On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dana Cortez about:

1. Growing up in Big Spring, Texas, and how early adversity forming the foundation of her honest and relatable on-air style
2. Carving her own path through smaller markets and her breakthrough moment at KMRK in Odessa, Texas
3. Becoming the first Latina to lead a nationally syndicated multicast radio show in the US
4. The day-to-day behind the scenes of her show, and how they blend pop culture, relationships, and real talk, built on authenticity 
5. The Pivotal mentorship of John Candelaria, who pushed her into mornings, perceived as a male-dominated space
6. The importance of social media presence, strategic content batching, and embracing digital platforms
7. Balancing on-air work with podcasting and charity involvement, and how her personal life intertwines with her professional journey
8. Winning a Gracie award and the impact of industry recognition
9. Her significant involvement in charities including St. Jude’s and CASA, and her commitment to community and helping foster children

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Dana Cortez is a nationally syndicated radio host who shatters the glass when it comes to an industry where diverse female voices struggle to be heard and where women rarely occupy the lead role in a multi-cast show. A second generation Mexican American, Cortez grew up in poverty in West Texas and brings her experience and the perspective of many disenfranchised Americans to her show every day. On the Dana Cortez Show she “creates a room of her own,” using the airwaves to elevate topics of importance and interest often lost in the 24-hour news cycle. Cortez speaks to the female Latino experience in America and to her broader audience, she’s insightful on topics of relationships and pop culture. She has a nuanced way about her interviews with celebrities that allows them to feel comfortable and creates a more genuine conversation. She shares her show with her husband and executive producer DJ Automatic, and comedian Anthony A.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi interviews Mo Rocca about:

1. Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland and the influence of The World Book Encyclopedia on his curiosity
2. The importance of pursuing niche interests and becoming an expert in your passion
3. How early media experiences shaped Rocca's storytelling and comedy skills, including his work on Wishbone
4. The role of authenticity and personality in building a distinctive voice on television
5. Lessons learned from iconic shows and hosts, including John Stewart and Larry King
6. The significance of storytelling and curiosity in journalism and broadcasting
7. His creative process and the value of keeping personal projects alive
8. Advice for young creatives navigating the evolving media industry surrounded by AI and technological changes
9. The power of experimentation and collaboration in producing impactful content
10. How personal experiences, like family and historical interests, influence professional work
11. The importance of maintaining a personal space for creativity and growth

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Mo Rocca is an award-winning correspondent for "CBS News Sunday Morning," the top-rated Sunday morning news program. He joined the broadcast as a contributor in 2006.

For "CBS News Sunday Morning," Rocca has explored a broad range of subjects, from the life of St. Francis of Assisi to the death of singer Bobby Darin. He's profiled public figures from "Police Woman" star Angie Dickinson to Tony winner Cole Escola to hockey legend Bobby Orr.

Rocca frequently tells stories about American history, with a penchant for former and often-forgotten presidents, usually from the 19th century. Other pieces include the history of the pencil, the origin of the Automat, and the story of the Astrodome. To mark the country's 250th birthday, he's been a chief contributor to the show's "These United States" segments.

In addition to his work at CBS News, Rocca is also a frequent panelist on NPR's weekly quiz show "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!"

Rocca is host and creator of the hit podcast "Mobituaries" and co-author with Jonathan Greenberg of the New York Times bestselling books "Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving" and "Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs." Rocca is also the author of "All the Presidents' Pets," a historical thriller about White House pets and their surprising role in presidential decision-making.

Previously, Rocca hosted the CBS series "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation." Earlier, Rocca created and hosted Cooking Channel's "My Grandmother's Ravioli," in which he learned to cook from grandmothers and grandfathers across the country.

Rocca has guest-starred on the primetime series "Elsbeth, "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight," as well as on the CBS daytime series "The Young and the Restless" in the role of Milton the accountant.

Rocca began his career in TV as a writer and producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning PBS children's series "Wishbone." He went on to write for other kids' series, including ABC's "Pepper Ann" and Nickelodeon's "The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss."

He made his on-camera debut as a correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," where he spent four seasons, a period that included its breakout "Indecision 2000" coverage.

Rocca won a Primetime Emmy as a writer for the 64th annual Tony Awards in 2010, and he earned Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on "CBS News Sunday Morning" and "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation." And he finished second in the 2024 "Celebrity Jeopardy!" tournament, winning $250,000 for charity.

Outside of television, Rocca starred on Broadway in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Other stage credits include "South Pacific" at Paper Mill Playhouse and the role of Doody in the Southeast Asian Tour of "Grease."

Rocca is a graduate of Harvard University. He lives in New York.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to the American Afterlife team about:

1. Pedro Hoffmeister’s inspirations for writing the novel American Afterlife and how he based the survival story on his own experiences
2. How Chachi and Bill Stuart developed the novel into a podcast
3. How Scarlett began acting and what she brings to the lead character of Cielo
4. Pedro’s journey from homelessness, expulsion, and incarceration to becoming an award-winning novelist
5. Bill’s perspective on developing and producing films like The Rock, and the similarities and differences with creating a podcast
6. How Scarlett balances school, being an influencer, and her acting career
7. The collaborative nature of creativity and how the team came together to create the audio drama
8. The art of audio storytelling and how the world was created through the soundscape of American Afterlife
9. The impact of AI on creative industries

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUESTS:
Scarlett Estevez was born in Los Angeles, California, and from a young age she displayed a knack for the performing arts. Scarlett booked her first national commercial at age 3 and has appeared in more than 25 national commercials. Her first film role was in a short film for the "Make-A-Film Foundation" called The Magic Bracelet. The cast included James Van Der Beek, Hailee Steinfeld, Jackson Rathbone, J.K Simmons, and Bailee Madison. She went on to shoot her first feature film And Then There Was You, staring Garcelle Beauvais. Scarlett co-starred in the pilot Redeeming Dave, which was written by Dominic Russo (Workaholics). She co-starred on the Nickelodeon Web series Junior Eye. She was a supporting lead in the films Daddy's Home (2015) and Daddy's Home 2 (2017), playing the daughter of Mark Wahlberg and Linda Cardellini's character and stepdaughter of Will Ferrell's character. She went on to play Trixie on the television series Lucifer from 2016 to 2021, and Gwen on the fourth season of the Disney Channel television series Bunk'd in 2019. She starred as Violet Rodriguez / Ultra Violet in the Disney Channel series Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion in 2022. 

Bill Stuart is a legendary film producer with decades at the highest levels of the industry with credits across Fox, MGM, and Columbia. He was the executive producer of The Rock with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery. 

Pedro Hoffmeister is an American author, poet, and rock climber. His books include American Afterlife Too Shattered For Mending, This Is The Part Where You Laugh, The End of Boys, Let Them Be Eaten By Bears – A Fearless Guide To Taking Our Kids into The Great Outdoors, Graphic the Valley, and Confessions of the Last Man On Earth Without A Cell Phone. He has also written for Climbing Magazine, Rock and Ice, Vice, Climbing.com, Gripped Magazine, Ampheta'Zine, and the Huffington Post. He was a 2006 recipient of the Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship for Fiction. He has worked as a rock climbing and whitewater rafting guide, and currently teaches literature, outdoor pursuits, and survival in Eugene, Oregon.

LINKS: 

Listen to American Afterlife

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-afterlife/id1833063666

https://open.spotify.com/show/2bKU2wfj4DXnHJ5z1GzERd

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Adam about:

1. Becoming the head of his family business, Caswell-Massey, and its legacy as the oldest chemist and perfumer in America

2. What he learned about marketing top-shelf intellectual property

3. His pivot into the entertainment industry and how he started Goldman Taylor, producing movies and TV

4. Working with scientists to market their ideas as the founder of Taylor Fox

5. Getting hired as the head of APM, how he modernized the company, and what a day in his life is like 

6. The impact of AI on the world of production music and his vision for the future

7. Chairing the Production Music Association and how he creates community, educates, and advocates for the production music industry

8. How he gives back through community engagement and philanthropy

9. His advice for aspiring composers

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
With over three decades of experience in the music and intellectual property sectors, Adam Taylor has been instrumental in helping companies, organizations, and individuals harness the value of their copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

For the past twenty-two years, he has led APM Music, the world’s premier production music company, renowned for delivering high-quality scores, themes, and background music across various media platforms. Since its inception in 1983, APM has provided an extensive catalog that spans genres from contemporary urban and rock to classical and archival recordings, shaping the soundtracks of countless TV shows, films, commercials, and video games.

Before his tenure at APM Music, Adam co-founded Taylor/Fox Enterprises, collaborating with innovators to market unique, patent-protected inventions. He also played a key role as a co-founding partner at Goldman/Taylor Entertainment, where he developed significant television properties, including the Lifetime series “Confessions of Crime” and the acclaimed PBS series “Joseph Campbell – Mythos,” featuring Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon.

Adam’s career began at Caswell-Massey, the oldest chemists and perfumers in the U.S., where he served as President/CEO for a decade.

In addition to his leadership in the music industry, Adam is dedicated to humanitarian efforts. He serves on the Board of Advisors for IsraAid, focusing on crisis response and community recovery, and is involved with the Council of Advisors for the Zelikow School for Jewish Non-Profit Management and the Advisory Board of Creative Community for Peace. His commitment to both the arts and social impact underscores his influential role in today’s cultural landscape.

LINKS: 

Brightlight Kenya

https://www.brightlightkenya.org/

Tomfoolery SpongeBob Remix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qXVIbs4CR0

Sosh and Mosh

https://www.instagram.com/soshmosh?igsh=MWF1OGl6cGQ3ZmdrYw==

Groove Factory

https://www.groovefactory.group/

Somebody Call Sean Penn

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/sean-penn-battle-jacob-ostreicher-bolivia-prison.html

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From radio to music, leadership to life lessons, Chachi brings curiosity, energy, and genuine connection to every conversation. No ego. No gotchas. Just real talk with people doing interesting things.

Because at the end of the day… Chachi really does love everybody.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Angela about:

1. Growing up in San Francisco,  and how she got pulled into radio
2. Transitioning from being an intern, to talent, to AP,D to PD, and learning which programming approaches worked best 
3. How she built a competitive radio station in LA and helped figure out how to modern AC format
4. Managing big personalities as a Program Director
5. Developing Ryan Seacrest and how he used talent and hustle to find success
6. The challenges she faces in a changing music landscape, and how to navigate stressful times in radio
7. Moving to Canada and what she learned from  Canadian radio
8. Becoming a consultant and life coach, and launching Angela Perelli Consulting
9. Her advice for the next generation of broadcasters.

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Angela Perelli has over 30 years of experience in major market radio, with the past 16 devoted specifically to the development of personalities and personality brands. She’s worked with: Ryan Seacrest; Kevin & Bean, KROQ/Los Angeles; Marilyn Denis & Jamar, CHUM 104.5/Toronto; Dave Ryan Show, KDWB/Minneapolis; Miguel & Holly, Hot 105.3/Tampa; Carson Daly, Jamie White, Mercedes in the Morning, That Guy Kramer, Nat & Drew and Jonny, Holly & Nira in Vancouver and many many more. 

Seeing a gap between the feedback needs of talent and the time and bandwidth of managers, she used her unique skillset-combination of major market radio and life coaching expertise to meet performers where they are and inspire them to reach their full potential. 

Prior to launching her own company, she spent over 20 years in programming at groundbreaking female-targeted radio stations, KIOI-FM (K101)/San Francisco and KYSR-FM (Star 98.7)/Los Angeles, winning multiple industry awards.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

PEOPLE MENTIONED: 

• Kevin and Bean
• Carson Daly
• Shoboy
• Chet Buchanan
• Dr. Don
• Don Bleu
• Bobby Cole
• Bill Stairs 
• Bob Lawrence
• Dave Shakes
• John Evans
• Larry Berger
• Deborah Parenti
• Leslie Visser
• Dan Vallie  
• Randy Lane
• Mark and Brian
• Mark and Kim
• Rick Dees
• Big Boy
• Dave Beasing
• Mark Goodman
• Larry Morgan
• Jamie, Frosty and Frank
• Greg Sims
• Lara Scott
• Rick Stacey
• Ryan Seacrest
• Lisa Fox 
• Guy Zapoleon
• Steve Davis
• Ken Christensen
• Tony Novio
• Dan Granger
• Dave Ryan
• Miguel and Holly
• Nat & Drew
• Jonny, Holly & Nira

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Shotgun Tom about:

1. Growing up in San Diego and working his first gig as a high schooler
2. Getting into legal trouble operating a pirate station from his garage
3. His love of trains, radio towers, and other hobbies 
4. Becoming an Emmy-winning children’s TV host
5. How he got the name “Shotgun Tom Kelly”
6. The story of the iconic hat he’s worn for over 55 years, and presenting one to President Reagan
7. Filling the shoes of Real Don Steele and hosting other oldies shows like 60s Gold on SiriusXM
8. Creating “Shotgun Tom’s Jukebox Live From the Corvette Diner”
9. Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Stevie Wonder’s role in the
   ceremony
10. His book, “All I Wanna Do Is Play The Hits”, available now on Amazon
11. His advice for the next generation

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
“Shotgun Tom” Kelly has been entertaining Southern California radio and TV audiences for over 6 decades. He has worked at such renowned radio stations as KGB (in its “Boss Radio” days) and gained national acclaim at the legendary KCBQ. “Shotgun Tom” was honored at B-100 radio (KFMB-FM) with the Billboard magazine Air Personality of the Year Award for Major Markets in the mid-70’s. He also received two Emmy Awards for his performance as host of the McGraw-Hill syndicated TV word game show “Words-a-Poppin’” for children. For twelve years at KUSI-TV he was host of their morning and afternoon children’s programs. In 1997, after a nationwide talent search, “Shotgun Tom” Kelly was chosen by CBS Radio’s K-EARTH 101/Los Angeles to fill the coveted afternoon drive slot after the death of The Real Don Steele. In 2000, “Shotgun Tom” won Radio and Records “Oldies Air Personality of the Year” and competed for that award with radio personalities in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. “Shotgun Tom” is also heard around the country doing voice work and commercials for many other stations. In 2013, “Shotgun Tom” Kelly received his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and La Brea Ave.

LINKS: 

Shotgun’s latest book, All I Wanna Do Is Play The Hits!: https://www.amazon.com/All-Wanna-Do-Play-Hits/dp/B0DB6YCM97

His Emmy award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNddkwtGnqs

His Walk of Fame star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNQek1WYE_c

Riding his dad’s train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLe1BkEibRY
More model trains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDGIRpgVUUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDq3zp56Xkk

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

PEOPLE MENTIONED: 

• Johnny Downs
• Jhani Kaye
• Bob Nursing
• Robert W Morgan
• Real Don Steel
• Wolfman Jack
• Thomas K Arnold
• Neil Ross
• Ken Levine
• Charlie VanDyke
• Bill Drake
• KO Bailey
• Bob Elliot
• Peter Huntington May
• Buzz Bennet
• Rich Brother Robbin
• Bobby Ocean
• Harry Scarborough
• Jack McCoy
• Rod Stewart
• Phil Bower
• Bobby Rich
  Chuck Browning
• Wes Meisnitzer
• Dan Mason
• Ronald Reagan
• Dave Sniff
• Tommy Sablan
• Jeff and Jer
• Mark Larson
• Charleton Heston
• Wayne Newton
• Frank Sinatra
• Duncan Hunter
• Michael Reagan
• Vin Scully
• Marty Levine
• Pat Duffy
• Mark Dennis
• Stevie Wonder
• Gary Bryan?
• Milton Hardaway
• Mark Wahlberg
• Steve Harvey
• Shawn Andre
• Dick Clark
• Clint August

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dave Ryan about:

1. Studying broadcasting at community college in Colorado and feeding goats during his first gig at a religious station.
2. The comedians and personalities he grew up admiring and borrowing from
3. Moving to Vegas to do mornings on KLUC and endearing himself to listeners with his stunts
4. Learning to work as a team in Columbus with Tom Kelly
5. His struggles filling the shoes of popular personalities and how he overcame them
6. Landing a competitive job at KDWB in Minneapolis and the story behind his Ugly Kids billboards
7. How he coaches talent and chooses his co-hosts
8. Becoming an author and why he wrote 2 books
9. How he became interested in many hobbies, including magic, ukulele, and flying
10. His advice to aspiring radio professionals

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dave Ryan has been waking up the Twin Cities for over three decades. His sense of humor, high energy and too much honesty has captivated listeners to tune in every weekday, at least when there are good ticket giveaways.

