Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson have turned their shared love of the NFL into a cultural touchstone with their podcast ‘Calm Down with Erin and Charissa.’ Since its launch in 2021, the show has blended the high‑octane energy of game‑day analysis with the intimacy of a late‑night conversation among friends. The duo, who first crossed paths at ESPN and the Big Ten Network, use the platform to unpack everything from sideline reporting to the personal hurdles they’ve faced off the field. Andrews has spoken candidly about her battle with cervical cancer and the heartbreak of infertility, while Thompson has opened up about the emotional fallout of divorce, turning raw experience into relatable storytelling. Guests have ranged from Hollywood heavyweights like Kevin Hart and Cameron Diaz to sports legends such as Derek Jeter and even a nod to Taylor Swift, whose song inspired the podcast’s name. Live recordings at the Super Bowl and the Netflix Is A Joke Festival have turned the microphone into a stage, while interactive episodes invite listeners to submit questions that the hosts answer in real time. Professionally, Andrews now anchors Fox’s lead sideline crew and contributes to Fox NFL Kickoff, while Thompson splits her time between Fox NFL Kickoff and Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football. Their journalistic roots at ESPN, the Big Ten Network, and The Athletic lend credibility to a format that feels both polished and unfiltered. The podcast’s growth is evident in its expanding audience and the buzz it generates across social media. By weaving travel hacks, birthday celebrations, and behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes into each episode, Andrews and Thompson create a space where fans feel seen, heard, and part of a larger community. What sets ‘Calm Down’ apart is the seamless fusion of sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. As the hosts explain, the name is a playful reference to a Taylor Swift lyric and a phrase they use to calm each other during high‑pressure moments, a metaphor that captures the show’s blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt insight.
Jul 27, 2026