It started like any other podcast moment—two friends chatting about sunburns, school dances, and middle-aged DMV nightmares. But then Erin Andrews casually tossed out a story that made Charissa Thompson stop in her tracks. It wasn’t about football or Fox or sidelines—it was about surgery, blood, and a bandage gone rogue. What followed was peak Calm Down chaos: horror, hilarity, and a lot of left-ear trauma. The kind of story you don’t just hear—you feel in your cartilage.
You can post all the throwback cheerleader pics you want, but nothing tops Erin Andrews casually dropping a surgical horror story mid-podcast. On the latest episode of Calm Down, Erin and Charissa Thompson took a detour from their usual NFL banter to dive into some deeply personal—and hilariously awkward—high school memories. This week’s podcast stage wasn’t about game analysis—it was about personal revelations and nostalgia. From the moment they stepped into that studio, the vibe was equal parts heartwarming and headline-worthy.
Charissa kicked things off with a sunburned DMV tale, but Erin quickly stole the spotlight with a story that had fans both cringing and laughing. She recounted a childhood ear surgery intended to fix her protruding ears for school pictures, which turned into a bloody mess. Listeners flooded the comments with reactions like, “I had the same ear surgery, Erin!” and “The ears story kinda insane lmao.”
In an Instagram video by @calmdownpodcast, Erin Andrews told Charissa that her mother suggested the ear-pinning surgery to address her prominent ears in school photos. Erin said, “My school pictures always had my left ear sticking out. So my mom had said ‘if it bothers you enough we could get it pulled back.’” Trusting her mom’s advice, Erin underwent the procedure, which involved slits behind her ears and cartilage adjustments. However, the aftermath was far from expected. Reflecting on the experience, Erin described it as the “Horrific situation!…worst thing I ever did in my life.” Charissa, ever the supportive friend, responded with laughter and disbelief, asking, “Why?”
Erin replied, “I feel blood trickle down, shove my finger and pull the bandage out, ain’t cute, walk into my mom’s bedroom.” The candid exchange showcased the duo’s ability to find humor in past misadventures, endearing them even more to their audience. Additionally, in an episode titled Pregame – Positive Mindset, they discussed the importance of surrounding oneself with positive people, further emphasizing their supportive relationship. Their ongoing dialogue on the podcast continues to provide insights into their friendship and professional journeys. And, just when you thought things couldn’t get more personal, the duo dropped a visual surprise that had fans hitting rewind.
Erin Andrews and Charissa’s childhood throwback sparks nostalgia
The podcast episode was accompanied by a series of childhood photos shared on the Calm Down Instagram page. Fans were treated to images of Erin in her cheerleading outfit and Charissa’s high school snapshots. The nostalgic posts garnered comments like “Adorable… ”, “Thought that Charissa was Kristen Bell! Holy doppelgänger,” and “Did CT keep the varsity jacket? Would love her to bust it out if so!” These glimpses into their pasts really struck a chord with fans, not just for the laughs, but for how real Erin and Charissa continue to be.
Whether it was Erin in her cheer uniform or Charissa looking like Kristen Bell’s long-lost twin, the photos gave a nostalgic peek into who they were long before the broadcast booths and primetime lights. Fans loved seeing that side of them—awkward, confident, funny, and totally unfiltered. It’s that kind of openness, the ability to laugh at old hairstyles and embarrassing moments, that makes them so easy to root for. They don’t just report the stories—they live them, and they bring their audience along for the ride. That honest vibe is exactly why their podcast keeps gaining traction episode after episode.
Beyond sharing personal anecdotes, Erin and Charissa have been making waves in the sports broadcasting world. Erin’s recent contract expiration with Fox Sports has sparked speculation about her next move, while Charissa continues to thrive with her role on Amazon’s Thursday Night Football. Their Calm Down podcast remains a platform where they discuss everything from career updates to personal stories, keeping fans engaged and entertained.
As they navigate their professional journeys, one thing is clear: Erin and Charissa’s authenticity and camaraderie set them apart in the industry. Whether it’s sharing a surgical mishap or reminiscing about high school days, they continue to captivate audiences with their genuine and relatable content.
The post After Surgery, NFL Reporter Erin Andrews Reveals ‘Horrific’ Experience as Charissa Thompson Shares Blast From the Past appeared first on EssentiallySports.
