The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett

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When a devastating car crash left Julian Kalel miraculously unharmed, he didn't just walk away with his life—he emerged with a fearless new perspective that would transform his musical journey. The 18-year-old El Paso native joins us to share how that near-death experience became the catalyst for sharing his music with the world, launching him from a shy bedroom guitarist to a purpose-driven artist with a powerful message.

Julian's story defies conventional paths. Heading to Stanford this fall to study physics and astrophysics, he balances scientific brilliance with soulful musicality. He...

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Buckle up for a wild ride with this action-packed episode of Morning Brew! We kick things off with a birthday-themed "Boo or Cool" segment where Dave Ramsey doesn't hold back his opinions. Adult bounce houses at birthday parties? Birthday cake flavored everything? Getting free dessert while servers sing? Dave's verdicts might surprise you—and spark some passionate debates among listeners.

Then we dive into a hilarious "Get to Know Paul from Beaumont" segment featuring everyone's favorite Texas redneck. From his proudest redneck moments to his first job cleaning horse stalls for hi...

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Morning radio comes alive with community spirit, laughter, and unexpected moments on the Morning Brew with Chris Bennett, broadcasting from the Horne Auto Center Studios. The show kicks off with excitement as listener Derek Billy becomes the first caller, winning coveted Diamondbacks tickets through a playful "Would You Rather" game that poses baseball-themed dilemmas like choosing between front-row seats or catching a foul ball.

The anticipation builds around "Donkey Watch 2025" as Jineane shares updates on Haley, a rescue donkey showing all the signs of impending birth but stubbornly keeping everyone waiting...

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Have you ever accidentally celebrated a national holiday without even knowing it existed? That's exactly what happened to one of our callers who serendipitously enjoyed mac and cheese on National Mac and Cheese Day!

The Morning Brew kicks off with a critical fire safety update from JD Pepper of the Timber Mesa Fire Department. He shares how their team successfully contained a lightning-caused fire before it could spread through our mountain communities. With monsoon weather patterns settling in, JD emphasizes the importance of immediate reporting when community members spot smoke. This...

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Sharks have ZERO bones? A redneck knows more shark facts than a radio DJ? Welcome to a Monday morning unlike any other on The Morning Brew!

We kick things off with Paul from Beaumont, our favorite Texas redneck, who shares his weekend adventures watching grandkids (while strategically avoiding diaper duty) and worrying about his sick Shih Tzu, Gilbert. When Paul joins our Shark Awareness Day trivia challenge, he shockingly sweeps the competition with his unexpected wealth of shark knowledge – proving that sometimes the student becomes the teacher.

The fun co...

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Meet Dom Ellis, a 19-year-old country artist whose soul-stirring voice and emotional songwriting transcend his years. What begins as rapid-fire questions quickly evolves into a fascinating story about unlikely beginnings and extraordinary talent discovered through adversity.

Growing up in Maurice, Louisiana in a strict, sheltered household without television or electronic devices, Dom's path to music was anything but conventional. His early passion wasn't strumming guitars but performing gymnastics at a competitive level. When a serious Olympic trampoline training injury left him bedridden at 15, he picked up a guitar simply to combat...

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Pregnant mini donkeys, freezer door frustrations, and passive-aggressive workplace revenge schemes - we've packed it all into one entertaining episode of the Morning Brew.

The saga of Haley the foster donkey has listeners on the edge of their seats as Janine prepares for an imminent birth during tonight's full moon. With cameras rolling 24/7, this 20-year-old mini donkey, "as big as a blimp" and barely four inches off the ground, could deliver any moment. The father remains a mystery, but the potential names don't disappoint - "Chewy McLovin" stands ready for a...

