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Zoro: From Janitor to World‑Class Drummer and Minister of Groove :: Ep 33 Circling the Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this powerful episode of Circling the Drain, Johnny B and Jay Harper sit down with legendary drummer Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, and more) to explore his extraordinary journey from growing up in Compton and rural Oregon poverty to becoming a world‑class musician, author, speaker, and “Minister of Groove.”

Zoro shares how a humble janitor job unlocked his destiny, why he believes gifts come from God as seeds that must be cultivated, and how a life of service, not self, leads to real joy. He also opens up about his memoir “Maria’s Scarf,” his faith journey, encounters with major celebrities like Denzel Washington and Lenny Kravitz, and the spiritual principles that have guided his life through hardship, rejection, and eventual breakthrough.

If you’ve ever felt behind, overlooked, or discouraged about your calling, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep going.

Timed highlights

[0:01:34] Zoro joins: life in Tennessee, weather, and growing up doing hard manual labor

[0:02:27] Early jobs: groundskeeper, mowing, John Deere mishap, and not being afraid of work

[0:05:54] First “real job” and discovering taxes as a kid

[0:06:50] What got Zoro into drumming and his view that gifts are God‑given

[0:07:29] Growing up in Compton, soul music, Motown, and the “ghetto drum set” in a Radio Flyer wagon

[0:09:50] Playing on the sidewalk, earning quarters, and sensing a calling

[0:10:05] Destiny, spiritual warfare, and why opposition often accompanies your purpose

[0:11:40] Moving from Compton to rural Oregon and years of rejection from school band programs

[0:13:20] The janitor job that changed everything: sneaking onto the drums after hours

[0:15:00] Discovered while drumming on the job and suddenly needed in every school band

[0:16:19] From 62 absences to showing up: how finding purpose transformed his attendance

[0:17:48] Skipping school vs. loving learning and caring for his sick mother

[0:18:11] Mark Twain’s quote: “I never let schooling interfere with my education”

[0:18:57] Chickens, self‑education, and early entrepreneurship

[0:20:00] The orange paper titled “My Future” and deciding to be a professional drummer

[0:20:20] “You are basically honest” and the humor and honesty in his early diaries

[0:21:19] Street life in Compton, stealing as a kid, and gradual character transformation

[0:23:42] Gifts as seeds: why talent is an acorn, not a full‑grown oak

[0:24:35] Living in a car, chapters titled “Living on a Prayer,” “I Will Survive,” and “Gonna Fly Now”

[0:25:07] 12‑hour practice session, bleeding hands, and winning state band competition

[0:27:00] Stewarding the gift vs. bragging about the gift; humility and the “Bill Gates’ son” analogy

[0:29:00] Accepting small, “beneath you” doors and how that leads to big opportunities

[0:30:00] Minister of Groove: Lenny Kravitz’s nickname and Zoro’s multi‑faceted calling

[0:30:40] Speaking everywhere from San Quentin to the White House to villages in Ghana

[0:32:50] Why Zoro treats a six‑person church and a mega‑platform the same

[0:34:12] “My Father’s business” and seeing everything as people‑focused ministry

[0:35:00] God as “alien,” the Holy Spirit as a willing invader of the human heart

[0:37:21] “When I drum, I feel His pleasure” – Chariots of Fire, calling, and joy

[0:37:40] Life of self vs. life of service: why selfish people self‑implode

[0:40:00] Deathbed regrets, Schindler’s List, and what actually matters at the end

[0:41:20] Salvation, grace, and how quickly a life’s direction can change

[0:42:30] The book “The Practice of the Presence of God” and Brother Lawrence’s example

[0:44:08] Inviting God into everyday moments, from the kitchen to the car

[0:45:00] Zoro’s habit of asking God to be in podcasts, gym sessions, and daily encounters

[0:47:36] Surrender, prophetic encouragement, and unexpected creative breakthroughs

[0:48:20] Brother Lawrence’s impact 400 years later and what real legacy looks like

[0:52:01] Lenny Kravitz, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and “I just want to be a saint in that number”

[0:52:19] Denzel Washington’s prophetic word as a boy and calling to influence for God

[0:55:00] The 12‑year‑old campfire prayer: forgiveness and “please make my dreams come true”

[0:56:24] The life‑changing prophetic encounter that made God “real‑real”

[1:00:47] Collecting prophetic words, seeing them fulfilled, and stacking evidence of God’s work

[1:02:45] Influence with “kings” of business, politics, and entertainment and why paupers matter just as much

[1:05:11] Why pious, judgmental religion misses Jesus’ message of grace

[1:06:18] Extending grace, not playing judge, and meeting people where they are

[1:08:44] Loving people on the tour bus without condemning their choices

[1:10:00] Everyday ministry: encouraging cashiers, waitstaff, and strangers

[1:14:02] Why Zoro plays with “secular” artists and the plumber/toilet analogy

[1:15:00] What “Maria’s Scarf” means: the seven‑year‑old who wanted a scarf for school pictures

[1:16:04] “One day you’ll do something phantasmical” – his mother’s blessing and identity

[1:16:48] The scarf as a symbol that weaves through his life and memoir

[1:18:57] Inside covers: childhood dreams vs. when the dreams came true

[1:20:15] Writing the memoir almost his whole life and how the book came together

[1:20:47] Turned down over 100 times by publishers and why he’s glad now

[1:23:37] The secular publisher who fully believed in the story and gave it space

[1:20:47–1:24:47] (overlap) The editor who called the 120,000‑word manuscript “absolute perfection”

[1:20:47–1:24:47] Soho House Malibu story: “Who does this guy think he is?” to “one of the greatest books I’ve ever read”

[1:24:12] Other books: The Big Gig, Soar, and his award‑winning drumming books

[1:24:47] Still full of ambition at 63 and wanting to be like 100‑year‑old Dick Van Dyke

[1:25:00] Wrap‑up, where to find Zoro online, and closing the episode

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Today’s State of Radio: Losing the Industry, Finding the Podcast :: Ep 32 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:15:00 -0500

Johnny and Jim talk candidly about the state of radio today, the toll of bad management, and how podcasting has become a lifeline after nearly 50 years on the air.

