Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
The DVE Morning Show
View on Wikipedia
| Other names | Scott Paulsen and the DVE Morning Show (1986-1988) Scott Paulsen, Jim Krenn and the DVE Morning Show (1988-1999) Jim Krenn and the DVE Morning Show (2000) Jim Krenn, Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show (2000-2011) Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show (2012-present) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Talk, Rock |
| Running time | 6:00 am-10:00 am (4 hours) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Home station | 102.5 WDVE |
| Starring | Randy Baumann Mike Prisuta Abby Krizner |
| Original release | 1986 – present |
| Website | http://www.dve.com/pages/randy-baumann.html |
| Podcast | http://www.dve.com/cc-common/podcast.html |
The DVE Morning Show (currently branded Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show) is a morning radio comedy and variety show broadcast on Pittsburgh classic rock station 102.5 FM WDVE featuring DJ Randy Baumann. The show began airing in the 6:00-10:00 am weekday morning drive slot in late 1986 after the cancellation of Jimmy and Steve in the Morning (from which the show draws inspiration). Originally hosted by Scott Paulsen, the show would go on to be hosted by the team of Paulsen and Jim Krenn from 1988 to 1999, briefly by Krenn solo, then by the team of Krenn and Baumann from 2000 to 2011. Since late December 2012, Baumann has hosted with comedian Bill Crawford and sportscaster Mike Prisuta with news anchor Val Porter departing the show in January 2024 and Bill Crawford leaving in December 2025. Additionally, many other newsreaders, sportscasters and other members have come and gone during the show's run.
In its nearly forty years of existence, the DVE Morning Show has consistently remained one of the most popular morning radio shows in the Pittsburgh radio market. Though the show has changed personnel several times, the same basic formula of comedy bits, celebrity impersonations, telephone interviews, in-studio guests, unusual news items, sports coverage and promotion of local music and comedy has remained and been the key to the show's continued success.
History
[edit]In 1980, WDVE began airing Jimmy and Steve in the Morning with DJs and hosts Jimmy Roach and Steve Hansen. Roach and Hansen re-established comedy and local music promotion on Pittsburgh morning radio, elements that had been absent from the region's airwaves for quite some time. They helped to promote the careers of Pittsburgh area acts like the Iron City Houserockers, the Granati Brothers, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and B. E. Taylor Group. This formula of comedy, talk and local music helped to make the show and station extremely popular in the region. Despite this, WDVE did not renew their contracts in 1986, and Roach and Hansen were fired, effectively canceling Jimmy and Steve in the Morning.[1]
Not long after Roach and Hansen's departure from WDVE, the station replaced them and their show. Hiring comedian/DJ Scott Paulsen, the station began airing Scott Paulsen and the DVE Morning Show in the 6:00-10:00 am time slot. Adopting a similar format to Roach and Hansen, Paulsen's show became very popular and kept WDVE near the top of the ratings. In 1988, Paulsen was teamed up with comedian Jim Krenn, who had been a regular on the show. Paulsen and Krenn even competed against Roach and Hansen from 1987 to 1991, when the latter duo joined WMYG. When Jimmy Roach and Steve Hansen went separate ways in 1991, Scott Paulsen, Jim Krenn and the DVE Morning Show became Pittsburgh's most popular morning radio program.
Over the next decade, Paulsen and Krenn created many comedic characters, sketches and celebrity impersonations. They interviewed many regular guests and continued to promote Pittsburgh music and comedy. At the end of 1999, Scott Paulsen decided to not renew his contract and leave WDVE and the Morning Show (he would return later in 2000 until 2006 as a DJ).[2] For a temporary period of time in 2000, Krenn hosted solo and the show was rebranded Jim Krenn and the DVE Morning Show. After interviewing several candidates, Krenn and WDVE selected Erie, Pennsylvania native and radio personality Randy Baumann. The program was again rebranded, this time Jim Krenn, Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show, and the show remained popular in the ratings.[3]
Over the show's run, several newsreaders and sportscasters have come and gone. However, newsreader Val Porter and sportscaster Mike Prisuta have been with the show since the early 2000s. Phil Kirzyc, later the DJ for the weekday 7:00 pm–12:00 am time slot, got his start at WDVE as the Morning Show's announcer.
