Legendary Nashville broadcaster Shannon McCombs joins Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy for a fast-moving tour through rock and country radio history. From being yelled at by Sebastian Bach and an enraged artist at XM, to co-hosting a Buddy Holly birthday bash at the request of Paul McCartney, Shannon shares candid, funny, and sometimes cringeworthy stories from decades behind the mic.
She talks about breaking into a male‑dominated Nashville radio scene in the mid‑80s, surviving multiple format flips and firings, building country relationships through XM and Fan Fair/CMA Fest, producing Kix Brooks’ countdown, and why radio people share the same bizarre “dead air” nightmares. Along the way you’ll hear about Travis Tritt’s oversharing, Lee Greenwood’s Speedo moment, cat rescues, and why Shannon never chased the artist/songwriter dream in Music City.
Highlights
0:00:00 Skid Row backstage disaster and Sebastian Bach meltdown
0:01:30 Show open: Circling The Drain welcomes first female guest
0:03:00 Shannon’s move from Kentucky to Nashville and landing at KDF
0:07:50 Getting fired (twice) from KDF during format and staff overhauls
0:09:30 Working with Carl P. Mayfield, Slats, and returning to KDF for country
0:10:50 Transition to country, syndicated “Shannon’s Country News,” and Bill Anderson documentary
0:12:10 Shooting Bill Anderson’s writing session and interviewing Billy Bob Thornton
0:13:40 Linda Ronstadt interview goes sideways thanks to a forbidden Jerry Brown question
0:14:50 Co‑hosting Paul McCartney’s Buddy Holly birthday bash livestream in New York
0:16:15 Being briefed on how to approach “Sir Paul” and what not to ask
0:17:10 Buddy Holly’s widow and early internet-era red carpet streaming
0:18:10 Favorite country interviews: Eddie Arnold, John Conlee, and Hall of Fame drop‑ins at XM
0:20:00 Becoming XM’s unofficial engineer with a toolbox and a phone to DC
0:21:10 Breaking Nashville resistance to XM by going through publicists, not promotion
0:22:20 Fan Fair/CMA Fest bus and Ford Theater sessions, pairing Charlie Louvin with Dierks Bentley
0:25:20 The infamous live XM moment: skipping CD, furious star, and a security check
0:28:30 Naming names: the Sebastian Bach listener insult story revisited
0:30:30 Country vs rock backstage behavior; Randy Owen and Lee Greenwood in a Speedo
0:33:00 Trying to break into WSM, seeing Kathy Martindale, and realizing “it’s possible” for women
0:34:30 How stations refused to put women on daytime air shifts in the 80s
0:36:30 Remembering trailblazers: Mary Glenn Lassiter, Diana Lynn Bracey, Patty Murray
0:38:50 The great T‑shirt rebellion: refusing unflattering station swag
0:39:45 Travis Tritt and the “I’m not wearing underwear now” TV moment
0:41:00 Aaron Tippin’s measurements and producer‑provoked “stupid questions” that get great answers
0:41:50 Cat stories: Cheeto Willie Mae, rescuing family pets, and severe pet allergies
0:46:30 Kix Brooks as “best boss ever,” producing and co‑writing his countdown show
0:48:30 The infamous leopard‑print couch and building a basketball court for a radio show
0:50:00 Meeting Shannon at Deborah Evans Price’s house and trading off‑air war stories
0:50:45 Radio people turn the tables: Shannon interviews the hosts about their best guests
0:55:00 Favorite interviews: Dan Seals, Reggie Hamm, Penn Jillette, Charlie Benante, Rob O’Neill
0:58:30 Navy SEAL wisdom: “If you’re going to quit, quit tomorrow”
1:00:15 Why Shannon never wanted to be an artist or songwriter in Nashville
1:01:20 Being able to interview Motley Crüe and Randy Travis in the same day
1:01:50 Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, Shannon’s induction, and John’s nomination role
1:02:40 Where to find Shannon online and the “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Halloween costume gag
1:03:30 Closing: love all around and the idea of using “Circling The Drain” as the show’s theme song
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In this deeply personal “Dads Episode,” the guys open up about the fathers who shaped their lives, careers, and love of music. From small-town country radio and booking legends like Roy Clark, to petrochemical plants, phone lines, and woodworking in retirement, each story reveals how complicated, flawed, and unforgettable dads can be.
