RIP Toucher and Rich Show ... It was fun while it lasted

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I liked the Western CT announcer thing the first time, but what is it now? 5 times? 6?

Even if it was adults it wouldn't be funny anymore, but this is 19 and 20 year old kids they are making fun of, over and over.
A few weeks ago I heard them talking about this. This is when they were talking about a D2 or 3 football school with college student announcers, right? I was waiting for the joke, like Fred to say something about his older tapes being crappy or that the students were in on it. But they didn't. They ripped it apart like it was the 6:00 pm SportsCenter. It was a pretty shitty bit and it's the text book definition of punching down. I was actually a bit surprised that Toucher and Rich would do this. And now it's a thing? That's not cool.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Nice of them to give Chachi a proper exit after 35 years. Very well done and awesome to them have like 15 people in there. Feel bad for Chachi who’s apparently getting axed due to the sale. He was crying for about 10 min.
 

Rusty13

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Nice of them to give Chachi a proper exit after 35 years. Very well done and awesome to them have like 15 people in there. Feel bad for Chachi who’s apparently getting axed due to the sale. He was crying for about 10 min.
I was wondering if the sale/merger was the reason for his exit. That makes it even more sad. I wonder who also might be on the chopping block?
 

NortheasternPJ

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I was wondering if the sale/merger was the reason for his exit. That makes it even more sad. I wonder who also might be on the chopping block?
They didn't say it, but it seemed to be implied. Since 98.5 won't be affiliated with ZLX or anything anymore, it makes sense.

Adam Kauffman is also gone. I think he was primarily a WBZ AM resource. I wonder if Sarge is gone too?
 
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Rusty13

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Thank god Adolpho isn't on the show anymore. The 8:00 hour has been a painful reminder.
It was kind of depressing too. Seems like his life has taken a direct downturn since he decided to leave the show, which now looks like a very bad decision on his part.
 

Salem's Lot

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It was kind of depressing too. Seems like his life has taken a direct downturn since he decided to leave the show, which now looks like a very bad decision on his part.
I saw him working at a bar in Harvard Square. It was either him or he has a lookalike and soundalike. Anyway he seems like a good kid in person and I hope he lands on his feet.
 

NortheasternPJ

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It was kind of depressing too. Seems like his life has taken a direct downturn since he decided to leave the show, which now looks like a very bad decision on his part.
You’re saying that leaving his full time job that had benefits and a 401k and basically only required him to be alive for this was a bad idea?

It was an awful decision. It was depressing but really not surprising. He’s got a rough road ahead of him.
 

Andy Merchant

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I'm really getting sick of hearing the Autism Speaks commercial 3+ times every commercial break on the TuneIn stream.
 

Sir Lancelotti

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I saw him working at a bar in Harvard Square. It was either him or he has a lookalike and soundalike. Anyway he seems like a good kid in person and I hope he lands on his feet.
He cleared my table at Charlie's Kitchen, and I saw him working the door later on. Wouldn't exactly be my first choice for security, but the clientele in there isn't exactly out of a Dennis Lehane novel or anything. Usually just hipsters who appreciate a good jukebox and a perfectly edible double cheeseburger.
 

8slim

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Fred’s hot take as the Matt Lauer news broke was really cringeworthy. At least Rich offered up that the best way to avoid problems is to not sexually harass anyone. Fred’s comment about not being alone with a woman at work was embarrassing. His schtick is beginning to wear on me.
 

BS_SoxFan

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Fred’s hot take as the Matt Lauer news broke was really cringeworthy. At least Rich offered up that the best way to avoid problems is to not sexually harass anyone. Fred’s comment about not being alone with a woman at work was embarrassing. His schtick is beginning to wear on me.
Agreed. His Geno Smith/Eli take was also brutal and he was just SCREAMING. I have been a loyal listener of the show since essentially day 1, and have always really liked Fred, but I'm finding him more and more intolerable and turning the show off pretty regularly now.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Agreed. His Geno Smith/Eli take was also brutal and he was just SCREAMING. I have been a loyal listener of the show since essentially day 1, and have always really liked Fred, but I'm finding him more and more intolerable and turning the show off pretty regularly now.
I turned it off around 6:45 today because i could take Rich's dumbass argument anymore. Fred didn't really bother me.

