James Golden, better known to listeners of radio’s “The Rush Limbaugh Show” as call screener and “official show observer” Bo Snerdley, will host a limited original podcast series looking back at the career of his longtime friend on May 12. The series, titled “Rush Limbaugh: The Man Behind the Golden EIB Microphone,” will feature not only Golden’s take on how Limbaugh changed both American politics and radio, but also a behind-the-scenes look at the top-rated radio show. Golden had a front row seat to “The Rush Limbaugh Show” for nearly all 33 years of its existence.
Premiere Networks and the EIB Network, which are launching the 12-episode series, say it will feature Limbaugh’s own words and never-before-heard stories shared by colleagues, friends and family, giving listeners a guided tour of the five-time Marconi Award winner’s historic journey from Cape Girardeau, Mo., to becoming the No. 1 talk radio host in America.
Weekly episodes will be available Wednesdays on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
“The only blessing greater than working with Rush, was knowing the man that he truly was,” said Golden. “It is not only my honor, but also my duty, to help ensure his legacy is properly acknowledged. I want to thank Premiere Networks and the EIB Network for allowing me this profound opportunity.”
The podcast plans were first reported by Inside Radio in March.
“It takes you behind the scenes for an intimate look at the way Rush operated and gives you a sense of how Rush changed America as we know it with that Golden EIB microphone,” said host Todd Herman on the Limbaugh show Tuesday. As someone who worked alongside Limbaugh for decades, Herman said Golden is the perfect person to host the podcast. “He may well be the most informed human being on behind-the-scenes activity of Rush’s radio program,” said Herman, adding, “James is one heck of a storyteller.”
The podcast has already signed two sponsors. They include My Pillow, a company headed by staunch conservative Mike Lindell, and the charity Tunnel to Towers, which provides mortgage-free homes for severely injured military members. Limbaugh was a big supporter of Tunnel to Towers, raising millions of dollars for the charity.
“We look forward to sharing this incredible series with millions of Rush Limbaugh fans,” said Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks. “Those who knew Rush best will provide an insider’s look at his life and career, providing a true celebration and tribute to the greatest talk radio host of all time.”
In a recent interview with Fox News, Golden praised the longtime radio host for his impact. “When Rush began his career, there were 1,200 radio stations roughly doing the talk radio format. Today, there are over 12,000. The number of print conservative publications, very few, today, they — it’s a flourishing market,” he said. “Rush is to me a second-generation founding father. This went beyond radio. This went beyond politics. What Rush did for America. One man changed so many trajectories in this country.” He also praised the sometimes bombastic host for a softer side off-mic. “Rush Limbaugh was one of the finest human beings that you would ever want to meet. A generous, wonderful, beautiful spirit, humble, a gentleman, always, never failed to thank people for the smallest service that they could do to him,” remembered Golden.
Limbaugh died February 17 from stage 4 lung cancer. He was 70.
Premiere Networks has continued to feature archival clips of the host on the show in the two months since. “Rush’s voice will continue to be heard, providing comfort and continued insight to his legions of loyal fans,” the network said, adding the transitional programming will continue “until his audience is prepared to say good-bye.” It has been leaning on guest hosts Todd Herman, Ken Matthews, and Brett Winterble to anchor the show.