- 1 hour 33 minutesThe May Issue: The Unknockables 2026
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 LuzLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
31 May 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 22 minutesAnother CBS Earthquake and the Texas Senate Showdown. Plus, Tales from the Knicks Locker Room With Frank Isola.
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 roomHosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Frank Isola
Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jamie YukichLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29 May 2026, 3:39 am - 1 hour 8 minutesESPN vs. NBC on the NBA, Trump’s Health, and the Splendid ‘Star Wars’ Discourse. Plus, a New Feature With Jason Concepcion.
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26 May 2026, 9:45 pm - 56 minutes 16 secondsThe Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell on Early 2028 Vibes, a Post-Trump GOP, and Building a Personality-Driven Media Company
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 ReddyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 May 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 22 minutesIs Sports Journalism Dead? Plus: Google’s Killing Search and Fear and Loathing on the Wemby Beat.
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 ReddyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22 May 2026, 2:44 am - 44 minutes 48 secondsJon Krakauer on Climbing Mt. Everest, Writing Non-Fiction, and 30 Years of ‘Into Thin Air’
On today’s bonus episode of The Press Box, Bryan is joined by bestselling author Jon Krakauer. It’s the 30th anniversary of his book ‘Into Thin Air,’ so they talk about climbing Mount Everest, the quick writing process of the book (21:25), why he stopped writing books (38:34), and much more.
Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Jon Krakauer
Producers: Donald LoBianco Isaiah Blakely, and Oscar De La LuzLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
21 May 2026, 1:30 am - 1 hour 23 minutesHow to Interview Wemby and the Clipping Nightmare. Plus: Stephen Colbert’s Last Stand, With Jason Zinoman.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David react to a wild Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Spurs and Thunder, and they talk about how to revamp postgame interviews. Then they talk about another Bari Weiss story at CBS (15:28), the decline in “dad books” (22:01), a breakfast taco controversy (36:16), and much more. Then Bryan is joined by New York Times critic Jason Zinoman to discuss the end of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show (59:31).
Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline!
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Guest: Jason Zinoman
Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jaime Yukich, and Jon RoemerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20 May 2026, 2:10 am - 1 hour 4 minutesA Fresh CBS Controversy, and Nick Kristof’s Column. Plus: A Midterms Check-in with Vox’s Benjy Sarlin
Today on The Press Box, Joel is out, so Bryan is back with David and they start by discussing another Bari Weiss and CBS story. Then, they move to the discourse around Nick Kristof’s recent column (23:17), they say goodbye to a legendary sports broadcaster, and much more. Then, Bryan is joined by Vox’s senior editor for politics Benjy Sarlin to do a midterm elections check-in (37:10).
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jamie Yukich, and Ben CruzLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 May 2026, 12:51 am - 1 hour 6 minutesRupert Murdoch vs. the NFL, The Daily Wire’s Fade, and Spencer Pratt for L.A. Mayor
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by talking stand-up comedy, specifically Bryan’s time at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. Then they talk about what’s going on with the NFL TV rights negotiations (12:30), The Daily Wire fading away (24:33), Draymond Green vs. Charles Barkley (31:13), and much more. Then Bryan is joined by Politico’s California bureau chief, Melanie Mason, to talk about the Los Angeles mayoral race and the California gubernatorial race (47:31).
Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline!
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker
Guest: Melanie Mason
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Jamie YukichLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13 May 2026, 2:10 am - 1 hour 18 minutesThe GOP Depth Chart With Van Lathan
Today on The Press Box, Joel is in L.A. with Bryan, and they are joined by Van Lathan Jr. He’s back this time to run through his GOP nominee depth chart. They discuss all types of potential candidates, including members of the current administration, former contenders (22:08), up-and-comers, outsiders (52:35), and more. Then, at the end, Van reveals who he thinks will most likely be the nominee (1:09:13).
Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson
Guest: Van Lathan Jr.
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Chris Thomas, Isaiah Blakely, and Jacob CornettLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
8 May 2026, 4:42 am - 40 minutes 56 secondsRemembering Ted Turner, the Man Who Owned the Media, With Jason Gay
Today on The Press Box, Bryan is joined by The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to discuss Ted Turner's legacy following his death at the age of 87. They talk about the creation of CNN (8:40), what he meant in the world of sports (19:43), how his legacy will carry on (32:49), and much more.
Host: Bryan Curtis
Guest: Jason Gay
Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Isaiah Blakely, and Sarah ReddyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 May 2026, 10:21 pm - More Episodes? Get the App