For a period of a month in January and February 2010, Randy Baumann did not appear with Jim Krenn on the program because of a contract dispute, and the show was temporarily rebranded The DVE Morning Show. Negotiations were eventually settled, and Baumann returned to Jim Krenn, Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show.[4]
In December 2011 and January 2012, a member of the Morning Show again went through a contract dispute. This time, it was Jim Krenn's turn. WDVE wanted Krenn to leave the Morning Show and become the station's spokesperson, as well as become more of an internet personality. Krenn wanted to remain in his current position as host of the program. As a result of this, Jim Krenn was forced to leave WDVE and the Morning Show after twenty-five years on the air. Because of a non-compete clause in his contract, Krenn has not yet returned to Pittsburgh's airwaves. He has since returned to focus on his standup while also hosting an internet podcast, Jim Krenn: No Restrictions, which began streaming in March 2013.[5][6] Krenn would eventually return to Pittsburgh radio, albeit on a weekly basis, joining Larry Richert and John Shumway on Fridays from 8:00-9:00 am on KDKA-AM.[7]
During Krenn's dispute with WDVE and parent company Clear Channel Communications, the program returned to the air from its holiday break with Baumann, Val Porter and Mike Prisuta, again retitled The DVE Morning Show. In January 2012, it was announced that Scott Paulsen would return to the show as an "executive contributor" as well as a fill-in host/DJ. Comedian Bill Crawford was also hired to join the show. When Paulsen and Crawford joined the show later that month, the show was rebranded Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show, with Baumann currently as the show's sole host.[8]
On January 31, 2014, Scott Paulsen again signed off from the Morning Show, two years after he returned to the station., citing he wanted to spend more time on his farm and, jokingly, become a woman. He and the other Morning Show members hinted at possibly becoming a guest contributor in the future[9][10]
As a testament to the program's popularity, WDVE often reruns bits from the Morning Show at other times during the day. DVE disc jockeys Michele Michaels (10:00 am–3:00 pm) and Chad Tyson (3:00-8:00 pm) often play recent clips from the show intermittently during their respective times on air. Additionally, every Saturday from 8:00-10:00 am, the station airs The DVE Morning Show Reloaded featuring the best of the previous week's shows interjected in between songs. This is usually hosted by Val Porter.
On-air personnel
[edit]Current
[edit]- Randy Baumann, host (2000–present)
- Mike Prisuta, sportscaster (2002–present)
- Abby Krizner, newsreader (2024–present)
Former
[edit]- Scott Paulsen, host (1986-1999) and executive contributor/fill-in host (2012-2014)
- Jim Krenn, host (1988-2011)
- Phil Kirzyc, sports, later news (1988-1996)[11]
- Dani Coates, newsreader (?-1996)
- Cris Winter, newsreader (1996-2001)[12]
- Eddy Crow, sportscaster (1996-2002)[13]
- Val Porter, newsreader (2001–2024)[14]
- Bill Crawford, comedian (2012–2025)
Frequent guests
[edit]- Joe Bartnick, Pittsburgh-native comedian
- Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network and former Steelers quarterback
- Steve Blass, Pittsburgh Pirates color commentator on Root Sports Pittsburgh and former Pirates pitcher
- Phil Bourque, color commentator on the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network and former Penguins left winger/defensemen
- Steve Byrne, Pittsburgh-native comedian and star of TBS's Sullivan & Son
- Frank Caliendo, comedian
- Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist and comedian
- Sean Collier, comedian
- Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers writer
- Costaki Economopoulos, comedian
- Bob Errey, Pittsburgh Penguins color analyst on Root Sports Pittsburgh and former Penguins left winger
- Mitch Fatel, comedian
- Billy Gardell, Pittsburgh-native comedian and star of CBS's Mike & Molly (Appears weekly)
- Craig Gass, comedian
- Bill Hillgrove, Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network
- Merril Hoge, ESPN NFL analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back
- Tunch Ilkin, Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network and 970 ESPN
- Bert Kreischer, comedian
- Bob Labriola, Steelers Digest
- Mike Lange, Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network
- Mark Madden, 105.9 the X sports talk show host
- Jim McBride, aka Mr. Skin
- Bill Peduto, former Mayor of Pittsburgh
- Tammy Pescatelli, comedian
- Rob Rossi, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Penguins writer
- Stan Savran, 970 ESPN sports talk show host and host of Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins' pregame shows on Root Sports Pittsburgh
- Paul Steigerwald, Former Pittsburgh Penguins play-by-play announcer on Root Sports Pittsburgh
- Greg Warren, comedian
- Craig Wolfley, Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network and 970 ESPN
- Curt Wootton, aka Pittsburgh Dad
- Mike Wysocki, comedian
Additionally, many current and former Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates players tend to appear on the show.