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Ever witnessed a train wreck you couldn't look away from? That's exactly what you'll get with Producer Ryan's bachelor auction story—a hilariously cringeworthy dating disaster that makes for podcast gold. When Ryan's friend (who previously friend-zoned him) convinces him to participate in a charity bachelor auction, things quickly spiral into comedy territory. From his ill-advised spin move prompting an audible "Oh geez" from the crowd to ultimately selling for just $30—the lowest bid of the night—Ryan's self-deprecating retelling had us in stitches.

But wait, there's more! The plot thickens when R...

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On this talk about something good Tuesday, Kindness takes center stage in this heart-touching episode featuring Lance Matthews, founder of Tales of Love Rescue. What began as a solution for stray dogs wandering onto a reservation hospital campus has blossomed into a lifeline for countless animals across Arizona. Lance shares the origin story of his foster-based rescue organization and announces their upcoming Foster Friday celebration at Woodland Lake Park—a special gathering designed to honor the volunteers who make their mission possible.

"Without fosters, we're not a success," Lance explains, highlighting ho...

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Good mornings start with great conversations! This week's Morning Brew delivers heartwarming stories, local updates, and plenty of laughs from our favorite callers across the mountain communities.

We kick things off with Virgil the Cowboy from Eagar, who shares details about his busy Fourth of July weekend moving horses and his unconventional dental hygiene routine that had us all chuckling. When it comes to Global Forgiveness Day, Virgil proves to be the most forgiving person we know—nothing seems to ruffle this cowboy's feathers!

The celebration continues as Paul fr...

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Pryor Baird's story unfolds like a country song itself—raw, authentic, and filled with both heartbreak and triumph. From the moment his three-year-old self watched his uncle play guitar and declared "that's exactly what I want to do," music claimed him completely. "You don't pick music, music picks you," Pryor reflects during our intimate conversation, a truth that has sustained him through remarkable highs and devastating lows.

Growing up between divorced parents' homes provided Pryor a rich musical education—blues, jazz, and classical from his mother's house; country, rock, and bluegrass from...

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Body positivity takes center stage in this lively episode of the Morning Brew! We dive into a fascinating "Am I the Jerk Court" case featuring a 67-year-old grandmother who wore a two-piece bikini to her 19-year-old granddaughter's birthday pool party. When her daughter later called it "inappropriate," our listeners weighed in with their verdicts. The consensus? Age shouldn't dictate clothing choices when supporting loved ones' values - though maybe a cover-up wouldn't hurt!

Regular caller Paul from Beaumont checks in from vacation, revealing pancakes, rainy weather, and a surprising confession about...

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Ever wonder how a radio DJ solves a musical mystery with just a few cryptic clues? In this heartwarming episode of The Morning Brew, host Chris becomes a country music detective when caller Pat describes fragments of lyrics about "northern Michigan" and "lights shining on her hair." The genuine excitement when Chris correctly identifies Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" captures the magical connection between local radio hosts and their community.

With Independence Day approaching, Fire Marshal JD Pepper delivers crucial safety information for mountain residents. His passionate warning about illegal fireworks—wh...

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Cole Bradford's path to country music stardom wasn't the typical Nashville story. While sitting down with Q Country 92.5, the former special education teacher and football coach reveals how his brother's Facebook Marketplace guitar purchase during the pandemic unexpectedly changed everything. "He said 'Cole, sit down, you're going to learn to play guitar,'" Bradford recalls with a laugh. "I had a guitar for about 10 years that I got for high school graduation and never learned to play."

That brotherly nudge launched Bradford from the classroom to the songwriter's room, where his...

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Money reveals our deepest values and expectations in relationships. Today's episode dives into a fascinating case of financial imbalance where a small $10 request exposed potential relationship-ending concerns for a couple planning marriage.

After four years together with the boyfriend covering 99% of all expenses, his girlfriend's request for a $10 reimbursement following his job resignation left him questioning their entire future. Our discussion explores how this seemingly minor incident might actually represent legitimate concerns from both perspectives - her worry about his financial stability after quitting without a plan, and his shock at...

