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


    • Aug 5, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 4,778 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

    8/5 hour 1 - Jadeveon Clowney make his return to Houston

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 55:10


    Astros vs Blue Jays Tuesday recap Why did Clowney leave in the first place? Have the Dodgers ruined baseball? Who do we think can win the CFB National Championship?

    los angeles dodgers houston astros jadeveon clowney clowney cfb national championship
    8/5 hour 2 - Do we think the Astros can make a run?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 41:42


    Mike Sando and his quarterback tiers Thoughts on CJ Stroud's ranking in QB tier rankings Keylan Rutledge is a monster! USMNT updates

    qb houston astros usmnt cj stroud mike sando
    8/5 hour 3 - How is Nick Caley changing the offense going into this year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 50:14


    What is the everyday lineup if Carlos Correa comes back? WNBA hurdles What did we miss News of the weird

    offense carlos correa nick caley
    8/4 Hour 1 - How do you feel about the Astros after the trade deadline?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 49:56


    Why are Astros fans angry with Dana Brown? Thoughts on the Texans heading into the season? Are the Rams the Super Bowl favorite?

    super bowl rams texans houston astros trade deadline dana brown
    8/4 Hour 2 - What does CJ Stroud need to do to succeed this season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 50:45


    Aaron Rodgers takes a shot at ESPN Cam Newton talks CJ Stroud Do the Astros have a Jim Crane problem?

    succeed aaron rodgers houston astros cj stroud jim crane
    8/4 Hour 3 - What do you expect from Jadeveon Clowney this season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 45:25


    Astros weird moment vs the Blue Jays Is this a make or break year for Reed Sheppard? What did we miss? News of the weird 

    news houston astros jadeveon clowney reed sheppard
    8/3 Hour 1 - Is this the first time this season the Astros are playing good baseball?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 53:09


    Is this a show it season for Dana Brown? Jadeveon Clowney is back! Does the offense look better at this point compared to last year? Does Tarik Skubal getting traded increase the odds of a lockout?

    playing baseball houston astros jadeveon clowney dana brown
    8/3 Hour 2 - How likely are the Texans to pay C.J Stroud?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 48:13


    Will Carlos Correa play this season? Mauricio Pochettino resigns with USMNT Where do we stand with C.J Stroud? Are we excited about Jadeveon Clowney?

    texans jadeveon clowney mauricio pochettino j stroud
    8/3 Hour 3 - What has looked good for the Texans so far?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 45:53


    Trade deadline updates Who is looking to sell this deadline? Texans sign another linebacker What did we miss? News of the weird

    news trade texans looked
    07/31 Hour 1 - Previewing the Astros vs. Rangers Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 51:43


    AFC South RelationsAstros .5 Games Behind The RangersAstros vs. Rangers Upcoming SeriesTexans Training Camp

    rangers houston astros previewing
    07/31 Hour 2 - Are the Texans the Real Deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 47:10


    UFL Disbands Gamblers Texans Training Camp Kenny Joins the Show

    texans real deal
    07/31 Hour 3 - Astros Trade Deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 44:50


    Astros Trade Deadline Texans Camp News of the Weird

    weird houston astros trade deadline
    07/30 Hour 1 - Astros Sweep The Angels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 49:27


    Astros Sweep Angels SeriesTexans First Day of Training CampAstros Back to .500CJ Stroud Walking Into Camp Controversy

    angels houston astros sweep
    07/30 Hour 2 - Houston Texans Trivia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 43:05


    Golden Nugget Trivia Astros CJ Stroud Video

    trivia houston texans
    07/30 Hour 3 - Houston Sports Are Popping

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 44:27


    Astros CJ Stroud Video Astros Back at .500

    popping houston sports
    7/29 Hour 1 - Why is CJ Stroud getting roasted on Twitter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 48:06


    Astros vs Angels Tuesday recap Will the Astros get to 500? Would the Texans win more or less games with Davis Mills as the starter?

    texans houston astros roasted cj stroud davis mills
    7/29 Hour 2 - Who is going to be the Texans number two receiver?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 47:50


    NFL notes Who's going to win the AFC West this season? Liv golf talk Is Nick Caley a good play caller?

    texans afc west receiver number two
    7/29 Hour 3 - Why did the Angels pitch to Yordan Alvarez?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 47:18


    Texans training camp outlook USMNT head coach extended How much should CJ Stroud get paid? News of the weird

    news angels pitch texans cj stroud yordan alvarez
    7/28 Hour 1 - Will the Astros move on from Joe Espada and Dana Brown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 48:40


    Astros vs Angels recap Can Cj Stroud lead the Texans to a Super bowl? What will the Astros do at the trade deadline? NFL notes

    nfl texans houston astros espada dana brown
    7/28 Hour 2 - Should the Texans trade for Vita Vea?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 41:05