Recurring comedy bits
[edit]Note: Names in lists with "Paulsen" and "Krenn" next to them were portrayed by Scott Paulsen and Jim Krenn and can no longer be heard on the show.
Celebrity impersonations
[edit]- Gregg Allman (Paulsen)
- Wilford Brimley (Baumann)
- George W. Bush (Krenn)
- Bill Clinton (Paulsen)
- Jerricho Cotchery (Crawford)
- Joe DeNardo (Krenn)
- Mike Emrick (Baumann)
- Morgan Freeman (Baumann)
- Roger Goodell (Paulsen)
- Michael Jackson (Krenn)
- Kim Jong-un (Paulsen)
- Mario Lemieux (Baumann)
- Paul Long (Paulsen)
- Evgeni Malkin (Krenn)
- Sophie Masloff (Krenn)
- Matthew McConaughey (Baumann)
- Pierre McGuire (Prisuta)
- Liam Neeson (Paulsen)
- Robert Nutting (Baumann)
- Barack Obama (Baumann)
- Ed Olczyk (Paulsen)
- Luke Ravenstahl (Crawford)
- Mitt Romney (Baumann)
- Paul Ryan (Paulsen)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger (Baumann)
- Sylvester Stallone (Krenn)
- Martin Straka (Krenn)
- James Taylor (Baumann)
- Mike Tomlin (Baumann)
- Christopher Walken (Crawford)
Original characters/sketches
[edit]- Baghdad Bob
- Tad Bifferson
- Judge Jimbo Browntown
- Bustass
- Cosmetic Corner with Bradey and Victor (Krenn and Paulsen) or Bradley and Wendell (Krenn and Baumann)
- Coyne and Richie, attorneys at law
- Georgie, the die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan
- Gunslingers
- J.T.
- Stanley P. Kachowski, "WDVE station manager" (Krenn)
- Ben Klingston, mall guard
- Liquor World
- Steely McBeam
- Mullet Talk
- N'at Man and Robert (Paulsen and Krenn)
- 72-year-old Otis (Krenn)
- Pants n'at
- Ralph the Cat (Krenn)
- Rollo
- Scorekeeper (Krenn)
- Siri
- 69-year-old Seal (Krenn)
- Spit Chokenpuke (Paulsen)
- Bobby Subgum (Krenn)
- Roy Werner
- Pittsburgh Prom Kings
- Steve's Marijuana
- Teamster Today
- Willie Westshoe (Paulsen)
CD compilations
[edit]During the show's run, WDVE has put out many CD compilations of the Morning Show featuring the program's best comedy sketches and interviews and showcasing the many people that have come and gone on the show. Most of these CDs did not remain in print for an extended period of time, and today Morning Show compilations have become collector's items.
Discography
[edit]- The Wild & the Innocent (Paulsen and Krenn) (1989)
- Hangin' Out N Nat (Paulsen and Krenn) (1990)
- Drink Me! (Paulsen and Krenn) (1991)
- Ridin' With the Pack (Paulsen and Krenn) (1992)
- DVE TV: Television Without the Picture (Paulsen and Krenn) (1993)
- No Harmful Side Effects (Paulsen and Krenn) (1994)
- Wizards of Odd (Paulsen and Krenn) (1995)
- Twisted (Paulsen and Krenn) (1996)
- Former Altar Boys (Paulsen and Krenn) (1997)
- Almost Live (Paulsen and Krenn) (1998)
- 11 (Paulsen and Krenn) (1999)
- He's From Here (Krenn) (2000)
- What a Pair (Krenn and Baumann) (2001)
- Doublewide (Krenn and Baumann) (2002)
- Have a Good One (Krenn and Baumann) (2003)
- Live at Nick's Fat City (Krenn and Baumann) (2004)
- Louder, Harder, Sicker (Krenn and Baumann) (2004)
- Pittsburgh Hold'Em (Krenn and Baumann) (2005)
- Head Trip (Krenn and Baumann) (2006)
- Reloaded (Krenn and Baumann) (2007)
- Last Minute Gift (Baumann) (MP3 only, 2012)
In other media
[edit]- In the late 1990s, Scott Paulsen, Jim Krenn and newsreader Cris Winter voiced characters on the Nickelodeon series Action League Now!
