In sports radio, much as in life, tomorrow is never promised. Last April, Tyrone Johnson fell victim to that harsh truth when his services were no longer needed at 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. After three years in afternoon drive, Johnson found himself without a job and with his broadcasting future in doubt.
Now, more than a year later, Johnson finds himself rejuvenated and healed from the pressures and conclusion of his time at 97.5 The Fanatic. That healing took time, therapy, and eventual acceptance that the pressure he placed on himself had become too much.
“Literally it was affecting my physical health. Just because I was putting so much into the show,” explained Johnson. “The mental drain was affecting me physically. I felt if I didn’t succeed at The Fanatic, when would another black person like me get this type of opportunity? That’s how I was going into every segment of the show.”
As the lead host of The Best Show Ever?, Johnson said his goal was to break the mold of what a black host would entail. He referenced how most white sports radio talent can come from any background, while black sports radio talent typically emerge through the former-athlete route.
Johnson said attempting to break that mold became the expectation he carried throughout his three years hosting afternoons on The Fanatic. He aimed to become an example for other black men hoping to navigate a similar lane into the sports radio industry — one built on hard work and dedication to the craft, with no athletic experience necessary.
“A lot of radio shows go by a formula when it comes to black hosts. I put that weight on my shoulders to be successful in order to create opportunities for others. But I didn’t, and I felt like I wasted that effort not creating any opportunity for anybody,” said Johnson. “I felt like I let down my community. That part took a long time to process. But after I accomplished that, it’s only been positive.”
A New Opportunity
While Johnson did receive opportunities in the months following his departure from 97.5 The Fanatic, he said none fit what he was looking for. Johnson says he has a list of places he would consider making a new home in sports radio. However, none of those desired destinations surfaced at the time.
What did emerge, though, was an opportunity to work with current WFAN host Craig Carton. Johnson considers his relationship with Carton special, as Carton has supported him throughout his career in sports media.
“He’s been a blessing for my career for a very long time. In fact, he mentioned me for his program before it turned into Breakfast Ball on FS1. There was a scheduled audition, but it got cancelled. No matter, he’s been a champion for me for a very long time,” said Johnson. “He had mentioned that he would want to work together [at some point]… It was nice to get the call, and everything moved quickly in September of last year. We found out maybe a week before launch that everything was a go. Then we started.”
That project became The Craig Carton Show. A one-hour program produced in partnership with Red Seat Ventures, a media company acquired by Fox Corporation in early 2025. Carton became the first sports media voice to join Red Seat’s roster alongside several conservative political commentators, including Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Piers Morgan.
Johnson’s role on the program is serving as co-host to his longtime friend and advocate, Carton. The opportunity was one Johnson didn’t hesitate to accept. The chance to evolve into the podcast industry alongside one of the biggest names in sports media provided not only a strong landing spot, but also a much-needed respite from sports radio.
“For me, this was a reset that I didn’t even realize I needed,” says Johnson. “It was not good for me down the stretch at the Fanatic. But this was a reset that has revitalized me in wanting to do more.”
Working Alongside Craig Carton
In adjusting from his role at 97.5 The Fanatic, Johnson has embraced the challenge. Each day contains content ideas but no roadmap. No opinions or thoughts are spoke ahead of time. Every reaction and content decision unfolds in real time.
“I mean this. I never actually know what we’re going to talk about when the show starts. Seriously, my job is to find where he is on every topic,” explained Johnson. “It’s been exhilarating, and very fun. It was good for my mental health. Because it’s a totally different situation than I’ve been in for a long time.”
Johnson says working with Carton has been the most fun he’s ever had in his career. He says shifting into the podcast side of the industry has provided a new perspective, a fresh approach, and an education in the metrics required for success in digital media.
He’s also found inspiration from his partner’s return to traditional sports radio. Johnson said he knew when he joined Carton that a return to WFAN was possible. Even after the news became public, Johnson remained excited for his on-air partner, saying WFAN is where Craig Carton belongs.
Now entering the sixth month of balancing the daily podcast with afternoons on WFAN, Johnson hasn’t noticed any change in Carton’s approach.
“The balance of WFAN and the show sharpened him. When our show first started, you could tell he was sharpening up. It had been a little while away for him as well,” noted Johnson. “It’s enhanced everything with our program since he started with WFAN… He’s inspiring me to get better. I’ve always been a self-motivated individual. However, to see someone operate at that level and still have a passion for sports radio is inspiring.”
Healing Through Inspiration
Watching Carton operate has changed the way Johnson feels about a future in sports radio, a feeling he once believed disappeared when his opportunity in Philadelphia ended.
Now, Johnson looks forward to adding more to his experience as a content creator because of the changes he has witnessed throughout the industry.
“I think about it all the time on my commute into the city. Being adaptable to both traditional and digital is required for success in the industry today,” says Johnson. “There are more opportunities in the digital space over radio. But I’m a big believer in my talents because I’m an asset in both areas of the industry.”
As Johnson experiences a rebirth of passion for the industry following his departure from Philadelphia sports radio more than a year ago, he still hopes to inspire others like him. He believes sports radio can still reach a place where minorities are well represented within the format, despite the challenges the industry continues to face.
“It can get there. The way [sports] radio is going, it will have to get there for it to be successful,” said Johnson. “As soon as it’s known that having shows that look a certain way can generate revenue and ratings, then people will start to do it… I’m optimistic that those opportunities are there and when it happens will be successful.”
In the end, Tyrone Johnson’s story isn’t about getting fired. It’s about surviving what the industry can do to talented people when they tie their worth to the pressure of being “the example.” For years, Johnson carried the weight of proving that a black host without a playing background could thrive in a premier sports radio role.
When that chapter ended, it felt like more than a career setback — it felt personal.
But somewhere between therapy, reflection, and rediscovering the joy of creating content alongside Craig Carton, Johnson realized something important: one job does not define a career, and one setback does not erase the path he helped create for others.
Now healthier, more adaptable, and energized by both radio and digital media, Johnson sounds less like someone chasing validation and more like someone who finally understands his value.
Maybe that’s the biggest lesson from his journey. In an industry evolving faster than ever, talent alone isn’t enough. Survival belongs to the people willing to evolve, reset, and keep believing another opportunity lies ahead.
Even after the microphone goes silent.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
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