Best The Open Mind on PBS Podcasts (2025)

1
CBS’s Halloween "Bloodbath" and Michael Jordan as the NBA's Ombudsman. Plus: Vox’s Astead Herndon on Leaving The New York Times and the Future of the Democrats. 1:35:32

Play Pause

1d ago1:35:32

1:35:32

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the layoffs at CBS News (0:51) before diving into their thoughts on Michael Jordan’s two appearances on NBC thus far (14:05), the NBA's relationship to storytelling, and what they want from these MJ appearances. Next, Bryan and Joel educate the listeners on Jennifer Welch (28:41), including where she o…

1
ESPN’s Gamble, CBS and John Dickerson, and Graham Platner’s Reddit Posts 1:13:38

4d ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is joined by Joel out of the bullpen to dig through everything that has come out of the NBA’s gambling scandal (0:40) before they share their thoughts on how ESPN handled the coverage of that news, who at the worldwide leader should be covering these stories, which former ESPN employees would have covered this in the p…

1
How Zohran Mamdani Won the Hearts and Minds of the Media (and New York City) 1:00:15

9d ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Bryan and Joel are together in the studio to discuss Zohran Mamdani in the 17th edition of their 25 for 25 series (2:00). They discuss Mamdani as a political phenomenon (6:12), a media phenomenon (21:03), and someone who is signaling generation change (25:55). Later they welcome Eric Lach of The New Yorker, who profiled Mamdani for the magazine. La…

1
An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés 57:47

12d ago57:47

57:47

An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss the worst response issued by the White House to a reporter's question, some good news about The Washington Post, and issues at Indiana University’s student newspaper (00:35). The two then dig into th…

1
Zohran Mamdani Goes on Fox News, the Great Pentagon Walkout, and Awkward NFL Coach Audio 1:07:04

16d ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the almost entirely unanimous media walkout at the Pentagon after new rules and guidelines were presented to reporters (0:48); Olivia Nuzzi's return, which will now include a book deal (19:52); and Zohran Mamdani's interview with Fox News' Martha MacCallum (26:22). Then they discuss some awkward NFL he…

1
Bari Weiss’s Memo, Marc Maron’s Goodbye, and College Football’s Most Interesting Coach 57:18

19d ago57:18

57:18

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss Bari Weiss’s memo to her new employees and whether it is threatening. Then they talk about Marc Maron’s farewell podcast with Barack Obama. The two discuss Obama’s social media reluctance and why he isn’t he speaking out more (00:21). They also play the football audio of the week: Indiana …

1
Jen Psaki on the Democrats and the Future of MSNBC. Plus, Paul Finebaum vs. ESPN and the End of LeBron’s Media Headlock 1:31:37

23d ago1:31:37

1:31:37

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel cover LeBron’s “big” news, Paul Finebaum a week after his OutKick interview, yet another Bill Belichick story out of UNC, and a bizarre Katie Porter interview (0:45). Then Joel and Bryan talk with MSNBC's Jen Psaki about the Democratic Party, how politicians can effectively communicate their message, modernizi…

1
Bari Weiss’s First Day at CBS, Reporting on Mark Sanchez, and the GOAT-dom of Chris Berman 1:05:22

26d ago1:05:22

1:05:22

By The Ringer

1
Crypto or Perish? 28:25

29d ago28:25

28:25

Venture capitalist Tim Draper discusses the future of the crypto industry and currencies.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
The Retroactivity Dilemma 28:24

29d ago28:24

28:24

FAMM senior counsel Mary Price discusses one of the most salient issues in American justice reform.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
The Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates Showdown, Floating Paul Finebaum for Senate, and the Meaning of Kamala’s Book Sales 1:20:53

30d ago1:20:53

1:20:53

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel take a deep dive into the spirited discussion between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates centered on their disagreements about Charlie Kirk and some of his eulogists (1:27). Then they discuss the unexpected news that ESPN's Paul Finebaum is considering running as a Republican senator for Alabama, the numbers for …

1
A 25 for 25 Double Feature: Dean Jelani Cobb on the Future of J-School. Plus, Spencer Hall on “Weird Internet.” 1:47:24

1M ago1:47:24

1:47:24

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel preview today’s double-feature episode (0:45), before Joel is joined by Columbia Journalism School dean Jelani Cobb to discuss the future of journalism education (7:44). Then, Bryan and Joel have a quick interview postgame (47:42) before introducing Joel’s conversation with writer Spencer Hall on how his remar…

1
Missionaries, Vigilantes & Public Safety 28:18

1M ago28:18

28:18

Investigative journalist Ross Halperin discusses his debut book "Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land."By The Open Mind on PBS