Dave is not just the host of a Marconi-winning morning show but also a serial hobbyist. From ukulele, to flying, to trolling people online, Dave continues to try new things, only to forget about them a week later and pick up a new hobby. He’s also an author, which you most likely know already because whether it’s Christmas or the 4th of July, he’ll plug his children’s book, “Little Dave’s Amazing Day”, that you guessed it, is about himself, Dave. BUT 2-4 year olds do give it a 5-star review!

You can listen to the Dave Ryan in the Morning Show weekdays 5:30 – 10am with Daddy Bear himself, Dave Ryan, a woman that people confuse for Sasquatch, a kid from Jersey that doesn’t know the difference between 1 and 10 spritzes of cologne, and Ruth Buzzi.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Jeff and Jer
• Heather Cohen
• Don Dexter
• Rick Dees
• Milton Berle
• Dan Jackson
• Tracy Johnson
• Scott Thrower
• Bill Richards
• Tom Kelly
• Irma Blanco
• John London
• George Lopez
• Bob Beers
• Jerry Lewis
• Dave Robbins
• Bruce Kelly
• Super Snake
• Steve Smith
• Steve Cochran
• Mark Bulkey
• Mark Coleman
• David Martin
• Pat Ebertz
• Lee Valsvik
• Angie Taylor
• Dan Seaman
• Steve Shure
• Jenny Luttenberger
• Bailey Hess
• Vont Leak
• Bethany Watson
• Elvis Duran
• Falen Bonsett
• Intern John
• Ace and TJ
• Frankie and Gina
• Randy Lane
• Todd and Tyler
• Bob Barker
• Jhani K
• Rod Roddy

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visser was honored as a Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Lesley Visser about:

1. Growing up with a love of sports and getting a Carnegie Foundation scholarship to go into the male-dominated field of sports writing
2. The terrifying but exciting honor of being the first woman to cover the NFL Beat at The Boston Globe
3. Transitioning from writing to broadcasting on TV at CBS Sports
4. Getting to present the Lombardi Trophy
5. Traveling the world to report on major news such as the fall of the Berlin Wall
6. Working with other legendary sports figures like Greg Gumbel and Terry Bradshaw, and riding on John Madden’s bus
7. The greatest events she’s covered from Super Bowls to Final Fours to The Olympics and more
8. What it means to be a trailblazing woman, how sports reporting is evolving, and the progress that must still be made
9. The role of technology in sports journalism, and her advice to future journalists

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Lesley Visser is the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time. Across numerous accolades, she has been the “First” – the First woman enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; the First woman to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy and the First woman to win the Broadcasters Foundation of America Lifetime Achievement Award; the First woman on the Network broadcasts of the Final Four, the NBA Finals, the Super Bowl and the World Series. 

She is the First and only woman to have presented the Championship Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl. She was the First woman to cover the NFL as a beat, the First woman on Monday Night Football and the First female NFL analyst in both Radio and TV. She was the First female sportscaster to carry the Olympic Torch and the only winner of the Billie Jean King “Outstanding Journalist Award.”

Visser is the only sportscaster – male or female – to have worked on the network broadcasts of the Final Four, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Olympics, the World Series, the Triple Crown, the World Figure Skating Championship and the US Open Tennis.

Visser was voted the No. 1 Female Sportscaster of All-Time by the National Sportscasters of America. Her career began at the Boston Globe in 1974 after she won a Carnegie Foundation grant, given to only 20 women in the country who wanted to go into jobs that were 95% male. The Boston Globe made her the First woman to cover the NFL as a beat, at a time when the credentials said, "No Women or Children in the Press Box." 

She was elected to the National Sports Media Hall of Fame for her writing at the Boston Globe, magazines and CBS.com, and she was voted to the Sportscasters Hall of Fame for her work at CBS, ABC, ESPN and HBO. Visser has been named a Muhammad Ali “Daughter of Greatness” and won the Newseum Award for Lifetime Achievement – First given to Walter Cronkite. She reported from the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, focusing on how sports would change in East Germany after reunification, and had the privilege, in 2013, of throwing out the First pitch for her beloved Red Sox. In October 2024, she was honored with the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting by Fordham University’s public media service, WFUV.

A graduate of Boston College, which awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 2007, she served on the Board of the V Foundation for Cancer Research for more than 20 years, while also serving on the Board of NYU’s “Sports and Society.” Visser has mentored young women for decades, while speaking at colleges and businesses around the world – from Doha, Qatar, to Charleston, South Carolina, where she delivered an address at the Renaissance Weekend, founded by President Clinton. Her book, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, is a memoir of breaking barriers. It has been optioned for both a movie and a TV series.

The Hall of Fame sportscaster has spent more than 30 years at CBS and more than 45 in the business. She is a contributor to the only all-female network sports show, We Need To Talk, on CBS, and had a podcast, In Conversation with Lesley Visser, on SiriusXM. Visser has been voted one of the “Women we Love” by Esquire magazine and one of the “Five Ideal Dinner Guests” by GQ.

She and her husband, Bob Kanuth, a former captain of Harvard basketball, live in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dees will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Rick Dees about:

1. His early misadventures in radio as a high school and college student in North Carolina
2. The story behind creating Disco Duck, how it became a hit, and how it got him fired
3. Getting tapped by Dick Clark to go on air in Los Angeles, and becoming a household name in LA and beyond
4. The entertainers and unlikely sources that inspired him as a performer and storyteller
5. Learning to invest after people tried to steal from him, and his financial advice
6. Why he bought a farm in Kentucky
7. Creating the Weekly Top 40 and how it became the longest continuously running countdown ever.
8. Starring in a late night show opposite Johnny Carson 
9. His other ventures including his farm, his own app, cookbook, and launching Home Living which became the Cooking Channel

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Rick Dees is a radio legend, comedic genius and multi-talented entertainer, known for his captivating enthusiasm and quick-witted humor, which continue to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

With an extraordinary career spanning decades, Dees has entertained and delighted millions across the globe, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and beloved figures in broadcasting history.

Best known for his internationally syndicated radio show, The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40, Dees’ familiar voice and unforgettable characters are heard by more than 70 million listeners each weekend, spanning virtually every city in the United States, 125 countries, 27 massive ships at sea, and the Armed Forces Radio Network. His show even broke barriers by becoming the first English-speaking radio program to entertain listeners in Beijing, China, making history in the process.

Rick Dees rose to prominence when he took over the top-rated morning show on KIIS-FM Los Angeles in July 1981, turning it into the number one revenue-generating radio station in America and making him the hottest property in radio. His unprecedented success earned him Billboard’s Radio Personality of the Year Award an astonishing ten years in a row. Further cementing his legacy, Dees was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and was honored with the prestigious Marconi Award.

Dees embraced the digital age with the same pioneering spirit that defined his radio career. His innovative music streaming platform, BYOChannel, offers users the ability to “build their own” personalized channels from a library of over 40 million tracks. He further extended his brand’s reach with the Rick Dees Hit Music app, delivering The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and Daily Dees directly to millions of Apple and Android devices worldwide.

In 2025, iHeartMedia launched two new iHeartRadio Original Streaming Stations in partnership with Rick Dees Entertainment — Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and Classic Rick Dees Top 40. The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 station features the current Weekly Top 40 program, while Classic Rick Dees Top 40 goes back in the archives to feature complete countdowns from the original shows that aired in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, many of which haven’t been heard in years.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Paul Allen
• Larry Allen
• Billy Graham
• Tom Miller
• Ralph Lambeth
• Glenn Powers
• Ken Lowe
• Sam & Dave
• Isaac Hayes
• Estelle Axton
• Robert Stigwood
• Al Corey
• Wolfman Jack
• Dick Clark
• Bill Murray
• Elmer Bernstein
• Jonathan Winters
• Johnny Carson
• Paul Drew
• Chuck Martin
• Lynn Anderson
• Don Benson
• Barbara Streisand
• Madonna
• Michael Jackson
• Wally Clark
• Roger Cleveland
• Charlie Tuna
• Robert W. Morgan
• Don Steele
• Bernie Carniel
• Sandy Gallin
• Dolly Parton
• Neil Diamond
• Barry Diller
• Michael Eisner
• Madeleine Pugh
• Lucille Ball
• Cary Grant
• Ava Gardner
• John Stewart
• Robin Williams
• Julie McWhirter-Dees
• Peter Simone
• Jerry Edelstein
• Bette Midler
• Jon Bon Jovi
• Kevin Dees
• Paul Joseph
• Ellen K
• Liz Fulton
• Rachel Donahue
• Roy Loughlin
• Nick Verbitsky
• Casey Kasem
• Lisa Canning
• Ed White
• Shohei Otani
• Lesley Visser
• David Muir
• Gary Sandy

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandy will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Gary Sandy about:

1. Growing up in Dayton, Ohio and aspiring to be an actor
2. Moving to New York and working odd jobs before becoming getting his break playing  soap opera bad boys
3. What it was like broadcasting live for 50 million people in As the World Turns
4. How he landed the role of Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati
5. What went on behind the scenes of WKRP and his favorite moments from the show
6. The demanding but fulfilling life acting on Broadway and national tours
7. Performing a one man show at the Grand Ole Opry
8. Advice for breaking into the TV business

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Gary Sandy is a gifted and beloved actor whose extraordinary career has spanned stage, screen, and television, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of audiences across the country.

Born on Christmas Day in Dayton, Ohio, Gary attended Wilmington College of Ohio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He began his professional career in daytime television with a role created for him on As the World Turns, which launched a successful seven-year run of memorable performances in Another World, Somerset, and his personal favorite, The Secret Storm. The impact these roles played on his later career cannot be underestimated. According to Sandy, “The pressure of performing in front of a live audience or live tape made everything else a little easier. Ït was 40 or 50 million people RIGHT NOW!  You were not allowed to make a mistake. Nothing else could be more terrifying.”

Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Andy Travis, America’s favorite Program Director, in the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Gary brought life to the role of a young leader navigating the unpredictable world of a struggling radio station with charm, wit, and authenticity. His natural charisma and comedic instincts helped make WKRP a cultural touchstone and a beloved part of American television history.

Beyond WKRP, Gary received acclaim for his role in Norman Lear’s All That Glitters and made memorable guest appearances on many hit shows, including Murder, She Wrote, F.B.I: The Untold Story, The Young Riders, L.A. Law, and Diagnosis Murder. His television film credits include Melvin Purvis: The Kansas City Massacre, Shell Game, For Lovers Only, and Nashville Grab.

On the big screen, Gary’s range shone through in films such as Hail to the Chief, Some of My Best Friends Are, Troll, and The Last of the Cowboys, where he starred alongside the legendary Henry Fonda. He also appeared in the Oscar-nominated film The Insider, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and versatile actor.

A dedicated stage performer, Gary has starred in more than 100 theatrical productions. He made his Broadway debut in Saturday, Sunday, Monday, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and went on to take on leading roles in Broadway productions like The Pirates of Penzance (as the Pirate King) and the Broadway revival of Arsenic and Old Lace (as Mortimer). His stage credits also include standout performances in Barnum, Sweet Bird of Youth, The Foreigner, and A Streetcar Named Desire.

His musical theater work has been equally impressive, with standout roles as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, and Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd opposite Ann-Margret in the national tour of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Gary’s performance as Harold Hill in The Music Man has become a signature role, earning praise in seven different productions.

Gary’s Off-Broadway and regional theater work includes The Children’s Mass (produced by Sal Mineo), and innovative adaptations such as Sheba (based on Come Back, Little Sheba), Luv, and Windy City (a musical version of The Front Page). In recent years, he’s received acclaim for his work in live radio drama, bringing a fresh energy to a classic medium.

From his unforgettable turn as Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati to his commanding stage presence in theaters across the country, Gary Sandy’s body of work reflects a lifetime devoted to storytelling, craft, and connection with audiences.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Henry Fonda
• Deborah Parenti
• John Cameron Swayze
• Robert Redford
• Jean Arley
• Joe Manetta
• David Muir
• Alexander Scourby
• Mary Tyler Moore
• Gordon Jump
• Lonnie Anderson
• Howard Hesseman
• Frank Bonners
• Richard Sanders
• Tim Reid
• Jan Smithers
• Kevin Klein
• Anna Margaret
• Shirlee Mae Adams
• Jane Fonda
• Ernest Thompson
• Lois Nettleton
• Chuck McCann
• Norman Lear
• Joe Allen
• Frank Bonner
• Loni Anderson
• Stacy Keach
• Tootsie Bess
• Dolly Parton
• Lesley Visser
• Rick Dees
• Dick Ferguson
• Roy Scheider
• Gene Hackman

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Steven Portnoy about:

1. His young life in South Brunswick, NJ, and the news legends who inspired him
2. His involvement in college radio at Syracuse University, then landing roles at local TV and radio stations
3. Reporting on major events including 9/11, the war in Afghanistan, and Hurricane Katrina
4. Getting selected for the prestigious ABC News White House Internship and moving to D.C.
5. Working his way to network news and becoming a credentialed White House correspondent and a brief history of White House press coverage
6. How he became president of the White House Correspondents’ Association while covering the Trump and Biden presidencies for CBS, and why he decided to return to ABC
7. Winning an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of Osama Bin Laden’s death
8. His greatest stories from Air Force One and beyond
9. Being selected for the LABF’s Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award and the importance of preserving broadcast materials
10. Advice to aspiring journalists and the necessity of working across platforms

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: With more than two decades of experience reporting from Washington, Steven Portnoy is one of America’s preeminent audio storytellers. From every major dateline in D.C., he has brought listeners to presidential inaugurals, congressional debates, State of the Union addresses and Supreme Court oral arguments. A past president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Portnoy spent seven years covering the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations from the second row of the White House briefing room. Portnoy returned to ABC News — where he began his career – in 2023 after more than eight years at CBS News, where he served as a congressional correspondent before reporting from the White House.

At CBS, Portnoy was part of the team that broke the news of the prisoner swap that resulted in Brittney Griner’s safe return. He also covered the criminal trials involving former President Trump. In the spring of 2023, Portnoy reported extensively on the murder of a legendary broadcaster for the three-hour network CBS radio documentary,

“Who Killed George Polk?” 