The guys trace how certain songs became emotional landmarks—Merle Haggard concerts, Elton John story songs, and country classics about fathers and sons. They share how grief hit them when their dads passed, how music and video tributes helped them heal, and how late-in-life “I’m proud of you” moments still echo years later.
They also grapple with tougher truths: jealousy, absence, depression after loss, and generational discipline that would look very different today. Yet, through it all, there’s an undercurrent of gratitude for dads who showed love in their own ways—by working hard, building things, fixing cars, or just bringing their kids along for the ride.
Closing out, they reflect on the importance of reconciliation while there’s still time, and how politics and pride should never be allowed to permanently sever family ties.
The idea for the discussion came from Jim sharing the video he produced for his father's memorial service.
R.I.P. Justin J. McCarthy
1942-2006
https://youtu.be/XdRH-i5wt6A?si=6vveiKyDKuxq4Mh1
Timed highlights:
00:00 – Opening reflection on a complicated father who wanted the spotlight, and later pride in his kids’ careers
00:54 – Show intro: Circling the Drain sets up a special “Dads Episode”
02:20 – Gene Simmons jokes, radio banter, and shifting into the topic of dads and music
03:48 – Why there seem to be more songs about moms than dads, and the impact of absent fathers
04:10 – Classic dad songs: “Cats in the Cradle,” Waylon’s “Between Fathers and Sons,” Elton John’s AIDS story song, “The Living Years,” “Daddy’s Hands,” and more
06:10 – Johnny’s dad: country singer, radio station owner, and the man who ushered him into radio and country music
10:00 – Booking stars in the Midwest: Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, radio “appreciation shows,” and drawing 70,000 people in Kansas
12:22 – Roy Clark, Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline’s fatal flight, and behind-the-scenes country music lore
15:19 – Growing up on small-town AM country radio; dads’ favorite artists and first concert memories with them
17:36 – Merle Haggard live in New Orleans and seeing a stoic dad finally hoop and holler
20:00 – Realizing “Dad is somebody” when Roy Clark brings him onstage to huge applause
21:13 – Mom and dad as a country duo, early radio at KMA, and the cost of dad’s jealousy on mom’s career
25:00 – Jim’s video tribute to his father and how music plus photos trigger powerful grief and healing
26:24 – Jim’s dad, Justin J. McCarthy: affection, pride, and a very different dad-son language of love
30:18 – Workaholic fathers, “Cats in the Cradle” parallels, and trying to balance work and family
31:38 – Losing mom at 16, dad’s depression and guilt, and the strain on father–son relationships
35:00 – How music bridges divides: Steve Earle, politics, and strangers getting along at shows
43:23 – “Good kid” confessions: sneaking out with the Cutlass, near accidents, and fear of disappointing dad
47:18 – Graduation night: a rare, direct “I’m proud of you” moment in the parking lot
49:44 – The “God thing”: Johnny’s last perfect evening with his dad—football, ice cream, and sudden death
53:25 – Writing and delivering eulogies, organizing thoughts through grief, and feeling dad’s approval
55:46 – Jim’s dad, multiple myeloma, the last Alaska dream trip, and choosing to stop treatment
58:45 – The handyman dads: furniture, music boxes, fixing everyone’s cars, and showing love through work
1:01:20 – Neighbors’ wreaths, mowing others’ lawns, and defying doctors after open-heart surgery
1:06:09 – Holiday tables that shrink over time and how quickly “big family” seasons vanish
1:07:02 – Families torn apart by politics and the coming regret of cutting parents off
1:08:00 – Final reflections: complicated fathers, cherished memories, and a plea to reconcile while there’s still time
---
Would you like a shorter, punchier show description tailored for podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify?
On this episode of Circling the Drain, Johnny B, Jay, and Jim dive deep into Gene Simmons’ push for the American Music Fairness Act and what it could mean for already-struggling terrestrial radio. They unpack who really benefits from new royalty schemes, why small “mom & pop” stations could be crushed, and how streaming and AI are rapidly reshaping the music business.
From stories of old-school radio logging and payola-era politics to modern streaming, AI-generated hits, and DIY “instant artists,” the guys explore whether Gene is picking the wrong fight—and what the real endgame might be. Along the way, they hit on artist exploitation, fan loyalty, the death (and possible rebirth) of local radio, and why creatives must learn to **sell their own value**.
