The Bench with John and Lance

Follow The Bench with John and Lance
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 3,886 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.



    More podcasts from ESPN Houston

    Search for episodes from The Bench with John and Lance with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Bench with John and Lance

    05-28 Hour 1: Altuve is Back! + Hunter Brown dominates the A's

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 49:19


    05-28 Hour 2: We Class up the Show & Jose Altuve explains his hot streak

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 48:18


    05-28 Hour 3: Are the Texans being disrespected + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 53:18


    05/27 Hour 3: Can the Rockets Build a Championship Team with Homegrown Talent Alone?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 58:11


    The NBA Draft is taking part on two separate days. How many of the current NBA contenders are primarily homegrown? How does Caitlyn Clark's recent injury impact the WNBA as a whole? The Carolina Hurricanes finally end their 15 game Eastern Conference Finals losing streak.

    05/27 Hour 2: Astros' Latest Injury News + Texans Season Outlook

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 38:22


    Spencer Arrighetti may be out until July. John and Lance go through the Texans' schedule and dive into the new-look offensive line. Have they found their new franchise left tackle? And should players be allowed to go back to college after declaring for the NBA Draft?

    05/27 Hour 1: Astros Win Three of Four Against Mariners + What Did You Learn?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 55:16


    The Astros' bullpen continues to thrive while the bats are picking up thanks to a couple key contributors. Which NBA teams have "the guy" and how can the Rockets find theirs? Looking at some of the best "Zesty KAT" moments and "What Did You Learn This Weekend?"

    05-23 Hour 1 Astros winning game VS. the Mariners + The upcoming of Amen Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 52:44


    In this hour with John Granato and Lance Zierlein, We touch on the topic of Jose Altuve and the power and improvement for not only him but the Astros overall. We then move on to the Rockets and why Amen Thompson is untouchable.

    05-23 Hour 2 College football playoff committee + Will Shedeur Sanders turn the Browns around?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 48:09


    In this hour with John Granato and Lance Zierlein, The topic of the college football playoff committee comes up and we touch on the new news. Will Shedeur Sanders turn the browns around.

    05-23 Hour 3 The diva that is Aaron Rodgers + News of the weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 49:55


    In this hour with John Granato and Lance Zierlein, It's time to touch on why did Alex Smith get picked over Aaron Rodgers. Many comments on the current WNBA teams and players. Lastly, news of the weird!

    05-21 Hour 1 Pacers comeback to beat the Knicks + Should the Rockets keep the team together?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 45:58


    John and Lance discuss Astros loss, Tush Push update, Haliburton and the Pacers

    05-22 Hour 2 Are three pointer ruling the NBA playoffs?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 50:47


    Johan and Lance discuss Pacers playoff series, eagles white house visit and more 

    05-21 Hour 3 Kelvin Sampson contract renewal + Top Quarterbacks today

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 52:50


    NFL and College quarterbacks, PGA, Kelvin Sampson and Kellen Sampson future at Houston.

    05-21 hour 1 Astros lose in Tampa; Who is Brandon Walter?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 54:54


    tampa houston astros brandon walter
    05-21 Hour 2 Reese and Clark + Clark VS. RG3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 50:06


    05-21 Hour 3 The Reese and Clark continues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 49:14


    05/20 Hour 3: The Rockets Need Playoff Performers + NFL Players in the Olympics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 42:45


    The Rockets could complete their roster by keeping Steven Adams and trading either Reed Sheppard or the 10th overall pick for a smaller move. Some of the core guys on the Astros are struggling with less than a .700 OPS and the team looks completely different from years past. What Texans' player would be best in the Olympics? Should NFL superstars join and is it safe to do so?

    05/20 Hour 2: Who is the Best College Football Team & Player Since 2000? + What's the Greatest "Almost" Trade in Houston History?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 45:07


    Is it 2020 Alabama? '08 Florida? '01 Miami? Who takes the throne? Is the best player of the 2000's Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Ndamukong Suh? Well, apparently Cam Newton is. The best "non" trade in Houston history Robert Horry or Hakeem Olajuwon? Or is it Altuve almost destroying the Astros as we know it? Should the umpire position be filled with technology or stay as a job for people" And one more look at the "Tush Push."

    05/20 Hour 1: Astros Continued Success at Hands of Bullpen + NFL Potential Rule Changes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 59:57


    King and the Astros' bullpen is on fire. Altuve finds himself in an early season slump. The Packers' proposal to ban the "Tush Push." How that would benefit the NFL and a potential change to the playoff format to become a bracket.

    05/19 Hour 1 - The Astros have another pitching injury to deal with

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 58:58


    05/19 Hour 2 - Conference finals are set and Brock Purdy setting CJ Stroud up for massive payday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 51:27


    05/19 Hour 3 - Astros split with the Rangers on "Rivalry weekend"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 42:27


    05/16 Hour 1 - What's the Price for the Rockets to Land Giannis?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 55:03


    05/16 Hour 2 - Alternatives to Giannis for the Rockets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 52:01


    05/16 Hour 3 - Lance Finishes a GUTTY Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 43:38


    05-15 Hour 1: Texans Schedule Release Reaction- What Will The Texans Record Be In 2025?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 51:14


    05-15 Hour 2: Should The Houston Rockets ACTUALLY Trade For Giannis?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 47:51


    05-15 Hour 3: Will The Astros Injuries PREVENT Them From Making A Playoff Run?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 56:12


    05-14 Hour 1: Framber and Paredes beat the Royals + The Rockets think Durant is too old?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 52:53


    05-14 Hour 2: No Reason Giannis should want to be a Spur & Will Pete Rose make the HOF after death

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 41:04


    05-14 Hour 3: Nic Cage as John Madden + When does Baseball actually care about Cheating?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 56:23


    05-13 Hour 3 - The Belichick Saga is turning into reality tv

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 45:50


    05-13 Hour 2 - NFL Schedule is SLOWLY coming out

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 47:27


    05-13 Hour 1 - The Rockets lose the lottery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 54:50


    05-12 Hour 3 - Would you trade the 1st pick for Giannis?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 48:13


    05-12 Hour 2 - Really? The Cowboys are kicking off the NFL season

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 51:46


    05-12 Hour 1 - Somebody Crossed the line with Lance McCullers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 50:37


    5-09 Hour 1: Could John Have Been The Pope??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 57:18


    5-09 Hour 2: How Many Women In Your Life Get a Mother's Day Gift??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 45:44


    5-09 Hour 3: The 2005 Astros Never Had a Chance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 48:13


    5-08 Hour 1: Framber Valdez put on a show in Milwaukee & Another Celtics collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 53:48


    5-08 Hour 2: What do the Numbers say about Jalen Green + Bregman stays hot in Boston

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 43:07


    5-08 Hour 3: John and Lance go to Norway and Indy + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 48:48


    5-07 Hour 1: The Astros bunt now & What to do with Fred VanVleet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 50:21


    5-07 Hour 2: Granato is concerned for Bill Belichick + The Jalen Green Debate continues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 54:16


    Claim The Bench with John and Lance

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel