Andy Pollin's DC Podcast

DC media icon Arch Campbell joins a long list of Washington legends surprised and impressed with Andy Pollin’s research as the baritone personality is reminded about stories even he had forgotten about.

Andy is joined by former Capitals goalie Bernie Wolfe to discuss what is like going from a young Jewish boy in Montreal to playing in a NHL net.  Don't miss the story when he was used in the Expansion Draft well after his original playing days (33:35)

Andy sits down with local shooting legend Brian "Shoot" Magid on his career that included playing both at Maryland and George Washington in college and before all that at Blair High School.

Andy is joined by a member of the Super Bowl 26 Champion Redskins, Running Back Gerald Riggs.  They start w/ how his last ever game was scoring 2 touchdowns in a Super Bowl win.  Gerald discusses going to the 1st ever NFL Combine coming out of Arizona State, playing for Atlanta, and having Pro Bowl seasons despite many losing years (15:54).  He goes into being suddenly traded to the Skins (29:01), memories of the Body Bag game, and the championship 91 season (41:49).  Andy closes this episode w/ an Old School look at the Washington Senators Opening Day at RFK (1:00:06).

Andy brings on one of the most Terrapins ever and soon to be DC Sports Hall of Famer Walt Williams. Walt discusses growing up in PG County and the impact that Len Bias had on him. He talks about the start to his time at Maryland (16:05), and explains why stayed in College Park despite the program being banned from postseason play (20:40). He dives into his NBA career that included hiring Len Elmore as his agent (31:59), and Walt tells Andy about his life after basketball (44:00). A must listen to for all Terps fans.

There is no man Andy has chatted with more on the mic than Steve Czaban, his longtime co host.  Steve talks growing up on the means streets of McLean and discovering his love of golf. They move to how he ended up going to college in California and got into radio.  Andy recalls how he first learned of a young Steve Czaban to getting his first stint at WTEM.  Steve tells how he landed as the sports guy w/ "Bob & Brian, the bump in the road in Charlotte, the beginning of Andy & Steve together on "The Sports Reporters", and the two of them remembering some very fond and not so fond memories of co-hosting.

Andy is joined in studio by legendary DC reporter & TV personality Pat Collins at his decades of work in Washington. They begin the discussion w/ a look at his trademark Snow Stick, and being a native Washingtonian born on H Street in NE DC. Pat talks about his start at the Washington Daily News (16:29) before a brief stint in the Army. He remembers his surprise when the Daily News closed (20:06) that led to him transitioning into TV. Halfway thru Pat says what it was like to be in the middle of a labor dispute (34:30) before he spent a few years working in TV in Chicago (38:59), & returning to DC w/ a rather unusual perk. Pat says what it was like to cover the tragic Len Bias death (45:07), & Redskins Super Bowls (49:14). Finally, "Old School Andy" with a look back at George Allen's own version of NFL Free Agency (1:01:29).

Andy welcomes on a member of the only NBA champion Washington has ever seen, Kevin Grevey of the 1977-78 Bullets. He & Andy initially marvel at how it's been that long, then dive into the path of his career starting with his route from small town Ohio to the University of Kentucky (6:35), Wes Unseld's story on choosing Louisville over UK (11:00), his coach Joe B. Hall & Bobby Knight getting in a fight mid-game (21:38), and playing in the final game of John Wooden's career (28:22) before joining the Bullets. How he chose the NBA over the ABA (31:46), in-depth look at the championship season (45:34), and retiring at 31 years old for his next chapter of life(1:00:36). Finally, "Old School Andy" - a look at the famous Maryland/ NC State game in 74 (1:08:30).

Andy welcomes on 3 time Redskins Super Bowl Champion & Hog Jeff Bostic.  Jeff says how "Riggo's Run" was the best play of his career (1:52), how he landed a football scholarship at Clemson to play with his brother Joe (6:52), getting cut by Dick Vermeil in Philadelphia & making his way to DC (10:01), Joe Gibbs arrival to Washington (16:04), first time being called a "Hog" (24:40), beating Dallas in NFC Championship on the way to winning the Super Bow (30:34), hurting his knee (36:40), Timmy Smith performance in Super Bowl 22 (48:10), the 91 team's greatness, Joe Jacoby not getting into the HOF again (59:18) & more. Finally, "Old School Andy" on the parallels between Jon Gruden's return to Oakland & Joe Gibbs 2.0 (1:04:18)."

Andy this week sits down with author and sportswriter John Feinstein to look back on his long career successful career in Washington.  They start as he grew up in New York in a family steeped in the arts (1:40), swimming against Mark Spitz once (4:37), meeting Dean Smith while a student at Duke (11:46), landing at the Washington Post (16:09), covering Maryland & Lefty Driesell (21:04), Bobby Knight and how "Season On The Brink" came together (30:32), the rise of his book writing career (41:25), becoming connected w/ Army & Navy football (53:48), the current state of college basketball (1:02:44).  Finally, "Old School Andy" on the tale of Howard Porter (1:10:40).

