-Junket With The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner. They kick off the show by discussin the suggestions that NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama will want to be traded in the future. (1:38). Then they discuss whether...
03.05.2024
'The Press Box' (Trailer)
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03.04.2024
The Media's Take on Caleb Williams, Remembering Chris Mortensen, the Case of Timothy Burke and Bryan’s Movie Debut
Bryan and David kick off the show with the announcement of Bryan’s movie debut (00:30). Then get into this week’s topics, starting from the NFL scouting combine and a discussion about what the media is saying about quarterback Caleb Williams...
03.01.2024
Pitchfork’s Greatest Hits, Joe Biden Does Late Night, Richard Lewis Obits, and Revisiting 'The War Room' With Sean Fennessey
On the final edition, Sean Fennessey, The Ringer’s head of content, joins Bryan. They discuss President Joe Biden’s appearance on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' and how he addressed the concerns of his age (1:27). Then, they discuss Sean’s history...
02.26.2024
The Ezra Klein Heat Check, Peter King’s Exit, Vice’s Implosion, and the Allure of the First-Person Essay
Bryan and David return this week with a lot to talk about! First they discuss Ben Smith’s tweet, which could lead to an instant think piece (:42). Then they get into Ezra Klein’s comments about President Joe Biden, comments that...
02.15.2024
Covering a Campaign Rematch, Media Free Agency, and the Return of Jon Stewart With The New York Times’ Astead Herndon
Covering a TK Campaign, Media Free Agency, and the Return of Jon Stewart With the New York Times’ Astead Herndon On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Astead Herndon—reporter at The New York Times and host of ‘The Run-Up.’ They...
02.13.2024
Super Bowl Broadcast Reactions, the Right Take on Tony Romo, a Report From Vegas, and How to Cover a Well-Meaning, Elderly Man
Bryan is back from Las Vegas after covering the Super Bowl, and he shares his observations with David (0:53). They discuss the broadcast, including when Tony Romo sang Adele (21:46), Jim Nantz’s game-winning call (27:43), how Phil Simms botched his...
02.08.2024
Radio Row Mega-Show With Nora Princiotti and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo
On the Final Edition, Bryan is live in Las Vegas at Radio Row ahead of the Super Bowl. He is joined by two guests! First, by The Ringer’s own Nora Princiotti, and they kick off the show by discussing their...
02.05.2024
How Sportswriters Can Win the Super Bowl. Plus: Inside Radio Row, Politicians Avoiding Nosy Reporters, and the Death of the D.C. Bureau
Bryan and David discuss Super Bowl week’s radio row with the Radio Row power rankings (2:12)! Then they host a Super Bowl editorial meeting that touches on Taylor Swift being the biggest story (9:55) and Brock Purdy’s legacy if he...
02.01.2024
Autopsy for The Messenger, Tom Brady to Fox, 2024 Media Rooting, and Farewell to Anthony Lane With The New York Times’ Benjamin Mullin and Puck’s Teddy Schleifer
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by two guests! First, Benjamin Mullin of The New York Times to discuss the shut down of The Messenger—a story he broke this week (1:32). Then he is joined by Puck’s own Teddy...
01.29.2024
Our Media Apocalypse, NFL Championship Game TV Notes, and the Feel-Bad Presidential Election
Bryan and David begin the episode discussing cuts that major publications have been making over the last two weeks, and what it means for the future of journalism (0:37). Then, they discuss the fun sounds from both the AFC and...
01.25.2024
What Do You Tell Someone Who Wants to Be a Journalist? Plus: Jon Stewart, New Hampshire, and ‘Barbie’ Think Pieces With The Washington Post’s Chris Suellentrop
On the Final Edition, Bryan is joined by his big brother in the media, Chris Suellentrop After thousands of conversations, their first recorded discussion will address the following: Advice you give to students who want to be in journalism (2:30) Whether or not...
01.22.2024
The Latest Death of ‘Sports Illustrated,’ Playoff Audio and Observations, and Pitchfork and the Plight of the Midsized Publication
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing the latest news regarding ‘Sports Illustrated’ and its many deaths. (0:37). Then they get into the NFL divisional round and some of the observations from the games, such as the Texans...
01.18.2024
Covering a War, Reinventing the Newspaper, and NFL Press Conference Questions With The New Yorker’s Clare Malone
