Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

25 Years Ago, Bullseye with Jesse Thorn was a weird college radio show

Nov 11, 2025
Jordan Morris and Gene O'Neill, co-hosts with Jesse Thorn from the early days of college radio, come together to celebrate 25 years of their quirky show. They delve into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including how they booked surf legend Dick Dale. The trio reflects on their early sketches, cringe-worthy caller reenactments, and the awkwardness of phone interviews. They share lessons learned from their college radio journey, blending humor with heartfelt nostalgia, showcasing how those formative years shaped their comedic careers.
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ANECDOTE

College Radio Seeded A Long-Running Show

  • Jesse, Jordan, and Gene started The Sound of Young America as a college radio show at UC Santa Cruz with a 7:30 AM slot.
  • The program evolved into today's Bullseye after 25 years of weekly shows and incremental growth.
ANECDOTE

Booking Dick Dale From A GeoCities Page

  • Jordan booked surf-guitar legend Dick Dale by calling the contact number on his early website and getting Dale himself.
  • The interview captured Dale's wild claims and enthusiastic self-promotion, a thrill for the young hosts.
ANECDOTE

Live Call Reenactment That Backfired

  • The hosts staged a live radio reenactment of a date with a caller to win tickets, which quickly turned awkward and cringe-worthy.
  • Gene felt both excited and mortified, revealing his discomfort initiating on-air bits.
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