As The Last Dance came to an end this weekend, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss its impact and what this means for ESPN (1:30). They then break down the Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith situation and give their thoughts (27:58). They are then joined by journalist and writer Lawrence Wright to discuss his new book The End of October and how it relates to our current pandemic (39:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker guesses the strained-pun headline.
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Last Dance Wrap-up, Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith, and Lawrence Wright on Fact and Fiction

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

Sports

Bryan and David start the show by remembering Howie Schwab, who died over the weekend. They reflect on his legacy as a producer, researcher, and the final boss on ‘Stump the Schwab’ (1:00). Then they discuss the Donald Trump trial, at which cameras were barred from the courtroom and Trump struggled to stay awake (9:41). Afterward, they get into upcoming bids for NBA rights (15:56). They then talk about the Summer Olympics, how much of it they'll watch, and who will be featured (27:43). Later, during the Notebook Dump, they bring up the afterlife of the alt-weeklies (36:35)
Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producer: Brian H. Waters
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Scenes From the Trump Trial, the NBA’s New Rights Deal, the Afterlife of the Alt-Weeklies, and Remembering Howie Schwab

Hello media consumers! Bryan welcomes a fellow Ringer podcast host, Derek Thompson of ‘Plain English,’ to discuss the following:

Donald Trump’s trial not being televised (1:58)

A sportswriter “introducing” himself to Caitlin Clark (11:28)

Reactions to Uri Berliner’s essay, which details why he can't work for NPR (16:51)

Derek's podcast about how boring the 2024 election is (35:45)

Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Derek Thompson
Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Brian H. Waters
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A Sportswriter Introduces Himself to Caitlin Clark, the Trump Trial Isn’t on TV, and NPR-mageddon With Derek Thompson

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 the media covered his trial (13:01). They also react to news that broke before recording the show: CNN cancels Gayle King and Charles Barkley's ‘King Charles’ show (33:20), The Rock doesn't endorse President Joe Biden, and more (36:42).Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producer: Brian H. Waters
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How the Media Covered O.J., Masters Observations, and The Rock Backs Away From Politics.

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 third run for the White House (18:05), and more!
Before he says goodbye for the weekend, he shares six non-spoiler thoughts on the new movie 'Civil War' (39:08).
Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Olivia Nuzzi
Producers: Brian H. Waters 

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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! 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 into March Madness talk as they discuss Caitlin Clark, Ian Eagle, and more. (13:22). To close the show, Bryan talks to Danny about his career and something really amazing he did in high school (50:02)
Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Danny Parkins
Producer: Brian H. Waters
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Last Dance Wrap-up, Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith, and Lawrence Wright on Fact and Fiction

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