The Steam Room
Sports
About
After 20 years together on Inside The NBA, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley still have a lot to talk about. The Steam Room podcast is the new platform for EJ, Chuck, and weekly guests to explore conversations beyond the world of basketball. Grab your bracelet and step into The Steam Room every Thursday… and please, remember to keep your towel on.
Episodes
- Ducks on a Pole + Dusty May
Chuck & EJ are BACK for the final episode of Season 7 of The Steam Room after a wild March Madness! Chuck sounds off on tanking in the NBA and salutes the astronauts of the Artemis II mission in his 'First of All'. National Champion and Mi…
- Pie Day + Jalen Rose & Chris Webber
Chuck and EJ are back for another Steam Room session ahead of March Madness! Michigan legends Jalen Rose and Chris Webber join to talk the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines and Pistons chances at championships this year, tell storie…
- Rough Afros + Ryan Leak
The Steam Room is back in session with EJ and Chuck! Chuckster starts off by talking his improved golf game and playing with Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton before chiming in on the WNBA's ongoing CBA negotiations in his “First of All.” Transf…
- Whiskey Drinkers + Quinn Hughes, Kenny Albert, & Flavor Flav
The Fellas are back in The Steam Room with a jam-packed episode of gold medals, grocery lists, and throwback stories. Chuck starts us off with his peanut butter bagel obsession before Quinn Hughes and Kenny Albert join for Winter Olympics…
- Cat Dads + Jesse Cole
Towels on! The Fellas are back in The Steam Room for Chuck’s 63rd birthday, Winter Olympics talk, and a conversation with Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas. Chuck sets ground rules for jersey wearers and cat dads, then hears birt…
- Sliced Bread + Champ Bailey
The Steam Room Podcast is BACK with Season 7 and a guest appearance from Hall of Famer Champ Bailey to talk the Super Bowl and Belichick's HoF snub, along with a call-in from an old friend to Chuck's Answering Machine. Chuckster brings out…
- Unsullied by Sponsorship, Season 6 Finale
The Season 6 finale features a memorable appearance from the longtime, legendary Producer of Inside The NBA, Tim Kiely, as well as an array of call-ins to Chuck’s Answering Machine. Ernie and Charles hear from Biz Nasty & Frenchie, talk ab…
- Hands of Time + Eric Church & Mike Sielski
Eric Church enters The Steam Room to indulge Chuck’s new interest in Country music, talk about his relationship with Michael Jordan, and explain why golf means so much to him. Mike Sielski joins to discuss his new book, “Magic in the Air”,…
- War Damn Madness + Bruce Pearl
Bruce Pearl enters The Steam Room to somehow get Charles even more fired-up about Auburn heading into March Madness, and to discuss whether the SEC may be even tougher in basketball than football this year. Ernie and Chuck talk Timothée Ch…
- Make It Matter + General Martin Dempsey
General Martin Dempsey enters The Steam Room for an enlightening conversation about leadership, his role as Chairman of USA Basketball, and embracing the concept of ‘creative friction’. Ernie and Charles give flowers to Diana Taurasi, disc…
- Stealing Money + Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce enters The Steam Room to toast the Eagles Super Bowl victory, defend the ‘tush push’ (even though “it sucks”), reflect on Travis’s upcoming decision about whether to retire or keep playing, and shed light on the impact Taylor S…
- The Can-Do Mindset + Candace Parker
TNT Host, WNBA champion, & Tennessee basketball legend Candace Parker joins The Steam Room once again to talk about her memoir, which is set to release in June, the craziness that ensued from the NBA Trade Deadline, and the best teams and…
- With Sports, Comes Love + Adam Lefkoe
TNT Host & rabid Philadelphia sports fan Adam Lefkoe enters The Steam Room to talk about the Eagles returning to the Super Bowl, hosting a podcast with Shaq, and what it’s like to attend a sporting event with Taylor Swift. Ernie and Charle…
- Winning Habits + Ryan Day & Jesse Itzler
Fresh off the Buckeyes National Championship, Ohio State HC Ryan Day enters The Steam Room to reflect on winning the big one, how he and his family dealt with the fallout after the Michigan loss, and the viral postgame golf cart “crash”. E…
- Expecting Your Highest Performance Everyday + Bill Belichick
8x Super Bowl Champion Bill Belichick takes a break from the recruiting trail to talk UNC football, NFL playoff predictions, and why Rob Gronkowski owes his future HOF induction to Charles Barkley. Ernie reveals which posters he had on his…
- Unrushed, Unhurried, With Love + Matt Ryan, Masai Ujiri
Matt Ryan enters The Steam Room to preview the NFL Playoffs, debate tee box nerves versus tackle box nerves, and dealing with the legacy of ‘28-3’. Raptors President Masai Ujiri joins to reflect on the memory of his friend Dikembe Mutombo,…
