Guests, news, information and Minnesota's Classic Rock with Tom Barnard and the whole KQ Morning Show crew. 92.5 KQRS-FM | Minneapolis + St. Paul
The KQ Morning Show podcast has been a staple of my daily routine for years. I first started listening to the show when I was a child, held captive in my father's car, and it quickly became a part of my life. Now, as an adult, I still tune in every day and even listen to the podcasts on weekends.
One of the best aspects of The KQ Morning Show podcast is the humor and banter between the hosts. Tommy B and the crew have a fantastic chemistry that translates well through audio. They cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to pop culture and weird stories. Their coverage of national news stories is insightful and often hilarious, making me laugh out loud even when I'm alone in my car. Additionally, their discussions are not sugar-coated or politically correct, which I appreciate for its refreshing honesty.
However, there are some aspects of this podcast that can be improved upon. One frequent complaint among listeners is Tom's tendency to repeat himself and veer off into tangents with stories we've heard countless times before. This can be frustrating and tiresome for long-time listeners who have heard these stories multiple times over the years. Furthermore, there have been instances where Tom has made nasty comments towards his co-hosts, particularly Candace. It is uncomfortable to hear her carefully choose her words around him, and it detracts from the overall atmosphere of the show.
In conclusion, despite its flaws, The KQ Morning Show podcast remains one of my favorites. It has been on air for over 30 years for good reason – its engaging content and humorous banter make it stand out from other morning shows. While there are areas that could use improvement, such as Tom's repetition and treatment of his co-workers, overall it is an enjoyable podcast that brings laughter to my mornings.

In Rank You Very Much we ran down the Top 3 First Candies You Grab from Your Kids' Trick Or Treat haul and Steve educated us on the Chunky bar (coming to a record store near you). Plus, Sam Ekstrom on J.J. McCarthy's return to Michigan, a place where he won A LOT. And how the new Howl Owl Howl song is tied to... Ariana Grande?!?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dug up some real life creepy stories that inspired your favorite horror movies. Plus, discovered you could probably get a helluva deal on the Amityville house. And who would pass the "Bird Theory" test with their partner. Paul Myers on John Candy's career and why he means so much to both fans and fellow actors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than half of us have had some type of paranormal experience; what's yours? We heard about phantom steps, shadows in the basement and dishwashers who could have used a beer. Plus, WTF feature skeleton strippers, the best anti theft deterrent for any car and BRAAAIINNS! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pumpkin gut hacks and more with SEAN McPHERSON, who launches City Cast Twin Cities, a new podcast this week. Plus, we reshuffled the top 25 Horror Movie Villains too so they're actually some scary ones at the top, and we throw back to the GOAT World Series, the last one the Twins won of course. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Birthday to our favorite Pearl Jam fanatic! Plus Bruce Springsteen aficionado STEVEN HYDEN on the new movie Deliver Me from Nowhere, plus the East Bethel Mom who alerted a bus full of kids that their ride was on fire and some really crafty grilled cheese tricks. Originally aired Friday, October 24, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ranked Johnny Cash songs with Jay Ernest from the Folsom Prison Experience in Rank You Very Much, which was both really easy and REALLY HARD. Plus, Sam Ekstrom can cook us a nice maple glazed salmon dinner, but didn't give us a lot of hope for a Vikings win tonight and we are over Candy Corn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chatted with Ben about what he imagines it might be like to do a show in prison as he gears up for the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival. Plus, words that sound too goofy to be true (we're sure there's a word for that) and Anthony Edwards gets to interview is favorite movie star... the woman who played Matilda?!?!? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kohler wants to put a camera in your toilet, are you buying it? Plus, WTF Fletcher's Edition featured upset exotic dancers, attempted murder and... palmetto berries?!?! Plus, how to pick out a liar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At ACME Oct 29-Nov. 1, we spoke to Derek Hughes about getting started in magic after open heart surgery at 10 years old, what it's like to spontaneously do magic for strangers and how hard it is to convince people to believe what's happening in front of them. Plus, what are the protocols for finding cash, and Steve gets into how Howl Owl Howl is prepping their set list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the passing of legendary former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley on October 16, 2025 at the age of 74, Steve Gorman pays tribute to The Spaceman's legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first ever edition of Funny But Wrong, Kimberly won the day with a good line about Crocs and will see Adam Sandler from the front row. Plus, Comic AHMED KHALAF on bringing math into basketball, Burger King and breaking his leg, plus we discuss the proper way to handle a bidet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the dog of a firefighter CAUSED a fire, we heard stories of his crafty dog Clementine who missed her calling as a jewel thief. Plus, Comic CHRIS MADDOCK in for Rank You Very Much: Top Sitcom Families. Plus, CHAMPION PUMPKIN GROWER Travis Geinger on what it takes to be a pumpkin whisperer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twin Cities Civil War went all the way to a tie breaker with Matt from Rosemount scoring McCartney tickets and evening up the overall standings. Plus, we learned you never trust a plumber who chews their fingernails and Vikings Insider Sam Ekstrom on which QB he thinks will start this Sunday and how Wentz could tie up the QB1 job for good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve snuck a dog into a hotel room while on tour, and a couple discovered their cat riding on the luggage rack hours from home so just snuck him along during the rest of their vacation. We heard a few other strange places that animals have popped up. Plus, tourist spots that are overrated (and some that are just poorly reviewed). The EASTSIDE gets closer to tying things up in Twin Cities Civil War when Mike from Farmington went 5/6 and scored McCartney tickets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What weird rules did your parents enforce when you were a kid? We heard about bathmats that needed to be dry, Ziplock bags that get reused and strange sleeping rules. Plus, Maggie Faris joins us to talk "pro-bowler" hair, why bar cars are necessary at family events and the Excelsior Comedy Festival on Saturday, and the West pulls further ahead when Steve from Rockford wins Twin Cities Civil War. