The Mike Tomano Happening
by MikeTomano
Weekly conversations with interesting people, hosted by veteran Chicago-area radio personality Mike Tomano. Guest interviews and discussions on arts, entertainment, media and current events. Mike's original comedy and uninhibited commentary have won legions of listeners and numerous awards.
Episodes
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Wacky Shock Jock Names!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, July 27, 2026, WVLI. Mike recalls meeting an agent who wanted him to change his name. He and Rob decide the one he lands on could sell a lot of merch in the office. #storytelling #comedy #radioshow #improvisation #shockjocks
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The Florida Blob!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, July 28, 2026, WVLI. Mike and Rob talk about the garbage blob found in Florida, and Mike clogging his toilet with a magazine article. #HorrorMovies #comedy #improvisation #storytelling #Florida
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Punch The Monkey Update!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, July 27, 2026, WVLI. Mike and Rob give a #PunchTheMonkey update, and Mike recalls an old girlfriend's aggressive pet squirrel monkey. #comedy #improvisation #radioshow #monkeys
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Hippie Chick Hygiene, Psycho Cats & Miniature Donkeys
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, July 28, 2026, WVLI. Mike and Rob call Denise to talk about their psychotic cats, a dream vacation with miniature donkeys, and hippie chicks. #comedy #radioshow #cats #donkeys #hippies
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STRANGE JOBS & RUN-INS WITH RATS
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, July 23, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike and Rob talk about the strange jobs Mike held as a young man, two of which included rats. #comedy #radioshow #morningshowhost #improvisation #storytelling
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The Poop Boat
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, June 27, 2025. Aired on WVLI. Mike and Rob delve into an ill-fated cruise ship that became the subject of a Netflix Documentary. #comedy #improvisation #radioshow
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Mike Duke...The Forgotten Member of The Dukes of Hazzard
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, June 27, 2025. Aired on WVLI. Mike tells the story of reenacting the bow and arrow sequence from The Dukes of Hazzard tv show when he was 12, and his father's reaction to the disaster that ensued. #comedy #radioshow #DukesofHazzard #archery...
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Church of Elvis
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, April 17, 2025. Aired on WVLI. Mike imagines Elvis in the role of pastor. #Elvis #radioshow #comedy #improvisation
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A Nostalgic Look at Pocket Knives
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, June 27, 2025. Aired on WVLI. Mike and Rob discuss the rite of passage in a young boy's life receiving his first pocket knife, Mike talks about his grandfather Fidel's expertise at knife-sharpening and odd choice of cigars. #radioshow #improvisation...
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Mike's Encounter with Biker MC
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives, June 25, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike recalls being stuck in traffic surrounded by an infamous biker "club" and his conversation with one of its members. #radioshow #comedy
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Mike's Dos & Don'ts of Manscaping
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives, July 13, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike & Rob discuss manbuns, men using hair clips, manscaping and take phone calls on the subject of men's body hair. #manscaping #hair #radioshow #comedy
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Champion Archer Justin Martin
From Mike Tomano's Wild & Free Archives, November 2010. Professional archer, hunter and outdoor personality, Justin Martin talks with Mike about his rise to champion status and all things archery and outdoors! #archery #bowhunting #conservation #tournamentarchery
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I Dream of Charo
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, December 2, 2025. Aired on WVLI. Mike creates an imaginary tv pilot starring Rob West and Charo. #comedy #radioshow #improvisation
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Flyfishing with Pudge Kleinkauf!
From Mike Tomano's Wild & Free archives. Mike talks flyfishing with Pudge Kleinkauf. She offers lodge-based flyfishing schools and small group guided trips throughout Alaska for salmon, trout, grayling, char, and pike. She also leads saltwater fly fishing trips to Mexico each year and offers a…
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Macca's Doody
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives, March 2, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike's misspeak of the word "doodle" lets him and Rob down a rabbit-hole of Paul McCartney auctioning off something much more personal. #comedy #improvisation #radioshow #PaulMcCartney #Beatles
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Brhett Vickery from The WGN Morning News
WGN's Brhett Vickery stops by The Mike Tomano in the Morning Show to discuss her return to work and the joy of new motherhood. #WGN #radioshow
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Sean Jeffries on Africa Safari
Mike Tomano's Wild & Free episode from July, 2010. Sean Jeffries is a life-long hunter who has a passion for sharing his experiences afield with others. He has kept detailed journals of every hunt that he has undertaken since 2000, and is the owner and operator of the Wingshooters.net website.…
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Tink Nathan
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree Legendary bowhunter Tink Nathan discusses bowhunting around the world, his career in the archery industry and his love of hunting with Mike Tomano. #bowhunting #archery #fishing #hunting #Africa
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Ted Nugent on Fred Bear
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree Ted Nugent discusses his relationship with Fred Bear, and the creation of his musical tribute to the Godfather of Modern Bowhunting. #bowhunting #archery #fredbear #tednugent #guitar
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Matt McPherson of Mathews Archery
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree Mathews Archery founder & CEO Matt McPherson in an in-depth conversation with Mike Tomano. They discuss hard work, determination, #Faith and all-things archery. #archery #bowhunting #hunting #mathewsarchery #greatoutdoors
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Jim Scoutten
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree In 2012, Mike Tomano conducted this in-depth interview with Jim. Jim Scoutten was one of the leading voices in The Shooting Sports. The host of American Shooter and Shooting USA joined Mike Tomano to discuss guns, calibers, self-defense and more…
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Eric Adams of Manowar!
