A new chapter has officially begun at one of America’s most legendary Top 40 radio stations.
iHeartMedia’s 101.3 KDWB in Minneapolis has unveiled “Falen & Colt” as its new morning show, marking the station’s first major morning transition following the retirement of longtime host Dave Ryan. The new program debuted immediately and now airs weekdays from 6-10 a.m.
For listeners across the Twin Cities, the move represents both a passing of the torch and a strategic decision rooted in familiarity. Falen is no stranger to KDWB mornings. She spent more than a decade alongside Dave Ryan helping shape one of the market’s most recognizable radio brands before stepping into afternoons in 2023 to launch a new show with Colt. That pairing quickly found traction, building momentum with listeners and becoming one of the station’s strongest personality combinations.
Now, KDWB is bringing that chemistry to mornings.
The move also carries historic significance. Falen becomes the first woman to lead mornings in the station’s history, a milestone moment for a heritage CHR brand that has long been considered one of the premier Top 40 stations in the country.
In a statement released by the station, Falen called the opportunity “incredibly special” and reflected on the support she has received from Twin Cities listeners since arriving in Minneapolis. She also acknowledged the legacy built by Dave Ryan and expressed excitement about continuing alongside Colt and longtime morning contributor Jenny.
Industry observers say the transition feels intentional rather than rushed. Unlike many stations forced into abrupt reinventions, KDWB appears focused on preserving continuity while introducing a fresh dynamic for a younger generation of listeners.
Jenny will remain part of the morning lineup, while Vont transitions to afternoons as the station restructures its talent lineup around the new flagship show.
The challenge ahead is substantial.
Dave Ryan’s presence on KDWB stretched across generations. For many listeners, his voice was part of their morning routine for decades — through school runs, commutes, marriages, breakups, career changes, and countless life moments. Replacing a personality of that magnitude is never simple, particularly at a station with the heritage and cultural impact KDWB carries throughout the Upper Midwest.
But if there is one thing KDWB has consistently understood, it is the importance of personality-driven radio.
At a time when many companies continue reducing local staffing and leaning heavily on syndicated programming, KDWB is making a statement that local connection still matters. The station is investing in recognizable voices, established chemistry, and talent with authentic roots inside the market.
That strategy may ultimately prove to be the biggest headline of all.
The combination of Falen’s long-standing relationship with listeners, Colt’s energy and relatability, and Jenny’s established role inside the morning ecosystem gives KDWB something many stations spend years trying to manufacture — familiarity that already feels genuine.
And in today’s radio environment, authenticity remains one of the few things audiences cannot stream from an algorithm.
For KDWB, the future officially arrived this week.
Now the Twin Cities will decide what the next era sounds like.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.