Tom Barnard, a legendary Minneapolis radio personality, announced he will step away from The Tom Barnard Podcast in November 2026, handing the show to his children, Andy and Alex Barnard.
After a 37-year tenure hosting the morning show at KQRS-FM, where he earned accolades like the 2006 Marconi Award and inductions into the National Radio Hall of Fame (2017) and Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame (2018), Barnard transitioned to podcasting with Hubbard Radio in 2023 following his controversial exit from KQRS in December 2022.
Cumulus Media, KQRS’s parent company, called it a “retirement,” but Barnard claimed he was forced out without severance despite decades of top ratings.
The podcast, airing live weekdays from 7-10 a.m. CT with on-demand streaming, features Barnard, his wife Kathryn, and their children, focusing on humor and guest interviews. Despite a loyal fanbase, Barnard expressed discomfort with podcasting, citing less support compared to radio and a lack of enthusiasm, though fans urged him not to quit.
Barnard’s career began in 1971, with early stints at WDGY and KSTP, where he was known as “The Catman.” His KQRS show, peaking as the nation’s highest-rated morning program in the 1990s, was known for its candid humor but stirred controversy when he shifted to political commentary post-9/11, costing him his moderate reputation and voiceover work. His podcast aimed to return to comedy roots, but Barnard, now 73, will continue hosting until November 2026, with no firm plans beyond that.
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