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


    • May 12, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 2,324 EPISODES

    4.9 from 140 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.



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    Latest episodes from The Bench with John and Lance

    5-12-23 -- Hour 1-- Release the schedule!!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 52:16


    In our opening hour, we discuss the Houston Texans schedule and give our predictions for their win/loss total for the season. Also, which NFL team in your opinion had the best schedule release video this year? In addition, what's more likely to happen with James Harden this offseason: Comes back to Houston.. or stays in Philly? The guys discuss all that and more on The Bench.

    5-12-23 -- Hour 2 -- The Thin Line between love and hate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 57:10


    In our second hour, we discuss the Houston Texans schedule betting lines and you may be surprised with how many games the Houston Texans are double digit dogs against. Also, do you believe that the Texans will be a better team than last year? The guys discuss that. In addition, who do you feel are the most hated sports figures in the modern era? We speak on all that and more on The Bench.

    5-12-23 Hour 3 -- An Astronomical Return

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 46:33


    In our final Hour, we get Great Astros news about Jose Altuve as he will begin his rehab assignment with the Space Cowboys. How do you think he'll do in his first game? Also, Charles Barkley wanted to know who didn't have Nikola Jokic on their MVP Ballot? We find out who and discuss why that was. In addition, we end the week off weird... with News of The Weird. All that and more on The Bench.

    5-11-23 -- The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 56:00


    5-11-23 -- The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 49:19


    5-11-23 -- The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 48:05


    5-10-23 Hour 1 -- Framber Valdez... the immaculate one

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 55:18


    In our opening hour, John and Lance discuss the Astros win against the Los Angeles Angels and the terrific performance from Framber Valdez. In addition, with the NFL Schedules preparing to come out, how many primetime games do you believe the Houston Texans will have. Also, last year John was in the drive for 5 category for the Texans, will he improve that to 7 for heaven? Find out all that and more on the bench.

    5-10-23 Hour 2 -- Boring me to death

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 52:27


    In our second hour, the guys extend the phone lines to the listeners to give their hottest takes on a let them cook Wednesday. Also, which NFL Teams are the most boring in the league? The guys give their thoughts on that. In addition, Which series in the semifinals of the NBA Playoffs do John and Lance feel are over? We discuss all that and more on The Bench.

    5-10-23 Hour 3 -- Did Lance change his opinion about Tiktok??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 43:56


    In our Final Hour John and Lance Talk about the Houston Texans Defense run defense!!! Another thing was pretty funny, Lance getting lost in TikToks with his daughter. Also, Who is more under pressure Jimbo or Caserio?

    5-9-23 Hour 1 -- Jumping to forgone conclusions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 57:31


    In our opening hour, John and Lance speak on the Houston Astros loss to the Los Angeles Angels and give their thoughts on Rafael Montero's slow start this season. Also, we hear from Cal McNair and DeMeco Ryans on the Houston Texans post draft and get the latest on the team's new uniforms. In addition, If James Harden returns to the Houston Rockets do they become playoff contenders???? Find out all that and more on The Bench.

    5-9-23 Hour 2 -- Bob Huggins... he's the best

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 51:36


    In our second hour, the guys speak on pitching matchups that they love seeing between the Houston Astros and other teams. Also, Bob Huggins said something that he shouldn't have... is this the end of his coaching career? In addition, is a certain animal predicting the Western Conference Semifinal between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors correctly? Find that out and more on the Bench

    5-9-23 Hour 3 -- Who is most likely???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 44:30


    In our final hour, the Texans schedule is on the heels of releasing, do you believe that they'll get a Thursday Night game against a team? Also, Shaq, Robert Horry and Kenny Smith reminisced on who would be the most likely to do ________ on their team. So, the guys answer who would most likely to do ________ at the station? In addition, we go around the internet to find the weirdest stories in news of the weird! All that and more on The Bench.

    5-8-23 Hour 1 -- Can the Rockets Harden come back???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 56:53


    John and Lance start the show going over the Astros vs Mariners game and certain altercations dealing with Scott service. they speak also on Paul Ganato and allowing callers to pitch in their opinions. they finish this segment with the Houston Rockets and still looking at James harden. 