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree #HeavyMetal legend Eric Adams, vocalist of #Manowar, discusses his love for The Great Outdoors with Mike Tomano. #bowhunting #archery #hunting #heavymetal #manowar #fishing #hunting
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Dean Ween Loves To Fish
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree A gem from the Mike Tomano's Wild & Free Archives! Rocker Dean Ween (Mickey Melchiondo) discusses his love of fishing and adventures on the water, as well as his innovative group #Ween
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Dale Kirch of Three Rivers Archery
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree From 2014. Dale Kirch of Three Rivers Archery discusses #bowhunting #archery #FredBear #conservation and #TheGreatOutdoors with Mike. #traditionalarchery
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Craig Morgan
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree Country Music Star Craig Morgan chats with Mike about his Great Outdoors pursuits, support of our military and his incredible career in music. #greatoutdoors #bowhunting #hunting #fishing #craigmorgan #countrymusic
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Bill Vaznis on Bear Hunting
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTomanoWildFree Mike visits with outdoor writer, photographer and expert outdoorsman Bill Vaznis. They discuss Bill's shares his expertise on bear hunting including bait, stalking, and hound tactics; the questions to ask an outfitter before booking a hunt, the best...
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Babe Winkelman
From Mike Tomano's Wild & Free Archives, 2010. Enjoy Mike Tomano's in-depth visit with outdoors tv pioneer and legendary sportsman Babe Winkelman. Babe called it "one of the best interviews I've ever done." #greatoutdoors #bowhunting #hunting #fishing #archery #conservation #bassfishing...
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Cocaine Salmon!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives! May 4, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike and Rob discuss traces of Peruvian Marching Powder found in fresh-caught salmon! #radioshow #comedy #improvisation #salmon #fishing
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Mike Reconnects with High School Prom Date!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives, May 5, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike & Rob celebrate prom season with a call to Mike's prom date from '84! They reminisce about the wild times they had, their time dating, Mike's big white car, going to concerts and more! #radioshow #comedy...
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Joe Mantegna Talks Guns
Actor Joe Mantegna and Mike talk guns, guns and guns. From June 27, 2011. Plus, Joe's life growing up in Chicago and his rise to fame on stage and television. #miketomanowildandfree #criminalminds #guncollection #firearmseducation #greatoutdoors #shootingsports
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The Saga of Gracie The Giraffe
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives! Aired 6-30-26 on WVLI. Gracie The Giraffe escaped from a Texas ranch a couple of weeks ago and has been recently reunited. Mike's attempt to interview the ranch owner failed, but neighbors called in for an update. #radioshow…
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Mike Remembers The Loop!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives! From June 2, 2026. Aired on WVLI. Mike recalls the #classicrock jocks he grew up listening to on the legendary Chicago radio station, The Loop! #radioshow #morningradiohost #improv #comedy #rockradio
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Andy Griffith Show Reimagined!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives. Aired on WKAN. Mike adopts multiple characters in his dark reimagining of The #AndyGriffithShow. This one got Mike a meeting with managment! #radioshow #morningradiohost #comedy #improv #darkhumor
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Telemarketer Calls Radio Show!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives. Aired on WYKT. Mike answers hotline and a telemarketer attempts to pitch insurance live on-air. Mike's beloved character Ol' Hambone takes over. #radioshow #morningshowhost #comedy #improv
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Songs About Stoves
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archives. Mike and Rob recall Rob's easy listening album from the 70s, "Songs About Stoves." #radioshow #morningshowhost #comedy #improv #music #songwriting
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A Visit with Queen Elizabeth II
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show Archive. Aired April 21, 2026. Queen Elizabeth returns from the great beyond to tell Mike & Rob how much she didn't enjoy her nickname. #radioshow #morningradiohost #improv #comedy #history
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DONNY OSMOND INSTALLED MY CABLE!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show from June 15, 2026. Aired on 92.7, WVLI. Did Donny Osmond install Mike's cable? He and Rob used Sherlock Holmesian deduction in considering the possiblity. #radioshow #comedy #improv #DonnyOsmond
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Road Runner Sighting in Kankakee!
