50 Facts About Rich Shertenlieb

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Rich Shertenlieb's journey in radio began with a bang. His early career was marked by bold moves and memorable stunts that quickly made him a standout personality.

1. Rich Shertenlieb began his career in radio as a stunt guy on 99X's Morning X in the early 2000s.
2. His time at 99X dates back to 2006, where he gained popularity for his unique and often provocative on-air antics.
3. In 2009, Shertenlieb joined 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, where he co-hosted the highly successful morning drive show "Toucher and Rich" with Fred Toucher.
4. The duo's partnership was incredibly successful, lasting for 14 years and becoming an institution in Boston sports radio.

Transition and New Beginnings

After years of success, Shertenlieb decided it was time for a change. His departure from "Toucher and Rich" marked the beginning of a new chapter.

5. In November 2023, Shertenlieb announced his departure from "Toucher and Rich," citing a desire for new opportunities and a need to explore different on-air real estate.
6. After the breakup, Shertenlieb expressed his gratitude to the listeners and the team at 98.5 The Sports Hub through a heartfelt social media statement.
7. Although he didn't specify what's next for him immediately, Shertenlieb hinted at new endeavors and promised to share his plans in the near future.

Launching a New Show on WZLX

Shertenlieb's new venture took shape on WZLX, where he aimed to create a unique morning show experience.

8. In May 2024, Shertenlieb launched his new morning show on WZLX, a station owned by iHeartMedia.
9. One of the unique aspects of his new show is the absence of music during morning drive hours, a deliberate choice aimed at focusing on sports and lifestyle discussions.
10. Shertenlieb has assembled a diverse team for his new show, including Ted Johnson, Mike Girardi, and Charlotte Wilder, each bringing their expertise and personalities to the table.
11. The show's producer, Kenny Young, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the old and new shows, and Shertenlieb praises him for his skills and dedication.

Staying in Boston

Despite opportunities elsewhere, Shertenlieb chose to remain in Boston, a city that has become his second home.

12. Despite the opportunity to start anew elsewhere, Shertenlieb chose to stay in Boston, emphasizing his commitment to the city and its community.
13. iHeartMedia has offered Shertenlieb the opportunity to launch a podcast network in the future, which he is considering.
14. The classic rock format that WZLX is known for has been phased out during morning drive hours to make way for Shertenlieb's new show.
15. Shertenlieb believes that his show's success lies in its unique blend of personalities, expertise, and lifestyle discussions, which sets it apart from other morning shows.

Building a New Team

Creating a successful show requires a strong team. Shertenlieb's new team is diverse and dynamic, each member bringing something special to the table.

16. The show features rotating guests who are experts in various fields, adding depth and variety to the programming.
17. Shertenlieb acknowledges that building chemistry among the team and with listeners takes time and effort, but he is committed to making his new show a success.
18. For many Bostonians, Shertenlieb and Fred Toucher will forever be linked due to their successful partnership on "Toucher and Rich".
19. Shertenlieb never considered leaving Boston for a fresh start; instead, he chose to stay and continue making a name for himself in the city.

No Hard Feelings

Despite the breakup with Toucher, Shertenlieb insists there were no hard feelings and that the decision was purely about moving forward with new opportunities.

20. He insists that there is no ill will towards Toucher or The Sports Hub and that the breakup was amicable.
21. Despite speculation about a juicy scandal, Shertenlieb maintains that there is no such story and that the breakup was purely professional.
22. Shertenlieb is willing to embrace the uncertainty and risks associated with starting a new show, knowing that it will take time to build momentum.
23. The first few months of his new show on WZLX have faced some challenges in gaining a following, but Shertenlieb remains optimistic about its future.

Community Engagement and Personal Interests

Shertenlieb is known for his community engagement and personal interests, which have played a significant role in his career.

24. Shertenlieb is known for his community engagement and has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career.
25. His early days as a stunt guy on 99X's Morning X were marked by his unique and often provocative on-air antics, which helped him gain popularity.
26. Shertenlieb has developed a broad range of radio expertise over the years, from hosting morning drive shows to producing podcasts.
27. His ability to lead a team and manage different personalities has been crucial in his success, both in Boston and now on WZLX.

Impact on Boston Sports Culture

As a key figure in Boston sports radio, Shertenlieb has had a lasting impact on the city's sports culture.

28. As a key figure in Boston sports radio, Shertenlieb has played a significant role in shaping the city's sports culture and community.
29. Despite the challenges of maintaining a successful radio show, Shertenlieb has demonstrated longevity in the industry, adapting to changes and evolving with the times.
30. When not on the air, Shertenlieb enjoys engaging with his audience and exploring various personal interests, including lifestyle discussions and expert interviews.
31. The dynamics between Shertenlieb and his new team on WZLX are crucial to the show's success, with each member bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table.

Listener Interaction and Industry Trends

Shertenlieb's interactive style and awareness of industry trends have helped him build a loyal fan base.

32. Shertenlieb is known for his interactive style, often engaging with listeners through social media and on-air discussions, which has helped build a loyal fan base.
33. The Boston community has been supportive of Shertenlieb throughout his career, and he continues to engage with local businesses and organizations.
34. Shertenlieb stays updated on the latest trends in the radio industry, ensuring that his show remains relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
35. With the rise of podcasting, Shertenlieb sees opportunities to expand his reach beyond traditional radio and explore new formats for content delivery.

Collaborations and Future Prospects

Shertenlieb is open to collaborations and new opportunities that can enhance his show's content and reach.

36. He is open to collaborations and partnerships that can enhance his show's content and reach a broader audience, including potential collaborations with other media outlets.
37. Starting a new show has been a journey of personal growth for Shertenlieb, as he navigates new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving world of radio.
38. As a key figure in Boston sports radio, Shertenlieb has built a strong connection with the city's sports fans, who have followed him through various shows and formats.
39. The evolution of his radio show from "Toucher and Rich" to his new show on WZLX reflects his ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing listener preferences and industry trends.

Expert Interviews and Community Involvement

Shertenlieb's show features expert interviews and community involvement, adding depth and variety to the programming.

40. Shertenlieb's show features expert interviews that cover a wide range of topics, from sports to lifestyle, making it a go-to destination for listeners seeking diverse perspectives.
41. His community involvement extends beyond the radio show, with Shertenlieb participating in various charitable events and supporting local causes.
42. Throughout his career, Shertenlieb has received recognition within the radio industry for his contributions to Boston sports radio and his innovative approach to show formats.
43. Despite the transition from one show to another, Shertenlieb has managed to retain a loyal listener base, who appreciate his unique style and engaging content.

Challenges and Future Success

Every new radio show faces challenges, but Shertenlieb remains committed to overcoming them and building a successful program.

44. Every new radio show faces challenges, and Shertenlieb's show is no exception. However, he remains committed to overcoming these challenges and building a successful program.
45. Even though he is no longer part of "Toucher and Rich," Shertenlieb's legacy in Boston sports radio continues, with many fans still following his career and new endeavors.
46. Starting a new show represents a new beginning for Shertenlieb, offering him the opportunity to explore fresh ideas and formats while maintaining his commitment to quality content.
47. Building chemistry among the team and with listeners is crucial for the success of any radio show. Shertenlieb is focused on creating a positive and engaging atmosphere on his new show.

Impact on Boston Sports Culture

Shertenlieb's influence on Boston sports culture is undeniable, shaping how fans engage with sports-related content and discussions.

48. As a key figure in Boston sports radio, Shertenlieb has had a significant impact on the city's sports culture, influencing how fans engage with sports-related content and discussions.
49. With his new show on WZLX, Shertenlieb is poised for future success, leveraging his experience and expertise to create a compelling and engaging program that resonates with listeners in Boston and beyond.
50. Shertenlieb's career in radio has been marked by significant milestones, from his early days as a stunt guy to his current endeavors on WZLX.

Rich Shertenlieb: A Boston Radio Icon

Rich Shertenlieb's journey in radio has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a stunt guy on 99X's Morning X to his successful run with "Toucher and Rich" on 98.5 The Sports Hub, he's made a lasting impact on Boston's radio scene. His recent move to WZLX with a new morning show showcases his ability to adapt and innovate. Shertenlieb's commitment to engaging content, community involvement, and building strong listener connections has cemented his legacy. With future plans that include a potential podcast network, Rich continues to evolve and influence the industry. His dedication to Boston and its sports culture remains unwavering, ensuring his place as a beloved figure in the city's media landscape. As he navigates new challenges, fans can expect more exciting content and memorable moments from this radio veteran.