They've killed the Red Sox since the Carl Crawford / Gonzalez off season for signing guys for the wrong reasons. They're signing them for pink hats, for NESN, for ratings etc. THEY SHOULDN'T DO THAT.

They've praised BB for being BB and making tough decisions and doing what's best for the team no matter what anyone thinks.

Then Rich whines for 30 minutes how the Giants are dumb for benching Eli because the fans will be pissed? People won't buy the tickets! THey're upsetting the fans blah blah blah. It'll hurt ratings!!

It's a totally dumb argument when for the last 5 years plus they've been saying the opposite.
 

PC Drunken Friar

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The show hasn't been "great" for a while now. Still, the best option, IMO, and it isn't close.

One this that really, really annoys me and Fred has done it a bunch of times recently is that he will simply read almost an entire article that is relevant to their discussion. Today it was the NY Post and agent Smith. He literally just read the paper for nearly 2 and a half minutes.
 

HomeBrew1901

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Fred’s hot take as the Matt Lauer news broke was really cringeworthy. At least Rich offered up that the best way to avoid problems is to not sexually harass anyone. Fred’s comment about not being alone with a woman at work was embarrassing. His schtick is beginning to wear on me.
I don't think it's schtick at all actually and I get his point. He's considered a man in power with some ability to have someone hired or fired. It wouldn't take much for an intern or anyone else for that matter to say that he was inappropriate with them and then it comes down to he said/she said.

Now Rich is right, it comes down to don't be a dick (or show it) and you'll likely be fine, but you never now how someone is going to take something.

*Disclaimer: I'm not talking about overt acts of sexual harassment or assault and abuse of power. I'm thinking more along the lines of an off hand remark or compliment being taken the wrong way.
 

8slim

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I don't think it's schtick at all actually and I get his point. He's considered a man in power with some ability to have someone hired or fired. It wouldn't take much for an intern or anyone else for that matter to say that he was inappropriate with them and then it comes down to he said/she said.

Now Rich is right, it comes down to don't be a dick (or show it) and you'll likely be fine, but you never now how someone is going to take something.

*Disclaimer: I'm not talking about overt acts of sexual harassment or assault and abuse of power. I'm thinking more along the lines of an off hand remark or compliment being taken the wrong way.
I won't turn this thread into the Weinstein thread or a V&N topic, but with zero knowledge of what Lauer did Fred launched into his cringy hot take on how men can't be alone with women at work anymore. It's idiotic on so many levels my brain hurts.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Hard to beat up a show that has done as well as it has done for so long, but the thing killing the show now and basically since its infancy is Wallach. In my eyes, Fred is an elite interviewer, and that's his #1 skill set. Some of his rants are funny, others not, but he brings out the best in their guests. Rich runs the bits, some are good, some not, but his work on that end is outstanding and I think even the busts, we know for the most part they are trying.

But right now when you need real analysis of sports teams, Fred is way more knowledgeable about the Cardinals and Jets than the Red Sox and Patriots. Rich really comes off as a fan - Wallach is there to carry some of the sports talk and he absolutely can't do it. He adds no value to anything. If you had a guy like Adam Kaufman in that chair it would be completely different - at least from what I know of him from his Celtics show.

It's frustrating, there have to be a bunch of young college grads who love sports who can talk fairly intelligently about it - I know the money isn't great but instead you don't even try to put a third chair in who knows what is going on. Wallach is so obsessed with coming up with a hot take - he's not even usually accurate with his takes let alone interesting.
 

hube

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The show's been stale for awhile. Not bad, just... the same. Everything just seems a bit forced, like they're going through the motions. New blood could help. For example, it's always good radio when Hardy is in the Wallach chair. The interviews with guys like Gorman and Brandon Merriweather are still solid.

