17 episodes

100.7, WMMS. The Buzzard. How did this station become so iconic? How did a small group of young hippies, some from Ohio, some from Boston, against all odds and no budget, achieve such unprecedented success? And how did it all come crashing down? This is the story of the rise and fall of WMMS - one of the most influential FM rock stations of all time.

SEASON 2 | THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD

“PROHFILES” explores the backstories behind the people you always wish you knew better, the places you've visited but never learned their secrets, and the ideas and events that together make Ohio a great place to call home. 

PROHFILES is a Wessler Media original podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts Network. 

PROHFILES | THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD Wessler Media | Evergreen Podcasts

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 72 Ratings

100.7, WMMS. The Buzzard. How did this station become so iconic? How did a small group of young hippies, some from Ohio, some from Boston, against all odds and no budget, achieve such unprecedented success? And how did it all come crashing down? This is the story of the rise and fall of WMMS - one of the most influential FM rock stations of all time.

SEASON 2 | THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD

“PROHFILES” explores the backstories behind the people you always wish you knew better, the places you've visited but never learned their secrets, and the ideas and events that together make Ohio a great place to call home. 

PROHFILES is a Wessler Media original podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts Network. 

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 3

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 3

    On our final bonus episode, we learn about "the switch" - one of the "trademarks of WMMS." Denny's interview with Bob Seger and another one with The Ramones. John and Denny both discuss the one memory they wish they could relive. We wrap up the series with and chat and exclusive performance by Cleveland folk musician Alex Bevan.

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: John Gorman, Denny Sanders and Alex Bevan.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 57 min
    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 2

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 2

    John and Denny join us again to reflect on the series and share stories not heard in the podcast. Their favorite "World Series of Rock" and the time John was in the "right place at the wrong time" during one of these shows. They also tell the story behind the two best April Fools Day ads.

    Also, hear unearthed interviews with Paul McCartney (1976), as well as Bono and The Edge from U2 (1983).

    Finally, bonus stories from our conversation with WMMS legend Billy Bass.

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: John Gorman, Denny Sanders, Shelley Stile, and Billy Bass.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 43 min
    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 1

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | BONUS 1

    John Gorman and Denny Sanders join us to reflect on the series and tell extra stories.

    We'll also get into the background Denny's interview with John Lennon, breakdown one of Murray Saul's "Get Downs," and hear stories incredible bonus stories from David Spero's interview.

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: John Gorman, Denny Sanders and David Spero.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 59 min
    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 6

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 6

    The radio station ignited the movement that provided the answer to the question: “Where should we put the Rock Hall?” It was (and is) an amazing feat, a crowning glory. While music fans were excitedly thinking about walking through the doors of the Rock Hall, discontent was beginning to stir among The Buzzard Nuclear Army. No bird of prey can fly forever.

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: Bill Alford, Billy Bass, Ruby Cheeks, Ed "Flash" Ferenc, Bill "BLF Bash" Freeman, Joel Frensdorf, John Gorman, Donna Halper, David Helton, Jeff Kinzbach, Mike Olszewski, Denny Sanders, Dia Stein, David Spero and Shelley Stile.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 44 min
    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 5

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 5

    While 1976 could be defined with the words “get down,” the ratings and success of WMMS could be described with the words “going up.” But if the station gets to number 1, how do they stay there? And what can the city of Cleveland gain when a number 1 radio station decides put all of its weight behind a movement?

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: Ruby Cheeks, Ed "Flash" Ferenc, Bill "BLF Bash" Freeman, John Gorman, Jeff Kinzbach, Mike Olszewski, Denny Sanders, Dia Stein and Shelley Stile.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 1 min
    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 4

    THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD | PART 4

    How will the staff affectionately known as “The Buzzard Nuclear Army” keep their ratings, and what else can they do to become the number 1 station in Cleveland?

    "PROHFILES - THE WRATH OF THE BUZZARD" is produced by Wessler Media and distributed on the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

    Guests: Ed "Flash" Ferenc, Bill "BLF Bash" Freeman, Joel Frensdorf, John Gorman, Donna Halper, David Helton, Jeff Kinzbach, Mike Olszewski, Denny Sanders and Shelley Stile.

    Books: John Gorman's "The Buzzard" and Mike Olszewski's "Cleveland Radio Tales" and "Radio Daze."

    Merch: David Helton's Buzzard T-Shirt Shop and eBay merch store.

    Special thanks: Alex Bevan for the use of "The Buzzard Song" as our closing credits theme. © 1977 Alex Bevan/Fiddler’s Wynde Music BMI (all rights reserved)


    The Wrath of the Buzzard and its production company are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with 100.7 WMMS, its ownership, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. Podcast cover art is an original creation of the artist, used with permission. Any audio, individuals, product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured on or referred to within this podcast or its website are the property of their respective trademark and copyright holders. Appearance on this podcast or its website does not imply endorsement.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
72 Ratings

72 Ratings

#1McCreerianForLife!! ,

Wrath of the Buzzard WMMS

I found out about the Wrath of the Buzzard on the Ohio v. The World podcast…
Based on the preview, I decided to listen to the entire series and enjoyed it immensely!
The background regarding the growth of the station and the HILARIOUS parody ads!!!
Highly recommend Wrath of the Buzzard to fans of music, radio, Cleveland history and quality entertainment👍🏻

Shelton MP ,

The Getdown

I listen to many podcasts. The Season 2 series on MMS was more of an emotional experience than “something to listen to.” As a native Clevelander who grew up on MMS, and absolutely lived for the Friday weekend kickoff trio of Friday on My Mind / Born to Run / Cleveland Rocks - and wildly proud of the City’s and station’s role in helping to launch my personal hero Springsteen - I cannot thank the producers of this series enough! Beyond my homer bias though, this series has excellent first-person interviews, use of historical material, and high overall production (sounds, music) - that showcases the importance of this radio station to the history of music. So happy all of this history was documented in this format. Well done!

Bdog3456789 ,

WMMS

It was a great podcast, but I’m surprised you didn’t talk about the resurgence of the station. It’s now the home of one of the top morning shows that’s syndicated in other markets. Once Rover’s morning glory came over from wncx the ratings have continued to climb.

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