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


    • Jun 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 3,946 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

    06-25 Hour 1 Astros Win Vs. Phillies + Texans season predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 56:39


    - Astros game win yesterday! - Update on Astros injury front - We take a look at WagerTalk's release of Texans schedule and season predictions  - Talk on James Harden wanting to come back to Houston - Is Fred VanVleet worth all the money Rockets are putting out?

    06-25 Hour 2 Jeremy Pena needs to be apart of the all-star team + Fantasy quarterback rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 36:18


    - James Harden coming back to Houston really isn't a possibility - More on the Astros last night - What Astros will be apart of the all-star team?  - Taking a look at a rankings of fantasy football quarterbacks - Talk about CJ Stroud's upcoming year -  Aaron Rodgers may be retiring at the end of this year?  - Steelers quarterback situation  

    06-25 Hour 3 Rockets may come up even more with Kevin Durant + American basketball players are trying to get their sport back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 56:13


    - Boston Celtics roster - How Tim Legler thinks the Rockets should operate with Kevin Durant - Will Kevin Durant make a benefit to the Rockets? -  Look at NBA mock draft - College sports is not as watched as pro sports - Cooper Flagg drafted 1st overall in NBA draft - Lots of momentum for white and American basketball players - News of the weird

    06-24 Hour 3: What Are the Biggest Takeaways From KD Joining the Rockets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 49:23


    Roosh Williams joins the show to discuss KD going to the Rockets. Did the NFL collude in regard to veteran contracts? FSU QB, Thomas Castellanos, calls out Alabama! And Cal Raleigh has been KILLING IT this season!! But why does Lance owe him an apology? And the guys wrap up with "News of the Weird."

    06-24 Hour 2: Has Any Team Made Bigger Moves Than the Rockets in the Last 30 Years?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 50:24


    Are the Rockets built to beat the Thunder as of right now? Who have been some of the best acquisitions for the Rockets in the past 30 years and where does Durant rank among them? And who's to blame if the Durant trade doesn't work out?

    06-24 Hour 1: How Can the Rockets Maximize Their Future?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 53:05


    Just 2 days since the Durant trade was announced, and it seems the Rockets' fanbase has mixed feelings on the deal. Are the Rockets Durant's team? What direction should the Rockets go now? Stay relatively young or sign some veterans looking to win now? And what gets Lance all worked up while discussing Jeremy Pena?

    06-23 Hour 1 Welcome to Houston Kevin Durant!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 55:56


    - All talk on Kevin Durant trade - Will Cam Whitmore step up and show out?  - Shooters on the Rockets roster - Astros bounced back after a rough game, great weekend for Mauricio Dubón and Jeremy Peña. 

    06-23 Hour 2 Bradeaux gives thoughts on KD trade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 44:56


    - Bradeaux talks about the Kevin Durant trade - What is Kevin Durant bringing to the Rockets?  - Oklahoma City Thunders are NBA Champions -LSU wins another championship title 

    06-23 Hour 3 What did you learn this weekend? + Are you excited about the Durant trade?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 54:47


    - We played "What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?" - Tyrese Haliburton injured during championship game - How does Houston feel about the KD trade?  - Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Şengün a big enough big 3?  - Jon Jones retirement from MMA  - Astros talk - News of the weird 

    6-20 Hour 1: Granato: Medical Marvel + Can the Astros retain Framber Valdez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 50:16


    6-20 Hour 2: Can you get me an Astros beach towel?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 45:33


    6-20 Hour 3: Are you Houston fans too casual about their teams?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 48:54


    06-19 Hour 2: Are the NBA finals a big deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 39:25


    Bomani Jones joins Lance and Will to talk ESPN's coverage of the NBA Finals, is the NBA too casual? Plus, what should the Rockets be willing to give up for Kevin Durant, the future of local sports coverage and more

    06/19 Hour 3: Can the Pacers win without Tyrese Haliburton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 58:04


    Lance, Del and Will discuss NBA Finals Game 6 predictions, Shaboozey shutting down major Dallas bridge, TV show recommendations and more

    06-19 Hour 1: LA Lakers sold for how much?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 45:31


    Lance is joined by Will Kunkel to talk Yankees losing streak, Astros win, Texans newest signing and culture, Buss family sale of the LA Lakers for billions. 

