The Press Box

This episode includes a discussion on Charles Barkley's potential retirement and the search for a successor to Ernie Johnson on Inside the NBA, with Scott Van Pelt proposed as the ideal candidate. The hosts analyze the recently closed Paramount-Skydance merger, debating the future of CNN under Mark Thompson and the consolidated sports rights portfolio, before brainstorming literary-themed Halloween costumes. Finally, Lockland Cartwright joins to break down the Murdoch succession saga, contrasting James Murdoch's purchase of Vox Media and New York Magazine with Lachlan Murdoch's strategy at Fox centered on live sports, news, and the Roku acquisition.

This episode includes the host Brian Curtis launching his new free Substack newsletter, "Now They Tell Us," focused on media criticism and cultural recommendations. The hosts discuss recent New York Times/Siena polling suggesting a potential Democratic wave in key Senate and governor races, expressing skepticism about the reliability of such polls. The episode features an in-depth interview with Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, covering her campaign strategy, the state's political shift, public education, immigration enforcement, and the impact of gerrymandering.

This episode includes a detailed breakdown of Tony Romo's departure from CBS after nine years, analyzing how his 2023 OWI arrest and embarrassing bodycam footage combined with long-standing criticisms about his preparation and lack of growth as an analyst led to the mutual parting of ways. The hosts trace Romo’s trajectory from a revolutionary, emotionally resonant broadcaster who changed the announcer market with his $17 million salary to a polarizing figure accused of relying on quarterback-centric enthusiasm over technical film study. They conclude by surveying the resulting broadcast booth musical chairs, speculating on the futures of J.J. Watt, Sean McVay, Greg Olsen, and the broader landscape at ESPN, Fox, NBC, and Amazon.

This episode includes a detailed breakdown of the shifting NFL broadcasting landscape, covering Kirk Herbstreit's new Amazon deal, the uncertain futures of Troy Aikman and Greg Olsen at ESPN, and potential booth shake-ups at CBS. The hosts then dissect Senator Eric Schmitt's viral gaffe confusing the Atlanta Hawks with the Iowa Hawkeyes during a Jack Smith hearing. Finally, former Michigan legislator Mari Manoogian joins to discuss Democratic campaign strategy, candidate recruitment, and a humorous story about a negative attack ad featuring her "Ghost of Grantland" Halloween costume.

This episode includes a discussion of the hosts' weekends and TV observations from a packed football Saturday, covering the Secret Service cutting coach communications during Trump's appearance at the Texas-Tennessee game, a haunting ambulance shot during the USC-Oregon broadcast, and J.J. Watt's debut on CBS. The conversation shifts to the upcoming midterms, analyzing potential Democratic Senate pickups in Texas, Michigan, Kansas, and Alaska while addressing candidate controversies and structural voting barriers. Finally, the hosts review the new HBO documentary "Miller Night Football," reflecting on Dennis Miller's brief, eccentric tenure on Monday Night Football and whether a similar celebrity experiment would work today.

This episode includes a discussion of White House press access disputes involving JD Vance and Politico, followed by debate over the ethics of releasing unaired footage from Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald's interview. The hosts then review the trailer for the John Madden biopic and the film "Primetime," which dramatizes the "To Catch a Predator" controversy, examining the show's journalistic flaws, cultural impact, and the irony of Chris Hansen considering legal action against the movie.

This episode includes a discussion of the Paramount-Skydance merger settlement and its implications for CNN and CBS editorial independence, alongside analysis of the Trump administration banning major news outlets from the White House and the press corps' fragmented response. The hosts also debate the ethics of Nicole Hannah-Jones revisiting her family's school choices in a viral New York Times Magazine essay, the broadcast standards surrounding repeated replays of Jayden Daniels' gruesome injury, and the continued decimation of local newsrooms by McClatchy layoffs.

This episode includes a discussion of Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding being secretly funded by a Russian oligarch with ties to Putin and the media's structural inability to sustain coverage of such corruption stories. The hosts then analyze the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' salary cap circumvention, debating the future of league media coverage, the declining role of beat writers, and the cultural impact of Inside the NBA ending its run on TNT.