Portnoy has vast experience covering national politics, having reported for ABC through the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and for CBS in 2016 and 2020. His reporting has won both networks Edward R. Murrow awards for breaking news, continuing coverage and overall excellence. Portnoy is an accomplished live broadcaster. He was on the air for more than eight hours on January 6th, anchoring CBS News Radio’s award-winning live coverage of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He served as CBS News Radio’s election night anchor in 2020. He anchored ABC Radio’s coverage of the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Steven Portnoy first joined ABC in 2002, as an intern for the White House unit of World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. A year later, he joined ABC-owned station WMAL-AM in Washington, where he reported on local news. In 2006, Portnoy joined ABC News as a correspondent.

In 2008, Portnoy was named a Peter Jennings Fellow by the National Constitution Center. He was honored with the Bayliss Horizon Award by the John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation in 2005 and took first place in the radio competition at the Hearst Broadcast News Championships in 2001.

While he was a student at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Portnoy produced television newscasts at WIXT-TV (now WSYR-TV) and WSTM-TV and reported for WSYR-AM.

He lives in Washington with his husband, Ryan.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Doug Limerick
• Anne Compton
• Vic Ratner
• Peter Mayer
• Mark Knoller
• Harley Carnes
• Deborah Rodriguez
• Paul Harvey
• Peter Jennings
• Howard Stern
• Jonathan Wolfert
• John Bascom
• Bettina Gregory
• David Muir
• Jeff Glor
• Jerry Falwell
• Tara Howard
• Aaron Kutursky
• Ed Bliss
• Walter Cronkite
• Ed Murrow
• Mervyn Block
• Elizabeth Vargas
• Vija Udenans
• Robin Sproul
• John Matthews
• Chris Berry
• Wayne Cabot
• Chris Quimby
• Scott Herman
• Steve Jones
• Rick Dees
• Pam Coulter
• John Charles Daley
• Harvey Nagler
• Mark Knoller
• Gwen Ifill
• Lesley Visser
• David Muir
• David Gleason
• George Polk
• Ed Bradley
• Craig Swagler
• Matt Shearer

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Tim Dukes about:

1. Growing up in Louisville, KY, and the host who inspired him to work in radio
2. Exaggerating his credentials to get his first radio job at Y107
3. How his mentors taught and supported him throughout his career
4. Moving to Tampa and helping to build the Power Pig brand
5. Transitioning to PD in Louisville, Cincinnati, and San Diego
6. Navigating Jacor’s sale to Clear Channel and joining Emmis
7. Why leading with creativity makes for great radio
8. Reevaluating his career and transitioning to nonprofit radio in Dallas
9.  How he became President of Hope Media Group
10. How he gives back to the community

-And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Tim Dukes spent 24 years in secular media and markets that include Chicago, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa before answering God’s call to vocational ministry in 2011. He joined WayFM as General Manager of its new station in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2015 and added regional responsibility in 2019 for Way Media properties in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana. In 2020, Tim was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and added interim CEO responsibilities a year later. When Way Media and Hope Media Group merged in May 2022, he became the new organization’s COO, and assumed the role of President in August 2024. Tim and his wife Susan were married in 1989 and live in Dallas, as does their adult daughter, Macy.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Art Vuolo
• Gary Burbank
• Mark Chase
• Tom Steele
• Jason Pullman
• Scott Shannon
• Coyote McLeod
• Rhett Walker
• Bo Wood
• Randy Michaels
• Jack Evans
• Gary Edens
• John Anthony
• BJ Harris
• Jeff Kapugi
• Dave Mann
• Jeff Lawrence
• Don Carpenter
• Jack Harris
• Mike Albl
• Tom Owens
• Brad Hardin
• Carolyn Gilbert
• Vin Scully
• Jeff and Jer
• Greg Summs
• Tracy Johnson
• Jagger and Christie
• Booby Lawrence
• Rick Dees
• Jean Romano
• Bill Pugh
• Jeff Smulyan
• Rick Cummings
• Pat McDonald
• Mike Stern
• Jimmy Steel
• Jonathan Brandmeier
• Sam Zell
• Sean Compton
• Mike O'Connor
• Frank Reed
• Joe Paulo

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Deborah Parenti about:

1. Falling in love with radio as a child growing up in Dayton, Ohio
2. Moving to LA to help syndicate Wolfman Jack
3. How she overcame her shyness and learned to put herself out there and go for it
4. The value of marketing and research in radio and the importance of knowing where statistics come from
5. Overcoming gender discrimination and how she was held back by some and supported by many others
6. Becoming the first female GM in Dayton, and how she climbed up the sales ladder
7. What makes for a strong company culture and good teams, and the importance of community
8. Moving to Philadelphia and the challenges of being a leader in a larger market
9. Putting together the Hispanic Radio Conference and Forecast, then publishing RadioInk
10. Her advice for future radio professionals

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Radio Ink President and Publisher Deborah Parenti is a distinguished executive in the radio industry, having held roles in marketing and research and sales prior to several management positions. Later in her career, she assumed the Publisher role of Radio Ink and Radio + Television Business Report, two influential industry publications. Deborah’s career including years of success in both Dayton, OH, and Louisville, KY, working with WING-AM and WWSN-FM and WDJX -FM. She became the first female General Manager in Dayton, overseeing WMMX-FM’s success with both ratings and revenue. She went on to become the VP/GM of American Radio Systems group of stations in Dayton, one of the first managers of a consolidated group of radio stations in a single market. In 1997, she joined Broadcast Group in Philadelphia to become VP/GM of WXTU-FM, a premier country-formatted station.

A decade later, Deborah Parenti joined Streamline Publishing in 2007. Her accomplishments are many, including leading Radio Ink’s editorial and management staff to recognize radio industry leadership in management, sales and programming in a variety of formats and management genres. The expanse and influence of the set of publications has allowed the industry a forum for conversations at multiple annual meetings organized by the publication to further the industry’s evolution of new programming, new technology and more.

Deborah’s efforts and industry impact have been recognized by the Broadcast Foundation of America and the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame, among others. In 2023, Deborah Parenti was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Ray Spar
• Wolfman Jack
• Chris Forgy
• Glenn Bell
• Michael J. Fox
• Jim Bennett
• Maddie Shriver
• Pierre Bouvard
• Bill Burton
• Steve Dodge
• Eric Rhodes
• Alan Gray
• Bill Campbell
• Chris Sheeble
• Brad Fuhr
• Steve Dodge
• Dave Perlman
• Tom Stoner
• Glen Bell
• Avis Eckel
• Garth Brooks
• Trisha Yearwood
• Mike McVay
• Pat Paxton
• Frank Sinatra
• Steve Lawrence
• Piolin
• Shoboy
• Ed Krampf
• Jim Carnegie
• Adam Jacobson

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about:

• Fostering a culture of being dedicated to local markets and being a great place to work
• The importance of talented, hardworking, enthusiastic people, and commitment to community
• Prioritizing needs as a leader
• Planning for the long-term growth vs. short term decisions
• Whether there will be more acquisitions in the future
• How radio groups can become the premier local media and marketing companies
• His advice for the next generation in media

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO, Jeff Warshaw is a lifelong broadcaster. He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993 Jeff founded Connoisseur Communications Partners LP, a 39 station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258M. In 2004 Jeff formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in 5 markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry wide for his outspoken candor, Jeff’s spirit of innovation and long held principles of integrity, accountability and improvement remain core values of the company and guide its team members. Jeff serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Executive Committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is Chairman of the Nielsen Audio Advisory Council.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Eric Bellum
• Erica Farber
• Mike McVay
• John Rosso
• Pierre Bouvard
• Jeff Smulyan
• Anna and Raven
• Ed Christian
• Peter Kozan
• Bill Wilson
• Erik Hellum
• Chris Forgy

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Otto about:

1. Growing up in Cuba where his Dad was a chief engineer for Cuba's television network CMQ
2. The heroic sacrifices his parents made to escape Cuba and bring family to Miami via Spain
3. His Uncle Omar’s influence on him and U.S. Hispanic media in the U.S.
4. Serving as an Airborne Ranger and then a Green Beret during Desert Storm
5. What his military experience taught him about leadership
6. How programming Telemundo taught him to be bold and take risks
7. Leaving his head of programming role at Univision to be deployed in Iraq
8. Saving KDAY and how he fell in love with radio

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Otto Padron is the former President and CEO of Meruelo Media and made it the fastest growing Minority owned Media Company in California. Otto’s mass media experience and leadership has been the instrumental vision powering Meruelo Media into an industry trailblazing organization. As such, there is no U.S. based minority owned and operated media company with the platform diversity, reach and execution of Meruelo Media.

Otto conceived, shaped, formed, and operated the most diverse Super Cluster in the Nation with a carefully curated and culturally unique multi-lingual collection of brands under one flag – Meruelo Media, Los Angeles. As such, this distinct organization is one of the fastest and strongest growing media companies in the Nation with six key broadcast properties serving the Greater Los Angeles area. Its broadcast portfolio holds some of the most legendary brands in the U.S. The oldest independent Spanish language TV station in the U.S., KWHY-TV 22 celebrating a 35-year broadcasting legacy with its combo full power sister station, KBEH-TV 63. These institutional properties are joined by heritage rock station KLOS 95.5 FM super serving SOCAL for over 50-years, coupled with the legendary KDAY 93.5 FM commemorating 40- years as the first U.S. commercial radio station to play Hip-Hop which is now joined by the iconic tastemaker rhythmic FM stations in the Nation – Power 106; the super cluster is capped by the new KLLI “CALI” 93.9 FM playing the hottest Spanish Language hits. All these iconic brands offer a deep and multiprong digital strategy to engage multimedia users at all relevant touchpoints. Such is the case for Power106 and its near 2 Million YouTube subscribers. In 2014, Otto led the design and construction of the new Meruelo Media Los Angeles multimillion-dollar Broadcast and Studio Center (www.meruelostudios.com) now home to FOX Television’s African American OTT/Streaming service – FOX Soul. As a widely respected and award-winning content creator, Otto brings a unique combination of revenue generation coupled with a well footed and pragmatic production approach that drives creative innovation at every phase of execution.

As a young Cuban immigrant growing up in the US, Otto formed a passionate bond with mass media thanks in great part to his father, a broadcast engineer in the then nascent Spanish language network, Univision. Many years later, Otto would serve as the Senior Vice President of Programming at Univision leading the network’s content strategy in setting viewing records and establishing itself as one of America’s most watched TV Networks – regardless of language! Otto is the only executive to have successfully headed programming for both major U.S. Spanish language networks, Univision and Telemundo. His unique media background brings a rich perspective and matchless insight of the Latino viewer profile, content, and cultural preferences to any operation. As a shaping member of these powerhouse brands, Otto skillfully blended solution-based content ideas with a value-oriented production management style driven by bottom-line results. During his +20-years programming these competitive networks, Otto developed a keen understanding of relevant entertainment/information formats and has established a reputation for delivering winning results through relevant and compelling editorial, production excellence and flawless execution.

During his nearly 15-year tenure at Univision, Otto assumed various positions of growing responsibility culminating as Senior VP, Programming and Promotions. He directly managed all domestic entertainment productions, operations, on-air promotions and key positioning and branding strategies. He was responsible for the development and launch of many of the programs that continue on-air today. Overall, he was responsible for the management of an annual content budget of over $500 million and supervised a team of more than 300 employees. Moreover, he managed all programing aspects of the content agreements with Televisa (Mexico), Venevision (Venezuela) and RCN (Colombia), as well as the network’s general entertainment domestic U.S. productions. 

Otto is a Retired Colonel with 38 years of distinguished military service. He was commissioned as an Infantry officer and began his military career in the Special Operations Command serving as an Airborne Ranger in the legendary 75th Ranger Regiment. His career continued with assignments in some of the most demanding active-duty units in the U.S. Army. He retired in 2022 as the Deputy Division Commander of the 91st Training Division in Fort Hunter-Liggett, California. For his numerous military achievements, Otto was a featured Soldier in a U.S. Army Strong campaign as one of America’s top Latino leaders. COL Padron (Ret) most notable awards are the Bronze Star Medal; Legion of Merit; the coveted Ranger tab; Pathfinder Badge; Master Parachutist Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge for valorous service under enemy fire. (Army Campaign – click). Today Otto continues to serve as an Army Ambassador, a title that carries the protocol rank of a 2-Star General. 

Otto is the Vice Chair of the world-famous Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame committee. He also sits on various boards and commissions in the SOCAL region with an emphasis on increasing minority voices, academic resources, and access for hard- to-reach communities. As such, Otto was a key member of the FCC Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CDEC) bringing a minority and veteran perspective to the FCC council. 

He is married to Mexican actress, Angelica Vale and has four children. Otto is a distinguished master’s program graduate from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and is a Worlds Ahead Graduate of Florida International University’s Chapman School of Business with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Otto is a Hurricane who proudly holds a double Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Communications and Economics from the University of Miami, Coral Gables – his alma mater.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Omar Marchant
• Rick Dees
• Steve Jones
• Dr Gruber
• Colin Powell
• Jerry 1:29
• Ray Rodriguez
• Cynthia Hudson
• Carlos Vives
• Manny Martinez
• Fernando Gaitán
• Raul De Melina
• Selena
• Jerry Perenchio
• Haim Saban
• Alex Meruelo
• Jeff Smulyan
• Angélica Vale
• Rick Summings
• Pio Ferro

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chris Forgy about:

1. Growing up in Dayton, OH, and visiting the radio stations where his dad worked
2. How mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth and the importance of support systems
3. Why he tries to be unlike other CEOs and the value of authenticity in leadership
4. Getting started in sales and learning to handle rejection while shattering sales records
5. Why protecting the brand is crucial in radio
6. Becoming a GM and preaching deliberate and purposeful actions
7. Getting surprised with an offer to lead Saga and leading the company responsibly, while avoiding debt Radio’s role in the digital landscape and his advice for the future
    

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Chris Forgy began his broadcast career in 1980, serving in sales and management positions before joining Saga in 1996. He initially served as Director of Sales for Saga’s Columbus Radio Group. In 2006 he left Saga to join Urban One as President and General Manager of their stations in Cleveland, OH. In 2011, he returned to Saga as President and General Manager of the Columbus Radio Group. Subsequently, he joined Saga’s corporate management team in 2018 as Senior Vice President/Operations where he oversaw the operations of all of Saga’s stations. Following the passing of Ed Christian, Saga’s founder, President, CEO and Chairman in 2022, Forgy was named President and CEO becoming only the second President and CEO in the company’s history.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• John King
• Steve Kirk
• Terry Dorsey
• Deborah Parenti
• Dave Marshall
• Alan Gray
• Tom Stewart
• Terry Dorsey
• Ron Chapman
• Tom Joyner
• Nancy Bates
• Dan Halliburton
• Larry Grogan
• Rich Allen
• Ed Christian
• Zemira Jones
• John Rivers
• Jeff Wilkes
• Al Fetch
• Chuck Knight
• Warren Lada
• Marcia Lobaito
• Tim Cook
• Sam Bush
• David Field

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chet Buchanan about:

1. Getting his start volunteering to wash cars at KRKO in Everett, Washington, before debuting on air at 16.
2. His hustle mentality and how it’s helped him stand out
3. Bouncing Z100 in Portland, The KUBE in Seattle, and Phoenix
4. Becoming a programmer and a morning show host in Salt Lake City
5. The on-air mistake that made the station change the locks on him and forced him to quit
6. Getting involved in pro sports making a mix for the Seahawks before becoming a PA announcer for the Vegas Aces and Seattle Kraken
7. The importance of apologizing and owning up to your mistakes
8. His work started the world's largest single-location toy drive in Las Vegas
9. His thoughts on the future of radio and advice for young people

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Chet Buchanan is the host and creator of 98.5 KLUC’s The Chet Buchanan Show! Since its inception in 1999, it has consistently been one of the highest rated and most beloved radio shows in Las Vegas. In addition to anchoring the morning show, for which he was named “Best of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Chet can be seen just about everywhere around town.

