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Mornings with Madden: My Radio Life with an American Legend
An intimate and freewheeling portrait of John Madden through the NFL legend's own words
John Madden is synonymous with football. He was the television face and voice of the nation’s most popular sport, the namesake of its best-selling sports video game, and the man with the highest career winning percentage of any NFL coach.
Despite his international fame, there was a side of Madden known only to those who listened to morning radio broadcasts in the San Francisco Bay Area. That’s where Madden grew up, lived, and died. It's where for decades he found joy in a daily chat with his hometown radio a chance to unwind, tell stories, and impart his own brand of wit and wisdom.
In Mornings with Madden, Stan Bunger—the man most often on the other side of the mic—illuminates this larger-than-life figure, drawing upon memories of more than fifteen years of daily broadcasts, backed up by thousands of recordings of those conversations. Listeners who adored Madden’s football acumen and quirky personality on NFL broadcasts will get to know the father, husband, bad golfer, dog owner, lover of roadside diners, and philosopher whose personality dominated our radio chats.
Featuring moving reflections alongside Madden's own words, this is a treasure trove of wry observations, self-deprecating humor, clear-eyed thinking about sports and society, and the “Maddenisms” that endeared the legendary coach to millions.
John Madden is synonymous with football. He was the television face and voice of the nation’s most popular sport, the namesake of its best-selling sports video game, and the man with the highest career winning percentage of any NFL coach.
Despite his international fame, there was a side of Madden known only to those who listened to morning radio broadcasts in the San Francisco Bay Area. That’s where Madden grew up, lived, and died. It's where for decades he found joy in a daily chat with his hometown radio a chance to unwind, tell stories, and impart his own brand of wit and wisdom.
In Mornings with Madden, Stan Bunger—the man most often on the other side of the mic—illuminates this larger-than-life figure, drawing upon memories of more than fifteen years of daily broadcasts, backed up by thousands of recordings of those conversations. Listeners who adored Madden’s football acumen and quirky personality on NFL broadcasts will get to know the father, husband, bad golfer, dog owner, lover of roadside diners, and philosopher whose personality dominated our radio chats.
Featuring moving reflections alongside Madden's own words, this is a treasure trove of wry observations, self-deprecating humor, clear-eyed thinking about sports and society, and the “Maddenisms” that endeared the legendary coach to millions.
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Published October 15, 2024
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About the author
Stan Bunger
1 book3 followersThe author of "Mornings With Madden: My Radio Life with an American Legend" is a well-known broadcaster whose career spanned six decades. Best-known as the anchor of the top-rated KCBS Morning Newswatch, Stan is a member of the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.
Stan was born in San Francisco and raised in the Santa Clara Valley before anyone started calling it the Silicon Valley. He’s a graduate of West Valley College (Saratoga, CA) and San Francisco State University.
"Mornings With Madden" is Stan’s first book.
Stan was born in San Francisco and raised in the Santa Clara Valley before anyone started calling it the Silicon Valley. He’s a graduate of West Valley College (Saratoga, CA) and San Francisco State University.
"Mornings With Madden" is Stan’s first book.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 10, 2025
Happy new year, Goodreads friends. Yes, it is already January 10th, and, yes, I generally have finished more than one book at this point. The last week I spent visiting family and friends and made that a priority. I come from a well read family, but somehow when more than two of us are in the same room, no one gets to read, and we all talk. Then there is of course swimming, and I would rather in water than on land. Then, I came home to snow and restocking my house of essentials. That is life and it’s also why I set my Goodreads challenge to 1 book every year: I never know what direction life will take me in, and I don’t want to be burdened by stats. I do that anyway because I’m competitive but only against myself. Long story short, I decided to make January a bonus month and take it from there. Books will get read in their own time and I have an inkling that I will reach triple digits when all is said and done. Just happy to get that first one off the board.
I’m home today because schools in my area are *still* closed from snow. Some never opened this week, so students and staff alike have had a three week vacation. Everyone is for sure raring to go, myself included. One thing that gets started this weekend is the NFL playoffs. I thought it would be appropriate to read about one of the biggest football personalities in my lifetime. I had wanted to read Mornings with Madden over Thanksgiving because if you know, you know. My library didn’t have the book yet so here I am. Even though I didn’t have much reading time over the last week, I savored these Maddenisms and was all too happy to spread them out. As much as I wanted to write a comprehensive review, I am on extended break and easing back into work and reviewing as well. Once I get my groove back, I will be happy to write in my usual style, hopefully soon.
