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.
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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- Hunter Brown is getting his rest and time off - TJ Watt is making $41 million - Damian Lillard signs with the Trailblazers - C.J. Gardner- Johnson is back in the news - Bryan Braman's passing - Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are out of the all-star game - Who played better in the Open, Buddhist Monk or Biker felon? - Scottie Scheffler's letting some wind out with his shot yesterday
- New record number in women's soccer - Current NFL starters from Mississippi State - The downfall of Mississippi State - Snoop Dogg is co-owner of Swansea city - Open Championship updates - Astros are back at it tonight - Texas Card House - This weekends series for the Astros - What is in store for Lance McCullers?
- 4th place division finishes since 2010 for the NFL - Only 2 teams in the league have not finished 4th place since 2010 - Nico Collins came 37th of the top 50 best players in the league - What did you lean from the show this week in one sentence - Is Jeremy Pena better than Hunter Brown? - News of the weird
John and Lance talk the ESPYS award show, Shane Gillies uncomfortable jokes on Caitlin Clark and Travis Hunter, Injuries impacting WNBA All-Star game, possibility of Jake Andrews earning a larger role on next seasons Texans plus more.
The guys discuss not so great news for the Astros: late season returns for Yordan Alvarez and Spencer Arrighetti, Lebron James to Dallas Mavericks trade rumors, Top 100 NBA Players and the future the Texans O-line. Plus, the viral Coldplay video.
In the final hour, John and Lance talk Betting odds with John Chill, MLB trade deadline, CJ Stroud vs Caleb Williams and more
John and Lance give their thoughts on Cam Newton vs. Arch Manning. Will Anderson Jr. is a workaholic who has drastically changed the Texans' defense as a whole. Will he be viewed as a top 4 defensive player come the end of the year? Is it unfair for coaches to call ubers for their players? And stay tuned as the show wraps up with "News of the Weird."
Jose Altuve is a Saint!! Could Nico Collins be considered in the same tier as CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, and Ja'Marr Chase? Does Jalen Hurts deserve more love from NFL execs? And can Arch Manning live up to Paul Finnebaum's high expectations?
Only a pair of second-round picks have signed contracts with their new teams...and it's the Texans' fault?! Should quarterback's salaries be capped to allow for more money to be spread to rest of the roster? And has the QB market doomed NFL teams without an ELITE starter?
- Hunter Brown does not have any room for error! - Lance McCullers splits at home and on the road. - Quarterback rankings by executives, coaches, and scouts - CJ Stroud is bulking up this offseason, is it the right thing for his soreness? - The NFL 2nd rounders 30/32 still have not signed - Ime Udoka and Fred VAnVleet boxing
- Bleacher Report shares top 100 all time NBA players - Is Steph Curry top 10 all time ? - Aaron Rodgers getting into it with a fan for not sighing an autograph - Travis Kelce transforming himself being with Taylor Swift - Young girls with old lady names - How well Angel Reese is playing and her getting drafted in WNBA all star draft - Sophie Cunningham, a black belt at 6 years old?! - Klay Thompson and Megan the Stallion are together!
- Lance's Zyn story-time - Brice Matthews debut in yesterday's game - Hunter Brown being replaced in the All-Star game - Astros all time best line up - Oklahoma City contracts - Reed Sheppard ESPN interview - Is Reed Sheppard actually untouchable? - Diverse women in character roles
- Astros and Rangers tonight - All time Astros pitchers, who's the best? - Week one of college football, What's your game? - Lance's time in Dallas at O-line Masterminds - ROBO ump in All-Star game - Will there be technology inside a football for more accuracy in the NFL?
- Is Kobe Bryant being overrated? Is he even top 5 best players in the NBA - What did you learn from the show this week in one sentence? - Talk about tonight's game, Astros VS. Rangers - Quarterback efficiency for the last 3 years - Who are the top 3 quarterbacks? Who are at the bottom? - Bengals ranking 31st last year in defense.. What is to be expected for this year? - News of the Weird
With Lance out for the day, John, Del and AJ talk Astros injury woes, rushed comebacks and embarrassing series loss against the Guardians. Plus, MLB All-Star selections, Deion Sanders thoughts on capping salaries in college football.
The guys discuss Astros struggles against bad teams, toughest stadiums in college football, Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner scammed for 240K, NBA Cup tournament groups and more.
In the final hour, the guys talk College football predictions, incoming quarterbacks, the future of Houston Cougar football, ESPN offseason grades and more.
Tom Brady: G.O.A.T on AND off the field?? Astros continue to work on bringing back guys from IL. Cam Whitmore (and John) get their wish as he is no longer a Houston Rocket. Can he find success in Washington? Should we expect the Texans to have the worst offensive line next season? And stay tuned, we wrap up the show with "News of the Weird."
Robert Flores, Co-Host of MLB Central and fellow Houstonian joins the show to talk Astros. And do the Texans have a problem at safety?
Astros lose to Guardians over one key decision? Can the Astros continue their undefeated series streak? How will you remember Jalen Green as a Rocket once it's all said and done? And Rafael Stone breaks the silence on the Rockets offseason.
