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Eric On Air

Eric On Air

By Eric On Air

Unique off-beat analysis of pop culture that nobody asked for...but we hope you enjoy anyway. With the advancements in technology and affordability Eric's childhood dream of having his own show has come to fruition. Seasons 1-2 focused heavily on an interview based format with community leaders across Indiana and the Greater Chicagoland area. Season 3 moved over to YouTube for a video-based format, that was more pop-culture review based. Season 4 finds us back to the audio format but focusing more on pop-culture.
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Ep7-Interview with Glenn Johnson (President of Lake Ridge School Board) Part 2 of 2

Eric On AirAug 27, 2020

00:00
29:35
Ep50-The First Milestone

Ep50-The First Milestone

Eric On Air takes a look back at 50 episodes and the YouTube edition of the show, and reveals the Top 10 listened to episodes of all time.

Aug 23, 202351:17
Ep.49 Devious Doc Brown

Ep.49 Devious Doc Brown

Eric On Air's discussion of Back to the Future continues with a focus on Doc Brown and his devious behavior. What makes Doc so devious in the eyes of Eric, find out in this episode. Listen and provide your feedback, do you agree or disagree with Eric's take.

Aug 03, 202334:07
Ep48-Back to the Future 4?

Ep48-Back to the Future 4?

Eric On Air talks about the possibility of a Part 4, and the ramifications of it, could it cause a paradox a rift in the space-time continuum, or would it be a Box Office Smash? Eric gives his 2 cents, but your opinions are worth more than 2 cents, so please share them!

Jul 27, 202338:11
Ep47-Quantum Cheat

Ep47-Quantum Cheat

Eric on Air compares the original Quantum Leap to the reboot. How do they size up. We also examine Dr. Sam Beckett's intentions, was he trying to put right what once went wrong, step out on his wife, or both?

Jul 20, 202324:51
Ep46-The Brady Brides...A Cautionary Tale

Ep46-The Brady Brides...A Cautionary Tale

Here's a story of the perfect blended family...or were they? Marcia and Jan are marrying the men of their dreams...at least Jan is. Marcia finds herself trapped with a doofus just to make her family happy. In the 1980s the "The Brady Brides" (1981) and "The Bradys" (1989) give us the end result of the reckless parenting of Mike and Carol Brady that was overlooked on the whimsical "Brady Bunch" (1969-74). Tune is as Eric On Air talks about the tailspin of the Brady Family during the 1980s.

Jul 13, 202326:51
Ep45-Fast and the Furious

Ep45-Fast and the Furious

A franchise 22 years in the making, now it takes on Eric's analysis. An analysis nobody asked him for, but he is giving anyway. Eric gives his take on the movies, and it's predecessors: "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Dukes of Hazzard". We talk about the magical Dodge Chargers, and the elimination of disbelief needed to enjoy these movies. Without giving away too much Eric describes Fast and Furious as "A Monster Truck Tractor Pull on the silver-screen written by a can of Monster Energy Drink with borrowed storylines from professional wrestling. Will they really stop at just 10 movies?

Jul 06, 202323:31
Ep44-America's Funniest Videos...Are We Sure?

Ep44-America's Funniest Videos...Are We Sure?

As we get closer to 4th of July, we felt like doing something with America right in the name. In this episode we are talking about America's Funniest Videos, how it began, how it grew, the damage it may or may not have caused, and will it ever be canceled. We spend a few minutes talking about DAVE, this show that Hulu wants you to believe is LEGENDARY...is it? Tune in to find out....

Jul 02, 202324:54
Ep43-Noodle Waffle and Wacky Discovery Network Conspiracy Theories

Ep43-Noodle Waffle and Wacky Discovery Network Conspiracy Theories

Eric on Air talks about favorite and least favorite foods, Food Network Icon Guy Fieri, Noodles, Waffles, Legendary UNLV Basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian, The Property Brothers, and Oprah...what is the connection of all of this, tune in to find out.

Jul 01, 202322:43
Ep42-Sinister Simba (The Truth Behind the Lion King)

Ep42-Sinister Simba (The Truth Behind the Lion King)

A cute movie or sinister propaganda?  Eric on Air talks about the overlooked evils that Simba from the Lion King put into the universe leading to his father and kingdom’s demise. 