- Who’s Winning The Match + Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller enters The Steam Room to talk about his beloved Knicks, the movie-making process, working with Eddie Murphy & Robert De Niro, and sitting courtside with Taylor Swift. Ernie and Charles discuss flag-planting etiquette, MJ vs LeB…
- Chuck’s Favorite Holiday, Y’all + Mark Cuban, Amanda Serrano
Mark Cuban enters The Steam Room to talk Mavs, Shark Tank, Bluesky, and the possibility of a Cuban-Barkley ticket in 2028. Amanda Serrano joins to discuss her epic bout versus Katie Taylor on Netflix, what it meant for women’s boxing, and…
- Sell Out For Listens + Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin enters The Steam Room to talk about the evolution of his golf game, early NBA season takeaways, funniest teammates, and enduring the infamous Donald Sterling saga. Ernie and Charles react to the news about the future of Insid…
- Keep On Keepin’ On + Dan + Shay
Grammy-winners and Charles Barkley’s favorite musical duo Dan + Shay pass up a round at Augusta National to surprise The Chuckster in The Steam Room, debate how early is too early to start listening to Christmas music, and provide some muc…
- Elevated, Neat, Casual + Doug Emhoff
Season 6! The guys welcome Second Gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff into the Steam Room to discuss the unifying power of sports, the hectic schedule of a Presidential campaign, and his beloved Dodgers. Chuck and EJ talk about TK’s…
- Everybody has a Story + Chuck D & Steve Hartman
In this Season 5 finale, Chuck D enters The Steam Room to talk about the cultural impact of Public Enemy, the first time he met Flavor Flav, and his beloved New York Knicks. Steve Hartman from CBS News joins to discuss why he profiles acts…
- No Caller ID + "the guys upstairs"
Ernie and Charles are ambushed by a motley crew of TNT characters for a hilarious sharing of stories from behind-the-scenes at Inside The NBA. Chuck talks Caitlin Clark, gets confused about the difference between zip codes and area codes,…
- Fires of Intellect + Hanif Abdurraqib
Author Hanif Abdurraqib enters The Steam Room to talk about his new book ‘There’s Always This Year’, the poem he wrote for TNT’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs, the incredulity of LeBron’s longevity, and his beloved Minnesota Timberwolves. C…
- Gotta be a Cobra + Dan Hurley & Verne Lundquist
Head Coach of the Back-to-Back National Champs Dan Hurley enters The Steam Room to talk about UConn’s historic run, his zany superstitions, and lessons learned from growing up in a family of basketball icons. Verne Lundquist joins to refle…
- Fat Daddy + Dan Le Batard
Dan Le Batard enters The Steam Room to reflect on the passing of O.J. Simpson, discuss the state of the NBA, and unpack Charles’ love/hate relationship with Dan’s father. Legendary, longtime Producer of Inside the NBA Tim Kiely joins to co…
- Life Lessons + Kirk Cousins & Jeff Francoeur
New Falcons QB Kirk Cousins enters the Steam Room to talk about signing the biggest free agent deal of the NFL offseason, the qualities that make a great Quarterback, and learning how to do the ‘Dirty Bird’ dance. 12-year MLB veteran Jeff…
- It's That Time of Year + Jay Wright & Bruce Pearl
2x National Champion Jay Wright enters the Steam Room to give the guys a March Madness primer, discuss the impact of NIL on the future of college hoops, and regale us with stories about Charles’ ruthlessness on the golf course. Auburn HC B…
- Just Go With It + Nate Bargatze & Robert Griffin III
Comedian Nate Bargatze enters The Steam Room to talk about performing stand-up for one single person before selling out arenas, his obsession with golf, and even tries out some new material on Ernie and Charles. Robert Griffin III joins to…
- The Power of No + Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan enters The Steam Room to discuss The Wire, the differences between acting and directing, and the surprising downside of being named Sexiest Man Alive. Legendary, long-time producer of Inside The NBA Tim Kiely joins to get…
- Why We Like Rex Chapman
NBA Veteran turned Media star Rex Chapman joins to talk about opening up in his upcoming memoir, bonding with Russell Crowe over Australian rugby, and the state of Kentucky Wildcat basketball. EJ and Charles discuss the art of interviewing…
- Iron & Pop + Bill Cowher
Hall of Fame Coach Bill Cowher enters The Steam Room to talk Steelers, the NFL Playoffs, and the swirling coaching carousel around the league. Legendary, long-time Producer of Inside The NBA Tim Kiely joins the convo to test the guys on so…
- The Cookout + J.J. Watt
3x NFL DPOY J.J. Watt returns to the Steam Room to talk about his transition to TV, the NFL playoffs, and finally confronts Chuck for ducking him on the golf course. Charles and Ernie reflect on the exits of two football legends, Nick Saba…
