“There’s a randomness and circumstantial context that happens in every situation. And I’m like, if I’m ok, then I’m ok. It doesn’t need to be—I’m ok, but these ten things didn’t work out. It’s like, no—I’m just ok. I guess I am becoming a little bit more of a Michael Mann character.”
-Chris Ryan, episode 450 of Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. On the heels of CR month coming to a close on The Rewatchables, we’re joined this week by The Ringer’s beloved editorial director, Chris Ryan.
He’s been hailed as the Shohei Ohtani of podcasting, the basketball bard of Bob & Barbara’s bar, the face of The Ringer, the Joe Rogan of the left, and perhaps most aptly, by Bill Simmons himself, “the Prince of Philadelphia.”
We begin with a roundup of today’s television, featuring The Pitt (6:38), DTF St. Louis (9:45), The Madison (11:25), and more (12:30). Then, we get into Chris’ Philly upbringing (14:22), the influence of his film critic father, the late Desmond Ryan (22:50), and what first inspired him to become a writer (34:53).
On the back-half, Ryan reflects on the “Meet Me in the Bathroom” era of New York City (41:45), finding his voice through his blog Gabe Said “We’re Into Movements” (44:40), the halcyon days of Grantland (55:30), his legendary impressions (58:50), and what he wants for the next chapter, on and off the mic (1:21:20).
As always, our email: talkeasypod@gmail.com.
Watch this conversation on YouTube:
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Show-notes:
- Listen to The Watch, The Rewatchables, and The Big Picture.
- Find Chris’ work at The Ringer.
- Hear our talks with Sean Fennessey, Matt Belloni, Jia Tolentino, and Andy Greenwald.
- Order your Talk Easy mug in cream and navy or our vinyl record with Fran Lebowitz.
Illustrations by Krishna Shenoi.
Subscribe, rate, and review: Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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