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 favorite Radio Row moments (1:30). They then talk about the race to defend Taylor Swift in the media (7:17); whether or not we need to make new passwords once ESPN, Warner Brothers, and FOX create their new sports network (18:30); and what type of announcer Tom Brady will be this fall (28:52)....
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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 wins the big game (19:49). Later they talk about the Wall Street Journal cutting jobs from the D.C. Bureau (31:06). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. And finally, the Media Piss Test returns. Hosts: Bry...
Feb 05, 2024•44 min
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 Schleifer and the latest in media, including the latest media apocalypse (17:51), Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift versus certain elements of the Right (29:41), how long Tom Brady will last calling games for Fox next year (40:28), and the current state of the Presidential election and whet...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 NFC championship games, including Phil Simms being the voice of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s on-field celebration (19:11). Later, they discuss the creative ways that political writers are describing the upcoming election (47:57). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the...
Jan 29, 2024•57 min
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 the New Hampshire primary is a semi-decisive moment (13:02) The expectations set for Nikki Haley and how to interpret the results in real time (24:52) Jon Stewart’s new show coming in February (36:27) An inevitable “somebody’s got to say ...
Jan 25, 2024•58 min
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 special teams coaches’ reactions (13:20) and Jason Kelce’s reaction to his brother Travis’s touchdown (27:40). Later, talk of Ron DeSantis ending his presidential campaign with a “quote” and some only-in-journalism words from an unlikely source: Donald Trump (41:46). ...
Jan 22, 2024•48 min
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 war in Gaza (2:00). Then they get into Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles’s response to questions about the upcoming weather in Detroit even though the game will be played in a dome (12:39). Then they discuss what newspapers will look like...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr
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 (00:30). Then they get into NFL wild-card weekend, from streaming on Peacock to the Cowboys' and Eagles' meltdowns (18:10). Later, they discuss the Iowa caucus and some interesting sound from Donald Trump (46:44). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses ...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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 Bill Belichick’s farewell press conference with the Patriots, his relationship with the media, and whether he could find himself working in television (07:37). Then, they talk about the lead-up to the Iowa Caucuses, Nikki Haley, how a horse race–less field impa...
Jan 11, 2024•52 min
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 to the criticism he faced after his interview with Katt Williams (33:40), the AFC wild-card game being available on only Peacock (42:00), and more. In our brand new segment, Press Botch, they revisit the Embroidery of Brian Williams (47:12). Plus, the Overw...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min
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 tweet he liked during his time at ESPN (25:51). They discuss many memes in college football and how the national championship game may be the all-time nobody-believed-in-us game (30:04). Later, they talk about how debates have become politics’ in-season tournament (...
Jan 04, 2024•59 min
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 the funniest TV moment (23:41). Later, they discuss Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve drinkathon (39:50). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline, and the introduction of a new segment comes to ‘Press...
Jan 02, 2024•59 min
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 (40:23). Then, they close the show with one final strained pun of 2023 (1:03:09). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 10 min
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 Bennet’s piece criticizing The New York Times (16:49). Later, in the Notebook Dump, they discuss Al Michaels, who's sitting out the playoffs, and who NBC will have in his place (27:30). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headlin...
Dec 18, 2023•47 min
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 low ratings for the campaign debates (19:49). Later, they react to Draymond Green’s latest flagrant foul that got him suspended indefinitely, and his apology to Jusuf Nurkić (31:34). Next, they react to Bill Belichick’s response to a reporter asking him about his future...
Dec 15, 2023•52 min
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). Later in weekend audio, they react to Patrick Mahomes's meltdown after an offensive offsides takes the game-winning play off the board—and the media reaction to that (25:50). Bryan shares a Time magazine person-of-the-year update and discu...
Dec 11, 2023•43 min
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 Sanders (2:21). Then they dive into the coverage of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes and how this is projected to be the biggest free-agent signing in MLB history (39:15). Last, they close the show with a spoiler-free conversation about the Netflix movie 'May De...
Dec 09, 2023•1 hr 4 min
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 to Florida State missing the tournament despite being undefeated (7:57). Next, they discuss the scuffle on the sidelines where Chad Greenlaw suplexed Eagles security guard Dom DiSandro. Later, they revisit Sports Illustrated AI reporter (30:49). P...
Dec 05, 2023•53 min
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 the Jets-Dolphins game to the record breaking pick-6 by Cowboys cornerback, Daron Bland (7:30). Later, they talk through news from Futurism that claims Sports Illustrated has been using fake AI generated writers, before then predicting what we could see in...
Nov 27, 2023•41 min
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 My Take’ regarding fabricating sideline reports, the outrage from most of those in sports media, and more (06:10). After, they do a quick round of weekend audio, including the Rock being asked questions on Capitol Hill and Brandon Staley’s heated postgame ...
Nov 20, 2023•46 min
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 new sports-betting app launches (6:20), before then dissecting the intersection between journalism and fandom, as Gannett Media has hired a Taylor Swift beat writer (16:56). Later, Logan Murdock from the ‘Real Ones’ podcast joins to discuss his career ...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr
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 NBA's new tournament (10:45). Then in the notebook dump, they weigh in on the Bobby Knight obits (26:30) And later, HBO has a message for its TV critics, one that folks really may not like. Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Gue...
Nov 06, 2023•46 min
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 Kevin Burkhardt’s comment about Miguel Castro, as well as NC State football coach David Doeren firing shots back after a recent comment about his organization (10:49). Later, reporter and author McKay Coppins joins to discuss his new book, ‘Romney: A...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min
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, including baseball announcers, Brian Anderson vouching for the sport, and Joe Davis calling Altuve's home run in the ninth (11:19). Lastly, Vox’s Peter Kafka joins to talk through his upcoming podcast, ‘The Twitter Fantasy,’ that dissects how the platform has evolved over t...
Oct 23, 2023•52 min
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 a reporter, the testimony of Caroline Ellison, and Michael Lewis’s depiction of Bankman-Fried. Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Katie Baker Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 19, 2023•30 min
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 actions such as removing moderators and promoting accounts with a blue check mark (15:44). Later, they get into more Weekend Audio, where they highlight a few interviews with MLB player Nick Castellanos and a play-by-play call from Mike Tirico on clock management (...
Oct 16, 2023•51 min
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 Rodgers for his weekly show appearances (14:12), the idea of the NFL buying a television network like ABC (23:06), and a few writers who are saying “nobody believed in us” (29:24). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Le...
Oct 13, 2023•38 min
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 and touch on reporters and correspondents on the ground (11:05). Then, they switch gears and review more Weekend Audio, from Georgia Tech's win over Miami to Kirby Smart's insistence that he doesn’t know who Miley Cyrus is (22:51). Lastly, they highlight the L.A. Clipp...
Oct 09, 2023•48 min
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 House, negative press surrounding Michael Lewis, and the six months that have passed since Russia's unjust detainment of Jason’s WSJ colleague Evan Gershkovich (19:36). Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Jason Gay Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...
Oct 04, 2023•42 min
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 the NFL’s ‘Toy Story’ broadcast (08:33). Later, they discuss the online coverage of the Damian Lillard trade, Joe Biden’s image makeover, and the launch of ‘CNN Max’ (28:18). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses...
Oct 02, 2023•51 min
