Joe McDonnell was born to be a talk show host. His late mother Josie would agree. "It's true", said Mrs. McDonnell, "he was born talking, and hasn't shut up since" That's only a slight exaggeration. Joe McDonnell's radio career began in September of 1975 with KGIL radio. He started as an intern in the news department, but quickly moved up to the position of Assistant Sports Director, a position that he held for nearly six years.He left KGIL to become a full-time sports correspondent for many of the nation's top radio networks. Then, in July of 1988, McDonnell went back to local radio taking a job as a reporter/producer for KFI radio in Los Angeles. A few months later he began hosting sports talk shows while filling in as a general interest weekend host. While at KFI, Joe continued to build his reputation as a story breaker, as well as an opinionated, credible and controversial talk show host.

McDonnell then became host of the afternoon-drive talk show host on the all-sports KMAX FM. He was named "Best Sports Talk Host" by the Los Angeles Daily News in February of 1996. In March of that year, he moved on to KWNK radio and seven months later was hired by KABC Radio where he hosted "Sportstalk" with former Dodger's pitcher, Jim Gott. After being named "Best Sports Talk Host" for a second year in a row, Joe moved on again. This time to the new All-Sports Talk station, AM 1150 Sportsradio L.A. where he hosted the afternoon drive show. In January of 1998 he was named "Best Sports Talk Host" for the third consecutive year. He has won the award a total of eight times. 

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- Began career in 1975 at KGIL Radio in the San Fernando Valley, CA, as a news reporter and Assistant Sports Director. Stayed at KGIL through January 1982……..

- Became Los Angeles Correspondent for Mutual Radio Network (now Westwood One), United Press International Radio Network, and Associated Press Radio Network in February 1982……..