The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett
Ever wonder what really goes on at a small-town morning radio show? The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett and Best Friends is your daily dose of real callers, big laughs, and unforgettable characters straight from QCountry 925 in Show Low, Arizona.
The Beard Is Gone, But the Good Vibes Are On đ
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Beard today, gone tomorrow! đ Chris Bennett kicks off The Morning Brew with Best Friends freshly shaved and full of laughs â and gets a surprise call from Kirk Nurmi, who has a few thoughts about Chrisâs new âbaby face.â
Then, Principal Marchant from Show Low High School stops by the studio to talk about Next Steps Night on October 30th â an awesome event for students and parents to explore careers, colleges, and trades with more than 70 vendors, food trucks, and live music. đđś
We also give away...
Shaving The Beard For Robin Williams
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A freshly shaved face, Halloween hype, and fearless fun â itâs all brewing on todayâs episode of The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends!
Chris kicks off the show revealing his bold move to shave the beard for his upcoming Robin Williams tribute â and shares how stepping outside your comfort zone can spark real growth. Then, he and Jineane Ford at Majik 101.7 swap motivational quotes that remind us: fear fades when you take action. đŞ
Weâre also giving away tickets galore â đď¸ to Chris Bennett Comedy Presents: The Best of Phoenix Stan...
Ghosts, Grits & Good Laughs: Austin Burke Calls In & Food Trivia Chaos Ensues
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Itâs a full plate of fun on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends! đł
We kick things off with ticket giveaways to Chris Bennett Comedy Presents: The Best of Phoenix Stand-Up Comedy Showcase â happening Saturday, November 1st at the Show Low Elks Lodge â courtesy of Mountain Mobile Auto Glass & Tint! đđď¸
Then the morning takes a surprise twist as Nashville recording artist Austin Burke and host of the Playlisted Podcast calls in to chat about supporting independent country artists and what it means to hear your...
Five Cats, No iPad, and a Fire Marshal Walk Into a Morning Show
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What do apps, cats, and fire safety chats have in common? Only on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends!
We start the show with Jan from Heber â our favorite unofficial weatherman with no computer, no internet, and no TV⌠just a radio and pure happiness. In honor of National iPad Day, we play âApp or Notâ where Jan tries to guess which wild-sounding apps are actually real (spoiler: some are ridiculous).
Then itâs tim...
Fake Chest Hair, Jerk Court Drama & Redneck Dog Trivia
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đ The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends â âDog Days, Jerk Court & Fake Chest Hairâ
Itâs a wild Wednesday on The Morning Brew! Chris Bennett and Jineane Ford kick off the show with a new âAm I the Jerk?â Court Case thatâll have you shouting verdicts from your car, plus a round of Trash or Treasure to give away tickets to Chris Bennett Comedy Presents: The Best of Phoenix Stand-Up Comedy Showcase â happening Saturday, November 1st at 6:30 PM at the Show Low Elks Lodge (get your tickets now at...
Back to the Future Laughs, Warm Wins & Small-Town Good Vibes | The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett
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Itâs Talk About Something Good Tuesday on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett and Best Friends, where we celebrate kindness, community, and a good laugh or two!
We kick off the morning with our good friend Jineane Ford, sharing good news and a little motivation to keep the week rolling in the right direction. Then, Show Lowâs own Dave Ramsey joins us for a hilarious âBoo or Cool: Back to the Future Day Editionââhoverboards, self-lacing shoes, and all the future tech we wish we ha...
Motivational Monday, Comedy Laughs w/Tony B & World Stats Smarts: The Morning Brew
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Itâs a feel-good, laugh-out-loud start to the week on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett and Best Friends!
We kick things off with Motivational Monday quotes and some encouragement with our good friend Jineane Ford, who reminds us that progress is personal and persistence pays off.
Then itâs all laughs as we welcome comedian Tony B, one of the stars of Chris Bennett Comedy Presents: The Best of Phoenix Stand-Up Showcase coming November 1st at 6:30 p.m. a...
Jinty McGrathâs Country Climb, First Radio Spin, And The Story Behind Medusa
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A first U.S. radio spin is never just a milestoneâitâs a jolt. We welcome Irish-born, Boston-based country artist Jinty McGrath for a fast-moving ride through his story, from late-night pub singalongs to the House of Blues stage, to center ice at TD Garden before 20,000 fans. Then we premiere Medusa, a kitchen-written, stage-tested track that slips between covers and hooks a room with a simple progression, a swing you can feel, and a lyric that stares back with green eyes and a knowing smile.