Do people really expect hard in-depth analysis from these guys, though? T&R are former rock radio guys who almost quit when it became a sports station. Yeah, it's been a decade, but it's not like the rest of the crew (or over at EEI) where the rest of the hosts are sports lifers. And there's a reason Wallach has been a headlines guy his entire career. Bring in guests for this kind of talk when it matters, but I don't expect it from the hosts every day, or even regularly during the season.
 

Rusty13

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I bet Wallach will be on the chopping block once the old CBS Radio contracts lapse. He better hope that C's full time radio gig opens up beforehand.
 

JCizzle

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The show's been stale for awhile. Not bad, just... the same. Everything just seems a bit forced, like they're going through the motions. New blood could help. For example, it's always good radio when Hardy is in the Wallach chair. The interviews with guys like Gorman and Brandon Merriweather are still solid.

Do people really expect hard in-depth analysis from these guys, though? T&R are former rock radio guys who almost quit when it became a sports station. Yeah, it's been a decade, but it's not like the rest of the crew (or over at EEI) where the rest of the hosts are sports lifers. And there's a reason Wallach has been a headlines guy his entire career. Bring in guests for this kind of talk when it matters, but I don't expect it from the hosts every day, or even regularly during the season.
I dunno, I think Fred gives better sports analysis than pretty much any big personality in the market. He watches the stuff, knows enough about analytics to sprinkle it in without being boring, and rarely devolves into hot take city (aside from his opinion on Tatum). I like Rich too, but definitely agree with the comment that he comes across as more of a fan than anything - which also works because he isn't a negative bore like everyone else in town.
 

taoofoj

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Fred is best when he’s not talking about the Pats, Sox, or Cs. He acts like it’s his duty to be the cold dose of reality for all the delusional homers out in listenerland. He takes it too far carrying that mantle and is too predictably critical of the Boston teams. His Tatum takes have been pathetic. He is most credible discussing the Bruins – he’s a Bs fan but willing to be critical. Also good discussing out of market teams. And unlike many, I will never, ever get tired of his rants about Twitter and social media justice warriors.

Rich is a lightweight discussing sports and is unable to effectively check Fred when he needs it. This is where Wallach should be able to step in but too often he fails because he’s either currying favor with Fred (‘I’m gonna side with Fred on this one’) and/or wants to get a little contrarian / takesy himself.

I’m on board with putting Hardy in the 3rd chair, sign me up.
 

dirtynine

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I think a pretty big part of Fred actually wanted to move to NYC (something he was teasing when the whole Carton thing happened). Not that it would have been the right fit for him, but that it would have been a new challenge. Fred and Rich thrive on challenges - rock guys beating the long-established sports morning show, decidedly, was a pretty good one - and I just don't think they feel it right now. Who wouldn't be going through the motions after 10 years in a job that doesn't get more challenging or teach you much each day at this point? That was what T&R were railing against in the beginning (the lodge, et al) and why they were so fresh at the start. They need a new... something. I don't think the show is just going through a rut, T&R need to be pushed by circumstance to be great. I hope they can figure it out - they are top tier entertainers when they are on.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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Hardy makes pretty much everything better but I'm not sure he'd even want that job. Isn't he a producer at the station too? But he's been there so long that I have to think he's waiting for a spot to open up to be a host or co-host of a show if he wants to be on the air more often. Becoming the new Wallach seems like a step backwards or, at best, laterally.
 

Granite Sox

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Fred was horrible the other day on the Eli thing. In general, his sports takes are subpar. When he's "on", he overcomes this deficit with his overall entertainment value and interview abilities.

Speaking of which, Big Bang Clock brought his 'A' game today talking about Eli, Talib/Crabree, and The U.

