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


    • Sep 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 4,111 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

    9-12 John and Lance Hour 1 - DeMeco's Penalties

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 58:54


    Astros season over? Ime Udoka on coaching Kevin Durant

    9-12 John and Lance Hour 2 - TNF Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 48:00


    9-12 John and Lance Hour 3 - Sweaty Centers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 49:18


    09/11 Hour 1 - Jason Alexander and the Astros Fend off the Blue Jays in Crunch Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 46:07


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! John and Lance recap a much needed win from the Astros vs Bluejays Evaluating the Texans roster and defensive struggles vs the Rams Framber is posting cryptic tweets

    09/11 Hour 2 - Special Guest Eddie Nuñez on Expanding the UH Athletics Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 43:33


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Recapping this past week of College Football and predicting who will perform better or worse Does Adam Silver care to find out if the Clippers are lending money under the table? New Athletic Director from the Houston Cougars talks the challenges of the position and being in a great sports city

    09/11 Hour 3 - Previewing Upcoming College Football Matchups with Josh Pate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 54:32


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Josh Pate recaps Michigan vs Oklahoma and looks to more upcoming matchups this weekend in CFB Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! TNF: Packers vs Commanders Recapping NFL Week 1 games with John Chill from the Golden Nugget PLUS, News of The Weird!

    9-10 John and Lance Hour 1 - Luis Garica Leaves Game Early + Lance Epic Rant

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 50:44


    9-10 John and Lance Hour 2 - AP Poll Votes Don't Matter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 51:30


    Jalen Carter Suspension  Blubaugh rant

    9-10 John and Lance Hour 3 - CFB Less Connected to Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 62:35


    9-09 John and Lance Hour 1 - C.J. Stroud Fed Up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 54:23


    Head coach Willie Fritz previews match with Colorado Too early to panic on the Texans?

    9-09 John and Lance Hour 2 - McNair Controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 51:16


    C.J. Stroud's postgame comments MNF Bears-Vikings reactions 

    9-09 John and Lance Hour 3 - Lamar Jackson's Ravens = James Harden's Rockets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 49:00


    AFC Super Bowl contenders Kyler Murray's jorts.

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 1- Same Old Texans and Astros Lose to the Rangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 62:06


    Are the Texans stuck in 2024? Can the Astros recover after a series lost to the Rangers?

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 2- More on Texans Struggles and NFL Week 1 Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 49:18


    Texans' struggles continue Recap of NFL Week 1

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 3- CFB Week 2 Recap+ News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 52:09


    College Football Recap News of the Weird                                                

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 1 - Jalen Carter Spitgate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 57:21


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Reacting to Cowboys - Eagles Who is the Rams WR1?

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 2 - Trammell's Bat Controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 40:00


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Astros - Yankees reactions

    9-05 John and Lance Hour 3 - Who's Generational?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 55:07


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Future of the Bayou Bucket NFL Pick'em News of the weird

    09-04 Hour 1 - Astros Survive Rough Outing from Bryan Abreu vs Yankees

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 50:17


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! How will the injured Texans fare vs the Rams stout defensive line? Who are the best QB's in the NFL and what makes them the best?

    09-04 Hour 2 - Live from Texas Card House + Cowboys Eagles TNF Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 47:33


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Reviewing the Micah Parsons trade from both sides Caller makes their pick for our TNF Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Contest! Astros can't escape the elbow injuries

    09-04 Hour 3 - Exploring the College Football Landscape with Josh Pate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 54:41


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Alabama fans are still feeling the week 1 upset Are we underreacting to Arch Manning's poor performance? News of The Weird!

    9-03 John and Lance Hour 1 - Framber Valdez Crossed Up His Catcher? + LA Clippers $28M Scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 56:13


    - Framber wants out - Texans offensive line

    9-03 John and Lance Hour 2 - Micah Parsons Healed By God

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 46:12


    - Arch Manning - Kawhi Leonard no-show

    9-03 John and Lance Hour 3 - Astros Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 52:15


    9-02 Hour 1 Coach Willie Fritz + CFB Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 54:37


    - Willie Fritz previews rice + Re'Shaun Sanford II injury - CFB, Miami, Arch Manning

    9-02 Hour 2 - Mike Gundy's Haves And Have Nots

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 51:03


    -Bill Belichick  -Donor fatigue 

    9-02 Hour 3 - Astros - Yankees

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 48:42


    08-29 Hour 1 - Reacting To The Micah Parsons Trade + Is Yordan Kawhi Álvarez?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 46:47


    08-29 Hour 2 - Jane Slater From NFL Network Joins The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 48:29


    08-29 Hour 3 - 5 Star In Vegas Joins To Talk CFB Week 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 45:12


    08-28 Hour 1 - Yordan Álvarez Returns + DeMeco Ryans Protects Joe Mixon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 52:33


    08-28 Hour 2 - Texans Practice Squad Reactions & Ryder Cup Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 41:00


    08-28 Hour 3 - Josh Pate Joins The Show To Talk CFB Week 1 & John Chill Joins At The Golden Nugget

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 54:29


    08-27 Hour 1: Astros drop game 1 to the lowly Rockies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 50:18


    08-27 Hour 2: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko joins the show + Bad Sports Dad Lance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 54:42


    08-27 Hour 3: What did we miss + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 47:31


    08-26 Hour 1: Willie Fritz talks about Year 2 with the Coogs + The Texans won't have Joe Mixon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 52:03


    08-26 Hour 2: Week 1 CFB preview + Texans moves on cut down day

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 49:03


    08-26 Hour 3: Deep Dive with Sam + ESPN ranks CJ Stroud

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 50:18


    08-25 Hour 1: Astros take 3 out of 4 from the Orioles + What Have You Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 56:52


    08-25 Hour 2: Texans already miss Jon Weeks + Athletes Crash Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 44:04


    08-25 Hour 3: Browns/Shedeur Sanders Conspiracies + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 50:10


    08-22 Hour 1: Jason Alexander does it again: Astros win in Baltimore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 49:52


    08-22 Hour 2: ESPN's Jesse Rogers on Kyle Tucker's struggles in Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 47:13


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