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


    • Oct 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 4,216 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

    10/31 John and Lance Hour 1 - Ownership Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 52:46


    10/31 John and Lance Hour 2 - Previewing Texans - Broncos

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 52:48


    10/31 John and Lance Hour 3 - NFL Weekend Predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 45:16


    Beat Warehouse Live

    10/30 Hour 1 - Can KD and the Rockets Improve Defensively?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 55:58


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Can the Bluejays finish the job against Yamamoto? Governor Jeff Landry goes after LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward Lance explains the origins of 6-7

    10/30 Hour 2 - Will The Dodgers Comeback And Win the World Series?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 43:04


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Do you have to have an alpha personality to be a leader? Can the Texans upset a stout Broncos defense? Winner Winner Taquito Dinner! TNF: Ravens vs Dolphins

    10/30 Hour 3 - Josh Pate Talks Coaching Jobs and CFB Matchups

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 51:23


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Does the ACC conference lack playoff caliber teams? Can Texas win without Arch Manning vs Vanderbilt? Will Marcel Reed's skills translate to the NFL? PLUS, News of The Weird!

    10/29 John and Lance Hour 1 - Texas A&M Title Favorites?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 54:31


    10/29 John and Lance Hour 2 - Texans Biggest Game of the Year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 44:29


    10/29 John and Lance Hour 3 - Mike Elko Joins The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 52:54


    10/28 John and Lance Hour 1 - The Long Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 54:48


    Houston's Willie Fritz joins the show World Series game 3 More gambling investigations?

    10/28 John and Lance Hour 2 - Texans Against The World

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 48:06


    10/28 John and Lance Hour 3 - Rockets Finally Win

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 47:52


    CFB coaching changes KPJ apology 

    10/27 Hour 1- Texas Football Shines

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 55:59


    Texas, Texas A&M, and Houston win big Texans offense delivers against 49ers What did you learn this weekend?

    10/27 Hour 2- Football Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 40:22


    Reactions from college and NFL football Can the Houston Cougars make the Big 12 title game and get a spot in the CFP? Are the Texans still in playoff contention?

    10/27 Hour 3- The Pains of Coaching in College Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 58:10


    College football hirings and firings Is Pat McAfee a "diva"? News of the Weird

    10/24 John and Lance Hour 1 - Busted Parlays

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 55:31


    10/24 John and Lance Hour 2 - TNF Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 45:32


    10/24 John and Lance Hour 3 - Beat Warehouse Live + News Of The Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 51:01


    10/23 Hour 3-Josh Pate calls in to show about Bryan Kelly LSU issues and more college football

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 54:07


    College Football-How will the Big 10 adjust? Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? Vanderbilt vs Missouri  Golden Nugget rep John Chill calls in to talk College and Pro football odds FBI investigates, NBA players/coach arrested

    10/23 Hour 2-Victor Wembanyama scores 40 points in opener

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 46:11


    Reed Shepherd/Brent Price comparison Mack Browns Bill Belichick criticism Damon Jones in legal trouble Texans/49ers preview Callers talk Shoei Otani gambling, CJ Stroud, and Texans

    10/23 Hour 1-Texans DeMeco Talks Teamwork and Football Simplicity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 50:54


    Pitch count for Texans O-Line Colin Cowherd on KDs Rockets debut FBI arrests Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billips for illegal gambling Jontay Porter expected to face prison time 

    10/22 Hour 1: Rockets Lose in Double OT in the season opener + Reed and Tari's tough nights

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 51:15


    10/22 Hour 2: Texas A&M's Mike Elko joins the show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 48:37


    10/22 Hour 3: How to watch the Rockets + The Hamburglar gets bullied

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 48:46


    10/21 Hour 3- Texans remaining games, GM Nick Caserio and QB CJs comfort with "last place schedule"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 56:13


