RIP Toucher and Rich Show ... It was fun while it lasted

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
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Fred says he’s going to talk about everything at 8.
He gave the rundown of his 3 1/2 weeks away. Of course he was convinced he had cancer, sat on his couch, did nothing but watch TV reruns, “lost my mind”.

Wallace said Fred will be doing short weeks. No clue why since he’s cleared by his doc.

I’m having a hard time listening to him after all the shit he’s pulled. Plus the hour or so of todays show I’ve caught has been boring.
 

NDame616

will bailey
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Jul 31, 2006
2,313
He gave the rundown of his 3 1/2 weeks away. Of course he was convinced he had cancer, sat on his couch, did nothing but watch TV reruns, “lost my mind”.

Wallace said Fred will be doing short weeks. No clue why since he’s cleared by his doc.

I’m having a hard time listening to him after all the shit he’s pulled. Plus the hour or so of todays show I’ve caught has been boring.
From what I've heard they are still monitering the throat. He said he's working today and tomorrow and I think then examining it again to see if he needs surgery and the extent of the surgery. He then could be out 3 days or 3 weeks depending on what they need to do
 

Andy Merchant

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Aug 2, 2010
1,646
Fred said he has leukoplakia, which is smoking-related according to the internets. It actually sounds somewhat similar to the lichen planus I had on my tongue at one point, which an oral surgeon believed was triggered by the mouthwash I was using at the time. I stopped using that mouthwash and it went away, so hopefully a cancer scare will help motivate Fred to give up smoking for good and put this behind him.

Fred did take responsibility for his comments about not hearing from anyone on the show and said that it wasn't true, but he wasn't exactly apologetic either. It sounds like Fred was just freaking out when he heard the word "cancer", which I kinda get. He just seems to be in a really fragile mental state right now, so hopefully he can finally sit down with his therapist and figure out how to address this stuff.
 

Granite Sox

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Feb 6, 2003
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The Granite State
Fred is a very good interviewer and improvisational comedian. As such, he typically requires a stimulus to "bring out his best"... rants, impressions, reactions, etc. Rich sets up and delivers the stimuli.

So Fred isn't going to sound like Fred until Rich gets back.

No Fart Court, no Brookline 911, no Armpits of America, no Bad Band Name or Racehorse, no drunken recaps... no nothing until it gets served up on a platter by Rich (and Gemelli/Lockhart). To @Riconway3155 's comment, my guess is that this is a part of Rich's calculus in taking the day off. May also be an arranged opportunity for a soft landing for Fred (i.e. don't immediately introduce unresolved tension onto the show with his return). During the 8am health update, Fred briefly mentioned Rich reaching out and offering Dana Farber contacts, but that was it. Frankly, I don't want the issues between the two of them playing out on-air. I hope they're having their discussions behind the scenes.

Wallach constantly saying, "We talked about this last week..." is driving me crazy. But he's such a sycophant it's also entirely predictable.
 

yeahlunchbox

Member
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Jan 21, 2008
764
One thing that I never thought of was because of his condition Fred couldn't talk to his therapist while all of this was going on. I can see how that would be a massive mindfuck.
 

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
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From what I've heard they are still monitering the throat. He said he's working today and tomorrow and I think then examining it again to see if he needs surgery and the extent of the surgery. He then could be out 3 days or 3 weeks depending on what they need to do
We’ll no matter what, we can count on Fred to be a drama queen about it and use it as an excuse to treat people poorly.
 

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
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Fred did take responsibility for his comments about not hearing from anyone on the show and said that it wasn't true, but he wasn't exactly apologetic either. It sounds like Fred was just freaking out when he heard the word "cancer", which I kinda get. He just seems to be in a really fragile mental state right now, so hopefully he can finally sit down with his therapist and figure out how to address this stuff.
In full transparency, a lot of my hostility towards Fred is because I, like many people here I’m sure, had my own “cancer scare” years ago. When I got the news I pulled over to the side of the road and had myself a long, agonizing cry. Then I pulled myself together, thought about my wife and kids, and set my mind to figuring it out. And I’m not particularly strong. What I didn’t do was spend the next several weeks shitting on those close to me. I just have no tolerance for that bullshit.
 

mtm2025

New Member
Feb 13, 2023
25
In full transparency, a lot of my hostility towards Fred is because I, like many people here I’m sure, had my own “cancer scare” years ago. When I got the news I pulled over to the side of the road and had myself a long, agonizing cry. Then I pulled myself together, thought about my wife and kids, and set my mind to figuring it out. And I’m not particularly strong. What I didn’t do was spend the next several weeks shitting on those close to me. I just have no tolerance for that bullshit.
Would you like a medal? Yeah, you handled it in a healthier manner, but everyone has different reaction to fear and trauma. Everyone has weaknesses, seems like a weird reason to dislike a radio personality going through stuff
 

Granite Sox

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Feb 6, 2003
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The Granite State
In full transparency, a lot of my hostility towards Fred is because I, like many people here I’m sure, had my own “cancer scare” years ago. When I got the news I pulled over to the side of the road and had myself a long, agonizing cry. Then I pulled myself together, thought about my wife and kids, and set my mind to figuring it out. And I’m not particularly strong. What I didn’t do was spend the next several weeks shitting on those close to me. I just have no tolerance for that bullshit.
100%

I stand with @8slim.

