Nationally syndicated radio hosts Big D and Bubba are two of the most likable guys in Country radio. Just as authentic on the phone as they sound on “The Big D & Bubba” morning show.
I featured them in a previous Barrett Media feature, but since then, among other things, the duo has been inducted into the 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame cohort. So, I circled back and spoke with them about the milestone, what keeps their show ticking, and how they navigate the changing landscape of radio in 2025.
A Surreal Moment
Big D recalls the surreal moment they learned about their Hall of Fame induction.
“We had a call with Heather Froglier. (K-FROG San Bernardino, CA PD) We didn’t know what it was about; we had no clue. When she dropped the news on us, I think we were both looking around like who’s filming this. We were feeling like we were being punked, like we were being pranked. It was shocking. I still remember that moment very well. It was really, really cool. I would say it was just an honor to be listed.”
“With a bunch of people that we see as radio royalty in some aspects, and to be able to be in conversation with some of them in any aspect is just a blessing. So, it’s all grand, man. We’re excited for it.”
Bubba added about personal significance.
“I’ll second what Big D said. The fact that our kids were there to see that. We leave before they go to school or wherever they’re going in the mornings. For years, we weren’t there in the morning. Where’s Dad?’ while they were waking up to just Mom at home. We were out trying to entertain people, and it paid off. We were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. It was mind-blowing.”
The Secret to Longevity: Authenticity
When asked what makes their show work, Big D summed it up in one word.
“Authenticity. It’s one word. That’s all it takes. People can tell more than ever if you are full of baloney or not. From day one, we’ve always just been who we are. And I think that’s the success of the show.”
Bubba agreed, noting that storytelling is essential.
“I think Big D is a great storyteller. Authenticity is the key. We just show up and talk about our lives and our listeners’ lives. Somebody calls in with a problem. We all discuss it. We air it out and work through things together. That’s the authenticity, the reachability.”
Big D highlighted how rare that level of listener interaction has become in an era dominated by pre-taped shows.
“A caller can call in and be on our show, and we can have conversations and work out whatever that problem is over a couple of minutes or an hour if it’s a big deal.
Bubba added, “And Jeff, when you’ve got a partner like Bubba, there are stories for days. Anyone can be a great storyteller when Bubba walks in and goes, ‘You’re not going to believe what happened.’”
Staying Real in the Age of AI
The topic of artificial intelligence inevitably arose, and Big D had some insightful thoughts.
“With AI, we will have a listener call in on the show, and we will write a song about them right then and there. But most of the good content needs to come from you. It needs to come from an experience that you alone have because that’s not replicable.”
Bubba acknowledged the significant shift in the industry.
“It’s going to get to the point, Jeff, where we’re like, ‘Hey, we’re real people. We’re not AI. We’re humans.’ And that’s not a joke. That’s going to happen. You’re not going to get away with ‘Oh, we’re live and local.’ It’s going to be, ‘We’re alive and local.'”
Keeping it Topical: Parody Songs and Cracker Barrel
The show thrives on current events, and I was scolded for missing the show this morning and a conversation with “Uncle Herschel.”
“You missed us. We called Uncle Herschel, Mr. Herschel. We talked to him on the phone and just got to see what he’s been up to. He was very happy to be coming out of retirement. He was back. He was like, ‘Yeah, I really want this.’ It was a little premature. He told us what’s in the barrel. Beer, he said, it was beer. And so yeah, we had a great conversation with him.”
What about Taylor and Travis?
“Well, we got invited to the wedding. We posted our invitation to the wedding. It’s on our social media, and it’s getting lots of traction, thousands and thousands of people. Some people get the jokes, some people don’t. It doesn’t matter. They just got to get out there and yell at each other in the comments.”
Evolving Roles and the Chemistry of the Show
When asked about defining roles on the show, Bubba explained that each member’s personality naturally shapes their contribution.
“As far as the definition for the roles of the show, I mean, we’re just us. I’m kind of goofy, a little more high-strung. Big D is Big D. He’s very lovable and even-keeled and snarky, like sniper humor. Carson has the girl-power kind of thing going. Garrett is the Gen Zer. And then we’ve got Schaefer, who’s kind of like the gatekeeper to all things Classic Country and the Opry. So, we have everything coming from different directions. We didn’t have to define characters because we’re all already characters. And we’re all always evolving. Our show changes probably every six months. It’s never the same.”
Big D added, “Life evolves around us. Why would you not evolve with it? We’re what’s happening. We are the mouthpiece of what everyone else is living in their cars.”
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Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
