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Kevin Ryder - A Radio Icon's Story

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Jul 04, 2025
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There's a person whose voice has, for many years, been a familiar sound for countless people waking up across Southern California. This individual, Kevin Ryder, has certainly made a lasting mark on the airwaves, a presence felt by many who tuned in daily. It seems his career has seen quite a few turns, with moments of big change and, too, some very welcome returns that have gotten people talking quite a bit.

For those who followed radio in the Los Angeles area, Kevin Ryder's name likely brings to mind early mornings and a distinctive style of broadcasting. His time on the radio has been a long one, marked by a deep connection with his listeners, almost like a part of their daily routine. It's a connection that, apparently, goes back decades, making him a truly recognized figure in the local media scene, and that's something really special.

From starting out in one place, moving to another, and then coming back, his path shows a kind of persistence and a lasting appeal. We're going to look a little closer at the various parts of his career, some personal happenings, and what makes his story something people find interesting, actually, in a way, quite compelling.

Table of Contents

Who is Kevin Ryder?

Kevin Ryder is, in some respects, a name that many radio listeners in Southern California know quite well. He's been a voice on the air for a very long time, building up a career that spans several decades. For a significant portion of his working life, he was the person many folks listened to first thing in the morning, a consistent part of their daily start. This kind of longevity in a public-facing job is, you know, not something you see every day, and it speaks to a certain connection he built with his audience.

His work on the radio, particularly his time as part of a famous duo, really made him a household name for a lot of people. He's been recognized for his contributions to the radio industry, even being called a "radio hall of fame broadcaster" by someone in a senior programming role at KROQ, Kevin Weatherly. That's a big deal, actually, a real mark of respect within his field. It shows that his efforts over the years have been noticed and valued by those who know the business well, and that's something pretty cool.

Beyond his professional life, Kevin Ryder also has a personal side, like anyone else. He's been in the news for things happening outside of the studio, too, which is, you know, pretty typical for someone who has been in the public eye for so long. His story is one of a person who has dedicated a large part of his existence to entertaining and connecting with people through the airwaves, making a lasting impression on a whole region, and that's something to think about.

Personal Details - Kevin Ryder

Full NameKevin Ryder
Known ForRadio broadcaster, half of the Kevin & Bean duo
Main Station (Longest Tenure)KROQ 106.7 FM
Years at KROQ (Morning Show)30 years
SpouseMerrin Dungey (Alias and Shining Vale actress)
Marriage DateDecember 31
Current Role (as of return)Weekday afternoon host at KROQ
Other VenturesKLOS, "3/4 Human" podcast
RecognitionRadio Hall of Fame broadcaster

What Happened with Kevin Ryder and KROQ?

For many years, Kevin Ryder was a central voice at KROQ 106.7 FM, a station that, apparently, became quite famous partly because of his involvement. He spent a significant chunk of his working life there, waking up people across Southern California. So, when changes happened, it was, in some respects, a big deal for a lot of listeners who had grown used to his presence. The station and Kevin Ryder had a long, shared history, and that's something that doesn't just disappear overnight, you know.

His departure from the morning show after three decades was, for many, a surprise. It was a moment that marked a big shift for both the station and for Kevin Ryder himself. People who had tuned in for years, sometimes even generations, had to adjust to a new sound in the mornings. This kind of change in a long-standing radio relationship often brings out a lot of feelings from the audience, and it's pretty clear that this situation was no different, actually, in a way, quite impactful.

The reasons behind such a significant change can be varied, and for those who had been loyal listeners, it probably felt a bit like losing an old friend. It just goes to show how much a radio personality can become a part of people's daily routines and how much impact their presence, or absence, can have on a community of listeners. It’s a story that, you know, really highlights the personal side of broadcasting and the strong ties that can form over the airwaves.