- Our hearts go out to those who were affected by the flooding of the Guadalupe River - John's storytime of Friday night's Astros game - Astros win in L.A. 18-1 on the 4th - Astros All-Star players! - Are the Astros a championship team? - Rockets fans are not happy with the return of the trade - USA vs. Mexico in Gold Cup yesterday - What did you learn this weekend in one sentence
- Notre Dame wide receiver room is full of NFL legends sons - Carlos Alcaraz is playing really well! - Wimbledon tournament talk - Did Jake Meyers or Framber Valdez get ripped off not being an all star player? - Framber Valdez should've been an all star - Jose Altuve has been on a roll and can't be stopped - Bryan Braman diagnosed with rare form of cancer - 10 best running backs in football - Mauricio Pochettino talking out on plays from yesterdays Gold Cup game
- Lance does a ranking of MLB power teams - What Astros are exceeding expiations and who isn't - A 3 team trade in the NBA happened - Cam Whitmore given for 2 second round draft picks - Is Cam Smith Rookie of the year?? - Julio Cesar Chavez JR. arrested by ICE - Betting on Cam Smith and Jacob Wilson - Oneil Cruz threw a ball at 105 miles an hour! - News of the weird
John, Lance and Del talk Astros 5-3 win over the Rockies & injury list, MLB All-Star starters, was Jeremy Pena snubbed by fans? Plus USA vs Mexico Concacaf Gold Cup Finals set to take over Houston's NRG Stadium and more
In hour 2 the guys discuss Jabari Smith Jr's comments on Stephen Silas' time with the Rockets, the NY Knicks newest head coach Mike Brown, will the Pistons surprise in the east next season? Plus, is Reed Shepherd a future star in the NBA? and Cam Whitmore trade rumors.
Lone star sports and entertainment GM joins he the guys to talk Concacaf Gold Cup Finals Houston takeover plus Astros post season history, Houston's sports big 3 and more.
- Astros win last night! - Victor Caratini with the Grand Slam - Yordan Álvarez has to be reevaluated for more injuries, set back Álvarez - Jeremy Pena injured - 'Bag' hall of fame - Texans offensive line choices - Is Jabari Smith looking to be better in the upcoming season? - Rockets are probably one of the oldest teams in the NBA - Ages of quarterbacks
- Gold cup teams - Jake Paul is officially in real boxing rankings - Coco Gauff is having a bit of a slump - Deshaun Watson is Shedeur Sanders' mentor? - WNBA salary - Spencer Arrighetti's return from injury - When players comeback from injury, Will they still be good like they left?
- Arch Manning is great but just because his last name is Manning doesn't make him the best. - 2026 mock draft talk - Big quarterback over a small quarterback - Dana Brown is pushing his boys - Number of injuries from Yordan Álvarez is becoming a real concern - Astros injured pitchers making a comeback, who will still have it and who wont? - News of the weird
John and Lance a look at transactions throughout different leagues. What else have the Rockets been up to and what comes next? Why does Lance feel some of these moves have been "weird?" And does Cam Whitmore still have a spot on this team? Or is it time to move on? Stay tuned, because the show wraps up with "News of the Weird."
What would you rather: Giannis on the Rockets or the young core sticking around? Are the Giannis trade rumors for real or is it all just speculation? What makes you think that the Texans have improved from last season? And can you be optimistic with the Texans o-line?
Why do the guys compare Dorian Finney-Smith to Robert Horry? Have the Rockets completed their 2025-26 roster? Or are there more moves to come? Does Capela signing with the Rockets open up the idea to trading away Sengun...maybe in a package for Giannis? And once again, the Astros have mislead us as Pena has a broken rib.
- Who is the best in the league as of now? - Astros are 3rd and continue to pop out with greatness - Jabari Smith signs a 5 year $122 million contract - Older aged basketball players are out, Young new players are in. - James Harden signs with the clippers - Gambling in the NBA is real, Is James Harden placing bets on his games ? - What did you learn this weekend in one sentence
- Astros Weekend games recap - Players that should be an all-star - Jabari Smith stats with Jalen Green on the floor and without - Robert Horry and Jabari Smith comparison - Biggest stories in the NBA - Astros will keep finding a way to win!
- Compared to the Naz Reid deal, did the Rockets overpay? - Rockets saving space on roster to make a move on Giannis Antetokounmpo ? - Astros pay tribute and respect to Kyle Tucker and Ryan Presley when playing Cubs - Astros pitchers Arm Slots - Jalen Green needs to stay away from injury so the trade doesn't get overturned - Jake Retzlaff taking off from BYU because of sexual assault charges - USA in Gold cup semi finals - Highest rate of inaccurate passes and most accurate passes of the NFL - News of the weird
- Astros win yesterday! - June stats - Story of Lance and Nicole's visit to Gilbert - Ace Bailey drafted to Utah Jazz - Baseballforbaddies video
- Is James Harden 2nd greatest Rocket or 2nd greatest player to play for them? - Where do Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Scottie Pippen and Moses Malone fall on this scale? - Christian Walker, is he falling off his game? - Derek Jeter's best teammates - Who's greater, Brad Stevens or Sam Presti? - John runs a crappy sandwich shop? - John and Wendy Granato = power couple
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