Jinty opens up about the doub...
Shawn Burke, Virgil the Cowboy & A Giving Kind of Love: Country, Kindness, and Relationship Truths
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Itâs a feel-good, music-filled morning on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett and Best Friends!
We start with a story of giving backâthe Light the World Giving Machines are coming to Show Low. Imagine buying a chicken, a goat, or meals for families right from a vending machineâevery dollar going to support charities like Hope Womenâs Center, Victory Village, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, and more. Itâs hands-on generosity that turns kindness into a local tradition.
Then, Shawn Burke joins us i...
Scarecrow Walk, Show Low Laughs & Small-Town Fun
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Itâs fall in the White Mountains, and the Morning Brew studio is packed with hometown energy! We were thrilled to welcome some of our favorite best friends from the City of Show Low â Myles Erdmann and Jacob Enfield from Show Low TV and Kevin Johnson from the Cityâs Parks & Recreation Department â for a fun, laughter-filled morning that proves small-town life is anything but boring.
We kick things off with all things Scarecrow Walk â the creative community event that fills...
Rain, Laughs, and Facing Fears
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Rain taps the studio windows and the lines light upâgratitude for soaked forests, a playful dare to face what scares us, and a cowboy on the line with a memory that still rides shotgun. We open with a quick-fire âWould You Ratherâ that turns fear into a laugh you can hold, then pivot to Virgilâs quiet tribute: driving his late friendâs truck and asking for George Strait to fill the empty seat. Between a new calf on the ranch and preferences that sketch a lifeâcowboy hat, truck rides, bar at sunsetâwe...
Motivational Monday: Failing Forward, Finding Strength & Laughing Through It
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Itâs Motivational Monday on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett and Best Friendsâwhere we find the funny side of failure and the strength in second chances.
We kick off with heartfelt updates from Jineane Ford, celebrating progress, perseverance, and what it means to keep showing up after life knocks you down. We honor Firefighter Glenn Collins and share how to support his family, then pivot to gratitude, growth, and just enough humor to keep things light.
One lucky listener scored ticketsâcourtesy of Comfort Fit De...
Zoe Jean Fowler Country Climb: âThe Hell Out of Meâ Premiere, Laughs & Morning Brew Fun
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A rain-soaked morning, a family pet fiasco, and a country artist who turned grit into momentumâthis one moves. We open with Jan the Weathermanâs take on Tropical Storm Priscilla and a straight-shot reminder to slow down on slick roads. Then the phones heat up: Daniel from Taylor grabs comedy tickets and drops a clear-headed verdict on a touchy caseâshould you pay cash when a sitter ignores instructions and feeds your dog premium food? Boundaries, gratitude, and common sense collide, and the ruling might surprise you.
Our spotlight turns to Nas...
Made in Arizona: Music Premieres, Relationship Truths & Local Heroes
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Todayâs show hit every noteâheartfelt, hilarious, and homegrown.
We start with a moment of remembrance for Timber Mesa Firefighter Glenn Collins, honoring his service and sharing details on the upcoming vigil and procession so the community can line the streets in support. As Tropical Storm Priscilla moves in, we break down what you need to know to stay safe through the rain and flash-flood risks.
Then itâs a hard pivot into real talk: relationship advice for a jealous boyfriend who...
Boundaries, Briskets, and Belly Laughs
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Some mornings are just all over the mapâin the best way. One minute weâre talking about a country artist stirring headlines with a new protest song, the next weâre tracking Tropical Storm Priscilla and scouting a pop-up haunt night before the rain hits. Itâs sharp takes, local updates, and a court case so perfectly petty youâll send it to your group chat before the verdict drops.
We start with a look at music, message, and how artists walk that line between storytelling and politics w...
Festival of Trees: Giving, Games, and Good News
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Holiday magic hits different when itâs local, generous, and a little bit competitiveâin the best way. We open with two powerful good news stories: a first-generation college grad who celebrates by giving her mom the master bedroom after years of hardship, and a rescue dog named Rico who turns out to be a hero tracker, reuniting lost pets (and even a capybara) with their families. Those moments set the stage for something bigger we can all be part of together.
We welcome Marsha Grombly from White Mountain Helping Hands to s...
Grief, Grit & Good Laughs: Honoring Firefighter Glenn Collins, Community Kindness & âHot Flash or Passâ with Crickette Gill
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When a small town hurts, it doesnât go quietâit comes together. We begin todayâs Morning Brew with a heartfelt tribute to Firefighter EMT Glenn Collins, the Timber Mesa first responder tragically lost in a Friday collision. We share details for those wanting to honor him and reflect on the strength that keeps this community standing tall.