Many Las Vegans know Chet from his work on the court at UNLV Runnin’ Rebel Basketball games, appearing as a frequent contributor on Fox 5, or holding down a packed schedule hosting multiple corporate, civic, and charity events.

Chet is also the brains behind the annual Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive, where he lives and broadcasts live on top of 30 foot scaffolding for 12 days straight to raise toys for thousands of Las Vegas children. Since its inception, the 98.5 KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive has grown to become recognized as “The World’s Largest Single Location Toy Drive.”

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Scott Herman
• John Maynard
• Pam Thompson
• Robert O'Brien
• Bob Case
• Sean Lynch
• Jeff King
• Ken Benson
• Gary Bryant
• Johnny Edwards
• Rich Patterson
• Bill Lee
• Rick Dees
• Rachel Donahue
• Commander Chuck
• Paul Anderson
• Bob Rivers
• Tom Huttler
• Bruce Kelly
• Kevin Rider
• Gene Baxter
• Jerry Clifton
• Colleen Cassidy
• John Murphy
• Billy Hayes
• Scott Thrower
• Dan Clark
• Stacy Lynn
• Eric Edwards
• Tom Shane
• Chuck Field
• JB King
• Joel Denver
• Mike Preston
• Lori Bradley
• Kent Allen
• The T-Man
• Cat Thomas
• Jack Evans
• Dave Ryan
• Ryan Seacrest
• Mojo
• Charlie Tuna
• Chris Abbott
• Michael Hayes
• Ebro
• Tony Coles

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paige Nienaber about:

1. Braving blizzards while growing up and working in the Twin Cities
2. Starting his radio career at Pepperdine University then landing at KGON.
3. Learning that radio is supposed to be fun while doing promotions back in Minneapolis
4. His unconventional method for applying to jobs
5. Learning to do promotions on a budget as the director of “Fun and Games” at WCKZ in Charlotte
6. Recovering from a heart attack while rebranding Wild in as the Minister of Good Times in San Francisco.
7. Messing with competitors including cancelling the alcohol at their christmas party
8. Creating CPR with Jerry Clifton and becoming a consultant
9. How to be the person that everybody remembers

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paige Nienaber consults over 100 radio stations as VP of Fun and Games for CPR Promotions. In addition to that, he wrote the weekly Midweek Idea Dump column for All Access, and the monthly stunts column for Morning Mouth. He worked at stations in Portland, Minneapolis, Charlotte, and San Francisco, before finally suckering renowned consultant Jerry Clifton into hiring him to promotionally consult his network of stations.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Gregg Swedberg
• Jeff Smulyan
• Rick Cummings
• Doyle Rose
• Tom Joyner
• Jojo Wright
• Mark Shands
• Dennis Reese
• Jerry Clifton
• Bob Mitchell
• Mancow
• Cliff Berkowitz
• Ben Davis
• Harry Anderson

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to TJ about:

1. Becoming obsessed with radio while growing up in New Jersey and working at his first station, WFDU.
2. Getting to intern at Z100 in New York right out of high school and what he learned at the biggest CHR station in the U.S.
3. Getting to produce and co-host with Elvis Duran and how his production experience translated to on-air success.
4. How Elvis saved his job, inspired him, and taught him the value of positive relationships in broadcasting.
5. Making the leap to launch his own show in Boston on AMP and what the transition was like.
6. The impact of COVID and remote broadcasting on his life, career, and the radio industry.
7. Finding strength in faith and humor after being laid off.
8. How he built a great team and created his successful syndicated show.
9. His thoughts on the future of radio.

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: ​​TJ was the kid who walked to school with his headphones plugged into his radio. Having discovered morning talk shows as a 13 year old while growing up in Hillsdale, NJ, he became hooked. In high school, he started working in radio as a volunteer.  He held many positions at his first official radio job including answering phones, producing, and eventually becoming a co-host on Elvis Duran’s nationally syndicated radio show.  TJ began hosting his own morning radio show (The TJ Show) in Boston in early 2013.  TJ is married to his wife, Jess.  They have 3 girls and a Labrador retriever named Luna.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Howard Stern
• Scott Shannon
• Jim Kerr
• David Brody
• Elvis Duran
• Tom Pullman
• Mark Cuban
• Sharon Dester
• Danielle Monero
• Rick Dees
• Kidd Kraddick
• Bert Weiss
• Elliot
• Tom Joyner
• Roy Laughlin
• Heather Cohen
• Josh Kolodny
• Dan Mason Jr.
• Nate Marino
• Lauren Ray
• Matt Shearer
• Michael Martin
• Steve Salhaney
• Mark Hannon
• Seth Godin
• Lamont and Tonelli
• Charles Steinhauer
• Scotty Meyers
• John Tesh
• Jhani Kaye
• Dick Clark
• Mark and Kim
• Buddy Shula
• JBo Marie
• Kenny O'Boyle
• Heather Connor
• Josh Malone
• Jeff Smulyan
• Rick Cummings

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to David Junk and Fred Bronson about:

1. Growing up in Ohio during the Cold War and listening to rock radio to distract from fears of nuclear war.
2. Traveling to Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall to see Pink Floyd and being inspired by the onset of capitalism to move to Russia.
3. Moving to Moscow and gaining the trust of his Russian coworkers while working at a diamond company.
4. Facing investigation by Russian prosecutors for years for a crime he didn’t commit.
5. Getting his start in the Russian music industry where he witnessed rampant piracy and a lack of copyright protection. Going from accountant to CEO of Universal Music in Russia.
6. Discovering and signing Russian acts like t.A.T.u and Alsou and helping them gain global recognition.
7. Helping Alsou place second at Eurovision and tour Russia and America.
8. Introducing Eminem to Russia and his influence on the hip-hop scene there.
9. The current political situation in Russia, including the invasion of Crimea and the war in Ukraine

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: After the fall of the Soviet Union, David Junk was one of the first idealistic young Americans to move to Russia to live, work and build a cultural bridge between former superpower enemies. He eventually became the first CEO of Universal Music, based in Moscow. For a decade, he promoted international artists in Russia, including such huge names as Elton John, U2, Sting, and Bon Jovi. He introduced hip-hop music to Russian youth. David also discovered and signed multiple Russian artists to Universal, including t.A.T.u, who would become the biggest-selling Russian act in music industry history. David also did some things that no other music executive in the United States has ever done. Music piracy in Russia was rampant, and the market for cheap, counterfeit compact discs was so pervasive that it threatened the legitimate Russian music industry's ability to gain a foothold. So on behalf of Universal's stable of artists and the Russian music industry, he participated in law enforcement raids of pirate factories and testified in court against the criminal gangs who operated them. David has been extensively interviewed about this subject on television, radio, and print and wrote an editorial about it that appeared in the Wall Street Journal. He also wrote about it for the American Chamber of Commerce and submitted written testimony to the US Congress on the topic of piracy and intellectual property rights in Russia.

David is an authority on this topic because of his deep understanding of Russia. He lived and worked there for fifteen years, and raised a family in Moscow. In addition to starting the record label in Moscow, David opened the first showroom in Russia for the iconic American brand Gibson Guitars. David has extensive knowledge of Russian-Ukrainian relations, having opened the first Universal Music office in Kyiv and having developed music reality shows for Ukrainian TV.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Boris Yeltsin
• Roger Waters
• Mikhail Gorbachev
• Elton John
• Bon Jovi
• Malcolm McLaren
• Julian Lena
• Jimmy Iovine
• Trevor Horn
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Alsou
• Steve Levine
• Simon Napier Bell
• Britney Spears
• Enrique Iglesias
• Julio Iglesias
• Rihanna
• Lear Cohen
• Jay-Z
• Donald Trump
• Edgar Bronfman
• Eminem
• Snoop Dogg
• Dr. Dre

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roker will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Al Roker about:

1. Growing up in Queens with an early fascination with broadcasting 
2. How his stops in Washington, DC, Cleveland, and NYC shaped his experience
3. The importance of being yourself in broadcasting and showing your personality
4. Transitioning from local news to national broadcasting with NBC and The Today Show.
5. Creating Al Roker Entertainment and producing a variety of content across multiple networks and his current animated project
6. The central role of family in his life and how it influences his writing and cooking
7. How he and his wife, Deborah Roberts, support each other's broadcasting careers
8. What it’s like to broadcast major events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
9. The significance of hard work and his advice for aspiring broadcasters

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Al Roker is an institution. As the weatherman on NBC’s TODAY Show and co-anchor of the 3rd Hour of TODAY 3rd Hour of TODAY, presenting universally resonating lifestyle segments, Al has the undivided attention of the nation – over 30 million viewers per week – every weekday morning as America prepares for school and work.

Spanning more than 40 years on TV and 14 Emmy awards, Al conducts interviews with celebrities and newsmakers around the world and does a wide variety of segments on every imaginable subject.  According to a The Hollywood Reporter/Morning Consult Poll (2024), Al is the most trusted morning show anchor in America. You can also catch Al Roker on TODAY.com/allday and on Off The Rails on TODAY Show Radio, Channel 108 on SiriusXM radio.

As an award-winning television producer and CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. (ARE) Al has executive produced numerous TV programs for network, cable, digital, and streaming channels. Not only will you find an Al Roker-produced TV show on your favorite channel, Al Roker Entertainment also produces trusted social impact video content, commercials, and branded entertainment for a wide array of sponsors and non-profits.

Al is also a prolific author with 13 acclaimed books to his credit – from cookbooks to true life historical narratives, and his book, “You Look So Much Better In Person – True Stories Of Absurdity and Success” is a humorous and highly personal collection of essays based on lessons for living a happy life and achieving success through the power of saying “yes!”“ Al’s mystery novel, “The Morning Show Murders” (Book 1 of his popular Billy Blessing multi-book mystery series with Dick Lochte) was developed into a successful TV mini-series for Hallmark Movies.

Recently, “America’s Weatherman” added his name to the long and notable list of TED speakers when he talked to the TED Countdown Summit in Detroit, Michigan about the knock-on effects of extreme weather due to climate change.

As an avid social media contributor, Al regularly tweets on X @AlRoker, shares photos from his travels (and his amazing cooking) on Instagram, and talks with his audience on Facebook. He also has a book page on Facebook for fans of his writing.

Al lives in New York City with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, and has three kids.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Willard Scott
• Merv Griffin
• Dennis Kucinich
• Mike McVay
• Chris Ostrovsky
• Bob Davis
• Frank Field
• Chuck Scarborough
• Sue Simmons
• Jack Cafferty
• Pat Harper
• Marv Albert
• Sue Levine
• Don Pardo
• Bryant Gumbel
• Jane Pauley
• Tom Joyner
• Holly Robinson Peete
• Levar Burton
• Sheryl Lee Ralph
• Courtney Roker Laga
• Nick Roker
• Tom Papa
• Stephen A. Smith
• Wendy McMahan
• Patsy Smullin
• Steve Jones
• Wendy McMahon
• Deborah Roberts
• Lou O'Donnell

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smullin will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Patsy Smullin about:

1. Growing up in Eureka, California and how her the influence of her father, legendary broadcaster Bill Smullin, shaped her career path.
2. Working in just about every facet of cable TV until she began running cable operations throughout Oregon and California
3. The value of every single subscriber and doing whatever it takes to make them happy
4. Her belief in fair, unbiased journalism, and giving her reporters autonomy
5. Joining KOBI and starting her interview series Up Close and Personal where she helped viewers get to know interviewees as peopel
6. Taking over her father’s company and her expectations as his daughter
7. Serving on the NAB and NBC boards
8. importance of community service and philanthropy and the organizations she supports including SMART and Community 101

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Patsy Smullin is the owner and President of California Oregon Broadcasting, the longest, continuously operated, independent broadcast organization in the West. Its holdings include five television stations serving California and Oregon, three cable systems and a digital HD video production company.

Over the years, Patsy’s commitment to community is evident every day personally and through her TV stations.  She has consistently given back to the communities her broadcast company serve. She has been an active member of the NBC Affiliate Board, National Association of Broadcasters Board, The World Affairs Council of Oregon, Oregon Children’s Foundation, Southern Oregon University Board and Willamette University Board.

Two of her “hands on” favorites are being a SMART reader and Community 101 supporter, which teach children philanthropy at a really young age. 

She has been recognized with countless awards including the 2007 National Broadcasters Foundation Pioneer Award and the 2008 Oregon Association of Broadcaster’s Tom McCall Award for outstanding service to the state and to the nation and most recently the Governor’s Gold Award for service to Oregon. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Hillary Clinton
• Lester Holt
• Jay Leno
• Jeff Zucker
• Walter Cronkite
• Scott Burton
• Bill Smullin
• JFK
• Bibby Kennedy
• Ronald Reagan
• Ted Turner
• John Malone
• Tom Brokaw
• Barbara Bush
• Dick Clark
• Hillary Clinton
• Elizabeth Dole
• Wayne Newton
• Dr. Oz
• Dr. Phil
• Barbara Walters
• Jeff Zucker
• Lester Holt
• Oak Ridge Boys
• Jenna Bush
• Curtis LeGeyt
• Brandon Tartikoff
• Laura Bush
• Al Roker
• Mike McVay
• Steve Jones
• Rupert Murdoch
• Ted Turner

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McVay will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mike McVay about:

1. Growing up outside of Pittsburgh in a railroad family and deciding to do radio from an early age
2. Getting his first gig at WHJB at 15 then dropping out of college and moving to West Virginia to become a program director
3. His desire for career growth and to control his own destiny and how that attracted him to programming
4. Jumping around to several cities and stations before landing in LA where he was surrounded by legendary air talent whom he learned from
5. Bouncing around more and becoming a station manager and GM
6. Having a supportive wife and family who allowed them to move around but also supported him and founded McVay Media with him along with Charlie Cook
7. The explosive success of McVay Media and recruiting top consultants to handle over 200 stations eventually growing to over 25 employees worldwide
8. Buying his first radio station and the stress of owning multiple stations
9. Joining Cumulus Media and Westwood One as EVP of Content and Programming and advising over 500 stations
10. How he reacted to management shakeups, the evolution of Cumulus, and stepping away to focus back on McVay Media which became a family affair
11. The many industry organizations he is a part of, including the Country Radio Broadcasters Board, Alliance for Women in Media Board, and the Radio Committee for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Research Center
12. The importance of professionalism, personal happiness, and giving back, and being a good person

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Mike McVay is President of McVay Media Consulting. Working globally as a full-service consultant in the areas of Content Creation, Program Consultation, Syndication, Digital Delivery, Production & Imaging, Podcasting, Talent Coaching, and Media Training. He was most recently the Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One.

McVay is a 40+ year programmer with national and local management, ownership, sales, major market programming, and major market on-air experience. Mike has owned and operated radio stations in multiple markets. He is a partner in Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Network with experience in curating Podcasts for Westwood One, NatGeo and Disney+. He has also developed and launched several highly successful nationally syndicated programs.

