My Qualifications (or lack thereof)
I work at a desk job, so I usually have my radio on during the day. I get tired of listening to music fairly quickly, but talk radio seems to always have something interesting to discuss. I don’t think I’m an expert on talk radio, but I have listened almost exclusively to talk radio shows in the past two years (2007-2008). Let me tell you, 2008 was a good year for talk radio.
There was an election (I’m sure nobody missed it), a financial crisis, and plenty of other topics that talk radio hosts love to gab about. I’ve grown to love listening to several talk radio shows in 2008. If you think you’d like any of these suggestions, don’t forget to check out the links, because you might be able to find a station near you that carries the show. Happy listening!
The #1 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Rick and Bubba Show
While Rick and Bubba started in my local market (broadcasting from Birmingham, AL), they have spread like wildfire in 2008 due to their fun-loving attitude and their unusual format. And in 2008, they have even spread to Alaska! While many other morning shows have music or other distractions, the Rick and Bubba Show is pretty much “two fat guys talking to each other,” in their words.
They enjoy talking about politics (never failing to play the theme song by Styx, “Too Much Time on My Hands”). Rick and Bubba also like to do “Wacky World” segments about crazy news stories they come across. Included is a blend of sports, celebrity news, and personal stories. The Rick and Bubba Show is definitely worth a listen.
Rick and Bubba Show Highlight-When the guys talk about how our society is full of “puds.”
The #2 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Dave Ramsey Show
The introduction to every hour of the Dave Ramsey Show is something that brings me hope. Dave’s tone of voice and words when he says, “Welcome to Financial Peace Plaza, where debt is dumb, cash is king, and the paid-off home mortgage is taking the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice” always gives me chills. In case you haven’t realized, Dave Ramsey has a show about finances.
Well, he likes to say that it’s not a show about money; it’s about life. Dave spends 90% of his time taking calls from people that are hurting emotionally, financially, etc. More often than not he is able to give them hope and encouragement for the road ahead. In 2008, this talk show host had a lot of good insight into the financial crisis, market bailout, and mortgage meltdown. I really enjoy listening to Dave Ramsey, and his financial and relationship advice can save you a world of heartaches and headaches.
Dave Ramsey Show Highlight-Friday calls from people that scream, “I’M DEBT FREEEEEEEE!!!”
The #3 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Glenn Beck Show
If someone calls you a “sick twisted freak,” you might be offended; however, if Glenn Beck calls you one, then you are receiving a great compliment. Glenn Beck is known for his wacky attitude and funny radio show, but these days he’s looking more and more like a genius (Note: This is the first time “Glenn Beck” and “genius” have ever been in a sentence together without the phrase “is not a” in the middle).
His early prediction of the 2008 financial meltdown and his ongoing analysis of the current situation make him a great asset for those looking to stay on top of the current state of the U.S. economy. While Glenn confesses to being a “former alcoholic DJ rodeo clown,” he has a great insight into the way things work, and he is a self-educated example for all of us.
Glenn Beck Show Highlight-Friday “Moron Trivia” games where the show calls “shelf-replenishing engineers” (stockboys) to ask them questions about current events.
The #4 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Laura Ingraham Show
I recently found Laura Ingraham, and I am sad that I have missed her for so long! The screamed words at the beginning of the hour shouting, “Power to the people,” lets me know that it’s time to settle in to have a great time. Laura is a funny woman, and she never ceases to get to the bottom of an issue.
In 2008, Laura never failed to have an in-depth analysis of the election issues. Her website is one of the only ones I’ve seen that offers free audio clips from the show. Being able to send links from the Laura Ingraham show to friends and family is a great way to bring them into the fold, educate them on current events, and share a few laughs together.
Laura Ingraham Show Highlight-The bumper music for her show is the best of any, and her audio clip montages are top-notch.
The #5 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Neal Boortz Show
Neal Boortz is, according to his website, “the most overrated and underpaid talk show host in America.” I think I would agree. His no-nonsense attitude and angry rants at the government make his performance entertaining and informative. Neal Boortz is a libertarian, and his views strongly represent that.
In 2008, Neal has been on top of the current events, and he has several good ideas for how the U.S. got into the financial crisis and how to get out of it. His self-created title of “the High Priest of the Church of the Painful Truth” is fitting, because he is never afraid to tell it like it really is. I like the Neal Boortz Show for the straight talk he gives daily.
Neal Boortz Show Highlight-The Nealz Nuze portion of his website gives daily news and commentary, and I never fail to miss a single day.
The #6 Best Talk Radio Show of 2008-The Kim Komando Show
The Kim Komando Show is computer- and technology-related, and Kim is generally a fun gal. She is the self-proclaimed “Digital Goddess,” and I think the term suits her well. She takes calls about anything digital, including phones, GPS, cameras, camcorders, computers, networking, internet businesses, and so much more! Her son’s voice when he announces the “Show Picks of the Week” is so cute!
Kim Komando is a valuable source for technological help, and her site is the first one I visit when I have a question about anything related to technology. As our world becomes digitized in the future, not only in 2008, Kim Komando will be a valuable resource for everyone to utilize.
Kim Komando Show Highlight-She has several daily newsletters that really come in handy, including a technology news of the day, computer tip of the day, and cool site of the day.
Remember to check out the websites for each of the Top Talk Radio Shows of 2008 if you’d like to listen!