John Madden was one of a kind from his sound effects to the video game to traveling cross country by bus to the turducken he developed for the Thanksgiving day MVP. Stan Bunger worked with him on KCBS radio for over twenty years and they developed more than a working relationship. Stan Bunger wanted to preserve Madden’s radio transcripts from his time on KCBS morning shows. It started as his first retirement project and lead to this book. With all the asides and funny moments, it was as though Bunger was at the kitchen table with a family and sharing laughs. After this week of snow which I detest I needed the laughter and the football. I’m looking forward to the playoffs even if none of teams I have a rooting interest in are participating this year. There are playoffs every year but there was only one John Madden. He said that hall of fame busts conversed with each other when the visitors left at night. I wonder what he would say about the Chiefs vs the field this year. I can only surmise that his bust is giddy with anticipation of another postseason and that somewhere the Madden cruiser is fired up and ready to go. John Madden is football and also a bunch of laughs and now it’s time to get life moving again as soon as the snow moves out.
4 stars
I’m home today because schools in my area are *still* closed from snow. Some never opened this week, so students and staff alike have had a three week vacation. Everyone is for sure raring to go, myself included. One thing that gets started this weekend is the NFL playoffs. I thought it would be appropriate to read about one of the biggest football personalities in my lifetime. I had wanted to read Mornings with Madden over Thanksgiving because if you know, you know. My library didn’t have the book yet so here I am. Even though I didn’t have much reading time over the last week, I savored these Maddenisms and was all too happy to spread them out. As much as I wanted to write a comprehensive review, I am on extended break and easing back into work and reviewing as well. Once I get my groove back, I will be happy to write in my usual style, hopefully soon.
John Madden was one of a kind from his sound effects to the video game to traveling cross country by bus to the turducken he developed for the Thanksgiving day MVP. Stan Bunger worked with him on KCBS radio for over twenty years and they developed more than a working relationship. Stan Bunger wanted to preserve Madden’s radio transcripts from his time on KCBS morning shows. It started as his first retirement project and lead to this book. With all the asides and funny moments, it was as though Bunger was at the kitchen table with a family and sharing laughs. After this week of snow which I detest I needed the laughter and the football. I’m looking forward to the playoffs even if none of teams I have a rooting interest in are participating this year. There are playoffs every year but there was only one John Madden. He said that hall of fame busts conversed with each other when the visitors left at night. I wonder what he would say about the Chiefs vs the field this year. I can only surmise that his bust is giddy with anticipation of another postseason and that somewhere the Madden cruiser is fired up and ready to go. John Madden is football and also a bunch of laughs and now it’s time to get life moving again as soon as the snow moves out.
4 stars
August 3, 2024
I was given an advance reading copy from Triumph Books through NetGalley. Thanks to both. My review was published at www.equinoxx.info on Saturday August 3 2024.
It's the weekend of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony and - ever since John Madden was inducted in the Hall - I've always spared a thought about the legendary football man.
The reason why I find myself thinking about Madden is because he - on numerous occasions - shared a belief that the busts of all the honourees inside the Hall of Fame building spoke to each other when the lights go out each night in Canton, Ohio.
Peyton Manning mentioned Madden's idea during his own induction speech in 2017, so it evidently resonated with him as well.
Fittingly, I found myself reading Mornings With Madden: My Radio Life with an American Legend this Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week. The upcoming title is written by Stan Bunger who hosted a morning radio show on the KCBS radio station from somewhere in California. John Madden was a frequent contributor to the programme.
It's hard to call Bunger's book a 'biography' about John Madden. The author himself states it isn't. Mornings With Madden is Bunger's tribute to his colleague and - most importantly - friend using a lot of the words and content Madden provided to the morning show.
