The Press Box

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They reflect on the life and career of journalist Janet Malcolm, and discuss how her work has impacted the field of journalism (8:30). Then, they answer your questions about The Athletic's Dallas Mavericks story revealing front-office troubles (24:30), weigh in on President Joe Biden's response to CNN report...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Atlantic writer Edward-Isaac Dovere to talk about his book ‘Battle for the Soul.’ They discuss Dovere’s decision to write a campaign book (10:28) and the challenges that arose during the writing process (22:52) before brainstorming campaign-book power rankings (33:40). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strai...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are responding to Listener Mail. They answer your questions about Jeffrey Toobin’s return to CNN, athletes talking about vaccines, and “only in journalism” word nominees (8:55). Later, Peter Kiefer joins to discuss his profile of journalist Yashar Ali in Los Angeles Magazine (30:44). They touch on how this story came about, discuss Ali’s role within the media world...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by CNN’s Brian Stelter to discuss his career in cable news, reporting on Fox, and his response to individuals such as Rob Schneider and Glenn Greenwald. Then they dive deeper into Stelter's book, ‘Hoax.’  Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Brian Stelter Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They discuss the race to publish a book about President Biden (12:30), weigh in on the discussion over television ratings (25:10), and touch on where the word “embroiled” fits in the dictionary of words used only in journalism (43:21). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Gues...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down the news that Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open. They talk through the tournament's response to Osaka refusing to appear at press conferences, weigh in on the evolving coverage of athletes, and discuss how this type of situation has and could impact an athlete's relationship with the media. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Associate P...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail! They touch on The New York Times’ interest in acquiring The Athletic, discuss Bob Garfield getting fired for violating anti-bullying policies, and answer which Texas food dish they miss most since leaving the state (4:00). Later, Gideon Lewis-Kraus joins to talk about his piece in The New Yorker, “How the Pentagon Started Taking U....

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down news of the Associated Press firing staffer Emily Wilder. They discuss how this affects journalists, how "cancel culture" was involved, and how the Associated Press is justifying the firing (3:08). Then, The Ringer’s John Gonzalez joins to talk about NBA studio shows and what we can expect from sports television in 2021 (22:18). Plus, the Overworked Twit...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They answer questions about Chris Cuomo (3:40), the ‘Friends’ reunion (19:14), NBA play-in games (28:05), and who could be the heir to the Dale Hansen throne (31:30). Later, Jeff Guinn joins to discuss his new book, ‘War on the Border,’ and his career as a writer (42:17).  Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Sh...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the new CDC guidelines that state fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most situations. They touch on the impact the new guidelines have had, and weigh in on this new phase of the pandemic (4:42). Later, Sebastian Junger joins to talk about his new book, ‘Freedom,’ and his journey to uncover what the word “freedom” really means (29:13). Plus, t...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your Listener Mail! They discuss Liz Cheney’s removal from her position as House GOP conference chair, the spectacle that is the NFL’s schedule release, and which book given by a first date would make you get up and leave (2:10). Later, NASCAR announcer Jeff Gordon joins to discuss his experience transitioning to the booth, working alongside Clint Bowyer, an...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss The Washington Post's op-ed piece written by the CEO of Washingtonian Media, Cathy Merrill. They discuss the pros and cons of going back into an office versus working remotely, and further break down how Merrill approached the topic (4:20). Then, last week CNN released a job's report citing far fewer jobs were added last month than expected. White House cor...

David Shoemaker is joined by Ringer writer Claire McNear to break down the Atlantic story "The Liberal Who Can't Quit Lockdown." They discuss readers' reactions to the piece, how it was reported, and touch on the related news about herd immunity (3:40). Then, Listener Mail, in which they answer questions about the audio-book process, who would make the best 'Jeopardy!' host, and Mike Greenberg hos...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker answer your questions about Joe Rogan and the vaccine, a New York Post Kamala Harris controversy, and The New York Times losing the term “op-ed” for “guest essays” (2:50). Then, Danny Heifetz joins for the Devil’s Dictionary of NFL Draft Clichés to go through three rounds of top picks (23:12). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker and Da...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker share their takes from the 2021 Oscars and discuss the speeches, production value, and all the think pieces that came after (2:55). Then, host of Slate’s ‘Slow Burn’ podcast, Noreen Malone, joins to talk through Episode 1 of the new season and shares what we can expect from Season 5 (29:37). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker open up the mailbag and answer your Listener Mail. They weigh in on the Derek Chauvin verdict (3:20), discuss everyone’s reaction to the news of the Super League (14:40), and share which of their non-journalism jobs were the most memorable (29:12). Then, author Brendan Koerner stops by to discuss his recent piece in The Atlantic, “A Kidnapping Gone Very Wrong” (36:...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect columnist Margaret Sullivan’s piece, "A New Way of Looking at Trust in Media," to determine what journalists and citizens care about, and how to accommodate this change in journalism (3:50). Then, Jessica Bruder, author of the book ‘Nomadland,’ joins to discuss her experience reporting on the phenomenon of older Americans leaving their homes in pursuit of s...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail! They weigh in on the new Anthony Bourdain book (17:15), discuss the journalistic use of the word “slap” (23:00), and touch on the potential repackaging of retired or aging NFL quarterbacks on our televisions screens (25:58). Then longtime theater columnist Michael Riedel joins to discuss his new book, ‘Singular Sensation,’ as well...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker check in with Joe Biden three months into the job and discuss how the media is treating him (4:06). Then they share some Overworked Twitter Jokes of the Week (23:27), and Fox's Rob Stone joins the show to talk about his viral bowling call at the Professional Bowlers Association Tour (25:35). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Rob Stone Learn more about...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are opening up the mailbag and answering your Listener Mail! They address Fox New’s new comedy show ‘Gutfeld!’ (3:10), Mike Pence’s seven-figure book deal with Simon & Schuster (20:00), and ESPN’s decision to fire Paul Pierce (37:15), before they rank Texas’s literary novels (53:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Str...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the investigation involving Florida Representative Matt Gaetz. They weigh in on his response to the sex trafficking investigation, his interview with Tucker Carlson, and decided where Gaetz falls along the scale of politicians labeled by the press (5:10). Then, they switch gears and talk through the highlights and key takeaways from the men and women's NCAA...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by sportscaster Al Michaels in preparation for the start of the baseball season. They discuss Michael’s relationships with Curt Gowdy and Sal Bando (6:30), his first broadcasting job for the Hawaii Islanders (16:00), the art of calling baseball (37:40), and much more! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Al Michaels Learn more about your ad cho...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker remember the great novelist Larry McMurtry. They reflect on his novels and films such as ‘Lonesome Dove’ and ‘Terms of Endearment,’ and talk about the impact McMurtry had on the state of Texas (3:05). Then, author Alexander Wolff stops by to discuss his recent trip to Germany, his relationship with his father, and what it was like revisiting the past in the process...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are answering your Listener Mail in a mailbag episode of 'The Press Box.' They answer questions about upcoming Biden books (2:50), the “embattled” journalism debate (16:45), Curtis's high school yearbook signed by the one and only Shoemaker (34:15), and much more! Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline. H...

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker weigh in on this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. They discuss its appeal before breaking down the discrepancies between the men’s and women's tournaments (3:35). Then, novelist Harlan Coben stops by to discuss his Myron Bolitar series, the writing process, and his new novel 'Win' (23:30). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Guest: Harlan Coben Learn more abo...