The Long Run with Kevin Ryder and Bean

For three decades, Kevin Ryder was a key part of the morning routine for many people in Los Angeles, thanks to his show with Gene "Bean" Baxter. This partnership, known simply as "Kevin & Bean," became a very big deal, almost like a local institution. They were the voices that, you know, helped people get ready for their day, providing a mix of conversation and music that resonated with a wide audience. Thirty years is an incredibly long time to be on the air, especially in a major market like Los Angeles, and that's something to really think about.

Their show, in a way, helped make KROQ an iconic radio station, turning it into a place people would tune into from all over, even from outside the immediate area. Kevin Ryder himself said he spent "half of my life with my fellow favorite weirdos, helping to make KROQ an iconic radio station and a global destination to foster and nurture musical groups." That really gives you a sense of the dedication and the personal connection he felt to his work and his colleagues. It wasn't just a job; it was, you know, a huge part of his existence, and that's pretty clear.

The show's influence was so considerable that it led to Kevin Ryder being recognized in a very special way, earning him an induction into something like a radio hall of fame. This kind of honor isn't given out lightly; it reflects years of consistent work, a strong connection with listeners, and a significant impact on the industry. When Bean Baxter announced he was leaving the show in early 2019, it was, in some respects, the beginning of the end for that particular era, and that was, for many, a moment of sadness.

The Shift for Kevin Ryder

After three decades waking up Southern California with the "Kevin & Bean" show, a big change happened for Kevin Ryder. He was, as the text says, "dumped" from his longtime spot on the morning show. This kind of separation after such a long time working somewhere is, you know, often a difficult thing for anyone, especially when your work involves being so public. It meant a whole new chapter was starting, whether he was ready for it or not, and that's something that can feel pretty jarring.

In 2021, Kevin Ryder was brought over to a rival station, KLOS. This move was, for many, a sign that he wasn't going to stay out of the radio game for long. He started a new show there, "The Kevin & Sluggo Show." However, that show, apparently, didn't last as long as his previous one. It went missing from the airwaves on a Friday, the very same day KLOS started a social media campaign asking, "Where's Kevin?" This kind of marketing move, you know, suggests there was some public interest in his whereabouts, which is pretty telling.

This period of shifting stations and shows really shows the sometimes unpredictable nature of the broadcasting business. Even someone with a long and respected career can experience these kinds of changes. It's a reminder that even for well-known people, their professional lives can have unexpected turns, and that's something to keep in mind, actually, as a matter of fact, it happens quite a bit in many fields.

How Did Kevin Ryder Make His Comeback?

After some time away from his long-standing home, Kevin Ryder made a return to KROQ 106.7 FM. This wasn't just any return; it was, in a way, a significant moment for many who had followed his career. Coming back to a place where you spent so much of your life, after a period of being elsewhere, can feel like a full circle kind of event. It's almost like coming home, even if the role is a little different this time around, and that's something that probably felt pretty good.

His return wasn't to the morning slot he was known for, but rather as the weekday afternoon host. This new schedule still puts his voice back on the station where he built his reputation, allowing listeners to reconnect with a familiar sound. For those who missed hearing him, this was, you know, a welcome development. It shows that even after some time apart, there was still a connection and a place for him at the station that he had, in a way, helped shape for decades.

The fact that he came back to the station where he spent thirty years suggests a deep bond, not just with the place, but also with the audience and the culture of KROQ. It's a testament to his lasting appeal and the impact he had during his initial long run. This kind of comeback story is, apparently, something that resonates with people, showing that sometimes, after a bit of a detour, things can come back around in a positive way, and that's pretty neat.

Kevin Ryder's New Home and Return

Kevin Ryder’s return to KROQ in the afternoons was, as he himself put it, "a full circle moment in the best way possible." This sentiment really captures the feeling of coming back to a place that means a lot to you, especially after a period of being away. It’s not just about a job; it’s about a connection to a community, to colleagues, and to the very airwaves that helped shape his professional identity. That kind of personal connection is, you know, something you don't find just anywhere, and it's pretty special.

