New morning show host fits right in

February 22, 2025

By Anne Marie Cox, Staff Writer

Meet the new host of The Morning Show on Iowa Catholic Radio Network: Bo Bonner.

“I was born on Feb. 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, and I have not stopped talking ever since,” he joked.

Bonner took the microphone left by longtime host Jon Leonetti, when he left at the end of last year for other projects.

Bonner’s background makes him uniquely qualified for the role.

“I come from a long line, both in my family and as an Oklahoman, of a storytelling culture. I have always loved speaking to anyone,” he said.

In addition, he has some experience. Bonner has been cohost with his friend Bud Marr, Ph.D., of the show “The Uncommon Good” on Iowa Catholic Radio for the last eight years.

While that’s a show of more in-depth analysis and The Morning Show follows a different format of news, sports, guests and more, Bonner balances the different demands.

“I feel blessed, to the great credit of Iowa Catholic Radio, in that a lot of businesses and jobs think of you as one way. (ICR) says Bo has these two skillsets, personalities, talents that are quite different. They encourage me to excel in both,” he said.

Prior to moving to the radio network, Bonner taught at a variety of higher education institutions.

He hopes his conversion to Catholicism in 2006 gives him a colorful take on the faith’s traditions and practices, returning the favor to many cradle Catholics that opened his eyes to the glory of the Church throughout the years.

“I’ve been Catholic for 19 years. It’s endlessly fascinating and new,” he said. “Being able to come on and talk about splendor and wonder of the Church, being a convert really helps. I can always talk it up with my see-it-with-new-eyes hat. A childlike wonder goes a long way.”

Watching his five kids go through formation as they prepare for sacraments gives him a fresh perspective.

The transition has been smoothed by a great team with Elise Kerr at the news desk, Mark Amadeo covering sports,  and Ayden Pugh and Deacon Tony Valdez at the computer controls.

“I love that it’s a team environment,” he said. “And, I’m grateful to share people’s morning with them. It’s a privilege to start the day with a recollect of who we are every morning, who God has made us every morning.”