Jon Krakauer on Climbing Mt. Everest, Writing Non-Fiction, and 30 Years of ‘Into Thin Air’

The June Issue: LeBron’s Final Decision With Brian Windhorst

Jun 25, 20261h 9mSummary

In this special episode of The Press Box, host Brian Curtis sits down with ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst to explore the legacy of LeBron James’s career moves and how they permanently reshaped sports journalism. With James once again facing a major off-season decision regarding his future, the two revisit the past two decades of coverage, analyzing how James’s free agency choices became defining moments for both the player and the media. Windhorst provides a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stress environment of 2010, detailing his reaction to the infamous "Decision" broadcast and the chaotic aftermath of Dan Gilbert’s letter. The discussion also touches upon Windhorst’s own transition from a local beat writer in Ohio to an ESPN reporter covering the Miami Heat, highlighting the intense, round-the-clock scrutiny that defined that era of basketball reporting. Throughout the episode, Windhorst reflects on the evolution of NBA coverage, the power of social media in breaking news, and how James’s narrative arcs—from his departure from Cleveland to his return—fundamentally changed how fans consume sports transactions in the modern era.

Nuggets From the Haberman-Swan Trump Book, the Best Announcer at the World Cup, and a Mark Singer Syllabus

Jun 24, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, the hosts examine a variety of topics ranging from sports broadcasting culture to the landscape of political journalism. The discussion begins with an analysis of sports announcers who, despite their longevity on television, struggle to find favor with the audience. The hosts explore the concept of go-away heat, differentiating between figures who are effectively working as heels in the sports world and those whom the audience simply dislikes. They specifically highlight the impressive work of World Cup announcer Darren Fletcher, praising his insightful and enthusiastic approach to the game. The episode then shifts to an in-depth review of Regime Change, the new book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The hosts break down the book into digestible nuggets, sharing anecdotes about the chaotic nature of the Trump White House. They also discuss the unique challenges and criticisms faced by Haberman as a prominent reporter on the Trump beat, noting that the book offers a more interpretive perspective than her traditional newspaper reporting. The conversation concludes with a look at the state of the publishing industry and a tribute to the career of writer 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.

Jun 19, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, hosts Joel Anderson and their producer dive into a range of timely media and political narratives. The conversation begins with a critical look at the Trump administration’s handling of a proposed peace deal with Iran, specifically noting the frustration among journalists regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the memorandum of understanding. The hosts analyze the diplomatic gamesmanship involving the Vice Presidency, questioning why the administration chose to shield certain details while positioning JD Vance at the center of the controversy. The discussion then shifts to the sports media landscape, focusing on the recent public friction between ESPN personalities regarding NBA championships and the concept of participation trophies. The hosts explore the evolving culture of debate at major networks, distinguishing between constructive discourse and personal attacks. They examine which commentators hold enough institutional power to challenge their colleagues on-air without facing professional repercussions, contrasting this with the more controlled environment of legacy programs. By blending geopolitical analysis with an insider’s view of sports media dynamics, the hosts provide a compelling look at how narratives are constructed, defended, and contested in today’s polarized media environment.

World Cup Takes and Trump’s UFC Birthday Party. Plus, Peter Kafka on Fox and Roku.

Jun 17, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, hosts Brian Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into a weekend packed with high-profile sporting events and media narratives. The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about the World Cup, where the hosts reflect on the unique, vibrant atmosphere created by international fans in major cities. They explore the evolving role of celebrities at these matches, the television coverage on Fox, and the broader implications of hydration breaks, which some critics argue are changing the flow and commercial structure of soccer matches in the United States. The hosts then shift gears to discuss the intersection of politics and combat sports, specifically focusing on the recent UFC-themed event hosted at the White House. They analyze the cultural phenomenon of UFC as a modern American spectacle and dissect the symbiotic relationship between Donald Trump and Dana White. The discussion moves from the optics of the White House event to the bizarre public remarks made by fighters in attendance, providing a critical look at how such events function as political messaging. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain their focus on the media landscape, covering everything from the aesthetic choices of celebrity event production to the ongoing challenges of sports broadcasting.

ESPN’s Game 4 Flop, Trump’s Epstein Strategy, and Everyone’s Favorite World Cup Fan. Plus: Semafor’s Dave Weigel!

Jun 12, 20261h 41mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, the hosts break down a jam-packed week of sports and media news. They open with an extensive analysis of the NBA Finals Game 4, dissecting the New York Knicks’ thrilling comeback and highlighting broadcast critiques, such as the questionable directing choices during the game’s final moments. The conversation shifts to a significant report from The New York Times, detailing internal White House deliberations regarding the Epstein files and how the administration navigated potential PR fallout. The focus then turns to the ongoing management turbulence at CBS News under Wendy McMahon. The hosts debate conflicting reports about her leadership trajectory—specifically whether she is being sidelined or prepared for a broader role within the proposed merger between CBS and CNN—while questioning her effectiveness in modernizing legacy media. Finally, the episode touches on the viral sensation of a German soccer fan’s wide-eyed, enthusiastic tour of American cultural staples like Waffle House and Buc-ee’s. This segment prompts a lighthearted discussion about the authenticity of such social media phenomena in today’s attention economy.

