Blog

We often encounter talented team shows with high dysfunction when the mics are off. Some can pull it off and sound cohesive on-air, and with others, it becomes noticeable to the audience. Neither situation is healthy. What causes the dysfunction? Creative people are typically sensitive emotionally, while others are insecure or have LA-sized egos. A […]

Employees at Apple often talked about Steve Jobs’ “reality distortion field.” Jobs frequently had insights and ideas that had never been done before, and on many occasions, his team said the ideas were impossible. He dismissed naysayers and commanded the invention to be completed on a rigid timetable. One of his epiphanies was “1000 Songs […]

Since COVID-19, local content has continued to grow in popularity among all radio listeners. Jacobs Media’s Tech Survey reveals that local among women and millennials is even more vital. Projecting a local vibe is just as important as local content. The vibe is about the local mindset and idiosyncrasies. It could be an outdoorsy vibe like Denver, a transient […]

Do you ever watch television game shows like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, or Family Feud? According to Nielsen, these shows average about 8 million viewers a week, but none of those viewers are watching because they have a chance to win something. Do you ever watch sports on television like baseball, football, or soccer? This […]

If you have worked with me or read my writings, you know how fond I am of show business lessons that apply to creating great radio and podcasts. Film actor Michael Caine tells a story from his early theatre days. He was supposed to enter a scene through a door, but on that night, the other actor […]

A good friend told me she lost a longtime friend because of their different viewpoints on the presidential election. A recent article in Inc. warns managers about political tensions among coworkers who discuss politics. This unfortunate division is even happening among family members. Unless you’re on a politically oriented talk station, it’s dangerous territory for a […]

Research studies reveal people get bored during meetings and presentations within ten minutes. A recent Finnish study of 380 virtual work meetings found viewers feeling drowsy (and some nearly fell asleep) after just ten minutes. How do you keep your airstaff or sales staff from checking their phones or zoning out during meetings? Communication coach and Harvard instructor […]

Is it better to have a radio/podcast show with a big-name star surrounded by sidekicks or an ensemble cast of equally talented players? Compare our industry to other entertainment. When was the last time you saw a great motion picture, television show, or play featuring one big-name star surrounded by a bunch of nobodies? A […]

I made things awkward once trying to say something nice to James Bond actor Daniel Craig. It was many years ago, but my friends still crack up at the story. At the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, we wandered into a premiere for Layer Cake, and the then-unknown lead actor, Mr. Craig, was […]

Funny always scores at the top of why people listen to radio morning shows. Humor leads your brain away from information to an emotional response and gives your show the important surprise factor. Humor has never been more critical than it is today. We are bombarded with bad news, hateful posts, and crime videos. Local television […]