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Nothing says summer celebration like a small-town 4th of July extravaganza, and Show Low is pulling out all the stops this year! From parades and splash pads to live music and fireworks, this Independence Day promises unforgettable memories for the entire family—all completely free.

The day kicks off at 9:00 AM with the annual parade themed "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Grace from City of Show Low TV joins me as co-host for the live broadcast, available on both YouTube and Facebook. We'll be bringing you all the patriotic si...

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Every morning across the White Mountains of Arizona, radios tune in to the familiar, friendly voice of Chris Bennett as he connects with locals, shares community news, and celebrates the unique character of rural mountain life.

Today's Morning Brew showcases the authentic voices that make this region special. Virgil the Cowboy from Eager calls in with updates from his Flying V Ranch, casually mentioning UFO sightings while discussing branding season. The conversation weaves through time travel fantasies and concludes with a request for a patriotic Billy Ray Cyrus song – a perfect sn...

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What really happens when husbands are left to their own devices? The Morning Brew uncovers the truth in this hilarious episode featuring Paul from Beaumont, who spent a week home alone while his wife Rhonda was away visiting friends. With nothing but "chicken wings and couch" to keep him company, Paul proudly claimed to have cleaned the house before her return—a claim that quickly unraveled during our on-air conversation.

Through our entertaining "DIY or Don't Try" game, we discovered that Paul's definition of "cleaning" was limited to vacuuming and mopping, wi...

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Dave Ramsey brings the summer vibes as he kicks off the season with a lively "Boo or Cool" segment on the Morning Brew. With characteristic enthusiasm, Dave shares his passionate opinions on quintessential summer experiences – giving hearty approval to backyard barbecues (especially when cooking his favorite "wingy doggies") and water balloon fights, while firmly rejecting flip flops with the memorable explanation, "I hate things between my toes."

The community pulse beats strong as Jineane highlights important weekend happenings in the White Mountains. From the comprehensive safety fair at Walmart featuring impressive em...

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Relationships and safety take center stage as we dive into both matters of the heart and practical community protection in this dynamic episode. When our regular relationship expert is unavailable, Producer Ryan steps up with his unique perspective on dating standards. Is it shallow to only pursue Instagram-model types when you don't fit that mold yourself? Ryan's surprising take: dream big and aim high! After all, personality often trumps looks, and dating "out of your league" happens more than you might think.

We then pivot to community safety with a comprehensive...

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What happens when a man plans to propose at his ex-girlfriend's wedding? Judge Janine weighs in with her bedazzled robe and no-nonsense attitude in this episode's Am I The Jerk Court. The verdict? Surprise proposals at someone else's wedding—especially your ex's—might just be the definition of tacky.

We're joined in studio by Steph G and Jen B from St Anthony's Catholic Private School, who share exciting news about their school's future. After operating from the back of St Rita's Parish since 2006, they're finally building their own dedicated facility. With smal...

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What happens when a turtle becomes a dad at 135 years old? Can lightning really strike three times for a cancer survivor turned lottery winner? The Morning Brew tackles these heartwarming stories and more in our latest episode filled with community connections and unexpected moments of joy.

Chris Bennett kicks things off by announcing his upcoming comedy birthday bash featuring America's Got Talent finalist Ryan Neemiller at the Show Low Elks Lodge on July 26th. Then we dive into our Talk About Something Good Tuesday segment, sharing the remarkable story of Goliath...

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From dunking booths to poolside comedy gigs, this episode of The Morning Brew takes you on a whirlwind tour of Chris Bennett's action-packed weekend. Kicking things off with a call from Brian in Pinedale, we dive into the heartwarming community spirit behind the "Run to the Bridge" event, where Chris had the pleasure of announcing awards for participants ranging from a three-month-old in a stroller to an incredible 88-year-old runner who completed the one-mile course.

Chris shares his unusual comedy experience performing stand-up at a backyard pool party in Tempe—yes, wi...

