The Flower Power Hour

The Flower Power Hour, hosted by Ken and MJ Rundel, is a vibrant celebration of the Golden Age of Flower Power, beaming out from the George Carlin Memorial Studio in the Bamboo Peace Palace, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This internationally syndicated radio show, which began in September 2021, has quickly become a favorite, airing on 138 stations across 18 countries, including platforms like Radio Free Phoenix, Dash Radio Network, and select NPR stations. The show’s eclectic mix of 60s, 70s, and 80s album rock, sprinkled with deep tracks and new music, is laced with period comedy and artist interviews, creating a “theater-of-the-mind” experience that resonates with its devoted listeners, affectionately known as Zoo Freaks. A standout trivia tidbit: every episode includes at least one song or quote about peace, reflecting the show’s commitment to the era’s ethos of peace, love, and rock and roll.

One memorable story from the show involves its endorsements from rock legends, adding a layer of authenticity that sets it apart. Artists like Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane, Roger McGuinn of the Byrds, and Nancy Wilson of Heart have provided liners and interviews, with some sharing personal anecdotes about the Flower Power era. For instance, a 2023 episode featured an interview with John Lodge of The Moody Blues, where he humorously recounted stepping into a “slide zone” during a lunch break, blending nostalgia with the show’s playful vibe. Social media posts from the show’s Facebook page often highlight quirky moments, like a segment where Ken and MJ riffed on a fictional “Cripple Creek Ferry” adventure with Buffy Sainte-Marie, showcasing their knack for weaving music and storytelling. Fans on X frequently share clips of these segments, praising the hosts’ chemistry and the show’s ability to unearth forgotten tracks.

Ken Rundel’s journey to hosting The Flower Power Hour is rooted in a storied radio career that began in Michigan. With early stints at stations like WVIC in Lansing and w-4 in Detroit, Ken honed his skills before landing at the legendary album-rock station KZEW, “The Zoo,” in Dallas. As program director and host of the #1 rated midday show, he became a key figure in the station’s rise during the 1970s, a time when The Zoo was a cultural touchstone for Dallas’s counterculture, with its scrappy, hippie DJ crew and bold playlists mixing Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, and Joni Mitchell. Ken’s deep connection to album rock and his ability to engage listeners carried over to The Flower Power Hour, where he revived that free-spirited energy. His wife, MJ, brought her own flair to the show. Growing up in St. Louis, MJ’s love for rock and roll and her work as an artist gave her backstage access to icons like Cat Stevens, Elton John, and Donovan. She later handled promotion for folk singer Melanie, and her broadcasting career kicked off in 2006 as co-host of the Ken and MJ Show on Radio Free Phoenix.

The Flower Power Hour has cultivated a passionate online community. The show’s official website, radiofreephoenix.com/flower-power-hour, offers episode archives and details on how stations can pick up the syndicated program at no cost. On Facebook, the page boasts over 2,600 likes, with fans sharing memories of the 60s and 70s sparked by the show’s playlists. The Instagram account features retro-inspired visuals and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Bamboo Peace Palace studio. On X, the show engages with Zoo Freaks who post about rediscovering tracks like Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein” through the show’s deep dives. While no specific fan websites or dedicated Facebook groups were found, the show’s Facebook page serves as a hub for fan interaction, with listeners often creating their own posts to rally support for the show’s nostalgic vibe.