- **[00:00:00]** Kicking off with Gene Simmons, Sheryl Crow, and the question: who should pay whom for radio airplay?
- **[00:04:21]** Breaking down the **American Music Fairness Act** and the financial realities of radio paying both writers and artists.
- **[00:09:22]** Is Gene Simmons secretly trying to **kill radio** to push everything toward streaming? The conspiracy angle.
- **[00:14:30]** Sheryl Crow’s past effort to get musicians paid and how stations responded by cutting her from playlists and bumper music.
- **[00:19:14]** Politics enters the chat: why Republicans are backing the bill and how artists align (or don’t) with parties.
- **[00:23:11]** The looming wave of **AI-generated artists and songs** and what that means for real musicians and discoverability.
- **[00:28:20]** From **Napster to now**: overpriced CDs, filler albums, cherry-picking tracks, and why legacy acts live on the road.
- **[00:31:06]** Horrible contracts and exploitation—from classic R&B and soul to syndicated talk radio talent getting shortchanged.
- **[00:35:00]** Radio’s forgotten leverage: labels paying for promotions, giveaways, and the historic payola dynamic.
- **[00:45:07]** “You’re either being sold or doing the selling”: why radio people (and creatives) must learn to **sell themselves**.
- **[00:53:52]** Knowing your worth vs. **selling your worth**—turning talent and results into real raises and better deals.
- **[00:58:25]** A live pitch: why sponsoring *Circling the Drain* is a killer opportunity for advertisers in a crowded audio world.
- **[00:59:35]** Signing off with a jab at “consultants” and a tease for the next episode.
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Join the Circling the Drain crew as they dive into the heart of what's gone wrong with modern corporate radio. In this candid episode, Jay, John and Jim reflect on the loss of local flavor, the rise of consultants with little on-air experience, and how cookie-cutter strategies have changed the industry. Through vivid anecdotes—including infamous consultant run-ins, near-misses on Music Row, and heartfelt stories about legends like Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride—they explore what made radio great and what's being lost in today's era of homogenized programming. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tales, laughter, and honest debate about the future of radio, topped off by listener shout-outs and real talk about what it takes to keep a radio show authentic.
Timed Highlights:
- [0:00:00] The problem with corporate radio: Inexperienced program directors and consultants.
- [0:01:35] Appreciating "superfan" Larry Alderman and audience engagement.
- [0:02:59] Stories about consultants blocking hit songs and late adoption on radio.
- [0:07:45] Humor and pushback against consultants' advice in the studio.
- [0:10:03] Remembering when local flavor defined radio and music scenes.
- [0:12:55] Discovering "My Toot Toot" and the journey of a song to national acclaim.
- [0:14:33] The legacy of Charlie Pride and barriers in country music history.
- [0:16:41] Near-miss with Ronnie Milsap and personal anecdotes from Music Row.
- [0:21:26] Reflections on aging artists and heartfelt tributes.
- [0:26:09] Consultants, business coaches, and the rise of “expert” speakers.
- [0:30:41] The impact of homogenized corporate radio programming.
- [0:36:19] The pitfalls of instant gratification among newcomers in radio.
- [0:39:59] The value of spontaneity—and the pitfalls of over-planned radio.
- [0:44:33] Thanking listeners, shout-outs, and episode wrap-up.
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Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the controversial world of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dissecting its questionable inductee choices and glaring omissions.
[0:00-0:10] Intro: Critique of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's misleading title
[0:10-0:20] Discussion of unexpected inductees like Whitney Houston
[0:20-0:35] Drummer's perspective on the Hall's exhibit setup
[0:35-0:50] List of notable rock artists missing from the Hall of Fame
[0:50-1:05] Comparison with Country Music Hall of Fame
[1:05-1:20] Radio industry changes and loss of local music identity
[1:20-1:35] Detailed breakdown of Hall of Fame induction process
[1:35-1:50] Personal stories about music legends and rock history
[1:50-2:00] Closing thoughts on the need for a more authentic rock museum
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Join the Circling the Drain crew for a festive Thanksgiving episode filled with laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of holiday spirit. From debating the best (and worst) Christmas movies and songs, to trading stories about working long shifts during the holidays, the hosts open up about meaningful traditions, family memories, and radio life’s quirks. Listen in for reflections on "It's a Wonderful Life," holiday music pet peeves, behind-the-scenes radio tales, and some lively debates about whether "Die Hard" is truly a Christmas movie. Whether you love classic holiday films or quirky Christmas songs, this episode brings warmth and wit to your holiday season.
