Grand Rapids Radio: Ousted Free Beer Host Launches Podcast

Eric Zane

Eric Zane, co-host of the Free Beer & Hot Wings radio show until he was released Feb. 16 amid controversy, has started an Internet podcast.

In the first episode, he talks about his departure from the Free Beer & Hot Wings show.

He also asks watchers not to criticize Joel Langlois, the DeltaPlex owner who some blame for prompting the syndicated show's parent company to "severe ties" with Zane.

Langlois was a brief but pointed target of an on-air rant by Zane after a Feb. 3 Grand Rapids Drive basketball game, where Zane worked as a public address announcer.

The arena's shot clock was not working properly the night of a game.

Langlois contacted WGRD 97.9 FM after the program because he thought Zane's depiction was unfair and inaccurate, but soon after he accepted an apology from Zane. He said he never sought Zane's firing.

In Zane's' first podcast, he also thanks his supporters for the "unbelievable outpouring" of support for him and his family.