I am a fan of American football from the UK, so my introduction to John Madden was done through his TV work. With that said, Madden transcended the sport by becoming an even bigger - ie: worldwide - name through Electronic Arts' video game series his name and likeness has appeared on since at least the early 1990s. If not earlier. So, it was quite refreshing to learn about Madden's more 'local' job by being a part of the morning show on KCBS which serves in and around the Bay Area in San Francisco.
Bunger is able to sew a lot together from the plethora of things John Madden brought to each show. Obviously, most of Madden's interactions were about the sport he was most knowledgeable in. And there is a lot of that in Mornings With Madden. However, there are other anecdotes and observations - outside of the American football bubble - which Madden, via his words and through the author's work, is shared in this brilliant book.
I was entertained by some of the things Madden shared with his friends to highlight just how much of a 'doofus' he could be. One example the broadcaster shared with his colleagues is a situation he found himself in during a televised golf broadcast when a bird pooed on him live on air. I legit laughed out loud at how Madden dealt with that one.
Another charming tale, shared by Madden, is the dilemma he faced when then US President - Ronald Reagan - made a telephone call asking for John's help.
Even though I found almost everything entertaining through this read, I did feel downcast when Bunger wrote about Madden's decision to retire from the show. John's reasoning behind his decision is shared verbatim and it felt weird to read knowing that it was a final farewell yet it would have just been a farewell when it was said on the radio.
I don't want this review to close on a sour note, though. I would like to refer to something that summed up my opinion of the book by using one of the quotes inside it.
The following is from around the time when John Madden first became a grandfather:
'You know what I'm thinking about now, seriously on this grandfather deal. You know how all your life you've said 'someday I'm going to be sitting around and I'm going to tell my grandkids about this,' Now I have to remember all those things that happened to me in my life...'
Stan Bunger has done his friend a great justice with this book. Bunger has allowed John Madden's stories to remain with everyone, Madden's grandkids included, through print and not lost to the radio waves of the past.
It's the weekend of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony and - ever since John Madden was inducted in the Hall - I've always spared a thought about the legendary football man.
The reason why I find myself thinking about Madden is because he - on numerous occasions - shared a belief that the busts of all the honourees inside the Hall of Fame building spoke to each other when the lights go out each night in Canton, Ohio.
Peyton Manning mentioned Madden's idea during his own induction speech in 2017, so it evidently resonated with him as well.
Fittingly, I found myself reading Mornings With Madden: My Radio Life with an American Legend this Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week. The upcoming title is written by Stan Bunger who hosted a morning radio show on the KCBS radio station from somewhere in California. John Madden was a frequent contributor to the programme.
It's hard to call Bunger's book a 'biography' about John Madden. The author himself states it isn't. Mornings With Madden is Bunger's tribute to his colleague and - most importantly - friend using a lot of the words and content Madden provided to the morning show.
I am a fan of American football from the UK, so my introduction to John Madden was done through his TV work. With that said, Madden transcended the sport by becoming an even bigger - ie: worldwide - name through Electronic Arts' video game series his name and likeness has appeared on since at least the early 1990s. If not earlier. So, it was quite refreshing to learn about Madden's more 'local' job by being a part of the morning show on KCBS which serves in and around the Bay Area in San Francisco.
Bunger is able to sew a lot together from the plethora of things John Madden brought to each show. Obviously, most of Madden's interactions were about the sport he was most knowledgeable in. And there is a lot of that in Mornings With Madden. However, there are other anecdotes and observations - outside of the American football bubble - which Madden, via his words and through the author's work, is shared in this brilliant book.
I was entertained by some of the things Madden shared with his friends to highlight just how much of a 'doofus' he could be. One example the broadcaster shared with his colleagues is a situation he found himself in during a televised golf broadcast when a bird pooed on him live on air. I legit laughed out loud at how Madden dealt with that one.
Another charming tale, shared by Madden, is the dilemma he faced when then US President - Ronald Reagan - made a telephone call asking for John's help.
Even though I found almost everything entertaining through this read, I did feel downcast when Bunger wrote about Madden's decision to retire from the show. John's reasoning behind his decision is shared verbatim and it felt weird to read knowing that it was a final farewell yet it would have just been a farewell when it was said on the radio.
I don't want this review to close on a sour note, though. I would like to refer to something that summed up my opinion of the book by using one of the quotes inside it.
