The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett

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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...

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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...

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As Labor Day weekend approaches, the White Mountains region bursts with activity and excitement. Jineane Ford joins us to spotlight the Sweet Corn Festival with its charming small-town parade, arts and crafts, corn hole tournament, and live entertainment featuring Ashley Westcott and Avery Irving. Don't miss the Vaquero Productions Harvest Rodeo or Monday's pie party at the historic Shumway Schoolhouse with the Mountain Air Brass Quintet.

Meanwhile, Springerville hosts its 14th annual Rib Throwdown through Saturday, and Show Low presents the Battle of the Bands and Vans at Frontier Fields – complete wi...

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Morning radio magic unfolds as Chris connects with Jineane, who shares positive news about her recovery from a horse accident. Despite needing another week before suture removal and still being on crutches, her optimism shines through—especially when talking about her adorable new baby donkey, Poppy, whom she describes as being "like a stuffed animal."

The conversation shifts to relationship territory when Chris reads a letter from a young woman distressed after her boyfriend devoured all eight homemade jalapeño poppers without saving her any. Janine's practical advice cuts through the dra...

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Something strange has been lurking in the forests around Show Low, and locals are organizing a hunt to track down the legendary Mogollon Monster. Standing between seven and eight feet tall with a distinctive skunk-like odor, this Arizona cryptid has been spotted throughout the rim country, with recent sightings captured on drone footage. Could this be northern Arizona's answer to Bigfoot?

Grace Payne, communications manager for the City of Show Low, joins us to announce the Mogollon Monster Night Hunt happening Monday, September 1st from 7:30 to 9:00 PM at the Show Low...

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The heart and soul of small-town America pulses through every minute of this episode as we spotlight the remarkable ways our White Mountain communities come together for meaningful causes.

Pierre Deemers of Deemers Glass joins us to share details about the upcoming Arizona Kids Experience Rim Country Fun Run 2, happening September 13th at Tall Timbers Park in Heber. This full-day celebration combines adventure and philanthropy with a UTV poker run through the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, a unique cornhole tournament pairing first responders and veterans with children, live music, food trucks...

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Start your week with laughter and motivation as Chris Bennett and Jineane deliver their perfect blend of lighthearted conversation, games, and community connections. Fresh off a weekend of activities, Chris shares details about his comedy production at Torreon Golf Club and announces his exciting upcoming "Best of Phoenix Showcase" in Pinedale on September 20th, while Janine recounts her meaningful experience at Molly Butler's birthday celebration where discussions centered on agricultural preservation and responsible land stewardship.

The heart of this episode shines through during "Motivational Monday" when Groucho Marx's profound wisdom about...

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Todd Cameron embodies the authentic country climb that Nashville dreams are made of. The West Virginia native shares his fascinating journey from working on his grandfather's farm at age nine to becoming a rising star in Music City with over 1,500 shows under his belt.

Growing up on a steady diet of CMT music videos at his grandparents' house, Cameron fell in love with country music watching George Strait, Clay Walker, and Daryl Singletary. His first performance experiences came through church, where he gradually introduced guitars, drums and bass to traditional services...

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Lost glasses and mixed signals set the stage for a laugh-filled Morning Brew as Chris Bennett navigates his day "flying blind" with Jineane Ford. Together they tackle the age-old question: when is friendly behavior more than just friendship? Their thoughtful advice for a confused letter writer reminds us all that clear communication is the key to escaping the dreaded friend zone.

The studio comes alive when Omar and Alma from Aliberto’s restaurant stop by to promote their Loteria night happening in Pinetop. Through sibling rivalry questions and family stories, we di...

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You never know what you'll get when the phone lines open on The Morning Brew, and today's episode delivers small-town charm and surprising wisdom in equal measure.

Paul from Beaumont checks in with an update on his weight loss journey, revealing he's down 15 pounds but couldn't bring himself to self-administer his medication. "I just looked at the needle and said, yeah, this ain't happening," he admits before sharing his wife Rhonda's less-than-gentle assistance and his cousin's backhanded compliment: "Your face ain't fat as it was." It's a refreshingly honest look at...

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Ever had one of those days when you desperately needed something to smile about? That's exactly what this episode delivers – a perfect blend of absurdity, heartwarming surprises, and genuine human goodness.

We kick things off with Dave Ramsey facing hilariously uncomfortable choices in our "This or That" game. Would you rather wear cowboy boots filled with Jell-O or flip-flops made of bacon? Dave's reluctant selection and reasoning will have you chuckling along with us. The fun continues as we celebrate International Bow Day with a special "Boo or Cool" segment, revealing Da...

