Howard Eskin is back with a new YouTube show and a high-profile first guest. The former WIP host released the first episode of The Howard Eskin Show to his YouTube page, where he spoke with former Philadelphia 76er and Inside the NBA host Charles Barkley. Eskin said in his opening monologue that the purpose of this show was to reconnect with his audience and talk sports.
“[The podcast] is a way to reconnect with you,” Eskin said. “Because there’s so many things to talk about, there’s so many things you want to talk to me about, and it’s such a great opportunity. I told you there’d be another chapter — there is another chapter.”
Following his brief monologue, Eskin jumped into the current state of Philadelphia sports, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles’ impending Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. He quickly got to Charles Barkley, who joined him live and responded to seeing the longtime Philadelphia sports voice as only he could.
“How’d you get a podcast?” Barkley exclaimed when given his first opportunity to speak. “They must be desperate.” Eskin laughed off the remark and said, “I bribed somebody, and desperation is good sometimes.” The faux animosity quickly turned into a measure of respect, with Barkley giving Eskin his flowers and being appreciative of their friendship.
“You were one of the few reporters who had the guts to say stuff on radio and TV, and actually come in the locker room,” Barkley said. “You’ve criticized me — sometimes I thought I deserved it, sometimes I thought you were full of s—…but you’ve been a great friend for a long time, your work ethic is ridiculous, you earn your keep. I have to give you your flowers for that.” The duo spent over an hour reminiscing, talking about the current state of the NBA, and more.
Eskin’s return comes after a “parting of ways” with WIP following an “unwanted sexual advance” made towards a female Aramark employee. He did not address the situation on the first episode of his show. Eskin announced he would try to do three shows per week, including his customary 8 am EST Saturday timeslot.
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