Join us as we broadcast LIVE from Celestial Gates Funeral Home of McLawton Hills! We've got a dreadfully good guest - one of the MVPs at Celestial Gates - award-winning funeral make-up artist Alexis! Plus! We make Tara's long-time dream come true with a total surprise on-air makeover! Apologies to all of those attending the Higgins or McCoy viewings this morning about the misunderstanding leading to that understandably upsetting incident. 97.9 The Rat Race #38 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth ...
Oct 24, 2022•21 min•Ep. 38
What a morning! Tara is a real trooper after her historic live on-air procedure from our good pals at LASIK-2-U Mobile Lasik Centers! Plus, the folks from No Bull in Our China Shop of River Lake swing by to show us some priceless antique china! Once again, big apologies to them. Enjoy! 97.9 The Rat Race #37 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal) Written By: Ben Roy Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs...
Sep 12, 2022•19 min•Ep. 37
It's a symphony in the skies! The Metro Area's stunning natural spectacle is the talk of the zoo crew this morning as the native starlings converge for their magnificent murmurations! Wow! Also, Animal shares diet tips and BE CALLER 97 to win those hot, hot Loverboy tickets!! Give 97.9 a preset and break off the knob! 97.9 The Rat Race #36 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal) Written By: Chris Marrs Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Created by: Ben R...
Jul 18, 2022•12 min•Ep. 36
What a morning! The jam cam is loaded out there on the roads, but one of Hollywood's biggest stars - TOM CLARK! - joins us live! We also do a little wrap-up after the mega-success of our sixth-annual 97.9 Fishing 4 Gold Contest, where listeners compete to down the most shots of Goldschlager with a live goldfish in it - a total blast of good, wholesome fun!! Apologies to hilarious comic Adam Cayton-Holland who will be performing at the Jostens Park Auditorium all weekend, and was bumped when the ...
Jun 20, 2022•26 min•Ep. 35
It's the third-most romantic morning of the year! 97.9's post-honeymoon check-in with lovebirds Claire & Brian from our recent "Rando Wedding" - the most authentic and passionate total-strangers-get-married contest in radio! All brought to you by our pals at "Something Borrowed" Wedding Dress Rentals of Fisher Creek. And don't forget to join Donny & The Crew this weekend for what is sure to be a CRAZY rowdy party at the 18th Annual Fabric & Craft Outlet ArtWalk! Apologies to the bril...
Feb 14, 2022•21 min•Ep. 34
What a morning as Tara’s been horsin’ around and we clear the foggy air on all those listener calls and questions regarding the All Souls Remote! Plus, Luke calls in for a fun quickie update of his own! Don’t forget to call our friends at Gittin’ Plowed Snow Removal and enter promo code ‘979Donny’ for all their wintertime specials! #RIPCaptBeatterman Written By: Ben Roy Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs
Nov 22, 2021•20 min•Ep. 33
It's a 97.9 Halloween BONUS! What a morning as Donny D & the Crew broadcast live from the gorgeous All Souls Cemetery & Memorial Park! First 97 guests to join us before sunrise win FREE 97.9 glow-in-the-dark neon necklaces! PLUS Don't miss All Souls' spectacular deals all month long on hillside plots, urn upgrades & more! Don't live long enough to miss this sale! Shout-out Leonard! 97.9 The Rat Race #32 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Evan N...
Oct 27, 2021•7 min•Ep. 32
It's, uh, WORLD PREMIERE time at 97.9 as the zoo crew unveils a hot new banger from rising artist and visionary Keith Heat - who in no way, shape or form coerced us into playing his song*. Big Thanks to Ray Longbow & our friends at Ray Longbow Mitsubishi, Mini, Tesla of RidgeRock for offering to get us a new life-size cardboard cutout. Shout-out Only Pros Staging & Lighting! Shout-out water! *portions of this episode description written under duress 97.9 The Rat Race #31 Featuring: Ben R...
Oct 11, 2021•21 min•Ep. 31
A gorgeous morning here at Lakefront Park as the crew is on remote for the Metro Air & Water Show! Join us at the 97.9 tent for our fantastic giveaways and enjoy aerial acrobatics from the coolest vintage military aircraft on the planet! PLUS take a pic with the speedboat from Miami Vice or let the kids play in the lifeboat where Captain Phillips was held hostage! Also, tough news update regarding The Claw Machine Bomber. Listen! #GiveEmHellArtie 97.9 The Rat Race #30 Featuring: Ben Roy (Don...
Sep 13, 2021•15 min•Ep. 30
The gang welcomes back fan favorite William Jones, the foul-mouthed owner of Freddy Footlong's (Metro Area's #1 rated hot dog stand 12 out of the last 16 years) to promote the hot spot's 20th anniversary celebration: HotDog-A-Rama! Apologies to brilliant actor, comedian & podcaster Daniel Van Kirk (PenPals, Dumb People Town) who was bumped from the show today to accommodate William's visit. Unrelated: if you have have knowledge regarding the current whereabouts of William Jones, please conta...
Jul 19, 2021•24 min•Ep. 29
The crew discusses some choppy waters in Donny's marriage, which might be hitting the rocks as they prepare for their annual luxury, romantic trip to Lake Havasu. Also, it's SAUCE MONTH at Bleacher's Sportz Bar!!! So much show! #LetBradBackIn #PontoonAficionado 97.9 The Rat Race #28 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal) Written By: Ben Roy Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs...
Jul 05, 2021•15 min•Ep. 28
This morning the gang continues their coverage of Bomb Cyclone Reginald as it tears through the Metro Area. Expect snow accumulations in the 1 to 2 foot range. Also more updates on the identity of the man in the snowbank. Our apologies to the Kellerman family for any inconvenience our misidentification may have caused. 97.9 The Rat Race #27 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal), Evan Nix (Luke the Puke), Nicole Conlan (Shelly), Adam Cayton-Holland (Colton), & J...
Jun 07, 2021•25 min•Ep. 27
It's the most generous morning of the year! Giving Friday is back and WOW is the gang ready to let some lucky listeners win fabulous prizes near and dear to the crew's hearts! And everybody wins when the gang gets a very surprise visit from old pal, the "First Lady of Yacht Rock" Maggie Mayville from 103.5 The Yacht! Apologies to author, actress, podcaster & internet icon Mamrie Hart (This Might Get Weird) whose appearance on the show this morning was cancelled when Giving Friday ran long. 9...
May 24, 2021•27 min•Ep. 26
What a reunion this morning! Donny D's oldest friend, mentor, and the man who gave him his start, morning radio legend Monty "Mongoose" Gustetler joins us live in studio! The gang takes a crazy trip down memory lane, diving into Mongoose and Donny's many incredible tales of wild remotes, rock blocks, concerts and more from all their years in radio! Apologies to comedian Rory Scovel who was bumped from the show this morning to accommodate Mongoose's visit. 97.9 The Rat Race #25 Featuring: BEN ROY...
May 10, 2021•21 min•Ep. 25
Come and knock on our door, because Three's Company! What a morning as we welcome a trio of America's best comics to the Metro Area - Al Madrigal, Jackie Kashian & Kyle Kinane! Our humiliating overbooking mistake is your win! These stand-up masters are all in town performing: catch Kyle & Al all week (21 shows) at Doinks! Comedy Club (call to WIN tons of tix!) PLUS Jackie's one-night-only engagement at the swank new 3,000-seat Consumer Cellular Arena! (sold out) Also, the GoFundYourself ...
Apr 12, 2021•28 min•Ep. 24
What a morning! The world's best relationship expert Dr. Julie joins us to take your calls! Plus, Tara is absolutely glowing about her love life and the great place she and Brad are in right now, while Donny and Animal have discovered an incredible new workout! Be caller 97 to win a signed copy of Dr. Julie's hot new bestseller "Divorce is Just Another Word for Opportunity" and VIP access to her B. Dalton book signing this weekend! Apologies to actress Mircea Monroe (Episodes, The Rookie) who wa...
Mar 29, 2021•22 min•Ep. 23
A real tearjerker in the studio today as we say farewell to beloved intern and proud son of Saskatchewan, ("Cajuzzi") Luke "The Puke" and play some of his greatest moments with the show. Such a good sport. No shortage of surprises as we stroll through the most exciting six months of Luke's life and career at 97.9! 97.9 The Rat Race #22 Featuring: Ben Roy ( Donny D ), Beth Hoyt ( Tara ), Chris Marrs ( Animal ) & Evan Nix ( Luke ) Written By: Evan Nix Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix...
Mar 15, 2021•25 min•Ep. 22
It's our annual 97.9 Post-Holidaze Weigh-in! To add to our tradition of old fashioned vicious good-natured ribbing, we've brought on celebrity expert and author of "The Ultimate Roastmaster" herself, Rachel Tracy! (Note to Ms. Tracy's attorneys: we have received your letter and will respond once the iSMILEYFACEaudio corporate attorneys have reviewed.) Sincere apologies to actress and author Franchesca Ramsey (Superstore, MTV Decoded) whose visit this morning was postponed to accommodate Rachel T...
Feb 15, 2021•21 min•Ep. 21
What a morning! Host, judge and comedy legend HOWIE MANDEL joins us as we take a spin down memory lane with an unforgettable game of This is Your Life, Howie Edition! Also, don't forget to get your tix to the spectacular Awkward Paws Gala. Such a great cause (host TBD).
Feb 01, 2021•19 min•Ep. 20
We're live with comedians, podcasters and twins, Randy & Jason Sklar! Plus, we have some fun with the help of our pals at D.N.Yay Genealogy Centers and see just how "twins" the boys really are! Catch the Sklars all week at Honkerz Comedy Club (27 shows) or on one of their hilarious podcasts "View from the Cheap Seats" & "Dumb People Town"! *97.9 would like to extend our sincere apologies to the Sklars' Uncle Phil for any irreparable damage to his reputation this episode may have caused. ...