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Friday the 13th brings good luck to Morning Brew listeners as host Chris Bennett delivers a lively show packed with laughs, community updates, and Father's Day festivities. Birthday boy Jan the Weatherman shares an unexpected surprise - his rescued cat recently gave birth to seven kittens, creating an instant feline family!

Dave Ramsey joins for a hilarious Father's Day edition of "Boo or Cool," definitively settling which gifts dads actually want. Traditional neckties receive unanimous thumbs down, while practical items like drink-holding fanny packs earn enthusiastic approval. The segment reflects what...

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The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett serves up another delicious blend of White Mountain community news, special guests, and hometown humor in this fast-paced episode celebrating both local events and national observances.

The show opens with a heartwarming tribute to Women's Veterans Day as Virgil the Cowboy calls in from Eager, Arizona to highlight the four Army veterans working on his team. This touching moment of recognition transitions seamlessly into a playful game called "Jerky or Just Quirky" in honor of National Beef Jerky Day, where listeners learn that while bringing...

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Workplace theft creates unexpected tensions in today's episode as we dive into a case that has our listeners talking! A frustrated office worker finally puts an end to their vanishing lunch problem by installing a personal mini-fridge with a lock—only to face backlash from colleagues who label them "weird and selfish." Judge Jineane Ford-King delivers a satisfying verdict that might surprise you, even suggesting the loudest critic might actually be the lunch thief! This case sparks fascinating questions about workplace boundaries, communal respect, and why some people feel entitled to others' belongings.

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Good deeds, local events, and a dash of country music bring the White Mountain community together in this heartwarming episode of Morning Brew. Hosts Chris Bennett and Jineane start with concert talk as Jineane shares how Kenny Chesney at the Sphere in Las Vegas has completely transformed her expectations for live music. "I don't know how I can ever go to another concert again without it being at the Sphere," she admits, describing fish jumping overhead and crystal-clear visuals that make every seat feel front-row.

The conversation shifts to uplifting news...

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The familiar voices of Morning Brew regulars bring warmth and laughter to start the week as we catch up with Virgil the Cowboy from Eager, Arizona. He shares updates on spring foaling season at his ranch and reveals how his hardworking crew spent their weekend making sandwiches for firefighters battling the local wildfire. Through our playful "Back to the Future Price is Right" game, we discover Virgil hasn't mailed a letter since joining the Marines in 1981 - a charming revelation that sparks nostalgia about how everyday costs have changed dramatically over decades.
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Ever wonder what makes small-town radio so magical? It's those genuine connections that happen when a host like Chris Bennett welcomes familiar voices into the Morning Brew and creates moments that reflect the heart of a community.

Today's show delivered a perfect blend of casual conversation and local celebrations. We caught up with Brian from Pinedale who took us through some rapid-fire questions, reminiscing about the 1950s and laughing about the return of bell bottoms. Meanwhile, we talked Jineane who is in Las Vegas where she was about to experience Kenny...

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Marriage is about compromise, but where do we draw the line between supporting our partner's passions and protecting our family's needs? Today's episode dives deep into this emotional territory with a letter from a woman who delivered an ultimatum to her triathlete husband.

After watching her husband spend three months intensively training for a triathlon—often missing time with their three young children—our letter writer found herself feeling like a single parent. When he announced plans to compete in triathlons year-round, she took a stand: either scale back or they migh...

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The Morning Brew served up a perfect blend of community concerns, laughs, and local support in this episode featuring the popular "Jerk Court" segment with Judge Jineane Ford. When a desperate apartment dweller discovered their roommate had been hoarding dirty kitchenware in a mold-filled bedroom, Judge Janine delivered a firm verdict: searching the room was absolutely justified given the serious health hazards involved. The judge advised swift action to address both the living situation and the roommate's concerning behavior.

Fire safety took center stage as Timber Mesa Fire Marshal JD Pepper...