Covering a War, Reinventing the Newspaper, and NFL Press Conference Questions With The New Yorker’s Clare Malone On the Final Edition, The New Yorker’s Clare Malone joins Bryan. First she talks about her piece that discusses Clarissa Ward’s coverage of the...
01.16.2024
NFL Wild-Card Weekend Fun, How the Networks Botched Iowa, and ESPN’s Year From Hell
Bryan and David kick off the show by discussing how 2024 can rival 2017 as ESPN's year from hell. From fake names, to Stephen A. Smith’s spat with Jason Whitlock, to Pat McAfee … and we're only days into January...
01.11.2024
Bill Belichick’s Awkward Goodbye, Business Insider, the Iowa Caucuses, and Campaign War Stories With the Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan starts off with his thoughts on Stephen A. Smith’s takedown of Jason Whitlock and what it says about ESPN’s management style (07:37). Then, Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic joins the show to discuss...
01.08.2024
Pat McAfee Vs. Norby Williamson, the NFL Playoffs on Peacock, the Messenger in Peril, and the Debut of Press Botch
Bryan and David kick off the show with a discussion about McAfee calling out ESPN executive Norby Williamson. (00:40) Then they get into what is going on with the Messenger (25:15). Later in weekend audio, they discuss Shannon Sharpe reacting...
01.04.2024
The Rodgers-McAfee Debacle, How Debates Became Politics’ In-Season Tournament, and the Barry Sanders Doc With Slate’s Joel Anderson
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Joel Anderson of Slate. They discuss Aaron Rodgers’s comments about Jimmy Kimmel and Pat McAfee’s response (1:44). Then, Joel shares a story of being called into the office for a...
01.02.2024
Report from the Sugar Bowl Press Box, Rece Davis, the Campaign Is Here, and a New Segment Coming to the Show!
Happy New Year! Bryan and David start the show by recapping Bryan’s experience in the press box at the Sugar Bowl to see his beloved Texas Longhorns. (00:47) Then in weekend audio, they discuss Rece Davis and Pat McAfee creating...
12.21.2023
The Year in Media: From Elon Musk to ESPN and Taylor Swift to Michael Lewis
For the ‘Press Box’: Final Edition, Bryan and David hand out some year-end awards! They cover many categories, including the Media Company Makeover of the Year (4:20), the Erratic Executive of the Year(15:01), and the Newsroom Intruder of the Year...
12.18.2023
How to Win a Campaign News Cycle, Criticizing The New York Times, and RIP to HBO’s ‘Real Sports’
Bryan and David kick off the show with a media memorial service for HBO’s ‘Real Sports,’ which will air its final episode after 29 seasons (0:33); then they get into how to win a campaign news cycle (4:17) and James...
12.15.2023
The One-Month-Till-Iowa Campaign Check-In, Draymond’s Swing, Belichick’s Silence, and the Campaign Reporter’s Reading List
For the 'Press Box: Final Edition,' Bryan is joined by Washington Bureau Chief at Semafor, Benjy Sarlin. One month out from the Iowa Caucuses, they discuss Nikki Haley pulling in front of Ron DeSantis in the polls (2:21), and the...
12.11.2023
Screwing Up the Ohtani Story, the WaPo Walkout, and Mahomes’s Meltdown
Bryan and David start the show discussing Shohei Ohtani’s blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and how it was the first spoiler-free signing since Adrian Wojnarowski joined X. (00:30) Then they discuss the Washington Post union staff’s walkout (9:16)....
12.09.2023
The Spoiler-Free Shohei Sweepstakes, Person(s) of the Year, and an Oscar Contender That’s Really a Journalism Movie
For the Press Box: Final Edition, Bryan is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay. They discuss the Person of the Year awards from both Time magazine and Sports Illustrated, with Time selecting Taylor Swift and SI selecting Deion...
12.05.2023
The College Football Media Machine, Jezebel Resurrected, and More on SI and AI
Bryan and David start the show by discussing George Santos being kicked out of Congress and the gift he was to political reports. (00:30) Then, in weekend audio, they discuss the College Football Playoff selection and ESPN’s Booger McFarland’s reaction...
11.27.2023
How to Cover the 2024 Campaign, Weekend NFL Audio, and the McMurtry Mystery Solved
Bryan and David revisit Chip Gaines's recent used-book purchase, with clarification on why this purchase was made (0:33). Then, they kick off the show with some audio—from a weekend full of football from the Hail Mary turned “Hell” Mary during...
11.20.2023