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Offerman on his new book, why woodworking was his fallback plan, making his own instruments and the clause Nick has in his contracts so that he can go fishing up north every year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does standard chili have beans or not? Steve says no, Fletcher and Ryder say yes and the line has been drawn. Plus, Jessi Pierce talks about the Wild's BIG season opening win, and what do you put on TV when it's time to drift off? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KSTP Meteorologist Matt Serwe joins the show for Rank You Very Much: Top Food Holidays. Plus, we learn how often TV weather people actually get it right. The West pulls ahead in Twin Cities Civil War and the strange places we're being asked to tip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a confrontation between a mom with a screaming baby and another diner at a restaurant got the internet fired up, Steve recounted saying exactly what he wanted to when a fellow flyer got all riled up over his happy baby. Plus, Beat the Jock got our jocks working REALLY hard. Plus, the Big Dumper's 61st Home Run lands in the perfect place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hit on things that should be normal but are actually pretty creepy, wet doorhandles, cats who stare at ghosts and... warm toilet seats. Plus, despite trying our hardest we could not find a date for WTF bachelor Robert... but did hook up Kathy with tickets to a show at First Ave. The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler, on writing his 40th book, how he got his first producing job and why it's important to just put one foot in front of the other. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dug into what are really essential skills and Alan from Mpls checked in with a pro tip on starting fires without a match or lighter (as long as you have bad vision). Plus, jobs where you don't need to be that smart to make a BUNCH of money, and RUSH!! announced a tour. We'll let you know who's playing drums when they come to Chicago next summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Butch Vig on Garbage's first ever show at the 7th Street Entry, what it's like to hear Nevermind out in the wild more than 30 years after producing the album and where he was told to NOT go to a Packers away game as an out of town fan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comic Matthew Broussard joined the show and talks pop star beef, preppy schools and how well his cat plays with others. Plus, the very stranger way a book on the Replacements could get turned into a movie, and why we aren't running the TC Marathon this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a TOYOTA CAMRY!?!? got busted going 124 mph and still tried to get out of the speeding ticket, we hit on the best and worst times we've gotten pulled over. Plus, Rank You Very Much: Great Bands with Terrible Names and Sam Ekstrom is predicting a BLOW OUT in London this week for the Vikings (we hope he's right). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Offices are going as far as BANNING shoes in the work place, we're way ahead of the trend for once. Plus, Chi-Chi's in St Louis Park sets opening day... and classes things up with reservations and lots of reasons to use the word "malfeasance." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Ohio issuing a pretty obvious request for its highway drivers, we went deep on your MN road rules. Plus, SUPER TROOPER Erik Stolhanske on Super Troopers 3, how he met up with the rest of Broken Lizard and his love for Stereophonics, and KAPRIZOVS BIG PAYDAY. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a woman spoke about yawning so hard SHE BROKE HER NECK AND NEARLY DIED!!! we dug into the strange ways you've hurt yourself. Gorman jumped into a door frame and saw stars for a few days, but we've heard you slipped on a grape, threw out your back sneezing and took a brick to the face (thank the maker for Nerf footballs). Plus, a Sperm racing update (you won't believe the cash they are throwing at the guy who invented this) and MSP is losing its Spirit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We went way down the frosty rabbit hole on the 1978 MADE IN MINNESOTA romantic drama Ice Castles and learned all the different movies and shows you've appeared as extras. Plus, your Don't-Knock-It-Until-You've-Tried-It life hacks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dissected NHL logos in Rank You Very Much and preview the upcoming Wild season with Jessi Pierce. Plus, Sam Ekstorm's crazy Vikings in Ireland predictions and squirrels gone wild... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THIS JUST IN!!! Rolling Stone is calling it a "Supergroup" but Gorman is just calling it playing music with his friends; new band HOWL OWL HOWL will feature Darius Rucker, Mike Mills and Steve on drums with music out next month. We learn how this whole project started and why picking a band name was the hardest part. Plus, we dig into the time you became LIVESAVERS, and chat with Agent Cooper himself, Kyle MacLachlan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's your weirdest beverage hack? Steve reviews Coke-a-Cola in red wine; a Spanish delicacy (yuck). Plus, Tom Morello used to strip at bachelorette parties and Ozzy slaughtered cattle and other jobs rock starts had before they hit it big. WTF featuring a Turkey brine that nearly took the house out, a 100 FOOT burnout and... HUMAN REMAINS?!?