Jan 18, 2021•25 min•Ep. 19
Join us this morning as we broadcast live from The Crowne Park Shopping Center for the grand reopening of All That Slithers Is Gold Reptile Store. Big thanks to everyone that stopped by and won themselves a free Beta Fish. Pop on over! (UPDATE: Sheila was found at approximately 1:34 p.m. by Metro Area Pest Control. Only one person at the Build-A-Bear was injured in the stampede. Win!) 97.9 The Rat Race #18 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Andrew Orvedahl...
Jan 04, 2021•20 min•Ep. 18
It's the annual 97.9 Holiday "Lots to Drop for Tots Drop" giveaway! Our favorite time of year! Tara & Brad play Santa & Mrs. Claus this morning, dropping our incredible gift bags to the Metro Area's neediest families. Big thanks to our AMAZING sponsors for their spirit of giving, loading up those gift bags this year! Also, just a great holiday reminder that it's not WHO you give a gift to that spreads joy & cheer, but that you give a gift at all. #Twain 97.9 The Rat Race #17 Featurin...
Dec 14, 2020•19 min•Ep. 17
What a morning as the crew broadcasts live from the spectacular SynPower 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Speedway & Event Grounds for the start of the Iron Hammer Body Spray Racing Series! This is a special place for Donny. Big thanks to hot new dating app MXR, plus all the moms at "Not Right Now" the anti-texting-while-driving awareness organization! 97.9 The Rat Race #16 Featuring: Ben Roy ( Donny D ), Beth Hoyt ( Tara ) & Chris Marrs ( Animal ) Written By: Evan Nix Audio Designed & Directed...
Nov 30, 2020•21 min•Ep. 16
Huge morning at 97.9 as stand-up comic and host of 'The Dollop' and 'Point vs. Point' podcasts GARETH REYNOLDS joins us in studio to play the Dating Game. Three lucky bachelorettes compete for a Metro Area dream date with Gareth! You can catch Gareth (please don't literally catch) all week at Doinks! Comedy Club. 97.9 The Rat Race #15 Featuring: Ben Roy ( Donny D ), Beth Hoyt ( Tara ), Chris Marrs ( Animal ), Claire Bostrom, Eileen O'Connell, Jenni-Lynn Brick & Gareth Reynolds as himself Wri...
Nov 16, 2020•22 min•Ep. 15
Today is "This Or That" day in the 97.9 studio! Listen as the gang plays this classic station favorite. The folks at Wisconsin Classic Meat Co.'s legal team would like our listeners to know that the unfortunate regulator mishap has now been corrected and the FDA is saying that all WCMC products are once again safe for human consumption. 97.9 The Rat Race #14 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal) Written By: Beth Hoyt Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix ...
Oct 26, 2020•17 min•Ep. 14
Listen in as the we review the crew's special night speaking to students at Metro State University's Stone Phillips School Of Digital Media. Donny, Animal and Tara dive into technology, their start in the business, and the past, present and future of media! #GibbuteBand #RIPNotSoLuckyLadyPassengers 97.9 The Rat Race #13 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Evan Mann (Dr. Manfred Evans) Written By: Chris Marrs Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Create...
Oct 12, 2020•21 min•Ep. 13
Tara and the 97.9 crew welcome Birdie Allison to the show for an enlightening and shockingly accurate Tarot Card reading! If you'd like to witness Birdie's awesome power firsthand, visit her website www.birdiestarsandwax.com and use the promo code "979DonnyD" to get 20% off your first Tarot Reading, Astrological Sign analysis, and/or Mini Brazilian Wax. Apologies to popular podcaster Mary Jane Gibson (Weed & Grub) who was bumped from the show this morning when Eddie reached out from the beyo...
Sep 28, 2020•23 min•Ep. 12
After an unfortunate accident lands him in an ICU bed at Porter Ridge Medical Center, Animal calls in to the show and gives Donny and Tara the 411 on what exactly went down. At 15 past the hour, be caller #97 and win a pair of tickets to see 'No Gourds/No Masters' on 10/16 at the Rotary Club's annual Pumpkin Festival. 97.9 The Rat Race #11 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal) Written By: Ben Roy Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix Created by: Ben Roy &...
Sep 14, 2020•21 min•Ep. 11
This morning the 97.9 crew broadcasts live from Metro Area Zoo and Safari Park and speaks with resident zoologist Sue Pastor about their annual Night Lights Nights of Lights Celebration happening all weekend. Get tickets now on our website. ***All inquiries regarding the health and status of Yahoo Platypus should be sent directly to the Sydney Zoo and Wildlife Experience. 97.9 The Rat Race #10 Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Carmella Riley (Sue) Written...
Aug 31, 2020•16 min•Ep. 10
Coming August 31, 2020 to the All Things Comedy Network.
Aug 28, 2020•1 min
