"Now there's a group I'd love to grab a cup of coffee with!”. My PAREA and I have declared this sentiment about countless different groups of people over the years. In fact, that may be the truest essence of what PAREA means: sharing a drink with great people over great conversation. No duo represents that principle better than Hall of Fame radio personalities Tom & Ray Magliozzi, a.k.a. "Click & Clack, The Tappet Brothers".
As hosts of the award winning National Public Radio (NPR) show "Car Talk", the Boston based brothers entertained audiences weekly as they offered their automotive expertise to countless callers around the country, and beyond. Tackling questions on everything from transmission fluid to marital disputes, the rambunctious brothers never gave a straight or simple answer (often no answer at all), and that's what kept the phones ringing off the hook for three decades. Mostly delivering wise-cracks to whoever was on the line, the brother's knack for taking nothing seriously (including themselves) earned them a cult-like following of fans around the world, most of which who didn't own a car or know the first thing about them.
When listening to these (as they put it) "couple of Italian grease monkeys", it's hard to believe that below their constant flatulent jokes and self deprecation lies an array of impressive educational accomplishments. Tom (the eldest of the two), holds degrees in economics, politics, and engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (yes, MIT). As if that wasn't enough, he continued to grab an MBA from Northeastern University, and, later, a PhD in marketing from Boston University. Ray also finished MIT with a degree in Humanities, which is clear when you listen to his very "professional and calculated" analyses on society.
Despite their educational and entertainment accolades, the former owners of a body shop always stressed one thing to all of their listeners: they had zero clue what they were doing. One critic described "Car Talk" as "listening to a couple of teenagers fool around on the school's PA system". Yet, amongst the wisecracks, brotherly bickering, and off the rails production, it's obvious these two did in fact know what they were doing, no matter how often they pretend otherwise.
But, it's not all just about (as the Boston natives say) "cahs". Tom & Ray received calls about social issues, the economy, current affairs, art, people, and relationships of all kinds, while never failing to make their listeners laugh for 60 unfiltered minutes. The charm of these two doesn't feel like your average local mechanics, but much more like sitting with your favorite pair of screaming uncles at a family dinner. These are the guys that will make fun of everything you chose to wear that day, while slipping a $5 bill in your pocket as they yell "take you girlfriend out to dinner on me" followed by a gentle slap in the face. It's no wonder that they continue to reach new generations of loyal listeners as the years go on.
As with everyone we showcase on "PAREA Paraskevi", Tom & Ray Magliozzi personify every meaning of what our name boils down to. Their impact, philanthropy, pride, and endless laughs will forever be remembered. Listen to "Car Talk" wherever you get your podcasts, you wont regret it. In the words of the legendary Tappet Brothers, "If you're ever in Boston lets grab coffee, but only if you're buying!".
- Tommy Kyrus; Founder
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