Andy is joined by the man who has been behind the Georgetown basketball radio mic for over 4 decades, Rich Chvotkin. Rich tells Andy of how he once out-coached Gregg Popovich (7:00), his start with the Hoyas (9:56), the rise of the program (19:09), calling a whole game once w/ no commercials (21:03),, Patrick Ewing coming to Georgetown in the 80's (25:21), calling the entire Big East tournament on radio (34:26), his reaction John Thompson Jr resigning (43:18), & Patrick Ewing the coach (46:55). Andy wraps up the episode w/ "Old School Andy" on the Warner Wolf lawsuit against Don Imus.

Andy chats with his former weekend Co-host & NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr.  They discuss his one of a kind career as being the face of ESPN's NFL Draft Coverage while being a Baltimore native.  Conversation includes his beginnings in the Draft business (5:50), the start of the Draft being on TV (11:32), dealing w/ criticism (25:35), how the draft changed when free agency came to the NFL in the early 90's (28:52), and his biggest hits & miss in past drafts (46:49).  Plus, "Old School Andy" on Joe Jacoby yet again being snubbed by Canton (59:13).

Andy is joined by a DC radio legend, Donnie Simpson to discuss his Hall of Fame career which began as a 15 year old in Detroit.  They cover his move to DC in 1977 (15:51), and a few years later hosting on BET.  Donnie says what Barack Obama's Election in 2008 meant to him (36:52), and finally his first retirement/ comeback.

Andy welcomes on the Defensive Coordinator for all 3 Redskins Super Bowl titles, Richie Petitbon.  Before his illustrious coaching career the Louisiana native played Safety in the NFL for George Halas' Chicago Bears and George Allen's Rams, and then rounded out his playing days with the Redskins (20:54).  He then transitioned to the sidelines (28:39) which ultimately landed him again in Washington.  He tells Andy how his defense shutdown the Dolphins in the 2nd half of Super Bowl 17 (39:59), coaching replacement players on the way to a championship (47:18), taking over for Joe Gibbs after the 3rd title (52:04), and his Hall of Fame chances (59:06). Finally Old School Andy (1:00:54) on the end of Jim Lynam's tenure with the Bullets.

Warner Wolf is this week's guest as he tells Andy about his growing up in DC and the career path that led him to return to the nation's capital after starting in radio in smalltown Kentucky.  He then went from WTOP to his first job in TV (32:30) where he eventually coined his trademark catchphrase (35:41).  Warner eventually moved to New York (44:30) and talks about his cameo in Rocky IV (54:20).  He remembers where he was in Manhattan on 9/11 (59:53) and finally, as always, "Old School Andy" (1:06:30).

Andy is joined by longtime Redskins WR Santana Moss.  Santana discusses growing up in Miami and playing for the Hurricanes.  Almost being drafted in Washington but instead starting his career with the Jets, Clinton Portis' help in him being traded to the Skins, the Monday night miracle, coping with Sean Taylor's death, playing for so many different coaches, the RGIII era, and more.

Andy is joined by the only kicker to ever win the NFL MVP, and one of only 3 Redskins to win such award, Mark Moseley. The 14th round pick started made his way from small town Texas, to a brief time growing up in Ecuador, to eventually a long time kicker and Super Bowl champion in Washington. Andy asks him about basically being the last ever straight on kicker and more.

Andy and Chris Knoche go way back from years of chatting on the radio.  This time, Andy interviews Chris about his route from growing up to Northern Virginia to playing for Gary Williams at American University.  They cover his time as Head Coach at AU, recruiting Jerome Williams, and joining the Maryland Basketball Radio team.  Chris also hosts the Basketball Coaches DC Podcast.

Andy is joined by the man who was behind the radio for the last 4 championships in Washington. Frank Herzog, who called the title winning 78 Bullets and then all 3 Redskins Super Bowl titles talks about his career, how he landed these jobs, calling both basketball and football games with Sonny Jurgensen, and more.

Andy is joined by the man who has behind the mic for every Washington Nationals season. They begin with how he quickly went from broadcasting as a student at Fordham to the famous KMOX in St. Louis. Charlie was radio voice of the Bullets in the late 80's and early to mid 90's. Conversation includes Frank Robinson memories, the Stephen Strasburg debut, the surprising Jim Riggleman resignation, and the Nats playoff moments. They conclude with Charlie giving his account of Dave Martinez, who he has known for two decades.

Andy is joined by Smokin Al Koken. They cover how this St. Louis native became so involved with the Washington Capitals TV broadcast from every angle over the decades. Glenn Brenner memories, co hosting a radio show with John Thompson Jr. & more.

