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.
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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- Astros win yesterday! - June stats - Story of Lance and Nicole's visit to Gilbert - Ace Bailey drafted to Utah Jazz - Baseballforbaddies video
- Is James Harden 2nd greatest Rocket or 2nd greatest player to play for them? - Where do Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Scottie Pippen and Moses Malone fall on this scale? - Christian Walker, is he falling off his game? - Derek Jeter's best teammates - Who's greater, Brad Stevens or Sam Presti? - John runs a crappy sandwich shop? - John and Wendy Granato = power couple
- More on the Astros win yesterday - Lineup stats - Depth chart of all offensive NFL players - Projections of tight ends - Through 81 games Christian Walker is worse that Jose Abreu - Talk on Hunter Brown having the 4th lowest ERA in Astros history - Brown is pulling a Tucker - Astros players hiring Scott Boras as their agent - News of the weird!
John, Lance, and Del talk Astros series win, Fred VanVleet and Kevin Durant contracts + possible pay cuts, MLB All-Star game voting, Rockets vs Spurs big 3.
In hour 2 the guys talk NBA Draft rankings, raising state taxes to pay for NIL, Reed Shepherd, Suns draft Khaman Maluach with Houston's 10th pick and more
In the final hour John, Lance and Del talk Fred VanVleet leadership in Houston and contract details, University of Kentucky guards, Ace Baileys reaction to being picked by the Jazz, Daryl Morey and more.
- Astros game win yesterday! - Update on Astros injury front - We take a look at WagerTalk's release of Texans schedule and season predictions - Talk on James Harden wanting to come back to Houston - Is Fred VanVleet worth all the money Rockets are putting out?
- James Harden coming back to Houston really isn't a possibility - More on the Astros last night - What Astros will be apart of the all-star team? - Taking a look at a rankings of fantasy football quarterbacks - Talk about CJ Stroud's upcoming year - Aaron Rodgers may be retiring at the end of this year? - Steelers quarterback situation
- Boston Celtics roster - How Tim Legler thinks the Rockets should operate with Kevin Durant - Will Kevin Durant make a benefit to the Rockets? - Look at NBA mock draft - College sports is not as watched as pro sports - Cooper Flagg drafted 1st overall in NBA draft - Lots of momentum for white and American basketball players - News of the weird
Roosh Williams joins the show to discuss KD going to the Rockets. Did the NFL collude in regard to veteran contracts? FSU QB, Thomas Castellanos, calls out Alabama! And Cal Raleigh has been KILLING IT this season!! But why does Lance owe him an apology? And the guys wrap up with "News of the Weird."
Are the Rockets built to beat the Thunder as of right now? Who have been some of the best acquisitions for the Rockets in the past 30 years and where does Durant rank among them? And who's to blame if the Durant trade doesn't work out?
Just 2 days since the Durant trade was announced, and it seems the Rockets' fanbase has mixed feelings on the deal. Are the Rockets Durant's team? What direction should the Rockets go now? Stay relatively young or sign some veterans looking to win now? And what gets Lance all worked up while discussing Jeremy Pena?
- All talk on Kevin Durant trade - Will Cam Whitmore step up and show out? - Shooters on the Rockets roster - Astros bounced back after a rough game, great weekend for Mauricio Dubón and Jeremy Peña.
- Bradeaux talks about the Kevin Durant trade - What is Kevin Durant bringing to the Rockets? - Oklahoma City Thunders are NBA Champions -LSU wins another championship title
- We played "What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?" - Tyrese Haliburton injured during championship game - How does Houston feel about the KD trade? - Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Şengün a big enough big 3? - Jon Jones retirement from MMA - Astros talk - News of the weird
Bomani Jones joins Lance and Will to talk ESPN's coverage of the NBA Finals, is the NBA too casual? Plus, what should the Rockets be willing to give up for Kevin Durant, the future of local sports coverage and more
Lance, Del and Will discuss NBA Finals Game 6 predictions, Shaboozey shutting down major Dallas bridge, TV show recommendations and more
Lance is joined by Will Kunkel to talk Yankees losing streak, Astros win, Texans newest signing and culture, Buss family sale of the LA Lakers for billions.
