Van Lathan on What Makes a Good Political Pundit, How TMZ Shaped Him and His Career, and a Very Special Request for Hillary Clinton and His Mom.
27 March 2025 - 1 hour 34 minsHello, media consumers! While Bryan is on vacation, Joel is in the driver’s seat and he welcomes in The Ringer’s own, Van Lathan (3:10). They kick off the show by discussing their paths to today’s episode then talk about the following:
How Van prepares for his CNN appearances (6:56)
Stephen A. Smith as a presidential candidate (17:52)
Who will be the face of the NBA (32:23)?
NIL ruining college sports (44:19)
Van’s time at TMZ and what he learned (51:23)
Life after confronting Kanye West (1:03:29)
Host: Joel Anderson
Guest: Van Lathan
Producers: Brian H. Waters and Jonathan Kermah
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How ‘Tony’ Turned Anthony Bourdain Into a Movie Star. Plus: The Latest on the Paramount Negotiations.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David take a trip to the movies. They're here to discuss the Anthony Bourdain biopic, 'Tony.' They discuss their initial reactions to the film, the concept of a biopic about a writer, the way Bourdain was portrayed, and much more (4:24). Then, in the Notebook Dump, they touch on a handful of media stories, including an update on the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger (52:08). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Donald LoBianco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 6 mins
25 August Finished
Jon Ossoff Gave Us Permission to Record a Natalie Harp Podcast. Plus: CNN’s Elex Michaelson!
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel talk more about Jon Ossoff and Natalie Harp. They talk about this week's coverage of her and what it's all for. Then Bryan is joined by CNN's Elex Michaelson to talk about his start in news, how he pitched his late-night show to CNN, making cookies with his mom, and much more (36:04). Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Guest: Elex Michaelson Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 32 mins
21 August Finished
Why Pat McAfee Went Unplugged. Plus: Jon Ossoff Breaks the Natalie Harp Fourth Wall.
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David start by reviewing Pat McAfee’s album, 'The Diary of a Polarizing Figure.' Then in the notebook dump, they remember ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen, who passed away at age 93. They also talk about the updates on the NBA’s investigation of the Clippers, Natalie Harp, and a crazy book story (36:33). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Remy Hdz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 5 mins
18 August Finished
Senator Adam Schiff on the Democrats’ Direction, Election Day Nightmares, Data Centers, and JD Vance
Today on The Press Box, Bryan is joined by California U.S. Senator Adam Schiff to discuss a wide range of topics, including the state of the Democratic Party; President Donald Trump’s business ventures and financial growth while in office; the ongoing conflicts in Iran; David Ellison’s threat to leave California if the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger isn't approved, and much more. Additionally, they explore why Karen Bass deserves another term as mayor of Los Angeles and how JD Vance is trying to separate himself from Trump. Host: Bryan CurtisGuest: Senator Adam Schiff Producers: Jon Jones, Jessie Lopez and Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
52 mins
14 August Finished
The Fallout from This Week’s Primaries. Plus: Joel Has Thoughts on "Woke 1".
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and Joel react to the primary races this week with David Crowley upsetting Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s race for governor (1:32). Was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez out of line with her comments on “Woke 1” (33:32)? Plus, Bryan eviscerates new Lakers co-owner Bob Iger. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producers: Jon Jones and Clifford Augustin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
58 mins
13 August Finished
AOC, Francesca Hong, and the Battle for the Democratic Party. Plus: Stephen A. Smith, Journalist?
Today on The Press Box, Bryan and David take a look at the Democratic Party. They talk about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent interview on ABC, Francesca Hong’s takes on holidays, and much more (8:30). Then in the notebook dump, they take a look at the discussion around whether Stephen A. Smith is still a journalist and if it's Greg Olsen’s time to be on the no. 1 broadcast team (45:03). Plus, the Overworked Twitter Joke of the Week, and David Shoemaker Guesses the Strained-Pun Headline! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jon Jones, and Remy Hdz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 2 mins
11 August Finished