The Ringer

The Press Box

Sports EN ↓ 1333 episodes

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

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.theringer.com

Author

The Ringer

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.theringer.com

Latest episode

Nov 9, 2026

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Episodes

Sending Kids Back to School and Listener Mail. Plus, Justin Chang on Movie Reviewing Without Theaters 16.07.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into the political battle about sending kids back to school in the fall, and what this means for the safety of kids, teachers, and their families (2:15). Then, during listener mail, they answer the question: “What do you guys think of the Bari Weiss thing?” (22:55) Then LA Times movie critic, Justin Chang, joins to discuss what it’s like to be a movie critic w...

Woj-gate and Fauci vs. Trump. Plus: Christopher Buckley on Satire in 2020. 13.07.2020

After U.S. Senator Josh Hawley issued a press release about the NBA’s relationship with China, ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski had a few words to say in reply. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Woj-gate (1:30). They then talk about the disappearance of Dr. Anthony Fauci from the media, and how the Trump administration appears to be campaigning against the expert (23:30). Then, write...

Mary Trump’s Book, That Harper’s Letter, and Listener Mail 09.07.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the new book by Mary Trump, niece of Donald Trump, in which she writes about how her family "created the most dangerous man" (2:05). They then touch on the letter in Harper’s that was signed by everyone from J.K. Rowling to Matthew Yglesias and discuss what brought these people together and what the point was (20:35). Then, they respond to some listener mai...

Trump’s Fox News Campaign, Beat Writing in the Bubble, and Ben Widdicombe on Gossip 06.07.2020

Trump gave two speeches during July 4 weekend, and Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss how Trump's reelection campaign and how Fox News is involved (2:10). Next, Curtis and Shoemaker take a look at what sports beat writing looks like in the age of COVID-19 (20:00). Ben Widdicombe, author and former writer for the New York Post’s Page Six and TMZ, joins to discuss his career as a gossip column...

Russian Bounties, Protest Rebrands, and Listener Mail 29.06.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker look at the story of Russian intelligence offering bounties to the Taliban for the killing of American troops (01:30), the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (14:45), the Dixie Chicks' new name (18:45), and listener mail (29:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden Is Crushing Trump, a Washington Post Controversy, and Listener Mail 25.06.2020

A New York Times/Siena poll out Wednesday shows that Biden is ahead of Trump nationally. Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss how the presidential race could unfold (1:20) and break down the strange story behind a Washington Post piece about a two-year-old blackface incident that got a non-famous woman fired (23:40). Then they answer the question “What do we think now about the Bubba Wallace N...

Trump in Tulsa, Bubba Wallace, and the Temporary End of the Newsroom 22.06.2020

Donald Trump had a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, and the subject was not George Floyd or the coronavirus; Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down what was said (1:15). Next, they talk about the racist incident that took place after NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace called for the ban of the Confederate flag (27:20). Lastly, Curtis and Shoemaker discuss the effects that long-term work-from-h...

Breonna Taylor, Listener Mail, and the Seattle Protests 18.06.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Ringer staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn to talk about Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was killed on March 13 by Louisville police (0:45). Then, Curtis and David answer your listener mail, where they consider the question “Which White House memoir would we actually want to read?” (20:20). Then the hosts welcome Seattle Times reporter Evan Bush to talk...

The Coronavirus and the Media, the NBA and the Protests, and the Week in Trump. 15.06.2020

It's been 49 days without a formal White House briefing about the virus. Politico reporter Dan Diamond joins to discuss where to find critical information about the coronavirus and what he anticipates the virus will look like going forward (1:10). Then, Ringer sportswriter Paolo Uggetti joins the show to break down the latest on the NBA’s return to play, the players' interest in activism, and how...

L.A. Times Columnist Erika Smith, the Protests in Washington, and Newsroom Reckonings 11.06.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by 'L.A. Times' columnist Erika Smith as she takes us through protests, column writing, and the future of the 'L.A. Times' (1:20). Next, 'Ringer' intern Lex Pryor joins the discussion from Washington, D.C., to talk about what it was like covering protests three days after the infamous Trump church photo-op (17:20). Finally, Curtis and Shoemaker break dow...

Jemele Hill on Protests, Roger Goodell, and ESPN. Plus, Police Unions and James Bennet 09.06.2020

Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Chris Almeida are joined by Jemele Hill, host of the podcast 'Way Down in the Hole,' to discuss the effects of the protests that are now in their 14th day (0:45). Then, 'Philadelphia Inquirer' columnist Will Bunch joins to explain police unions and what they mean for reform (23:00). Finally, Curtis, Shoemaker, and Almeida discuss James Bennet's resignation from '...

