The Press Box
The Ringer
SummaryThe Press Box is your essential companion for navigating the increasingly blurred lines between sports, politics, and the culture of media itself. Hosts Bryan Curtis, David Shoemaker, and Joel Anderson bring a sharp, insider’s perspective to the stories that dominate our headlines and our social feeds. Whether they are deconstructing the high-stakes drama behind a massive sports broadcasting contract, analyzing the volatile shifts within legacy news networks like CBS, or exploring how political figures use the spectacle of UFC and championship games to message to their base, the hosts treat every topic with the same rigorous curiosity. The show excels at connecting the dots that most observers miss. You will hear deep dives into the shifting dynamics of NBA media, critical dissections of high-profile political books, and candid conversations about the "go-away heat" of certain television announcers. Each episode features a blend of timely news analysis, lighthearted cultural debate—from Star Wars discourse to the global phenomena of the World Cup—and interviews with veteran reporters who provide context on everything from electoral shifts to the evolution of journalism. If you are interested in how the stories we consume are produced, framed, and contested in our modern polarized environment, this podcast offers a brilliant, witty, and deeply informed seat at the table.
Updated Jul 1, 2026
Episodes
The June Issue: LeBron’s Final Decision With Brian Windhorst
Brian Windhorst joins to analyze the evolution of LeBron James’s career moves and their impact on sports media.
Nuggets From the Haberman-Swan Trump Book, the Best Announcer at the World Cup, and a Mark Singer Syllabus
Uncover nuggets from the Trump book by Haberman and Swan, rank sports announcers, and explore the work of Mark Singer.
The Mysterious Iran Deal and the World Cup Announcer Nobody Likes. Plus: Joe Biden’s Comeback With New York Magazine’s Ben Terris.
An analysis of the mysterious Iran deal, the struggle for sports media civility, and Joe Biden's political comeback.
World Cup Takes and Trump’s UFC Birthday Party. Plus, Peter Kafka on Fox and Roku.
World Cup viewing habits and Trump hosting UFC on the White House lawn take center stage on this week's Press Box.
ESPN’s Game 4 Flop, Trump’s Epstein Strategy, and Everyone’s Favorite World Cup Fan. Plus: Semafor’s Dave Weigel!
Break down the Knicks’ historic Game 4 comeback, the Trump team’s frantic Epstein crisis, and viral fan Freddy.
A Trumpy NBA Finals, Pat McAfee’s New Deal, and Scott Pelley’s Interview. Plus: MS NOW’s Michael Steele
ESPNs massive Pat McAfee extension, the politics of NBA Finals courtside seats, and Scott Pelley’s firing fallout.
'60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California Primaries
Scott Pelley and the 60 Minutes turmoil, the latest NBA Finals action, and a preview of the California primaries.
The May Issue: The Unknockables 2026
The hosts create a definitive list of public figures who remain universally admired despite today's divisive culture.
Another CBS Earthquake and the Texas Senate Showdown. Plus, Tales from the Knicks Locker Room With Frank Isola.
Barry Weiss revamps 60 Minutes amid network turmoil, Texas Republicans embrace a new era, and tales from the Knicks.
ESPN vs. NBC on the NBA, Trump’s Health, and the Splendid ‘Star Wars’ Discourse. Plus, a New Feature With Jason Concepcion.
Compare ESPN and NBC broadcast styles, examine recent NBA media trends, and dive into the enduring Star Wars debate.
The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell on Early 2028 Vibes, a Post-Trump GOP, and Building a Personality-Driven Media Company
Sarah Longwell breaks down how Republican voters are reacting to Trump, the Iran war, and the 2028 field.
Is Sports Journalism Dead? Plus: Google’s Killing Search and Fear and Loathing on the Wemby Beat.
Google is killing search, sports journalism is in its twilight, and the Wemby media circus is in full swing.
Jon Krakauer on Climbing Mt. Everest, Writing Non-Fiction, and 30 Years of ‘Into Thin Air’
Jon Krakauer reflects on the thirty-year legacy of Into Thin Air and the heavy cost of his fateful Everest expedition.
How to Interview Wemby and the Clipping Nightmare. Plus: Stephen Colbert’s Last Stand, With Jason Zinoman.
Victor Wembanyama's historic performance sparks a debate on fixing postgame interviews and the state of sports media.
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