They share raw stories about being let go over Zoom, losing close friends and mentors like Phil Valentine and Dave White, and trying to find purpose again in a fractured media landscape. Guest appearance by longtime radio pro John David Wells, who breaks down what every radio company must give its talent to survive: money, opportunity, training, and respect.

From Jesse Jackson on Radio Row to meeting your heroes (and being disappointed), to why personality is still radio’s last great hope, this episode is a love letter, a warning, and a blueprint for what comes next.

Timed highlights (for show notes / description)

1:25 – Welcome back to Circling The Drain and where’s Jay Harper?

2:10 – Losing Phil Valentine, Dave White, and nearly 50 years in radio

3:24 – Radio as an abusive ex-wife you still miss

4:29 – Ratings wins, zero attaboys, and keeping the team’s morale up

6:00 – What good leadership and a healthy culture actually look like

7:58 – Phil Valentine’s “horse blinders” lesson and controlling what you can

8:59 – Getting fired over Zoom and bizarre comments from management

10:21 – When bosses praise your work… and still cut you loose

11:00 – The managers who shielded talent from corporate chaos

12:29 – The GM who fired Johnny after “Googling” him

13:33 – Setting boundaries and standing up to bad management

14:25 – Producing ratings but not getting respect or revenue credit

15:35 – Realizing the audience loves you (thanks to a grocery store trip)

16:33 – Depression after losing Phil and radio, and not knowing what’s next

17:53 – How this podcast became purpose and therapy

18:21 – Radio vs. podcasts: competition in a world of millions of shows

18:52 – Favorite episodes so far: guests, dads, and forgotten artists

19:53 – Interviewing drummer Sandy Gennaro after seeing him as a fan

20:48 – Why the pedestal for stars has crumbled (and that’s a good thing)

21:34 – Social media access, DMs, and how expectations of artists changed

22:55 – “Don’t meet your heroes”: when radio idols disappoint

25:01 – How rude encounters can kill your enjoyment of a personality

25:34 – The responsibility that comes with being meaningful to listeners

28:21 – Working in Vegas with “star” programmers and becoming peers

29:17 – Dressing up as your PD for Halloween and winning the contest

28:48–31:30 – (Overlap) Unassuming talent versus people “too busy being fabulous”

29:53–31:30 – Nashville’s unassuming radio community

29:59 – Jesse Jackson at the 2004 DNC and being “Johnny B, you the man”

31:11 – Remembering a polarizing figure by a single human moment

31:24 – The conversations we need to have to bridge the political divide

33:02 – Trump, scapegoats, and the WWE-ification of politics

34:30 – Voting for people you don’t hate and missing the Clinton years

35:34 – Accidentally talking politics on a non-political show

35:49 – Why Johnny still loves radio, even after everything

36:30 – Losing touch with former coworkers and the rarity of true friends

37:27 – Dave White and Phil Valentine as real, lifelong friends

38:15 – What Phil might have done next and the push toward podcasting

38:59 – Campbell’s talent and why he needs to be creating again

40:33 – Spotting that Campbell was born for the mic

41:25 – Campbell shadowing Johnny and realizing what the job really pays

41:59 – The hard problem: how do you actually monetize this stuff?

41:56–43:23 – Pitching advertisers: there is an audience here

42:19 – Radio people vs people who just work in radio

43:11 – Why former talent talk about radio like a mourning process

43:23 – How corporate radio could still save itself (if it wanted to)

44:58 – Losing syndication, coming back local, and a totally different show

45:15 – Pamela Furr, shifting roles, and not wanting to be just a button pusher

46:01 – First-ever live call-in: introducing John David Wells

46:48 – The four essentials of radio: money, opportunity, training, respect

48:24 – If you have none of those, you’re probably at Clear Channel or Cumulus

48:28 – Wells’ blueprint for saving radio from corporate debt

49:56 – Why big groups should cut loose signals to new owners

51:02 – Dad predicted deregulation’s fallout decades ago

51:37 – Talent loss, debt, and running stations into the ground

51:55 – Where is the new investor class willing to rebuild radio?

52:00 – Personality as the last, best differentiator for radio

52:43 – Talk radio is the hardest and most expensive format to get right

53:08 – Gratitude for Jay Harper and the “stars aligning” for the show

53:37 – Dreaming about a four-mic episode with Wells and Harper

53:52 – Radio salespeople as bigger characters than on-air talent

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From Radio Row to Honky Tonk Hero: Scott Southworth on Music, Faith, and Finding Your Lane :: Ep 31 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:15:00 -0500

In this episode of Circling The Drain, we sit down with traditional country artist and former radio host Scott Southworth for a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep conversation.

Scott shares how “bad breaks” in life often led to his biggest blessings, from accidentally landing a radio show on WLAC to stumbling into a thriving traditional country career with fans across Europe. He talks about walking away from chasing radio hits, leaning into hillbilly-with-wit songwriting, and why he refuses to turn his shows into political sermons.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes radio stories, Merle Haggard concert etiquette, meeting legends like Dolly Parton, Aaron Neville, and John Prine, and how Scott discovered a forgotten live recording that became his new live album, “Scott Southworth and the Honky Tonk Anonymous Band.”

If you love real-deal country, inside-radio war stories, and conversations about resilience, faith, and staying audience-focused as an artist, this episode is for you.

