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


    • Dec 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 4,285 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

    12/5 John Lance Hour 1 - Can the Texans Prevail?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 49:15


    12/5 John and Lance Hour 2 - World Cup Draw

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 48:31


    12/5 John and Lance Hour 3 - Big Sports Weekend Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 44:12


    12/4 Hour 1- 5 Star QB Recruit Keisean Henderson Commits to Houston Cougar Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 44:49


    Penn State needs a Coach Caller Andy chats about Texans OC Rockets coach Ime Udoka and guard Amen Thompson speak Mike Tomlin to Penn State?   Australia is in Asia?

    12/4 Hour 2- Texans-Chiefs SNF Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 47:12


    Caller Keith Shouts Out to NFL WR Adam Thelien  Ohio State-Indiana Game  Coach Mario Christobal advocates for Miami John and Lance debate College FB

    12/4 Hour 3-Willie Fritz Speaks about new QB Keisean Henderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 39:52


    Subway Rats and Toilet Snakes QB Keisean Henderson commits to UH Giannis True Value  Hockey to Houston? John Chills Pro & College FB Picks

    12/3 John and Lance Hour 1 - Why Texas Misses CFP

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 52:37


    12/3 John and Lance Hour 2 - Notre Dame or Miami? + Chris Paul Released

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 64:55


    12/3 John and Lance Hour 3 - White Boy Super Squad

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 33:54


    12/2 John and Lance Hour 1 - Rockets Loss + NBA Schedule

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 54:22


    12/2 John and Lance Hour 2 - The CFP Argument for Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 51:09


    12/2 John and Lance Hour 3 - AFC Playoff Picture

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 41:46


    12/1 Hour 1- Texas Football Roundup + Is Sheduer That Powerful?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 55:56


    Takeaways from Texas A&M vs Texas Takeaways from the Texans' huge victory against the Colts Sheduer Sanders the most powerful black man since Obama? Lane Kiffin moves to LSU What you learned this weekend

    12/1 Hour 2- CFP Race Heating Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 48:59


    How will Ole Miss cope with the loss of Lane Kiffin? Which remaining teams will make the CFP? Should Texas get in despite three loses?

    12/1 Hour 3- Lane Kiffin Drama + Intern Cameo Appearance

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 48:03


    More from the Lane Kiffin-Ole Miss fallout Intern Sean Paul has a few brief words for Kendrick Perkins Behind the scenes NFL drama News of the Weird

    11.26 Hour 1 - Raheel is Back with John

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 51:49


    11/26 Hour 2 - How Powerful is Shedeur Sanders?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 47:00


    11/26 Hour 3 - Aggies vs. Horns

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 40:41


    11/25 Hour 1-UH Loss to TCU, Baylor up Next

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 54:01


    Longhorns/Aggies SEC Volleyball Wille Fritz talks TCU, Baylor Rockets look sharp in win over Suns  SEC FB-A&M College Coaches on NIL

    11/25 Hour 2-Thanksgiving Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 46:28


    CJ Stroud returns? Complexity of being a Houston Texans Fan Throw Some Shade returns-UH kicker, Colts , KD Bandwagon fans, early X-Mas Deco, and Thanksgiving In-Laws!

    11/25 Hour 3 Aggies vs Longhorns

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 39:31


    Lane Kiffin next move? Ole Miss or LSU Caller Lazy J defends LeBron News of the Weird 

    11/24 Hour 1- Hackgate + NFL Playoff Race Heating Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 57:25


    ESPN Houston's radio station hacked yesterday during Eagles-Cowboys game Takeaways from Nuggets vs Rockets NFL Week 11 reactions What you learn this weekend

    11/24 Hour 2- Las Vegas Purgatory + Stroud vs Mills Heating up

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 52:03


    Raiders in the gutter; OC Chip Kelly fired Is the CJ Stroud vs Davis Mills QB battle legit? What does the future hold for Lane Kiffin?

    11/24 Hour 3- NFL Coaching Hit Seat + College Football Playoff Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 45:44


    Joe Mixon situation Which NFL teams are heading towards a coaching change? Which teams are making the CFP? News of the Weird

    11/21 John and Lance Hour 1 - Texans D Forces Upset + QB Controversy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 54:33


    11/21 John and Lance Hour 2 - Cougars Dominate At Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 47:30


    11/21 John and Lance Hour 3 - Josh Allen Can't Win In Houston

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 51:51


    11/20 Hour 1 - Can Texans Shutdown The Bills?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 57:17


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! We've got our own James Cook Rockets almost blow lead vs Cavaliers How will Sengun and the Rockets look vs Jokic and the Nuggets? What will Astros infield play look like without Mauricio Dubon?

    11/20 Hour 2 - Is Tari Eason A Long Term Priority For the Rockets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 34:22


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Alperen Sengun needs to relax on crying for calls Aaron Holiday pulls the Rockets out of crunch time Winner Winner Taquito Dinner TNF: Texans vs Bills

    11/20 Hour 3 - Should Texans Be Afraid of Josh Allen in Primetime?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 47:24


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Rockets offensive rebounding is unstoppable Chiefs playoff hopes are dwindling fast Is Oregon Top 10 if they beat USC? PLUS, News Of The Weird 

    11/19 John and Lance Hour 1 - Texans Path to Victory + CFP Rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 48:00


    11/19 John and Lance Hour 2 - Mike Elko Joins the Show + Where is Joe Mixon?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 58:24


    11/19 John and Lance Hour 3 - Rockets Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 42:05


    11/18 John and Lance Hour 1 - Shedeur Sanders Treated Unfairly? + Willie Fritz Previews TCU

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 54:38


    11/18 John and Lance Hour 2 - Draymond = Angel Reece?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 44:08


    11/18 John and Lance Hour 3 - Injured Texans

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 48:23


    11/17 Hour 1- Houston Sports Dominates the Weekend + NFL Playoff Race is Heating Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 54:39


    Rockets, Texans and Cougars men's basketball get big wins NFL Week 11 reactions Takeaways from the Rockets OT win against the Magic No. 3 Texas A&M completes epic comeback against South Carolina What you learned this weekend

    11/17 Hour 2- Texans Still in it + Horns Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 50:46


    Now 5-5, can the Texans make the playoffs? Who's making the College Football Playoff? Are the Texas Longhorns' playoff chances done and dusted?

    11/17 Hour 3- Houston Basketball + Weird News Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 45:23


    What makes the Rockets so good this season? Takeaways from No. 1 Houston and their win over No. 22 Auburn News of the Weird

    11/14 John and Lance Hour 1 - Baylor AD Mack Rhoades Allegations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 54:31


    11/14 John and Lance Hour 2 - Who Gets Paid? + Lawrence Taylor vs. J.J. Watt Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 50:41


    11/14 John and Lance Hour 3 - What Did You Learn? + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 49:18


    11/13 John and Lance Hour 1 Houston Cougar Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 46:43


    Rockets Report Davis Mills gets Texans start Caller talks Rockets  Kevin Durant's Rocket impact Astros add new hitting coach

    11/13 John and Lance Hour 2-Rockets Theory from Caller

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 52:42


    Rockets Theory from Caller 16 year old Sumo Prodigy  New generation embrace Rodney Dangerfield and classic music Caller Josh talks Davis Mills/CJ Stroud  NFL QB Contracts-CJ? Biscuit calls in about Cougar Basketball 

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