    06-18 Hour 1 Astros new players are popping out +

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 54:05


    - Astros new players standing out in a big way - Caitlan Clark hard foul - Astros recall Shay Whitcomb - Stephen A Smith taking shots at the Memphis Grizzlies

    06-18 Hour 2 LaNorris Sellers turns down life changing money + Astros listed 19th on a 2025 MLB rankings?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 50:38


    -  LaNorris Sellers turned down a $8 million NFL offer.  - Look at MLB 2025 rankings list, Astros 19th - Kevin Durant still has it and can shoot. There are concerns about his heath. - Is Aaron Rodgers married?!

    06-18 Hour 3 Astros has exceeded expectations + Hockey is now an American sport

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 44:52


    - Astros exceeded expectations - Houston has the best General managers and Managers - The Florida Panthers are doing really well - Hockey injuries - News of the weird

    06-17 Hour 3: Have the Pacers Gone as Far as They Can Go?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 53:33


    Astros receive some positive injury updates. Haliburton played his worst game of the season, yet the Pacers kept Game 5 close late in the 4th. Can Indiana push this series to 7? Was Devers a "cancer" in the locker room? NIL could be getting out of hand if colleges start paying young high school athletes. Who will start on the offensive line for the Texans? And ending with "News of the Weird."

    06-17 Hour 2: Can Players Be Great Without Multiple Championships?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 36:24


    Are Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin underachievers? If Giannis doesn't win another ring, has he underachieved? Can Reed Sheppard be for the Rockets what T.J. McConnell has been for the Pacers? If the Rockets were to run it back for another year, do they have enough to compete for a championship? And what is the identity of the U.S. Men's National Soccer team?

    06-17 Hour 1: How Much Should the Rockets Give Up for Durant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 57:09


    Lance McCullers joins the long list of Astros injuries. The Suns have allegedly rejected a trade offer from the Rockets and want significantly more. Have we been too harsh on Jalen Green? And we have just witnessed the first no-hitter in the College World Series since 1960!

    06-16 Hour 1 Astros recent line up + What did you learn this weekend?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 52:28


    We start with how exciting of a weekend Houston had! Moving onto the Astros and their win, talking about the new line up for yesterdays game. Steven Adams is back with the Rockets. What did you learn this weekend in one sentence.

    06-16 Hour 2 Tytus Howard's plan for the O-line + Caitlin Clark is what got attention to the WNBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 49:22


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, Tytus Howard wants to take on more of leadership role. Caitlin Clark is back bringing more attention to the WNBA.  Astros are one of the best in the American League right now, even with all injuries. lastly, talk on the Texans defensive line.  

    06-16 Hour 3 Astro heroes of the weekend + Will the Rockets take the risk with Kevin Durant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 46:25


    We start with talking about this weekend's Astros game. We take a look at the stats. Review of the U.S. Open.  Is Kevin Durant coming to Houston? lastly, News of the weird! 

    06-13 Hour 1 Astros win 4-3 + Sports Law and Order

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 51:13


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with touching on last nights Astros win. Then moving on to who will be winning the finals, Oklahoma City Thunders or Indiana Pacers? We then touch on the topic of legal troubles with players in the NFL. lastly in this hour, we talk about Baker Mayfield is making his redemption. 

    06-13 Hour 2 Hector Neris did Houston dirty + Astros injuries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 54:40


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with baseball talk. We talk about some of the past Astros and how they're doing now. We touch on Hector Neris and how he did the Astros, comparing it to other celerity drama. Moving on to the financial matters with the Bengals and other NFL teams. Lastly in this hour, we touch on the topic of Astros injuries. 

