The Bench with John and Lance

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The biggest sports talk duo to ever hit Houston airwaves is still going strong after 2 decades in the market. John Granato and Lance Zierlein mix insightful sports analysis with irreverent humor and quick wit. You never know what you're going to hear, but it'll be like nothing else you ever have. Listen weekdays 7-11am live on ESPN 97.5 & 92.5 FM or anytime on demand at http://espn975.com.

ESPN Houston


    • Mar 3, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 4,449 EPISODES

    4.9 from 168 ratings Listeners of The Bench with John and Lance that love the show mention: h town, moved away, del, excuse, houston, sports talk, best show, radio, awesome, funny, great, john and lance.


    Ivy Insights

    The Bench with John and Lance podcast is an absolute delight for sports enthusiasts in Houston and beyond. With their witty banter, insightful analysis, and genuine chemistry, John Granato and Lance Zierlein have truly set the platinum standard for sports radio. This dynamic duo knows how to keep their audience engaged with a perfect blend of humor and well-informed discussions. Whether it's Blue Mountains Johnny and Rappin' Dad crushing it or Dale keeping them honest, this show offers the best entertainment on the entire dial.

    One of the best aspects of The Bench podcast is the seamless combination of humor and knowledge that John and Lance bring to the table. Their funny yet informed discussions ensure that listeners are both entertained and educated about the latest happenings in sports. They don't carry anyone's water, meaning they provide unbiased opinions without pandering to any particular team or player. This authenticity is refreshing and keeps fans coming back for more.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the chemistry between John and Lance. Their camaraderie shines through as they bounce off each other's jokes, insights, and observations. It feels like you're listening to two friends having a casual conversation about sports, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for listeners. This dynamic duo keeps you hooked from start to finish with their engaging rapport.

    However, no podcast is without its flaws, and one potential drawback of The Bench is the presence of Del as the supposed third wheel. Some listeners find his contributions less valuable compared to John and Lance, causing a slight disruption in the otherwise smooth flow of the show. While he may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's important to remember that different perspectives can add depth to discussions. Nonetheless, some fans do find Del's involvement slightly underwhelming.

    In conclusion, The Bench with John and Lance podcast is an outstanding way to stay up-to-date on H-Town sports even if you've moved away from Houston. With their smart and funny commentary, John and Lance provide an enjoyable listening experience that keeps fans hooked. Despite the minor setback of Del's presence, this show remains the go-to for sports talk radio with its blend of humor, knowledge, and engaging chemistry.



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    Latest episodes from The Bench with John and Lance

    03/3 Hour 1: Texans O-Line Situation-Tytus Howard Gone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 55:22


    Rockets-Reed Shepherd or Amen Thompson  Tari Easons Energy Changed? Astros-Hold Strong, do not waste and asset!  Yourdon wants to play outfield. People fed up with Ime about Reed Shepherd

    03/3 Hour 2: RB David Montgomery Traded to Texans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 39:44


    Texan O-Line Outlook Houston World Cup Tickets hard to find! Glen Davis calls in to talk World Cup Games

    03/3 Hour 3: Mississippi Votes for Law Taking away NIL Tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 51:59


    Popular Chicken Wing Flavors  Caller: Houston Dash Championship or Money? Do Rockets need Reed Shepherd to become starter? Luke Kornet criticizes NBA Hawks stripper night  News anchors boxing glove gimmick

    03/02 Hour 3: College hype songs + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 47:42


    Host Raheel Ramzanali in for Lance College hype songs NFL combine news updates Texans new headquarters- Toro district The rangers sign 12-year-old News of the weird

    03/02 Hour 2: Checking in with Lance on vacation + What are the Texans doing about the offensive line

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 47:30


    Host Raheel Ramzanali in for Lance Checking in with Lance on vacation Rockets lose to Heat UH basketball win over Colorado The crazy high price for ballpark food What are the Texans doing about the offensive line

    03/02 Hour 1: OT Tytus Howard traded to Browns + What did you learn this weekend in one sentence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 53:02


    Host Raheel Ramzanali in for Lance OT Tytus Howard traded to Browns Who are the Texans Mount Rushmore/ greatest Texans of all time What did you learn this weekend in one sentence segment

    02/27 Hour 1: Historic Night for KD + Reed Sheppard's impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 53:25


    02/27 Hour 2: John Granato: Defender of Fernando Mendoza + Magic City Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 44:56


    02/27 Hour 3: The Pressure to Win + Selfish Tony Parker

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 48:50


    02/26 Hour 1- Breaking down the Rockets' win vs the Kings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 54:35


    - Is Reed Shepherd the key to unlocking the Rockets' offense?- NBA tanking is being taken to new heights- Is NBA tanking worse than NFL tanking?