The following is from around the time when John Madden first became a grandfather:
'You know what I'm thinking about now, seriously on this grandfather deal. You know how all your life you've said 'someday I'm going to be sitting around and I'm going to tell my grandkids about this,' Now I have to remember all those things that happened to me in my life...'
Stan Bunger has done his friend a great justice with this book. Bunger has allowed John Madden's stories to remain with everyone, Madden's grandkids included, through print and not lost to the radio waves of the past.
December 21, 2024
I'm of the belief that John Madden--coach, broadcaster, video game frontman extraordinaire--just may be the single most influential figure in the NFL's current sports landscape dominance. As such, I totally understand Stan Bunger's desire to write this book about his time with such a legendary figure. While the stories don't quite have the effect in print as I'm sure they did from Madden's lips, this is still an enjoyable read.
For a very basic overview, Mornings with Madden comes from radio host Stan Bunger's decades-long weekly radio program with John Madden. Here, Bunger salvages all he can from those interviews--combing through the radio station archives--to piece together some of his favorite or most memorable moments online with "Coach".
The obvious drawback of a book like this is that only John Madden can truly tell John Madden stories. It's like trying to capture fireworks in a picture or live music in a video--the effect is severely dulled without experiencing it "from the horse's mouth".
That being said, Bunger does a solid job of exploring his relationship with Madden in other ways, such as attending the yearly Madden barbecues, playing bocce with the big man, riding the Cruiser, or just laughing at the various "Madden-isms" he'd consistently drop into everyday conversations. This unique relationship allows some of those crevices, if you will, to be explored in ways not previously seen or heard.
As such, I can easily give Mornings with Madden a solid 4-star rating. It isn't the definitive word on Madden by any means, but simply a portrait of a friendship that developed through years of radio camaraderie and helps readers understand and appreciate even a small slice of the more personal side of John Madden.
For a very basic overview, Mornings with Madden comes from radio host Stan Bunger's decades-long weekly radio program with John Madden. Here, Bunger salvages all he can from those interviews--combing through the radio station archives--to piece together some of his favorite or most memorable moments online with "Coach".
The obvious drawback of a book like this is that only John Madden can truly tell John Madden stories. It's like trying to capture fireworks in a picture or live music in a video--the effect is severely dulled without experiencing it "from the horse's mouth".
That being said, Bunger does a solid job of exploring his relationship with Madden in other ways, such as attending the yearly Madden barbecues, playing bocce with the big man, riding the Cruiser, or just laughing at the various "Madden-isms" he'd consistently drop into everyday conversations. This unique relationship allows some of those crevices, if you will, to be explored in ways not previously seen or heard.
As such, I can easily give Mornings with Madden a solid 4-star rating. It isn't the definitive word on Madden by any means, but simply a portrait of a friendship that developed through years of radio camaraderie and helps readers understand and appreciate even a small slice of the more personal side of John Madden.
October 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this audio book! The narration was great. It was fun to listen to all of the John Madden stories. I think if you know who John Madden is, you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2024
Wow. I purchased Mornings with Madden on the book's release date, solely because my late grandfather was a huge fan of John Madden and I was curious as to why he was so drawn to Madden's personality. I can't recall my grandpa admiring many other celebrities/icons besides John Madden and Brandon Crawford, the greatest defensive shortstop of all time. My only other knowledge of Madden comes from habitually playing the video game with friends and family, I am 24 years old.
My grandpa was born in The City and was a fervent fan of the 49ers, Giants, DVR recordings, and all things red meat (a meat salesman that worked until the day he died). He dropped tidbits of wisdom everywhere he went until he passed away in 2021.
From the life lessons, everyday advice, and values brilliantly and carefully conveyed in this book - it's clear that John Madden is the ultimate reminder of the beauty of an "old-school" mindset. John Madden's approach to his profession, philosophy on life, and the care he displayed for others is littered throughout this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who has had that "old-school" influence in their life and appreciates not taking life too seriously.
To the author Stan, thank you for putting this together in such a touching tribute to your friend. It's very apparent that you cared deeply about John Madden - the friend, Coach, and family man. I enjoyed reading about every story and learning new things that I can use for the rest of my life, like how to cure a frog in my throat!
