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


    • May 6, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 4,589 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

    5/6 Hour 1: Sounds Familiar: Correa is hurt & Framber Valdez implodes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 47:44


    5/6 Hour 2: Lance has an Idea that derails the show + Alperen Sengun is voted Most Overrated

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 47:55


    5/6 Hour 3: Run it Back Astros + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 56:04


    5/5 Hour 1: Ime Udoka and Rafael Stone face the media

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 49:34


    5/5 Hour 2: Lance does something terrible

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 43:22


    5/5 Hour 3: A Reed Sheppard Debate + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 57:31


    5/4 Hour 1: Read and React: Rockets Season Ends in Blowout

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 54:12


    5/4 Hour 2: Granato in a La Quinta + Astros take the Series from the Red Sox

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 39:51


    5/4 Hour 3: Rockets drama + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 55:30


    5/1 Hour 1: Raheel is in for a Wet & Wild Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 47:14


    5/1 Hour 2: Trevor Sikkema + Resurrecting Bangers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 57:52


    5/1 Hour 3: NBA Playoffs recap + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 37:44


    04/30 Hour 1: Rockets WIN!! We've on to Game 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 55:59


    04/30 Hour 2: Basketball IQ Upgrade for the Rockets + Granato's Big Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 36:46


    04/30 Hour 3: Rockets Young Core Growing UP + Low Radio Character

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 50:07


    04/29 Hour 1: Can the Rockets force game 6?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 54:40


    04/29 Hour 2: What is the path to success for the Texans offense in 2026?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 46:07


    04/29 Hour 3: Is the beginning of an Astros rebuild imminent?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 45:52


    04/28 Hour 1: Draft Notebook + The Texans = The Lions?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 47:51


    04/28 Hour 2: Lance's Durant Frustration + Vrabel's Day 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 47:59


    04/28 Hour 3: Rockets Musings + Haven Invasions & News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 53:20


    04/27 Hour 1: Rockets Win Game 4 after Game 3 Collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 53:21


    04/27 Hour 2: Texans Draft Class Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 48:42


    04/27 Hour 3: Lance Answers Draft Questions + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 43:51


    04/24 Hour 3: Can KD beat the Lakers double team defense tonight? + Mike Vrabel drama continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 46:22


    Can KD beat the Lakers double team defense tonight? Mike Vrabel drama continues Texans 2nd round of draft tonight Astros play Yankees tonight Rockets playoff game 3 tonight vs Lakers News of the weird interns last day

    04/24 Hour 2: Rockets game 3 tonight at home against Lakers + Kevin Durant questionable tonight?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 47:24


    Rockets game 3 tonight at home against Lakers Kevin Durant questionable tonight? Jabari Smith on KD being double teamed

    04/24 Hour 1: Texans move up to draft Guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) in 1st round + Who do the Texans pick tonight for round 2, picks 38 and 59

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 54:19


    Texans move up to draft Guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) in 1st round  Texans GM Nick Caserio on draft so far  Last day interns Who do the Texans pick tonight for round 2, picks 38 and 59

    04/23 Hour 3: Can the Astros Gain Momentum Upcoming series against the Yankees?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 43:11


    04/23 Hour 2: Can the Rockets RESET and win Game 3 at home against the Lakers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 54:53


    04/23 Hour 1: Who Should the Texans TARGET in the NFL Draft?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 44:08


    04/22 Hour 3: Crazy FIFA World Cup ticket prices are pricing people out of going or wanting to + What Rockets need to do to be ready Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 43:30


    Crazy FIFA World Cup ticket prices are pricing people out of going or wanting to  What Rockets need to do to be ready Friday News of the weird Mike Vrabel finally speaks on drama/scandal

    04/22 Hour 2: The Astros now have 16 injured players!? + Rockets NEED to pickup energy and pace for Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 53:44


    The Astros now have 16 injured players!?  Rockets NEED to pickup energy and pace for Friday Astros still struggling What is going on with Houston sports right now

    04/22 Hour 1: Rockets lose game 2 + Is Rockets coaching by Ime Udoka the problem?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 54:29


    Rockets lose game 2 Alperen Sengun struggling Is Rockets coach Ime Udoka the problem? Kevin Durant 9 turnovers 

    04/21 Hour 1: Spencer Arrighetti does it again + KD injury update

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 33:40


    04/21 Hour 2: Texans Draft Talk & NBA Playoff Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 47:47


    04/21 Hour 3: Can the Rockets win game 2 without KD + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 63:01


    04/20 Hour 3: Will KD be back for game 2 Tuesday night? + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 51:52


    Will KD be back for game 2 Tuesday night? News of the weird segment NBA playoff talk NFL draft talk

    04/20 Hour 2: NFL draft predictions + Astros pitching horrible amid multiple injuries

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 40:17


    NFL draft predictions Astros pitching horrible amid multiple injuries Rockets looked "low energy" 

    04/20 Hour 1: Rockets lose game 1 + What did you learn this weekend in one sentence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 59:18


    Rockets lose game 1 in the playoffs to Lakers What did you learn this weekend in one sentence segment Ice Spice gets attacked at McDonalds

    04/17 Hour 3: Reporter Crissy Froyd fired for adding onto the Mike Vrabel & Dianna Russini drama + Pitcher Peter Lambert makes his Astros debut tonight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 46:55


    Pitcher Peter Lambert makes his Astros debut tonight Reporter Crissy Froyd fired for adding onto the Mike Vrabel & Dianna Russini drama News of the weird

    04/17 Hour 2: Is the city hyped for the Rockets playoff run + Is it time to move on from Dana Brown or Joe Espada

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 45:37


    Is the city hyped for the Rockets playoff run  Is it time to move on from Dana Brown or Joe Espada Brian Baldinger finger injury

    04/17 Hour 1: NRG going back to original Reliant stadium name + John and Lance on rodeo attire

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 61:15


    New NFL team uniforms John and Lance on rodeo attire NRG going back to original Reliant stadium name Astros vs Cardinals today

    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 

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