01:39 Serial killer names, three-part names, and dark radio humor

02:40 Introducing guest Scott Southworth and his bio line about writing songs and loving pie

03:36 The great pie debate: seasonal pies, pumpkin rules, and equal-opportunity pie eating

05:00 WLAC days, historic radio, and the roots of Nashville radio culture

05:28 Stories from WLAC and Jimi Hendrix’s early session getting pulled from the mix

06:45 How Scott and John really met, Christmas parties, and early Nashville connections

08:13 Scott’s musical origin story: from rock, reggae, and blues bands to secretly writing country

10:37 The accidental birth of The Music Row Show on WLAC

12:26 Learning from interviewing Dolly, Little Richard, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and more

13:59 The inside truth about most music careers versus superstar myths

15:20 Scott’s pivot away from writing for radio after a blunt publisher conversation

16:21 Bro country, traditional sounds, and the one-song-a-year “just for me” demos

16:56 How a 2016 traditional country album blew up in Europe overnight

18:10 Hillbilly rock star in Europe, art festivals back home, and loving both worlds

19:43 “Granny Used To Honky Tonk” and working with Dallas Moore

20:31 The story behind “Middle Finger First” and why it resonates with drivers

22:59 Why Scott keeps his politics off the stage and just wants to give people a break

23:13 Protest songs, Steve Earle, and when on-stage preaching crosses the line

24:41 Cicada Enchilada, talk radio inspiration, and writing with a Gulf Coast flavor

26:44 Jay’s Louisiana accent, Cajun vibes, and Jim’s draw to the bayou

28:25 New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Spanish moss, and the Neville Brothers soundtrack tip

30:03 Meeting Aaron Neville and the infamous “shower dancers” newlywed story

33:11 The reality of radio layoffs, Christmas-time firings, and newsroom gallows humor

37:31 How “bad things” led Scott to his best opportunities and life philosophy for his kids

39:41 Life is not fair, but good can come from hard times

42:11 Dads, sons, and being tougher on the boys than the girls

42:23 Back to Scott: career focus and a new live album on the way

42:27 The accidental live album: finding a forgotten Dropbox file from 2022

44:51 Capturing a raw, real band sound in a world of polished, AI-shaped music

45:51 The Lewisville, Tennessee venue, quick sellouts, and fully engaged audiences

47:18 Noisy crowds, Merle Haggard at the Ryman, and why Scott puts the onus on himself

48:52 Advice to his daughter as a new indie artist and earning your scars on stage

51:02 The bravery of just getting up and singing in tough rooms

52:01 Being audience-focused: little me, big them, and be-them-centric performance

53:55 Audience singalongs, Tom Petty fans, and sharing the moment

55:22 Soul-crushing bar gigs, Elvis requests, and “Not that one” hecklers

55:40 Running into Phil Valentine in an overseas customs line

58:54 Quick hits with legends: John Prine in the boarding line and Dolly Parton holding Scott’s hand

59:39 Booking info: how to find Scott online

59:45 Website, socials, and a joke about Tinder and OnlyFans

1:00:30 The honky tonk anonymous band and rotating lineups in Nashville

1:01:18 Female musicians in Scott’s band and producing his daughter’s EP

1:02:43 Girl bands, Robert Palmer, and all-female tribute bands

1:03:28 Tease for a future episode: Scott’s idea for a book, “Go Indie Without Going Broke”

1:03:58 John’s genuine praise of Scott’s records and musicianship

1:04:14 Wrap-up, merch plug, and where to find more Circling The Drain and more Scott

Follow Scott Scouthworth: www.scottsouthworth.com

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Beat the Odds: Rock Drummer Sandy Gennaro on The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Life Lessons :: Ep 30 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:15:00 -0500

What do The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen, Bo Diddley, Jason Aldean, and a random fan named Dave in a backstage doorway all have in common?

Sandy Gennaro.

In this episode of Circling the Drain, John and Jim sit down with veteran rock drummer Sandy Gennaro, a man whose career has taken him from watching The Beatles on TV as a kid to playing arenas around the world and speaking to Fortune 500 companies about leadership, gratitude, and beating the odds.

Sandy shares:

- How seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at age 11 made him decide his life’s path, and why he literally taped a photo of a drummer to his bathroom mirror and told himself, “That’s going to be you.”

- Stories from his early band Blackjack with a pre–solo career Michael Bolton and guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS, Billy Squier, Meat Loaf, Grand Funk).

- Touring and recording stories with Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Bo Diddley, and a 3‑month European tour opening for Queen.

- His powerful Dave in the Doorway story, a five-minute interaction with a fan that changed his entire life and career.

- Why he believes recognition, gratitude, and lifting others up are the real measures of success, on stage and in business.

- How a chance connection with Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean’s drummer) and his daughter’s college search led him to Nashville at exactly the right time.

This one is packed with rock & roll history, road stories, and surprisingly deep lessons about leadership, humility, and the power of small choices.

Topics & Themes:

- Visualization, mindset, and “no Plan B” careers

- Working with major artists (Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen)

- How artists treat their fans, good and bad

- The drummer’s role as the CEO of the band

- Why recognition (from roadies to CEOs) is fuel for performance

- Moving to Nashville and reinventing yourself later in life

- Sandy’s book Beat the Odds in Business & in Life

3:10 – East Coast Roots, Italian Family & Giving Up Red Meat

Sandy talks about growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Italian family life, his mom’s reaction when he quit red meat in 1979, and turkey meatballs with toothpicks.

5:00 – Europe vs. U.S. Food, Movement & Smartphone Culture

A quick tangent on food quality, more active European lifestyles, binge-watching, binge-scrolling, and distracted driving.

6:20 – Toy Drums, Early Rhythm & The Beatles Moment (Deep Dive)

Sandy revisits the story of getting his first toy drum at 2½, and how that Beatles performance became the defining moment of his life’s direction.

7:40 – No Plan B: Rock Star Drummer or Home Depot

How committing fully to a dream, and overcoming obstacles one at a time, shaped Sandy’s entire career.

9:00 – First Big Break: Blackjack with Michael Bolton & Bruce Kulick

Sandy tells the story of his first professional band Blackjack, with Michael Bolotin (Michael Bolton), Bruce Kulick, and Jimmy Haslip, and working with legendary producer Tom Dowd.

12:40 – Touring with Peter Frampton & Learning the Big-League Game

Opening for Peter Frampton, playing arenas for the first time, big-label hype, and how Blackjack led to other opportunities like Benny Mardones’ Into the Night.

14:30 – Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Cancer Fundraising

Sandy’s work with Cyndi Lauper (Money Changes Everything) and Joan Jett (The Hit List), plus how they still support his cancer fundraisers with signed merch and swag.

17:00 – The Monkees: TV Band, Real Legacy

Stories from decades of Monkees reunion tours, their innovative early use of video to sell records, Davy Jones’ dedication to fans, and their impact on pop culture.