- Gospel of Basketball + Leigh Ellis
NBA Podcaster turned global spreader of basketball gospel Leigh Ellis joins The Steam Room to regale the guys with tales from his pickup basketball world tour. Leigh shares his favorite experiences from his 18-country adventure, and taps a…
- Wrapper’s Delight
To get the guys in the holiday spirit, TK plays the Steam Room version of White Elephant, encourages Christmas karaoke, and get Chuckster’s review of eggnog. Chuck takes calls with questions about New Years Eve plans, generous donations, a…
- Overalls Connoisseur + David Alan Grier
Comedy legend and Tony Award winner David Alan Grier drops by The Steam Room to wax poetic about Wolverines football, protest against pickleball, and make a compelling case for the adult onesie. Ernie and Charles debate the College Footbal…
- Extra Hot, Please + Candace Parker
Candace Parker (too many accolades to list) joins the Steam Room to talk about her future in the WNBA, the joys and challenges of being a sports parent, and seasonal caffeine habits. Charles and Ernie discuss College Football Playoff scena…
- Definitely Not Turkey Day + Henrik Lundqvist
(King) Henrik Lundqvist skates into The Steam Room to reflect on his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, his ‘next chapter’ as a fragrance designer, and, well, being so darn handsome. Ernie and Charles share what they’re thankfu…
- To Ten Thousand More + The Legendary Tim Kiely
The 100th episode (!) of the Steam Room Podcast features special shoutouts from former guests Mark Cuban, Jimmy Kimmel, JJ Watt, and Rex Chapman. This star-studded show is highlighted by a surprise appearance from the long-time, legendary…
- Bloggers & Tweeters + Draymond Green and Dusty Baker
In this Season 5 premiere, Charles & Ernie welcome two sports icons into the Steam Room. Draymond Green stops by to chat about Chris Paul coming off the bench for GSW, what really happened with last year’s team, and defend this year’s team…
- Rhodes Scientist + Travis Kelce
Ernie & Chuck take the show on the road for a very special Season 4 Finale in Miami. 2x Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce drops by to confess he always wanted his name to be Charles, SNL makes him more nervous than football and he has been…
- Top Shelf + Paul Bissonnette
'Biz Nasty' skates onto the show to talk playoff hockey and what it's REALLY like in the steam room with Chuck. In honor of Charles' newest grandchild, Inside the NBA producer Tim Kiely brings the laughs with some LEGENDARY 'grandpa jokes.…
- Not Cake + George Foreman & Khris Davis
What a treat! We’ve got TWO George Foremans in the Steam Room to discuss the release of the upcoming film Big George Foreman — first, the heavyweight champ himself joins EJ and Chuck to to talk about staying fit at 74, naming all his kids…
- Disappearing Soap + Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck joins to talk about his new movie Air, including insight into MJ’s relationship with Nike, and the experience of directing his longtime friend and collaborator, Matt Damon. Ernie gives Charles a chance to convince Ben that Kris…
- Stars Aligned + Jay Wright
Charles opens up and shares his thoughts about Ja Morant. Jay Wright keeps the March Madness mayhem going with his top picks and sleeper teams. The 2x National Champion former HC of Villanova talks retirement, if he’ll ever return to coach…
- You Can’t Test Him! He’s Andy Katz!
March Madness is here! College Basketball insider Andy Katz joins to give the guys an NCAA Tournament primer on hottest teams, upset predictions, and players who could be difference-makers in the dance. Ernie and Charles debate the do’s (s…
- Ode to Loyal Steamers: Answering Machine Extravaganza
On this special edition of The Steam Room, Charles and Ernie take the most calls EVER from Chuck’s Answering Machine. With belated birthday messages, SNL advice for Travis Kelce, a crazy MJ story, and straw debates - it really does have it…
- Wild Bird Seed + Bomani Jones
Bomani Jones joins to talk about his viral exchange with Jake Paul, the double standard faced by Black Quarterbacks and Black Head Coaches, and the implosion of the Brooklyn Nets. Charles weighs in on what’s going on with Ja Morant, and re…
- Don’t Blink + Von Miller
Super Bowl MVP Von Miller joins to talk about his ACL rehab, Damar Hamlin, Tom Brady's (for real his time) retirement, golfing with Charles, and the Big Game next Sunday. Birders flock to Chuck's Answering Machine to shame him for doubling…
- Remarkable Souls + Sally Field
The Steam Room honors the life of Ernie’s late mother Lois Johnson, sending thoughts to our beloved co-host and his family. Legendary producer Tim Kiley steps in to pull NFL Playoff predictions out of Charles and answer a few questions fro…