The Steam Room

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.

Sports
Basketball
76
Love You Too + Peyton Manning
On this episode of The Steam Room, we celebrate the life of Ernie’s beloved son, Michael, who passed away in October at the age of 33. Hall of Famer Peyton Manning stops by to chat about the success (or curse?) of the ‘Manning Cast’, the hardships of winning and the recipe for success for today’s quarterbacks. TK poses a question straight off the Twitter timeline and Chuck’s Answering Machine is sure to soften the heart.
46 min
77
Salami Guy + Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson hops into The Steam Room with the World Series underway. The former MLB star gives his Braves-Astros predictions & his thoughts on how to market the game to the next generation. Chuck is in mid-season form as TK makes his return to catch up with the guys. Chuck’s Answering Machine sparks a delicious surprise.
47 min
78
The Great Podcast + Wayne Gretzky
It’s HOT in the Steam Room as Ernie and Charles tip off Season 3 with none other than Wayne Gretzky. The Great One talks everything from his new gig at the NHL on TNT desk, Alexander Ovechkin’s record chase and his short stint on the basketball court. Charles doesn’t hold back on his thoughts surrounding Ben Simmons & Kyrie Irving. Chuck’s Answering Machine makes its return with even more spontaneity and sincerity.
50 min
79
Keep Your Towel On: Best of Chuck’s Answering M...
In this bonus episode of The Steam Room, Producer Kap and a few of our loyal steamers take us through some of the hilarious, creative and impactful messages from Chuck’s Answering Machine in Season 2.
61 min
80
Keep Your Towel On: Best of Guests (Season 2)
In this bonus episode of The Steam Room, Ernie and Charles take us back through some of their favorite “special, special guest” conversations from Season 2. Featuring equal parts hilarity and impact from their discussions with Jimmy Kimmel, Spike Lee, Magic Johnson, Coach K, Anderson Cooper, Bill Walton, Maria Taylor, Kyle Korver, Tony Dungy, Rick Mahorn, Masai Ujiri & Scott Drew. Keep your towels on, loyal steamers… It’s a good one.
56 min
81
Different Stratosphere + Coach K
60 min
82
YES! + Marv Albert
Ahead of his retirement this summer, Marv Albert joins Ernie and Charles in the Steam Room to reflect on his legendary 7-decade-long broadcasting career, share some of his favorite moments from behind the mic, and throw shade at Mike Fratello. Charles commends Naomi Osaka for speaking out on mental health and expresses his gratitude for Coach K. And as always, Chuck’s answering machine delivers a surprise that is sure to brighten your day.
43 min
83
Couple of Boneheads + P. K. Subban
New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban skates into The Steam Room to talk TNT’s impending NHL coverage, his passion for charity work and how to foster the next generation of Black hockey players. Legendary producer Tim Kiely stops by for a mouthwatering discussion surrounding summer cookouts. Chuck can’t get enough of the Brooks Koepka & Bryson DeChambeau drama and Ernie DEMANDS Steam Room merch.
61 min
84
Dawgs & Drums + Maria Taylor
ESPN’s Maria Taylor enters The Steam Room to talk about giving the commencement address at her and Ernie’s alma mater, the NBA playoffs, farm life and the incredible legacy of Lavonia Matthews. Drummer dude Harry Miree joins to celebrate his Webby win, make us all smile and team up with Charles for a good cause. Ernie thinks you should watch Whiplash.
53 min
85
Hard Work Being Barkley + Spike Lee
New York Knicks superfan Spike Lee hops into the Steam Room to share his excitement as his team prepares for their first playoff appearance in eight years. The Academy Award-Winning storyteller dishes on one wild night in Barcelona with The Dream Team, and recounts his experience working with the late Chadwick Boseman. As always, the conversation goes bigger than basketball as the trio discusses the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and New York’s post-pandemic recovery. Charles & Ernie look forward to Inside the NBA’s Hall of Fame induction, EJ reveals who made his MVP ballot and Chuck lists something equally important: his favorite sandwiches.
42 min
86
Analytical Guys + Adam Lefkoe
Adam Lefkoe joins Ernie and Charles in the Steam Room to cover everything from the evolution of TNT Tuesdays to tornado chasing, MVP cases and marriage advice. TK cuts his vacation short to drop by and put the Chuckster’s NHL knowledge to the test. Chuck’s Answering Machine delivers again and the guys get a visit from a very special loyal steamer.
56 min
87
The Puck Stops Here + Adam McKay
While TK continues to slack off at the beach, Ernie and Charles invite Academy Award-winning filmmaker Adam McKay into The Steam Room to discuss his new docu-series podcast ‘Death At The Wing,’ his Philadelphia roots and ever-present sense of humor. Chuck shares his excitement for hockey on TNT and for (the first round of) the NFL Draft. Loyal Steamers that have found joy in the podcast return the favor and leave EJ and Chuck with a smile.
50 min
88
Fishin’ Buddies + Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel enters The Steam Room to share his love for Inside the NBA, chat about what it’s like hosting a show without an audience, unpack his obsession with the MyPillow guy, and explain how to deal with a guest who is absolutely bombing. Charles shares a controversial theory about blowing smoke. Ernie reveals his most prized personal possession. TK is at the beach catching passes from Dan Marino.