19:20 – Davy Jones at Dinner & Always Signing Autographs

Anecdotes about Davy Jones eating at Sandy’s house, his heartthrob status, and refusing to leave venues until every fan in line got an autograph.

20:20 – Gratitude, Fans & Never Forgetting Who Got You There

Sandy’s philosophy on always appreciating fans, recognizing people by name (like servers), and why it’s non-negotiable to show respect to those who support you.

24:00 – Opening for Queen in Europe (1986)

The CRAFT tour with Queen across Europe: how Queen treated their openers, full access to production, after-show parties, and hanging with Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor.

25:50 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Headliners

Contrasting Queen’s generosity with less gracious headliners; John shares a rough experience opening for Roy Clark’s band.

31:00 – Drum Techs, Crew & Recognizing the People Behind the Show

Sandy talks about his drum tech Bob Oiler, a Modern Drummer shoutout, and why public recognition for crew and “lower-level” staff is so life-changing.

32:40 – Leadership Lesson: Recognition Fuels Engagement

How appreciation boosts engagement, pride, and self-esteem, from the CEO to the person emptying the wastebasket, and why praise must flow both ways.

35:10 – Life Philosophy: Souls, Flames & Sprays of Gasoline

Sandy’s spiritual take: each person’s soul as a flame, small kindnesses as “sprays of gasoline,” and how lifting others up is the ultimate purpose and measure of a life.

40:40 – From Drums to Keynote Stages: Speaking to CEOs

How Sandy moved from entertaining tens of thousands as a drummer to moving corporate audiences to tears with stories and life lessons.

44:10 – Bo Diddley, Health, Aging & When to Park the Bus

Touring with Bo Diddley, his stroke after a final gig, and a broader conversation about aging artists, residencies vs. touring, and knowing when it’s time to slow down.

48:40 – Why Sandy Moved to Nashville: Stars Aligning

The full story: a call from Sammy Merendino, meeting Rich Redmond, seeing Jason Aldean at Madison Square Garden, his wife’s commute, his daughter’s interest in Belmont, and realizing Nashville was the next chapter.

52:30 – The Dave in the Doorway Story (Life-Changing 5 Minutes)

A fan named Dave in the backstage doorway at Toad’s Place in 1981 asks for an autograph, a photo, and a favor. Sandy takes an extra five minutes, gives him his card, and everything changes.

55:20 – From Dave to Cyndi Lauper & the Love of His Life

How Dave Wolf later calls with a new singer he’s managing, Cyndi Lauper, leading to Sandy joining her band, massive success, and ultimately meeting his wife Sherry in Charlotte. One small choice rewires his entire future.

59:30 – Thoughts → Words → Actions → Personality → Legacy

Sandy wraps his core philosophy: how repeated thoughts shape words, actions, personality, and ultimately how the world experiences you.

58:00–1:01:30 – Drummers & CEOs: The Same Job?

Why the drummer is like the CEO of the band, setting tempo, consistency, and tone, and how band dynamics mir...

Ron Allen on Nashville Radio, Jack FM, and What’s Next :: Ep 29 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:15:00 -0500

Longtime Nashville programmer Ron Allen (96.3 Jack FM, Y’all Country) joins Circling The Drain to talk about 20 years of Jack FM, the changing face of radio, and how local personalities still matter in a streaming and AI-driven world.

Ron walks through his journey from Tulsa and Wichita to Nashville, the heyday of big-budget radio, and what has been lost as companies cut costs, shrink staffs, and push more national and digital initiatives. He explains why training grounds for new talent have disappeared, why making a living in radio is harder than ever, and why he still believes there is a long life left for terrestrial radio if it leans into its strengths.

You will hear candid insights on Jack FM, Y’all, iHeart, HD Radio, Big D & Bubba, WSM, KDF, and the battle for country listeners in Nashville, plus stories about Phil Valentine, building the Moose brand, and keeping stations “local” even without a full live staff.

Timed Highlights
1:44 Ron Allen introduced and his Jack FM background
2:31 Jack FM hits 20 years in Nashville and the power of simple billboards
3:24 Why some stations still get branding and billboards wrong
4:15 Suites, perks, and how radio culture has changed over the years
5:31 Company culture: radio vs non-radio employers
6:37 What radio felt like in the 80s and 90s compared to today
8:16 Cost cutting, AI, and multi-market programming on the horizon
8:54 Would young Ron choose radio today?
9:29 No more “farm teams”: the disappearance of training grounds
9:43 Why it is hard to give hopeful advice to broadcasting students
10:21 Content will always be needed, but the distribution is changing
11:14 Why existing radio talent are undervalued as content creators
13:49 The need for young talent and how broadcasters should mentor them
14:32 Pay reality: when fast food gigs beat full-time radio salaries
16:16 What actually sells with advertisers now: spots vs digital
16:43 Tip of the hat to iHeart’s digital operation
18:16 Why local personalities like Moose still beat automation and AI
19:30 Radio’s built-in advantage: licenses, scarcity, and reach
20:21 Nashville ice storm: when radio’s immediacy really matters
20:42 Stations off the air and the business impact
22:09 How Jack and Y’all stay “local” with limited live staff
23:32 Are big groups more invested in digital than in their over-the-air product?
25:14 HD Radio, subchannels, and having transmitters but no content
28:06 When digital investment does not flow back to better radio
29:39 “Facebook is free”: social replacing traditional marketing budgets
30:59 How Jack and Y’all actually use social media and street teams
32:27 The blurry line between promotion and spam in social feeds
33:17 Why putting sponsors on as guests hurts host credibility
34:21 Remembering Phil Valentine and why honesty on air works
36:17 What traditional music radio has that Spotify and Apple Music do not
36:34 Personality, locality, and effortless music discovery
38:59 Contests, trips, and experiences listeners cannot buy themselves
39:12 Turning Moose into a recognizable, real-life brand
42:12 Launching Y’all and tapping the 80s–2000s country lane
46:16 How competition in Nashville country radio shifted
48:03 Inside baseball: KDF, WSM, iHeart, and market strategy
50:00 Moving Big D & Bubba and how audience migration could have been handled
54:05 Using a powerful signal well vs treating it like an afterthought
54:48 Ron’s favorite formats to program and why they still excite him
56:00 How he fell into adult hits and Jack-style radio
58:00 Why adult hits plus 90s country is his dream combination
59:27 Wrap up and closing thoughts

Hauntings in Nashville: Hank Williams’ House, Ghost Cats, and Messages from Beyond :: Ep 28 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:15:00 -0600

From Civil War battlefields to the legendary Hank Williams house on Franklin Road, this episode of Circling The Drain dives deep into hauntings, strange coincidences, and emotional encounters with the other side.

Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy swap eerie and heartfelt stories, including:

– Ghostly music in Phil Valentine’s old cabin

– Cold rooms and strange phenomena in Hank and Audrey Williams’ home

– A child’s disembodied “Mom” in the middle of the night

– A ghost cat that still roams a family home

– A terrifying choking encounter in a haunted Arizona hotel

– Dreams, premonitions, and final goodbyes from parents, friends, and radio legends

They also touch on ley lines, New Orleans voodoo, Civil War and Revolutionary War history, and why Middle Tennessee may be one of the most spiritually active regions in America.

If you’ve ever wondered whether loved ones can reach out after they’re gone, or why certain places just feel heavy, this episode is for you.

02:25 TV news stories, anchors with no pants, and pre-show haunting chat

03:06 Phil Valentine’s haunted cabin and mysterious violin music

04:43 Blood in the dirt: Civil War battlefields around Middle Tennessee

05:37 Cannonballs through walls and soldiers hung in the trees

06:15 Hank Williams sightings at the Ryman and ghost stories on the Opry

06:43 Inside the Hank Williams house on Franklin Road

08:13 The record slows down, temperature drops, and the room turns freezing

09:48 Was it Hank Sr. or Audrey Williams haunting the house?

09:59 Audrey’s strange death, unpaid taxes, and a bedroom that stayed cold

11:07 Partygoers who swear they saw Audrey among them

12:17 Cancelled checks in the attic and lost Hank-era artifacts

13:15 Using the Hank house as the ultimate pickup line

13:57 The light-up “Williams” bar and the home’s later famous owners

14:30 Music Row history and the loss of classic studios like the Sound Shop

15:24 An older Gallatin home, a ghost child’s “Mom” and the phantom cat

17:20 Anniversary trip through haunted Arizona hotels

19:13 The Prescott hotel choking incident and an angry prostitute’s room

20:59 Taps on the shoulder at the San Carlo in Phoenix

23:13 Songwriter Gary Gentry, summoning Hank Williams, and “The Ride”

24:12 Opry performance of “The Ride” that blacked out the Opryland complex

24:53 Audrey’s line that became “The whole world calls me Hank”

25:53 Haunted office building at 1111 on Music Row and the lonely sisters

26:36 How Nashville and Music Row have transformed over the years

27:19 Jim’s wife and early apartment hauntings in Nashville

29:17 Blacklight evidence of something dark under the carpet

30:09 New houses, old graves, and why everywhere might be a burial ground

30:21 Being buried on your own property in Tennessee and HOA jokes

31:08 Growing up in Connecticut vs. haunting-rich Southern states

31:58 Kansas hauntings and pioneer tragedies

32:23 New Orleans, Charleston, voodoo, slavery, and haunted cities

35:04 Marie Laveau’s grave and cemetery tourism gone too far

35:35 Celebrity graves, offerings, and questionable “tributes”

35:48 Ley lines, Topeka, Nashville, and energy crossings

37:10 Do spirits linger? The group’s take on the paranormal

37:18 Jim’s brother, a psychic, and a dream of their father

38:34 A promised breath on the neck after death that actually happened

40:30 A mother asking permission to die and passing the next morning

43:10 A last-minute decision to visit Dad just before he passed

44:36 A father’s final advice about appreciating time and people

45:01 The day Johnny lost his best friend, Dave White

46:07 Sudden death of a radio mentor and seeing him at the station

48:05 Praying for Phil Valentine and a feeling that “everything’s going to be okay”

49:05 Interpreting peace as a sign of a loved one’s safe passing

49:50 Repeated dreams of Phil and why some people show up more than others

50:15 Dream appearances by parents that feel more like visits than dreams

52:27 Hugging Mom in dreams that feel absolutely real

53:13 A dream of Phil checking on his son and Susan confirming the details

54:56 A Christmas card from Phil and a layoff ten minutes later

55:27 Breaking the heaviness with humor about haunting Jim’s dreams

55:39 Vegas, the mob, and bodies under new construction

56:18 Lake Mead receding and bodies in barrels

56:37 Johnny’s fascination with the mob and Michael Franzese

57:09 Jim’s Henry Hill story at the Spearmint Rhino

59:00 The Godfather bit, Philadelphia, and a real mob warning

59:54 Mob involvement in making The Godfather and “The Offer” series

1:00:59 Haunted bungalows near a dam in Chattanooga and nervous dogs

1:03:13 Why women and children often sense things first

1:03:21 Dogs reacting on the day Johnny’s grandfather died

1:04:04 Threatening to haunt listeners who do not like and subscribe

1:04:18 How to find Circling The Drain, social media, and sponsorships

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Bennie Shipley: From Small-Town Radio to Country Music Legends :: Ep 27 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Radio veteran and voiceover pro Bennie Shipley joins Johnny B, Jay and Jim for a deep dive into the golden age of radio, the rise of country music superstars, and the evolving world of voiceover in the age of AI.

Starting as a 15-year-old kid at WLCK in Scottsville, Kentucky, Benny went on to WCDS, became a hometown celebrity in high school, and eventually made the massive leap to powerhouse Nashville station WSM. Along the way he worked alongside legends like Harold Hensley, Ralph Emery, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Alabama, Reba McEntire, and many more.

Bennie shares hilarious and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories: stars tossing pebbles at the studio window to get on the air, Marty Robbins prank-calling the station, early days of Alabama before their first hits, and the creative chaos of producing a full “Country Christmas Carol” with country stars on reel-to-reel tape.

