Jordan in the News

Once again, the call-in box was humming.

"Bob from South Boston. Line 6." Rich's producer gestures to Rich.

"Woody Allen" had just phoned into the program. He claimed to have just returned from a standup gig at Michael's Pub in New York City. The feigned voice is actually that of a Los Angeles-based actor friend of Rich's who regularly appears on his program. Rich's spoof was working. Bob Senuta, the caller from South Boston, said he had a toothache and he can't sleep. Still, his throbbing tooth had eased enough to ask Mr. Allen why he's back doing standup.

"I wasn't sure if it was really Woody Allen," Senuta later said. "I got scammed. I knew it."

Senuta wasn't the only caller to fall victim to Rich's fun. Another resident of South Boston named William wanted to know if Diane Keaton was holding her looks.

"Woody" stumbled a bit, but regained his composure enough to insure William that Keaton was still looking fine.

Denise, however, a lawyer from Brookline, wasn't as easy a sell. Denise had been to the club Allen claims to have performed in this night. Denise says the club has been closed for years.

"Woody" then confesses he isn't really the famous filmmaker. Rich is smiling. The dupe made a good run.

"Jordan's bright, sharp, and he runs the gamut from being fun to being serious," said Denise, who listens to Rich's show in the middle of the night when she's paying bills. "He does a remarkable job."

Rich says one of the best things about overnight radio is being able to allow the caller more time to talk.

"On a regular program, the caller may get a minute to speak," he said. He takes 30 to 40 calls a night. "Here, a caller can be on for as long as four to five minutes."

Rich also says he has had guests on his program for two or three hours.

The biggest reward Rich gets from being the overnight host is his relationship with his listeners. He says he often feels as though he acts as a silent companion to his audience.

"You can actually feel them there," he says. He receives weekly letters from his fans, thanking him for his insights and rapport. Other fans, like Pasquale, show their support by helping Rich get through the night. The coffee and bagel Pasquale supplies isn't just a way to get into the studio.

As Pasquale said, "It's just one of the ways I can say thank you."

For the rest of the night, Rich discussed the art of office golf with a writer from The New Yorker, and his lack of interest in the critically acclaimed movie, "American Beauty." He would promote a radio weather gadget and briefly talk about flamenco dancing. It was like Seinfeld on the radio. A little bit of something and nothing wrapped into one. Yet the call box continued to flutter. At least until 5 a.m.