1
A Report From the Cowboys-Packers Tie, the Rise of the Bernie Bio, and Barbecue Notes From Texas 54:38

1M ago54:38

54:38

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss Bryan’s quick trip to Dallas for the Micah Parsons return game. He lets you in on the dirty secret of football reporting, gets into the differences between the Micah trade and the Luka Doncic trade, and gives some barbecue reviews (00:24). Then they share some football audio from the weeke…

1
Jimmy Kimmel’s Return, the Fox-Barstool College Football Experiment, and Kamala’s Book Tour. Plus: Noah Eagle. 1:22:34

1M ago1:22:34

1:22:34

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the return of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Tuesday night (0:46) before reexamining the Fox-Barstool college football experiment and Kamala Harris's book tour (25:50). Finally, they are joined by NBC's Noah Eagle to discuss the highly anticipated Oregon–Penn State matchup this Saturday, capturing wacky finis…

1
Fear After the Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, the Return of Olivia Nuzzi, and Presidential Campaign of Andy Beshear 1:04:11

1M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss Vanity Fair hiring Olivia Nuzzi after she parted ways with New York magazine last year, continue untangling the Jimmy Kimmel situation, discuss the new rules for covering the Pentagon, and more (00:26). Then they share some football audio from the weekend, including Joe Davis’s call of Eagles defensiv…

1
Jimmy Kimmel Is Suspended, Molly Qerim Leaves ESPN, and Ivan Maisel on the Cult of the College Football Coach 1:32:41

1M ago1:32:41

1:32:41

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss ABC's decision to indefinitely suspend 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (0:46), why The Washington Post fired columnist Karen Attiah, Molly Qerim's abrupt departure from ESPN, Tom Brady's glaring conflict of interest, and more (38:32). Then Bryan is joined by sports journalist and author Ivan Maisel to discuss his…

1
How to Overcome a Liberal Arts Backlash 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

St. John's College president J. Walter Sterling discusses the meaning and nomenclature of the liberal arts.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
Our Broken Media Ecosystem, Replay Reviews for Everyone, and Lachlan Cartwright of Breaker 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David examine the ways in which information about Charlie Kirk's killing has come out to the public (0:20), before they share some audio from the weekend in football, including Pat McAfee's rousing 'College GameDay' monologue, some instant replay insight from Clemson–Georgia Tech, the tush push getting on everyone'…

1
The Killing of Charlie Kirk, the Murdochs’ Real-Life Succession, and Three More Years of ‘Pardon the Interruption’ 1:01:46

2M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Bryan and Joel discuss the whirlwind of coverage around the killing of Charlie Kirk (1:13) before they give updates on the Trump vs. The Wall Street Journal saga (23:32), the extension for ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption' (29:59), Rupert Murdoch's succession plan (38:54), the reporter caught in the middle of the college football AP poll outrage (44…

1
NFL Opening Weekend Audio, the CBS News Blues, and Our Review of ‘The Paper’ 53:27

2M ago53:27

53:27

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss news from CBS News, including more issues with edited interviews and Bari Weiss’s reported arrival (0:20). Then, they get into a tense moment on ‘Get Up!’ between Ryan Clark and Peter Schrager, some audio from NFL Week 1, J.J. Watt’s broadcast debut, and more (12:28). They also share their thoughts on…

1
Copaganda and Feartopia 28:19

2M ago28:19

28:19

Civil Rights Corps executive director Alec Karakatsanis discusses his book "Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News."By The Open Mind on PBS

1
What Does A Tariff-Driven Economy Mean? 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president emeritus Robert Kaplan discusses the historical and contemporary U.S. economy.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
Eagles-Cowboys Audio and the Hock Heard Round the World. Plus, a New 25 for '25 With ESPN’s Domonique Foxworth. 1:45:32

2M ago1:45:32

1:45:32

Hello media consumers! Joel and Bryan discuss some of their many takeaways from the Eagles-Cowboys NFL opener (5:35), and a NFL TV preview covering Mike Tirico's first Super Bowl, the RedZone ad crisis, Tom Brady's second year at FOX, and J.J. Watt moving to the CBS booth (22:44). Then in a new edition of 25 for '25, Joel talks with Domonique Foxwo…

1
The Cloudy Future of 'Inside the NBA,' Gavin Newsom Could Run for President Like Marshawn Lynch, and More Tortured Acronyms 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David share some notes from Lee Corso's emotional 'College GameDay' sign-off and a new edition of "Manning face" (0:20), before they react to some sounds from the weekend in college football, including Florida State's upset win over Alabama and Bill Belichick and UNC's blowout loss to TCU. They also get into Charle…

1
Doris Burke's Demotion, a Massive College Football TV Preview, and Adam Friedland's Star Turn 1:07:14

2M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel begin today’s show with J-School, talking about Cam Newton’s new expanded role at ESPN and some criticisms of the Cowboys documentary. Then they dive into the headlines, discussing Doris Burke’s demotion at ESPN (13:58), a mega college football TV preview (21:51), and much more. Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel An…