He also opens up about building a successful national voiceover career, losing part of his vocal range, rebuilding it with help from Vanderbilt’s voice clinic, landing a huge McDonald’s campaign, and his honest take on how AI is impacting human voice talent today.

If you love classic country, radio history, behind-the-scenes music industry stories, and real talk about the future of voiceover, this episode is for you.

Timed Highlights

0:00 – Opening banter and intro to “Circling the Drain” with guest Bennie Shipley

2:30 – Growing up in Scottsville, Kentucky and starting in radio at 15

3:40 – Becoming popular in high school after landing a job at WCDS

4:50 – First radio paycheck, buying a color TV, and early radio memories

6:00 – Glasgow days, part-time to full-time, and a generous station owner

7:20 – Landing at WSM in Nashville and working with Harold Hensley

10:30 – Culture shock: small-town kid meets big-city country stars

12:00 – Marty Robbins stories, late-night calls, and emotional listener reactions

14:00 – Waylon, Willie, and Kristofferson at the door… and one unforgettable “no”

16:00 – Lefty Frizzell’s praise, friendship, and a heartbreaking last phone call

17:30 – Discovering Alabama before they were famous and spinning “I Want to Come Over”

19:20 – Early visits from “The Alabama Band” and watching their rise

21:00 – Music director days at WSIX and getting in trouble for playing unknown artists

22:30 – Programming battles and ultimately being proven right about Alabama

23:30 – Working with Gerry House, Jerry Minchew, and legendary Nashville radio voices

26:00 – WSM moves, Music Country Radio Network, and working with Charlie Douglas

28:30 – Creating a full “Country Christmas Carol” with country stars

30:00 – Producing on reel-to-reel: razor blades, tape, and homemade sound effects

31:40 – The Country Music Hall of Fame archives and the lost master tape

33:10 – Theater of the mind and why radio was magical before cameras

35:00 – Transitioning from radio to serious voiceover work

37:00 – Early feedback, blunt advice on appearance, and refining the “whole package”

39:10 – Breaking into studio work at Sound Shop and earning respect the hard way

41:20 – Losing vocal range and the scary moment in a session you can’t deliver

42:50 – Vanderbilt voice clinic, scopes, therapy, and rebuilding the voice

44:30 – Strange but effective vocal exercises: water, straws, and “curly” sounds

45:40 – Rethinking delivery: moving out of “radio voice” into higher, lighter reads

46:40 – Landing a major McDonald’s national campaign and how it changed his life

48:20 – Paying off debt, buying a condo, and the chain of events that led to meeting his wife

49:50 – Gratitude for songwriter/producer Milton Blackford and “Me and My RC”

50:50 – Reflecting on a full career and the importance of documenting radio history

53:10 – Being called a “legend,” radio luncheons, and old connections resurfacing

54:30 – AI, radio’s future, and what today’s tech is missing: human nuance

55:30 – Why authenticity, vinyl, and real voices still matter to younger audiences

56:30 – Wrap-up, where to find “Circling the Drain,” and closing thoughts with Benny

Find more episodes and extras at:

circlingthedrain.net

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Radio Sales Gone Wild, Groupies, and Legendary Local Ads :: Ep 26 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:15:00 -0600

From coked-up sales reps in limos to Dolly Parton impostors and “attributes” pressed against the studio glass, this episode dives deep into the wild world of radio sales and promotions. Johnny B, Jay Harper, and James Patrick McCarthy trade war stories from small-market radio, over-the-top salespeople, unforgettable clients, and the local commercial legends who became stars in their own right.

Timed Highlights

0:00 Cold open: “She had sales skills… and a certain attribute”

0:31 Welcome to Circling the Drain

2:00 Herb Tarlek, WKRP, and the classic radio salesperson stereotype

3:45 First time seeing coke in a limo (and it wasn’t Coca-Cola)

4:50 Small-market radio: doing on-air plus sales

5:45 Marriages, selling yourself, and buyer’s remorse

6:50 The Bronx closer: high-pressure but top-producing sales rep

7:55 Mary Garland, bug costumes, and the giant cockroach on the desk

10:16 Linda Biggers and “attributes” on the studio glass (1983 flashback)

13:25 Could that even happen today? Reverse harassment and boundaries

14:20 Beautiful radio groupie, fake Dolly Parton, and the Birmingham prank

18:20 Salespeople who ignore the “do not interrupt the show” rule

19:55 Production directors vs sales: copy, strategy, and bad client ideas

24:15 “Human highlighter” sales rep and the mystery golf-course spot

26:20 Mulch ads, name repetition, and an award-winning campaign

28:20 Why client-voiced spots and kid voices often go wrong

30:55 Grocery ads, lazy copy, and reading straight from the newspaper

32:00 Edgy grocery read: pantyhose “next to the best thing”

32:35 Local legends: Price LeBlanc, Darrell Waltrip, and car dealer catchphrases

35:20 Emma’s Florist and the Watson’s girl in the hot tub

37:00 Husband-and-wife furniture store and selling via baby pictures

39:00 Car sales, knocking down walls, and disarming skeptical buyers

40:30 Christopher Walken test drive and absurd dealership patter

42:02 Snow in Tennessee and episode wrap-up

42:30 Where to find Circling the Drain online (site and socials)

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Podcasts vs Radio, Nashville Stories, and the New Media Gold Rush :: Ep 25 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:15:00 -0600

In this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the evolution of media: from old-school radio and movie theaters to long-form podcasts and YouTube creators. They talk Joe Rogan’s three-hour conversations, why podcasts feel more authentic than corporate radio, the rise of independent creators, and how celebrities have lost their monopoly on “cool.”

Along the way, they share classic Nashville industry stories, memorable movie-theater moments, and real talk about niches, sponsors, and the future of podcasting. If you love behind-the-scenes media talk, Music City lore, and smart banter about where content is headed, this one’s for you.