Highlights:
- [00:00:00] Reflecting on "It's a Wonderful Life" and personal connections to the film
- [00:02:51] Holiday music gripes: Elvis, Porky Pig, and radio playlist woes
- [00:04:09] Stories from working Christmas and New Year's shifts in radio
- [00:07:26] Country radio tales and "smoking with Willie" stories
- [00:10:00] The Christmas Song Countdown: Least favorite tunes and radio parodies
- [00:14:04] Holiday movie tropes and poking fun at Hallmark plots
- [00:17:30] Christmas TV specials and Bing Crosby's surreal team-ups
- [00:24:02] "Four Christmases" and the reality of family holidays
- [00:38:13] The ongoing debate: Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?
- [00:43:40] Family food traditions: Ravioli and homemade noodles on Christmas Eve
- [00:47:35] Wrapping up with holiday wishes and where to find the show and merch
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Johnny B, Jay and Jim welcome radio veteran Matt Murphy for an unforgettable conversation spanning his upbringing in Georgia, the twists and turns of his eclectic radio career, and the hard-won philosophies that animate his celebrated talk shows. Matt recounts personal battles, including family struggles, memorable firings, and the deeply moving "Liberty Bell" segment that reveals radio’s power to change lives. The team explores the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of modern radio, with plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs and heartfelt moments along the way.
Timed Highlights:
- [00:00:00] Matt Murphy’s introduction and the heartwarming story of "Liberty Bell"
- [00:03:14] Growing up in Thompson, Georgia: Family challenges and radio dreams
- [00:06:10] First steps into radio: Following in his father’s unpredictable footsteps
- [00:09:03] From college theater to talk radio: Early lessons and live mishaps
- [00:14:25] Firing stories and resilience: Lessons from early radio stations
- [00:18:13] Building a career in Montgomery and Birmingham; launching Talk 99.5
- [00:25:10] "Liberty Bell" story in depth: Impact, love, and community response
- [00:31:49] The importance of making radio about the audience, not the ego
- [00:49:13] Discussing radio host safety after on-air tragedy
- [00:56:10] Changing political views: From "Joe Liberal" to Liberty-first values
- [01:04:27] The art and emotion of caller-driven radio, live moments, and staying unscripted
- [01:08:34] Best firing stories: Humor and humility behind the microphone
- [01:15:30] Wrapping up: Podcast promotion and mutual admiration
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Join us for an intimate conversation with Regie Hamm, a songwriter whose life took unexpected turns through music, adoption, and personal transformation.
Highlights include:
[0:00-0:15] Introduction and podcast setup
[0:15-0:30] Background on Regie's musical journey
[0:36-0:45] Early days in a family musical group
[0:45-1:00] Transition from family band to solo artist
[1:00-1:15] Adoption of daughter Isabella and life-changing experiences
[1:15-1:30] American Idol songwriting competition victory
[1:30-1:45] "The Time of My Life" song becoming an Olympic anthem
[1:45-2:00] Reflections on creativity, family, and personal growth
Regie shares candid stories about his musical roots, unexpected success, adopting a daughter with special needs, and how life's challenges transformed his perspective. A must-listen for music lovers and those seeking inspiration through personal storytelling.
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Country music singer Wade Hayes joins Circling the Drain for an intimate conversation about his remarkable journey through life's challenges. From battling stage four colon cancer to navigating the music industry, Wade shares his inspiring story of survival, his Oklahoma roots, and his passion for authentic country music. Hear about his early days playing in honky tonks, his breakthrough hits like "Old Enough to Know Better", and his upcoming reimagined greatest hits album. Wade opens up about his musical influences, his near-death experience, and the gratitude that keeps him grounded in the ever-changing world of country music.