From there, the show turns toward hope and connection. Maria from the Salvation Army joins us to talk about their Trunk-or-Treat for Special Needs Children and Families, a...
From Blue Ridge to Radio: Laurel Sabadoshâs Country Climb and the making of âWhoâs Countingâ
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A shy songwriter from Blue Ridge, Georgia finds her voice in Nashvilleâand hears it on the radio for the very first time. We welcome Laurel Sabadosh for a candid, electric conversation about the long climb from private demos to a premiere spin of âWhoâs Counting,â the unexpected tears that came with it, and the brand-new single âLeave,â a key chapter from her upcoming EP, Behind Closed Doors.
We dig into how Laurel writes idea-first and lyric-forward, shaping songs that read like truth-telling letters more than diary entries. She shares the queso-fu...
Comedy, Call-Ins, and Red Flags: A Morning Brew Rollercoaster
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A Halloween comedy challenge kicks us off as we debate how to channel the right version of a legendâearly Mork-and-Mindy chaos or later, sharper Robin Williamsâand why tiny choices like a shaved beard, a loud shirt, or updated references can make or break an impression. That craft talk flows into a brutally honest look at patterns in relationships: a âdreamâ boyfriend who flakes on help, fumbles a vacation into sun-poisoned disaster, and asks for money after admitting he couldnât afford the trip. We unpack the difference between bad luck and bad habits...
Sometimes your dreams are waiting where you never planned to go
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The path you didnât plan might be the one that delivers everything you wanted. We kick off with a two-year look-back at filming Small Town Famous at the Pinedale Community Centerâwhy hitting record in a âsmallâ place turned into a big turning point, how retiring old material opened the door for fresh writing, and the simple truth that your dreams can be waiting in a zip code you never expected.
From there, we play with questions that reveal a lot: the high school moment that lit Chrisâs comedic spark, why...
Small Town Famous, Two Years Late
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A rescued bird standing for the first time. A research chart showing a 28% drop in dementia risk. A small-town stage where friends turned a dream into tape and tape turned into a career. Thatâs the arc we follow as we lean into real good news, hard-won purpose, and the power of community to change a life.
We start with an uplifting story from Ohio correctional facilities partnering with the Ohio Wildlife Center. Inmates care for orphaned and injured animalsâtiny birds, baby rabbits, and motherless possumsâinside aviaries and even cell-s...
From Tribute to Triumph: A Monday Brew of Heart & Hustle
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Rain on the streets, bagpipes in the air, and a town that shows up anywayâthatâs how we start a Monday built on heart and followâthrough. We honor Timber Mesa firefighters Brennan Kulikowski and Damon Thompson with details on how to support their families, then widen the lens to the flooding in Globe and the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, whose century of service touched millions. The thread through it all is simple and strong: care for people, and turn care into action.
JD Pepper, our Fire Marshal, jumps...
đď¸ Honoring Our Heroes & Climbing with Country Star Trey Calloway
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The Morning Brew began today with a heartfelt reminder of the funeral processions for Timber Mesa Firefighters Brenna Kulikowski and Damon Thompson.
Friday, Sept 26 â 10 AM: Service for Brenna at Show Low High School (procession starts 9:45 AM)Saturday, Sept 27 â 10 AM: Service for Damon at the same location (procession starts 9:45 AM)The community is invited to line the route to honor these brave heroes. We also shared gratitude for the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside for canceling their parade out of respect and unity.
After paying trib...
Honoring Heroes & Homecoming Highlights in the White Mountains
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The White Mountains community faces a weekend of both remembrance and celebration as we prepare to honor our fallen heroes while embracing the traditions that bring us together.Â
This morning's show spotlighted the processions planned for Friday and Saturday mornings to honor firefighters Brenna and Damon, with community members encouraged to line the streets from Owens Livingston to the Show Low Auditorium. Fundraisers at The House and One Eyed Jacks will provide additional opportunities to support the families of these brave first responders. Jineane reminded listeners to plan a...
From Tragedy to Action: How We Can Support Timber Mesa Families
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Hearts are heavy across the White Mountain community as we gather to honor two brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice. Brenna Kulikowski, 31, and Damon Thompson, 21, both Timber Mesa firefighters, lost their lives in the line of duty, leaving behind grieving families, colleagues, and a community in shock.
The Morning Brew welcomed representatives from the White Mountain Firefighters Association and the Professional Firefighters of Arizona to discuss these remarkable individuals and the community response to this tragedy. Brenna, affectionately known as the "bohemian gangster," was recently married with a 10-year-old daughter...
Fall Favorites & Feel-Good Stories on the Morning Brew
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Fall has officially arrived at the Morning Brew, and we're celebrating with a special autumn-themed episode packed with heartwarming stories, country music updates, and the return of fan-favorite characters.
The changing seasons set the perfect backdrop for our fall edition of "This or That" where we discover preferences for apple crisp over pumpkin pie, caramel apples over candy apples, and the universal joy of stealing your partner's cozy hoodies when the temperature drops. These small moments of connection remind us why we love this time of year.
Our Taco...
Pumpkin Spice & Community Pride: First Day of Fall on The Brew
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We begin today with a heartfelt check-in from Jineane Ford of Majik 101.7 & iTalk 106.7. Jineane recaps the memorial service for Charlie Kirk held Sunday at State Farm Stadium and shares details on how the White Mountain community can honor our fallen Timber Mesa firefighters this Friday and Saturday, including the full procession route for those wishing to pay their respects.
From there, we brighten the morning with Monday Motivation, featuring Marianne Williamsonâs inspiring reminder: âIn every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to h...
Country Climb with July Moon + Pirate Fun & a Heartfelt Tribute
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Todayâs Morning Brew was packed with music, laughs, and a touch of small-town heart.
đś Country Climb Artist of the Week â July Moon
Nashvilleâs harmony-rich trio joined us to share their journey, their new single âWhat a Woman Should Be,â and a few hilarious personal stories (including an unexpected teenage-crush confession!).
â ď¸ Talk Like a Pirate Day Fun
Listeners went all-in with their best âArrr!â impressions to win D-backs tickets for this weekendâs series against the Phillies.
â¤ď¸ Community Moments
Later in the show...
Honoring Timber Mesa Heroes & Finding Light in Small-Town Life
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Hearts are heavy across the White Mountains as we prepare to welcome home our fallen heroes. Two Timber Mesa firefighters will be escorted from Flagstaff this afternoon, expected to arrive in Show Low between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. The best places to gather and pay your respects is along the Deuce of Clubs between HWY 77 and White Mountain Rd.
Amid community grief, we had relationship advice with Jineane Ford. We explore money and relationship boundaries when A 31-year-old man spent $8,000 on emergency surgery for his beloved dog, causing tension with his 23-year-old girlfriend...
First Pitches & Fan Favorites: D-backs Tix, Am I The Jerk Court & Tavisâ Big Vote
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Radio magic happens when genuine connection meets community support, and today's Morning Brew delivered both in spades.
The phone lines lit up as listeners competed for D-backs tickets and comedy show passes through Chris's signature games. Samuel, our first caller, faced the ultimate choice in "Would You Rather" â throw the first pitch at a D-backs game or enjoy front-row seats for his favorite band? His decision to go with the pitching opportunity (while admitting his love for Metallica and Def Leppard) won him Sunday tickets to see the D-backs take on th...
From Tragedy to Triumph: Remembering Timber Mesa & Cheering Tavis McCreery
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Tragedy and resilience intertwine in this poignant episode of The Morning Brew, as hosts Chris Bennett and Janine Ford begin by honoring two fallen Timber Mesa firefighters. Brenna Kulikowski (31) and Damon Thompson (21) lost their lives in a devastating collision on State Route 260, along with the occupant of another vehicle. The community's powerful responseâlining streets as the fallen were transported to Flagstaffâshowcases the extraordinary bond within the White Mountain region during times of sorrow.
Seeking balance amid grief, the show transitions to heartwarming stories that restore faith in humanity. We meet...
Monday Motivation & Music: Eastern Dreamersâ Journey and a Tribute to Timber Mesa Fire
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The hearts of our community grow heavy as we share news of the tragic loss of two Timber Mesa firefighters in the line of duty. In moments like these, we're reminded of the fragility of life and the courage of those who serve our communities daily.
Shifting to uplift spirits, we explore timeless wisdom with our Monday motivation segment, where Benjamin Franklin's words "Energy and persistence conquer all things" resonate deeply with our listeners. This sentiment of perseverance perfectly sets the stage for our featured guests, the Nashville-based duo Eastern Dreamers.<...
Remembering 9/11, Seeking Connection & a Dash of Speed Dating Fun
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The raw emotion of national tragedy meets the everyday search for connection in this powerful episode of The Morning Brew.