Andy is joined by 2 time Redskins champion Dexter Manley, but he and the former Pro Bowl defensive linemen cover plenty of his life off the field. A very intense conversation that peels back the curtain the highs and lows from Dexter's life.

Andy brings on a man who's seen it all in Washington over the past four decades, longtime Washington Post writer Len Shapiro.  He discusses starting his career as dictating Shirley Povich stores, covering Super Bowl 7, his thoughts on Sonny Jurgensen, George Allen  & Jack Pardee while working the Redskins beat, writing about the Howard Cosell/ Alvin Garrett incident on Monday night, covering a young Tiger Woods & if he thinks he can return to the course, and more.

Andy talks with a man who played for both Maryland and the Redskins.  Kicker Jess Atkinson talks about transitioning from a soccer player to making the Terps football team, the famous Maryland comeback in Miami, his NFL career which included scoring a TD, getting signed by the Redskins, his version of Super Bowl 22, a post playing career in TV, plus his current and recent projects.

Andy is joined by 3 time Redskins Super Bowl champion Joe Jacoby.  They cover how he made it to the Redskins as an undrafted free agent, his confusing 1st meeting with Joe Gibbs, almost quitting the NFL early on, the first title and Riggo's run, clearing up the confusion of the night Theismann broke his leg, the second Super Bowl win, the "bandwagon" team in 91, and his post playing career.

Andy welcomes on Hall of Fame Coach Gary Williams (and this podcast's co-landlord).  They begin with how the Jersey native ended up at Maryland instead of a Philly school, start of his coaching career which included soccer, becoming a Head Coach at American, the times at BC and Ohio State which included Donald Trump preventing him from having Doug Flutie join his team, and returning to Maryland. The second half of the podcast is must listen for any Terp, as they go through his entire career including the ups and downs, Final Fours and National Title, the battles with Duke, Steve Francis, Drew Nicholas shot, does he have any temptation to return to coaching, and more.

Andy is joined by former Super Bowl winning Redskins General Manager Charley Casserly.  They start with his time as a track & swim coach, his amazing tale of how he landed in the NFL and in Washington, his scenic interview with George Allen, scouting Joe Jacoby, where the 83 team ranks, preparing for the 87 strike, why the 91 Skins team was the best, the post Gibbs era, Ricky Williams trade, and more.

Andy welcomes on Michael Graham, standout from the 1984 Georgetown National Championship team who later won the lottery.  They discuss his humble beginnings in DC. how he landed at Georgetown, what happened during the Final Four in Seattle, leaving the Hoyas, professional playing career that including playing for Phil Jackson in the CBA, his amazing backstory to winning the lottery, and finally his current thoughts on the Georgetown basketball porgram.

Andy welcomes in a national figure with strong DMV roots, Maryland native and alum Scott Van Pelt. He talks about trying to walk on to the Terps, being on campus in the wake of Len Bias death, his journey from Channel 5 to odd jobs to The Golf Channel, 1st time he met Tiger Woods, how he got to ESPN, his start in radio, what led to his own SportsCenter, Top Ten Maryland Players, and much more

Andy brings on the duo Bullets/ Wizards fans have listened for years, Steve Buckhantz & Phil Chenier.  They discuss how they first met, Phil and Andy go year by year for the Bullets in the 70s, why he punched Clyde Frazier, the 78 championship season, Steve starting at Channel 5 and breaking the Job Gibbs retirement story, working together and the stories they've shared on the road, the Michael Jordan in DC era, Wall vs. Arenas, and so much more

Andy welcomes on the power hitting Washington Senator from the 60's & 70s Frank "Hondo" Howard.  They talk about whether he could have played in the NBA, early career with the Dodgers that included a Rookie of the Year, being traded to Washington and playing for Gil Hodges & Ted Williams, his feeling on the team moving to Texas, thoughts on Ryan Zimmerman & Bryce Harper, and more.

Andy welcomes on recent DC Sports Hall of Fame inductee Ron Weber, who was the long time radio voice of the Washington Capitals.  They cover his incredible consecutive games called streak, getting his start with the Baltimore Clippers, his time calling the 9 win Philadelphia 76ers, how he landed the job with the Caps, aptitude for stats and numbers, seeing the franchise transform from it's humble start to a consistent playoff contender, who is the 2nd best Capital of all time, and more. Ron is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Andy is joined by veteran Washington TV reporter & anchor Chris Gordon.  They talk about his attempt to portray Carl Bernstein, what brought him to DC, his friendship with Glenn Brenner, working at Court TV with Johnnie Cochran, covering the Marv Albert trial and more.

In Andy’s debut episode, his long time friend and radio partner, Tony Kornheiser, talks about his head first dive into podcasting, being a grandfather and owning a restaurant despite his financial advisor's recommendation. It’s all part of Tony being brilliantly Tony and Andy proving he’s one of the few who knows how he got there.