[0:00:00] - Wade discusses his miraculous cancer survival, noting he was given only a 5% chance of survival
[0:05:57] - Wade shares his move to Nashville at 22 with just $450, determined to pursue music
[0:08:02] - Pivotal moment: Ricky Skaggs' CMA Awards speech inspires Wade to pursue his music career
[0:09:38] - Wade describes how record labels discovered him while playing lead guitar for Johnny Lee
[0:13:32] - Detailed discussion of his stage four colon cancer diagnosis at age 42
[0:21:39] - Wade talks about his musical influences, particularly praising Vince Gill's incredible talent
[0:34:43] - Story of how he met his wife Leah, with John Rich playing matchmaker
[0:37:04] - Wade discusses his upcoming Greatest Hits album, where he's re-recording and reimagining his classic songs
[0:39:47] - Conversation about his hit song "Tore Up" and why he stopped performing it for years
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Join the Triple J's as they dive into the wild world of radio broadcasting, sharing hilarious and cringe-worthy stories of on-air explosions, technical disasters, and workplace tensions. This episode reveals the chaotic backstage drama that listeners never hear.
[0:00-0:10] Intro to radio confrontation stories
[0:10-0:15] Johnny B's first hint at announcer conflicts
[0:20-0:30] Michael Jackson death reporting incident
[8:20-8:54] Jay's embarrassing engineering confrontation
[11:00-13:15] Johnny's on-air outburst with another personality
[15:00-16:30] Discussion of Super Talk TV technical failures
[33:00-36:18] Production department technology frustrations
[41:36-43:59] Wild story about David Allen Coe's unpredictable concert behavior
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Join the Three J's as they dive deep into the music industry's hidden stories, exploring talented artists who were on the brink of stardom but never quite broke through.
Timed Highlights:
[0:05] - Introduction to the podcast and hosts
[0:15] - Discussion of MCA Records' unique artists like Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett
[0:25] - The challenges of country radio in the 1980s
[0:35] - Personal stories of artists who should have been bigger
[0:45] - Behind-the-scenes insights into music industry politics
[0:55] - Memorable encounters with musicians in Nashville
[1:05] - The importance of timing and finding the right song in an artist's career
[1:15] - Exploring the magic of Nashville's music scene
Get an insider's look at the Nashville music scene and the complex world of record labels, radio promotion, and the elusive "it factor" that separates good artists from superstars.
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Following the news that Rush will be hitting the road again with drummer Anika Nilles, we dive deep into the world of band member changes, exploring the delicate balance between musical evolution and fan loyalty. From Rush's upcoming tour to Van Halen's iconic lineup shifts, we'll break down:
[0:01:46] - The legal battles of bands replacing original members
[0:07:10] - Van Halen's transformation with Sammy Hagar
[0:22:14] - The crucial role of loyalty in music, especially in country genres
[0:38:53] - Ringo Starr's All-Star Band and maintaining musical magic
[0:41:29] - Bands like Toto and their ever-changing lineups
We'll explore how bands navigate member changes, the impact on their sound, and whether a band can truly remain the same when key players depart. Packed with rock and roll stories, musician insights, and passionate debate!
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Join Johnny B & Jay Harper as they dive into a hilarious and cringe-worthy exploration of their most embarrassing celebrity encounters. From awkward backstage moments with Roy Clark and Waylon Jennings to on-air radio mishaps and fan-boy interactions, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories that reveal the human side of entertainment personalities. Learn about unexpected meet-and-greets, on-stage wardrobe malfunctions, and the art of not embarrassing yourself when meeting your heroes. It's a candid, entertaining look behind the scenes of the music and radio world that you won't want to miss!
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Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Gary Gentry as he shares incredible stories from Nashville's golden era. From his supernatural encounter with Hank Williams' ghost to writing hit songs like "The Ride" and working with icons like Billy Sherrill and David Allen Coe, this episode is a treasure trove of music history.
Timed Highlights:
[0:09:45] - The supernatural moment that inspired "The Ride"
[0:34:28] - Wild stories about Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings
[0:52:18] - Behind-the-scenes of writing "Bluegrass Morning"
[1:00:35] - Gary's thoughts on current country music artists
[1:04:26] - Discussion on how modern country music lacks distinctive artist styles
[1:06:24] - Potential collaboration idea: Beyoncé covering "The Ride"
A must-listen for country music fans, aspiring songwriters, and anyone who loves authentic behind-the-scenes music stories!
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In this episode, the 3J crew dives deep into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from music and movies to current events.