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Ever wonder what makes identical twins live to 100? Bill and Jack Casey just celebrated their centennial birthday in England, complete with inflatable crowns and congratulations from King Charles himself. Their secret? Daily exercise, determination, and good genes. Bill, the "elder" twin by a mere 10 minutes, still exercises 20 minutes daily and credits computers as the most important invention of his lifetime. After serving together in the British Army and causing twin mischief in Malaysia, they're enjoying their golden years with painting, humor, and wisdom for younger generations.

Cat lovers will be thrilled...

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The rain has finally arrived, and so has another entertaining episode of the Morning Brew! Chris and Jineane kick off the week with infectious enthusiasm as they share weekend highlights, with Janine recounting her thrilling experience at the Monster Truck Rally and Motocross event. While the Velociraptor truck impressed with its speed and precision, it was the gravity-defying stunts of the motocross riders that truly captivated the audience—including one local rider whose extraordinary talent left everyone in awe.

As the conversation shifts to Monday motivation, Chris presents a selection of in...

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Ever wondered what it's like to make prisoners laugh so hard they forget where they are? Producer Ryan joins Chris on the Morning Brew to share heartwarming feedback from their recent comedy show at a local prison. "A couple prisoners said the best part is, during the show they didn't even feel like they were in prison," Ryan reveals, offering a touching glimpse into how humor can transcend even the most confining circumstances.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Ryan explains how he's turned to artificial intelligence for dating advice. "...

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Chris Bennett delivers a dynamic Morning Brew show featuring an exclusive preview of the Monster Truck Night Road Tour with event director Tony Matarazzo, alongside relationship advice about social media transparency and entertaining ticket giveaways. The show balances high-energy event promotion with thoughtful relationship wisdom, connecting listeners to both entertainment opportunities and practical life advice.

• Monster Truck Night Road Tour coming to Deuce of Clubs Thunder Raceway this Friday and Saturday with three identical shows
• Event features five top-level monster trucks: Lone Wolf, Jurassic Attack, Rockwell Red, Kamikaze, and Velociraptor
...

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Morning Brew serves up a mix of fun games, relationship advice, and health tips with regular callers bringing their unique perspectives to the conversation.

• Play "Would You Rather Wednesday" games including coffee vs. goat milking and Kiss Cam celebrity choices
• "Am I The Jerk Court" rules on a man who walked out when his brother announced engagement to his ex at their parents' anniversary party
• Paul from Beaumont weighs in on dating siblings, declaring it "creepy" and "forbidden" regardless of circumstances
• Test your knowledge with "Are You Smarter Than a R...

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Chris shares the emotional journey of officiating his daughter Madison's wedding and the beautiful story of how she and her husband Beckett evolved from friends to life partners. His composure during the ceremony gave way to tears during the father-daughter dance to a song he used to sing to Madison as a baby.

• Chris's daughter Madisen crafted her own flower arrangements and wedding cake for her botanical garden wedding
• The wedding ceremony celebrated Madisen and Beckett's relationship that grew from friendship to love
• Chris maintained composure during the ceremony but br...

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We examine a moral dilemma about refusing to host a friend and her large dog when you have cats and allergies in the household, then share a special pre-wedding conversation with my daughter Madison and her fiancé Beckett before their big day.

• Both parties in the "Am I the Jerk" case show inflexibility – the homeowner could have made accommodations for the visiting dog, while the friend should have graciously accepted the Airbnb alternative
• My daughter Madisen and her fiancé Beckett join to discuss their wedding day excitement, with predictions that Dad will...

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Chris shares his emotional state as he prepares to officiate his daughter's wedding, expressing fear about making clerical errors that could affect the wedding's legitimacy despite his thorough preparation.

• Parents struggling with their 18-year-old daughter dating a 51-year-old man receive advice to maintain open communication without pushing her away
• Jineane recommends parents "take a chill pill" and avoid controlling behaviors that would cause their adult daughter to become more defiant
• A listener's story about a "burrito betrayal" leads to discussion about food boundaries in relationships
• Chris's daughter Madison and fian...