He is a 2021 Inductee to the West Virginia Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, The Country Radio Broadcasters, the Radio Committee for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Research Center, and is a voting member of the Country Music Association as well as The Academy of Country Music.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Donny Osmund
• John Sally
• Jim Brickman
• Doug Stefan
• Mark McGrath
• Stephen A Smith
• Soledad O’Brien
• Jean Chatsky
• Cowboy Phil
• Ed Saloman
• Bob Pittman
• John Rook
• Charlie Cook
• Jimmy Fox
• Rich Brother Robin
• Jack Armstrong
• Don Steele
• Machine Gun Kelly
• Nancy Plum
• Joe Nasty
• Dave Sebastian
• Charlie Tuna
• Barbara Streisand
• Gene Simmons
• Brooke Shields
• Stephen Bishop
• George Burns
• George Francis
• Tom Wilson
• Bernie Ditman
• Doris McVay
• Jim and Tom Imbrescia
• Larry Robinson
• Larry Pollack
• Terry Jacobs
• Lou Dickey
• John Pinch
• Jim West
• George and Reg
• Jay Albright
• Bob Moody
• Jerry King
• Harv Blaine
• Chris Elliott
• Val Garis
• Greg Galepsy
• Jan Jeffries
• Dwight Douglas
• Holland Cook
• Jim Glass
• Bob McNeil
• Daniel Anstandig
• Sue Wilson
• Jim Long
• David Rogerson
• Chris Burns
• Steve Smith
• Barry Gerber
• Chesley Maddox
• Kent Burkhardt
• Lee Abrams
• Greg Gillespie
• Dave Lang
• John Tesh
• Tom Pullman
• Justin Chase
• Greg Strassel
• Mary Berner
• Bob Walker
• Dave Milner
• Brian Phillips
• Ryan Kershner
• Jai Kershner
• Nikki Lanigan
• Jimmy Lanigan
• Bing Crosby
• Walter Cronkite
• Al Roker
• Christine Baranski
• Steve Jones
• Chris Forgy
• Jason Bailey

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jones will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Steve Jones about:

1. Growing up in Flushing, Queens, and getting involved in journalism and true crime at a young age while listening to police scanners
2. Calling nightclubs as an intern at WPIX and doing mornings at WLIR after several station flips
3. Joining ABC radio, the challenges of working at a national news network, and the acquisition of ABC by Disney
4. The transition from ABC News to Skyview Networks
5. Navigating the changing news industry
6. The importance of supporting independent content creators
7. The Impact of journalism in today's media landscape
8. The value of mentors and the life-changing work of the Broadcasters Foundation of America

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: As President and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Networks, Steve Jones is responsible with leading Skyview’s growth as a sales and technology company serving the broadcast radio and digital audio industries. Since joining Skyview Networks in April 2019.  Jones has led Skyview’s expansion from 5,000 radio station relationships to more than 12,500.  These new business relationships range across news, weather, sports and music programming heard by millions of listeners who are prized by America’s top advertisers.

Previously, at The Walt Disney Company, Jones served as Vice President and General Manager for ABC Radio leading strategic planning, business development, programming and operations for ABC-branded audio content—covering news, entertainment, lifestyle and sports. During this period, ABC News Radio received dozens of awards for excellence in journalism and was the most listened to commercial radio service in America. With Jones in this role, Disney/ABC entered into a partnership with Skyview Networks in 2014 to create a stand-alone audio business for ABC News.

Jones first joined ABC News as a writer in 1986 and was an early digital leader as Vice President of Programming and Operations for ABCNEWS.com, where he oversaw all content and production. During this time, Jones launched the first regularly scheduled webcast by a network, oversaw the launch of interactive web programming and co-produced ABC’s online millennium coverage along with other special event programming. Under Jones’ leadership, the ABCNEWS.com team won multiple awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award for “Best Network News” website and a Peabody Award for ABCNEWS.com’s coverage of the 2001 terror attacks. Before his many roles inside ABC, Jones also worked as a radio newscaster, disc jockey, and television reporter.

Throughout his career, Jones has been honored with multiple awards and recognized for his accomplishments. As a writer and producer for ABC News, his work won two Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards and an Overseas Press Club Award. Additionally, he has been included on Radio Ink’s annual “40 Most Powerful” broadcast executives list (2017, 2018, 2023), named “News Executive of the Year” twice by Radio & Records (2005, 2007), received the Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America (2017) and the First Amendment Service Award from the Radio Television News Directors Foundation (2017).

Jones is a 2010 Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Fellow in the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program and often speaks about media strategy for the audio business. He is on the Board of Directors for the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is on the Board of Trustees at Adelphi University, from which he possesses an undergraduate degree.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Andrew Kalb
• Peter Jennings
• Lacey Peterson
• John Ogle
• Alex Hayes
• Hilly Crystal
• Mark Simone
• Rush Limbaugh
• Sean Hannity
• Alan Combs
• Ray White
• Dennis McNamara
• Jim Kerr
• Meg Griffin
• Vin Scelsa
• Dennis McNamara
• Joan Jett
• Billy Idol
• Kurt Loder
• Ben Manila
• Larry the Duck
• Seymour Stein
• Howard Stern
• Nancy Abramson
• Bob Waugh
• Donna Donna
• Mel Karmazin
• Fareed Suleiman
• Jay Thomas
• Robin Williams
• Chip Cipolla
• Robin Quivers
• Gary Delabate
• Pat Evans
• Tim McCarthy
• Scott Herman
• Merrilee Cox

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Curtis LeGeyt about:

1. How his passion for journalism, public service and politics led him to Cornell University Law School and Capitol Hill
2. His experience working on the Obama Campaign and the Senate Judiciary Committee
3. The value of over-preparation and confidence in your work
4. Becoming President and CEO of NAB
5. NAB's advocacy efforts, including coordinating with local stations, policymakers and the public to ensure the availability and quality of broadcast programming
6. The challenges and rewards of bipartisan collaboration
7. The unique environment of Washington, D.C.
8. His advice for young people interested in a career in broadcasting and his thoughts on the future

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: 
Curtis LeGeyt is the president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. In this role, he serves as the chief advocate for America’s free, local television and radio stations and their network partners. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the association before assuming his current role in January 2022. LeGeyt also served as the executive vice president, Government Relations, from 2015-2020.

As president and CEO, LeGeyt is leading NAB’s charge for policies and innovations that enable the availability of high-quality local broadcast programming to all consumers. He and his team successfully advocate for policies that level the playing field between local stations and Big Tech companies, prevent harmful new regulations that hinder broadcasters’ ability to serve their communities, and promote the vital and trusted local journalism broadcasters provide.

LeGeyt has been featured in Washingtonian magazine as one of Washington, D.C.’s 500 most influential people, named “Radio Executive of the Year” by Radio Ink magazine and as a top lobbyist by The Hill newspaper. LeGeyt is also a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, which brings together trade association CEOs to build partnerships and discuss issues facing their industries.

Prior to joining NAB in 2011, LeGeyt served as the senior counsel to then-Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (VT), advising the chairman and committee on intellectual property, antitrust and First Amendment issues. Previously, LeGeyt practiced law at Howrey LLP, where he focused on antitrust litigation and merger reviews. LeGeyt began his career as a management consultant for Putnam Associates and worked on the staff of the 2008 Obama for America presidential campaign.

LeGeyt serves on the boards of directors of the NAB Leadership Foundation, the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Tracy’s Kids, a nonprofit helping children with cancer.

He also serves on the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Executive Committee, and is an alumnus of Leadership Music, a Nashville-based program that fosters community and collaboration among music industry leaders.

LeGeyt received his J.D. from Cornell University Law School, and his B.A. from Providence College in quantitative economics where he serves on its National Board of Overseers. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Kacey and their three children.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Barack Obama
• Bob Pittman
• Ted Cruz
• Ed Markey
• Gordon Smith
• Patrick Leahy
• Bernie Sanders
• Mike Johnson
• Scott McCarthy
• Tim McCarthy

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Johnjay Van Es about:

1. Growing up in Arizona and Mexico and his early passion for radio
2. His love for improv and comedy, and joining the Groundlings in L.A.
3. Challenges he’s faced in the workplace and how he manages creative control of the show
4. How his show took off following a shoutout from Rod Stewart
5. Forming a strong partnership with cohost, Rich, and how they worked through conflicts
6. How taking risks and following passion can lead to unexpected opportunities
7. His unique morning routine that involves a trampoline
8. Unforgettable on-air moments from his career
9. His involvement in the Love Up and Love Pup foundations
10.  And more!

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: 
As a child, Johnjay Van Es always dreamed of being on the radio. He applied for an internship at 91X in San Diego in 1990 and eventually started working in sales for a number of radio stations, but he never let go of his lifelong dream to be on the air.It wasn’t until 1996, after training with the LA-based improv troupe The Groundlings that he would get his first on-air job hosting a morning show on WKRQ in Cincinnati. After just three months on the air, he won the “Best of Cincinnati” award. After years of dominating the market in Cincinnati, Johnjay moved on to Houston, Texas and made his mark in the Country format.

A chance meeting in New Orleans found Rich teaming up with Johnjay. The beginning of The Johnjay and Rich era began in 2001 with their first show airing on KRQQ in Tucson. In 2006, the program moved to KISS-FM in Phoenix, Ariz., and was syndicated in select markets nationwide.

In 2014, the program joined Premiere Networks lineup of nationally syndicated programs. Airing Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 a.m. MT, The Johnjay & Rich Show is a non-stop blend of pop culture, news and events, welcoming a wide range of music artists, news makers and celebrities. Joined on-air by Kyle and Suzette, the show is a special brand of “reality radio,” in which listeners become an engaged and integral part of the program by interacting with the crew via all forms of social media -Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, email and text messaging.The Johnjay & Rich Show is also available on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia's free all-in-one streaming music and live radio service, and www.johnjayandrich.com.

In addition to hosting their daily radio program, Johnjay and Rich remain steadfastly connected to the community via the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable children in our communities, with a primary focus on children living in the foster care system. The foundation’s annual Christmas Wish program provides thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts to deserving families in need during the holiday season. Johnjay and Rich also raised funds for #LoveUp’s sister foundation, #LovePup, by hosting adoption and fundraising events. To date, more than 500 rescue dogs have found forever homes through #LovePup’s ongoing efforts.In addition to serving children and pets, the radio hosts raise thousands of dollars for other worthy causes including disaster relief efforts nationwide.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Rich Berra
• Tracy Johnson
• Jeff and Jer
• Laura Kane
• Little Tommy
• Mike Halloran
• Kurt Warner
• Brenda Warner
• Brian Douglas
• Scott Shannon
• Scott Fisher
• Tim Russert
• Tony Robbins
• Fred Lewis
• Steve Smith
• John Peak
• Mark Costa
• Jimmy Steele
• Smokey Rivers
• Woody
• Bill Claproth
• Mike Marino
• Tommy Kramer
• Dennis Clark
• Bob Pittman
• Rich Bresler
• Elijah Warner
• Larry Fitzgerald
• Jordan Sparks
• Bruce Walton
• Fred Lewis
• Steve Smith
• Kimberly Hunt
• Jim Bryant
• Von Freeman
• Steve West
• Oz
• Larry Fitzgerald

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony recollects his early days in radio, the mentors who shaped his path, and his experiences across various legendary radio stations. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and continuous learning as fundamental to his success. Tony also delves into his work with the Black Information Network (BIN), detailing the innovative approaches taken during its launch amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. He passionately discusses his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, highlighting his commitment to leadership and mentoring.

Here are a few highlights from the episode: 

• Tony Coles reflects on his radio career and success
• A father's tough love and its lifelong impact
• Journey from small market radio to management
• The impact of Dave Robbins on Tony's career
• From Ohio to Fort Wayne
• From small town to big city
• Embracing fear and learning from failure
• Tony’s journey through radio stations and leadership roles
• Transitioning from programming to leadership in radio broadcasting
• His rise from small town to overseeing hundreds of stations
• Balancing priorities and learning in high-stakes leadership
• Launching a news network for the Black community amid challenges
• The importance of mentorship and community engagement in broadcasting

1. Tony Coles

2. Rhona (GM)

3. Dave Robbins

4. Bob Pittman

5. John Sykes

6. Kurt Johnson

7. Matt Martin

8. Brian Olsen

9. Chris Berry

10. Heidi Raphael

11. Darren Davis

12. Jeff Smulyan

13. George Floyd

14. Ed Kranf

15. Steve Rivers

16. Rich Bresler

17. Greg Ashlock

18. Chris Berry

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newberry delves into his early career, recounting tales of entrepreneurial grit and the supportive mentorship he received from industry giants. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of growing Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation and the invaluable lessons from his tenure at NAB, including his relationships with influential figures like Gordon Smith. Listeners gain a deep understanding of the strategic decisions and leadership qualities that have defined Newberry's exceptional career. The episode also explores Q’s groundbreaking work in enhancing listener experiences through visual radio technology, highlighting the future of broadcasting in the era of digital innovation.

Here are a few highlights from the episode: 

• Steve Newberry's journey from small-town radio to industry titan
• Entrepreneurial struggles, family support, and lessons learned
• Building a radio station from scratch in Kentucky
• A partnership with a former governor leads to 35 radio stations
• Lessons learned from managing radio stations in small markets
• Navigating leadership roles and mentorship in the NAB
• Leadership and trust in the broadcasting industry
• From consultant to full-time EVP at NAB navigating political relationships and advocacy in Washington DC
• Managing construction costs and team dynamics
• Transitioning from NAB to CEO of Quu amid COVID-19 challenges
• Enhancing radio ads with visuals for better retention
• The vital role of radio in community safety and healing
• The importance of mentorship and paying it forward
• A tribute to leadership and radio industry excellence

People Mentioned in this Episode

1. Antonin Scalia
2. Bill McElvey
3. Brayton Jones
4. Caroline Beasley
5. Carrie Newberry
6. Charles Warfield
7. Chris Arnellis
8. Chuck Anderson
9. Dale Thornhill
10. Dan Mason
11. David Kennedy
12. Doug Combs
13. Ed Christian
14. Eddie Fritz
15. Freddie Travis
16. Gene Collins
17. Gordon Smith
18. Howard Berman
19. Jack Sander
20. James Newberry
21. Jeff Smulyan
22. Jim Spector
23. Jinny Morris
24. Joe D'Angelo
25. John David
26. John Dilley
27. Lou Dickey
28. Lyle Lovett
29. Mark Mays
30. Mel Carmezon
31. Michael Fiorelli
32. Mike Novak
33. Mitch McConnell
34. Randall Mays
35. Randy Gravlee
36. Russ Withers
37. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
38. Senator Rand Paul

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody:

• Interning with Bruce Walton and falling in love with radio
• Owning your media assets as a talent
• The art of “hunting and gathering”
• Innovating and Managing Radio Disney AM 1240
• Working with Roy Laughlin, Charlie Rahilly, and Chachi at Clear Channel
• Roy Laughlin as his mentor
• Being of service and graciousness in the studio
• Take every rejection and failure as a chance to improve your skills.
• Working together with different skills is important for success.
• Looking for new challenges and chances for growth in all aspects of life.

About this episode’s guest:

Brad Samuel is a seasoned professional in the media industry with rich experience that spans various roles and notable companies. Having started his journey with an internship under the mentorship of the legendary Bruce Walton, Brad has carved a niche for himself in media. His career highlights include managerial positions at Radio Disney, LSM for extra Sports Los Angeles, GSM for KFI, and GM for KYSR 98.7. In San Diego, he served as the Director of Sales for iHeartMedia's eight stations. In 2010, Brad took a significant leap and founded Epic Media, where he consults for diverse sectors including restaurants, casinos, and Fintech, represents media talent and influencers, and advises audio networks and digital agencies.