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When life kicks you down—sometimes literally—how do you find the strength to get back up? After weeks of absence following a severe horse-related injury, co-host Jineane Ford King makes her triumphant return to the Morning Brew, crutches and all.

Jineane's comeback story unfolds with the perfect blend of humor and heart as she recounts her harrowing experience of being kicked by a horse, requiring air evacuation, and facing a long recovery road. With remarkable resilience, she shares how this setback hasn't diminished her passion for riding—though she'll never skip p...

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Music isn’t just something Noah Silver does—it’s the thread that connects his past, present, and future. In this heartfelt Country Climb interview, Noah shares how playing piano with his grandfather in Scottsdale, Arizona, set him on a path that now finds him performing in Nashville’s legendary venues. His powerful stories about bringing music to hospice patients will give you goosebumps, especially the moment an unresponsive listener suddenly lit up during his performance of “Your Song.” We also premiere his new honky-tonk single “Rock is Rolling” and talk about his EP Desert Stars...

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Laughter erupts as Paul from Beaumont recounts his weight loss journey with a medication similar to Ozempic, having dropped 10 pounds in his first week. The real entertainment comes from his description of getting the injection from his Nanu, whose knife-wielding approach to administering shots has Paul vowing to take matters into his own hands next time. "I'll give myself a shot before I go back to Nanu," he declares, painting a hilarious picture of Redneck healthcare 

The heartbeat of community pulses throughout this episode as Brian from Pinedale calls in to p...

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Step into the Morning Brew's vibrant world where real-life dilemmas meet small-town charm and unexpected friendships. Today's episode kicks off with an irresistible "Am I the Jerk Court" case that has everyone talking: should a newlywed surrender her dream honeymoon cabin to a cousin's last-minute elopement plans? Judge Joe G delivers a passionate verdict that champions personal boundaries and proper planning.

The community truly shines as we hear from our regular callers across Arizona. Jan the Weatherman brightens our day with not just a forecast, but heartwarming news about finding homes...

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The airwaves crackle with laughter as Dave Ramsey joins the Morning Brew for the fan-favorite "Boo or Cool" segment, weighing in on everything from Baseball Fans Day (cool) to National Sewing Machine Day (a definite boo). When National Middle Child Day comes up, Dave reveals he's a middle child himself—perhaps explaining why he tends to "lay in the middle" on so many topics.

The fun continues as Dave surprises everyone with his knowledge of Gen Z slang, correctly identifying terms like "riz" (romantic charm) and "drip" (stylish clothes). Host Chris Be...

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What happens when a 46-year-old Emmy Award-winning producer and a 21-year-old who's never lived away from home become roommates? As it turns out, a surprisingly harmonious relationship built on toaster strudels, Superbad viewings, and Cypress Hill concerts.

Fresh from headlining at Dead Crow Comedy Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, I spent the weekend crashing with my best friend Ryan and his young roommate Joey. Their dynamic immediately fascinated me – two men separated by 25 years sharing not just an apartment but also a workplace, as Joey works for Ryan's production company. When as...

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From a family steeped in musical tradition to dropping out of college to chase his Nashville dreams, Joe Noto's story exemplifies the passionate pursuit of country music stardom. The Buffalo-born, Florida-raised artist sat down to share his remarkable journey, revealing how music has been his one constant since childhood.

At just five years old, Joe's parents gave him a simple mandate: choose a sport and an instrument. While various sports came and went, music remained. His grandfather's career as a jazz musician in the '50s and '60s and his...

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Comedy and community collide as Chris Bennett prepares for his milestone comedy headlining weekend at the prestigious Dead Crow Comedy Club in Wilmington, North Carolina. The excitement is palpable as Chris explains he'll be joining the ranks of comedy legends who have performed at this venue, promising his followers a steady stream of "butt dance" videos from various Wilmington landmarks. His friend Kirk Nurmi calls with a tongue-in-cheek warning that Chris might be "too handsome and funny" for North Carolina laws—a risk Chris seems willing to take for his art.

Th...

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It’s a jam-packed edition of The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends as we spotlight this week’s Country Climb Star of the Week: Austin Burke — a Scottsdale native turned Nashville powerhouse whose viral songs and Playlisted podcast are changing the game for independent country artists. We talk to Austin about his journey from singing the national anthem at age three to landing a publishing deal with Thomas Rhett’s Home Team.