It's clear he likes Eli, but when Fred and Rich persisted in asking him about the manner in which fellow teammates tease him for being "Gumpy", BBC said, "Look... I know Eli looks... [awkward pause]... Eli looks... [awkward pause]... I know Eli looks... like there's something wrong with him..." but he's a really good dude. :):)

Also:
Fred: "Who you got between Crabtree and Talib?"
BBC: "Awww man... it's Leeeeeeeeeeb."
 

Rusty13

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Toucher and Rich is so much better when Hardy is in for Wallach. He actually brings things to show.
Agreed. They all have great chemistry together, and Hardy has the ability to spell and help out with producing bits and sounds, which is usually all on Rich. Lots of potential there.

My hope is Wallach gets some type of PBP gig and exits the show sooner than later. Quite frankly, they could use a new boost to the show with K&C starting to slowly take a hold of the ratings battle.
 

BigJimEd

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Toucher and Rich is so much better when Hardy is in for Wallach. He actually brings things to show.
I had to turn it off this morning. Can't stand Hardy. Talking over people with that dumb fake voice. I don't find him the least bit amusing. Worse on air personality, imo.
 

DisgruntledSoxFan77

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I had to turn it off this morning. Can't stand Hardy. Talking over people with that dumb fake voice. I don't find him the least bit amusing. Worse on air personality, imo.
I kinda agree with you. It just seems like he's trying way too hard for something and it just doesn't work for me.

Does anyone actually enjoy Rock n Roll Mike? Between the energy level that time of morning and just the volume, he's just not enjoyable at all! We need more Guy From Machine!
 

Rusty13

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What's wrong with this show? It's gotten really stale.
It has. It's time to dump the weekly Brandon Merriweather bits that they also replay at least once later on in the week to take up more air time.

They were kind of funny in the early going, but the well is dry. And he doesn't really add much in terms of his football analysis.
 

HomeBrew1901

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It has. It's time to dump the weekly Brandon Merriweather bits that they also replay at least once later on in the week to take up more air time.

They were kind of funny in the early going, but the well is dry. And he doesn't really add much in terms of his football analysis.
Really? I thought he was awesome this morning... Especially with what happened in Minnesota.

It's once a week (maybe twice if they replay it) and generally brings the show some levity and fun that the other shows don't have with guests.
 

steveluck7

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And i think the replay is Friday morning around 7... not likely their highest volume break.
Anyhow, I still enjoy listening but i think one of their issues is that the other "characters" (Bird, most specifically) aren't as likable (or really likable at all) as Adolfo was.
Some of their best stuff was when Adolfo was doing bits other than drunken recaps. Him reading Rick Reilly jokes at the open mic night sticks out. It seems like they haven't put anyone else in those situations since he left
 

NortheasternPJ

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I can't believe I'm saying this but the show misses Adolfo. He was great at getting street audio. I think he was WAY over exposed and they went to him to much, which is why I was glad he was gone, but their street audio is way worse now that he's gone. Bird is so dumb he makes Adoflo look like a genius. It's amazing Bird even functions in society, never mind actually has a 4 year degree.

It seems like they've cut way down on the number of bits Rich used to do, have less street audio and as a result it's been just talking about sports and interviews. There hasn't been nearly as much "must listen" segments. I do love Merriweather though, so i don't get that criticism.
 

Rusty13

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Really? I thought he was awesome this morning... Especially with what happened in Minnesota.

It's once a week (maybe twice if they replay it) and generally brings the show some levity and fun that the other shows don't have with guests.
Yeah, I guess it's become a little old for me. Although I admittedly still love hearing the old "VIP on Swole" song. A classic.

Agreed on Bird. He is brutal. Although I think Nick does a good job -- probably TOO good of a job in contrast to Adolfo -- with the "man on the street" audio bits.
 

shaggydog2000

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Yeah, I guess it's become a little old for me. Although I admittedly still love hearing the old "VIP on Swole" song. A classic.

Agreed on Bird. He is brutal. Although I think Nick does a good job -- probably TOO good of a job in contrast to Adolfo -- with the "man on the street" audio bits.
Guy from Machine is also no Chili Guy.