    5-8-23 Hour 2 -- Who has the best right hand in the Astros team??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 47:56


    John and Lance starts the second hour with talking on the cowboy movie and going more in detail about the story of it. They also cover different basketball players and who is having the best right hand this season and evaluate the Padre and Dodgers game. they finish this hour with speaking more on the NFL Draft. 

    5-8-23 Hour 3 -- Can you believe they broke into Jose's House!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 48:10


    John and Lance finishes the show with more on the Astros and how they analyze there season. breaking news about baseball player Jose house break and Baker Mayfield. and then they transition more on Cj Strout and how he will benefit the Texans and they finish with news of the weird. 

    5-5-23 Hour 1 -- The Houston Texans... Texas' Team

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 52:33


    In our opening hour, John and Lance discuss Kyle Brandt's AFC QB Tier's list and where CJ Stroud ranks on his list. In addition, How important is this upcoming road trip going to be for the Houston Astros going to be when it comes to their place in the AL West Standings? Also, Warren Sharp came out with a Texans vs Cowboys list. Since 2010, who has been the better team? Find out all that and more on The Bench.

    5-5-23 Hour 2 -- We do it for the Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 52:32


    In our second Hour, John and Lance discuss their Little League baseball stories from their childhood and get reaction from the listeners on their little league stories. Also, We hear from Tank Dell, who shares how his relationship with Quarterback with CJ Stroud developed during the NFL Combine. In addition, Jimmie Ward spoke with the media and said that it's time for the Texans to create their own culture. How can they do so? Find out on The Bench.

    5-5-23 Hour 3 -- Bet on yourself... Just not with Money

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 42:09


    In our final hour, The Guys hear from Shaq Mason, who spoke on how he can help Kenyon Green. In addition, Lamar Jackson finally got his new deal... however, he said he wants to throw for 6,000 yards this season. Can he do so? the guys discuss that. And a baseball coach got in trouble for betting on games? Who was it? Find out on The Bench.

    5-4-23 Hour 1 -- It's the hour... to call Trevor Bauer???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 55:01


    In our opening hour, we hear from Alex Bregman, who discusses the team's offensive struggles and what needs to change. In addition, Jose Abreu hasn't been what many thought he'd be when the Astros signed him... Does that concern you at all? Also, Would you sell your Baseball Soul to the Devil for... Trevor Bauer??? The guys discuss all that and more on The Bench.

    5-4-23 Hour 2 -- Sometimes I dream... That he is me... Like Steph... I want to be like Steph

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 48:10


    In our second hour, the guys continue their conversation on Jose Abreu and his not so hot start with the Houston Astros. In addition, we hear from Scott Pioli of the NFL Network and he gave his thoughts on the Houston Texans trading up to the #3 pick in the NFL Draft. Also, Stephen Curry has been getting a lot of pub following his game 7 performance against Sacramento.... but does he belong on the Mt. Rushmore of NBA Players? Find out all that and more on The Bench.

    5-4-23 Hour 3 -- We're the S***!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 44:23


    In our final hour, John and Lance hear from Logan Webb, who gave some inside information on what the San Francisco Giants have been dealing with since leaving Mexico City. In addition, we continue our Stephen Curry conversation of does he belong on the Mt. Rushmore of NBA Players? Also, have you ever tried to enter the wrong car??? Find out all that and more on The Bench.

    ESPN NFL & College Football Analyst Herm Edwards joined The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 12:00


    Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Leaf joined The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 19:30


    5-3-23 Hour 1 -- Today is Cooking Day!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 54:33


    John and Lance starts the show with Houston Astros getting there hits in the previous game and more on the new time rule. They transition to the NFL Draft and different rounds featuring Bryce Young and Randal Cobb. 

    5-3-23 Hour 2 -- Which NBA or NFL team is your favorite???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 48:35


    John and Lance starts this second hour with the Houston Rockets Prediction with Jaylen Brown. They also cover Lebron James and his future ownership on buildings and possible future GM. they finish with more on the Texans and future of CJ Stroud. 

    5-3-23 Hour 3 -- Who would you like to see on the Rockets next season???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 47:58


    John and Lance finishes the show with Ryan Leaf Joining the show and talks more on his future. They transition to more on Dillion Brooks career for next season. Famous own Herm Edwards joins the show talking on his coaching career and the previous NFL Draft. they finish with the coolest news of the weird. 