• People Mentioned:
• Bruce Walton
• Rod Luck
• Scotty Mash
• Mike Stafford
• Roy Laughlin
• Charlie Rahilly
• Randy Michaels
• Roger Hedgecock
• Doctor Laura
• Rush Limbaugh
• David G. Hall
• Greg Ashlock
• John Hogan
• Amy Nzich
• Kathy Begleley
• Rick Dees
• Ryan Seacrest
• Damian Lewis
• Ellen Kay
• Magic Johnson
• Susan Carris
• Debbie Wagner
• R Dub
• Jhani Kaye
• Bob Bollinger
• Tim Cook
• Magic Johnson
• Steve Jobs
• Roy Disney
• Walt Disney
• Bob Bolinger
• Randy Michaels
• Greg Ashlock
• Jamie White
• Danny Bonaduce
• John Kobylt
• Ken Chiampou

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike takes us through his journey from being awe-struck by radio broadcasts at a young age to eventually climbing the ranks of broadcast management and leadership. With stories from his tenure at Neuhoff Communications and the moments that led to his success, we are given a masterclass in career growth and seizing opportunities. The conversation also delves into his vision for the future of radio and the significance of local content engagement. His recent appointment as CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and his intent to enhance the national talent system promises an invigorating era for broadcasters and advertisers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Mike Hulvey recounts his progress from participating in sports broadcasting at a young age to leading major broadcasting operations.
• Coming from a community of successful media personalities 
• Starting out in radio at the same as Dick Van Dyke and Gene Hackman
• Reps Reps Reps 
• The excitement and pressure of becoming the Neuhoff Communication manager without any management experience 
• His story of overcoming dyslexia and honing different learning methods reinforces the power of perseverance and adaptability.
• The transition of Neuhoff Communications' ownership and Mike’s dedication to ensuring its legacy continues with capable hands.
• As the new CEO of the RAB, Mike aims to revitalize future broadcaster engagement and training.
• Emphasizing local content and relationships with advertisers is key to radio's longevity and evolution in the digital age.
• Always say YES to opportunities even when it doesn't make sense 
• Neuhoff Media Sports Media Camp and mentoring young future broadcasters

People Mentioned: 

• Dan Rooney
• Dick Van Dyke 
• Gene Hackman
• Jerry Van Dyke
• Bobby Short 
• Irving Azoff
• Jeff Neuhoff
• Erica Farber 
• Beth Neuhoff
• Steve Wexler 
• Wayne Cornell (Radio Wayne)
• Jim Collins 

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Lyndsey Parker about:

1. Growing up as a valley girl in the San Fernando Valley
2. Her avant-garde clothing style and how her mom supported her expression growing up
3. Exploring the LA music scene and her early music influences including Duran Duran, The Monkees, and The Beatles and later MTV
4. Creating a fanzine and going from interviewing budding music stars to Gene Simmons
5. Working at Launch.com before getting bought by Yahoo where she interviewed many major artists and witnessed innovations in digital music
6. Explore her passion for music and entertainment as a host on the radio host and on AXS TV 
7. Her fascination with reality TV and all things pop culture
8. Writing the book 'Permanent Damage' and getting the opportunity to collaborate with Miss Mercy and share her incredible life story
9. Juggling multiple jobs while working for Yahoo for years

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Lyndsey Parker is an award-winning music journalist. You may know her as the host of WMG’s successful podcast series and Roku television show ‘Totally ’80s,’  longtime music editor at Yahoo Entertainment, or the former host of the SiriusXM radio show ‘Volume West’ with Chad Smith and Davey Havok.

Considered an expert in music and pop culture, she is a She Rocks Awards honoree, a four-time Southern California Journalism Awards winner, and an Online Journalism Award and National A&E Journalism Awards nominee. She is also the co-author of the autobiography of legendary muse and former GTOs member Miss Mercy,Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl, and the author of Careless Memories of Strange Behavior: My Notorious Life as a Duran Duran Fan. 

Additionally, she has served as the managing editor at LAUNCH.com; is a recurring cast member of AXS TV’s The Top Ten Revealed and Music’s Greatest Mysteries; is a regular moderator at the Grammy Museum; and has appeared in Netflix’s The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, A&E’s I Want My MTV, and various other documentaries. She has appeared as a music and reality TV expert on TV shows for numerous major networks, including MTV, CNN, Fox News, VH1′s Behind the Music, Lifetime, Fox 11′s Good Day L.A., CBS’s The Insider and KCAL morning news, and Spectrum News. She has written for NME, Mojo, Elle, MOJO, Rolling Stone, Los Angeles, and Guitar, among other publications. She also lost on Rock & Roll Jeopardy once.

She currently resides in Hollywood with her internet-unfamous cat Pussycow; Nagel, a white snake who has met David Coverdale; piles of records, books, and Hello Kitty and Pac-Man memorabilia; and a vintage television set that is always, always on. Her website, Lyndsanity!, is a catchall for her interviews, podcasts, media appearances, and other adventures she gets up to while obsessing over music and pop culture.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Lady Gaga
• Taylor Swift
• Frank Zappa
• Moon Zappa
• Peter Frampton
• Cindy Lauper
• Alice Cooper
• Steve Martin
• George Burns
• Mickey Dolenz
• Noel Gallagher
• Andy Partridge
• Paul Weller
• Adam Schlesinger
• Rivers Cuomo
• Jeff Stein
• Kevin Godley
• George Harrison
• Frank Sinatra
• Kurt Cobain
• Colleen Fitzpatrick
• Gene Simmons
• Garth Brooks
• Elton John
• Boss Hogg
• John Spencer
• Vivian Westwood
• Cindi Lauper
• Dave Goldberg
• Sheryl Sandberg
• Bob Roback
• Dave DiMartino
• Brett Michaels
• Jay Leno
• Adele
• Amy Winehouse
• Kelly Clarkson
• Gary Clark
• Ian Rogers
• Carrie Underwood
• Adam Lambert
• Leonard Cohen
• Fred Bronson
• Ace Young
• Diana DiGarmo
• Shirley Halpern
• Randy Jackson
• Simon Cowell
• Paula Abdul
• Elvira
• Weird Al
• Ed Begley Jr
• Miss Mercy
• Chuck Berry
• Arthur Lee
• Aubrey Plaza

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Stew Redwine about:

1. Growing up in Kansas City and cold calling producers to build out his network and get involved in film productions
2. Having kids and moving to LA for more on-set opportunities
3. Being in charge of an entire production for Sprint and maxing out credit cards to afford it
4. Working freelance at Oxford Road and the decision to go full-time
5. The process he goes through to pitch clients and help them find the right strategy
6. The difference between performance marketing and brand building
7. Why podcast advertising is so successful
8. The secret to a successful audio or TV ad
9. The Importance of Mnemonics and Sonic Branding
10. His advice for getting into podcasting and creative direction and thoughts on the future of the industry

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: This particular vintage of Redwine has a distinct creative flavor. Bright, complex, and down-to-earthy, an unforgettable blend of performance, brand, advertising history, fun, feels, with a hint of wizardry. Grown in Kansas City on direct response TV sets and professionally advertising aged to perfection in Southern California, Stew's been helping make the ads work at Oxford Road since the early days of podcasting. As an intentional transplants to SoCal, Stew and his family happen to agree with the description in Montalvo’s 1610 novel of California; it’s located most closely to Earthly Paradise. From the beaches, to hikes, to biking around their town, to museums, to demolition derby, they’re always adventuring together. And the more variety for this Redwine varietal means a little bit better understanding of more people and plenty more ideas to help make the ads work at Oxford Road where he is VP of Creative Services.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Scott Jolley
• Mel Graham
• Mike Churchill
• Steve Frankel
• Jordan Brady
• Guy Raz
• Ryan Tedder
• Dan Granger
• Bob Pittman
• Scott McDonnell
• Kraig Kichin
• Howard Stern
• Ellen K
• Rick Dees
• Jack Black
• Kurt Cobain
• Brian Cox

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Elaina Smith about:

1. Getting started in entertainment through internships at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and doing red carpets while attending SDSU
2. Starting in radio by representing JACK-FM at events and then joining Chainsaw and Dave on-air
3. Getting her name on the Timmy and Elaina show on A1A in Florida and becoming a local celebrity
4. Moving to Nashville to host a syndicated country show
5. The challenging transition from a local to a national radio show and the mentors and supporters who helped her succeed
6. Becoming a solo host after Shawn Parr left the show
7. Launching the Nashville Show in the UK
8. Becoming the voice of the ACM Awards, People Choice Country Awards, the Gracie Awards, and more
9. The importance of building relationships and adapting and innovating in the radio industry, and other advice for younger generations

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Every night you can hear Elaina D. Smith interviewing the biggest stars in country music & sharing the inside scoop on what’s happening in Nashville on Nights with Elaina!

While working at Entertainment Tonight & The Insider in Los Angeles, Elaina found her true passion when she got an opportunity to join a morning radio show in San Diego, and never looked back. After a year on a morning show in Florida, Elaina made the move to Nashville and began her long-running syndicated night show, which is nearing a decade on-air!

Elaina is now an ACM & CMA Award-nominated, Gracie Award-winning radio host, heard on Nights with Elaina on 150+ stations internationally!

Outside of her radio show, you might have seen Elaina hosting the Official Red Carpet at the 57th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas, playing herself on CMT’s Nashville, introducing artists on some of the biggest stages in the country, or heard her on the award winning Breaking Thru with Elaina podcast, where she has in-depth conversations with artists like Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood & Maren Morris about equality in Country Music.

Be sure to follow all of Elaina’s adventures on social media @elainadsmith!

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Dave, Shelley, and Chainsaw 
• Rick Dees
• Ryan Seacrest
• Jon Bon Jovi
• Marissa Edwards
• Mary Steenburgen
• Ted Danson
• Mike Reilly
• Mike McVay
• Timmy Vee
• Kix Brooks
• Gary Kline
• Ty Bentli
• Shawn Parr
• R Dub!
• John Shomby
• Jason Adams
• Ryan Tedder
• Guy Raz
• Malcolm Gladwell
• Vin Scully
• Paul Williams
• Becky Bennett
• Ellen K
• Randy Thomas
• Lisa Konicki

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Jacobs about:

1. Growing up in Detroit and starting a bagel delivery business as a kid
2. Working with his brother for the first time at WRIF
3. The collaboration between programming and sales and how he rose through the station ranks from sales to gm
4. Joining his brother Fred at Jacobs Media and launching the Jacobs Media Blog
5. Negotiating with Apple for CarPlay and the future of radio in the automotive industry
6. Attending CES and the importance of Xperi and new technology to radio’s future
7. How constantly reinventing yourself and staying ahead of industry trends is key to long-term success
8. His advice for young people entering the industry

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Jacobs is the “suit” of Jacobs Media, rising up through the sales ranks to become a General Manager of a major market radio station at age 28. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1976 with a BA in Advertising, Paul immediately went to work selling radio for WNIC-FM in Detroit, where he realized one could actually make money selling air.

After a brief stint working for the William A. Robinson marketing services agency in Chicago, where he created campaigns for Philip Morris and Seagram's, Paul struck gold when he was hired as an Account Executive at WRIF-FM in Detroit. This experience launched his sales management career, and four years later, he became the General Sales Manager for KZEW-FM in Dallas, and ultimately, the General Manager for KHYI-FM, also in Dallas. He was lured home to run WDFX-FM in Detroit, before joining Jacobs Media as its General Manager in 1991.

Along with overseeing our day-to-day operations, Paul’s main contribution has been the addition of sales consulting services. As an expert in all Rock formats, Paul has helped our clients open up new revenue streams by aiding them in their understanding of how to sell, market, and position their formats via sales training seminars. He’s currently focused on helping broadcasters transform their business models from being primarily focused on radio, to taking a more “platform” approach, using content to appeal to new audiences and generate revenue. Paul is a true “radio champion” – someone who believes in the power of branding, and developing radio’s inherent assets.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Fred Jacobs
• Ed Christian
• Bill Robinson
• Marty Greenberg
• Jay Hoeker
• Bill Jacobs
• Roy and Walt Disney
• Steve Jobs
• Tim Cook
• Tim Davis
• Seth Resler
• Tom Bender
• Alan Mulally
• Art Vuolo
• Katie Gambrill

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about:

1. Growing up in a family involved in Christian radio stations and developing an early passion for radio and entrepreneurship
2. Buying his first radio station as a Sophomore at Wharton and building it from scratch
3. How investing in distressed radio debt allowed him to make major deals
4. The importance of humility and learning from others
5. The impact of deregulation and consolidation in the radio industry
6. Selling his group to Cumulus for $258 million
7. Partnering with the Perot family during the recession and later buying them out
8. The importance of being a great local media company and the future of radio and local media

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO, Jeff Warshaw is a lifelong broadcaster. He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993 Jeff founded Connoisseur Communications Partners LP, a 39 station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258M. In 2004 Jeff formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in 5 markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry wide for his outspoken candor, Jeff’s spirit of innovation and long held principles of integrity, accountability and improvement remain core values of the company and guide its team members. Jeff serves as the chairman of the RAB Board, and the Nielsen Audio Advisory Council.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dennis Green about:

1. Doing sportscasts at Indiana University for WIUS give play-by-play and color commentary for local sports in Florida
2. Getting his first gig at WGN in Chicago
3. Landing his first big sale with Enterprise while working for the Mid-Continent Conference Basketball network
4. Traveling four days every working for Bloomberg Media
5. Joining Westwood One and becoming head of affiliate sales two separate times
6. Signing a big deal with Benztown for Cumulus after they acquired Citadel
7. How he became COO of Sun and Fun Media
8. His thoughts on the future of radio.

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dennis Green serves as Sun & Fun Media's first Chief Revenue Officer. Before SFM, he had a long stint running affiliate sales and operations at Westwood One and Cumulus Media Networks. Dennis’s lifelong ambition was to be on the air but syndication found its way to Dennis. After a stint with the Illinois and Wisconsin Radio Networks featuring lots of beer, sausage and cheese, Green graduated to the network level. His first big clearance was Last Night on Larry King Live on WWJ-AM in Detroit. When the boss asked how in the world did you get on in a top 10 market in morning drive with that feature, Green replied “I picked up the phone, called the station, and they said great send over a contract.” That was the last easy clearance.

When Green is not figuring out how to put great products and services on radio stations from coast to coast, he can be found screaming at a television as his beloved Miami Dolphins continue to break his heart followed closely by his Indiana Hoosiers trying to be relevant in athletics. IU is the Harvard of the Midwest, so we can live without winning NCAA Championships like other schools.

Green and his wife Jill reside in West Orange, NJ along with their two sons Max and Jeremy and Lulu the Wonder Dog.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to ShoBoy about:

1. Being the surprise baby in the family and how his 2 older brothers acted like additional father figures growing up
2. Immigrating to the USA when he was 5 from Jalisco, Mexico and the sacrifices his parents made to give their kids a better future
3. How he tries to use radio as a megaphone for good to support, represent, and unite the latino living dual Spanish and English lifestyle
4. What it was like to interview the First Lady Michelle Obama and how he helped the Dallas Latino community enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage
5. Winning a Marconi and putting his all in when he was invited back to host the awards
6. The PD that went to jail for him
7. Incredible experiences he’s grateful for like meeting President Obama at the White House and opening for Gabriel Iglesias at Madison Square Garden.
8. Being a girl dad and how his wife, family, and faith have supported him throughout his career
9. Starting the Hanging With Los Sotelos podcast during the pandemic with his wife to give hope and unite families by sharing challenges and being vulnerable

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Born in Ocotlan Jalisco, Mexico, Edgar "Shoboy" came to the U.S. at the age of five. He credits his success to his parent’s sacrifice of immigration to the US and the support and encouragement of his loving wife Janet, beautiful daughters Ariela and Alani and his faith in God. Edgar has a passion for people and therefore obtained a Psychology Degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA, and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. 