Reports From Brooklyn and Minneapolis, Plus: Trump Goes to Church 04.06.2020

After a week of protests around the country, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are joined by Ringer writer Tyler Tynes and Washington Post reporter Robert Klemko to discuss their perspectives from the ground of both cities, Brooklyn and Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Floyd, Minneapolis, and Beyond 01.06.2020

Days of nationwide protests have followed the killing of George Floyd, who died while in police custody. Ringer writer Justin Charity joins Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Chris Almeida to discuss the situation unfolding before all of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump vs. Scarborough, Listener Mail, and Rob Mahoney on Empty Stadiums 28.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump’s latest allegations against Joe Scarborough and the supporters “urging him to stop" (1:35). Then listener mail, including the question “Will we ever again get a 'DAVID…' opener from Bryan before the intro music?” (19:05). Lastly, Curtis is joined by Rob Mahoney, sports writer at The Ringer, to explore what arenas and stadiums could sound like without...

Return of the Veepstakes, Peak Sports Docs, and Will Sommer 25.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the veepstakes that includes Elizabeth Warren, Stacey Abrams, and Amy Klobuchar (1:35). They touch on the seemingly endless cycle of sports documentaries (21:40), and then talk with 'Daily Beast' reporter Will Sommer, who gives the inside scoop on the QAnon conspiracy theory (33:10). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker guesses...

“Obamagate” Explainer, 'Call Her Daddy', and Listener Mail 21.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down Trump’s claims against Obama and what he refers to as “Obamagate” (1:30) as well as the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast feud that has Dave Portnoy taking over the show, social media, and merch (including a “Cancel Suitman” hoodie) (23:00). Next is Listener Mail, where Bryan and David answer the question “If you could buy one media outlet, which would you buy an...

Last Dance Wrap-up, Ronan Farrow and Ben Smith, and Lawrence Wright on Fact and Fiction 18.05.2020

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 Ov...

Trump vs. Fauci, NFL “Fake” Crowds, Listener Mail | The Press Box 14.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Trump vs. Fauci and the debate on science (1:20), whether or not the NFL will utilize fake crowds as fans (23:30), and lastly, Listener Mail, when we answer questions including: “If Bryan and David could be the host of another 'Ringer' podcast, which would it be, and why?” Plus: the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week and of course, David Shoemaker guesses...

COVID-19 in the White House. Plus, Michael Jordan and the Media With Jack McCallum | The Press Box 11.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the major news that COVID-19 is now inside the White House: We discuss who’s infected, what this means for the White House, and what this means for the country (1:30). Then, we are joined by longtime 'Sports Illustrated' writer Jack McCallum to discuss 'The Last Dance' and what it was like reporting on Michael Jordan (18:00). Plus: the Overworked Twitter Jo...

Trump vs. David Muir, the Week in Fake Sports, and Listener Mail | The Press Box 08.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker dissect the David Muir interview with Donald Trump (1:30), tackle the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (23:00), discuss the steps certain sports organizations are taking when it comes to reopening (28:22), and finally, listener mail—when David tells us about a potential *tattoo*? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden and Tara Reade, Sports Plot a Comeback, and Ahmad Rashad 04.05.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss Tara Reade, who says Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993, and Biden's candidacy (1:25). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:50), the sports comeback that could take us to Las Vegas (26:30), and finally, the sports reporter during the '90s who seemed to have gotten it right: Ahmad Rashad (31:30). Learn mor...

Coronavirus Commercials, Justin Amash, and Listener Mail | The Press Box 30.04.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss the commercials that have touched on the pandemic, including, but not limited to, Pizza Hut, Walmart, and State Farm (2:55). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:20), new presidential nominee Justin Amash (25:20), and finally, listener mail (35:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Reopening of America, a ’90s Dennis Rodman, and the Lysol Presidency | The Press Box 28.04.2020

After months of quarantine, Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker touch on what it would look like to reopen America (2:00). Then, they discuss the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (22:22), 'The Last Dance' and the iconic ’90s figure that is Dennis Rodman (25:12), President Trump's suggestion to chug Lysol as coronavirus cure, (46:20), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...

The NFL Draft Content Machine, the Coronavirus Hall of Shame Part 3, and Listener Mail | The Press Box 24.04.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker are discussing the 2020 NFL draft: Roger Goodell’s demeanor, Jerry Jones’s setup, and all of our favorite moments (2:45). Then, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (25:00), Part 3 of the Coronavirus Hall of Shame (29:10), and listener mail (40:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jordan Doc, the Death of the Indie Bookstore, and More Media Hell | The Press Box 20.04.2020

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker discuss their first impressions of the Michael Jordan documentary 'The Last Dance' (1:40). They then go over the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week (35:20), the death of the beloved indie bookstore (38:05), and more from the Hall of Shame, with updates on media companies hit hard by the pandemic (48:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

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