The Press Box

Latest Episodes:

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, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel discuss how the media covered the Iran deal, despite the administration initially not letting anyone see the deal. Then they discuss an ESPN fight and what other ESPN figures could pick a fight with a colleague (10:25). Later, they dive into some World Cup thoughts and discuss the discourse around Alexi Lalas (29:00). After that, the two are joined by New York Magazine’s Ben Terris to discuss his trip to South Dakota for Joe Biden’s legacy comeback, his recent story about John Fetterman, and much more (44:37).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Ben Terris
Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie Yukich

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World Cup Takes and Trump’s UFC Birthday Party. Plus, Peter Kafka on Fox and Roku. Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David share some thoughts from the first few days of the World Cup. Then they dive into UFC Freedom 250 at the White House and discuss the event and Trump's attraction to UFC (15:30). Then they give a few notes from the NBA Finals (35:05). Finally, Bryan is joined by Peter Kafka, chief correspondent for Business Insider, to talk about Fox's $22 billion purchase of Roku (55:37).

Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Guest: Peter Kafka
Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jason Arreola

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ESPN’s Game 4 Flop, Trump’s Epstein Strategy, and Everyone’s Favorite World Cup Fan. Plus: Semafor’s Dave Weigel! Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start with their thoughts on the Knicks' historic comeback over the Spurs to take a 3-1 lead, and Bryan gives his notes on ESPN’s coverage of the game down the stretch. Then they talk about the New York Times excerpt from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's upcoming book about how the White House has been handling the Epstein files (16:23). They also talk about Twitter’s favorite World Cup fan (33:14) and a new addition to the Best Used Bookstores in the World list (43:04). Finally, Semafor’s Dave Weigel joins to talk about the Senate race in Texas, the change in campaign reporting, and much more (52:58).

Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Guest: Dave Weigel
Producer: Isaiah Blakely

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A Trumpy NBA Finals, Pat McAfee’s New Deal, and Scott Pelley’s Interview. Plus: MS NOW’s Michael Steele Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Joel takes over the Tuesday slot. Bryan and Joel start the show by discussing Pat McAfee’s reported extension with ESPN (01:11) before talking about Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals (14:52). After that, the guys dive into the Scott Pelley–'60 Minutes' situation, including Pelley’s interview with The New York Times (26:02) and what Bryan would have asked Scott if he had interviewed him (40:28).

The show ends with an interview with MS NOW’s Michael Steele (54:35), where he and the guys talk about the 2024 DNC autopsy (59:04), why he hasn't become a Democrat, why he almost became a priest (1:26:10), and so much more.

Michael Steele is the coanchor of 'The Weeknight,' airing weekdays at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW. Beginning Monday, June 15, Steele and his coanchor Symone Sanders Townsend will welcome Luke Russert as the newest coanchor at the roundtable.

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson

Guest: Michael Steele

Producer: Bruce Baldwin

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'60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California Primaries Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box: '60 Minutes,' the NBA Finals, and the California primaries. Joel and Bryan react to the latest news regarding '60 Minutes,' including the hiring of Nick Bilton, Scott Pelley's departure, and more (01:20). Then, ESPN's Vince Goodwill joins from San Antonio, sharing his observations from Game 1 of the NBA Finals (25:30). Plus, Gustavo Arellano breaks down the California primaries (48:05).

Host: Joel Anderson

Guests: Bryan Curtis, Vince Goodwill, and Gustavo Arellano

Producers: Tucker Tashjian, Isaiah Blakely, Conor Nevins and Ben Cruz

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The May Issue: The Unknockables 2026 May 31, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, it's the May Issue! Bryan and David create the 2026 version of an Esquire magazine feature from 60 years ago, called "The Unknockables." They talk through a bunch of categories and nominees across society and culture, and they pick people in 2026 who are unknockable.

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, Jon Roemer, and Oscar De La Luz

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Another CBS Earthquake and the Texas Senate Showdown. Plus, Tales from the Knicks Locker Room With Frank Isola. May 29, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel talk about Ken Paxton winning the Republican Senate nominee runoff in Texas, setting up a showdown with Democratic nominee James Talarico. They also talk about Jill Biden’s interview on CBS, another Bari Weiss story, and a sports Emmys snub. Then, they are joined by ESPN and Sirius XM’s Frank Isola to discuss his tales of covering the New York Knicks for 22 years.

(00:00) Intro
(3:40) Texas Senate race
(18:13) Jill Biden's interview
(25:55) More changes at CBS
(32:17) Sports Emmys
(36:02) Tales from the Knicks locker room

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Frank Isola
Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie Yukich

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ESPN vs. NBC on the NBA, Trump’s Health, and the Splendid ‘Star Wars’ Discourse. Plus, a New Feature With Jason Concepcion. May 26, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David kick things off by discussing Bryan's Memorial Day trip to the movie theater and why the ‘Star Wars’ discourse has become more interesting than the movies themselves. Then they offer a side-by-side comparison of the NBA playoff coverage on ESPN versus NBC (19:10) and analyze the recent reporting surrounding Donald Trump's health (44:52). Then they debut a brand-new segment, the Obligatory List, with some help from Jason Concepcion (49:00). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

Guest: Jason Concepcion

Producer: Jon Roemer

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The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell on Early 2028 Vibes, a Post-Trump GOP, and Building a Personality-Driven Media Company May 25, 2026

Show notes

On today’s bonus episode of The Press Box, Bryan sits down with the Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell to discuss her early thoughts on the 2028 political landscape, starting the Bulwark (29:09), and much more.

Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Sarah Longwell
Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Sarah Reddy

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Is Sports Journalism Dead? Plus: Google’s Killing Search and Fear and Loathing on the Wemby Beat. May 22, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Joel is back, and he’s here with Bryan to talk first about the sale of New York magazine. Then they talk about the changes coming to the Google search bar (9:13), whether sports journalism is dead like Dan Le Batard said (21:53), and more. Then they are joined by San Antonio Express-News sports columnist Mike Finger to discuss what it’s like covering Victor Wembanyama (58:27).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Mike Finger
Producers: Isaiah Blakey, Jon Roemer, Oscar De La Luz, and Sarah Reddy

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