1
Ohio State and Barstool, the Great Film Critic Shortage, and the MS NOW Acronym Challenge. Plus: Michael M. Grynbaum on the Past and Future of Condé Nast. 1:25:52

2M ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David open up the show by talking about Rich Eisen’s return to the 'SportsCenter' desk. Then they discuss a report that Dave Portnoy was banned from Ohio Stadium (6:17) and talk about the state of local film critics (16:50). They also check in on their MS NOW challenge (31:28) and run through the Overworked Twitter…

1
The Legend of Lee Corso, the Man Who Created "GameDay," with ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit 1:04:01

2M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Hello, media consumers! Ahead of Lee Corso's final appearance on College Gameday, Bryan and Joel briefly talk about the history of College Gameday and what has made Corso such a special figure for almost 40 years. Then, Bryan is joined by Kirk Herbstreit to talk about how he got on College Gameday, what his relationship with Corso has been like ove…

1
The Dallas Cowboys, the Netflix Doc, and Jerry Jones With Ed Werder 1:25:58

2M ago1:25:58

1:25:58

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start this Dallas Cowboys–centric show with their thoughts on Netflix’s ‘America’s Team’ documentary. They reminisce about the ’90s era of football and the media landscape then, discuss people’s affection for the Cowboys, and talk about why the documentary works. Next, Bryan and Joel welcome longtime reporter …

1
The Cringey MSNBC Rebrand, Gavin Newsom’s Twitter Account, and the Death of the Longform Podcast 1:05:56

2M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss the end of summer and showing pop culture treasures from their youth to their children. Then they tackle the headlines, starting with the MSNBC rebrand (8:30), before talking about a Rolling Stone article about the death of the narrative podcast (26:28). Then in the notebook dump, they talk about what…

1
The Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift Show, Jimmy Pitaro’s ESPN, and the Worst Question Asked at the White House 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

Hello media consumers! It’s a Monday show on a Thursday! Bryan fills David in on his Connecticut hotdog tour earlier this week (0:16), before discussing Taylor Swift’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast, and a few thoughts on Monday’s Jimmy Pitaro interview (11:23). Then they run through the Overworked Twitter Joke of the …

1
25 for 25: Jimmy Pitaro on ESPN's NFL and WWE Deals, Pat McAfee, and the State of the Company in 2025 52:59

3M ago52:59

52:59

Hello, media consumers! Bryan heads to the ESPN HQ in Bristol, Connecticut, to sit down with ESPN's chairman, Jimmy Pitaro. They discuss the highly anticipated launch of ESPN's direct-to-consumer app, the massive deals ESPN made with the NFL and WWE, hiring talent vs. developing talent, preparing for ESPN's first Super Bowl, the state of ESPN in 20…

1
A Readout on ESPN’s Deals With the NFL and WWE. Plus: NBA Mouthpiece Summer and the New York Post Comes to L.A. 57:06

3M ago57:06

57:06

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start the show with J-School, discussing the new threats to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as well as the ongoing Texas redistricting fight (01:43). Next, they dive into some headlines, starting with the deals made by ESPN this week. First, they go through all the details from the ESPN-NFL deal, including what …

1
Who Won the ESPN-NFL Deal? Plus, the WaPo Exodus Continues and a Report From SummerSlam 1:01:19

3M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Davis recount their trip to Part 2 of SummerSlam last night (0:20) before tackling some headlines, including ESPN and NFL moving forward with their proposed blockbuster media deal, more heavy hitters leaving The Washington Post, and an upcoming Kamala Harris book (22:00). They also discuss Bryan's brief time in use…

1
The Fall of Shannon Sharpe, the End of Sports and Late-Night TV, and the 2025 Media Diet With Bomani Jones 1:03:41

3M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Hello, media consumers! Joel Anderson is joined by Bomani Jones to discuss a few media headlines, including ESPN's decision to part ways with Shannon Sharpe and the serious gambling allegations against Gilbert Arenas (4:09), before they look at the future (or lack thereof) of sports television, being a generalist vs. a specialist in 2025, the rise …

1
The Vagina Business 28:15

3M ago28:15

28:15

"The Vagina Business" author Marina Gerner discusses long overdue innovation in women's reproductive health.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
Hulk Hogan Vs. Gawker, Bill Belichick Fever, and the New Washington Post Exodus 54:32

3M ago54:32

54:32

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David cover some headlines, including the approval of the Paramount-SkyDance merger, a discouraging new study about google searches and AI, Bill Belichick rapidly approaching his first game as a college head coach, the WaPo exodus (cont.), and more (9:45), Then, they discuss the wide-ranging obituaries of the late …