References
[edit]- ^ "Jimmy Roach and Steve Hansen - Pittsburgh Music History".
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (December 17, 1999). "The Mourning Show: Scott Paulsen signing off from WDVE". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013.
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (April 15, 2001). "Jim Krenn's new co-host, Randy Baumann, clicks with listeners and helps WDVE stay on top". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (January 21, 2010). "Where's WDVE's Randy Baumann?". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ Rutkoski, Rex (January 3, 2012). "Krenn no longer on WDVE 'Morning Show'". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
- ^ Matson, Amanda (April 3, 2013). "Jim Krenn re-emerges with a weekly podcast". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
- ^ Sciullo, Maria (September 17, 2014). "Former longtime WDVE host Jim Krenn returns to radio for weekly KDKA morning gig". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (January 19, 2012). "Paulsen to rejoin WDVE-FM morning show". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ "102.5 WDVE - Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers".
- ^ Pena, Nikki (February 10, 2014). "Scott Paulsen, DVE part ways". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
- ^ "Ear.fm is for sale!".
- ^ "Ear.fm is for sale!".
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (February 6, 2002). "Clear Channel shuffles its on-air personnel". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
- ^ Harrop, JoAnne Klimovich (January 23, 2024). "Changing stations: Val Porter moves from WDVE to 3WS radio". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
External links
[edit]The DVE Morning Show
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and formation
The DVE Morning Show originated amid a transformative period for WDVE, Pittsburgh's 102.5 FM station, which had begun an album-oriented rock (AOR) format in 1969, with a shift to the Superstars format in 1974, positioning it as one of the earliest such outlets in the United States and laying the groundwork for integrating humorous, locally flavored content with classic rock programming.[2] This evolution from its origins as a simulcast of AM station KQV to a progressive rock pioneer by 1971 emphasized deep album cuts and artist-focused playlists, creating an audience receptive to personality-driven morning shows that blended music with comedy.[2] The show launched in late 1986 with Scott Paulsen as its solo host, following the abrupt firing of the popular duo Jimmy Roach and Steve Hansen, whose "Jimmy and Steve in the Morning" had defined WDVE's comedic morning drive since 1980 but ended amid controversy and listener backlash.[2] Paulsen, a West Virginia native who had hosted mornings at WCHS in Charleston, drew direct inspiration from Roach and Hansen's format to craft a similar program upon arriving at WDVE, filling the 6:00–10:00 a.m. slot with a mix of comedy sketches, variety bits, and classic rock tracks tailored to Pittsburgh's drive-time commuters.[2] Initial audience reception was challenging, as Paulsen inherited an outraged fanbase loyal to the prior show, with early listener feedback reflecting widespread discontent and calls for the duo's reinstatement during the transition period.[7] Despite this, the program began establishing its foothold in the Pittsburgh market through Paulsen's solo efforts, setting the stage for expansion; by 1987, comedian Jim Krenn joined as co-host to enhance the comedic elements.[2]Early development and peak popularity
In 1987, comedian Jim Krenn joined Scott Paulsen as co-host of The DVE Morning Show on WDVE-FM, forming the Paulsen-Krenn duo that solidified the program's foundation as a comedy-variety format blending humor, music, and local Pittsburgh flavor.[7][2] Krenn's addition brought recurring characters and satirical sketches, enhancing the show's appeal and establishing its core dynamic that resonated with listeners through improvisational comedy and audience interaction.[2] Throughout the 1990s, the show experienced significant growth in popularity, consistently achieving high Arbitron ratings that positioned WDVE as a dominant force in Pittsburgh's morning radio market.[7] The duo promoted local bands such as The Clarks and Rusted Root through heavy rotation on segments like the Homegrown Show, helping to elevate these acts within the regional music scene.[2] Additionally, the program integrated sports updates and news elements, including coverage of Pittsburgh Steelers games, which culminated in WDVE becoming the team's flagship station in 1998.[8] The show engaged the community through events like annual Toys for Tots drives, where cassette compilations of local bands were distributed as incentives in 1989, and live broadcasts from DVE Rocker concerts featuring emerging Pittsburgh talent.[2] These initiatives, along with controversial stunts such as a 1990s breast implant giveaway that drew widespread media attention, further boosted the program's visibility and listener loyalty.[2] The original duo era concluded on December 31, 1999, when Paulsen departed the show, leading to a brief hiatus and marking the end of the Paulsen-Krenn partnership that had defined its peak years.[9][10]Major transitions and recent changes
