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 Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Abigail Marlowe (Alexis)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Tara's Scary Good On-Air Makeover!

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

Love (and Tara) is Blind

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 Roy & Chris Marrs

Dance of the Starlings

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 Tom Clark interview ran long.
97.9 The Rat Race #35
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal), Evan Nix (Luke), Homer Marrs (Driver) & Adam Cayton-Holland (Tom)
Written By: Beth Hoyt
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Traffic & Trafficked

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 brilliant and talented Maria Thayer (Those Who Can't, Superstore) who was bumped when we ran long.
97.9 The Rat Race #34
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Maria Thayer (Claire)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Rando Wedding: Honeymoon Follow Up!

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

The All Souls Remote: Explained!

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 Nix (Luke)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Live From All Souls Cemetery!

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 Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Matt Braunger (Keith Heat)
Written By: Ben Roy
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

The Ballad of Keith Heat

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 (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Live at The Air & Water Show!

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 contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Metro Area Field Office.
97.9 The Rat Race #29
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal), Daniel Van Kirk (William Jones) & Evan Nix (Luke the Puke)
Written By: Evan Nix & Adam Nix
Directed by: Adam Nix
Produced & Edited by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Hot-Dog-A-Rama

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

From the Vault: The Big 'Su

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), & Jordan Doll (Griffin).
 
Written By: Ben Roy
 
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
 
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs
 
 

The Man in the Snowbank

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.
97.9 The Rat Race #26
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Mamrie Hart (Maggie)
Written By: Beth Hoyt
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

It's Giving Friday!

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 (Donny D), BETH HOYT (Tara), CHRIS MARRS (Animal) & RORY SCOVEL (Mongoose)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

The Mongoose In Studio!

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 link for Tara's dog Lebron's care can be found on the 97.9 geocities page. We apologize again for misunderstandings.
97.9 The Rat Race #24
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) with Al Madrigal, Jackie Kashian & Kyle Kinane
Story By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Al Madrigal, Kyle Kinane & Jackie Kashian Live in Studio!

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 was bumped from the show this morning to accommodate Dr. Julie's visit.
97.9 The Rat Race #23
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Mircea Monroe (Dr. Julie)
Written By: Chris Marrs
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Dr. Julie: Love Guru

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
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Luke the Puke's Last Day

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 Tracy's appearance.
R.I.P. Bernard's Department Store on Wewatta.
97.9 The Rat Race #21
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Franchesca Ramsey (Rachel)
Written By: Beth Hoyt
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

The Ultimate Roastmaster

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).

Howie Mandel, This Is Your Life!

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.
97.9 The Rat Race #19
Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) with Jason & Randy Sklar as The Sklar Bros.
Written By: Ben Roy
Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix
Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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97.9 THE RAT RACE

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