I'm a cancer survivor and was plenty scared. But being an asshole is just not an acceptable part of the equation, especially to people you rely upon (whether Fred wants to admit it or not). I have little sympathy for self-inflicted crises and drama. I'm happy to dial it back a bit as well.

Edit to add link to Globe article: Fred Toucher returns to Sports Hub morning show following treatment for throat problem
 
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John Marzano Olympic Hero

has fancy plans, and pants to match
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Apr 12, 2001
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Would you like a medal? Yeah, you handled it in a healthier manner, but everyone has different reaction to fear and trauma. Everyone has weaknesses, seems like a weird reason to dislike a radio personality going through stuff
Take it down a notch or you're getting bounced.
 

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
24,829
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Would you like a medal? Yeah, you handled it in a healthier manner, but everyone has different reaction to fear and trauma. Everyone has weaknesses, seems like a weird reason to dislike a radio personality going through stuff
A medal would be nice, but I probably wouldn't wear it. I don't even wear necklaces.

Like Fred, I didn't have cancer. Thankfully. It was a lousy couple months until I found that out.

But in all sincerity, I don't think it's a weird reason to dislike someone at all. The guy went loony due to COVID, went into rehab, got divorced, and has had this health issue. Missing gobs of time, and being disengaged when he's been in. Meanwhile his 98.5 crew, seemingly being tortured by station ownership, has covered for him and taken on a lot of extra work to keep the show humming. So yeah, I'm pretty down on him being a jerk to people who have done nothing but support him through all that.

I hope he patches things up with Rich and goes on to make great radio again. That's what we all want.
 

mtm2025

New Member
Feb 13, 2023
25
A medal would be nice, but I probably wouldn't wear it. I don't even wear necklaces.

Like Fred, I didn't have cancer. Thankfully. It was a lousy couple months until I found that out.

But in all sincerity, I don't think it's a weird reason to dislike someone at all. The guy went loony due to COVID, went into rehab, got divorced, and has had this health issue. Missing gobs of time, and being disengaged when he's been in. Meanwhile his 98.5 crew, seemingly being tortured by station ownership, has covered for him and taken on a lot of extra work to keep the show humming. So yeah, I'm pretty down on him being a jerk to people who have done nothing but support him through all that.

I hope he patches things up with Rich and goes on to make great radio again. That's what we all want.
Going to rehab is usually a good thing. When you say it, it seems completely judged and why a lot of people don’t go. Let’s not forget rich went a little loony from Covid too, beyond going to Nantucket for his wife. He has not handled everything right, but we only know this things because he tells us. Meanwhile. Rich doesn’t discuss his personal life or feelings at all, so we really don’t have a full picture of the inner workings of the show.
 

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
24,829
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Going to rehab is usually a good thing. When you say it, it seems completely judged and why a lot of people don’t go. Let’s not forget rich went a little loony from Covid too, beyond going to Nantucket for his wife. He has not handled everything right, but we only know this things because he tells us. Meanwhile. Rich doesn’t discuss his personal life or feelings at all, so we really don’t have a full picture of the inner workings of the show.
There's absolutely no judgement of his rehab from me, and I'm not at all sure how one could read that from what I wrote.
 

Trapaholic

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Jan 11, 2023
156
I listened this morning, and I totally forgot about Fred's gout in his foot. Mentioned that at one point he put too much weight on it and passed out from pain in the studio. Just an unreal stretch for Fred.
 

RyanBros14

New Member
Mar 16, 2023
13
I listened this morning, and I totally forgot about Fred's gout in his foot. Mentioned that at one point he put too much weight on it and passed out from pain in the studio. Just an unreal stretch for Fred.
I'm 100% convinced D.A. has a voodoo doll of Fred.

First, the issue with his foot - representative of the foot fetish jokes over the years.

Second, the issue with his throat - representative of the hilarious D.A. voice and jokes from over the years. An attempt to take away his voice.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
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somehow, I think I’d survive, but sure, I’ll be nice. I guess it’s only allowed to shit on the radio hosts and call them out for the things they say?
Yes. There's a real difference between shitting on a public performer and shitting on another member of the board here. Especially on a subject like "how they reacted to a cancer diagnosis"

Feel free to pick on their clothes, faces, cars, colleges, and anything else like that.
 

mtm2025

New Member
Feb 13, 2023
25
Yes. There's a real difference between shitting on a public performer and shitting on another member of the board here. Especially on a subject like "how they reacted to a cancer diagnosis"

Feel free to pick on their clothes, faces, cars, colleges, and anything else like that.
I didn't shit on his reaction to a cancer scare. I shit on the high and mighty attitude towards another persons.
 