In 2000, Randy Baumann became a prominent co-host on the DVE Morning Show alongside Jim Krenn, forming the duo that defined the program's comedic and talk format for over a decade. This partnership elevated the show's popularity in Pittsburgh, blending humor with local sports commentary.[11] A significant disruption occurred in December 2011 when Jim Krenn was removed from the show amid a contract dispute with station owner Clear Channel Communications, leading to his departure after 24 years on air.[11] The station cited ongoing negotiations that failed to resolve, resulting in a shakeup that temporarily rebranded the program as simply The DVE Morning Show.[12] Following Krenn's exit, the show underwent a major rebranding in early 2012 to Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show, with Baumann assuming the lead host role. Comedian Bill Crawford joined the team in January 2012, adding recurring comedic segments and contributing to the program's refreshed dynamic alongside sports anchor Mike Prisuta.[13] This transition helped stabilize the show, maintaining its focus on Pittsburgh-centric humor and Steelers coverage.[14] Newsreader Val Porter, who had been a fixture since 2001, provided traffic updates and straight-man commentary until her departure in January 2024, after 23 years with the program.[15] She transitioned to the morning show at sister station 94.5 3WS, marking the end of her long tenure on DVE.[16] Abby Krizner joined as the new newsreader in early 2024, seamlessly integrating into the team while Prisuta continued his role in sports integration, offering in-depth analysis of local teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.[13] In 2025, the show adapted to modern listening habits through expanded digital streaming on platforms like iHeartRadio and podcasts, allowing global access to full episodes and highlights.[17] A notable event was the live broadcast from the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe on August 12, 2025, featuring on-site interviews with players and coaches to enhance fan engagement.[18] On November 12, 2025, Bill Crawford announced his departure from the show after 13 years to focus on his stand-up comedy career, with his final segment airing shortly thereafter.[4] These changes reflect the program's evolution toward multimedia delivery while preserving its core radio roots.[1]On-air personnel
Current team
The current on-air team of The DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE as of November 2025 consists of host Randy Baumann, sportscaster Mike Prisuta, and newsreader Abby Krizner, delivering a mix of comedy, sports analysis, and news during the four-hour weekday broadcast from 6 to 10 a.m. ET.[1] Randy Baumann serves as the primary host, drawing on his background in comedy and sports commentary to lead interviews, drive comedic bits, and steer the show's Pittsburgh-centric discussions.[1][19] Mike Prisuta acts as the sportscaster, providing in-depth analysis of Pittsburgh Steelers games, local sports events, and NFL updates, often integrating his veteran reporting expertise into the show's humorous segments.[19] Abby Krizner handles news reading duties, delivering updates on local and national headlines alongside traffic reports, while contributing to the show's energetic flow through her multitasking role in production and on-air banter.[20] The team's styles synergize effectively in the extended format, with Baumann's hosting anchoring transitions between Prisuta's sports segments and Krizner's timely news breaks, fostering a dynamic blend of entertainment and information tailored to Pittsburgh listeners.[1][19]Former contributors
