Today marks the 10th anniversary for "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio, and it is a show worth celebrating.Because of the diverse experiences and talent (former Notre Dame and NFL defensive lineman Mike Golic and former Northwestern student and solid sports journalist Mike Greenberg), and because of ESPN's platform and power, "Mike and Mike" make an impact each and every day on the air.
Like any other show, they're usually topical. Unlike other shows, though, ESPN allows them access to solid experts and guest.
Like any other show hosts, they have things to say. Unlike other show hosts, though, they play almost perfectly of off each other, expressing opinions and insights without sounding pompous or preachy.
It's just a good show, and it has remained strong -- even improved -- during four hours every morning because the on- and off-air team continually adapt and update. While Mike and Mike remain as the consistent building blocks, certain guests, segments and special events change. So the show never gets tiresome or stale. It's familiar and fun.
At the same time, other standards remain, including the upcoming "Sheet of Integrity" challenge around the NCAA Tournament in which the two hosts complete separate bracket sheets for the tournament with an associated wager.
As with all good radio, the hosts bare their souls, share personal stories and come across as people whom listeners like.
Those personalities drive the show more than expertise and opinions. Plus, the production team for the program -- especially as it has diversified through the years and found a simulcast home on ESPN2 -- has only added to the success of "Mike and Mike." Whether on TV or radio, with a great variety of song parodies and skits, the behind-the-scenes team (and they're sometimes front and center, which is nice) plays an important and valuable role in the show's success.
It's one of the best examples of what sports talk radio should strive to be.