Jun 30, 202319:07
Ep41- The Worst Movie Ever

Ep41- The Worst Movie Ever

Eric On Air has been off-air for a couple of years. Was this to copy one of his all-time favorite bands "New Edition", or was there a calling that got Eric back behind the mic?


Eric On Air returns to throw shade on a movie that he considers to be the worst movie ever!  Which movie is it, and why does it anger him so? 


Find the answers to these questions and why he took a hiatus as Season 4 kicks off with episode 41.

Jun 29, 202325:19
Ep40- Kim Eldridge and Tonya Hewitt (Indivisible NWI)

Ep40- Kim Eldridge and Tonya Hewitt (Indivisible NWI)

Kim Eldridge (President) and Tonya Hewitt (Vice-President) of Indivisible NWI join Eric On Air to talk about the importance of social justice, civic engagement, how these issues impact us, and the role that Indivisible NWI plays in that regard.

May 03, 202153:25
Ep39 Jake Hansbury (Part 2)

Ep39 Jake Hansbury (Part 2)

Jake Hansbury returns to talk more about Labor Rights history including the impact of Big Bill Haywood.  We also touch on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Panthers, as well as several mutual aid initiatives in Northwest Indiana.  

Apr 20, 202136:09
Ep38 Eric's Cancer Journey

Ep38 Eric's Cancer Journey

In this week's episode of Eric On Air, Eric shares his journey with battling cancer over the last 15 years. 

Apr 13, 202133:14
Ep37 Haneefah Khaaliq (Candidate for U.S. Senate)

Ep37 Haneefah Khaaliq (Candidate for U.S. Senate)

Haneefah Khaaliq has been a cause-driven leader her entire life. Now she is driven to provide a different type of leadership for Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate, a more inclusive one that gives a voice to ALL HOOSIERS. As of the date of this interview, she is the only challenger looking to take on incumbent U.S. Senator Todd Young (R) in 2022. In this episode we go over Haneefah Khaaliq's background, goals, objectives, platforms, and her thoughts on Indiana's current U.S. Senators: Todd Young (R) and Mike Braun (R). 

Apr 05, 202101:15:12
Ep36 Mike Repay (Lake County Commissioner)

Ep36 Mike Repay (Lake County Commissioner)

Mike Repay (Lake County Commissioner 3rd Dist) joins Eric On Air to talk about what the County Commissioner does, his accomplishments, objectives, his reasons for supporting Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. for Congress, cars, and what changes are needed within the Democratic Party in Lake County. 

Mar 22, 202137:01
Ep35 Jake Hansbury (NWI Solidarity)

Ep35 Jake Hansbury (NWI Solidarity)

Jake Hansbury from NWI Solidarity joins Eric On Air to talk about Eugene V. Debs and his place in Indiana and U.S. History, as well as provide the history and clear up misconceptions about Socialism and Anarchy, as well as their fit in modern society.  

Mar 16, 202138:24
Ep34 Josh Sumrall "Big Jefe"

Ep34 Josh Sumrall "Big Jefe"

Josh Sumrall (Big Jefe), a rising star on the NWI comedy scene chats with Eric On Air about his background, his influences, and his upcoming Amazon Prime Comedy Special. Big Jefe also gives his takes on our hometown of Hammond, Indiana including Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., the First Baptist Church, and so much more.

Mar 09, 202101:14:21
Ep33 Andy Jones (Part 2)

Ep33 Andy Jones (Part 2)

Andy Jones shares how The Flying Aarons came to an end (an unsavory story). We also learn more about Andy's time with The Fake Thing, Working at Playboy, the success of the Pod of Thunder Podcast, and more in this super-sized episode of Eric On Air. 

Feb 22, 202101:12:28
Ep32 Andy Jones (Part 1)

Ep32 Andy Jones (Part 1)

"America's Little Brother" Andy Jones (co-host of Pod of Thunder) brings his brand of humor and musings to Eric On Air to talk about his time at WJOB-AM 1230 as the voice of Purdue Calumet Basketball, his early rock band baptism with "The Pillagers", the rise and fall of the "Greatest Local Band Ever"... "The Flying Aarons", and some other random things.  Too much great content for just one episode...so pace yourself and start with Part 1!

Feb 15, 202142:12
Ep31 Time To Heal?

Ep31 Time To Heal?