Making Up Sideline Reports, Musk’s Latest Meltdown, and Weekend Audio
Bryan and David discuss the companies that have withdrawn ads from Twitter due to Elon Musk’s endorsement of an antisemitic post and what the next move should be for journalists (00:34). They then go over Charissa Thompson’s remarks on ‘Pardon...
11.13.2023
Should Sportswriters Bet on Sports? Plus, the Taylor Swift Beat Writer and Logan Murdock on Covering the NBA.
Bryan and David rehash football notes from this weekend starting with the Michigan-Penn game and the Dallas Cowboys’ second win against the New York Giants (0:40). Then, they review the guidelines that ESPN employees will have to follow once their...
11.06.2023
A Shocking Biden Poll, Bobby Knight Obits, and Weekend Audio
Bryan and David dissect the week's goings-on and a poll that could spell bad news for Joe Biden. Then they dive into the weekend audio, including Benny Hill as well as a college football coach's call-in radio show, and their thoughts on the...
10.30.2023
Strange Times at The Messenger, and Weekend Audio. Plus, McKay Coppins on Mitt Romney.
Bryan and David dissect what’s happening at ‘The Messenger’ with a recent partnership with an artificial intelligence firm and news that the publication is out of money (0:33). Then, they tackle another round of ‘Weekend Audio’ that touches on Fox’s...
10.23.2023
Twitter’s Past, Present, and Future With Peter Kafka. Plus: How to Watch the New NBA Season.
With the start of the NBA season underway, Bryan and David address the new ESPN lineup, with Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, and Mike Breen, and discuss where exactly you can catch the game (0:33). Then, they touch on Weekend Audio,...
10.19.2023
Katie Baker on Covering the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial, Courtroom Body Language, and Doing a Close Reading of Michael Lewis
Bryan is joined by Ringer senior writer Katie Baker to discuss her reporting of the ongoing Sam Bankman-Fried trial, which can be found here. They delve into the biggest components of the case, what it’s like to be inside the courtroom as...
10.16.2023
Twitter in a Time of War, Weekend NFL Audio, and More on Paying for Interviews
Bryan and David talk through the news that Aaron Rodgers is receiving a paycheck in exchange for his interviews on 'The Pat McAfee Show' (0:36). Then, they further discuss Twitter’s approach to covering the war in the Middle East with...
10.13.2023
Aaron Rodgers Gets Paid, a Braves’ Clubhouse Controversy, and the Long-Form “Nobody Believed in Us!” Club With Jason Gay
Bryan is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay to run through some media topics, including the Braves’ clubhouse controversy over a writer quoting an overheard conversation (01:13). Then, they discuss the report that Pat McAfee is paying Aaron...
10.09.2023
Twitter Took Your Headlines, CNN’s War Coverage, and Audio of a Miami Meltdown
Bryan and David touch on Twitter’s approach to excluding news headlines on the platform and debate whether this will contribute to the rise of big art (0:31). Then, they discuss CNN’s ongoing coverage of the war in the Middle East...
10.04.2023
Jason Gay on Taylor and the NFL, Michael Lewis, and Six Months Since Evan Gershkovich Was Detained
Bryan is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay to talk about the no. 1 topic in all of the NFL right now: Taylor Swift (01:46). Then, they discuss the historic ousting of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the...
10.02.2023
Dame Lillard Trade Takes, NFL Weekend Audio, and the Great Biden Makeover
Bryan and David offer some bonus takes from the second Republican debate, including some jokes from the candidates that didn’t quite stick the landing (00:32). Then, they listen to some of their favorite moments from the weekend in football, including...
09.28.2023
A Report From the GOP Debate. Plus: Adam Nagourney on Triumphs and Disasters at The New York Times.
Bryan is on the ground for the second Republican debate and discusses which Fox representatives he spotted at the event, where journalists watched it, and the aftermath in the spin room (0:31). Later, New York Times journalist Adam Nagourney joins...
09.25.2023
Streaming Is Coming for Sports, a Debate Preview, and Football Weekend Audio
Bryan and David preview the second Republican debate and discuss what we can expect with only six participating candidates (0:37). Then, they are back with another round of Football Weekend Audio, where they highlight their favorite moments from the weekend,...

