Mornings with Madden

My Radio Life with an American Legend

By: Stan Bunger

Narrated by: Stan Bunger

An intimate and freewheeling portrait of John Madden through the NFL legend's own words

John Madden is synonymous with football. He was the television face and voice of the nation’s most popular sport, the namesake of its best-selling sports video game, and the man with the highest career winning percentage of any NFL coach.

Despite his international fame, there was a side of Madden known only to those who listened to morning radio broadcasts in the San Francisco Bay Area. That’s where Madden grew up, lived, and died. It's where for decades he found joy in a daily chat with his hometown radio station: a chance to unwind, tell stories, and impart his own brand of wit and wisdom.

In Mornings with Madden, Stan Bunger—the man most often on the other side of the mic—illuminates this larger-than-life figure, drawing upon memories of more than fifteen years of daily broadcasts, backed up by thousands of recordings of those conversations. Listeners who adored Madden’s football acumen and quirky personality on NFL broadcasts will get to know the father, husband, bad golfer, dog owner, lover of roadside diners, and philosopher whose personality dominated our radio chats.

Featuring moving reflections alongside Madden's own words, this is a treasure trove of wry observations, self-deprecating humor, clear-eyed thinking about sports and society, and the “Maddenisms” that endeared the legendary coach to millions.

©2024 Stan Bunger (P)2024 Recorded Books

Great stories about a great man

The presentation was right on and timing of Johns life. I recommend this to everyone not even football lovers.

More than just a bio!

This book was incredibly informative and entertaining! Stan has a fabulous voice and his impressions of John Madden had me laughing out loud. As much as you think you know about Madden, you'll be surprised to hear about his love of Bay Area radio.

Five Stars for Madden

John Madden was an American legend. He was a great football coach and and even better broadcaster. He was smart, funny and able to connect with everyone. It is sad that some only know him for the computer game.

This book is based on a five minute (sometimes longer) call in segment that John did on San Francisco radio for 30 years. He would often call in from the far reaches of America while on the Madden Cruiser.

This book both triggered memories and also introduced me to another part of Madden's prolific life that I did not know existed. He is funny and provides great insight.

If there is a quibble it is that the book starts out really slow, with more information than necessary about the author (one of the radio hosts) and San Francisco radio. When the book finally gets to Madden, it is pretty great.

Stan Captures the Magic of John Madden

Listening to Stan's "Morning's with Madden" brought so much enjoyment. John's football wisdom is terrific which any football fan will find insightful. What really comes across in the book is John's love of people. All the anecdotes of the the buddies he grew up with who remained life long friends. His Bus drivers. The folks we come to know through John at the diners in small town America. Listening to the book made me envision I was right there on the bus listening to John in person.

A True Gridiron Talent

What an awesome book sharing many behind the scenes stories of a huge talent on and off the field.