Spelunker

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Jul 17, 2005
11,862
I didn't shit on his reaction to a cancer scare. I shit on the high and mighty attitude towards another persons.
...towards other 'persons' being an asshole to people. That's always worth judging: it doesn't matter what happens to you, if the you deal with it is by being an asshole to other people...well, then you're an asshole.

It can be an explanation, but it's not an excuse.
 

sezwho

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Jul 20, 2005
1,951
Isle of Plum
One thing that I never thought of was because of his condition Fred couldn't talk to his therapist while all of this was going on. I can see how that would be a massive mindfuck.
A recovering addict mid divorce who might have cancer and maybe be functionally unemployable by virtue of the voice separated from primary support. Not recipe for awesomness.

Hope humpty dumpty goes back together!
 

HereComesthePizza

New Member
Mar 29, 2023
35
True, but after Beasley let Lockhart go, Fred openly questioned what, if anything, Lockhart did for the show. Rich was incredulous; Rich had to get up even earlier to locate/edit/prep any/all clips to be used on each day‘s show (one of Lockhart’s responsibilities). Fred told him not to, that he (Fred) would just “wing it”… no big deal. Rich also articulated a number of other valuable contributions that Lockhart makes that are unseen/unheard by the audience. I think the rest of the staff thought (about Fred) “are you out of your fucking mind?”. One of many examples of Fred displaying a lack of awareness of the show’s mechanics. Not to mention him being a complete, insensitive asshole towards Lockhart.

Between him treating Gemelli and Lockhart like shit, lying about Rich not contacting him (especially after Rich showed extraordinary grace and dedication to the show when his wife was near death from cancer), not being interested in doing the hard work to make the show a success, accusing Rich of going behind his back… Fred is lucky Rich has supported and carried him for as long as he has. For some reason he’s doubling down on the lunacy.

I don’t wish ill on the guy of any sort. The things he’s been going through are experienced (unfortunately) by lots and lots of people. There’s nothing “special” or unique about this happening to Fred. I hope he returns to the show, but only if he squares his shit away and stops sabotaging his own career and the livelihoods of his work colleagues.
I listen to the show most days on my commute/in the office and I don’t think you’ve described it accurately. Fred offered to cut the “what happened last night” segment because he’s familiar with how the software works. I don’t think he was saying he’d just wing it. Fred can certainly be difficult but I think that was a legitimate offer to help. As far as paying the salary, Fred even joked during the spookiest sports hub member segment that he was cursed with frozen assets due to the divorce and couldn’t assist with the Lockhart return.

I remember how strange it was that Rich wouldn’t go to Fred’s NCAA gathering because he’d rather go to the casino and gamble. Personally, I’d support a friend going through a tough time over a casino and would expect my friends to do the same for me. Feels like there’s definitely tension between the two that should likely be discussed off the air.
 

Marciano490

Urological Expert
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Nov 4, 2007
62,312
This thread’s very old title is funny in light of allegations Fred is leaving the load to everyone else.
 

JCizzle

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Dec 11, 2006
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For my sake, I hope he’s just taking a couple days to recharge now that the other big name is back to carry the show for a bit. It would be petty - and kinda funny - if they just alternated days for the foreseeable future.
 

sezwho

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Jul 20, 2005
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For my sake, I hope he’s just taking a couple days to recharge now that the other big name is back to carry the show for a bit. It would be petty - and kinda funny - if they just alternated days for the foreseeable future.
I’m hoping this as well. Rich has certainly carried a massive load here and entitled to lean R&R over T&R.

Still just not great sign that after all the shiite and they finally could go full Voltron…they still don’t.
 

Riconway3155

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Jul 15, 2005
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Yea, I'm not sure its "taking a couple of days to recharge". I definitely HOPE it is, but the T and R twitter has been silent. No show promotion and no retweets. I feel like that speaks volumes.

I haven't been able to listen today. How is Fred's voice compared to yesterday? Hoping it isn't worse the more he talks.
 

thebtskink

New Member
Jul 15, 2005
332
For my sake, I hope he’s just taking a couple days to recharge now that the other big name is back to carry the show for a bit.
This is the most likely reason, but crazy conjecture is what fuels discussion of this show on social media and this thread.
 

8slim

has trust issues
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Nov 6, 2001
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Fred mentioned the other day that he'll be off Monday on a scheduled vacation day. So it'll be funny if Rich is in Monday, then out Tuesday.
 

HomeBrew1901

Has Season 1 of "Manimal" on Blu Ray
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And either this is a complete angle or rich is being completely chickenshit at this,point.
Yeah after catching up on the drama I think Rich just needs some time to cool off.

Not to mention he’s been doing all the heavy lifting for weeks and can use the time off as well.

But if things were good with Fred he’d have been there.