Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

By Adam Abramson

Howard Stern and one of his most notorious callers, Eric the Midget, rarely accomplish anything, which is why Monday morning's Sirius Satellite Radio Show was one for the history books.

Eric Lynch, a fixture on Stern's show, flew across the country to appear on air for the first time after years of calling in on a daily basis.

Lynch, who is referred to as Eric the Midget by Stern and his staff, came in with an entourage and made his presence felt. After countless hours on hold and arguing with Stern and everyone behind the scenes, the parties met in what was a rather cordial and eventful segment.

Pet Rock was privy to this meeting, along with Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines, a show fanatic, as well as several other personalities that have had a role with Eric being on the show.

Seated on Eric's side of the studio on the famous red couch were two women, Cherry and Holly, from the Bunny Ranch, a brothel in Nevada. The pair discussed their sexual relations with Eric both in Nevada and in New York, but were clear to say no money exchanged hands in Manhattan. Lynch, who generally maintains a rather guarded presence when calling in, facilitated a rather detailed account of his evenings with the pair.

Stern, show regulars Artie Lange and Robin Quivers, as well as myself and Natalie Maines, interviewed Eric about his relationships and his trek to the Avenue of Americas.

Lynch, normally quick to criticize, said he thought the appearance was a success, but admitted there was a mixture of emotion before the long-waited meeting.

"A little bit of nerves, but also some anticipation to see who they had for me to meet," Lynch said. "There was also some anticipation to get the first visit over and done with. I was calm, as well."

Stern then announced he had arranged two surprise guests for Lynch, who refers to himself as Eric the Actor after landing several roles. He quickly said he knew famous wrestler Kurt Angle would be in the studio for the segment, but could not guess the other.

After a few hints, Lynch surmised that Diana DeGarmo would be showing face in the studio to meet Eric. DeGarmo, who achieved fame on "American Idol," has been a topic of discussion between Stern and Lynch for years, as Lynch has made it no secret he admired DeGarmo.

The singer, who admitted she does not listen to Stern much but knew of Lynch's admiration, then came into the studio and stood by Eric while receiving questions from the gang. DeGarmo said the experience went well, even taking into account the stereotypical hi-jinx of the show.

"I was definitely in kind of a little bit of shock [by the whole experience] because I don't really listen, but I know Howard Stern. But I had a good time." said DeGarmo, who was pressured to accept an invitation to dinner with Lynch, but gave "we'll see" as a reply. "I've known about this whole thing for at least two years. I have a dear friend whose husband is a die hard fan. He'd call or text me every time my name was brought up ... My mom said one 'Do you know why Howard Stern is calling us?' "

Angle was the next to enter the studio and took a seat on the couch next to Lynch and spoke with Howard about his relationship with his former employer, WWE, his personal life and his new relationship with Lynch. Angle candidness as a guest and his warmth towards Lynch was genuine, making him a great guest for the segment.

Angle said he had a lot of respect for Lynch, who is confined to a wheelchair.

"Eric is a special kid. He had the courage to come on the Howard Stern show considering he's not exactly 100 percent healthy due to his illness. I give him a lot of credit, a lot of people like him will stay in the background and not stick their head into anything," said Angle, who threatened to handle any mockery from the press during his interview. "I give him a lot of credit for coming here ... It just shows what a strong individual he is. Hopefully people with sicknesses and illnesses and people with disabilities will look up to him."

During the show, Angle offered Lynch the opportunity to be an honorary member of The Main Event Mafia -- a group of wrestlers in TNA wrestling, where Angle performs.

Overall, the morning was a momentous occasion for the show. Head of security, Ronnie Mund, told me the halls are rarely crowded like they were after Lynch's appearance. Cameras, microphones, handshakes and hugs were the culmination to Lynch's big morning on the show, something he's sure to never forget.

"I think it went well, other than getting hit by High Pitch Eric ... That was bad." Lynch said, referring to a show prank where another caller phones in as Kelly Clarkson. "Some of the lines of questioning, I was trying to see how I could avoid answering certain questions, but all-in-all I think it went pretty well."

Lynch said it was pretty cool and he would indeed come back for a return visit.

Lynch's interview, and my appearance, on the show are available on Sirius Satellite Radio and through HowardTV, inDemand programming available through your cable provider.