    Longhorns/Texans Comparison Rockets Tari Eason needs rookie extension in Houston Callers talk Texans, Rockets, and Astrodome curse Texans possible 2026 Draft targets Rockets and OKC Thunder preview PGA lawsuit Jack Nicklaus wins News-R.Kelly House-$2 million discount, Ohio vs A.I., Brewers fan threatens to call ICE on Dodgers fan drinking hard seltzer, Angry bedtime for a happier relationship

    10/21 Hour 2-Texans Defense stands out in loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 40:12


    Texans are blessed with Pro Will Anderson  Callers chat Texans, MLB and Rockets Rockets season tip-off at OKC  CJ slow to react Scripted play calling in NFL

    10/21 Hour 1-Texans MNF Recap; Callers sound off on loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 55:04


    Coach Willie Fritz calls in, talks Arizona game CJ Stroud Quote Callers talk Texans MNF loss and some World Series chat Texans O-Line, QB play, coaching decisions and running game. 

    10/20 Hour 1- Kevin Durant Signs $90 Million Extension + Football Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 55:17


    What does KD's contract extension mean for the Rockets? NFL Week 7 reactions MLB Playoffs: Did Shohei Ohtani pull off the greatest performance in MLB history? What's up with the Texas Longhorns? What did you learned this weekend?

    10/20 Hour 2- Texans vs Seahawks Predictions + Coaches Matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 49:11


    Can the Texans pull of a win in Seattle tonight? Is Reed Shepard a core player for the Rockets this season? Does coaching make a difference in sports?

    10/20 Hour 3- O-Line Problems at UT + Will Tari Eason Sign the Extension?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 52:04


    Can the Longhorns fix their O-Line issues? Tari Eason contract extension Texans vs Seahawks bets

    10/17 John and Lance Hour 1 - Unc Still Got It

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 44:52


    TNF reactions Rockets preseason reactions 

    10/17 John and Lance Hour 2 - Craig Ackerman + James Palmer Join The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 58:40


    10/17 John and Lance Hour 3 - Sports Hate

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 45:31


    10/16 Hour 1 - Bluejays Show Life + Lance Gives Scoop on PFF Grades

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 55:09


    Hour 1 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Can Max Scherzer and the Bluejays get the job done? Brewers cant hit to save their life, will they get swept? JuJu Smith-Schuster had his whooping coming for a long time Did officials rig the game for the chiefs by not counting Goff's touchdown? Is Jaxson Dart already the best rookie QB of the season?

    10/16 Hour 2 - How Much Revenue Do Astros Spend Compared To Rest of MLB?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 42:10


    Hour 2 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Do Astros need to change their spending approach? Do you need to have a huge payroll to be a successful baseball team? EJ Speed could see more work at LB for the Texans Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! TNF: Steelers vs Bengals

    10/16 Hour 3 - Josh Pate Previews Upcoming College Football Matchups

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 50:59


    Hour 3 of John and Lance with John Granato and Lance Zierlein! Can Georgia stop digging themselves in holes vs Ole Miss? Upset Alerts to look out for this week Are people still overlooking Indiana after their win vs Oregon? Can USC win despite lacking physicality vs Notre Dame? John Chill from The Golden Nugget previews upcoming NFL slate Beat the Warehouse Live Guy!

    10/15 John and Lance Hour 1 - Amen's Rage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 56:33


    10/15 John and Lance Hour 2 - NFL Power Rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 48:45


    10/15 John and Lance Hour 3 - WNBA Pay

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 48:54


    10/14 Hour 1 UH Coach Willie Fritz joins the show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 52:43


    10/14 Hour 2 John Gets Away with A LOT

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 51:32


    10/14 Hour 3 Can The Texans Defense lead them to the Playoffs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 45:52


    10/13 Hour 1- Reactions From the Gridiron

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 55:49


    NFL Week 6 reactions College Football reactions What you learned this weekend

    10/13 Hour 2- A Scuffle at Arrowhead + James Franklin Gets His Bag

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 51:21


    Lions-Chiefs ends with JuJu and Brian Branch going at it What are the Jets doing? After being fired from Penn State, what's next for James Franklin?

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