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the first day of fall, what gets under your skin about this season? Dead leaves, rotten apples and bland turkey topped the list plus take aways from Farm Aid 40 and the strangest science of the year as the Ig Noble prizes are awarded. Originally aired Monday, September 22, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toy Hall of Fame 2025 nominees are in and Battleship has clearly gotten the shaft in the past, we'll all in on that and this year's underdog "snow" for induction this year. Plus drunk chimpanzee and comedian Chris Porter on venues changing names, seeing The Black Crowes in the early days and what a Kansas City traffic jam really means. Originally aired Friday, September 19, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever come to the rescue for a wild animal? Steve save some tiny possums from drowning in a garbage can (right after crushing their mother to death under his car... on accident) and on man freed a very noisy deer from the soccer net in his yard plus we featured Robert Redford in this week's Rank You Very Much and chatted beer with Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative's Jeremy Mathison AND drumming on Appetite for Destruction with Steven Adler. Originally aired Thursday, September 18, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got a very disturbing rundown from Sam Ekstrom on how big the Vikings injury report might be, plus founding member of R.E.M. Mike Mills on the origins of the Baseball Project and why R.E.M. didn't think it was a big deal that you couldn't understand anything Michael Stipe was singing on the first few albums, plus Trampled by Turtle's Erik Berry on picking up the mandolin and Farm Aid 40 this Saturday. Originally aired Wednesday, September 17, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dove into a very questionable list of the most "trustworthy" accents and Steve once had to tell Midwesterner and Jayhawks front man Gary Louris that we do all in fact have accents, plus WTF featured Flammin' Cheeto eating spider monkeys, the worst McPuns ever and a gator slaying grandma... and we discover fun stuff you can do with removed body parts after Elton John had his knees replaced and his old kneecaps turned into jewelry. Originally aired Tuesday, September 16, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bert Kreisher joined the show in all his shirtless glory (we're guessing) to talk about how he ended up with some many Grateful Dead ties, why taking over a year off was the best thing he's done for his stand-up in years and starting his tour this week plus the strange way a Canadian broke into his upstairs neighbor's apartment and we come down off the JJ McCarthy cloud. Originally aired Monday, September 15, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Maggie Faris on what happens when something ends up in your food that shouldn't be there, best breakfast spots and the showcase she is putting together for Wednesday night at Laugh Camp. Plus, BEAT THE JOCK featured back to back wins for the listeners and Vikings Insider Sam Ekstrom with a really strange prediction for Sunday's game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Aired September 11, 2025: The Best of Gorman in the Morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A speed demon has been driving an F1 car in the Czech Republic at speeds of 120 mph for the past SIX YEARS before getting busted; so we heard a lot about your top speed and what you were driving when it happened (200+ on a crotch rocket is the current record). Plus, an intense round of Beat the Jock, and random loud noises are freaking out people in New Jersey (Steve blames Richie Sambora). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learned the kind of strange and somewhat cool inscriptions many rock stars have etched on their headstones, plus a lesson on Peach Moonshine and some healthy celebration of JJ's debut! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Ries of Twin Cities Live joined the show to talk about her intense sleep routine, pick for best MN State Fair food this year and why she is partially blinding her chickens. Plus, we gear up for MN to CREAM Chicago tonight (hopefully) and the strange and scandalous places you've run into teachers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Aired September 5, 2025: The Best of Gorman in the Morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Aired September 4, 2025: The Best of Gorman in the Morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Aired September 3, 2025: The Best of Gorman in the Morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Aired September 2, 2025: The Best of Gorman in the Morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Mike Brody joined the show to talk about growing up in Mason City and what it's like to get heckled during breakfast on a cruise ship. Plus, your strangest college roommates and the bands you'd want to see reunite (original line up only!). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ran down our Top Fantasy Football Team names with Sam Ekstrom of the Locked on Vikings podcast. Plus, heard Sam's preview of the upcoming season. Plus, we dug into Guinness World Records that haven't been set yet, and we think we've got a chance at this high-five record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Lee on why he was the scariest guy in jail in New York City recently. Plus, the first joke he ever wrote, his historic first concert and the wild experience of Ozzy Osbourne's Back to the Beginning concert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Gets to Know THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD - COMEDIAN PETE LEE! Plus, a REALLY tight round of Beat the Jock, and the Pride of Detroit Lakes will dust off his purple jersey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After one motocross fanatic highjacked a Township Hall Meeting with his imaginary dirt bike, we dove into the strange people we meet in our neighborhoods and Steve reflected on the best AND worst moment he had with a dog walker. Plus, WTF featuring speeding, stealing and smashing windshields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
