Hard to believe, but today we air our 50th Podcast! To honor the occassion, Jackie and I welcome my original producer, on-air character voice talent and long time friend Tom Ryan to the table, for a flashback to my start in Detroit radio. 
I’m talking the days when Top 40 AM Radio ruled the airwaves and Keener 13, my home for three incredibly exciting years, was King of the Hill. From Swingin’ Sweeney to DJ’s Swingin’ their fists (honest!), we reminisce about a whole different time in radio - when it was about more than just playing songs back-to-back… it was about entertaining the audience - or at least trying to - and having the freedom to do so!
We talk about some of the earliest characters we did on my show (that still crack me up!). Plus, we explain just exactly how Tom went from being the station’s Switchboard Operator to my on-air voice guy.
Join us as we hit the rewind button to what truly were the Good Old Days!
Have a great weekend!
-Dick
Purtan Podcast #50 (32:11)
Friday, July 13, 2012 at 9:15AM 
Reader Comments (12)
I was good hear Tom Ryan again! Invite him back - I would like him to tell more stories! I sure do miss radio as it was!
I remember listening to you guys in the evening - I would put my earphones on a night so that mom and dad didn't know I was still up! Tom made me laugh then and for many, many years after!
Great Thanks You an Tom where the best other than Swingin Sweeney Miss you both From Tom's school closing to your crazy prank call's
Thanks a lot , Dick. Now you made me miss radio even more! I never listen to Omc anymore since you all left. Tom Ryan and Mindy, Tom Force and yourself are truly missed.
Great! Love to hear the stories, and you two together again. The memories of the late 70's and CKLW are flooding back for me now. Dick, hope you're doing well!
Doug:
I just read your email (and listened to the show with Tom!) and I'm glad someone still remembers us, well me! So...Dick; when do you want me to come on the show?! I'm available 24/7 and I'm cheap - at least that's what I've been told.
Is that Mindy as in "Matinee Mindy"? Sure do miss you and Tom on my ride home! Hope you are well!
Hi Elaine:
Yes, it is me...."Matinee" Mindy. Thanks for the nice email. I think I speak for Tom when I say we miss being on the radio too.
What a treat. I've listened to both you and Tom from the beginning of your careers. Never will that kind of entertainment come around again.
I miss all of you, Big Al, Mindy, Jackie and Elaine's involvement in your productions. They were the best! Thank you for those years of "good" radio.
Stay healthy and happy!!!
Mona Gualtieri
DICK & TOM, WHAT A GREAT TEAM, EVERYTIME I PASS A "VETERINARY ANIMAL HOS[ITAL", I RECALL AND CRACK UP ON THAT PUT ON CALL, AS WELL AS THE "PORSCH CAR IN SOUTH", AND THE GIRLS "AIRLINE, TROOP PLANE" CAN,T WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT BROADCAST.
It was good to hear Tom on the latest podcast(#50). Didn't he attend my alma mater,St.Christopher school, in Detroit?
Remember you and Tom from CKLW days. I remember when Tom did a Dammitall comercial.
I miss the old CKLw days.
To, Matinee" Mindy and Tom Ryan you two were Great Radio.Miss you two guys alot.Thanks for all the laughs over the years.Haven't listened to omc sents they let you guys go.