But the biggest surprise comes from beloved local legend Jineane Ford, who shares her shoc...

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Awkward relationship moments, surprising dog facts, and a taste of the Old West come together in this engaging episode of Morning Brew. When a listener's boyfriend has an embarrassing nighttime accident and mysteriously disappears afterward, our relationship expert Paul from Beaumont steps in with practical advice gleaned from years of experience (and a few personal mishaps of his own). The solution? A little compassion goes a long way when someone's feeling vulnerable.

The laughs continue as Chris challenges our guest to a round of dog trivia in honor of National Mutt...

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Ever wonder what your favorite radio personalities were like in school? The first day of classes in the White Mountains brings out the good, the bad, and the hilarious as Chris Bennett welcomes a lineup of special guests to share their school-day memories and offer advice to students starting fresh.

Dave Ramsey kicks things off with a candid take on back-to-school season (spoiler: he's not a fan of those early August start dates). When pressed about his most embarrassing school moment, Dave reveals a cringe-worthy story about being taped up by...

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Birthdays have a way of bringing out the best in people, and that's exactly what happened when Chris Bennett celebrated turning 45 on this special edition of the Morning Brew. Between calls from his collection of self-proclaimed "best friends" and sharing stories of remarkable generosity, this episode delivers equal parts laughter and heartwarming moments.

The show kicks off with a "Talk About Something Good Tuesday" segment featuring the inspiring story of Korean House restaurant in Austin. This extraordinary establishment opens its doors monthly to serve completely free meals to anyone who walks...

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The power of community shines throughout this lively episode as Chris Bennett takes us behind the scenes of his recent comedy show at the Elks Lodge. What began as entertainment transformed into meaningful community impact, raising over $1,500 for local youth charities. The genuine emotion in Chris's voice as he thanks those who supported the event—including his parents who attended—reveals just how much these connections matter in small-town life.

Brian from Pinedale drops by to promote this Saturday's Pinedale Chuckwagon Festival, a nostalgic journey back to pioneer days with authentic chuc...

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GlenBrooke's voice carries you through emotional landscapes with the authenticity of someone who's lived the stories she tells. In this captivating conversation, we explore the musical journey of an artist finding her unique path between Michigan's vibrant music scene and Nashville's recording studios.

Growing up surrounded by music—with her father leading a local band and family members playing various instruments—Glenn's destiny seemed written in guitar strings from the start. She shares how playing her first song at seven (Dixie Chicks' "Take Me Away") led to high school performances and even...

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Santa Claus makes a surprise call to the Morning Brew, delivering the good news that host Chris isn't on the naughty list after all—though he's borderline due to his choice of energy drinks! This lighthearted opener sets the tone for an episode packed with humor, practical information, and unexpected insights from local heroes.

The show takes an entertaining turn with Producer Ryan hosting a game of "Sports Headline or Tinder Bio," challenging listeners to distinguish between athletic news headlines and dating app profiles. Following this, Ryan shares his post-divorce dating wi...

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Moral dilemmas take center stage as we dive into the thorny question: should you tell a friend when you discover their partner is cheating? Our "Am I the Jerk" court weighs a situation where someone sent photographic evidence of infidelity directly to the person being cheated on, only to face backlash from their friend group. Judge Janine delivers a verdict that champions honesty, suggesting that true friendship sometimes requires difficult conversations.

The conversation takes a lighter turn with our birthday-themed "Would You Rather" game, offering listeners a chance to win tickets...

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What happens when university students on a peaceful canoe trip suddenly become horse rescuers? That's just one of the heartwarming stories we explored on this week's Taco Bout Something Good Tuesday. Our listeners were moved by the tale of two quick-thinking students who saved a struggling foal from drowning and reunited it with its mother – proving that heroes emerge in the most unexpected moments.

The good news continued with Janine sharing the story of Will Burrell, a young entrepreneur from Long Island whose "Will's Smash Burgers" stand lets veterans eat for fr...

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Wake up with a smile as Chris Bennett brews the perfect morning blend of laughter, community connection, and heartwarming moments. Join the conversation as locals share their stories and participate in delightfully quirky games that turn ordinary Mondays into opportunities for joy.

When Brian from Pinedale calls in, the show transforms into a humorous exploration of National Get Out of the Doghouse Day, determining which relationship faux pas deserve banishment to the metaphorical doghouse. From returning empty milk containers to the fridge to more serious transgressions, the conversation captures the everyday...

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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...