About/Contact Ralph Zig Tyko

My name is Ralph Tyko. Many of my friends, call me Zig.

I’ve been producing podcast radio, since 2012. In February of 2016, I founded the Comfortably Zoned Network. All of our offerings are archived, here.tykoarmscrossed

I was raised in Jackson Heights, New York, where I graduated PS 148, Joseph Pulitzer Junior High School 145, and Newtown High School, in Elmhurst.

I spent hot summers at Kittatinny Camp and joined the Air Force to escape the cold draft. After Basic Training and Tech School in Texas, I was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.

After the service, I established roots in California. Over the years, I’ve lived in Sacramento, San Francisco, and the East Bay Area. In previous life’s, I sold insurance,  managed an insurance agency, wrote, performed, and produced comedy. I was known as “The Unzipped Mind of Ralph Tyko,” from time to time was billed as Zig Zagman Jr., and also wrote and performed as Max Gornisht.

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I was the West Coast Representative for Topps Baseball Card Company, covering the California and Northwest Leagues from 1983- ’95.

My most satisfying “gig” was co-raising my son, Phillip, with The “Baby Momma,” the late Diane Satin. I was “Mr. Mom,” the stay-at-home dad, for his first five years.

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                                              My partner and I, Talie Olson, currently reside in Alameda, CA.

In September of 2021, George Grimm and I, published the book we co-wrote, Comfortably Zoned in a Vat o’ Pine Tar. It’s available om Amazon, here:

42 Comments

  1. Frederick Karp said,

    Zig,
    Thanks for sharing this self-portrait that indicates that you’ve enjoyed life and being a person and have accomplished some significant things and continue to keep busy. At the same time, you have exhibited humility and humanity! Good Luck. Fred

  2. Ralph Zig Tyko said,

    Fred,
    Wow… Best of all, I’m blessed with dear friends like you!!

    Z

  3. Ralph Zig Tyko said,

    I recently received a email from an old friend who gets “it.”

    Here are some excerpts:

    “Nice website(s). Of course you still communicate with the world, you would never stop. it amazes me that almost everyone i know comes from a dysfunctional family yet most are loathe to speak of it until it just sort of comes up eventually after you get to know them well, say, 25 years later. but you just let it hang right out there, nothing hidden about being exactly what everyone else is all about. and yet i’m sure your message is unsettling to most, though their response to it is either a yawn, or an “oh gawd!” or an “oh, big deal.” These responses of course are by the most fucked up who have endeavored to keep that fact hidden from everyone including themselves, esp. in their own dreams/nightmares. And you don’t make funny about it. You just hang it out there in the introductory sentence. Go figger. At first it seems naive, self-involved, but then you realize it’s just such an important inyourface handshake. “My cobwebs are out of the way, hey.” Or are they? Are they ever? They also run into your face before anyone has a chance to ask or think anything else about you, about your skeletons, your pain, misery, your secrets, the real ones.

    “You look g-r-e-a-t old man Scorp. Good to see you doing good work at the nonprofit. Philip looks very different all grown up than he looked at 4. Congratulations on the good job; he looks like a sound Mensch.”

  4. Linda said,

    Ralph

    The flying fickle finger of fate – it appears that after all these years you are probably still the same ol’ Ralphie. As for Phillip – handsome guy, when playing Mr Mom, hope you fed him more than mustard and Pretzels.

    Linda

  5. Ralph Zig Tyko said,

    Yes, the “same old me.” I’m taking that as a compliment. :-)
    Pictures of your kids and grandkids grace this page, Linda [not Rinda]:
    https://pushpull.wordpress.com/images-of-family-friends-acquaintances-fellow-alamedans-andor-loved-ones/

    • Linda said,

      Rinda contacted me about 18 mos ago. Still married to Chuck. They have lived in the same house 30+ years

      • Ralph Zig Tyko said,

        She is the only “Rinda” I ever met. :-)
        I hope you’re well and are enjoying a happy holiday!!

  6. mike said,

    you’re a cool dude..

    mlazar from baseball fever……………….

