Blog

Consultant Mark St. John and I learned, painfully, just how hard it is to replace a successful show when the legendary Mark & Brian left I-95 Birmingham for KLOS Los Angeles. We tried to do everything right. We “cleansed the palate” with more music before launching the new show. We recruited a creative night host from a top-10 market […]

We don’t “sit down” with content the way we once did. Today, we consume ideas, information, and entertainment in short, fast, compressed moments, clips instead of complete narratives. We scroll. We swipe. We sample. We move on. I typically skim headlines unless something grabs me. Even with non-fiction books, I’ll skip long setups and background […]

By the first week of the new year, many people are already wobbling on their resolutions. Estimates point to about 20-25%. We’ve all been there. Additionally, many people use the words “intentions” and “declarations” to make positive change. So, the real question isn’t why they fail, it’s how we make change stick. I delved into the meanings and uses […]

When I was a kid, I asked so many questions that it drove my parents and older siblings crazy. They’d say, “Stop asking so many questions!” I never did, and I’m glad. Curiosity is one of the most powerful drivers of creativity and innovation. My radio mentor, Todd Wallace, encouraged that curiosity from day one. In airstaff […]

There are times I sit down to jot down a few notes on a blog idea. An hour later, I look up to find that two pages are finished! We know this psychological state as “being in the zone” or “flow.” You’re not thinking, you’re in the moment doing. Think about the times you’ve been so absorbed […]

Thanksgiving has a way of slowing us down, just enough to notice what truly matters. It reminds us that no matter how noisy, unpredictable, or fast-paced life gets, there is real power in pausing and being thankful for our families and the people around us who help shape our world. It has been a challenging […]

When I’m listening to a radio show or podcast that rolls on too long with a monologue or back-and-forth dialogue, my mind wanders. Before I know it, I’m checking scores on ESPN. It happens to listeners, too. Hosts, especially in Talk and Sports formats, can easily get stuck in long stretches of unbroken talk. And […]

What makes certain radio and podcast personalities rise above the rest? Why do some hosts create instant connection, loyalty, and talk-worthy moments while others sound like background noise? After coaching talent for decades, I’ve noticed that the most successful personalities share a common set of creative habits, practices that sharpen their craft and deepen their connection […]

If you are one of the many air talents who have lost their jobs this year, an impressive demo package has never been more critical, as opportunities are limited. Our guest blog this week is from highly regarded programmer Kevin Callahan, former Audacy Regional VP based in San Diego, and now Pamal Broadcasting Corporate Director of Operations […]

One of the biggest reasons people listen to the radio isn’t for music or traffic updates, it’s for connection. I had the pleasure of being on a CRS webinar earlier this week with Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, talent coach Steve Reynolds, Pamal Programming VP Kevin Callahan, and CRS’s RJ Curtis. We discussed Fred’s research, which […]