The Press Box

Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker preview Election Day by unpacking a final wave of Democratic-friendly Senate polling and the bizarre fallout in Michigan after Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers, then struggled to explain her reversal to Anderson Cooper (12:52). Bryan and David rank the 10 races they’ll be watching most closely—from Michigan and Texas to Kansas, Iowa, and potential surprise states (41:02). Then Bryan offers his final predictions for control of the House and Senate before they discuss an update on Michael Wilbon’s health (53:44).

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Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz
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Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker celebrate Halloween by dressing as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman before reflecting on Ernie Johnson’s 37-year run as host of 'Inside the NBA,' the understated instincts that made him a uniquely beloved broadcaster, and what the show might become without him. They also dissect Pat McAfee’s escalating response to a harmless Utah student video and how his outsize presence has changed 'College GameDay' before surveying a batch of startling midterm polls in South Carolina, Kansas, Texas, Maine, and Michigan.

And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz
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Welcome to the October Issue of the Press Box. First, author Michael Connelly joins the show to talk about his years as an LA crime reporter, his Harry Bosch novels, why Bosch lives in the hills above LA, and much more. He also weighed in on the Bosch Amazon series and the current state of his old paper, the LA Times.

Then, Chris Ryan and Bryan list their all-time favorite detective novels.

Host: Bryan Curtis

Guests: Michael Connelly and Chris Ryan

Producers: Jon Jones and Steve Ahlman

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Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson make their final predictions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, debating whether James Talarico can break Texas Democrats’ statewide drought, whether Susan Collins can survive once again in Maine, and whether Democrats will take control of the Senate (5:35). They also examine the consequences of weakened voting protections, the possibility of challenges to election results and why celebrities and athletes who align themselves with Donald Trump may face lasting backlash (24:15). Bryan also bids farewell to an unsung broadcast hero (46:00).

And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson

Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz
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Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker break down CBS’s decision to elevate J.J. Watt to its top NFL broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, assess Watt’s development as an analyst, and consider what the network shuffle could mean for Troy Aikman’s future in the booth. They also examine an increasingly ugly Ohio governor’s race, the wider midterm media narrative (16:31), and Blake Griffin’s new media-criticism show, 'The Step Back,' including whether its John Oliver-inspired format makes the best use of Griffin’s perspective as a former player (37:58).

And don't forget to subscribe to Bryan's newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

Producers: Jon Jones, Steve Ahlman, and Ben Cruz
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices