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


    • Apr 16, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 4,547 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

    04/16 Hour 3- Will the Rockets see Luka or Reaves?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 52:24


    - Luka and or Reaves could play through injury if the series goes 6-7 games - Lance is a Frisbee Freak - News of the Weird 

    04/16 Hour 2- Could the Texans draft Cade Klubnik?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 44:33


    - John and Lance take listener calls - Texans' potential draft strategies - Imai can't seem to adjust to America 

    04/16 Hour 1- Imai and Ime

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 56:41


    - Imai has dominant pitching night - LIV Golf is falling apart - How can the Astros shore up their pitching?

    04/15 Hour 3: Josh Hader possible return sooner rather than later + Will Anderson new Texans contract coming soon?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 52:33


    Josh Hader possible return sooner rather than later  Will Anderson new Texans contract coming soon? What does CJ Stroud need to do to earn a new contract? News of the weird

    04/15 Hour 2: Astros injuries piling up + What do the Rockets need to do to win this series against Lakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 45:38


    Astros injuries piling up What do the Rockets need to do to win this series against Lakers Are Tatsuya Imai reasons for issues valid? Astros vs Rockies tonight Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic after Mike Vrabel pictures

    04/15 Hour 1: Durant vs LeBron matchup this weekend+ Imai struggles to adjust to 'American lifestyle' affecting his arm?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 54:16


    Durant vs LeBron matchup this weekend Imai struggles to adjust to 'American lifestyle' affecting his arm? Astros win against Rockies Carlos Correa on Astros struggles right now

    04/14 Hour 1- Astros lose to Mariners 2-6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 52:58


    Astros have scored most runs in baseball-Yet still losing Rockets vs Lakers Playoff Strategy Rockets Defensive Intensity Gamblers Head Coach Kevin Sumlin calls in

    04/14 Hour 2- Rockets Defense a Strength

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 53:40


    NBA Playoff Challengers   WNBA Azzi Fudd & girlfriend Olivia Miles drafted by Dallas Wings Astros struggle amid injuries  Astros pitching problems?

    04/14 Hour 3- NFL Draft: Texans Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 92:05


    Houston Draft Strategy; Best Player Available? Air Supply: Band is a karaoke favorite with the loudest concerts Astros need some work on challenges UFL Overtime Shoot-Out Rules

    04/13 Hour 1: Astros lose 7 in a row + What Did YOU Learn?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 49:41


    04/13 Hour 2: The Rockets Have ZERO Excuses Against The Lakers In The Playoffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 42:51


    04/13 Hour 3: The NBA's 65-game threshold isn't an issue + News Of The Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 45:59


    04/10 Hour 3: JD Martinez on how veteran players used to treat rookies + Del's beef with neighbors not picking up after their dogs continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 48:32


    JD Martinez on how veteran players used to treat rookies Del's beef with neighbors not picking up after their dogs continues Patriots coach Mike Vrabel holds hands with NYT reporter What did you learn this week in one sentence segment News of the weird

    04/10 Hour 2: Celebrities at The Masters + What's wrong with the modern NBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 45:16


    Celebrities at The Masters What's wrong with the modern NBA Astros pitching issues NBA playoff predictions

    04/10 Hour 1: Rockets win eight straight! + Astros start series against Mariners tonight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 55:05


    Rockets win eight straight! Astros start series against Mariners tonight

    04/09 Hour 1- Masters Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 47:20


    Seg1- Rough week for the Astros after good start Seg2- Hunter Brown, now Jake Myers injured Seg3- Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini 

    04/09 Hour 2- Astros pitching staff already struggling

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 46:18


    Seg1- With Hunter Brown hurt, Imai is already the Astros' best starter Seg2- Looking at the Texans' draft strategySeg3- Shane Smith already sent down to the minors

    04/09 Hour 3- Rockets looking to build new stadium or renovate Toyota Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 56:19


    Seg1- Where will CJ Stroud be in 2029Seg2- CJ Stroud and Will Anderson both get fifth year option picked upSeg3-  News of the weird 

    04/08 Hour 3: Astros struggles + Oregon coach recruits based on ice cream question?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 46:12


    Astros struggles  Oregon coach recruits based on ice cream question?! News of the weird

    04/08 Hour 2: Astros pitcher Mike Burrows first three games check-in + Funny foul ball "moon" catch

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 52:48


    Astros pitcher Mike burrows first three games check-in Funny foul ball moon catch The guys talk Joel Edgerton - Train Dreams, Apple series Dark Matter The Masters preview Angel Reese trade

    04/08 Hour 1: Rockets win seven in a row! + Hunter Brown injury update

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 54:23


    Rockets win seven in a row Hunter Brown injury update Astros lose to Rockies

    04/07 Hour 1-Astros Showcase Pitching Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 51:44


     Michigan's Basketball Team are National Champions Rockets Playoff Outlook Gamblers Head Coach Kevin Sumlin chats about game winning FG

    04/07 Hour 2 Houston General Manager Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 52:25


    Astros/Texans General Manager moves Life lessons from 1982 film "The Last American Virgin" Essential 80s Movies Needed Texans draft positions

    04-07 Hour 3 Michigan are the National Basketball Champions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 48:08


    Astros: hitting well, not pitching well NBA Referee wearing SGA shoes! "Dirty-Rotten" Orlando Magics Goga Bitadze foul call

    04/06 Hour 3: Rockets road to the playoffs + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 48:42


    Rockets road to the playoffs News of the weird Jose Altuve great catch- play of the game NFL draft predictions Astros adding to their staff

    04/06 Hour 2: Astros at Rockies tonight + What to do with CJ Stroud

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 49:42


    Astros at Rockies tonight What to do with CJ Stroud Christian Javier and Bryan Abreu pitching issues The Masters predictions 

    04/06 Hour 1: Rockets win six in a row + Hunter Brown placed on 15-day IL

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 56:11


    Rockets win six in a row Hunter Brown placed on 15-day IL Why NBA players hate Memphis What did you learn this weekend in one sentence segment

    04/03 Hour 3: Will CJ Stroud step up this year + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 57:39


    Will CJ Stroud step up this year News of the weird

    04/03 Hour 2: Jazz at Rockets tonight, Astros at A's tomorrow + Yordan Alvarez great start to the season

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 44:32


    Jazz at Rockets tonight, Astros at A's tomorrow Yordan Alvarez great start to the season

    04/03 Hour 1: Rockets clinch playoff spot for second consecutive season + Will AJ Dybantsa's mom let him go to the NBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 52:49


    Rockets clinch playoff spot for second consecutive season  Will AJ Dybantsa's mom let him go to the NBA

    04/02 Hour 1-Astros Unexpected Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 55:10


    Walker resurgence, Yordan's health, McCullers performance Rockets Fans: readjust goal for team Reed Shepherds 3-point streak  World Cup tickets nearly impossible to get

    04/02 Hour 2- Rockets Reed Shepherd: Strengths/Weaknesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 39:49


    Jalen Hurts-Philadelphia Eagles Divorce? Eagles New Offensive Coordinator  ESPN 97.5 New Social Media manager Lexi's April Fool's Donut Joke on Lance

    04/02 Hour 3- Will Astros Continue Winning?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 53:17


    Did Astros help Nick Kurtz win ROY? Rockets need to clean up late game play Pucca Nacua enters rehab Kirk Cousins a LV Raider

    04/01 Hour 3: Umpire CB Bucknor's terrible calls + Jaden Ivey's comments

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 49:50


    Umpire CB Bucknor's terrible calls Jaden Ivey's comments Prices for sports teams franchises News of the weird

    04/01 Hour 2: Kevin Durant on Reed Sheppard's growth as a player + Tiger Woods drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 52:35


    Kevin Durant on Reed Sheppard's growth as a player Tiger Woods drama Yordan Alvarez record against the Red Sox

    04/01 Hour 1: Astros win four in a row + DeMeco Ryans on CJ Stroud preparation for new season

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 53:18


    Astros win four in a row DeMeco Ryans on CJ Stroud preparation for new season World cup updates and early speculation Rockets win against Knicks last night

    03/31 Hour 1- Astros beat Red Sox 8-1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 55:01


    Standout Lance McCullers for Cy Young? Jaden Ivy Speaks out about getting cut by Bulls  Isiah Harwell to enter Transfer Portal HOU Gamblers HC Kevin Sumlin calls in to the show

    03/31 Hour 2- 3-Win Astros MLBs Hottest Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 40:25


    Kyle Tucker/Juan Soto Production Texans Draft Prospect: Texas LB Anthony Hill 2026 HOU Rockets average ticket Price  Recent Rockets playoff activity

    03/31 Hour 3-Lance McCullers Stands Out as Astros Shine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 53:06


    Anthony Edwards did not start vs Dallas  MLB players shorter than expected CAA Media: "Ty Simpson is best pick" Johns Lamar Odom Story 

    03/30 Hour 1: Astros split with the Angels + Is Tari Eason back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 55:25


    03/30 Hour 2: The Astros bats are Alive! + Duke's Collapse in the Elite 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 46:50


    03/30 Hour 3: Return of the Comets + Tiger Woods & News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 46:34


    03/27 Hour 1: Coogs fall to Illinois + Astros lose on Opening Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 57:46


    03/27 Hour 2; Things were said; Apologies were made + Is Kelvin Sampson coming back

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 40:57


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