  7. Thom Ross said,

    http://www.gunnarnordstrom.com/dynamic/artwork_detail.asp?ArtworkID=845

    let me know if this opens for you. It shows my 5-panel art piece of Mays making his famous catch as it looked when I placed it ON THE ACTUAL SITE WHERE HE CAUGHT THE BALL on the 50th anniversary, Sept 29, 2004.

    Yesterday I did a 30 minute interview for NPR Radio talking about Mays and his catch; don’t know when it will air.

    Best,
    Thom Ross
    B-R T -R

  8. Ralph Zig Tyko said,

    It opens fine, Ross. Thank you so much!!

  9. GARY KAUFFMAN said,

    DEAR RALPH,
    I AM SENDING MY BEST WISHES TO YOU……JUST BECAUSE I THINK OF YOU REGULARLY WHEN I LOOK AT THE BLOG FOR CAMP UPDATES. THINGS SEEM QUIET LATELY BUT AT OUR AGES, NO NEWS….IS GOOD NEWS…SO THEY SAY.
    NOTHING TOO NEW TO REPORT. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ART SPECTOR A FEW WEEKS BACK…..HE WAS CHARLIE THE BAKER’S GRANDSON……GOOD TO SPEAK TO A CAMP PERSON…HIS GPOP WAS A REALLY NICE AND VERY INTERESTING MAN…AND A GREAT BAKER. I LOVED HIS CUPCAKES AND DINNER ROLES BUT HIS DOUGHNUTS WERE THE BEST…SUGAR DOUGHNUTS FRESH IN THE MORNING…..PROBABLY HOW I STARTED MY FAT BELLY BUILDUP…. I MISS THE BLOG FROM FELLOW CAMPERS…….I HOPE WE HEAR FROM SOME OF THE GANG SOON…I SEARCH FACEBOOK BUT A PICTURE HERE AND THERE IS NOT LIKE THE MORE COMPLETE BLOGGING INTERACTION…..I HOPE YOU ARE WELL…
    IT IS GOOD TO THINK OF YOU AND THE CAMP HISTORY YOUR BLOG KEEPS ALIVE. …MY AUNT HELEN MOSS, HENRY’S WIFE , DIED RECENTLY…
    I DO SEE AUNT MOLLY KAUFFMAN FROM THE CANTEEN….UNCLE MORRIS FROM THE KITCHEN’S WIFE…SHE IS DOING WELL AND LOOKS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME, DESPITE HER 90 YEARS…..WE GO TO DINNER WITH HER DAUGHTER, ELLEN KAUFFMAN AND HER HUBBY. SHE WAS A CAMPER, ALSO..
    WELL, NOT TOO MUCH MORE NEWS…..JUST MY REGARDS TO ALL. HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL…..REGARDS, GARY KAUFFMAN…PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA.

    • Ralph Zig Tyko said,

      Never have I tasted a better breakfast roll than those that came out of Uncle Morris’ kitchen, Gary.. The KLC thread on this blog has enriched my life… more than you’ll ever know. Thanks for contributing!

      Kittatinny alumn:
      What up?

  10. Ralph Zig Tyko said,

    I now produce and co-host COMFORTABLY ZONED.. http://www.fccfreeradio.com/?page_id=5457

  11. Brian Joura said,

    Hi Ralph,

    Just came across your site and I like it! I tried to send you an email but the one listed above was not valid. I wanted to talk about the Mets and your work writing about them. Please contact me when you have a moment.

    Thanks,
    Brian

  12. East Bay Area Luminaries Become COMFORTABLY ZONED – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko welcomes Bob Fisher [and Zoned regular Rebecca Ward Kennedy], of  Holy City Zoo fame, who regale […]

  13. Ralph Zig Tyko is in a New York State of Mind, on COMFORTABLY ZONED, Noon, Pacific – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […]  Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. […]

  14. S.F. Giants Win West, Oakland A’s Scuffle Down Stretch, Both Become COMFORTABLY ZONED… Noon-2 PST, Tuesday – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. Tweet […]