Kevin Weatherly, who is the senior vice president of programming at KROQ, also shared his thoughts on the return. He mentioned that Kevin Ryder is a "radio hall of fame broadcaster who spent most of his adult life waking up Socal with his former partner Bean." This statement really emphasizes the long history and the significant influence Kevin Ryder has had on the radio scene in Southern California. It’s clear that his talent and his past contributions are still highly valued, which is, in some respects, a very good sign.

His presence back on the station where he worked for three decades in the mornings means that a voice familiar to many is once again part of the daily listening experience. This move, you know, represents a continuation of his broadcasting journey, allowing him to keep sharing his unique style with an audience that has, apparently, followed him for a very long time. It’s a story of coming back to a place that feels right, and that’s pretty cool, actually, in a way, quite heartwarming.

What's Next for Kevin Ryder?

Even with his return to KROQ, Kevin Ryder seems to be exploring other avenues for his voice and ideas. The broadcasting world is always changing, and people in the public eye often look for new ways to connect with their audience. For someone with his background and experience, trying out new formats or platforms is, you know, a pretty natural step. It shows a willingness to keep up with how people consume content these days, and that's something to think about.

He's involved with a new podcast, which he describes as "3/4 human 3/4 human podcast." This phrasing is, in some respects, a bit playful and hints at a different kind of content, perhaps something that combines human interaction with, maybe, a touch of something else, like artificial intelligence, as the text mentions. This kind of venture allows for a lot more freedom in terms of topics and format compared to traditional radio, and that's something that can be quite exciting for a creator, actually, pretty liberating.

So, while his voice is back on KROQ during the afternoons, it seems Kevin Ryder isn't limiting himself to just one platform. He's still finding ways to connect with listeners, whether it's through the familiar airwaves or through newer digital spaces. This kind of adaptability is, apparently, a good thing in today's media environment, where audiences have so many choices, and it just goes to show that his passion for communication remains strong.

Kevin Ryder's Personal Life

Beyond his career on the radio, Kevin Ryder has also had some significant personal milestones. One such event was his marriage to actress Merrin Dungey. Merrin Dungey is known for her roles in shows like "Alias" and "Shining Vale," so she's a public figure in her own right. Their wedding took place on December 31, a pretty big way to celebrate the new year, you know, and that's something that often brings a lot of joy.

The news of their marriage, as well as Merrin Dungey's engagement announcement, was met with a lot of warmth and support on social media. People, including some of Merrin Dungey's former costars like Jennifer Garner, shared their good wishes. This kind of public display of affection and support from friends and colleagues is, in some respects, a really nice thing to see. It shows that even with their public lives, they have a strong personal network, and that's pretty important.

These personal moments often give fans a little peek into the lives of people they admire, making them feel a bit more connected. It’s a reminder that even famous voices on the radio, like Kevin Ryder, have lives outside of the studio, filled with personal joys and relationships. This aspect of his life, you know, adds another layer to his public persona, showing a more complete picture of the person behind the microphone, and that's something many people appreciate.

Beyond the Airwaves for Kevin Ryder

Kevin Ryder's career has certainly been defined by his time on the radio, but his story also includes moments that extend beyond just being on the air. His influence, for example, earned him a place in something like a hall of fame, which is a significant recognition for anyone in broadcasting. This kind of honor isn't just about the hours spent talking into a microphone; it's about the impact made, the connection built with listeners, and the lasting mark left on the industry, and that's something really special.

His ventures into new areas, like the "3/4 human" podcast, also show a willingness to keep creating and connecting in different ways. In a world where how we listen to things is always changing, trying out new platforms is, you know, a smart move. It allows him to keep his voice out there and to explore different kinds of content that might not fit the traditional radio format. This kind of adaptability is, apparently, a very good trait for anyone in media today, and that's pretty clear.

So, while the airwaves have been his main stage for a very long time, Kevin Ryder's story is also about growth, change, and finding new ways to share his voice and personality. Whether it's through his return to KROQ, his podcast, or the personal milestones he celebrates, he continues to be a notable figure for many. It’s a story that, you know, shows a person who has dedicated a big part of his life to communicating with others, and that's something quite remarkable, actually, in a way, truly inspiring.

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