1
The ESPN-NFL Wedding, Hunter Biden Speaks, and Pat McAfee’s Apology 1:13:43

3M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel start the show with J-School, reexamining Zach Baron's interview on profile writing, before discussing the news of Hulk Hogan's death at the age of 71 (1:03). Next, they run through some headlines, including the possible marriage of ESPN and the NFL, what exactly is going on regarding the Epstein files, and Hu…

1
Headline Catch-Up: Colbert Is Canceled, NPR and PBS Are Defunded and FS1's Barstool Shake-Up. Plus, 25 for 25: NYT's David Marchese on the Future of Interviewing 1:33:29

3M ago1:33:29

1:33:29

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss dueling theories on why Paramount decided to cancel 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' NPR and PBS losing federal funding, The Wall Street Journal's Trump/Epstein scoop, and FS1's shake-up that leaves Joy Taylor out and 'Barstool Sports' in (8:42). Then, Bryan is joined by David Marchese of The New…

1
Tokyo Vice and Virtue 28:29

3M ago28:29

28:29

Investigative reporter Jake Adelstein discusses the Japanese government, yakuza, and fight against corruption.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
25 for 25: The Future of Celebrity Profiles With GQ’s Zach Baron 1:03:12

4M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is joined by GQ’s Zach Baron to discuss every aspect of celebrity profiling: how they are “brokered”; the process of interviewing; some of his past subjects, including Martin Scorsese, Brendan Fraser, and Tilda Swinton; and more. Then Bryan asks the following question: “Is the celebrity profile dead or dying?” Host: Br…

1
The Ruins of Winner-Take-All Governance and the Democratic Party's Dark Age 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

"Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop" author Lee Drutman discusses the urgency of electoral reform.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
25 for 25: The Future of Physical Media With Sean Fennessey 1:00:31

4M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is joined by Sean Fennessey to discuss the future of owning physical media! (3:30) Magazines (17:55) Blu-Rays and DVDs (25:32) Books (34:47) Newspapers (50:11) CDs and vinyl Host: Bryan Curtis Guest: Sean Fennessey Producer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
The Floods in Texas 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Bryan and Joel discuss the Texas flash floods, how the story hits them as parents and Texans, the slow trickle of information, defensive posturing from Texas leadership, misinformation gaining traction online, and more. Host: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Kyle Crichton Texas Deserves Far Better Than This by Joel Anderson Learn more about…

1
The Times’ Mamdani Story, David Foster Wallace Revisited, and Josh Dawsey on the 2024 Election 1:25:51

4M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Hello media consumers! Bryan and David discuss the NYT's story on Zohran Mamdani and what the point was of running their "scoop" obtained in a hack of Columbia University records, new info on the Epstein files reports there are in fact no files, and new contenders for "Worst Question Ever Asked at the White House" (7:15), before revisiting David Fo…

1
The Future of American Education 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

GWU president emeritus Stephen Trachtenberg discusses the future of American education.By The Open Mind on PBS

1
Paramount Bends the Knee, the Great Gavin Newsom Debate, and the End of Netflix Announcer Sharing. Plus, Matthew Lee on Covering the Diddy Trial From the Southern District of New York Courthouse. 1:25:15

4M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel present both sides of an argument around Gavin Newsom's lawsuit against Fox News (1:29), reporters live tweeting Wednesday night's congressional session, Netflix's NFL announcer problem, and Paramount becoming the latest media company to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump (21:53). Next, Joel is joined by Matth…

1
Anna Wintour (Sort of) Leaves Vogue, the NYT's Top 100 Movies List, and the Bezos Nuptials 1:04:24

4M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David reunite to discuss coverage of Jeff Bezos's wedding and The Washington Post's puzzling new feature (0:42), before they parse through reports about Anna Wintour (sort of) leaving her position at Vogue and the masterly, divisive NYT "100 Best Movies of the 21st Century" list (10:01). They also talk about Gavin …

1
The Big Bang and Us 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

Science journalist Dan Levitt discusses his book "What's Gotten Into You: The Story of Your Body's Atoms, from the Big Bang Through Last Night's Dinner."By The Open Mind on PBS

1
Zohran’s New York Shocker, NBA Draft Audio, and What Is a "Hit Piece" in 2025? Plus, 25 for 25: Heather Cox Richardson on Trump and Iran. 1:28:26

4M ago1:28:26

1:28:26

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss some awkward NBA draft coverage, the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, and what constitutes a hit piece (10:57). Then, in another edition of 25 for 25, Bryan is joined by historian Heather Cox Richardson to talk about Donald Trump's fervent attempts at creating a narrative around the USA's air strikes on…

The Open Mind On PBS Podcasts