Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole Named New Morning Show Co-Host, Set to Join Fred Toucher on ‘Toucher & Hardy’
Beasley Media Group’s 98.5 The Sports Hub is excited to announce the addition of Robert “Hardy” Poole to its morning show. Hardy will join Fred Toucher as co-host of the…

Robert “Hardy” Poole officially named the new morning show Co-Host on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston
Beasley Media Group’s 98.5 The Sports Hub is excited to announce the addition of Robert “Hardy” Poole to its morning show. Hardy will join Fred Toucher as co-host of the newly named “Toucher & Hardy” program, airing 6am to 10am weekdays beginning on January 4, 2024.
A Michigan State University graduate, Hardy worked as a rock DJ for 15 years before making the switch from WBCN to 98.5 The Sports Hub in 2009. Over the past 8 years, he’s played a key role in propelling the Zolak & Bertrand show to unprecedented ratings success in their midday slot.
Hardy has also lent his voice and creative talents to various platforms across the station, including the creation of the wildly popular “Fuppets” videos for Felger & Mazz. In addition, he has been the long-time host of the “Sports Hub Golf Club” show and can also be heard on Beasley’s Rock 92.9.
“As a lifelong radio guy, I’m thrilled for this opportunity,” said Hardy. “I’m looking forward to working with Fred and the rest of the morning show crew on what I believe will be a great show.”
"I've known Hardy and admired his talent for many years,” said Fred Toucher. “I'm very excited to begin this new chapter and feel revitalized by the new opportunity."
“Hardy is one of the most talented and creative individuals I have ever worked with in radio,” said station Program Director, Rick Radzik. “Teaming him with Fred was just a natural fit for our new morning show. I look forward to them providing great content and entertaining our listeners for years to come.”
“Hardy was the perfect candidate to join Fred and the team to take this show to even greater heights. Everyone loves him!” said Beasley Media Group Boston Vice President and Market Manager, Mary Menna.
Hardy’s Monster Mash Headlines (2015-2022)
Monster Mash Headlines with Hardy are an annual tradition on the Zolak & Bertrand Show. Every Halloween, or close to it, Hardy transforms his normal Sports Hub Headline into a show sing-along.
The tradition dates back to 2015 when The Sports Hub Headlines music sounded eerily similar to the Boris Bobby Pickett smash hit from 1962. After much discussion in that studio, Hardy, Zolak and Bertrand brainstormed an idea to use the music from Monster Mash as the Sports Hub Headlines bed. Alas, the Monster Mash Headlines were born.
The 2015 debut was pretty straight forward, but over the years the headlines have featured some memorable moments including an "apparatus" on the home field of the Buffalo Bills in 2016. The 2017 edition featured the trade of Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers. The 2018 version was the same day as a crazy Red Sox World Series parade.
The video debut of Monster Mash Headlines came in 2019 as our partners at NBC Sports Boston simulcast them for the first time. The 2020 version was in the "Covid Hotbox". In 2021, Ted Johnson was featured as Frankenstein's Monster.
In 2023, the show even honored legendary singer Gordon Lightfoot with a special, "Sundown" rendition of Sports Hub Headlines.
WATCH/LISTEN TO EVERY MONSTER MASH HEADLINE FROM 2015-2022:
2015 - The Debut
2016 - Apparatus in Buffalo
2017 - Jimmy G Trade
2018 - Red Sox Parade Day
****Bert Breer laugh added to the end
2019 - Video Debut
2020 - From the Covid Hotbox
***special guest appearance from Steve Sanchez