The Burnie Thompson Show
Weekdays, 6AM - 9AM

Meet Burnie Thompson ...  
[ email: burnie@talkradio101.com ]

Visit Burnie's website, www.BurnieThompson.com, to read his columns and see his photos, reading lists and favorite links.

Burnie Thompson hosts "The Burnie Thompson Show" on Talk Radio 101, Northwest Florida's FM Talk Station. He is a husband and a father who served proudly as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Burnie’s show is not about winning arguments as much as it’s about pursuing the truth. He discusses current events and slice-of-life issues, going beyond partisan politics in order to give reason and common sense a chance. Callers are always welcome to challenge Burnie’s comments instantly, making the show a compelling marketplace of ideas. 

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Cal State Fullerton, Burnie earned two master’s degrees: one in Print Journalism from USC in Los Angeles, and the other in English from Penn State University. He has taught college-level English in Utah, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He also has been a free-lance columnist for nine years.

Burnie’s respectful demeanor is refreshing and disarming. He’s an intellectual who doesn’t act like one, preferring a down-to-earth relationship with listeners. His incisive and funny commentary champions personal freedom and responsibility, and exposes the burdens of government encroachment into our lives.

So whether you listen for confirmation or antagonism, get involved! Remember what British poet William Blake said a couple hundred years ago: “The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.”

No standing water, and no reptiles – not on this show!

What listeners have to say about Burnie Thompson:

• “Just want to let you know how much I appreciate your show … You have a sharp wit with loads of logic and intellect. You force me to think about things and not just give me the answers. You also give the callers just enough rope to hang themselves...very entertaining.” – Eric, Jan. 18, 2008
• “Thanks so much for making me a little smarter every day.” - Bert, e-mail, April 5, 2008
• “The thing I appreciate the most about your show is that you have respect for every one of the callers. Even the ones that make no sense … it does not come across on air that it bothers you. Each caller is given time to say their peace. Even when you have to shut them up or disagree with them you do it in a respectful manner. This makes people respect you and your opinion even more. You are doing an awesome job getting local issues out there, local politicians on the show, and our local voices and concerns heard. Without your voice on the radio, Panama City would not be informed.” – Janella, May 6, 2007
• “I’m a big fan of your show. You cut to the chase, and while you are a cordial and polite guy you don’t let anyone walk over you, and you don’t skirt the issues.You seem to always ask the questions I would ask if I were in your shoes.” – Jason, e-mail, Feb. 20, 2008
• “You have guts and charisma about you that many people do not have. The topics are always great and you provide wonderful, balanced insight so that even the most out of tune listener could understand the points that you are making.” – Stuart, e-mail, April 18, 2008
• “I want to congratulate you on a ‘parking-lot’ episode of the Burnie Thompson Show on Thursday (i.e. I listened in the parking lot for half an hour before going in to work, which is the reason this e-mail is a day late!)” – Chris, e-mail, May 25, 2007
• “I for one am very thankful that you chose to adopt Bay County. Your diligence on so many matters, especially the Boot Camp, has been so far beyond that of a 'talk show host'. You have layed your heart out on the issues and have made it personal for yourself and in doing so encouraged many of us to take the same path. I have found your integrity to be unquestionable.” – Donna, e-mail, Oct. 4, 2007
• “People are talking about your new show. Quite a few people I know really like listening to a local early morning talk radio show on conservative radio. I personally lean Libertarian so am delighted that you do, too. I have talked to other people who like the new approach you guys are taking. It is very professional and mature. Some had stopped listening to Talk 101 but are tuning back in now.” - Stephanie, e-mail, Feb. 25, 2007
• “I always and enjoy your show and encourage people to listen because you get to the truth.” – Gerry, e-mail, Jan. 25, 2008

Professional Background

• Radio Talk-show Host (2007-present) – Hosts "The Burnie Thompson Show" on Talk Radio 101, Northwest Florida's FM Talk Station.
• College Instructor (English composition, 2007) – Gulf Coast Community College, Penn State University (English  composition, 2006), Weber State University, Utah, (English composition, 2003-2004).
• U.S. Air Force Officer (2002-2006) – Public Affairs Officer, 388th    Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Selected to teach English at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and trained at Penn State, earning a master's degree in English; Separated from the Air Force during its 2006 Force-shaping program.
• Journalist and Free-lance Writer (1997-present) - Wrote feature stories and op-ed articles for the Panama City News Herald, The Orange County Register, The Hilltop Times (Hill Air Force Base), Fighter Country (Hill AFB), The Washington Times, Ogden Standard-Examiner, Orange County Weekly, and Internet Webzines; wrote numerous letters to the editor to The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and The Orange County Register.
• Orthopedic Medical Salesman (1995-2002) - Quality Patient Care Inc., Los Angeles
• M.A., English - Penn State University (2005-2006)
• M.A., Print Journalism - University of Southern California (2000-2002)
• B.A., Political Science - Cal State University, Fullerton (1998-2000)