According to the latest rumors, ESPN Radio may be looking at Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman to be their new national morning show. While there have been stories that Trey Wingo was looking to leave the show, where would a possible Kellerman/Keyshawn morning show leave morning show stalwart Mike Golic?
Having worked with Golic on Mike & Mike for around five years, I admit I was saddened by the thought that his 20 year run in the mornings could be coming to an end. When I started to look at his history, I realized that Mike Golic can lay claim to a career in national radio that few who have ever sat behind a microphone can match. Despite not employing many of the common tactics we see in players-turned-media members today, how did Mike carve out such an incredible career? To paraphrase the great Dr. Seuss:
He came without rings
He came without brags.
He came without stats, hot takes, or gags.
Maybe Golic, I thought, goes beyond the lore.
Maybe Golic, perhaps, brings a little bit more.
The reason that Golic has had such incredible longevity is because he possesses more of one trait than I have ever seen someone in the media possess: Likeability.
People just like Mike Golic, and they have since he started on ESPN Radio with Tony Bruno two decades ago. It’s how someone can live a life that .01% of the population has ever had – captain of the Notre Dame football team, drafted into the NFL, ESPN broadcaster – and still be seen as the everyman.
People often talk about the “it” factor when they’re discussing quarterbacks or movie stars. Likeability is that x factor in radio because it creates a bond with the listener that can compensate for weaknesses in any other area of a host’s repertoire. Conversely, if you don’t have likeability, it doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are, how intriguing your teases are, or how well you can handle the traffic on your show – people won’t want to hear from you.
Erik Kuselias is one example of someone who suffers from a lack of likeability. I produced for EK for years at ESPN and NBC Sports Radio, and he is without a doubt one of the most talented radio hosts I’ve ever worked with. He brought everything you could possibly want your host to have, except for that one thing, and because of that people just never embraced him the way Golic has been embraced.
If the rumors about Mike Golic being replaced are true, ESPN should look to fill that spot with someone that the audience can relate to – a person they’d want to spend part of their morning with every single day. Chances are, that isn’t the person with the best argument or the hottest take. Look to the Golic, and let that be your North Star.
There aren’t many people today whose personality can generate such a strong bond with the audience, but I put together a quick list (in no particular order):
Mike Golic Jr.: I was initially skeptical of Mike Jr. on overnights, but after listening to him I quickly realized how wrong I was in that assumption. With his impressive versatility, it’s no surprise how fast his star has risen. A father-son podcast with his dad would offer a unique perspective few other programs could match.
Barstool Big Cat: Audiences see themselves in Big Cat more than any other host in the sports talk business. He carries the Barstool Sports brand and the ultra-popular Pardon My Take podcast. Also, his conversational interview style relaxes guests and helps them open up more than they usually do on other shows.
Chris Simms: Simms’ combination of frank analysis with endearing malapropisms have earned him a spot on Football Night in America on NBC, his own podcast, and the co-host chair on Pro Football Talk Live on NBCSN.
Mina Kimes: Kimes’ intelligence and affability on the air, as well as an accomplished journalism career, has led to multiple podcasts, regular TV appearances and almost half a million followers on Twitter. People love her adorable dog Lenny, as well as her savage takedowns of goobers on social media.
Dave Rothenberg: Dave is the hardcore fanatic that some sports snobs criticize but fandom would be absolutely boring without. His passion is perfect for the New York market and the constant criticism he takes from his co-hosts only makes him more likeable to listeners.
Rob ‘Stats’ Guerrera is a former columnist for BSM. He has worked as a national radio/TV/podcast producer with the biggest names in the industry on ESPN, NBCSN and DirecTV. Among those he’s worked with include Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick, Scott Van Pelt, Ryen Russillo, Mike Florio, Mike Tirico, Kay Adams, and Erik Kuselias. You can find him on Twitter @StatsOnFire or reach him by email at RFGuerrera@gmail.com.
I have been thinking for months now that Golic should have a show called Mike & Junior. I think a Father .. Son show would be GREAT.
Never thought about it until you wrote it, but you are 100% correct that likability is a huge factor in being “listenable.” It’s the difference between someone always being right vs someone being fun to be around.
Well said.
Dan “Big Cat” Katz is in the same group as Skippy Bayless, Steven A. Smith and Clay Travis. The epitome of slightly tipsy, know it all loud mouth that is at social gatherings who pontificates about everything, and let’s you know they know everything. When I turn on “Pro Football Talk” and see Katz is co-host, I turn the TV off and listen to Dan Patrick on the radio.
Chris Simms destroys the English language but his knowledge of pro football is amazing.