Scott Paulsen was the original host of The DVE Morning Show, joining WDVE in 1986 as a morning show co-host and pioneering the program's comedic format alongside early contributors.[10] He co-hosted with Jim Krenn from 1988 until his departure at the end of 1999, when he chose not to renew his contract, leading to a brief hiatus from the station before returning as an evening DJ from 2000 to 2006 and later in afternoons.[10] Paulsen rejoined the morning show in January 2012 as an executive contributor and fill-in host following a major transition, contributing to its evolution until parting ways with WDVE in February 2014; afterward, he pursued solo projects including comedy performances and a role with the Department of Veterans Affairs.[10][21] His tenure established the show's signature blend of humor and local Pittsburgh flair, influencing its long-term structure.[12] Jim Krenn joined as co-host in 1988, becoming central to the show's comedy through character-driven sketches and impersonations during his 23-year run until late December 2011.[22] In a management shakeup, WDVE removed Krenn from the morning show without firing him outright, though he did not return to on-air duties there, prompting widespread listener reaction to the change.[11] Post-departure, Krenn expressed no bitterness and continued his career in comedy, including stand-up tours, podcasting, and voice work, while occasionally referencing his DVE legacy in interviews.[23] His contributions solidified the program's reputation as a top-rated morning staple in Pittsburgh, with his improvisational style leaving a lasting impact on its humorous segments.[22] Val Porter served as the newsreader on The DVE Morning Show from 2001 to January 2024, providing the key female voice for traffic, news, and comedic interludes after joining WDVE in 1999.[24] In early 2024, she transitioned within iHeartMedia to co-host the morning show at 3WS (WWSW-FM), ending her long tenure on DVE amid a series of personnel shifts at the station.[16][15] Porter's departure was announced on-air without a formal farewell, similar to past changes, but she continued contributing to Pittsburgh radio as a familiar on-air personality.[5] Her role added balance and relatability to the show's dynamic, enhancing its appeal over two decades.[24] Bill Crawford joined the show in 2012 as the resident comedian, specializing in original sketches, celebrity impersonations, and improvisational humor that punctuated the broadcast's lighter moments.[4] He announced his departure on November 12, 2025, with his final on-air appearance on November 14, 2025, to pursue stand-up comedy full-time.[20][4][25][6] Other early contributors included rotating newsreaders, sportscasters like Phil Kirzyc (who handled sports from 1988 before shifting to news), and producers who shaped the show's format pre-2012, though many such roles turned over as the program evolved.[26] These behind-the-scenes and supporting personnel helped build the foundation during the Paulsen-Krenn era, contributing to its peak popularity without achieving the same on-air prominence as the core hosts.[14]Program format
Recurring comedy segments
The recurring comedy segments on The DVE Morning Show form the humorous backbone of its daily structure, blending parody and satire to entertain listeners during the morning commute. Originating in the Scott Paulsen and Jim Krenn era from 1988 to 1999, these routines emphasized absurd, non-character-driven parodies that mocked everyday absurdities, setting a template for the show's blend of comedy and local flavor.[2] One staple was Bradley's Cosmetic Corner, a beauty parody segment where hosts delivered over-the-top endorsements of fictional products like "Phol Smoker" for smoky eye makeup, satirizing infomercials and consumer culture.[27] This bit, running regularly in the 1990s, highlighted the duo's knack for escalating mundane topics into escalating ridiculousness, often tying into holiday shopping seasons or local trends in Pittsburgh.[28] As the show transitioned after Paulsen's 1999 departure—with Krenn partnering with Randy Baumann from 2000 to 2011—the segments adapted to a slightly less sketch-heavy format while retaining satirical elements. Cosmetic Corner persisted briefly as Bradley and Wendell, evolving the parody to incorporate Baumann's drier wit, but the overall emphasis shifted toward interactive and topical humor amid the station's growing sports focus.[2] Phone interactions with callers became a key recurring routine, often sparking spontaneous comedy through unscripted banter, especially when fans called in with exaggerated takes on local issues like traffic or weather, fostering a sense of community engagement without relying on scripted pranks. Following Krenn's 2011 exit and Baumann's leadership, the format leaned further into conversational satire, prioritizing Pittsburgh-centric ties such as seasonal nods to Pirates baseball or holiday events to resonate with the audience's blue-collar sensibilities.[1] In the Baumann era, daily news satire emerged as a core element through segments like Raiding the Algorithm, introduced in the 2010s and running multiple times weekly, where hosts scour social media and online videos for odd news clips—such as conspiracy theories about Peter Pan or remixed celebrity soundbites—and deliver deadpan commentary.