  15. John Coltrane on COMFOTABLY ZONED at Noon-2, PST – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  16. Bay Area Baseball Talk, on COMFORTABLY ZONED RADIO, Tuesday Noon-2 Pacific – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexongruous.” […]

  17. A Good, Old Fashioned Nooner, With The Zig Zag Man. Tuesday,12-2 PM, PST. COMFORTABLY ZONED RADIO – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  18. A Nooner Tuesday PST,With The Zig Zag Man… Comfortably Zoned Radio – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  19. Vote Early, Vote Often… For COMFORTABLY ZONED RADIO Tuesday, Noon-2, Pacific – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  20. The Bambino is COMFORTABLY ZONED, Tuesday, Noon-2, Studio 2b – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  21. Ralph Zig Tyko is COMFORTABLY ZONED, Noon-2, PST, Studio 2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    On this day in radio history:

    Kurt Weitzmann, Bay Area comedy icon, returns to THE ZONE. Terrific music, featuring the late Otis Redding, and Frank singing with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee,and Lena Horne… also, some Baseball Hot Stove League…
    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  22. Dean Martin is COMFORTABLY ZONED, Noon-2 PST, Studio2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  23. The Syrian Uprising, HOT STOVE BASEBALL TALK, A BB KING MUSIC FEST, SURVIVIN’ DRIVIN’ and HEMP TALK… COMFORTABLY ZONED at Noon-2, PST – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  24. Music, Comedy, Sports, on Comfortably Zoned, Noon-2, PST Studio 2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  25. Comfortably Zoned with The Zig -Zag Man Noon-2, PDT, Studio 2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  26. Comfortably Zoned, Starring Ralph Zig Tyko, Returns Life, New Years Day – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  27. Comfortably Zoned on New Years Day, with Tales From Apt. 201 – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  28. Comfortably Zoned Radio, Noon-2, Studio 2b ‘Real Life,’ Spoken Here – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  29. S.F. Comedy Icon, Frank Kidder, Remembered on Comfortably Zoned, Noon-2, PST, Studio 2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  30. A Nooner With The Zig Zag Man, 12-2 PST, Comfortably Zoned Radio – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  31. Comfortably Zoned, Noon-2 PST… ‘Life,’ Spoken Here – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  32. Sister Mary Zig [Next Pope?] is Comfortably Zoned, Tuesday, Noon-2, PST, Studio 2B – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  33. Comfortably Zoned, Noon-2 PST, Studio 2B… ‘Life,’ Spoken Here – Radio for the People, by the People. said,

    […] Ralph Zig Tyko pushes on the “doors of life” marked ‘pull,’ with his sardonic, off beat humor. His target is The UN-Holy Trinity… the Church, Big Biz, and the Government. Regular guests will include a San Francisco sexologist, Dr. Barbara Read, and social commentator Scott Gilpin, who believes that “life is for learning” and shares some wry observations. Tyko interviews players, coaches, sportswriters and broadcasters from the “Golden Age of Sports.” Great stuff, set to music of Mose Allison and RARE Frank Sinatra found nowhere else. Fun galore, so click on,.. laugh, cry, and learn. […]

  34. Phyllis Moroney said,

    You are such a hoot, you make my day,,,,keep up the good work

    • Ralph Zig Tyko said,

      I, just now, saw your nice comment, Phyllis. Thanks SO !!

  35. Joe Hollander said,

    Ralph:

    I stumbled on your site after some nostalgic discussions of kittatinny camp. I was second generation at KLC . My father, Sanford hollander was there in the 30s and I was a camper there from 1967-1972. I harbor similar fondness for those years, but alas, know only one person who was there when I was. I scoured your site and see the last KLC entry in 2013. Anything new? I recognize names like Trout, Kirsner, Raitt, Stern, Ehrenberg and Shanik. All were counselors or other when I was there. I am now in my late 50s living in NJ, NYC AND FL. Would love to hear from anyone.

  36. Chris Esq said,

    Hey Zig,

    I saw a pic promoting “Mets in the Zone” and it hand a shirt with the Mets logo and cannabis leaves. By chance could you share where I can get a shirt just like that?

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