Chris and Jineane Ford open the show with heartfelt reflections on the devastating assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, a shocking act of political violence that weighed heavily on this September 11th broadcast. Their candid conversation about grief, division, and hope captures the tension of a country remembering 9/11 while grappling with fresh heartbreak.
âWe need to be humble and kind,â Janine reminds listeners, as Chri...A Decade of The House Restaurant: Community, Connection & Celebration
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What makes a restaurant last for a decade in a small mountain town? According to Chris Corbin of The House Restaurant, it starts with putting community first and business second.
Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Corbin and Shanine from The House Restaurant as they prepare to celebrate their remarkable 10-year anniversary in Show Low. Their story isn't just about good food and drinksâit's about creating a genuine community space where people can disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other.
Chris, who grew up...
Dudes, Dogs & Dead Comedians: Chaos & Connection on The Morning Brew
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Ever wonder what happens when a 21-year-old calls his date "dude" repeatedly? The Morning Brew brings you Joey's latest dating adventure alongside producer Ryan's memorial service fashion faux pas - showing up in formal black attire to a beach ceremony where one attendee wore only a bikini!
This episode captures the beautiful chaos of everyday life as Chris Bennett shares exciting news about his upcoming Halloween comedy challenge. He'll be channeling the legendary Robin Williams for a series of "dead comedian" tribute shows - a high-energy assignment that has him both...
Cheering for Tavis: White Mountains Youth Athlete of the Year Quarterfinalis
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The Morning Brew kicks off the week with a very special guest â Tavis McCreery, a White Mountains standout whoâs a quarterfinalist for Sports Illustrated and Russell Wilsonâs Youth Athlete of the Year Award. đ
Tavis and his dad and mom join Chris in studio for laughs, sports trivia, and a candid father-versus-son showdown to see who knows more about football and baseball. Beyond the fun, Tavis shares what this national recognition means to him and how the community can help him advance to the semifinals.
đ You c...
Couldâve Been Her: Chandler Jamesâ Country Climb & White Mountain Fun
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Todayâs Morning Brew kicks off with our Country Climb Star of the Week, Chandler James, the rising Nashville artist from North Carolina whose soulful country sound is turning heads. Chandler opens up about his journey from Motown karaoke sessions to the legendary Bluebird CafĂŠ, and we premiere his brand-new single âCouldâve Been Her.â
But thatâs just the start â Brian from Pinedale calls in to remind us that Chris Bennett Comedyâs Best of Phoenix Comedy Showcase hits the Pinedale Community Center in just 15 days (and tickets are already 50...
Laughter, Hope, and a Lone Guitar: Community Stories & Suicide Prevention
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The hum of small-town radio pulses through this episode of Morning Brew as host Chris Bennett weaves together community warmth and profound messages of hope. We kick off with listeners Susan from Snowflake and Kevin winning coveted Diamondbacks tickets through playful on-air games, capturing that special brand of local connection that brings our White Mountain community together.
A heartfelt conversation with Chris's friend Jineane reveals her recovery progress alongside Chris's exciting announcement â he'll be performing as his comedy hero Robin Williams in an upcoming "Dead Comedians" showcase. The vulnerability in his vo...
Cougar Cub Horseless Rodeo: Supporting Teachers Through Stick Horse Adventures
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Saddle up for an innovative twist on rodeo tradition as we dive into the heartwarming story behind Linden Elementary's Cougar Cub Horseless Rodeo. This unique fundraiser, celebrating its fifth year, transforms ordinary stick ponies into trusty steeds for young cowboys and cowgirls eager to show their skills while supporting local teachers.
Principal Deitering and PTO representative Melissa Perkins share how this creative event emerged from a desire to directly support classroom teachers who regularly spend personal funds on supplies. Unlike typical fundraisers, 100% of proceeds go straight to fulfilling teacher wish lists...
Vegas Adventures, Squirrel Fears, and Baseball Trivia: Chris Bennett's Eclectic Morning Show
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Laughter and heart-warming moments collide as producer Ryan returns from Vegas with tales of escalator disasters and a memorable elevator encounter with a man whose false teeth took an unexpected tumble. Meanwhile, his 21-year-old roommate Joey delivers perhaps the most relatable confession of 2025: ordering food delivery just for human interaction during his week alone. "I wasn't even hungry," Joey admits, before revealing his four-night couch-camping marathon prompted by suspected squirrels in the walls.
The Morning Brew's signature blend of small-town charm continues with a call from fan-favorite Paul from Beaumont, who...
