broadcasting

Ronnie Dunn was studying to be a preacher while Kix Brooks was already a working Nashville songwriter with hits on the radio. Neither one planned on becoming half of the biggest duo in country music history, and neither one really wanted to be tied to a partner. 

This week on Once Around the Country, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, walks through the real story of Brooks & Dunn, from a Nashville meeting neither man asked for, to three straight number one singles to a farewell tour that didn’t stick, and the reunion that proved some partnerships are worth fighting to keep.

Give it a listen today. We think you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation for the two guys behind “Neon Moon.”

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

• How Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks were introduced by producer Tim DuBois
• The story behind their first single, “Brand New Man,” and writing three hits in one session
• Why Kix Brooks was considered the bigger star when the duo formed
• The disagreement over recording “My Maria” and why it became their biggest hit
• How “Only in America” ended up as a campaign song for both parties
• Brooks & Dunn’s first attempted breakup and the record executive who talked them out of it
• The Last Rodeo farewell tour and what changed Ronnie Dunn’s mind
• Why Reboot and Reboot 2 brought a new generation of country stars into their catalog
• What it’s really like watching Brooks & Dunn open for Morgan Wallen today

Bio:

Brooks and Dunn:

Brooks & Dunn, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, became one of the most successful duos in country music history. They came together in Nashville in the late 1980s and quickly found success with hits like “Brand New Man,” “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “My Maria.” Their partnership produced years of awards, chart-topping songs, and unforgettable live performances, even as the two men eventually tried to go their separate ways twice. Somehow, they kept finding their way back to the music that made them one of country’s most beloved duos.

Website: https://www.brooks-dunn.com/

What happens when two old friends reconnect after more than three decades?

This week on Here’s What We Know, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes longtime Colorado radio personality Dave Jensen for a conversation filled with laughter, memories, and honest reflections about a business they both love.

They revisit their days together at TRI 102.5 in Northern Colorado, swap stories that have only gotten better with time, and talk about how a radio career has changed over the years. Gary shares why getting fired became one of the greatest blessings of his life, while Dave reflects on staying in one market long enough to become part of the community’s story.

This conversation is about friendship, resilience, finding joy in your work, and realizing that the people who cross your path often leave a bigger mark than you ever imagined. Listen now.

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

• Reconnecting after more than 30 years
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Colorado radio
• Why local radio still matters
• How getting fired changed Gary’s life forever
• Funny memories from TRI 102.5
• Dave Jensen’s award-winning career
• The future of radio and streaming
• Why local, human content still beats syndicated content
• Why relationships outlast careers

Quotations:

“Now and then, I still go to Runza. It’s weird… but I still get the original.” – Dave Jensen

“I finally got to move from second place to first place. That’s the bottom line.” – Dave Jensen

“Radio is still our core, but now it’s all about digital.” – Dave Jensen

“I try not to take it too seriously.” – Dave Jensen

“Being a better man is showing up for your job.” – Dave Jensen

“I’ve seen people leave, then come right back.” – Dave Jensen

Bio:

Dave Jensen was born in Paterson, New Jersey, but moved to Colorado (in the back window of his parents’ VW 1968) when he was 12 months old and has lived in the area ever since. Dave worked at Runza in Loveland when he was younger and still enjoys stopping now and then for an Original Runza. Dave is currently the longest-tenured employee in the Townsquare Media Northern Colorado office at 600 Main St. in Windsor, having worked here since 1997. Dave was awarded ‘Best Afternoon Show/Major Market’ by the Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) in 2025; RETRO 102.5 was awarded ‘Station of the Year’ in 2022. He has family in the area, with his brother living in Fort Collins and a nephew in Eaton. Dave loves movies, disc golf, movies, great TV, the local craft beers around Fort Collins, and all things radio.