Timed highlights (chapters)

00:00 – Why long-form podcasts work and the Joe Rogan effect

01:00 – Welcome to Circling The Drain and hitting 1,000 Facebook followers

02:15 – Live event plans, swag, and possible dancing “girls”

03:10 – Why podcasts feel more real than corporate radio

05:35 – Borrowing the casual Joe Rogan-style intro for their own show

06:50 – Saving Nashville’s stories so they don’t “circle the drain”

08:50 – Donald Trump, Joe Rogan, Bill Clinton, and the politics of “being cool”

12:00 – How podcasts bypass mainstream media gatekeepers

13:55 – Relaxed rooms, real stories, and uncensored guest moments

14:58 – Sponsors, networks, and the cost of giving up independence

16:40 – Indie podcasters, Casey Anthony, and what you can’t air

18:30 – Releases, legal gray areas, and learning from Howard Stern

21:25 – Does a podcast really need video to succeed?

22:50 – Radio faces, self-deprecating humor, and old radio war stories

24:20 – Too many podcasts? Why niche and interest-based content win

27:15 – The decline of movie theaters and the streaming habit

28:50 – Marvel, Star Wars, and the magic of audience reactions

31:20 – Missing the big moment because you had to hit the bathroom

32:40 – Jaws, The Exorcist, and when movies truly scared people

33:45 – What we lose when we lose the shared theater experience

34:55 – New media vs Hollywood and the Markiplier “Iron Lung” moment

38:00 – How TV shows like “Nashville” reshaped the city’s image

40:20 – Behind-the-scenes Nashville TV stories and diva moments

45:00 – Reese Witherspoon, Music Row, and early film memories

50:20 – Modern TV, Law & Order, and aging into “get off my lawn”

51:40 – Schitt’s Creek, Christopher Guest mockumentaries, and Spinal Tap 2

53:00 – What podcasts the guys actually listen to

55:20 – Interest-based media, Gary V, and why you must aircheck yourself

56:40 – Joe Rogan, business pods, and the power of authenticity

58:00 – Johnny B’s favorite artist podcasts and “jacking around”

58:45 – Launching a niche redfishing podcast: Setting The Hook

1:00:10 – Fly fishing shows, sponsors, and how deep niches can go

1:00:46 – Why most new podcasts never make it past a few episodes

1:02:00 – Insurance, bowhunting, and how to find a money-making niche

1:03:26 – Knowing your audience and just letting proven talent work

1:04:30 – Who actually listens to Circling The Drain

1:06:08 – Why these stories matter and where to find the show

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Ice Storms, Airwaves And Radio Wars :: Ep 24 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Fresh off a nasty Nashville ice storm, Johnny B, Jay, and Jim unpack winter chaos, government blame, and why people still run to live talk radio when things get dangerous. From Phil Valentine tornado stories and Sheryl Crow calling out NES, to THC cookie misadventures, potholes, the Cherokee Nation fixing roads, and the slow death of music radio, this one is equal parts war story and radio therapy.

Highlights:

– Ice storms, tornadoes, and staying on the air when everyone else is stuck

– Sheryl Crow vs NES, cloud-seeding conspiracies, and Trump as scapegoat

– TDOT, busted axles, and how a tribe fixed what a city wouldn’t

– THC cookies, on-air paranoia, and learning your limits

– Being undervalued by management and realizing your leverage in radio

– Why talk radio may be the last moat left in broadcasting

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Divorce, Nashville, and “Now What?” w/Brenda Golden :: Ep 23 Circling The Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

What happens when your life flips upside down at 50? Former Oak Ridge Boys insider and Nashville industry pro Brenda Golden joins Circling the Drain to talk about starting over in her golden years.

Brenda shares how a painful divorce, a cross-country move to Austin, and a complete career reboot led to her new book, “Now What?”. Along the way, she pulls back the curtain on life with William Lee Golden, working around Garth Brooks at his peak, the impact of Pam Lewis and Lib Hatcher (Elizabeth Travis), and how a little movie called “God’s Not Dead” became a turning point.

If you’ve ever lost a job, a marriage, or a sense of who you are and thought, “Now what?”, this conversation is for you.

Timed highlights:

1:10 Brenda’s book origin story and turning 50 in chaos

2:40 Moving from Nashville to Austin and finding an arts-first city

3:55 South by Southwest and representing artists at the festival

5:10 Brenda’s early music-business days and Nashville connections

6:40 How she met William Lee Golden and joined the Oak Ridge Boys

8:30 Marriage, family life, and their son Solomon’s path to medicine

9:40 Why Solomon chose EMT/paramedic work over music

11:55 Ongoing ties with the Oak Ridge Boys and concern for Richard Sterban

13:20 Joe Bonsall’s passing and helping him land his first book deal

14:30 Crossing paths with Jay at MCA in the mid-80s

15:10 Becoming William’s personal assistant and the MCA solo record

16:00 Meeting powerhouse publicist/manager Pam Lewis

17:30 Hitting rock bottom financially and asking Pam for a job

19:00 “Do you want a career or a paycheck?” – Pam’s tough-love moment

20:10 Learning PR, marketing, and sponsorships around Garth Brooks

21:35 How that mentorship permanently changed Brenda’s career

22:30 Reinventing at 50 and reaching out to Lib Hatcher (Elizabeth Travis)

24:00 Lib’s advice: “You’re going to have to reinvent yourself”

25:40 The film “God’s Not Dead” and its unexpected impact on Brenda

28:00 Feeling seen by God in the middle of a breakdown

30:30 Lib’s own reinvention and success in film and Pure Flix

32:40 Moving to Austin, turning 62, and what life looks like now

34:10 Meeting and briefly working with Frank Stallone

36:40 Longstanding friendships and business ties back in Nashville

38:30 Why Brenda wrote “Now What?” and who it’s really for

40:40 Finding hope, purpose, and community after major life changes

42:40 Two-stepping in Texas, strong dance partners, and playful banter

43:40 Wrap-up, where to find “Now What?”, and Circling the Drain outro

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Bill Cuomo: From “Bette Davis Eyes” to Barbra, Skynyrd & Studio War Stories :: Ep 22 Circling the Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Legendary keyboardist, writer, and producer Bill Cuomo joins Circling The Drain to share six decades of music-industry stories. From crafting the iconic intros to “Bette Davis Eyes” and “Oh Sherrie” to working with Alabama, Trace Adkins, Herb Alpert, Barbra Streisand, Little River Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd**, and more, Bill walks through the evolution of recording from analog to digital, lawsuits with major brands, and why he prefers the studio over the road.