Shoboy has hosted radio shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco. He is a fun, positive, proud bicultural-bilingual Marconi Award Winning radio host, motivational speaker & content creator. His passion, determination, unique bicultural perspective and positivity has brought him to great success, but the best is yet to come in his career and personal life as he continues to live the American Dream.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Heather Cohen about:

1. Growing up in New York and developing a love for radio from an early age ny listening to her uncle on air from her Strawberry Shortcake radio
2. Getting her start at WRHU and the amazing opportunities given to her as a student at Hofstra University
3. Becoming the first female non-union board op for WOR
4. Negotiating deals as an APD and PD including altercation with an agent that almost got physical
5. Meeting Eric Weiss and becoming a part of his personal and professional family
6. How she was convinced to join the Weiss Agency
7. How the audio world has changed since she started out and the shift from working with mostly radio groups to streaming services and podcast companies
8. Her work with great causes such as the Gracie Awards and the Broadcasters Foundation of America
9. The value of mentorship and how she has benefitted from mentors throughout her career

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Heather Cohen was recently named President of The Weiss Agency, a broadcast talent agency which represents and develops the careers of many of the industry’s most successful local and syndicated personalities where she served as EVP for many years. Heather joined the Weiss Agency directly from GreenStone Media, LLC, where she was Vice President, Programming.

Heather joined GreenStone from New York’s legendary WOR where she was Assistant Program Director and responsible for the station’s local and national on-air content, programs, and production. Prior to that, she served as Executive Producer for The Joan Hamburg Show.

In 2013 Talkers Magazine awarded Heather with the prestigious “Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman,” also known as “Woman of the Year”. Radio Ink Magazine has selected Heather as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio every year since 2014. Heather was on the cover of Radio Ink’s June 2017 Most Influential Women in Radio issue. She is a 2015 recipient of Hofstra University’s George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award. In 2019 Heather was inducted into the WRHU Radio Hall of Fame. In 2021, Heather was one of the first awardees of the “Sheros in Media” Award from the Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association.

Heather serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and Foundation Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chair. She has formerly held positions as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, and has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016.

Heather is on the Board of Directors of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is a juror for the Academy of Radio Arts & Sciences.

A graduate of Hofstra University, she is President of the Executive Board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, and has previously served as both Vice President for Programs and Vice President for Services. Heather is a member of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board and the Women In Leadership Advisory Board. She recently completed her term on the Board of Directors of the George M. Estabrook Alumni Association. Heather previously served as President of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Alumni Association.

Heather has mentored New York City school children as part of NYC’s Principal for a Day program and has been a Safe Space committee member. She judged the Tony Awards for eight seasons.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Anderson about:

1. Going to law school and working for the DOJ before representing media and tech companies in Seattle
2. How a chance encounter with Bob Rivers led him to working with radio talent
3. Finding talented radio personalities and turning them into enterprises symbiotic partnerships
4. Forming a bond with the late Bob Saget
5. Producing the movie 2 Weeks and his experience working on a film
6. Starting Workhouse creative and working on the award-winning Microsoft Beautiful Web campaign
7. Pivoting to podcast production and the ingredients for a great podcast
8. His current ventures including Atlas Capital which invests in hemp products and the the real estate firm Bauhaus partners
9. The philanthropic work he is involved in such as Gokidgo which creates children’s content and the Shaufler Prize which he created to award journalistic content focusing on marginalized people 

 And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse Media, Inc., a leading audio first multi-platform talent + content management and production company with clients and partnerships working across radio, podcasting, television, and digital. He represents some of the biggest talent in the industry including Dan Patrick, Ricky Smiley Shonda Rhimes, and the late Bob Saget. He produced award-winning podcasts including including Cold, The Letter, Aftershock, Solar, and several others. He won two Telly Awards for marketing campaigns he produced for Microsoft, and he produced a movie called Two Weeks with Sally Field. He's also a partner at a venture capital firm, a principal owner of a real estate development company with properties in five different states, and a board member for GoKidGo, a podcast company focused on content for kids.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Bob Rivers, Lisa Decker, Don Bouloukos, Kirk McEwan, Mark, and Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Dan Patrick, Bob Pittman, Woody, Bob Saget, John McConnell, Keith Kauffman, Steve Stockman, Jonathan Groff, Danny Bonaduce, Sally Fields, Ben Chaplin

Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, Clea DuVall, Kieth Rivers, Alex Clare, Dave Cawley, David Harbor, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeff Schmidt, Mark Ramsey, Ben Haber, Margaret Atwood, 50 Cent

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Peter Smyth about:

1. Growing up in Tarrytown outside of NYC with a passion for radio, but being pushed towards finance by his father
2. Learning many skills while working at Nestle, but turning down opportunities with them to pursue radio
3. Struggling at first as an account exec at WROR in Boston before using his business acumen to secure clients
4. Introducing innovative ideas after getting promoted to GSM and working with Celtics broadcasters during the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson era
5. Moving back to New York to become director of sales at WOR at 29 and having to prove himself every day that he was worthy of leading at his young age
6. Taking another job in Boston and transforming WMJX from “tragic Magic” into a highly rated station as GM
7. His method of in-depth strategizing and planning as well as always telling the truth and keeping open communication that lead to Magic’s success
8. Becoming the COO of Greater Media and his method of ensuring stations were live and local, grounded in community, and had great personnel
9. Stepping in as Chairman and CEO after the passing of his friend and mentor, John Bordes, and continuing the vision of running a family company even through the recession
10. The tough decision to sell Greater Media and his philanthropic work since then with the RAB, WBUR, and the Hundred Club of Massachusetts

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Peter Smyth is recognized as a visionary and thought leader in the radio broadcasting industry. He most recently served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Media, Inc., one of the nation’s leading broadcasting companies.  In this role, Smyth oversaw the operational efforts of 21 AM and FM radio stations in Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia and New Jersey; a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey; and several telecommunications towers throughout the United States.  Over the past three decades, Smyth served in a variety of capacities within Greater Media, including General Manager of WMJX-FM in Boston, Vice President of the Radio Group, and Chief Operating Officer of Greater Media, Inc. He began his career in broadcasting in 1977 as an account executive with WROR-FM in Boston and was quickly promoted to General Sales Manager, a position he held for the next five years. In 1983, RKO General, the parent company of WOR, recruited him to serve as general sales manager of its New York stations, where he directed the company’s sales operations until his departure in 1986 to work at Greater Media. Smyth helped to revolutionize the broadcasting industry by advocating for and adopting new technologies such as HD Radio and internet streaming, and by developing and incorporating innovative content to improve media communications and meet the emerging demands of the industry and its advertisers. He was named a “Giant of American Broadcasting” by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2014. Radio Ink Magazine, a leading broadcast industry publication, in 2005 and 2011, selected Smyth as “America’s Best Broadcaster.” In addition, he has been recognized as one of Radio Ink’s “40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” ranking among the top ten. In 2007, the publication named him “Radio Executive of the Year.” An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and as president of the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and the United Way of Massachusetts. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Board for US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. In 2007, he received the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from the Hundred Club of Massachusetts and the Golden Mike Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America for exemplary service in the radio Industry. Smyth was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Suffolk University in Boston in 2011 and was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Heidi Raphael, The Gambling Family, Joan Hamburg, Bernie Meltzer, Joe Franklin, Ed Koch, Frank Sinatra, Bob Williamson, O’Neil family, Herb McCord, Peter Bordes. John Bordes, Phil Redo, Curt Hahn, Bob Harper, Don Kelly, John Fullam, Tom Bender, Dan Mason, Bob Pittman, Buzz Knight, Caroline Beasley, Erica Farber, Margaret Low, Norman Knight, Traug Keller

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody recorded live at NAB, Chachi talks to Scott about:

1. Growing up in Brooklyn and becoming interested in media through listening to the radio and accompanying his dad who was a news photographer
2. Joining the radio station at Brooklyn College and getting a job at 1010 WINS through his professor
3. Getting promoted to manager soon after college and working tirelessly to keep the station on air during a 13 week strike
4. Leaving NY for the first time to become a PD at KYW News Radio in Philidelphia
5. Being sent to turn WMAQ in Chicago into an all-news station and getting to build his vision
6. Returning to New York and getting in a dispute with Tom Chiusano and Howard Stern that had to be moderated by Mel Karmazin
7. Becoming an executive at CBS Radio and his management style for all the stations and markets he oversaw
8. His decision to retire when Entercom bought CBS Radio and his work as chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America

And more!

Watch the recording of this episode HERE:

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Scott Herman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in television and radio in 1980 and was named “Alumnus of the Year” in 2002. He started his career at 1010 WINS as a desk assistant and eventually worked his way up within CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting until he was named Chief Operating Officer of CBS Radio. He oversaw and supported hundreds of local station operations in dozens of cities until he retired in 2021. Previously, Herman was Executive Vice President, Operations for CBS Radio. His first corporate appointment was in 2003 when he was named CBS Radio’s Executive Vice President, Eastern Region.  Before that, he was Senior Vice President, Market Manager for the division’s New York properties.

In May 2011, he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and Radio Ink magazine named him one of the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio for multiple consecutive years. He has been on the board of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), International Radio and Television Society Foundation, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Brooklyn College, and currently serves as Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Sister Camille D’Arienzo, Bill Roswell, Paul Gluck, Bob Ross, Bill Branson, Bill Korn, Dan Mason, Weezie Kramer, Opie and Anthony, Mel Karmazin, Tom Chiusano, Chris Booker, Linda Lopez, Leslie Gold, Ron and Fez, Tom Leykis, Harvey Nagler Joel Hollander, Chet Buchanan, Les Moonves, Kevin Weatherly, David Field, Mary Berner, Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler, Jeff Smulyan, Phil Lombardo, Jim Thompson, Tim McCarthy, Greg Janoff, Steve Swenson, Mark Mason, Ben Mevorach, John Waugaman, Erica Farber

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mark Wallengren about:

1. Growing up in a Mormon pioneer family full of artists and innovators
2. Getting his start in Preston, Idaho and working his way to larger markets
3. Shutting the Union Pacific Train with his reenacctment of War of the Worlds
4. Doing voiceover work and creating a proffessional press kit that got him noticed by Jhani Kaye
5. Landing a job at KOST and eventually replacing MG Kelly in the mornings
6. Meeting Kim Amidon and quickly dominating ratings with the Mark and Kim show 
7. His connections with Disney and the thrill of the annual KOST Disneyland Party
8. Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
9. The tragic loss of his brother Ernie to ALS

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality. He got his start in radio at KACH Preston, Idaho then worked his way to LA and was hired along with Kim Amidon at legendary Los Angeles radio station KOST 103.5FM in Feb of 1985. They won most of radios top personality awards and on the 20th anniversary of the Mark & Kim Show received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Disney's El Capitan Theater in 2006. To donate to the E. F. Wallengren Fund for ALS Research in honor of Mark’s brother, Ernie, who passed away from ALS, click HERE.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Kim Amidon, Gary Owens, Uncle Earl Trout, Don Burns, Larry McKay, Orson Welles, Kip Guth, Jim Ladd, Frasier Smith, Jhani Kaye, Machine Gun Kelly, Mark Allen, Mike Sakellarides, Lowman and Barkley, Robert W Morgan, Charlie Tuna, Rick Dees, David Paymer, Grant Tinker, Earl Hamner, Rugburn Liz Fulton, Scott Shanon, Big Boy, Mark and Brian, Kevin and Bean, Real Don Steele, Roy Disney, Darren Silva, Roy Laughlin, John Peake, Michael Levine, Dick Cook, Mike Eisner, Greg Ashlock, Ellen K, Andrew Jeffries, Rodrigo Hernandez

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Michael about:

1. Starting his career by creating one of the first progressive rock radio stations on Long Island
2. Going to NYC and working for 3 different formats at once and teaching at the same time
3. Moving to San Diego and his instrumental role in the creation of the AOR format. 
4. Hosting a few syndicated shows and working with Norm Pattiz in the early days of Westwood One
5. Publishing his own radio charts in his Good Phone publication and getting bought out by Billboard
6. Moving to talk radio and fulfilling a life long dream of being 
7. Founding TALKERS Magazine, TALKERS.com and the TALKERS Convention
8. Joining the band Gun Hill Road and releasing music with them
9. What the radio industry must do to stay relevant

And more!

Read Michael’s Talkers publication at Talkers.com

And Listen Gun Hill Road’s newest single here

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: 

Michael Harrison has worked at legendary stations from coast to coast including WNEW in New York, KMET in LA, KRPI in Sand Diego, TIC in hartford and WCBS NY. Founded the AOR format, hosted several syndicated shows, was the first managing editor for R&R, has been a columnist for Billboard, station owner, member of the band Gun Hill Road, and creator of TALKERS.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Mike McVay, Richard Neer, Rosko, Scott Muni, Allison Steele, Jonathan Schwartz, Pete Fornatale, John Zacherle, Vonner Paulson, Ron Jacobs, Bob Wilson, Lee Abrams, Allen Shaw, Mike Brown, Sam Bellamy, Alex Bennett, Sue Steinberg, Norm Pattiz, Lee Zito, Mel Karmazin, Al Herskovitz, Dan Mason

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Wayne about:

1. Moving from New Jersey to Australia as a teen.
2. How he started a business in LA with his brother reselling records from garage sales and swap meets
3. Turning that business into a successful global mail order operation
4. Making the decision to buy a record store
5. The decline of record stores and why Rockaway records is able to remain successful
6. How the store survived the pandemic
7. How Wayne builds trust with collectors and acquires record collections
8. Some of the celebrities that frequent Rockaway

And more!

Check out Rockaway Records website and Instagram!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: 
Wayne Johnson and his brother, Gary,  began re-selling albums in 1979 after attending one of the legendary record swap meets in the Capitol Records parking lot in Hollywood. What began as a hobby more than 35 years ago quickly turned into a business when they were virtually forced to open a store, if only to house their growing collection!

Rockaway purchased Rainbow Records, a small well-known record store in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. They now started selling new and used records and cassettes in addition to collectibles. Rockaway grew so quickly that they had to move 2 more times, finally settling into the present Silver Lake location in 1992. While many independent record stores (and most chains) in Los Angeles have closed, Rockaway is flourishing. Wayne and Gary are aggressively acquiring extensive record industry collections and purchasing personal collections of CDs, records, DVDs, concert-related items, tour programs, toys, as well as rock ‘n’ roll promo items and collectibles. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Steve Resnik, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Stephen Tyler, Ross Halfin

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Tim about:

1. How he got into radio by being a driver for an executive
2. Getting his foot in the door as an account exec at PLJ and excelling early on
3. Why selling on talk stations can be easier than on music stations
4. Becoming a station manager and working with talent like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh
5. Being chosen to head ESPN Radio in NYC and acquiring rights to multiple franchises including The Islanders, Rangers, and Knicks
6. How he was able to use both his sales and programming experience to improve his stations
7. Negotiation tips and how to ensure everyones walks away winning something
8. What being the SVP of ESPN Radio was everyonelike as a sports fan and getting to talk with Bob Iger
9. His current work as President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and how the BFA provides support to people in the industry 

And more!

