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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Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co