Radio show hosts, 550 KFYI Phoenix
NOTE: This Review was originally published in 2022. Mike Russell has since become an independent broadcaster and currently livestreams “IN OTHER NEWS” and “THE GO SHOW” on most social media platforms.
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These are the new kids on the radio block, write it down. I know very few people outside the greater Phoenix area who know these guys. This duo is actually a Trifecta team; Libertarian James T. Harris, who is featured on each show, serves as a pseudo boots-on-the-ground liaison for the duo.
Harris also serves as the mandatory white-supremacist black guy -- but I’ll save this gem anecdote for another story, another day!
(A quick note here, for those old political wonks like me. Harris is the broadcasting “twin” of legendary conservative Ken Hamlin, “The Black Avenger.” Hamlin started his overnight show with the national anthem, and a tribute to any fallen police officer for that day. I loved Hamlin. I love James T. Harris. JT has his own morning drive show, beautifully branded The Conservative Circus, and coincidentally, Mr. Harris is The Ringmaster).
In radio, yes there are the biggies. Rush. Stern. King. But all these fellows started at the same place -- a quiet and early place. This is where you can find Mike Russell and Rob Hunter, at 4:00pm in the beautiful, American southwest.
Quiet, early, with fabulous talent and intellect -- and a thoroughly entertaining radio show.
When I like a product, I tend to gush. That’s my passion showing itself. But when I listen to these guys every day, there are a few different things they bring to the table that I honestly have not seen elsewhere...anywhere.
I really like great products, and fabulous delivery -- and The Russell and Hunter Show delivers both to your car radio.
And here’s why:
Quick GregsList...
1. This is the FIRST show I know featuring a Duo of pure American Libertarians
...and a Trio, when you include Harris. Normally, most radio and TV shows have a variety of viewpoints. Hannity and Colmes, Crossfire, and the other oldies. Not these dudes -- we’re talking pure, gourmet Libertarianism. Constitutional guys. Originalists.
And this unique libertarian formula actually works? ...Oh yes. Big-League.
2. The show is pure Red Meat
There are no sound effects, no “hilarious” bits, no funny name calling, or anything other schtick that compromises those standard radio talk shows. These guys just talk, and talk real good. Whether together, or alone, the air space is always filled with good stuff. Informative stuff. Perceptive stuff. Analytical stuff. Pure US Constitution stuff. I like it.
3. They are cross-trained
A great sports team has those athletes who are multi-dimensional, and can often interchange positions on the field. Russell and Hunter are also “cross-trained”, in that they do as well covering for each other, as they do working together. When one is on vacation, the other covers the show seamlessly. Often, you don’t realize the other guy is gone. This is rare. Many have tried to cover for Rush, but nobody is Rush, you get the drift.
4. They have a national quality brand
Lots of radio guys are pure local. Few could pull it off nationally if presented the opportunity. These guys could, easily. There is an easy-listen about their show, and a smooth pace and flow you don’t find out there these days. I have said on many occasions, Russell and Hunter would be a very rare, and very worthy replacement for Rush Limbaugh. Mark my words, and yes, give them a shot.
(Sorry, I am just not impressed with the current Rush Limbaugh show). R&H would never allow you to forget Rush, and none of us Rush Babies will ever forget. But these guys would cover the Rush Limbaugh Show so seamlessly, you could almost forget...before catching yourself, of course).
5. All three are Gen-Xers
During my years with Toyota, I learned (and taught) a lot about managing the generations. This is the first era where there are five generations in the workplace. Gen-X kids tend to be a bit cynical, because they have witnessed the collapse of our once-revered institutions; banks, government, movie theatres! The cool thing is these guys don’t come off as angry kids. They navigate the issues and conversations with big-time maturity. They are the “grownups” in the room, by their fun definition.
Wherever you are -- even in Liberal Toronto (!) -- please listen to the Russell and Hunter Show, even if it’s just “once”. The three-hour program is online, they’ve got an App, and also have a Facebook presence. Check them out, yesterday!
I love these guys.
--Copyright 2021 by Greg Meakin
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Greg Meakin is a dual-citizen writer and publisher, who grew up in Montreal. He wrote his first political article in 1978 (Pierre Elliot Trudeau)...but prefers writing about hockey and family! He lived most of his adult life in the Seattle area, and is now retired in Arizona with his wife Deborah, and their Belgian Sheepdog, Jessie. Meakin just announced his third book, WHY I CAME TO AMERICA...and what I think now.
For Early Bird pre-orders of the new book, or Greg’s full BIO, visit his website, gregmeakin.com.
Meakin also publishes an online eMagazine, SecretsFromTheInside.com. Feel free to email him at gregmeakin2020@gmail.com with your feedback or thoughts. Greg reads everything he receives.