A Trumpy NBA Finals, Pat McAfee’s New Deal, and Scott Pelley’s Interview. Plus: MS NOW’s Michael Steele

Jun 10, 20261h 37mSummary

In this episode, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion on the evolving landscape of sports media and contemporary journalism. A primary focus is the reported massive contract extension for Pat McAfee at ESPN. The hosts analyze why ESPN is prioritizing high-priced personality-driven content over internal development, comparing their strategy to the "Yankees model" of acquiring stars rather than drafting talent. They examine the risks of this heavy investment and whether McAfee’s transition from independent podcaster to network centerpiece successfully secures the younger demographic the network covets. The conversation shifts to the intersection of sports and politics following Donald Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The hosts deconstruct the league’s handling of the event, the crowd’s vocal reception, and the subsequent media fallout, including the tense exchange between Trump and Stephen A. Smith. Additionally, the hosts evaluate Scott Pelley’s recent, candid interview regarding his departure from CBS. They discuss the emotional weight of his exit, the effectiveness of the interviewer’s approach, and the professional implications of his pointed critiques regarding the management and institutional direction of the network.

'60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California Primaries

Jun 4, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, the hosts dive into a week of major headlines across media and sports. The primary focus is the ongoing internal turmoil at CBS News, specifically the dramatic changes at the iconic magazine show 60 Minutes. The discussion centers on the controversial management decisions made by news executive Bari Weiss, including the firing of veteran producers and correspondents, and the high-profile stand taken by Scott Pelley, who publicly criticized the leadership during a staff meeting. The hosts analyze the potential motives behind these radical shifts, debating whether the goal is to modernize the institution or, more cynically, to appease political figures. Beyond the television news industry, the podcast shifts to the political landscape, with guest Gustavo Arellano providing insights into the California primaries and the surprising electoral dynamics in the nation’s largest blue state. Finally, the episode covers the NBA Finals, featuring an interview with ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill. He reports from San Antonio on the New York Knicks’ impressive, methodical comeback victory in Game 1, highlighting their dominant playoff run and their unique ability to overcome significant deficits against younger opponents.

The May Issue: The Unknockables 2026

May 31, 20261h 33mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, hosts Brian Curtis and David Shoemaker embark on a nostalgic and analytical project inspired by a 60-year-old Esquire cover story. The hosts attempt to curate a list of Unknockables for 2026—public figures who, despite the divisiveness of modern media and politics, are widely regarded as being beyond reproach. The discussion centers on specific categories, including grand old men of basketball, country music legends, and cinematic auteurs. The hosts debate the inclusion of luminaries such as Hubie Brown, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, carefully weighing whether these individuals have truly transcended criticism. They also explore the concept of childhood icons, discussing figures like Judy Bloom, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Henry Winkler, while examining the difference between universal greatness and the specific, often fleeting, quality of being unknockable in a contemporary context. The episode serves as a lighthearted, thoughtful reflection on fame, cultural longevity, and the rare public figures who remain generally liked across the social spectrum.

Another CBS Earthquake and the Texas Senate Showdown. Plus, Tales from the Knicks Locker Room With Frank Isola.

May 29, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, hosts Brian Curtis and Joel Anderson dive into a variety of high-stakes media and political developments. The discussion begins with the recent Texas Republican Senate runoff, where Ken Paxton secured a decisive victory against long-time incumbent John Cornyn. The hosts analyze how this shift signals a transformation of the Texas GOP, characterizing the result as a symbolic departure from the Bush era in favor of a new, Trump-aligned political landscape. The conversation then shifts to the world of television news, specifically the ongoing upheaval at CBS under the leadership of Barry Weiss. The hosts examine the departure of correspondent Sharon Alphonse, who alleged that her exit was a retaliatory move against independent journalism. This leads to a broader critique of current management strategies, including the hiring of outsiders to reshape storied institutions like 60 Minutes. Additionally, the hosts discuss Jill Biden’s recent public comments regarding her husband’s debate performance and the broader implications of how political figures manage access and media appearances. The episode concludes by highlighting the evolving challenges facing legacy media organizations in an increasingly fragmented digital environment.

ESPN vs. NBC on the NBA, Trump’s Health, and the Splendid ‘Star Wars’ Discourse. Plus, a New Feature With Jason Concepcion.

May 26, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of The Press Box, hosts Brian Curtis and David Shoemaker dive into a variety of cultural and sports-related topics. The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about the theater-going experience, specifically regarding recent blockbusters, the peculiarities of modern movie theater technology, and the evolving nature of audience behavior. They shift into an engaging analysis of the current Star Wars discourse, reflecting on why the franchise continues to spark intense, decades-long debates among fans and the role that deep-dive analysis podcasts play in sustaining that ecosystem. The hosts then transition to sports media, providing a side-by-side comparison of how ESPN and NBC are currently handling NBA playoff coverage. They analyze the on-air chemistry of various broadcast booths, the aesthetic choices made by networks during game broadcasts, and the emotional resonance of veteran announcers like Mike Breen. Throughout the episode, the duo maintains their trademark conversational style, blending critical media observation with personal anecdotes and witty commentary on the state of professional sports broadcasting and the modern media landscape.