He also opens up about surviving Catholic school, building a dome house in the forest, moving from LA to Nashville, and what AI means for today’s musicians. Candid, funny, and brutally honest.

**Episode Highlights:**

- 0:04:18 – Leaving LA and choosing Nashville

- 0:06:31 – Building a 5,500 sq ft Arrington home and basement studio

- 0:09:37 – Alabama, Trace Adkins, and “firing” himself from country

- 0:15:43 – Becoming “the intro guy” and tape-era risks

- 0:16:20 – Crafting the “Oh Sherrie” intro at home

- 0:21:57 – Analog vs. digital and why he kept his console

- 0:29:38 – Watching Little Richard destroy pianos nightly

- 0:32:58 – Why he prefers the studio to the road

- 0:38:24 – “Welcome to Tennessee” and handshake deals

- 0:40:07 – Suing Ford and J. Walter Thompson over “Oh Sherrie”

- 1:02:27 – Gospel work and being a “recovering Catholic”

- 1:10:36 – Trace Adkins and Nashville’s work ethic

- 1:13:05 – Inside the Barbra Streisand / Kim Carnes duet

- 1:24:54 – Reimagining “Bette Davis Eyes”

- 1:30:23 – AI, voices, and the future of music

- 1:33:30 – Skynyrd, Ed King, and “Sweet Home Alabama” money

Listen and subscribe at www.circlingthedrain.net

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Backstage Legends: From Glen Campbell to Trump’s Plane :: Ep 21 Circling the Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:19:00 -0600

Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive into their most memorable celebrity encounters from decades in radio, records, and concert production.

You’ll hear stories about:

The gherm-iest radio promo guy in a stained satin jacket
Delivering a giant get‑well card to Amy Grant in a dying station vehicle
Glen Campbell shredding in an Opry dressing room and cracking jokes at the urinal
A Steve Earle meeting that went from dream chat to guarded on‑air interview
Hank Thompson’s rough day and sincere later apology
Why Raul Malo and The Mavericks should have been massive
Boarding Donald Trump’s private plane during the 2016 campaign
Jerry Lee Lewis at the Stockyard, an impatient Kenny Rogers backstage,
Trace Adkins calling in after a rant, plus memories of Jimmy Dean, Roy Clark, and more

A funny, honest look at how fame collides with real human moods—and why backstage is usually the worst place to watch a show.

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Deborah Allen: From “Baby I Lied” to Elvis’ Bus and Back Again :: Ep 20 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, country artist and hit songwriter Deborah Allen joins the Three J’s for a warm, funny, and deeply personal conversation.

Deborah shares:

The story and long tail of her signature hit “Baby I Lied”
Early days at Opryland, touring Russia with Tennessee Ernie Ford, and how Shel Silverstein nudged her into songwriting
Growing up in Memphis around the sounds of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green, and the Hodges brothers
How she wound up sleeping on Elvis’ tour bus and later cutting pioneering overdub duets with Jim Reeves as “The Mystery Girl”
Getting a brand-new song from Prince after a brief meeting at Sunset Sound
A major health scare, surgery at Vanderbilt with Dr. James Netterville, and why she says “the devil’s not stealing my smile”
Celebrating her mom’s 100th birthday, her mom’s younger boyfriend Ed, and the belief that every person you meet is a gift

Highlights & Timestamps

0:40 – Introduction to Deborah & “Baby I Lied” on country, pop, and AC radio
7:35 – Opryland, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Russia tour & meeting Shel Silverstein
12:19 – Memphis influences: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green
18:39 – Elvis’ bus at her parents’ shop & “I slept in Elvis’ bed”
23:10 – Overdubbing duets with Jim Reeves & the “Mystery Girl” campaign
29:30 – Pushing for her own songs at MCA & “Don’t Worry ’Bout Me Baby”
34:56 – Writing hits for others: Patty Loveless and “Hurt Me Bad (In a Real Good Way)”
35:06 – Prince writes her a song as Joey Coco after a Sunset Sound encounter
41:33 – Her mom at 100, Ed’s nightly visits, and Opry birthday roses
50:12 – Metastatic carcinoma scare, holistic support, and successful surgery
1:01:22 – How old friendships (doctors, musicians, neighbors) ended up saving her

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Shannon McCombs On Nashville Radio, Rock To Country, And Industry War Stories :: Ep 19 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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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Our Dads, Music, and Memories :: Ep 18 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:15:00 -0600

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

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Gene Simmons, Radio Royalties & The AI Artist Future :: Ep 17 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:07:15 -0600

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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The Problem with Corporate Radio and Consultants - Stories from the Inside :: Ep 16 Circling The Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:19:00 -0600

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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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: A Hall of Confusion :: Ep 15 Circling The Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:40:00 -0600

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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Thanksgiving & Holiday Rewinds: Movies, Music, and Memories :: Ep 14 Circling The Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:40:00 -0600

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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The Matt Murphy Radio Journey - From Small-Town Radio to Saving Lives On Air :: Ep 13 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:15:00 -0600

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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Circling the Drain Ep 12: Regie Hamm - From Family Band to American Idol Glory

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:38:00 -0600

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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Wade Hayes: Surviving, Strumming, and Staying True to Country Roots :: Ep 11 Circling The Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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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Radio Rage: Meltdowns, Mishaps, and Mayhem Behind the Mic :: Ep 10 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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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Artists Who Should Have Made It Big :: Ep 9 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:43:00 -0500

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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Band Dynamics: When Members Change, Does the Music Stay the Same? :: Ep 8 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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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Backstage Blunders and Celebrity Encounters: Embarrassing Moments in Entertainment :: Ep 7 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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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The Ride: Gary Gentry's Musical Journey Through Country Legends :: Ep 6 Circling The Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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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Podcast Reactions, Charlie Kirk Martyrdom and Hollywood Heroes :: Ep 5 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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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Story Songs: The Lost Art of Musical Storytelling :: Ep 4 Circling the Drain Podcast

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0500

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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