What's The Press Box about?

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The Press Box episodes:

How the Media Covered O.J., Masters Observations, and The Rock Backs Away From Politics.

Covering the Campaign and Trump’s Third Run for the White House With New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi. Plus: Thoughts on O.J. Simpson and 'Civil War.'

The Post-Norby Era at ESPN, the Magic of Ian Eagle, Eclipse Talk, and Caleb Williams Takes With Chicago Radio Host Danny Parkins

Why The Cut Goes Viral, The New York Times Becomes a Gaming Company, Reporters Steal From Air Force One, and the New Netflix Movie 'Scoop' With Amanda Dobbins

March Madness Fun, Blasting Your Bosses on the Air, LeBron Speaks, and Declaring a Media Apocalypse Too Soon

One Year Without Evan Gershkovich With Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker

Reporting the Shohei Ohtani Saga, The Washington Post’s Kim Mulkey Story, and ESPN’s Future With Jason Gay.

LeBron James Is a Podcaster, the Shohei Ohtani Affair, and Covering the Royals with Jay Caspian Kang and Ellie Hall

The Media Slips Into a Warm Bloodbath, the Craziest Scoops of NFL Free Agency, and the Twilight of Investigative Journalism.

Aaron Rodgers 2024, Don Lemon–Elon Musk, the Vibes Beat, and 'The Girls on the Bus' With The Washington Post’s Kara Voght

Oscars Observations, a State of the Union U-Turn, a Royal Photo Scandal, and the Fate of ‘Good Morning Football.’

The New York Times Leak Hunt, the Lousy State of NBA Discourse, and the ‘Madame Web’ Anti-Junket With The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner

'The Press Box' (Trailer)

The Media's Take on Caleb Williams, Remembering Chris Mortensen, the Case of Timothy Burke and Bryan’s Movie Debut

Pitchfork’s Greatest Hits, Joe Biden Does Late Night, Richard Lewis Obits, and Revisiting 'The War Room' With Sean Fennessey

The Ezra Klein Heat Check, Peter King’s Exit, Vice’s Implosion, and the Allure of the First-Person Essay

Covering a Campaign Rematch, Media Free Agency, and the Return of Jon Stewart With The New York Times’ Astead Herndon

Super Bowl Broadcast Reactions, the Right Take on Tony Romo, a Report From Vegas, and How to Cover a Well-Meaning, Elderly Man

Radio Row Mega-Show With Nora Princiotti and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo

How Sportswriters Can Win the Super Bowl. Plus: Inside Radio Row, Politicians Avoiding Nosy Reporters, and the Death of the D.C. Bureau

Autopsy for The Messenger, Tom Brady to Fox, 2024 Media Rooting, and Farewell to Anthony Lane With The New York Times’ Benjamin Mullin and Puck’s Teddy Schleifer

Our Media Apocalypse, NFL Championship Game TV Notes, and the Feel-Bad Presidential Election

What Do You Tell Someone Who Wants to Be a Journalist? Plus: Jon Stewart, New Hampshire, and ‘Barbie’ Think Pieces With The Washington Post’s Chris Suellentrop

The Latest Death of ‘Sports Illustrated,’ Playoff Audio and Observations, and Pitchfork and the Plight of the Midsized Publication

Covering a War, Reinventing the Newspaper, and NFL Press Conference Questions With The New Yorker’s Clare Malone

NFL Wild-Card Weekend Fun, How the Networks Botched Iowa, and ESPN’s Year From Hell

Bill Belichick’s Awkward Goodbye, Business Insider, the Iowa Caucuses, and Campaign War Stories With the Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich

Pat McAfee Vs. Norby Williamson, the NFL Playoffs on Peacock, the Messenger in Peril, and the Debut of Press Botch

The Rodgers-McAfee Debacle, How Debates Became Politics’ In-Season Tournament, and the Barry Sanders Doc With Slate’s Joel Anderson

Report from the Sugar Bowl Press Box, Rece Davis, the Campaign Is Here, and a New Segment Coming to the Show!

The Year in Media: From Elon Musk to ESPN and Taylor Swift to Michael Lewis

How to Win a Campaign News Cycle, Criticizing The New York Times, and RIP to HBO’s ‘Real Sports’

The One-Month-Till-Iowa Campaign Check-In, Draymond’s Swing, Belichick’s Silence, and the Campaign Reporter’s Reading List

Screwing Up the Ohtani Story, the WaPo Walkout, and Mahomes’s Meltdown

The Spoiler-Free Shohei Sweepstakes, Person(s) of the Year, and an Oscar Contender That’s Really a Journalism Movie

The College Football Media Machine, Jezebel Resurrected, and More on SI and AI

How to Cover the 2024 Campaign, Weekend NFL Audio, and the McMurtry Mystery Solved

Making Up Sideline Reports, Musk’s Latest Meltdown, and Weekend Audio

Should Sportswriters Bet on Sports? Plus, the Taylor Swift Beat Writer and Logan Murdock on Covering the NBA.

A Shocking Biden Poll, Bobby Knight Obits, and Weekend Audio

Strange Times at The Messenger, and Weekend Audio. Plus, McKay Coppins on Mitt Romney.

Twitter’s Past, Present, and Future With Peter Kafka. Plus: How to Watch the New NBA Season.

Katie Baker on Covering the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial, Courtroom Body Language, and Doing a Close Reading of Michael Lewis

Twitter in a Time of War, Weekend NFL Audio, and More on Paying for Interviews

Aaron Rodgers Gets Paid, a Braves’ Clubhouse Controversy, and the Long-Form “Nobody Believed in Us!” Club With Jason Gay

Twitter Took Your Headlines, CNN’s War Coverage, and Audio of a Miami Meltdown

Jason Gay on Taylor and the NFL, Michael Lewis, and Six Months Since Evan Gershkovich Was Detained

Dame Lillard Trade Takes, NFL Weekend Audio, and the Great Biden Makeover

A Report From the GOP Debate. Plus: Adam Nagourney on Triumphs and Disasters at The New York Times.

Streaming Is Coming for Sports, a Debate Preview, and Football Weekend Audio