The Press Box

Latest Episodes:

More on Vrabel and Russini, the FBI Investigates a Reporter, and Buying Your Way Into the Broadcast Booth Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David are back, and they start with some newsworthy items from David's time at WrestleMania. Then they react to more photos of Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel (8:16). They also talk about the coverage of the NFL draft (26:00), the FBI’s reported investigation of a New York Times reporter who covered Kash Patel (44:20), and much more.

Plus, David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline.

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, Jamie Yukich, and Sarah Reddy

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Kash Patel vs. The Atlantic, Mike Vrabel Speaks, and Why NBC Wants Mike Tomlin. Plus, Jordan Ritter Conn on 'American Men.' Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel start with Kash Patel’s lawsuit against The Atlantic. Then they react to New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaking to the media for the first time since photos of him and Dianna Russini in Arizona were released (16:41). They also discuss Mike Tomlin to NBC (23:37), NBA score bug issues (34:42), The Washington Post hiring (43:38), and much more. Then Joel talks to Jordan Ritter Conn, Ringer writer and the author of 'American Men,' about the process of writing this book, what masculinity looks like today, and much more (51:49).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Jordan Ritter Conn
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, Ryan Todd, and Sarah Reddy

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Rueben Bain Jr.’s Measurables and JD Vance’s Humiliations. Plus, Scott MacFarlane on Life After CBS. Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel discuss the recent news about Rueben Bain Jr., and they discuss how much we should know about NFL draft prospects. Then, they talk about JD Vance (20:41), media sales news (27:53), and the Masters (32:25). Then, they are joined by MeidasTouch chief Washington correspondent Scott MacFarlane to talk about covering the attempted Trump assassination, his last few months at CBS News, joining MeidasTouch, and much more, including a Joel Anderson lightning round (39:54). They wrap up the show with the return of J School (1:23:16).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Scott MacFarlane
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Jamie Yukich

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Dianna Russini Resigns From The Athletic Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, breaking news: Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic. So Bryan was joined by Joel Anderson and Nora Princiotti to give their reactions to the resignation and discuss what they think could be next for Russini. Before the news broke, the trio recorded a whole other podcast about their thoughts on the Vrabel-Russini story (16:39), and they discussed what it’s like being a woman in sports media (54:30) and what the point of sports insiders is in today’s media landscape (1:04:19).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Nora Princiotti
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Jamie Yukich
Additional Production Supervision: Conor Nevins

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Sam Altman and Trump’s War Room. Plus, ESPN Draft Guru Mel Kiper Jr. Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel start by talking about two big pieces that have dropped this week. First is a story from the New York Times taking us inside the White House and how Trump led the United States into war with Iran. The second piece is from the New Yorker, about OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman (13:00). Lastly, they discuss the news and drama surrounding pictures released of NFL insider Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hanging out poolside in Arizona (21:13). Then, they are joined by ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr (30:50). They discuss how he got into draft coverage, handling criticism, and much more. Then in Joel’s lightning round, Mel says who some of his favorite prospects have been at each position he’s ever scouted (1:04:35).

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Donald LoBianco, Isaiah Blakely, and Sarah Reddy

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The April Issue: The 50th Anniversary of 'All the President’s Men' With Sean Fennessey Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

It’s time for the April issue! Bryan is joined by Sean Fennessey to talk about 'All the President’s Men' in honor of its 50th anniversary. They start by discussing how this movie plays in today’s climate politically and journalistically. Then they talk about all the major players that are involved in this movie—from the stars, including Robert Redford (10:56) and Dustin Hoffman (49:10), to the filmmakers, including Alan Pakula(1:00:14)—and some of their favorite cameos (53:47).

Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Sean Fennessey
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Sarah Reddy

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Trump’s Iran Threats, Vanity Fair’s Chloe Fineman Cleanup, and Bryan’s Spring Break Adventures Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by catching up about Bryan’s spring break trip. Then they talk about Trump’s Iran tweets (15:28), Bill Raftery’s obscure reference during the national championship (19:07), and much more. Later on, they talk about what to do with ESPN Radio (50:17) and discuss what makes a great used bookstore (57:25).

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

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Isaiah Blakely

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Bomani Jones Talks Social Media on Trial, AI Use, and the State of Hip-Hop Media Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Today on a special episode of The Press Box, Joel is joined by friend of the show Bomani Jones. Joel and Bomani start by discussing the social media addiction trial in California that found Meta and Google liable (03:23). They dive into a larger conversation about social media use in 2026, and whether you can still build a following on social media like you used to (10:45). Next, the guys discuss the reaction to their takes on Jay-Z and look at the state of hip-hop media as a whole (24:08). After that, Joel asks Bomani about his use of AI (43:56) and his thoughts on the general conversation surrounding AI in 2026. The show ends with a discussion about Will Wade being hired at LSU (53:46), before a quick conversation about the Jaden Ivey situation (59:32).

All that and more, here on The Press Box.

Host: Joel Anderson

Guest: Bomani Jones

Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Bruce Baldwin, and Brian H. Waters

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A Final Four Preview. Plus, the Issues With College Basketball Coverage and an All-Time UNC Starting Five With Tate Frazier Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

No Bryan Curtis this week, so Joel Anderson is joined by his fellow co-host from Ringer Tailgate, Tate Frazier! Joel and Tate preview this weekend’s Final Four matchups on the men’s and women’s side. Then, they get into the issues with how college basketball is covered (13:24) before the lighting round (35:18), where Tate gives his all-time North Carolina starting five, the best team to never win a national championship, and more.

Host: Joel Anderson
Guest: Tate Frazier
Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Isaiah Blakely

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The March Issue: James Talarico and the Dream of Turning Texas Blue Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

It’s time for the March issue! Bryan and Joel are here to examine Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico in his race to turn Texas blue. They take a look at who Talarico is, why he’s gained national recognition from other Democrats (18:49), and how Texas turned into a completely red state (36:47). Then they take a look at how the Texas Senate race has gone so far and they give reasons for optimism and pessimism for Talarico’s case for Senate (41:58).
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Donald LoBianco

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