Highlights include:
[0:00-0:10] Personal stories and podcast reflections
[0:10-0:25] Discussion of Charlie Kirk's recent assassination and its impact
[0:25-0:40] Memories of talk radio and political discourse
[0:40-1:00] Reminiscing about Robert Redford and classic Hollywood actors
[1:00-1:20] Detailed breakdown of the movie Jaws, its production challenges, and iconic moments
[1:20-1:40] Exploration of classic film noir and golden age Hollywood glamour
[1:40-End] Conversations about interview shows like Dick Cavett and memorable celebrity interviews
The podcast offers a mix of nostalgia, pop culture commentary, and personal anecdotes, keeping listeners entertained with the hosts' witty banter and diverse topics.
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Johnny B, Jay and Jim dive deep into the world of story songs, exploring their rich history and cultural impact. In this episode, we'll unpack:
[0:01:00] The Power of Narrative Music
- Gordon Lightfoot's "Edmund Fitzgerald"
- How story songs transcend musical genres
[0:22:30] Legendary Storytellers in Music
- Kenny Rogers' narrative hits
- The emotional depth of songs like "Lucille"
[0:33:40] Modern Challenges in Songwriting
- The impact of AI on music creation
- Rising concert prices limiting musical inspiration
[0:41:20] Emotional Resonance of Story Songs
- Personal stories that move listeners
- Examples from Pearl Jam, Zach Brown, and more
Highlights include candid discussions about music's evolution, the importance of imperfection in recordings, and a nostalgic look at how story songs connect generations. Whether you're a music historian or casual listener, this episode offers insights into the art of musical storytelling.
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Radio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast
Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.
**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician
**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment
**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins
**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas
**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio
**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception
**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers
**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators
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Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive into the wild world of musicians crossing over into acting. From Hank Williams' reluctance to become a movie star to Trace Adkins' impressive western roles, this episode explores the hits and misses of singers turned actors.
[0:00-0:15] Podcast introduction and show premise
[0:15-5:00] Hank Williams' Hollywood hesitation and behind-the-scenes stories
[5:00-15:00] Country music stars in film: Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Tim McGraw
[15:00-25:00] Rock stars and acting: Alice Cooper, Keith Richards, and Prince
[25:00-35:00] Successful crossover artists like Dwight Yoakam and Kiefer Sutherland
[35:00-45:00] Discussion on celebrity influence and the rise of social media stars
[45:00-50:00] Closing thoughts on the changing landscape of entertainment
A hilarious and insightful journey through the sometimes cringe-worthy, sometimes brilliant world of musicians trying their hand at acting!
Jagger/Bowie “Dancing in the Streets” video without music:
https://youtu.be/BHkhIjG0DKc?si=WMvOh-dQMKlNgaoJ
Star Wars Ending with No Music:
https://youtu.be/Tj-GZJhfBmI?si=nOKO47YzEI904uJE
Follow Johnny B:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman
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https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff
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Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co
Radio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast
Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.
**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician
**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment
**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins
**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas
**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio
**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception
**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers
**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators
Follow Johnny B:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman
Follow Jay Harper:
https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff
Follow Jim:
Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co
Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.
**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician
**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment
**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins
**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas
**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio
**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception
**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers
**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators
Follow Johnny B:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman
Follow Jay Harper:
https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff
Follow Jim:
Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co
Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy launch "Circling the Drain" by exploring how the deaths of entertainment legends affect us personally. From Elvis and John Lennon to Phil Valentine and Eddie Van Halen, the hosts share intimate stories about meeting their heroes and discuss why we form such deep connections with celebrities we've never met. Jay recounts his days at MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen as well as his incredible Muhammad Ali encounter, and they pay tribute to the late Phil Valentine who brought them all together.
**[2:24]** Jay Harper's journey from 1000-watt radio to MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen and legends like George Strait
**[14:22]** The shocking impact of Elvis Presley's death - where were you when the King died?
**[16:56]** Why celebrity deaths hit us so hard - the emotional connection to our musical heroes
**[20:13]** Johnny B's tribute to Waylon Jennings and how country music brought him closer to his father
**[24:44]** The forgotten outlaw: Why Johnny Paycheck deserves more recognition
**[29:17]** A touching encounter with Faron Young that revealed the loneliness of faded stardom
**[31:19]** 2025's devastating celebrity losses: From Loni Anderson to Ozzy Osbourne
**[40:12]** Phil Valentine's lasting impact - the radio host who connected like family
**[45:46]** Jay's incredible Muhammad Ali story: Getting the champ to sign his artwork in 1978
Follow Johnny B:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman
Follow Jay Harper:
https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff
Follow Jim:
Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co