97.9 THE RAT RACE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

Written By: Ben Roy & Andrew Orvedahl

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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

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

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 by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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

Written By: Chris Marrs

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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 beyond.

#WEHEARDYOUEDDIE #ITSDEFINITELYABOUTBRAD

97.9 The Rat Race #12

Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) Chris Marrs (Animal) & Mary Jane Gibson (Birdie)

Written By: Beth Hoyt

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

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 & Chris Marrs

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 By: Chris Marrs

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

Coming August 31, 2020 to the All Things Comedy Network.

Coming August 31, 2020 to the All Things Comedy Network.

Hear ye hear ye! This afternoon the 97.9 crew broadcasts live from the King Edward's Renaissance Faire for a momentous occasion indeed!  A special thanks to Alan and the folks over at the Kohl's on 47th & Mitchell for permitting friends, fans, and family members of Sir Dinkums to congregate in their parking lot between the hours of 10PM and 6AM.

97.9 The Rat Race #9

Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Joe Hartzler (Todd)

Written By: Chris Marrs

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

From the vault at the 97.9 studios comes a throwback episode. This morning we take you back to July 13th, 2010 - a very important date in the history of The Rat Race. Brought to you by our friends at Matt Alleghany Nationwide Insurance.  #RIPBonnie #FreeFreewayFrank

97.9 The Rat Race #8

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

This morning, from the WRBO News and Business Desk, newsman Bruce Davis drops by to give the Rat Race crew all the day's happenings from our nation's financial sector. Also a big thanks to our sponsors Typhoon Landing At Monsoon Marina Splash Park and James R. Klein, Attorney At Law.

97.9 The Rat Race #7

Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal, Newsman Bruce)

Written By: Chris Marrs

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

This morning the 97.9 crew broadcasts live from in front of the new ultra-lux condos at The Dwelling at Virage.  Also don't forget to enter in to win our annual "Donny D Pays Your Bills" sweepstakes, courtesy of our friends over at Power House Kia/Mazda of Kaplan Hills.  ***If you see long time Rat Race listener Glenn, please contact our station line or the Metro Area Department of Human Services immediately.

97.9 The Rat Race #6

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

Exciting morning here at 97.9 The Rat Race as comedy legend Bobcat Goldthwait joins us in studio! Also don't forget that 'Eeek! At the Creek 6' kicks off this Friday evening! Brought to you by the friendly folks at Dark Star Hard Seltzers. #RIPSophia #2500HundredDollarReward #SophiaIsAGhostNow #RIPSK

97.9 The Rat Race #5

Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara), Chris Marrs (Animal) & Bobcat Goldthwait

Written By: Ben Roy

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

It's a beautiful Thursday morning out there in the metro area which means the 97.9 crew is playing one of their favorite games, "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down". Don't forget to get your questions into us by midnight Wednesday to hear them on-air. RIPSkyBlasterGirl   #RIPRoscoe

97.9 The Rat Race #4

Featuring: Ben Roy (Donny D), Beth Hoyt (Tara) & Chris Marrs (Animal)

Written By: Beth Hoyt

Audio Designed & Directed by: Evan Nix

Created by: Ben Roy & Chris Marrs

A busy holiday weekend ahead so give yourself an extra hour if heading out of town this afternoon. There are two tickets still up for grabs to see Monster Jam at Sookie Arena. Phone lines open at 7:30. Be caller #97 and you'll be our winner*! *** Due to a state injunction, under no circumstances will the prize horn be sounded until on or after the 1st of January, 2020. RIP Nana Animal

97.9 The Rat Race #3

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

It's a brisk but beautiful Valentine's Day out there in the metro area and today we're dusting off a 97.9 The Rat Race favorite, "War of the Roses." Don't forget to visit our friends over at 'Petals To the Metal Floral Designs'. Use the promo code "979DonnyD" when making your next purchase and receive 25% off all Ocean Breeze Orchids and/or all Havonal synthetic blends. ***Limit one per committed partner.***

(Extra special thanks to the Blanchette County District Attorney's Office for releasing the audio files back to us.)

97.9 The Rat Race #2

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