The Magic of Ron Bennington: A Heartfelt Tribute from a Grateful Talk Show Host

As a successful talk radio host for 30 years, I've encountered many personalities in the industry. But the one who inspired me the most as a young RRR, who I owe a great deal of my career to, is the legendary Ron Bennington. It's true that talk show hosts rarely praise their peers – perhaps it's ego or fear of appearing less talented. I, however, have never understood this mindset, and I’d like to break that mold.

I've had the pleasure of hosting "Monsters in the Morning" on Real Radio 104.1 and iHeartRadio for the past three decades. But my journey into the world of talk radio began in the 1980s when I stumbled upon the "Ron & Ron Show." It was this show, with its eclectic mix of Ron Diaz, Ron Bennington, and Fez Whatley, that captivated me as a young man and sparked my desire to have my own radio show. No “Ron & Ron”, there would be no “Monsters in the Morning”.

The "Ron & Ron Show" was a game-changer for me. I was mesmerized by their interactions with "Billy the Phone Freak," the wild antics of "Flipper," and the anticipation of the room filling with smoke as Fez prepared for his unforgettable "Nature Boy" radio bit. God I loved that. This unique combination of wit, humor, and showmanship was pure magic to me.

Ron Bennington, in particular, stands out as the funniest radio show host I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Today, he continues to kill it on the airwaves on SiriusXM with the "Bennington Show," where he co-hosts alongside his daughter, Gail Bennington. Their show is a testament to Ron's incredible talent and enduring impact on the industry. Gail is bright, quick-witted, and undeniably funny – an apple that didn't fall far from the tree.

As I reflect on my 30-year career in talk radio, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the inspiration that Ron Bennington has provided. He showed me that talk radio could be fun, silly, and engaging – a world where lively conversation and ball-busting humor reign supreme. Without Ron Bennington, I would not be the Russ Rollins of "Monsters in the Morning" that I am today – and that's a fact.

I'm proud to be part of the talk radio fraternity, and I'm even prouder to acknowledge the influence and inspiration of my fellow talk show host, Ron Bennington. In a world where many radio personalities are hesitant to express their admiration for others, I want to be an exception. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Ron, for paving the way for talk show hosts like me and for giving me the courage to pursue my passion. Your legacy lives on in the laughter and joy you've brought to countless listeners, including myself.

I hope that my story serves as a reminder to others in the industry to celebrate the talent and inspiration that we've gained from our peers. After all, it's the collective passion and creativity of talk show hosts like Ron Bennington that continue to make talk radio an entertaining and engaging medium for audiences everywhere.

So, “Let the puppies breathe” forever.

“Shwirls.”

RRR