    5-2-23 Hour 1 -- Rather be in Houston than San Francisco

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 54:48


    In our opening hour, John and Lance recap the Houston Astros win over the San Francisco Giants and hear from Mauricio Dubón who spoke on his big night against his former team... as well as why he enjoys Houston more than San Francisco. Also, Where would you rather watch NFL Redzone? XFinity? Youtube TV? Direct TV? The guys speak on that. In addition, JJ Watt making a comeback to Football? Where will he end up going? Find out all that and more on The Bench.

    5-2-23 Hour 2 -- The Bench: Your medical experts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 48:18


    In our second hour, John and Lance speak on Luis Garcia's injury and give their opinions on how concerned they are with the pain he stated he has in his elbow. Also, what is your favorite May 2nd holiday? And did you know what causes one to have Scurvy? In addition, Former director of pro personnel for the Arizona Cardinals TJ McCreight joined the guys to talk all things NFL draft on The Bench.

    5-2-23 Hour 3 -- Sometimes you don't always get it right

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 48:48


    In our final Hour, John and Lance break down an article written by Peter King on Newest Eagles player Jalen Carter. Also, we look back at Merril Hoge's debate with Skip Bayless as well as past mock drafts and discuss why sometimes Mocks and analysis are sometimes wrong. In addition, who will win in the second round of the NBA Playoffs and is it Denver's NBA Finals to lose? We discuss all that and more on The Bench.

    Former Philadelphia Eagles Player Personnel Executive TJ McCreight joined The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 11:19


    executives bench player personnel lance zierlein mccreight former philadelphia eagles john granato
    5-1-23 Hour 1 -- is Will Anderson the future for the Texans???

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 55:47


    John and Lance starts the show with analyzing the new Texans Draft roster and the Texans previous pick which is Will Anderson. they speak more on the NFL Draft and the question of the day: What did you learn this weekend??

    5-1-23 Hour 2 -- Who's NFL Draft did you like the most??

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 49:51


    John and Lance starts the second hour with more on the Texans, Panthers, and what others teams gave up for certain players. they also analyze of CJ Strout and Will Anderson and how will they both impact today's game. 

    5-1-23 Hour 3 -- Astros Jose Might be in Trouble!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 45:57


    John and Lance end the show talking about Astros Jose having a shoulder injury and trying to see will be okay to play. They then transition with more talk of undrafted free agents and DeMeco Ryans and letting listeners speak their opinions. They entertain us with the amazing news of the weird. 

    04/28 The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 53:21


    04/28 The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 52:22


    4-27-23 The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 52:34


    4-27-23 The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 49:16


    4-27-23 The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein Hour 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 45:24


    Professional Golfer Jeff Maggert joined The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 17:04


    Robert Flores of The MLB Network joined The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 18:42


    4-26-23 Hour 1 -- The future of the Houston Rockets are in Motion!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 53:08


    John and Lance start the show with Jake Myers and more players in baseball. they transition to Football with the Texans and will Anderson with the draft. a MLB Guest joins in this hour and they talk about the possible future for the Houston Rockets. 

    4-26-23 Hour 2 -- Clippers couldn't cook without Khawi Leonard!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 52:11


    John and Lance started this second Hour with the Let them cook segment and giving callers an opportunity to cook and share their opinions. they first start talking the Aggie and then transition to the NBA playoffs and Clippers getting wiped out the first round against the suns because both Paul George and Khawi Leonard was injured. lastly talk about the NFL Draft and the Aaron Rodgers trade deal. 

    4-26-23 Hour 3 -- What would you give up for Lamar Jackson???

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 45:48


    John and Lance start this last hour with Lamar Jackson and trying to see where his future lies at during this offseason. they talk more on the NFL Draft and Texans finding a QB and building their team. More on will levis being a possible pick for the Texans and the news of the weird. 

    4-25-23 Hour 1 -- Rockets liftoff with their Head Coaching Hire

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 56:58


    In our opening hour, John and Lance give their thoughts on the hiring of former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka to the Houston Rockets. Also, the guys look on last night's Astros' loss to the Rays. In addition, what Media Personality does Lance want behind bars? Find out on The Bench.

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