This episode includes a recap of Brian Curtis's weekend in Austin for the Texas-Ohio State game, featuring an interview with author Lawrence Wright and a critical breakdown of Ted Cruz's appearance on College GameDay to promote legislation. The hosts also review the 60 Minutes season premiere, analyzing segments on a rescued Air Force pilot, presidential pardon brokers, and the Los Angeles Rams, before discussing CBS's NFL Today road show and new broadcast booth pairings.

This episode includes a breakdown of the NFL broadcasting landscape, praising Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth’s chemistry while critiquing NBC’s pregame show format. It features an extensive analysis of 60 Minutes’ upcoming season under new leadership, exploring its history, recent scandals, staff turnover, and potential format changes. Finally, the episode concludes with an interview with Fox broadcaster Joe Davis discussing the challenges of calling both NFL and MLB games, his career trajectory, and lessons learned from Vin Scully.

This episode includes a deep dive into Tony Romo’s DUI arrest, the fallout for his CBS broadcasting role, and what it says about his career trajectory. It also covers the Diana Rossini scandal and its chilling effect on women covering the NFL, Colin Kaepernick’s new memoir and the lasting legacy of his protest, and features an interview with Seth Wickership reflecting on his 26‑year ESPN magazine career and the changing world of long‑form sports storytelling.

This episode includes a deep dive into the NBA's severe punishment of the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention, spurred by a damning official report and the investigative journalism of a specific podcaster. The discussion contrasts this with a conflicting report from a major sports media outlet and explores the impact on sports journalism and accountability.

This episode includes a discussion of a podcast schedule and format change, along with five media and sports headlines covering topics like a Washington Post scoop, Donald Trump's reaction to a journalist, and a college football team's media credential dispute. The hosts then delve into the political influence and controversial statements of streamer Hassan Piker, and analyze Texas politician Jasmine Crocket's decision not to campaign for James Talarico.

This episode includes a wide-ranging discussion on the dramatic transformation of college football, particularly in the NIL and transfer portal era, analyzing its impact on media coverage, power dynamics, and the nature of scandals. It also features an interview with the director of the "Untold: The Testimony of Vince Young" documentary, delving into the former quarterback's career and the challenges of sports storytelling.

Welcome to The Press Box. Today's episode is Kirk Herbstreit Got Hired by 'College GameDay' 30 (!) Years Ago. Here’s What Year One Was Like..

This episode includes a discussion of the upcoming "Coyote vs. Acme" film, inspired by an iconic Ian Frazier article, and a deep dive into the movie "Tony," exploring a young Anthony Bourdain's formative summer and his transition from aspiring novelist to chef. The hosts also touch on media news, including a major studio merger, a newspaper defamation case, and potential replacements for a well-known television segment.

This episode includes a deep dive into the media's coverage of Natalie Harp, a key aide to former President Trump, following a senator's controversial remarks about her. It also features a "J school" segment examining the NABJ's criticism of Stephen A. Smith and a conversation with CNN host Alex Michelson about the challenges and future of late-night cable news.

This episode includes a detailed discussion of Pat McAfee's new country album and his status as ESPN's most powerful on-air personality. It also delves into an NBA investigation concerning the Clippers, a politician's controversial reference to a former White House aide, and Amazon's practice of destroying books for AI training.

This episode includes an interview with Senator Adam Schiff, who discusses the Democratic Party's strategy for upcoming elections, emphasizing economic concerns and holding the current administration accountable for corruption. He also addresses threats to democracy, including issues of executive power and election security, alongside the impact of corporate mergers and foreign policy matters. The conversation touches on various policy initiatives and concludes with his personal reflections on film.

This episode includes in-depth analysis of recent Democratic primary results in Wisconsin and Minnesota, examining the dynamics between moderate and progressive candidates. The discussion also features a strong critique of a politician's dismissal of "woke 1.0" and the historical context of movements like "defund the police," alongside commentary on election night media coverage and public figures' challenges.