    02/26 Hour 2- Texans' move to Bridgeland is a hot topic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 40:02


    - Lots of callers-in about Texans' move- Even more callers- Astros returning to form in the Grapefruit League

    02/25 Hour 3: Rockets mid-season check-in + Is Texans GM Nick Caserio game plan working so far

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 49:18


    Host Del Olaleye in for Lance Rockets mid-season check-in Is Texans GM Nick Caserio game plan working so far? News of the weird Texans offensive line 

    02/25 Hour 2: Pat McAfee pays $150k tab for Team USA hockey medal celebration in Miami + Umpire embarrassed by new ABS call system

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 46:10


    Host Del Olaleye in for Lance Pat McAfee pays $150k tab for Team USA hockey medal celebration in Miami Umpire embarrassed by new ABS call system  DeMeco Ryans vision for 2026 Rockets vs. Kings preview Spring training updates and news

    02/25 Hour 1: CJ trade speculation moronic says Texans GM Nick Caserio + Texans offensive line needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 48:51


    Host Del Olaleye in for Lance CJ trade speculation moronic says Texans GM Nick Caserio Texans offensive line needs Davis Mills being overlooked? CJ Stroud a sinking ship?

    02/24 Hour 1: Houston Cougar Basketballs 0-3 Stretch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 47:30


    Rockets Jabari Smith Scores 31 Do Rockets draft Stars? TX Radio HOF John & Lance Need Keys to City!

    02/24 Hour 2: Dana Browns Odyssey for Left Handed Batter

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 49:22


    Keys To City? What about the County? Would new scheme benefit Rockets? Cougars, Rockets and Texans share similar struggles

    02/24 Hour 3: Texans Free Agent Considerations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 55:10


    Texans have multiple one-year deals CJ Stroud speech on adversity  NFL Mock Draft  Rockets missing true #1 Star

    02/23 Hour 3: The guys talk NFL draft + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 51:42


    NFL draft talk News of the weird BAFTA incident 

    02/23 Hour 2: Lance's message to the haters + The guys break down Rockets loss to Knicks

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 40:56


    The guys break down Rockets loss to Knicks Lance's message to the haters What does UH basketball need to do after loss Team USA men's hockey win gold first time since 1980 miracle on ice

    02/23 Hour 1: Team USA hockey men & women bring home gold + UH Cougars basketball lose to Arizona

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 60:21


    Team USA hockey men & women bring home gold UH Cougars basketball lose to Arizona What did you learn this weekend in one sentence segment Breaking down Rockets Alperen Sengun overall progression

    02/20 Hour 3: What did you learn + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 43:20


    What did you learn segment News of the weird Astros needs before opening day

    02/20 Hour 2: Does the NBA have a tanking problem + Marty Supreme review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 55:14


    Does the NBA have a tanking problem Marty Supreme review Rockets win breakdown

    02/20 Hour 1: KD burner account scandal effects still being felt + Astros new pitcher Imai bringing great energy to team already

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 55:28


    KD burner account scandal effects still being felt  Astros new pitcher Imai bringing great energy to team already Winter Olympics talk/updates

    02/19 Hour 1- Rockets players address the twitter rumors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 54:40


    - More major law trouble for Rashee Rice - Looking at major gaps in the Texans' O-line 

    02/19 Hour 2- Lance hates mock drafts

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 51:04


    - U.S. men's hockey team beats Sweden- Sean Strickland continues to run his mouth - John and Lance take listener calls 

    02/19 Hour 3- Kellen Sampson joins the show

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 45:35


    - 2 more Georgia football players arrested for driving - Kellen Sampson joins the show - News of the weird 

    02/18 Hour 3: Guest John McClain (Houston Chronicle) talks Texans + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 43:52


    Guest John McClain (Houston Chronicle) talks Texans Chances of CJ Stroud trade Texans draft needs News of the weird

    02/18 Hour 2: Astros rebuild soon? + Guest Glenn Davis (Soccer Matters) talks World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 53:15