WARNING some of the audio files in this episode contain racial slurs and ethnic/racial offensive content! Republicans are telling Democrats its time to heal, but do they mean it? Are Republicans the cause of the hurt? We go over key speeches from Donald Trump Jr. , Rudy Giuliani, and Donald Trump from the January 6th “Stop the Steal Pep Rally". We will also listen to actual audio from former Republican President’s Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, as they share their thoughts on Blacks, Jews, and the Irish...including the introduction of the Republican Super-Villain “The Welfare Queen”, and an explanation of “The Southern Strategy” from Lee Atwater.

Feb 08, 202130:49
Ep30-The Biden/Harris Era and DC Statehood

Ep30-The Biden/Harris Era and DC Statehood

A new Era in America begins with a new administration. Biden and Harris take on a divided nation (with division within in their own party as well). We take a “Facts of Life” approach of taking the good and the bad looking back on 50 years of Biden’s work as a public official in the federal government. We also talk about DC Statehood, and why Indiana Congressional Rep D1 Frank Mrvan should reconsider his current stance.

Jan 26, 202122:17
Ep29-Alex Watkins

Ep29-Alex Watkins

Social Justice Warrior returns to Eric On Air as the first guest of Season 2. Topics include: Social Media bans, Los Brown Berets, Justice for Jamal Williams, Capitol Chaos/Coup, Social Justice, Nickelodeon, and more.

Jan 18, 202131:20
Ep28-Capitol Chaos - Dealing with Ignorance and Hate (Season 2 Premiere)

Ep28-Capitol Chaos - Dealing with Ignorance and Hate (Season 2 Premiere)

Season 2 kicks off with a discussion about the domestic terrorist attack our nation’s capitol that took place on January 6, 2021.  We dive into “ignorance”, and how to deal with friends and family that are enablers of hate.

Jan 11, 202124:01
Ep27-Eric On Air's Look to 2021 (Season 1 Finale)

Ep27-Eric On Air's Look to 2021 (Season 1 Finale)

The Season Finale for Season 1 of Eric On Air. We look back on 2020, and ahead to a much better 2021. That being said a mere year change will not be an automatic fix to the ills of 2020…

Dec 30, 202028:14
Ep26-Eric On Air Holiday Special with Peter Aranda

Ep26-Eric On Air Holiday Special with Peter Aranda

Writer and Movie Aficionado Peter Aranda joins Eric on Air to give their unique takes on Holiday Classics like: Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Love Actually, and Home Alone. As well as icons like Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey.

We take on the hard-hitting holiday issues…like… Why is Santa a jerk in the classic Rankin Bass Specials? Should Die Hard, Gremlins, and Trading Places be classified as Holiday Films? Tune in or be put on the naughty list!

Dec 22, 202001:14:46
Ep25- Tribute to Dick Allen

Ep25- Tribute to Dick Allen

Dick Allen’s numbers are Hall of Fame caliber, however racially-charged critics have prevented him from getting there as of the airing of this podcast. Aside from Allen’s individual accomplishments in baseball, he played a vital role in the development of Hall of Famers such as Mike Schmidt and Goose Gossage. If that wasn’t enough Former White Sox GM Roland Hemond credits Dick Allen with saving the Chicago White Sox franchise. All of this while overcoming social and racial injustice. Join us as we pay tribute to one of baseball’s all-time greats.

Dec 17, 202019:50
Ep24-Interview with David Masciotra (Author of "I Am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters)

Ep24-Interview with David Masciotra (Author of "I Am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters)

David Masciotra writes for Salon, No Depression, the Atlantic, Los Angeles Review of Books, and the Washington Post. Now he's joining Eric On Air to give us a sneak peek at his new book "I Am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters.
Dec 10, 202042:01
Ep23-Interview with Scott Costello Part 2 (Regional Hospital Director of Behavioral Health)

Ep23-Interview with Scott Costello Part 2 (Regional Hospital Director of Behavioral Health)

Scott Costello whom serves as Director of Behavior Health for a Regional Hospital continues the discussion on Mental Health. Focusing on diagnosis/misdiagnosis, addiction, and treatment.

Dec 03, 202054:05
Ep22-Interview with Scott Costello (Regional Hospital Director of Behavioral Health)

Ep22-Interview with Scott Costello (Regional Hospital Director of Behavioral Health)

Scott Costello returns to Eric On Air to talk about Suicide prevention and awareness. Scott will be discussing the risk factors, warning signs, myths, and intervention. DISCLAIMER, PLEASE NOTE: This episode should not be a replacement for seeking professional help. If you are contemplating suicide, or know somebody who is. If you or they need somebody to talk to right now, there are two recommended resources. 1-800-suicide  {1-800-784-2433). There is also 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you are at the point where you are about to commit suicide please get yourself to your local hospital’s ER, if you can’t drive or get transportation call an ambulance, call 9-1-1.

Nov 25, 202050:47
Ep21-Interview with Jeff Casey (Managing Director of The Towle Theater in Hammond, IN)
Nov 19, 202037:59
Ep20-Interview with Jerry Davich

Ep20-Interview with Jerry Davich

Jerry Davich from the Chicago Tribune, and author of: "Crooked Politics in Northwest Indiana", "Lost Gary", "Connections: Everyone Happens for a Reason" joins Eric On Air to talk about his career as a writer, the aforementioned books, and the political landscape.

Nov 12, 202038:17
Ep19-Highland Neighbors for Sustainability

Ep19-Highland Neighbors for Sustainability

Connie Wachala and Alex Bazan join Eric on Air to talk about thier organization Highland Neighbors for Sustainability, the global and local impact of climate change, and the steps they are taking, and steps we should be taking to protect our planet. 

Nov 05, 202032:44
Ep18- 2020 Election Special

Ep18- 2020 Election Special

Join Eric On Air for a special look at the 2020 Election.  Could the wrong winner provide a scary future for our nation? Find out in this episode. We are talking about being a better informed and educated voter, The Electoral College, Polling, U.S. Presidential Race, Race for Indiana Governor, U.S. Congressional District 1 Race, the Blue Shift, the Red Mirage, and more.

Oct 28, 202033:44
Ep17-Interview with Ryan Farrar (Musician / Former Congressional Candidate )

Ep17-Interview with Ryan Farrar (Musician / Former Congressional Candidate )

Ryan Farrar runs the gamut with Eric On Air, as we talk about: Ryan's Congressional run, his interactions with fellow candidates, progressives, semi-progressives, his time as an American Idol contestant, nudist colonies, severed heads, his new album, and a WORLD PREMIERE of his latest Track "BIG HEAD".

Oct 22, 202057:13
Ep16-One on One with Dr. Woody Myers (Candidate for Indiana Governor)

Ep16-One on One with Dr. Woody Myers (Candidate for Indiana Governor)

Indiana Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Woody Myers joins Eric On Air for a one on one conversation about the pressing issues facing Northwest Indiana, the state, and our nation.  Topics covered include: the environment, jobs, healthcare, education, cannabis, Covid-19, and working with those across the aisle for the greater good.

Oct 17, 202043:45
Ep15-Interview with Scott Houldieson (UAW Local 551 and Social Justice / Environmental Advocate)

Ep15-Interview with Scott Houldieson (UAW Local 551 and Social Justice / Environmental Advocate)

Scott Houldieson joins Eric On Air to tell us the historical and current importance of Union Labor, and our environment. 

Oct 15, 202033:03
Ep14-Interview with Allencia Ballard (Candidate for Highland School Board)

Ep14-Interview with Allencia Ballard (Candidate for Highland School Board)

Allencia Ballard makes her case for why she should be elected to the Highland School Board.

Oct 08, 202022:31
Ep13-IndivisibleNWI Town Hall with Dr. Woody Myers (Candidate for Indiana Governor)

Ep13-IndivisibleNWI Town Hall with Dr. Woody Myers (Candidate for Indiana Governor)

On a Special Episode of Eric On Air, we bring you The IndivisibleNWI Town Hall with Dr. Woody Myers. Dr. Woody answers questions from IndivisibleNWI and Region Residents about what he’ll bring to the table as Indiana’s next governor.

Oct 06, 202001:32:32
Ep12-Interview with Nic Dulin (Small Business Owner)

Ep12-Interview with Nic Dulin (Small Business Owner)

Nic Dulin joins Eric on Air for a hair-rasing conversation about how Covid-19 is impacting: stylists, cosmetologists, and barbers.  A little White Sox/Cubs conversation and more...

Oct 01, 202001:00:57
Ep11-Interview with Scott Costello (Former Congressional Candidate for U.S. Congress)

Ep11-Interview with Scott Costello (Former Congressional Candidate for U.S. Congress)

Scott Costello joins Eric On Air to talk about his Congressional Run, The Green New Deal, the Working Class, and Mental Health.  Does the Truth have a venue? Find out Costello's thoughts on that...

Sep 24, 202001:02:45
Ep10-Interview with Alex Watkins (Social Justice Leader and Purdue Northwest Student)

Ep10-Interview with Alex Watkins (Social Justice Leader and Purdue Northwest Student)

We are talking with Purdue Northwest Student and Social Justice Leader…Alex Watkins. Join us as we talk about Black Lives Matter, Justice for Jamal Williams, and more.

Sep 17, 202028:10
Ep9-Interview with Sarah Ferraro (Rise NWI and League of Women Voters)

Ep9-Interview with Sarah Ferraro (Rise NWI and League of Women Voters)

Sarah Ferraro talks with Eric on Air about GOTV efforts, including safe voting, and being an educated voter. 

Sep 10, 202001:06:10
Ep8-Interview with Mike Bonaventura (Radio Personality for XRock 103.9FM, Indiana 105 and Z107)

Ep8-Interview with Mike Bonaventura (Radio Personality for XRock 103.9FM, Indiana 105 and Z107)

20 years ago Mike gave Eric his first on-air opportunity as a guest of his show on WJOB 1230-AM, coming full circle Mike is a guest on Eric's show. Mike shares his experiences as a wedding DJ, his career in radio up and down the dial, his time at George Rogers Clark High School in Hammond, IN, his weight loss journey, the Chicago White Sox, Covid-19, and politics.
Sep 03, 202001:10:22
Ep7-Interview with Glenn Johnson (President of Lake Ridge School Board) Part 2 of 2

Ep7-Interview with Glenn Johnson (President of Lake Ridge School Board) Part 2 of 2

How good was Episode 6's talk with Glenn Johnson? So good it went into episode 7! Join us for the remainder of our conversation, where we will be focusing more on Glenn Johnson’s experience with Lake Ridge Schools, including Covid-19, Budgets, Referendums, and what’s in Glenn Johnson's future.

Aug 27, 202029:35
Ep6-Interview with Glenn Johnson (President of Lake Ridge School Board) Part 1 of 2

Ep6-Interview with Glenn Johnson (President of Lake Ridge School Board) Part 1 of 2

What happens when 2 political rivals meet again...face to face...or...rather social distanced via web audio recording...find out as Glenn Johnson joins me to talk about the Lake County Recorder Campaign, as well as his fight against Voter and Candidate Suppression. 

Aug 20, 202045:07
Ep5-Interview with Chris Chyung (Indiana State Rep)

Ep5-Interview with Chris Chyung (Indiana State Rep)

Talking with Chris Chyung (Indiana State Rep). In 2018 Chyung made headlines as the 25 year-old, first-time candidate that defeated his more seasoned Republican opponent. In doing so Chris became the state's first Asian-American Rep.  Will Chris be re-elected to represent IN D-15 in November?  We will talk about that, healthcare, Covid-19, the economy, the potlical youth movement,  predatory lending, the environment, and a related Netflix series. 

Aug 13, 202058:18
Ep4-Interview with Luke Bohm (Indiana State Senate Candidate)

Ep4-Interview with Luke Bohm (Indiana State Senate Candidate)

Talking with Luke Bohm, candidate for Indiana State Senate (D-5).  Luke talks about his campaign, his plans if elected, and we manage to sneak in a little sports talk.

Aug 06, 202041:04
Ep3-Interview with Krissy LaFlech

Ep3-Interview with Krissy LaFlech

Join us as we talk with teacher, social justice advocate and community leader Krissy LaFlech.  We will be talking about teaching, marketing, Covid-19, Black Lives Matter, Sackurday, yes Sackurday, not a typo, and Yardzee...yes Yardzee, not a typo...

Jul 30, 202001:01:35
Ep2-Covid's Revenge

Ep2-Covid's Revenge

Check out Eric's take on Coivd-19, the unwanted guest that will not go away. How did we get here? What could we do going forward?
Jul 27, 202025:38
Ep1-Pilot Episode

Ep1-Pilot Episode

Welcome to the Pilot episode of Eric On Air.  I kick things off by laying out the show's format which will be a range of topics from pop culture to politics. Then talk about my experience behind the mic in the form of an unpaid internship at WJOB 1230 AM in Hammond, IN, The maiden voyage wraps up with my take on 1990 Film "Pump Up the Volume" with Christian Slater.

Jul 22, 202025:45