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 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 4,084 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

    08-29 Hour 1 - Reacting To The Micah Parsons Trade + Is Yordan Kawhi Álvarez?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 46:47


    08-29 Hour 2 - Jane Slater From NFL Network Joins The Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 48:29


    08-29 Hour 3 - 5 Star In Vegas Joins To Talk CFB Week 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 45:12


    08-28 Hour 1 - Yordan Álvarez Returns + DeMeco Ryans Protects Joe Mixon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 52:33


    08-28 Hour 2 - Texans Practice Squad Reactions & Ryder Cup Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 41:00


    08-28 Hour 3 - Josh Pate Joins The Show To Talk CFB Week 1 & John Chill Joins At The Golden Nugget

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 54:29


    08-27 Hour 1: Astros drop game 1 to the lowly Rockies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 50:18


    08-27 Hour 2: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko joins the show + Bad Sports Dad Lance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 54:42


    08-27 Hour 3: What did we miss + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 47:31


    08-26 Hour 1: Willie Fritz talks about Year 2 with the Coogs + The Texans won't have Joe Mixon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 52:03


    08-26 Hour 2: Week 1 CFB preview + Texans moves on cut down day

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 49:03


    08-26 Hour 3: Deep Dive with Sam + ESPN ranks CJ Stroud

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 50:18


    08-25 Hour 1: Astros take 3 out of 4 from the Orioles + What Have You Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 56:52


    08-25 Hour 2: Texans already miss Jon Weeks + Athletes Crash Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 44:04


    08-25 Hour 3: Browns/Shedeur Sanders Conspiracies + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 50:10


    08-22 Hour 1: Jason Alexander does it again: Astros win in Baltimore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 49:52


    08-22 Hour 2: ESPN's Jesse Rogers on Kyle Tucker's struggles in Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 47:13


    08-22 Hour 3: Rockets GM Rafael Stone in Studio! + Heather Dinich and Giovanni Marquez

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 49:52


    08/21 Hour 1 - ASTROS SCORED!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 55:20


    John, Lance and Del talk the Astros finally ending scoring drought, series loss against the Lions and Framber Valdez 4-game meltdown. Plus, Paige Bueckers historic game, Jimmy Ward's arrest and more.

    08/21 Hour 2 - Who are the top 100 players in CFB?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 42:01


    The guys talk the Browns QB room, Deshaun Watson's 'scary' return, Predictions for Lance McCullers career with the Astros. Plus, The top players in college football and more.

    08/21 Hour 3 - Who to lookout for in CFB?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 54:58


    Josh Pate joins the guys to discuss what teams to watch in college football, do the Houston Cougars make the list? John Chill drops in to talk betting trends in the MLB and the upcoming NFL season. 

    08-20 Hour 1: YANIER WAS SAFE!! Astros get shutout again

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 54:55


    08-20 Hour 2: Early Fantasy Football advice + Matt Schaub wants everyone to hate him

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 44:08


    08-20 Hour 3: Party Plans, Ort Walks + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 60:42


    08-19 Hour 1: Astros get shutout again + A Tuesday edition of What Have You Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 54:45


    08-19 Hour 2: Do the Astros have an Arrighetti problem + Hey NFL: Who is this for?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 51:57


    08-19 Hour 3: Texans OL is coming together + Granato has a statement of intent for the Fantasy Football League

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 41:28


    08-18 Hour 1: Astros lose the series to Baltimore + Is Josh Hader done for the rest of the regular season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 52:04


    08-18 Hour 2: CJ Stroud and Hatgate + Texans Super Bowl scenarios

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 54:21


    08-18 Hour 3: Framber's frustrations boiling over? + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 43:09


    08-15 Hour 1: Texans Joint Practice against the Panthers & and Will Kunkel joins us

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 44:48


    08-15 Hour 2: Roosh Williams on the Rockets & First in First Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 50:08


    08-15 Hour 3: Fantasy Football Help + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 54:45


    08/14 Hour 1 - When in doubt, Fire out

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 56:35


    With Lance out for the day, John is joined by Del and Will Kunkel to talk Astros series win over the Boston Red Sox, do the 'Stros have what it take to play October baseball? Plus, the guys dive into Kevin Durant extension possibilities and Texans O-line problems and improvements. 

    08/14 Hour 2 - Is October calling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 39:26


    The guys discuss more Astros; what do we need to see from Framber Valdez? Hunter Brown's improvement and Minnesota Vikings newest batch of cheerleaders.  Plus, Christian Pulisic's response to criticisms. 

    08/14 Hour 3 - Lake Charles knows: The fantasy draft episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 55:40


    John Chill joins for Fantasy draft talk, NFL and College Football betting odds. Astros are thriving but what else do we need to see? Plus,  what sports franchise has owned the last decade? 

    08-13 Hour 1: Tough night for the Astros against the Red Sox and bad news for Josh Hader

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 57:20


    08-13 Hour 2: How many games will Durant play in Year 1 + Granato tells a story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 41:13


    08-13 Hour 3: Josh Pate Is back! + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 49:24


    08-12 Hour 1: Astros Comeback In High Stakes Game!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 62:11


    Astros defeated the Red Sox in a highly anticipated matchup due to the returns from Bregman, Correa, and Cristian Javier. What arms do you want active in the playoffs? Where does C.J. Stroud rank amongst top QBs in the league? Does he deserve to be considered a top tier QB?

    08-12 Hour 2: How Excited Are You to Watch Affordable UFC?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 43:10


    Can the Astros get to the World Series without a fully healthy Yordan? Rockets play on opening day and Christmas! And Paramount bought the rights to the UFC for HOW MUCH?!? Will they be able to turn a profit?

    08-12 Hour 3: AP Poll Officially Launches, Texas Takes Top Spot!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 45:09


    Arch Manning has to prove himself, but Texas comes in at #1 on the preseason AP Poll. Brevin Jordan goes down with an injury during practice and it appears to be real bad based off the way DeMeco Ryans spoke about it. But should we be giving Brevin thoughts AND prayers?? And stay tuned until the end, the show wraps up with "News of the Weird."

    08-11 Hour 1: Altuve dominates the Yankees AGAIN! + Cristian Javier is set to make his return

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 54:40


    08-11 Hour 2: Correa rejuvenated in Houston + QB Tiers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 50:56


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