In a Man's World

Living Out Loud: Magic98's Bob Bonner

Bob Bonner is a guy for whom conversation comes easily. It might be a skill honed after 20-plus years on the radio, or maybe it’s a result of the caffeine consumption necessary to start his day at 4 a.m. before heading to his family business—Bonner Landscape. Whatever it is, it’s a trait that has served Bonner well, helping him become the beloved radio DJ we hear on air each weekday morning with co-host Pat O’Neill on Madison’s Magic98.

For the full article, see your January issue of BRAVA. To tide you over for now, here are a few more questions with Bonner.

What brought you to Madison?
It was kind of a leap of faith coming down here to Madison. I was living in La Crosse, and I got an offer to come here and cover the cop and state government beat on the radio. I said, ‘Sure!’ My wife gave up a really great job. We had a little kid, a junky old car and a dog that we kept feeding hot dogs so it wouldn’t go crazy. And Madison ended up being a great fit, and I got in with the best company in the world.

How did you meet Pat, your co-host?
He was actually the program director that hired me.

Have you ever had a big ‘oops’ on the air?
Oddly enough, no. I’ve never said anything I’d regret. Well, that’s ridiculous. I’ve said all kinds of things I regret! But we’ve never said anything that you couldn’t hear with your kids in your car.

What is your favorite thing about Madison?
The lakes. We love to paddle, we love to use the motorboat. You’re never far from getting away. The next coolest place is Door County.