From The Plain Dealer – February 15th, 2010

Whatever Happened to Brian and Joe, the longtime morning duo on “Mix” WMVX FM/106.5?

They’re glad you asked.

“We’re the two busiest out-of-work guys you’re going to find,” Joe Cronauer said.

He and partner Brian Fowler were laid off last April in the latest round of nationwide budget-cutting by WMVX’s owner, Clear Channel Communications. Since then, they’ve endured their longest stretch off the air since teaming up for the first time on Akron’s WONE FM/97.5 in February 1988.

Native Clevelanders who grew up in Parma and attended Ohio University together, the pair started their run on WMVX in 1998 after working at “The End,” WENZ FM/107.9, and WMMS FM/100.7.

Illustration by Brian FowlerFive months ago, when their no-compete period ended, they launched a Web site, brianandjoeshow.com, featuring blogs and what they call “showcasts,” which are 20- to 30-minute daily podcasts of material they’d be doing on a regular show. The segments can be downloaded or streamed online.

“It’s one-stop Brian and Joe shopping and totally free,” Joe said.

“It’s tough to train people to go to a Web site every day, but response has been great,” said Fowler, who noted they have “actual sponsors.” The biggest, KeyBank, even provided promotional T-shirts with a cartoon of the duo drawn by Fowler.

Cronauer does weekly Friday features for “That’s Life,” the Robin Swoboda show on WJW Channel 8, which both he and Brian have guest-hosted.

They still host 8 p.m. Thursday shows at Pickwick & Frolic’s Hilarities. And they’ll continue a 17-year tradition of St. Patrick’s Day broadcasts on March 17 by playing the House of Blues with their band, the Endorsements, from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It’s been amazing, the outpouring of support,” Joe said. “The hope is for people to still have contact with us, and to land back on the air. There are some possibilities out there.”

-- Tom Feran

Brian and Joe are a little foggy from last night at Hilarities – WE paid for a Superbowl (as so did you!) – Tiger Woods Update – Simon Cowell wants to crush “We Are the World” -  How much would you pay for Lady GaGa’s piano from the Grammys?  (You won’t believe what she paid!) – Lost Comedy from Hilaritie’s comedian Greg FitzSimmons – and tons more!!!

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Brian and Joe take on The animated TV special – Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!!!! Mean Santa – Bad health care – The Island of Misfit Toys! Is there nothing sacred!!!

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Joe gets ready for Christmas – Brian gets ready for Christmas, a Birthday and an Anniversary! – Boycott heat bills – Boycott Sunday collections? – The NEW Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees!! – Brian & Joe’s Christmas Concert Reviews and a performance from Jake Fowler!!!  That and soooo much more!!!

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Brian & Joe talk about the blizzard to the west of us. More dirt on Tiger Woods. Tigers first endorsement has been dropped by a BIG name product. Great Lakes Christmas Ale is out in the stores and soon in our bellies. Tower City won’t be fully decorated inside for the holidays. Instructions on how to celebrate “Festivus” with friends and family. A woman hits her boy friend with a steak. And how to protect your baby Jesus decorations from being stolen.

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Brian and Joe prepare for Hanukkah (kind of) – Is snow on the way? – Tiger’s Mistress Tote board – Stay away from the Mall? – Toy Story 3 Trailer! – Vegas…who wants to go? – The George Foreman Grill bet – Who had the “One Hit Wonder” of this decade? ALL those answers and soooo much more!!!!

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Brian saw Jim Carey’s new movie “A Christmas  Carol” and gives his review.  Joe is still holiday shopping. A $3 bet is made about the George Foreman Grill. Creator of the Hokey Pokey died. New scams happening out there.  Find out what they are.  Billy Joel’s daughter may have attempted suicide this weekend.  Lady Ga Ga’s unusual performance requests to Simon Cowel.  George Michael interview reveals what he’s up to these days.  And more mistresses come out saying they also had an affair with Tiger Woods. It’s up to 6-8 affairs.  That and so much more in todays Brian & Joe’s Showcast!!  Give it a listen!

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