‘Todd N Tyler’ features Mike Tyler and Todd Brandt. The talented duo stared doing mornings together in Harrisburg, PA in 1993. A few months later they moved to KEZO/Z-92 in Omaha, NE, and have been there ever since. The show began syndication in the fall of 2006 and remains syndicated today on stations like T-95 in Wichita, The Blaze in Lincoln, NE, and a “stripped down” version of the show is heard on a one day delay in Sandpoint, ID and Mason City, IA. All stations are active rock or mainstream rock.
Big P joined the show as producer in early 2007 after interning for Todd and Tyler. Nick Allen started as a local comedian who stopped in from time to time. He was later added to the program full time in early 2020. A rotating cast of local comedians and/or friends of the show make semi-regular appearances, as well as national touring comedians that come through the local Funny Bone comedy club.
“The show is all talk, all morning,” explains Todd. “News, sports, lifestyle and pop culture issues, celebrity interviews. We talk about music from a variety of genres and eras during the show. We’re all big fans of music but we don’t actually play any music during the show.”
“Our show seems to inspire a fierce loyalty from our listeners. Many times, we’ve been told that the way we live our lives on the air, sharing so many parts of our day to day happenings, makes the listeners feel like they know us personally,” says Todd. “We’re the weird brothers/dads/drunk uncles that feel like part of their own family. With the show being podcast in full every day, many of our listeners make a point to listen to the whole show so they don’t miss anything.”
As for the show’s passion project, Todd N Tyler have a long standing relationship with their local Breakthrough T1D chapter (Type 1 Diabetes). They help raise funds for it with a few events every year.
According to Todd, there hasn’t been anything earth shattering to turn the show upside down over the years. There have however been several “evolutions” of the program throughout the years. “Changes in staff have caused changes in how things operate on the air at times,” he explains. “Other times, it’s not been so much of a deliberate evolution. There’s just been certain times where certain things have run their course, and new things take their place. Having been on the air since 1993, obviously the audience’s needs and wants have changed many times. We just try to continue to give them what they want.”
“One of the things we’re most proud of is the reputation that we’ve gained with so many famous comics that we’ve come to be friends with over the years. They always say that they love doing our show because it’s so laid back and casual,” Todd says. “They don’t have to ‘do their bits’ on the air. They’re able to just come in, hang out and join the conversation that’s going on that morning. We’re proud to have that reputation. Over the years we’ve met so many cool people when they were on their way up and have seen them become huge stars.”
Another accomplishment that the entire team and station is proud of is the induction of Todd and Tyler into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2021.
As far as challenges for the show are concerned, it’s the constant changing of the industry. “Especially right now,” insists Todd. “But not all of it is bad. Yeah, there are layoffs and reductions in force at times, but you can say that about a lot of industries. If you’re willing to embrace the change, it can open doors to things you never thought of or wouldn’t have tried before.”
“One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced over the last few years is just the constantly changing landscape of social media, and how to successfully integrate it into the on air product. Taking advantage of the good things that it can provide but also blocking out the negativity that sometimes runs wild there.”
“And yes, maybe we need more personalities in the business. More people willing to push boundaries and be their true selves on air. One thing we hear from our listeners is that the reason they like us is they can tell that we’re just being ourselves. We’re not playing characters on the air, or putting up some front. Authenticity comes through on the air. People can tell when you’re not giving it to them.”
Which brings me to my next topic. The use of or pressure to use AI in the industry. “We haven’t really used it at all. I just hope it never learns how to fully master sophomoric humor,” says Todd. “If it does, that’s when we’ll get worried!”
As for what’s ahead for Todd N Tyler in the upcoming year, “We’re just staying the course. Trying to always ‘find the funny’ of whatever story we’re discussing,” says Todd. “Continuing to bring our audience into our lives and giving them a time to laugh and escape whatever else may be weighing them down mentally.”
You can follow Todd N Tyler on Facebook, on X, and Instagram.
Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
