Eric Zane

Also known as: Zane, Eric Zeitunian, EZ

Eric Zane's broadcasting career spans over two decades, beginning in Knoxville, Tennessee radio before joining Gregg "Free Beer" Daniels and Chris "Hot Wings" Michaels in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Originally hired as a producer who was not allowed to talk on-air, Zane eventually became the show's third mic and a beloved part of the Free Beer and Hot Wings Morning Show on WGRD-FM, which syndicated to roughly 40 stations nationwide. The FBHW Era (2001-2016) defined Zane's identity as a broadcaster. Over 15 years, he developed a reputation for passionate, sometimes reckless on-air commentary. His unfiltered style was both his greatest asset and his undoing. In February 2016, after making disparaging on-air remarks about Joel Langlois from the DeltaPlex arena, Zane was called in by Townsquare Media General Manager Russ Hines, who told him "I'm tired of defending you." The situation escalated when Zane reportedly called the meeting "horseshit" and elbowed the GM on the way out, resulting in his termination for insubordination. The firing devastated Zane, who later publicly discussed experiencing suicidal ideation during the aftermath. His openness about mental health struggles distinguished him from many other radio personalities who experienced similar career disruptions. After a brief podcasting attempt, he was hired for mornings at Cumulus-owned WBBL-FM (107.3) in Grand Rapids in April 2016, going head-to-head with his former show. That position also ended, pushing Zane fully into independent content creation. The Podcast Era (2019-Present) saw Zane build The Eric Zane Show Pod

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Eric Zane highlights

  • Free Beer and Hot Wings Era (2001-2016): Zane spent over 15 years as the third mic on the nationally syndicated Free Beer and Hot Wings Morning Show on WGRD-FM in Grand Rapids. Starting as a producer who was not allowed to talk, he became a fan-favorite personality known for passionate and sometimes controversial commentary.
  • The Firing and Aftermath (February 2016): After making disparaging on-air remarks about a local venue owner, Zane was fired from FBHW for insubordination. He later openly discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts during this period, earning respect for his vulnerability and helping destigmatize mental health conversations in broadcasting.
  • Independent Podcast Launch (2019-Present): After a stint at rival station WBBL-FM also ended, Zane launched The Eric Zane Show Podcast as a daily weekday program from his home. The show built a sustainable audience and sponsor base, proving the viability of the radio-to-podcast transition model.
  • WATP Integration and Who Are These Broadcasters (2020-Present): After his podcast was reviewed on WATP Episode 227, Zane embraced rather than fought the community. He became a frequent WATP guest co-host and co-created Who Are These Broadcasters (WATB) with Christian Bladt, a spinoff critiquing broadcasting moments that has become a staple of the WATP network.
  • Return to Radio (2024): In March 2024, Zane returned to terrestrial radio with a morning show on WQON in Northern Michigan via Blarney Stone Broadcasting, while maintaining his podcast, WATB duties, and his 17-plus year role as PA announcer for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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