    06-13 Hour 3 Deshaun Watson trade conspiracy theory + Pacers and Thunders predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 40:16


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We first touch on the Deshaun Watson trade. Having a conspiracy theory that this trade could've been a plan to get Deshaun out of Houston. Moving onto last nights Astros win and Isaac Paredes' injury. We then talk about Pacers and Thunders predictions, carrying on with NBA talk. Lastly in this hour, News of the weird!  

    06-12 Hour 1: Gusto steps up! + Pacers win Game 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 55:12


    06-12 Hour 2: Just how good is the Texans DL?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 44:02


    06-12 Hour 3: Chill gives you winners + News of Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 53:39


    06-11 Hour 1: McCullers and the Astros struggle against the White Sox + DeMeco Ryans speaks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 46:49


    06-11 Hour 2: The Astros "Other" Starters & Judge Granato is back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 54:55


    06-11 Hour 3: Do the Texans have two Aces at RB + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 45:40


    06/10 Hour 3: Should the Astros Lock Up Their Core Long-Term?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 45:00


    Should the Astros take a similar approach to the Mariners and lock up their core guys on long-term deals? Is Caleb Williams under a lot of pressure? Texans mandatory minicamp begins today; what are the most important things to pay attention to? Ending with 'News of the Weird.'

    06/10 Hour 2: The Texans Have RUINED the NFL!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 49:31


    What's the deal with C.J. Stroud's shoulder? It has now been over a month since the NFL Draft has concluded and only two 2nd round picks have signed contracts with their respective teams. Have the Texans ruined the NFL after giving their 2nd round pick, Jayden Higgins, a fully guaranteed contract? And is Lance McCullers a trustworthy starter going forward?

    06/10 Hour 1: Reminiscing on "The Dream" + What are Expectations for Nick Chubb?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 54:09


    John believes that we have never seen a team as clutch as the 2025 Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon for most 30 point games in a single postseason which gets John and Lance to look back on Hakeem's dominant 1995 playoff run. What are expectations for Nick Chubb? Does he have anything left in the tank? And a former NBA player gets trashed in Puerto Rico plus a potential CATCH OF THE YEAR!

    06-09 Hour 1 Nick Chubb is coming to town + What did you learn this weekend?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 51:26


    In this hour with  John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with touching on the French Open. Then moving on to the Astros, talking about last nights game and some line-ups. We touch on the Texans, Nick Chubbs is coming to Houston! Are the Texans not telling us about player injuries? We end this hour with playing, What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?

    06-09 Hour 2 NFL OTA and mini camps + Should the Texans trade for Jaire Alexander?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 52:07


    In this hour with  John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We touch on the topic of NFL OTAs and mini camps. We look and the issues with some players with upcoming mini camps. Then taking a look at trading opportunities for the Texans.

    06-09 Hour 3 Houston's possible MVPs + Lance's beef with Noah Knigga

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 47:45


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein,  We start with hearing about Lance's sons graduation and about all the new Gen Z slang. Then moving to our Houston teams and looking at who could be new possible MVPs. We bring up Noah Knigga and talk about his upcoming. lastly, news of the weird!

    06-06 Hour 1 Astros are climbing in their division + Lance has a problem with softball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 58:16


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with discussing the division the Astros are in and how well they are doing! We touch on the Texas VS. Texas Tech softball game and pitching. Lastly in this hour we talk about Aaron Rodgers .

    06-06 Hour 2 Pacers win VS. Thunder + Astros numbers are looking good!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 45:19


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We first touch on the Pacers and Thunder game last night. We take a look at all the things that have happened over the past couple of days in sports news. We then touch on the Astros and what their numbers are looking like compared to others.

    06-06 Hour 3 College players in the NFL draft + Love and props to ESPN 97.5!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 48:05


    In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start off with touching on the topic of the NFL draft. We talk about some of the draft prospects. We had a very nice conversation with a caller! Lastly, news of the weird! 

    06-05 Hour 1: This is how we're starting the show?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 55:06


    06-05 Hour 2: Texas vs Tech + Dusty Baker reliving 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 39:53


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