The Awful Announcing podcast had back-to-back weeks with Darren Rovell and Michelle Beadle as its guests. So I’m guessing Erin Andrews probably cancelled at the last minute, which is why host Matt Yoder turned to yours truly for AA Podcast No. 29.

Regardless, I thank Matt for the opportunity. We had a lively discussion. Topics included the coverage of sports media, Chris Berman, Ken Harrelson, and the new Paterno book.

The conversation, though, got real interesting on the subject of Skip Bayless. I know from listening to previous AA Podcasts that Matt isn’t a big fan of my old Chicago Tribune colleague.

Like many other detractors, Matt thought Bayless utters many of his provocative statements for show. I told him that couldn’t be further from the truth. Say what you want about Bayless–and many people do–but I know from working with him that he believes everything he says with a passion.

Never dull when talking about Bayless.

*******

Good stuff on the latest Sports-Casters podcast. Guests include Jane Leavy, Jim Trotter, and Jeff Pearlman.

Also, the guys detail their frustrations at being blown off by Joe Posnanski’s PR representatives for an interview request about his book.

*******

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore is the guest on this week’s Sports Media Weekly podcast.

And Sports Media Weekly has a special podcast on CBS’ media day for the NFL. Guests include Sean McManus, Marv Albert, and Ian Eagle.