Between last week’s announcement of his retirement and tomorrow’s final show at iHeartMedia CHR 101.3 KDWB Minneapolis after a 33 year run in mornings, many of his current and former peers in the industry took time to pay tribute to Ryan’s as he potentially wraps up a 46 year career.
KZZP Phoenix syndicated morning host Johnjay Van Es:
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s so important to be nice” – Dave Ryan. Radio legend
— Johnjay Van Es (@JohnjayVanEs) May 15, 2026
Morning Show Boot Camp founder Don Anthony:
If radio had its own Mt. Rushmore, Dave would be one of the faces I’d hope to see. As for Boot Camp, not only was he a honored guest, but a mentor to a number of young personalities who attended. He truly knows what it takes to put on a great show, and he did it day after day for over 30 years. I’m know his listeners will miss him. Radio will too.
Former Dave Ryan Show co-host and current KDWB afternoon host Falen Bonsett:
Former Dave Ryan Show co-host and WIHT Washington/WZFT Baltimore morning host Intern John:
KTCZ Minneapolis morning host/KEEY afternoon host and KDWB APD Zach Dillon:
KBFF/KUPL Portland Content Director and former Dave Ryan Show intern Dylan Salisbury:
Former KDWB and “Cities 97” KTCZ personality Dan Riggs:
WBMX Boston morning host Karson Tager:
Absolute legend. @daveryankdwb congratulations on your announcement and for setting the bar for the rest of us. https://t.co/NfEk0SsOc8
— Karson Tager (@karsonwithak) May 13, 2026
Former KDWB overnight jock and Westwood One syndicated Country morning host JJ Kincaid:
He doesn’t need the tribute but you should hear it anyway. A whole lotta years ago I left the thriving metropolis of Hanover, PA for my first huge job at KDWB (thanks Rob and Rich.)
Holding down overnights I got to interact with Dave Ryan 5 days a week. If only everyone who ever started a new job was given the same opportunity to feel as welcomed, accepted and inspired as that guy made me feel on a daily basis.
What superstar morning guy lets the overnight guy hang out during the morning show to see how the magic happens. Dave welcomed me to all of their events and made me feel like I was truly a part of something.
The biggest takeaway? You CAN be both successful and a good human.
Dave Ryan Show co-host Bailey Hess:
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“102.9 The Wolf” KMNB Minneapolis morning host Paul ‘PT’ Thomas:
830 WCCO Minneapolis afternoon host Jason Derusha:
Former iHeartMedia Minneapolis Area President Jeff Tyler:
Promotions consultant Paige Nienaber:
Former KDWB personality JJ Kaden:
Former KISW Seattle morning host BJ Shea:
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And finally from Dave himself…