    Astros rebuild soon? Average pitcher joe kelly still sad and upset Real Madrid celebration controversy Guest Glenn Davis (Soccer Matters) talks World Cup

    02/18 Hour 1: KD's burner phone fallout + UCLA coach Mick Cronin ejects own player

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 53:34


    Kevin Durant's burner phone fallout UCLA coach Mick Cronin ejects own player Incoming NFL draft class  The best pitch in baseball

    02/17 Hour 1: Cougars Lose to Arizona Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 57:16


    Big Name NFL QB Trade Targets  QB Deshaun Watson Uncertainty  Cornerback Coach Zac Etheridge to Cardinals Astros Lance McCullers Jr. speaks out on struggles MLB Networks Robert Flores talks Astros & Texans

    02/17 Hour 2: Astros Golden Age Over?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 41:40


    Texans Interest in Tyreek Hill? Will Jalen Waddle Stay with Miami  Actor Robert Duvall dies at age 95  Texans 2025 Draft Class Grades KD Smartphone Addiction

    02/17 Hour 3: Mardi Gras: Fat Tuesday

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 51:35


    Caller Will has NBA All Star Game  Ideas Texans Salary Cap  Cougers Basketball loses to Arizona Bad Haircuts and Dancing result of  Gen-Z  Carano Vs. Rousey-Jake Paul Promotions Jaylen Warren to Houston?

    02/16 Hour 3: Astros projected starting lineup + Winter Olympics Canadian curling cheating scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 42:41


    Astros projected starting lineup Winter Olympics Canadian curling cheating scandal 3-point and dunk contest highlights News of the weird

    02/16 Hour 2: Drama, Drones & Burner Accounts Kevin Durant's All-star weekend + UH vs. Iowa state basketball game tonight

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 47:15


    Drama, Drones & Burner Accounts Kevin Durant's All-star weekend UH vs. Iowa state basketball game tonight

    02/16 Hour 1: Does KD have a burner account + What did you learn this weekend in one sentence

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 58:00


    Does KD have a burner account NBA all-star weekend Is Yordan too injury prone What did you learn this weekend in one sentence

    02/13 Hour 3: MLB lockout coming in 2027 + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 54:25


    MLB lockout coming in 2027 How Kyle Tuckers contract was the breaking point of team owners What can Texans do to get back NBA all-star weekend News of the weird

    02/13 Hour 2: Joey Loperfido back to Astros + Coach Joe Judge's comments on players having babies during season

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 40:57


    Joey Loperfido back to Astros after trade with Blue Jays NCAA eligibility rules Christian Walker comments on his role with Astros moving forward Current Ole Miss head coach comments on players having babies during season

    02/13 Hour 2: Joey Loperfido back to Astros + Joe Judge's comments on players having babies during season

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 4:38


    Joey Loperfido back to Astros after trade with Blue Jays NCAA eligibility rules Christian Walker comments on his position with Astros Current Ole Miss coach Joe Judge's comments on player having babies during season

    02/13 Hour 1: Can CJ Stroud improve? + Texans new 83-acre headquarters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 57:49


    Can CJ Stroud improve? Is it time for Texans to look for a new option at QB Texans new 83-acre headquarters

    02/12 Hour 1- Rockets fall apart at home vs Clippers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 55:48


    - Breaking down last nights Rockets loss - Hunter Brown named opening day starter for the Astros - Jeremy Sochan released by the Spurs 

    Houston's Valentines day matchup vs K-State

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 44:01


    - " My players don't deserve to wear the uniform"- K-State head coach Jonathan Tang - How can the Astros solve their infield depth problem?- John and Lance talk some travel 

    02/12 Hour 3- Jonathan Kuminga caught eating too much

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 49:33


    -TPUSA announces alternate all-star weekend with Dean Cain, just kidding- John Chill from the Golden Nugget - RIP James Van Der Beek, and News Of The Weird 

    02/11 Hour 3: Texans draft needs + Joe Espada gives injury updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 46:34


    Texans draft needs and outlook Joe Espada gives injury updates How big of a weirdo is Fernando Mendoza News of the weird

    02/11 Hour 2: WNBA league problems + Olympian Sturla Holm Laegreid relationship drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 52:31


    WNBA league problems Olympian Sturla's Holm Laegreid relationship drama KD's interview with Olajuwon College sports money issues

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