    Thoughts on Alperen Sengun's comments? Who will have a better season David Montgomery or Woody Marks? Would you rather have the Texans defense or an elite offense?

    trade texans david montgomery alperen sengun vita vea
    7/28 Hour 3 - Who are the favorites to make the College Football Playoffs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 49:37


    Will Stephen Curry be available? What did we miss? News of the weird

    news favorites college football playoffs
    7/27 Hour 1 - Should the Astros trade Jeremy Pena?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 49:14


    Astros vs White Sox series recap What happened to Catlin Clark? Thoughts on Lebron to the Sixers? What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?

    trade lebron james houston astros philadelphia 76ers chicago white sox jeremy pena
    7/27 Hour 2 - Have the Astros made up their minds with Dana Brown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 48:24


    Did the All Star weekend make the WNBA look bad? What's next for the Astros? How much pressure is on C.J Stroud? Can the Texans win in cold weather this year?

    minds all star wnba texans houston astros made up j stroud dana brown
    7/27 Hour 3 - How big are the next few weeks for the Astros?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 45:40


    Chiefs offensive coordinator news Tony Romo… What did we miss News of the Weird

    weird chiefs houston astros
    7/24 Hour 1 - Astros and the Trade Deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 53:23


    Folarin Balogun Aftermath EPL Signings Texans Schedule Astros at the Trade Deadline

    houston astros trade deadline
    7/24 Hour 2 - Astros, Astros, and More Astros

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 45:10


    Astros in Chicago Robert Flores Joins the Show Spencer Arrighetti Regress Month?

    houston astros
    7/24 Hour 3 – What Did You Learn This Week?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 45:05


    Yordan & The Astros What did you learn? News of the Weird

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    7/23 Hour 1 - Houston Sports on Top

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 44:44


    Astros Players Staying Hot Reed Sheppard Facial Hair? Lebron Still No Decision

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    7/23 Hour 2 - MLB Trade Deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 49:29


    Astros Trade Deadline Moves MLB Trade Deadline NFL & College Football

    college football mlb trade deadline
    7/23 Hour 3 – Texans Offense Shaping Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 40:17


    Astros Talk Texans RB Room Caitlyn Clark Chriping News of the Weird

    weird offense shaping texans
    7/22 Hour 1 - Hour 1 John & Lance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 44:23


    1 john
    7/22 Hour 2 - Hour 2 John & Lance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 48:59


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    7/22 Hour 3 – Hour 3 John & Lance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 56:53


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    7/21 Hour 1 - Yordan Alvarez Triple Crown Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 43:49


    Astros vs. MarlinsYordan Triple Crown WatchSpain Wins The World CupAlperen Sengun Needs An All-Star Level LeapWill The SEC Ruin College Football?

    houston astros triple crown yordan alvarez
    7/21 Hour 2 - The College QB Landscape

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 58:23


    Rrof Promo College QB TiersHeisman CandidatesJoe Burrow and CJ Stroud

    landscape cj stroud college qbs
    7/21 Hour 3 - Everything Astros

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 44:01


    Astros PitchingSpeculating a Yordan Alvarez TradeShould Carlos Beltran Have Taken More Blame for the 2017 Sign Stealing ScandalSteroids in Baseball

    baseball houston astros
    7/20 Hour 1 - What is wrong with Hunter Brown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 46:54


    Astros vs Orioles recap Is Lance McCullers' contract one of the worst in MLB history? Thoughts on Argentina vs Spain What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?

    argentina mlb houston astros hunter brown
    7/20 Hour 2 - How will the Texans offense improve this season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 50:09


    The World Of Soccer with Glenn Davis How big of a loss is Lu Dort for the Thunder? Matt Miller accused of fraud

    thunder offense texans matt miller
    7/20 Hour 3 - What will the Astros do at the trade deadline?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 48:28


    NBA's biggest complainers according to Dillon Brooks Bryson Dechambeau controversy What did we miss? News of the weird

    nba news houston astros trade deadline
    7/17 Hour 1 - John and Lance Live at East River 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 43:51


    The Open Continues to Round 2 Astros Talk World Cup Closing Ceremonies

    1 john east river
    7/17 Hour 2 - Glenn Davis Joins The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 51:29


    Glenn Davis Joins The Show World Cup Finals Astros Comeback after Break

    glenn davis
    7/17 Hour 3 – Is there too Much Drama in Sports?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 43:57


    NFL Defensive Coordinators Government Involved in all Sports WNBA full of Drama

    drama
    7/16 Hour 1 - The World Cup Finals are Here!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 49:39


    World Cup Semis Recap Lance McCuller Trade Astros after the All Star Break

    finals world cup final all star break
    7/16 Hour 2 - Glenn Davis Joins The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 47:58


    Glenn Davis Joins The Show England vs. Argentina Recap Lionel Messi is Unbelievable Houston Texans Secondary

    glenn davis

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