[29] This routine structures the show's mid-morning flow, providing bite-sized satire on national headlines filtered through a local lens, like mocking viral sports fails during Pittsburgh's event-heavy calendar. By 2025, amid the Steelers' season, Raiding the Algorithm incorporated timely updates, such as clips roasting quarterback performances or fan reactions to games, while companion bits like Pick Six added humorous game predictions to heighten seasonal engagement without overhauling the core format.[30] These adaptations have sustained the show's relevance, balancing evergreen parodies with reactive humor to keep Pittsburgh listeners tuned in.[1]Celebrity impersonations and original sketches
The DVE Morning Show distinguishes itself through its emphasis on original comedy sketches and character-driven humor, with hosts like Randy Baumann and Bill Crawford contributing to voiced impersonations and scripted segments that capture the essence of Pittsburgh life. These elements include satirical takes on public figures and local personalities, often woven into discussions of sports and current events to provide timely, relatable laughs.[12] The show's sketches frequently feature in-studio role-plays and audio dramas, allowing the team to explore exaggerated scenarios that reflect regional culture and humor. Holiday specials further showcase this style, adapting classic formats to seasonal themes while maintaining a focus on original content generated by the hosts. This approach has helped the program evolve with audience interests, incorporating contemporary topics up to 2025 while staying rooted in Pittsburgh's witty, self-deprecating sensibility.[12]Frequent guests and interviews
The DVE Morning Show features a roster of recurring guests who provide expert analysis, local insights, and comedic flair, enhancing its blend of sports, news, and humor. Sports experts like former Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Merril Hoge serve as a weekly analyst, offering in-depth breakdowns of team performance and NFL strategies during telephone interviews.[31][32] Similarly, sports commentator Mark Madden frequently joins via phone to deliver pointed commentary on Steelers games, local sports events, and broader Pittsburgh athletics, often recapping recent developments with his signature irreverent style.[33][34] Local figures also make regular appearances to connect the show with Pittsburgh's community and culture. Comedian Billy Gardell, a Pittsburgh native, contributes weekly segments, typically in-studio, where he shares humorous anecdotes, discusses pop culture, and ties into the show's comedy bits without taking a hosting role.[35][36] Politicians such as Corey O'Connor, Pittsburgh's mayor-elect in 2025, have appeared to discuss city governance and local news, as seen in his post-election interview addressing urban priorities.[37] Interviews employ a variety of formats to suit guest availability and topic immediacy, including telephone calls for quick expert takes, in-studio visits for interactive discussions, and remote setups during events like the 2025 Steelers training camp. At the camp in Latrobe, head coach Mike Tomlin joined live remotely to preview the season and address team dynamics, exemplifying how such appearances integrate real-time sports updates into the broadcast.[38] These guests enrich the program's segments by providing authentic perspectives—Hoge and Madden bolstering sports analysis, O'Connor grounding news in local policy, and Gardell amplifying comedic elements—while the hosts facilitate the flow to maintain the show's energetic pace.[39][40]Media and merchandise
CD compilations and discography
The DVE Morning Show has produced over a dozen CD compilations since the late 1980s, archiving its comedic sketches, parodies, and recurring bits for listeners unable to tune in live. These releases, primarily manufactured and distributed by WDVE in collaboration with local Pittsburgh retailer National Record Mart, captured the show's humor in physical formats that became popular merchandise in the regional market. Early albums emphasized the foundational duo of Scott Paulsen and Jim Krenn, while later volumes reflected lineup changes, including Randy Baumann's contributions, blending timeless local satire with contemporary references. By packaging audio highlights, the CDs extended the program's accessibility, allowing fans to relive segments like sports updates and celebrity impersonations at their convenience. The inaugural compilation, The Wild & the Innocent (1989), spotlighted