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 2, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 4,643 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

    6/02 Hour 1 How does the Myles Garrett blockbuster affect the NFL landscape?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 56:16


    Are the Astros similar to the Cleveland Browns? Is TJ Watt starting to slow down? What do the Texans do with 30 million in cap space AJ Brown trade finally happens How does the AJ Brown trade affect the Eagles and the Patriot Rick Adelman passes away

    6/02 Hour 2 2026-2027 Texans Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 47:51


    Houston Texans Offensive Line Expectations 2026-2027 Houston Texans Offense Predictions Astros vs. Pirates Series Discussing Stadiums & Arenas Around the United States   Texans Schedule Houston Texans $30M Cap Space and Team Depth

    6/02 Hour 3 Astros vs Pirates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 45:20


    National League pitchers talk, who gets pitcher of the month? Chicago Bears and Dallas Mavericks on the move Are the Clippers in trouble? NBA Finals preview and odds NHL Talk News of the weird

    Is this a prove it year for CJ Stroud?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 50:48


    - Astros weekend recap - How do the OKC Thunder improve to get back to the finals?- How did Arsenal play against PSG?- Will CJ Stroud get extended?- What did you learn this weekend?

    Which NBA team has the best big man lineage?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 42:38


    - Which NBA team has the best big man lineage?- Who was more impactful for the rockets?- Should Brendan Sorsby be suspended for the entire season?- How can Diana Russini revive her career?

    Is CJ Stroud's haircut for the better or worse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 46:15


    - When should you be back in on the Astros?- What happened to Bryan Abreu?- What did we miss? Who is going to win the stanley cup Who looks dangerous for the upcoming world cup News of the weird

    05/29 Hour 1: The Astros Are Heating Up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 49:06


    - Can the Astros Make a Push for First Place in the Division?- Spurs Force a Game 7.- Thoughts on the Houston Texans OTA's.- CJ Stroud Extension Talks.- Nico Collins Contract Restructured. - Discussing the Inevitable College Football Playoff Expansion.- Joey McGuire fires back at Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.

    05/29 Hour 2: Texans OTA's + Is Swarm a Good Nickname?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 49:42


    - DeMeco Ryans With Heavy Praise for Will Anderson Jr.- Renaming the Houston Texans Defense.- Jared McCain and his Nails.- SMU QB Kevin Jennings- Gambling in College Athletics.- World Cup & Diego Luna not Making the World Cup Roster.

    05/29 Hour 3: Freaky Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 44:31


    - Freaky Friday Call-In's- Astros 2.5 Games Back Out of First Place.- 10 Year Anniversary of the Harambe Tragedy.- News of the Weird

    5/28 Hour 1: Yordan and the Houston Astros are Heating up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 43:05


    - Is Yordan Alvarez the MVP Frontrunner?- Josh Hader Return- Astros Heating up

    5/28 Hour 2: Will Fortune Joins the Show to Discuss the Houston Rockets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 53:02


    - Thoughts on Reed Sheppard- Next Steps for the Houston Rockets- Best Coaches in College Football

    5/28 Hour 3: Do College Sports Need Legislation?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 56:19


    - Officiating in the NBA playoffs- Jaxson Dart Completes an Interesting Side Quest- Legislation in College Athletics

    5/27 Hour 1: Astros winning streak ends + OKC takes game 5

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 52:35


    - Astros tough outing Tuesday night against the rangers -  New York City going crazy- Nico Collins pay raise- Western Conference finals recap 

    5/27 Hour 2: Top Skill Groups in football + Texans 2 year window

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 41:10


    - Josh Jacobs allegations- Kalshi put out their skill position group rankings

    5/27 Hour 3: Recap of sports world + Astros give up 8 runs in the first

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 56:40


    - world cup giveaway - Jared McCain can't be stopped- NIL and how it affects players going to the draft- recap of national sportscurrent events

    5/26 Hour 1: Another No Hitter for the Astros + Knicks sweep the Cavs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 54:00


    5/26 Hour 2: What Did YOU Learn this weekend + The Enhanced Games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 49:36


    5/26 Hour 3: Hatchetman calls in to celebrate "his Knicks" + News of Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 45:31


    5/22 Hour 1: AFC South Player Power Rankings: How many Texans make the top 10?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 53:41


    5/22 Hour 2: Best path forward for the Rockets + Ranking NFL QBs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 50:52


    5/22 Hour 3: Spurs/Thunder preview for Game 3 + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 47:55


    5/21 Hour 1: Is Las Vegas wrong about the Texans + The Three Best Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 54:42


    5/21 Hour 2: The Future of the Texans Roster + A look at the AFC North?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 37:24


    5/21 Hour 3: Future College Football Commissioner Josh Pate + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 48:45


    5/20 Hour 1: Our Hero: Jason Alexander + McCullers goes on the IL

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 54:43


    5/20 Hour 2: Kamari Lassiter is the Perfect Texan + The historic numbers behind the Cavs collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 48:34


    5/20 Hour 3: Luka vs. Cooper & How do the Rockets young players stack up? + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 43:29


    5/19 Hour 1: Wemby and more Wemby + Astros drop one late into the night

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 49:51


    5/19 Hour 2: John thinks the Texans drafted a future HOF + Lance vs. Vegas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 40:48


    5/19 Hour 3: Granato predicts the Texans W-L record + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 55:57


    5/18 Hour 1: Astros Take the series against the Rangers + Is Spencer Arrighetti "The One"?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 53:55


    5/18 Hour 2: The Texans most Overrated player + The mistake Jim Crane and the Astros must avoid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 37:19


    5/18 Hour 3: Kirby Smart: Mr. Teflon + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 54:10


    5/15 Hour 1: What will the Texans record be in the 2026 season? - NFL Schedule release reaction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 54:28


    Raheel joins Lance and Del to talk the Texans 2026 schedule plus more from East River 9!  

    5/15 Hour 2: Which Texans road game would you travel to?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 37:53


    Raheel joins Lance and Del from East River 9!  

    5/15 Hour 3: David Fletcher joins the show to talk FIFA World cup + more!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 53:10


    Raheel joins Lance and Del from East River 9! 

    5/14 Hour 1: Astros ends the losing streak against Mariners + McCullers hits a milestone

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 44:05


    5/14 Hour 2: Randy Arozarena & Adolis García are on the list + Weird Alperen Sengun research

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 55:22


    5/14 Hour 3: Messi is going to Aggieland + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 47:35


    5/13 Hour 1: Imai struggles again + The NBA's sleazy move

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 56:26


    5/13 Hour 2: Bill O'Brien was right + Maxx Crosby praises new Texans OL Braden Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 53:04


    5/13 Hour 3: The Astros whiffed on Imai + News of the Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 39:51


    5/12 Hour 1: Astros lineup wastes Peter Lambert's start + Kevin Sumlin joins the show

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 49:01


    5/12 Hour 2: Best NFL Head Coaches: Where does DeMeco Ryans rank? + Wemby fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 57:19


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