Brain Reflects on 29 Years Behind the Mic at 98.1 KHAK

When I started working at KHAK in 1995, I was still a college student. Now in 2024, I have a son who is a college student. Time flies when you're having fun, and for the most part, the past 29 years on the radio have been a blast.

I actually started at KHAK as an intern. I worked with Britta Lee for a bit, and she showed me some of the basics of working in the newsroom. I worked many part-time air shifts from weekends to overnights before I was hired to do full-time nights from 6 p.m. to midnight in 1995. In 1997 I transitioned to a full-time news reporter which was more of an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. In 1998 I worked on the KDAT morning show doing sports beside the legendary broadcaster Tim Boyle.

Then, in 1999 I replaced Britta on the KHAK morning show. Brain and the Bear was born. Lenny left the show in 2006 and after six months of working by myself, I was joined by Scott Steele, creating the Brain and Steele morning show.

Steele battled cancer for several years and left the show in 2014. He passed away later that year. His memory still lives strong with me and countless KHAK listeners. He left some very big shoes to fill.

But fill them we did as Courtlin joined the KHAK morning show and we are working on our 10th year together!

She immediately brought a new perspective to the show and honestly, we have way too much fun together every day. Sure, she's made me wear a dress more times than I care to admit, but the show has never sounded better.

One of my greatest joys in working at KHAK for so long has been sharing the experience with my family. Holly and I have been to countless amazing concerts together, and then our kids got old enough to attend! Carly's first concert was Keith Urban at the Great Jones County Fair.

Chase finally showed some interest in going to shows and got to see several concerts with me including Thomas Rhett and Blake Shelton at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City and Big and Rich at the Great Jones County Fair! We also got to spend time at several Packer games in Green Bay.

Now our youngest, Cayleigh, is getting into music. She'll be enjoying her first concert on Friday night when we see Zach Bryan in Des Moines.

When Bob James retired earlier this year, it hit me. I'm the last one standing of the old KHAK airstaff back from when I started. I've been blessed to work with greats like Bob, Jeff Winfield, Dawn Johnson, Britta Lee, Lenny Bear, Nick Thomas, Mike Neilly, Bob Brooks, Dick Stadlen, and so many more. I learned so much from all of them and carry that knowledge with me today.

So how long will this crazy radio ride last? Getting up early takes its toll. But I still love my job. I have fun every day. KHAK listeners are the best, like members of our family. Why would I want to give up this gig? Thank you all for 29 amazing years on the radio. I never take a listener for granted. Thanks for tuning in to my life.

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