May 13, 2004

Mike Cleary and wife Mary Ann are Almaden Times Weekly’s
new travel writing contributors

Those who love to eat and travel (and who doesn’t?) might be familiar with the husband and wife radio team of Mike and Mary Ann Cleary. The Almaden Times Weekly welcomes the couple in this issue as contributors to the Travel Column.

Mike Cleary came to San Francisco in 1966. After jobs that included a midday show at popular rock station KYA and host of a children’s television show, Mike was hired by NBC-owned KNBR to do the midday show. It would be his radio home for the next three decades. In 1978, NBC teamed Mike with Frank Dill, the station’s popular early morning show host. It was an inspired move. The Frank and Mike Show went on to earn high ratings, numerous awards and countless fans.

In 1995, Mike left the show to develop a radio show on food and travel. The result is the regionally syndicated “Food & Travel Radio.” The one-hour weekend show, which he co-hosts with his wife Mary Ann, is heard on eight stations throughout Northern California. Mike and Mary Ann interview authors, travelers, chefs, adventurers and others about their interests and enthusiasms. Guests have included Julia Child, Jacques and Claudine Pepin, author Peter Mayle, Tom Smothers and Clint Eastwood’s wife, Dina.

Although a newcomer to radio, Mary Ann is a perfect fit for the show. An accomplished muralist, chef and decorator, she brings a knowledge and charm to the show that adds greatly to its growing popularity.
After KNBR, Mike spent four years hosting a midday music show on 960 KABL-AM in San Francisco. The radio station currently broadcasts their food and travel radio show. Also, every third Friday from 10 to 2, Mike and Mary Ann interview guests and play the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and other from San Francisco’s historic Buena Vista Cafe.

Mike and Mary Ann are avid joggers. They have run several marathons but now concentrate on half-marathons. Both admit the best part of that activity is the dining afterwards.