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. If you are a "football guy/girl", a sports fan, or someone from the Bay Area, you have to get your hands on a copy. I like to think that John Madden is not only talking with the busts in Canton tonight, but is also sharing stories with my grandpa, because "he's where Madden's from."
My grandpa was born in The City and was a fervent fan of the 49ers, Giants, DVR recordings, and all things red meat (a meat salesman that worked until the day he died). He dropped tidbits of wisdom everywhere he went until he passed away in 2021.
From the life lessons, everyday advice, and values brilliantly and carefully conveyed in this book - it's clear that John Madden is the ultimate reminder of the beauty of an "old-school" mindset. John Madden's approach to his profession, philosophy on life, and the care he displayed for others is littered throughout this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who has had that "old-school" influence in their life and appreciates not taking life too seriously.
To the author Stan, thank you for putting this together in such a touching tribute to your friend. It's very apparent that you cared deeply about John Madden - the friend, Coach, and family man. I enjoyed reading about every story and learning new things that I can use for the rest of my life, like how to cure a frog in my throat!
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. If you are a "football guy/girl", a sports fan, or someone from the Bay Area, you have to get your hands on a copy. I like to think that John Madden is not only talking with the busts in Canton tonight, but is also sharing stories with my grandpa, because "he's where Madden's from."
August 30, 2025
I spent the majority of my daily Bay Area commutes over the last 20 years listening to KCBS and with that, had the opportunity to hear from Stan Bunger and listen to the daily chats with John Madden. I didn’t grow up watching sports, but I knew who John Madden was, and listening to these brief talks gave me insight to the man and coach, and he was as delightful as the author describes in this book.
I was hoping the audiobook would have radio excerpts from the interviews, but I’m sure there are a myriad of copyright issues in using them. Instead, Stan Bunger does his best John Madden impression in reading from show transcripts and he does a great job.
Since John Madden has died, and Stan Bunger has retired from broadcasting, I have missed hearing their voices on the radio, but this audiobook was like an extended broadcast and allowed me to revisit those conversations very fondly. What a treat.
I was hoping the audiobook would have radio excerpts from the interviews, but I’m sure there are a myriad of copyright issues in using them. Instead, Stan Bunger does his best John Madden impression in reading from show transcripts and he does a great job.
Since John Madden has died, and Stan Bunger has retired from broadcasting, I have missed hearing their voices on the radio, but this audiobook was like an extended broadcast and allowed me to revisit those conversations very fondly. What a treat.
October 14, 2024
Since I'm a huge fan of the Denver Broncos, everything related to the Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders is automatically detested - with one huge exception, John Madden. I have always been a fan of Madden's, through his TV commercials, video games, and especially his TV work as the best analyst of all time for the NFL. As was mentioned in this book, I also didn't know he was on the radio every week in the Bay Area.
This book takes a look into John Madden as a person and coach through his weekly visits with KCBS news anchor Stan Bunger and the whole cast at the morning new radio program. Bunger has collected and selected the very best examples what made Madden into a larger than life figure. His Maddenisms, hilarious stories, and deeper thoughts are collected here in a very enjoyable book. Madden's impact on modern football is legendary and his impact on morning radio in San Francisco follows close behind.
Thank you to Recorded Books and Net Galley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes a look into John Madden as a person and coach through his weekly visits with KCBS news anchor Stan Bunger and the whole cast at the morning new radio program. Bunger has collected and selected the very best examples what made Madden into a larger than life figure. His Maddenisms, hilarious stories, and deeper thoughts are collected here in a very enjoyable book. Madden's impact on modern football is legendary and his impact on morning radio in San Francisco follows close behind.
Thank you to Recorded Books and Net Galley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2024
A fun book that emanated from friendship and camaraderie. Some very funny stories. I listened at 1.25x and it made it sound more authentic Madden. Fun.
December 20, 2024
Great read that brings a whole new dimension to “coach.” Madden was so wise beyond football. Stan Bunger brings a fresh approach to his conversations with Madden. It’s an entertaining read!
January 8, 2025
What an amazing review of John Maddens life on & off the field. What an engaging story. Enjoy!
July 23, 2025
Good memories. I listened to John Madden on KCBS while driving to work for many years. This book is an excellent tribute to him.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews