The Rod Ryan Show — The Fa La La La La Game

Date: December 16, 2025
Podcast: 94.5 The Buzz (KTBZ-FM), Houston's Rock and Alternative

Episode Overview

This lively episode centers on the holiday-themed “Fa La La La La Game,” a real-time call-in challenge involving listeners singing classic holiday lyrics—sometimes in less-than-ideal locations, like drive-thrus. With signature humor and riffing from the show hosts, the segment celebrates listener participation, spontaneity, and a dose of holiday cheer. The episode culminates in a memorable prize giveaway for the game’s winner.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game Introduction and Listener Participation

• Host & Team set up the "Fa La La La La Game," encouraging listeners to sing festive phrases while out and about.
• The challenge: Callers must sing "Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly" (or a humorous riff on it) in unexpected situations and share it live on-air.
• Two memorable listeners call in—Julie at a Jack in the Box and Christine at a McDonald's.

2. Julie at Jack in the Box (02:01–02:53)

• Julie joins the call while at the Jack in the Box drive-thru window, trying to sing "Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly."
• Fumbles lyrics humorously, exchanging “Jack falls with bows of holly three times for the win,” leading to laughter from the hosts.
• Host, playfully: “Poor kid. At Jack in the Box.” (02:39)
• Ultimately, Julie does not win but gets a shout-out for participating, with the announcer joking: “Enjoy your tiny tacos.” (02:54)

3. Christine at McDonald's — The Winning Moment (03:00–05:14)

• Christine calls in from outside a McDonald’s drive-thru, carefully following the host’s instructions to sing at the speaker.
• The team anticipates her performance with enthusiastic build-up:
  Host: “Here’s what I need you to do. I need you to put the cell phone all the way out as close to the speaker as you can. As soon as they say, ‘Can I take your order,’ you start singing the first part of the song.” (03:19)
• Christine masterfully times her order, manages a composed interaction with the McDonald’s staff, and stays in character, to the hosts’ delight.
• Alex: “She’s ordering. She’s ordering…” (04:18)
• Moment of fun as Christine orders “a large coffee with six cream and six sugar, please”—prompting giggles from the hosts:
  Host: “Did you really order six creams and six sugars with your coffee?” (05:01)

4. Victory and Prize Announcement (05:10–05:29)

• The hosts praise Christine’s commitment and creativity.
  Host: “We got a winner of the Fa la la la Game. Her name is Christine. That was insane. She’s awesome.” (05:10–05:12)
• Prize announcer awards Christine a pair of tickets to the Our Lady Peace 30th anniversary show:
  Prize Announcer: “You’ve earned a pair of tickets to see Our Lady Peace. They’re celebrating 30 years of music with the Verb5 on March 13th at White Oak Music Hall.” (05:14)

5. Signature Banter & Listener Appreciation

• The crew’s banter brings out festive, good-natured comedy:
  Host: “I love it when a plan comes together.” (05:26) Alex: “Christine, great job today. Thank you so much.” (05:32)
• The segment is capped with genuine thanks and admiration for listener participation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Host (on Julie): “Poor kid. At Jack in the Box.” (02:39)
• Prize Announcer (jokingly to Julie): “Enjoy your tiny tacos.” (02:54)
• Host (instructing Christine): “As soon as they say, ‘Can I take your order,’ you start singing the first part of the song.” (03:19)
• Christine (with her order): “I want a large coffee with six cream and six sugar, please.” (04:12)
• Host (excited): “We got a winner of the Fa la la la Game. Her name is Christine. That was insane. She’s awesome.” (05:10)
• Host: “I love it when a plan comes together.” (05:26)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Setup & Call-In Start: 01:26–01:59
• Julie Plays at Jack in the Box: 02:01–02:54
• Christine Prepares at McDonald’s: 03:00–03:46
• Christine’s Big Moment/Order: 03:46–04:28
• Winning Announcement & Prize Reveal: 05:10–05:29

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a light-hearted, festive, and slightly mischievous tone true to The Rod Ryan Show’s spirit. Hosts encourage a spirit of improvisation, laughter, and audience participation, creating an engaging and communal holiday vibe for listeners.

Summary:
If you missed this episode, you missed out on a hilarious, heartwarming slice of morning radio—live drive-thru singing, audience camaraderie, and a genuine celebration of Houston’s rock and alternative community, all tied up with the season’s spirit.