Paulsen and Krenn's early on-air dynamic through 30 tracks of irreverent sketches rooted in Pittsburgh culture, such as "Steeler Update," "Pirates' Clubhouse," and "Shadyside." Released on cassette and later CD by National Record Mart, it marked the start of a series that documented the show's rising popularity during its peak years. Subsequent 1990s releases built on this foundation, compiling standout moments from live broadcasts to appeal to the station's loyal audience. Twisted (1996) followed with Paulsen and Krenn's twisted takes on everyday absurdities, produced under the WDVE Rocks imprint and distributed locally. The next year, Former Altar Boys (1997) delivered 28 parody-heavy tracks, including "Lesbian Thursday," "French Canadian Guy," and "Steeler Update - Vote Tomczak," showcasing the duo's sports-infused comedy that resonated in Steelers Country. Almost Live (1998) captured near-real-time broadcast energy in its sketches, while Eleven (1999) rounded out the decade with thematic bits tied to the show's evolving format. These Paulsen-Krenn era albums, totaling at least five major volumes, were key to commercializing the show's content, often bundled with WDVE promotions and sold through regional outlets. Additional releases from this period include DVE TV (1993), Wizards of Odd (1995), and others that further documented their comedic style. As the show transitioned, compilations from the Jim Krenn and Randy Baumann partnership in the 2000s maintained the tradition of best-of collections, now incorporating Baumann's wry style alongside Krenn's impressions. He's From Here (2000) featured Krenn's solo-hosted segments post-Paulsen, blending nostalgia with new material. Joint efforts like What a Pair (2001) highlighted their chemistry in duo sketches, while the double-disc Doublewide (2002) expanded runtime for extended bits. Have a Good One (2003) packed high-energy parodies as a two-disc set. Head Trip (2006) included 24 timely tracks such as "Bagdad Bob - My Space 4 Terrorists," "Judge Jimbo Browntown," and "Rolls - Tailgating for Ben," mastered for CD by Brian Price and emphasizing pop culture and local events. Reloaded (2007) revisited fan favorites with remastered audio, followed by Louder. Harder. Sicker (2004) with its high-energy parodies, and Pittsburgh Hold 'em (2005) tying into the duo's poker-themed humor. Produced in-house by WDVE, these releases sustained commercial interest in Pittsburgh, where they were marketed as holiday gifts and event tie-ins, preserving the show's legacy amid format shifts. The phase included over a dozen albums, with additional titles like Live from the Burgh (2004). In 2012, following Krenn's departure, a digital-only MP3 compilation titled Last Minute Gift emerged under Baumann's solo era, offering select archival bits as a downloadable "best-of" for modern listeners, though physical CDs tapered off thereafter.Discography
The following table lists key CD compilations, focusing on major releases with verified track counts where available. All were produced by WDVE and targeted the Pittsburgh market for local sales.| Title | Year | Primary Hosts | Format/Tracks | Label/Distributor | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wild & the Innocent | 1989 | Paulsen & Krenn | CD/Cassette, 30 tracks | National Record Mart (SPP001) | Debut sketches including "Steeler Update" [41] |
| Twisted | 1996 | Paulsen & Krenn | CD, ~20 tracks | National Record Mart/WDVE Rocks (2570-2) | Absurdist parodies like "Pull On My Finger" [42] [43] |
| Former Altar Boys | 1997 | Paulsen & Krenn | CD, 28 tracks | National Record Mart (WDVE 2571-2) | Parodies such as "Lesbian Thursday" and sports bits [44] |
| Almost Live | 1998 | Paulsen & Krenn | CD, ~25 tracks | WDVE | Broadcast-style sketches including "Bobby Subgum" [45] [46] |
| Eleven | 1999 | Paulsen & Krenn | CD, variable tracks | National Record Mart | End-of-decade highlights [47] |
| He's From Here | 2000 | Krenn & DVE Morning Show | CD, ~20 tracks | WDVE | Post-Paulsen solo bits [48] [49] |
| What a Pair | 2001 | Krenn & Baumann | CD, ~22 tracks | WDVE | Duo chemistry focus [50] |
| Doublewide | 2002 | Krenn & Baumann | 2-CD, ~40 tracks | WDVE | Extended compilations [51] [52] |
| Head Trip | 2006 | Krenn & Baumann | CD, 24 tracks | WDVE (none) | Satire like "Stephen Hawking" bits [53] |
| Reloaded | 2007 | Krenn & Baumann | CD, ~20 tracks | WDVE (none) | Remastered favorites [54] |
| Louder. Harder. Sicker | 2004 | Krenn & Baumann | CD, variable tracks | WDVE | High-energy parodies [55] [56] |
| Have a Good One | 2003 | Krenn & Baumann | 2-CD, ~30 tracks | WDVE | Farewell-style bits [57] |
| Pittsburgh Hold 'em | 2005 | Krenn & Baumann | CD, ~18 tracks | WDVE | Poker-themed humor [58] |