47 min
89
National Championship Problems + Scott Drew
Scott Drew joins Ernie and Charles in the Steam Room to chat about the National Champion Baylor Bears, playing pickleball in the Bubble with Mark Few, and politely laughs at every single one of the Chuckster’s jokes. Charles blames the Jeopardy buzzers for letting Martha Stewart beat him on a basketball question, brags about delaying an NBA game to meet Susan Lucci, and defends a Family Feud answer that nearly broke Steve Harvey.
41 min
90
Charlie in Charge + Adia Barnes, Rick Mahorn & ...
With Ernie on vacation, “Charlie” is calling the shots this week. Fresh off a National Championship game appearance, Arizona Women’s Basketball Head Coach Adia Barnes enters the Steam Room to talk balancing motherhood while coaching, and how she feels about being compared to the Chuckster. Rick Mahorn drops by to give the scoop on which Bad Boys could actually fight, swap Manute Bol stories, and double-down on his claim that Charles should’ve fouled Michael Jordan harder. Allie LaForce joins to discuss fan interaction protocol, and generally just give Chuck a hard time.
45 min
91
Cloud 17 + Bill Walton & Andy Katz
56 min
92
Menudo Madness + Clark Kellogg & Seth Davis
College Basketball analysts Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis enter the Steam Room to get the guys ready for March Madness, and help us all prepare to fill out our brackets. The Legendary Tim Kiely gives an eyewitness account of the Chuckster dancing the horah. Chuck shares a secret about gold medals, and reveals his favorite soup that shares its name with a Latino boy band from the 1980’s. Ernie tries on his Black Masters Jacket, just because he can. Still fits.
56 min
93
Bonus Episode: The Inside Story + EJ and TK
To celebrate this weekend's premiere of The Inside Story - the four-part docuseries on over 30 years of Inside the NBA - we're releasing the audio from a special conversation between Ernie Johnson and Executive Producer Tim Kiely! Back in 2018, the two sat down to discuss how Inside broke all the "rules" of television with its entertaining style and unfiltered commentary. Make sure to tune-in to The Inside Story, Friday & Saturday: 9pm ET & Sunday immediately following the All-Star game
87 min
94
The Inside Story + Kenny Smith
Kenny “The Jet” Smith joins Ernie, Charles & legendary Inside the NBA producer Tim Kiely to look ahead to The Inside Story - the four-part documentary celebrating 30 years of the iconic studio show premiering March 4-7 on TNT! A pair of international messages on the answering machine make Chuck thankful to live in America, where he has the option to eat donuts instead of bananas.
44 min
95
Designer Genes + The Bride & Groom
Christiana Barkley and her fiancé Ilya surprise The Chuckster by dropping in to chat about their upcoming wedding, Elk vs. Steak, Hora weight limits, and what it’s like to ask Charles Barkley for his blessing. Charles sends his thoughts to Tiger Woods, and gives his take on Cam Newton’s response to a young heckler. Ernie shares a cautionary tale about autograph seeking. We learn that “Charles,” in Switzerland, is “Charles.” Shoutout Clay Dalrymple!
47 min
96
Blowing Smoke + Dan Le Batard & Stugotz
Dan Le Batard and Stugotz join Ernie and Charles to discuss the evolution of sports media, how to achieve diplomatic immunity, Chuck’s feud with Papi, and shirtless FaceTiming. Loyal Steamers help the Chuckster celebrate his 58th Birthday before a weekend of tequila, steak, cigars, and 1917 on Blue Ray.
46 min
97
5'7" Point Guard + Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci joins to answer Ernie & Chuck's questions surrounding vaccine rollout, immunity, double-masking, and his decision to pursue a career in medicine rather than trying to make it as an undersized (but very fast) point guard. Charles asked for song suggestions for his upcoming Daddy-Daughter dance and the Loyal Steamers did not disappoint. Shoutout Johnny Gill! Hold the avocado tequila.
41 min
98
The Dream Steam + Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson joins Ernie and Charles in The Steam Room to reminisce on their nights at the ‘Inside’ desk, swap Dream Team stories and laugh about that time Chuck had a worse night than Michael Spinks at the Tyson vs. Spinks fight. The guys talk Super Bowl LV, daddy-daughter dance songs, and for some reason we learn how many times Chuck has thrown up in his life.
59 min
99
60% Peanut Butter, 40% Jelly + Dwyane Wade
In this episode Ernie and Charles celebrate the legacy of the late, great Hank Aaron, and pay tribute to NBA TV’s Sekou Smith. Dwyane Wade enters The Steam Room to talk about the return of NBA on TNT Tuesdays, retired life, Kobe Bryant, and optimal sandwich construction. Chuck recalls getting sage advice from Dr. J, and getting cursed out by Bill Russell.
45 min
100
Background Music + Tony Dungy, Kyle Korver
Ernie and Charles welcome Hall of Famer Tony Dungy into The Steam Room for a conversation about the lack of Black Head Coaches in the NFL, Conference Championship weekend, and coaching without cursing. Kyle Korver joins to talk about the future of his NBA career, acknowledging his white privilege, and shares some of his favorite Allen Iverson stories. Hope you enjoyed that copy machine, New Jersey!
58 min