- Astros new players standing out in a big way - Caitlan Clark hard foul - Astros recall Shay Whitcomb - Stephen A Smith taking shots at the Memphis Grizzlies
- LaNorris Sellers turned down a $8 million NFL offer. - Look at MLB 2025 rankings list, Astros 19th - Kevin Durant still has it and can shoot. There are concerns about his heath. - Is Aaron Rodgers married?!
- Astros exceeded expectations - Houston has the best General managers and Managers - The Florida Panthers are doing really well - Hockey injuries - News of the weird
Astros receive some positive injury updates. Haliburton played his worst game of the season, yet the Pacers kept Game 5 close late in the 4th. Can Indiana push this series to 7? Was Devers a "cancer" in the locker room? NIL could be getting out of hand if colleges start paying young high school athletes. Who will start on the offensive line for the Texans? And ending with "News of the Weird."
Are Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin underachievers? If Giannis doesn't win another ring, has he underachieved? Can Reed Sheppard be for the Rockets what T.J. McConnell has been for the Pacers? If the Rockets were to run it back for another year, do they have enough to compete for a championship? And what is the identity of the U.S. Men's National Soccer team?
Lance McCullers joins the long list of Astros injuries. The Suns have allegedly rejected a trade offer from the Rockets and want significantly more. Have we been too harsh on Jalen Green? And we have just witnessed the first no-hitter in the College World Series since 1960!
We start with how exciting of a weekend Houston had! Moving onto the Astros and their win, talking about the new line up for yesterdays game. Steven Adams is back with the Rockets. What did you learn this weekend in one sentence.
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, Tytus Howard wants to take on more of leadership role. Caitlin Clark is back bringing more attention to the WNBA. Astros are one of the best in the American League right now, even with all injuries. lastly, talk on the Texans defensive line.
We start with talking about this weekend's Astros game. We take a look at the stats. Review of the U.S. Open. Is Kevin Durant coming to Houston? lastly, News of the weird!
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with touching on last nights Astros win. Then moving on to who will be winning the finals, Oklahoma City Thunders or Indiana Pacers? We then touch on the topic of legal troubles with players in the NFL. lastly in this hour, we talk about Baker Mayfield is making his redemption.
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with baseball talk. We talk about some of the past Astros and how they're doing now. We touch on Hector Neris and how he did the Astros, comparing it to other celerity drama. Moving on to the financial matters with the Bengals and other NFL teams. Lastly in this hour, we touch on the topic of Astros injuries.
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We first touch on the Deshaun Watson trade. Having a conspiracy theory that this trade could've been a plan to get Deshaun out of Houston. Moving onto last nights Astros win and Isaac Paredes' injury. We then talk about Pacers and Thunders predictions, carrying on with NBA talk. Lastly in this hour, News of the weird!
Should the Astros take a similar approach to the Mariners and lock up their core guys on long-term deals? Is Caleb Williams under a lot of pressure? Texans mandatory minicamp begins today; what are the most important things to pay attention to? Ending with 'News of the Weird.'
What's the deal with C.J. Stroud's shoulder? It has now been over a month since the NFL Draft has concluded and only two 2nd round picks have signed contracts with their respective teams. Have the Texans ruined the NFL after giving their 2nd round pick, Jayden Higgins, a fully guaranteed contract? And is Lance McCullers a trustworthy starter going forward?
John believes that we have never seen a team as clutch as the 2025 Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon for most 30 point games in a single postseason which gets John and Lance to look back on Hakeem's dominant 1995 playoff run. What are expectations for Nick Chubb? Does he have anything left in the tank? And a former NBA player gets trashed in Puerto Rico plus a potential CATCH OF THE YEAR!
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We start with touching on the French Open. Then moving on to the Astros, talking about last nights game and some line-ups. We touch on the Texans, Nick Chubbs is coming to Houston! Are the Texans not telling us about player injuries? We end this hour with playing, What did you learn this weekend in one sentence?
In this hour with John Granato & Lance Zierlein, We touch on the topic of NFL OTAs and mini camps. We look and the issues with some players with upcoming mini camps. Then taking a look at trading opportunities for the Texans.
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