Glenn Anderson has played the radio version of Robin for 11 different Batmans on almost a dozen iterations of Q104 morning shows. Over 19 years, we’ve gotten to know his funny voice, comedic song parodies and his 8-year-old daughter Madelyn Merlot, whose popular school bus memoirs segment reveals what kids really talk about during rides to school and back home. Now, the spotlight shines on Anderson as he moves to Cleveland’s Star 102 as the afternoon drive host from 3 to 7 p.m. We caught up with the 43-year-old in November to talk about the switch, what listeners can expect, what he hopes to bring to the radio and more.
On the main mic: I always felt like the Ed McMahon to everyone’s Johnny Carson. I was comfortable in that position because I was able to complement whatever the host was trying to achieve. But there’s always that part of you that would love to be able to make the decisions and eventually have your own show, so when I got the opportunity — the excitement was unreal. Everything falls on my shoulders now.
On his audience: When you entertain people in the morning, it has to be quick and to the point. People want to laugh. They’re thinking about meetings and their day. With 3-7 when you’re driving home, it’s the same way — you’re thinking about dinner, dealing with rush-hour traffic and you’re just a little more tired and stressed. I just want to play good music and make you smile.
On his first day: Leading up to it, I don’t think I slept or ate the entire weekend. My wife and I are obsessed with Lionel Richie, so my boss scheduled some of my favorite songs in my first hour and that really helped to calm me down and get me in my groove. I’ve just been getting more comfortable and every day, I’m relaxing a little more.
On lifestyle change: I said, “Wow, for the last 19 years I’ve woken up at 3 a.m., and now I’m going into work at 3 in the afternoon.” It’s a huge shake-up, but when you get offered your own show, you take it. The biggest change is now I get to see my kids in the morning when they are at their best. I get to help my wife get them ready — I’ve never been a part of that. I always got the scraps or leftovers in the evenings — they’d be tired and hungry.
Glenn Anderson Steps Up to the Mic
The longtime sidekick finally has his own radio show.
