Podcast Summary: The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast
Episode: B&T Extra: Greg Warren Warren Report - Fuzzbusters
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of B&T Extra, hosts Bob and Tom welcome comedian Greg Warren to delve into the fascinating world of radar detectors, specifically focusing on the iconic Fuzzbusters. The conversation spans the history, functionality, legal implications, and personal anecdotes related to these devices, providing listeners with an entertaining and informative exploration of a classic automotive gadget.

The Evolution of Radar Detectors

Origins and Early Development

Tom initiates the discussion by tracing the roots of radar detectors back to the early 1950s when police began utilizing Doppler radar to enforce speed limits. Greg elaborates on the progression of technology, mentioning the first attempts at radar detection:

Greg Warren (08:32): "In the early 1950s, the police started using Doppler effect radar to catch speeders... The first branded one was actually Radar Sentry by Ratatron."

Bob adds a humorous touch to the conversation:

Bob (09:15): "Doesn't Ratatron sound like a surfing robot?"

The Birth of Fuzzbusters

The conversation shifts to 1968, highlighting Dale Smith, an electrical engineer who played a pivotal role in developing the first radar gun for police:

Greg Warren (10:32): "He helped design the first radar gun for the cops... but after being ticketed himself, he built the Fuzz Buster to combat these speed traps."

Bob reminisces about the early models:

Bob (11:23): "I remember my parents having one... it plugged into the cigarette lighter and was kind of ungainly sitting on the dashboard."

Legalities and Technological Challenges

Regulations Across States

Tom provides an overview of the legal landscape surrounding radar detectors:

Tom (08:32): "They are illegal in Virginia and the District of Columbia and on any military bases. If you're driving commercial, anything over $10,000, you cannot have a radar detector."

Technological Advancements and Limitations

The duo discusses the transition from S and X band to K band radar systems and the ensuing challenges:

Tom (12:00): "The K band picks up collision avoidance systems, leading to numerous false alarms from bank security systems, farm implements, and railroad signals."

Bob humorously imagines the frustrations:

Bob (14:01): "Oh, this is like a spy movie."

Tom further touches on the rise of lidar technology and the emergence of jamming devices:

Tom (15:10): "There's this new thing called lidar, which is laser-based, and you can jam it... but it's regulated by the FCC. Using jammers can lead to hefty fines and even jail time."

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

Bob’s Encounter with a Radar Detector

Bob shares a personal story about receiving a speeding ticket despite using a Fuzzbuster:

Bob (07:25): "One of the only times I ever got a speeding ticket, I was using a Fuzzbuster. I was sailing along down a highway in Kansas when a patrolman caught up to me."

Nostalgic Memories

Tom reflects on the popularity of radar detectors in the 70s:

Tom (16:39): "They were big in the '70s. If you're on a budget, Cobra is the brand to go for. I remember Cobra even had commercials telling you where the cops are."

Bob adds a light-hearted comment on law enforcement’s stance:

Bob (16:57): "Actually, they're legal pretty much everywhere."

Current State of Radar Detectors

Modern Brands and Features

The discussion transitions to contemporary radar detector brands like United and Escort, which have garnered high ratings for their effectiveness.

Challenges with Modern Technology

Tom highlights the ongoing battle between radar detectors and law enforcement advancements:

Tom (14:31): "With the shift to K band and lidar, radar detectors face more false alarms and reduced effectiveness."

Bob emphasizes the persistent demand:

Bob (15:55): "I just googled it. You can still buy them. They're big. You know, United and Escort are the two brands that seem to rate the highest."

Greg Warren’s Comedy Special and Other Projects

Upcoming Comedy Special

The hosts take a moment to discuss Greg Warren’s forthcoming comedy special, filmed on May 16, coinciding with Bob’s birthday:

Bob (06:24): "What's the status of the Greg Warren comedy special that we know has been filmed May 16? All right. My birthday."

Tom praises Greg’s performance:

Tom (06:43): "I saw you doing your thing and it was absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to see it again on TV."

A Brief Detour: NFL and Super Bowl

While not the main focus, the conversation briefly touches upon the NFL and Super Bowl, with Tom expressing his disinterest due to his team's relocations:

Tom (04:00): "Chick, we've been over this. The NFL took three teams from me... So you're boycotting the NFL?"

Bob and Tom share a light-hearted banter about team relocations and their impact on fandom.

Closing Remarks and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, Bob and Tom hint at future discussions and topics, including ideas inspired by Bravo TV star Lala Kent:

Tom (20:24): "How fun would it be to bring in some Bravo liberties and make our own bracket iconic?"

Bob encourages listeners to follow and subscribe:

Bob (20:31): "Follow and listen on your favorite platform."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Warren (08:32): "In the early 1950s, the police started using Doppler effect radar to catch speeders..."
• Bob (09:15): "Doesn't Ratatron sound like a surfing robot?"
• Greg Warren (10:32): "He helped design the first radar gun for the cops... but after being ticketed himself, he built the Fuzz Buster to combat these speed traps."
• Bob (11:23): "I remember my parents having one... it plugged into the cigarette lighter and was kind of ungainly sitting on the dashboard."
• Bob (14:01): "Oh, this is like a spy movie."
• Tom (15:10): "There's this new thing called lidar, which is laser-based, and you can jam it... but it's regulated by the FCC."
• Bob (16:57): "Actually, they're legal pretty much everywhere."
• Bob (06:24): "What's the status of the Greg Warren comedy special that we know has been filmed May 16? All right. My birthday."
• Tom (04:00): "Chick, we've been over this. The NFL took three teams from me... So you're boycotting the NFL?"

Conclusion

This episode of B&T Extra offers a comprehensive look into the world of radar detectors through engaging storytelling and expert insights from Greg Warren. From their historical inception to modern-day challenges, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Fuzzbusters and their place in automotive culture. The blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and technical discussion makes for an informative and entertaining listen, even for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of radar detection technology.