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Archive! From May 21, 2026. Aired on 92.7, WVLI. A woman calls Mike & Rob to report a road runner sighting in Kankakee. Mike wants to make sure she is not mistaken. #radioshow #comedy #improv #morningradiohost #birds #nature #wildlifesightings
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GENE SHALIT TRIBUTE & POPCORN RANT
From The Mike Tomano in the Morning Radio Show, June 15, 2026. Aired on 92.7, WVLI. Mike and Rob pay tribute to #GeneShalit and his awesome mustache, and Mike rants about the upsell of popcorn and drinks at the cinema. #radioshow #comedy #improv #morningradio
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 39 - Chester Moore
Mike welcomes the inspirational Chester Moore to the program. Chester is award-winning wildlife journalist, media producer and broadcaster. His passion for wildlife and Great Outdoors, and his walk with Christ, have sent him on an amazing journey. Chester and Mike discuss fishing, hunting,...
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 38 - Tessa Fowler
Tessa Fowler is a Wyoming-based wildlife photographer and conservationist. She lives her childhood dream of being a "Mountain Girl." She is physically and spiritually connected to Nature and shares her story with us. Tessa recalls her beach community California childhood, heading out to Wyoming…
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 37 - Jill Urchak
Mike is joined by veteran Chicago broadcaster Jill Urchak for a candid conversation discussing their careers in radio, growing up on the city's South Side, Jill's amazing father, spirituality and politics. They also share eerie paranormal experiences including out-of-body-experiences, visits from...
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 36 - Brenda Valentine
"The First Lady of Hunting" Brenda Valentine joins Mike for a chat regarding The Great Outdoors Lifestyle. From filling the freezer in rural Tennessee to traveling the world in pursuit of game, Brenda shares her passion for hunting, including turkey calling tips, food plot planning, her favorite...
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 35 - Michael Rockert
Michael Rockert is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter whose new album, For A Time Such As This, is an epic metal meditation on the current state of the world. He joins Mike Tomano to discuss making the album and the importance music has played in his life, including the impact #KISS had on him....
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 34 - Jim Cobb
Jim Cobb is a professional prepping instructor and has written an excellent book series and countless articles on the subject. He joins Mike to discuss the fundamentals of prepping and survival planning, including home safety and defense, realistic firearm training, financial protection, street...
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 33 - The Game Changers Part Four
Mike is joined by his bandmate and longtime friend, Tom "T-Ray" Teare to reminisce about their days in the infamous comedy band Tomanosaurus, and their current collaboration in Chicago's premiere Classic Rock band, The Baked Potatoes. Tom tells great stories about coming up in the 60s & 70s…
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 32 - Remembering P.J. O’Rourke
Mike remembers satirist and journalist P.J. O'Rourke in this mini-episode tribute. P.J.'s work at National Lampoon, as well as his books and articles had a profound impact on Mike and encouraged him when facing adversity in his career. Included is a chat with P.J. from Mike's radio show in 2004....
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 31 - The Game Changers Part Three
Mike is joined by his radio show partner Rob West for a chat about more books, films and albums that changed their lives. As they're wont to do, they head off on humorous tangents about pets, people, hotdogs and the connection between The Partridge Family and landing on the moon. Enjoy! #music...
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 30 - The Game Changers Part Two
Continuing on the theme of Music, Film & Book "Game Changers," Mike welcomes rocker Dave Bellah back to the podcast. In addition to the topic, Mike & Dave exchange recent "hauls" from record and thrift stores, The Neil Young / Joe Rogan situation, and much, much more! Check out Mike's recent…
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The Mike Tomano Happening: Episode 29 - The Game Changers Part One
Beginning a recurrent theme on The Mike Tomano Happening, Mike talks with friends about "Game Changers": Movies, Music and Film that had great personal impact and rearranged perceptions of their medium. Marty Jay, the first member of The MTH Panel discusses three albums, movies and books that...
About this show
Weekly conversations with interesting people, hosted by veteran Chicago-area radio personality Mike Tomano. Guest interviews and discussions on arts, entertainment, media and current events. Mike's original comedy and uninhibited commentary have won legions of listeners and numerous awards.
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MikeTomano
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