To support the Broadcasters Foundation of America or learn more, visit: https://broadcastersfoundation.org

Information about events like the Golden Mike Gala, Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament, and Leadership Breakfast can be found here: https://broadcastersfoundation.org/events/

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Tim McCarthy joined the Disney Group of radio stations in 1990 serving first as an Account Executive with WPLJ-FM, moving across the hall three years later to become Sales Director for both 77WABC and WPLJ. McCarthy became General Manager for legendary News/Talk station 77WABC in 1999 and presided over the acquisition and start up of 1560 AM Radio Disney. He held the dual roles of GM for 77WABC and 1050 ESPN Radio. In 2010, he was named Sr. Vice President of ESPN Radio Group in February 2010 where he drivo the play-by-play business by assessing contracts, increasing revenue and working towards maximizing scheduling opportunities across the stations and network. Among McCarthy’s many industry honors: 2006 News/Talk GM of the Year from Radio & Records; and his selection as one of the nation’s 10 best managers by Radio Ink Magazine in 2005. McCarthy served as Chairman for the 2007 New York State Broadcasters Association.

In 2021, he shifted his focus and efforts to raise charitable donations and develop solutions for former broadcasters who experience hardship due to no fault of their own. Many of the worthy beneficiaries of the Broadcasters Foundation of America receive monthly grants to emergency assistance for relief from natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Scott Herman, Jim O’Grady, Mitch Dolan, Scott Shannon, Rod Stewart, Bob Grant, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, John Gambling, Mark Simone, Mark Levin, Charlton Heston, Bob Iger, Michael Kay, John Mcenroe, Wallace Matthews, Tom Keegan, Stephen A. Smith, Traug Keller, Greg Ashlock, Larry Kahn, John Barton, Steve Haddad, Jim Thompson, Ed Mcloughlin

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Buzz Knight about:

1. Growing up in Stanford, CT and listening to NYC radio
2. Getting his start at WVUD while studying at the University of Dayton
3. The consequences of his mudwrestling stunt
4. Having to choose between being an on-air talent and off-air programming
5. Becoming a rock format captain and later SVP of Greater Media
6. The Benefits and drawbacks of small and large media companies and what the ideal size is
7. Starting Buzz Knight Media and learning as he went
8. Launching his podcast, Takin A Walk

And more!

You can listen to Buzz’s Podcast Takin A Walk HERE.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Buzz Knight has been a strategist and media executive for decades with leadership roles for multiple prominent companies. Buzz most recently served as EVP of Strategy and Innovation for Beasley Media Group which he joined in 2016 upon the closing of the company’s purchase of Greater Media. His passion for great content and tremendous brands has had an impact on a diverse list of outstanding radio properties across the country.

His industry advocacy has included multiple roles in and around ratings and audience measurement with participation on The National Association of Broadcasters COLRAM (Committee on local Radio Audience Measurement), Nielsen Advisory Council and The Council for Research Excellence. He is also the creator and the host of The Takin A Walk Podcast Series where he walks and talks with interesting people available to listen here.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Gene Shepherd, John Fulop, Mark Chernoff, Steve Goldstein, Ed Christian, Dave Robbins, Jerry Charm, Howard Stern, Mel Karmazin, John Garren, Tim Sabean, Scott Herman, Peter Smythe, John Bordes, Heidi Raphael, Paula Abdul.

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Smulyan about:

1. Growing up in Indianapolis and his family history there
2. How he founded Emmis and got into radio and broadcasting, and why Emmis is divesting
3. His current ventures such as Digonex which provides dynamic pricing solutions and Lencore Sound Masking.
4. Creating The Fan sports radio and being ahead of his time with the all sports format
5. Jeff’s take on the current state of the economy and politics
6. Buying the Mariners and what it was like to own an MLB team
7. How Jeff and Emmis survived the recession without going bankrupt
8. Advice on how to make deals and be an entrepreneur

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Jeff Smulyan is the Founder and Chairman of Emmis Communications. He is a former director of the NAB, former chair of the RAB, and former owner of the Seattle Mariners. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in broadcasting. His book, Never Ride a Roller Coaster Upside Down, is available to order here.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Ebro, Big Boy, Rick Cummings, Woody, Mike Francesa, Ken Griffey Jr., Jimmy Steele, David Letterman, Steve Smith, Lew and John Dickey, Greg Loewen, Dave, Beasing, Steve Crane, Doyle Rose, Greg Gumbel, John Dille, Mad Dog Russo, Imus in the morning, Jay Buhner, Peter Chernin, Jerry Reinsdorf, Mel Karmazin, Craig Karmazin, Norm Pattis, George Argyros, Greg Nathanson, David Rehr, Victor Orban, Paul Fiddick, Bill Kennard, Ryan Hornaday, Scott Enright , Evan Bayh, Jeff Warshaw, Deborah Parenti

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Eddie Pappani about:

1. Growing up in Gilroy CA, the garlic capital of the world.
2. How Tracy Johnson encouraged him to leave Star to take another job
3. Wild in-studio debauchery at the Eagle in Dallas and the culture shock from soccer moms to strippers
4. Getting fired the day his show got rated #1 in Dallas
5. Replacing Howard Stern… twice
6. Getting the opportunity to broadcast for his hometown audience
7. Splitting from his longtime on-air partner
8. How he built “The Show” around a great cast and the importance of relatable hosts
9. His journey from not knowing how to be on air to being voted best on-air personality 2 years running
10. His advice to young people starting in radio

And more!

Check out Eddie’s show with Shotgun Tom on Youtube and Facebook

People Mentioned:

• Robert Craig Savage
• Shotgun Tom Kelly
• Rich Brother Robin
• R Dub!
• Mark in la mañana
• Ralph from Kevin and Bean
• Tracy Johnson
• Kim Leeds
• Jeff and Jer
• Little Tommy
• Greg Simms
• Anita Rush
• Jagger & Christie
• Jay Leno
• Beth
• Mark Wallinger
• Lamont and Tinelli
• Howard Stern
• Sky Williams
• Thor Dodd
• Emily Griffiths
• Matt Money Smith
• Mark and Brian
• Kidd Kraddick
• Bert
• Laura Cain
• Kevin Gilbride
• Shauna Moran
• Paul Castronovo
• Mojo

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They also talk about about: 

1. The glamorous job of working as an NBC page
2. How she became Conan’s assistant
3. Co-hosting Conan Needs a Friend podcast
4. Staying cool under pressure
5. The White House Press Dinner
6. The multi-million dollar deal with SiriusXM and Team Coco
7. Visiting Chachi’s alma mater in San Diego!
8. Growing up in a creative and hilarious environment
9. Sona being a bad-ish kid
10. The Armenian community and the list of famous Armenians
11. Visiting Armenia with the Conan crew for the production of  “Conan in Armenia”
12. Her new book, “World’s Worst Assistant” and becoming a NYT Best-Selling author
13. Chachi and Susan finding her book at the Hudson Bookstore on their way back from Morning Show Bootcamp!
14. How Conan fulfilled Sona’s grandmother's wish by indirectly finding her a husband

And more! 

Check out Sona’s book’ World’s Worst Assistant here and check out Conan Needs a Friend here.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind the scenes look on the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Conan O’ Brien
• R Dub!
• Garry Wall
• Jimmy Kimmel
• Matt Gourley
• Rafael Agustin
• Michelle Obama
• President Barack Obama
• Jeff Ross
• Kumail Nunjiani
• Liesel Reinhart
• Cher
• Kirk Krikorian
• Andre Agassi

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, jingles and voiceover services company with over 2,300 affiliations on six different continents.

We provide custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world.

In 2017, Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for the fifth consecutive year as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies.

Twitter: @benztownpodcast

Web: benztown.com

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Kaplan is the Director of Imaging and Sound Design at Audacy Inc. He has imaged some of the most influential stations on the planet including KROQ, KUBE, and JACK- FM and various other stations. Kaplan shares his early start in radio and how he fell in love with the production process and everything in between. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED: 

-Chaka Khan

-Bob Case

-John Connor

-Shelly Hart

-Steve Thomas

-Ralph Machino 

-Vic Orlando

-Paul Hak

-Mike Tierney 

-Steve Jobs

-Jim Cook

-Dave Richards

-Phil Mannings

-Lisa Warden

-Jay Z

-Kevin Weatherly 

-Jim Ryan 

-Steve Smith

-Gary Wall

-Chris Ebbott

-Mike Crank

-Trevor Chan

-Howard Kogan

-Justin Cranfill

-Jeff Federman

-Dylan Riggs 

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/
 

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christine Nagy is a multitalented activist, actress, and radio broadcaster best known for her participation on New York City's highest-rated radio station as a co-host on "Cubby & Christine Morning" on WLTW-FM (106.7 Lite FM). Nagy shares her life story including how she grew up, her struggles, inspirations, and the manifestations that led to her successful career in radio today. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED: 

-Heather Cohen

-Nick Cannon 

-Flavor Flav

-Trent Tyler 

-Bob Elliot 

-Scott Shannon

- Tom Pullman

- Elvis Duran

- Mariah Carey

-Charles Nagy

-Jim Ryan

-Bob Ronson 

-Bill Buckner

-Nick Regory

-Rick Dees

-Ryan Seacrest 

-A.J. Ciccotelli

-Martha Stewart 

-Howard Stern

-Paul Cubby Bryant

-Chris Connelly 

-Anthony Amson 

-Brad Forenza

-B.D. Wong

-Michael Riddle 

-Eric Cal

-David Burns 

-Warren Buffet 

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Pierre Bouvard is the Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One and leads their Audio Active Group, a media and creative advisory service. Pierre works with brands and agencies to craft targeting and measurement solutions. The Audio Active Group is a full-service advisory offering media planning recommendations, creative best practices, and measurement services.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

Steve Goldstein

Fred Jacobs

Brad Bedford

Eric “Gemini Prince” Hewitt

John Coleman

Harry Lyles

Jeff Smulyan

Jhani Kaye

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Dave Beasing is CEO of the podcast studio Sound That BRANDS, which builds big podcasts for big brands. To radio people, Dave is probably best known as the creator of legendary Los Angeles FM rock station “The Sound”, and for his 12 years as Jacobs Media’s Senior Consultant working with media properties owned by Emmis, iHeart, Audacy, NPR, CBS, MTV/Vh1, ABC, Cumulus, and others. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

Angela Perelli

Charlie Tuna

Dick Clark

Dick Ferguson

Don May

Jerry Tibio

John Erling

Johnny Carson

Johnny Kaye

Lyn Barstow

Paul O’Malley

Pete Rose

Randy Lane

Ryan Seacrest

Tommy Matter

Fred Jacobs

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Laura Cain has been in radio for 30 years, many of those as a part of the legendary The Jeff and Jer Showgram, which was inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. 

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

Jhani Kaye

Jeff Detrow

Jerry Cesak

Rick Dees

Jack Diamond

Randy Hoag

Tommy Sablan

Michael Steele

Tracy Johnson

Lilith Fair

Alanis Morissette

Sarah McLachlan

Greg Simms

Anita Rush

Mark Jagger

Kristi Jagger

Kim Leeds

Matt Pinfield

Emily Griffiths

Dave Rickards

Emily Maguire

Cookie "Chainsaw" Randolph

Shelly Dunn

Bob Bolinger

Shotgun Tom Kelly

Don Anthony

Casey Kasem

Erik Rimmer

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Jackie Parks is the President/CEO of Envisionwise and Pivot Radio providing online digital products including custom dynamic websites, Alexa skills, text messaging services, and numerous revenue-generating products for local businesses and radio stations across the country.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Caroline Beasley is Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group and has served as a Director of Beasley Media Group, Inc. since she joined the company in 1983. She currently serves as the Chair of the BMI Board of Directors and is an FCC Diversity and Inclusion Committee member. In 2017, Ms. Beasley was honored by Radio Ink magazine as “Radio Executive of the Year” and has been consistently ranked among the top five of the publication’s “40 Most Powerful People in Radio” list. In addition, she has been recognized in the magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Radio” issue on an annual basis since 2003.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

George Beasley

Justin Chase

Heidi Raphael

Cat Thomas

Scott Jameson

Bill Weston

Cadillac Jack McCartney

Ann Beasley

Bruce Beasley

Brian Beasley

Brad Beasley

Warren Buffett

Tom Poleman

Mike McVay

Steve Newberry

Joe Harb

Bob Pittman

Scott Borchetta

Rishad Tobaccowala

Bob Iger

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, podcasts, jingles, and voiceover services company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. In 2017, Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for the fifth consecutive year as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging workparts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Urban, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Audio Architecture, Incentive Sales Rewards, BMG Production Music, Top 10 Now and Then, Tough Love With Siri, Ask Alexa and Flashback.

Web: benztown.com

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Elroy Smith is an award-winning programmer who has programmed some of the biggest stations in the country. His mission is to help coach up-and-coming talent and personalities to develop themselves into a brand.

To reach Elroy The Coach - Coaching You Into a Brand - go to elroythecoach.com.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

James Alexander

Doug Banks

Tom Joyner

Marv Dyson

Rick Dees

Tony Fields

Gerry DeFrancisco

Jay Cook

Michael Jordan

Sammy Sosa

Scottie Pippen

Steve Smith

Big Boy

Barry Mayo

Cathy Hughes

Charlamagne tha God

Pat Paxton

Bill Tanner

Steve DiNardo

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, podcasts, jingles, and voiceover services company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. In 2017, Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for the fifth consecutive year as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging workparts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Urban, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Audio Architecture, Incentive Sales Rewards, BMG Production Music, Top 10 Now and Then, Tough Love With Siri, Ask Alexa and Flashback.

Web: benztown.com

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Bruce Gilbert is the SVP of Sports for Cumulus & Westwood One and has received many honors throughout his career including Sports Radio Director of the Year (3 times), Radio Ink’s Annual Top Programmers List, and being an Andrew Ashwood Award recipient.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

Amy Voss’ Podcast: https://www.firstandtenspodcast.com/

Amy Voss’ mosaic guitar art pieces: https://www.instagram.com/glass.axes/

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

Gary Voss

Johnny Hart

Tracy Johnson

Al Johnson

Dixie Johnson

Bill Hicks

Steve Hicks

Steve Bishop

Jim Carter

Alan Burns

Tom Clendening

Craig Karmazin

Steve Wexler

Chris Baker

Diana Spencer

Dan Mason

Ken Burns

Dan Snyder

Mark Shapiro

Tom Bigby

Chris Olivero

Carl Anderson

Don Martin

Julie Talbott

Dennis Green

John Dickey

Lew Dickey

Mary Berner

Mike McVay

Suzanne Grimes

John Rosso

Dave Weiss

Amy Voss

Jasmine Sadry

Paul Coffey

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, podcasts, jingles, and voiceover services company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. In 2017, Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for the fifth consecutive year as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging workparts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Urban, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Audio Architecture, Incentive Sales Rewards, BMG Production Music, Top 10 Now and Then, Tough Love With Siri, Ask Alexa and Flashback.

Web: benztown.com

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Valerie Geller is the President of Geller Media International, a broadcast consulting firm working with news, talk, information, and personality programming for radio and television throughout the world. Geller coaches talent, leads "Creating Powerful Communicators" workshops and seminars, and has helped people at more than 500 stations in 31 countries develop and grow their audiences by training communicators to work more effectively.

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry. 

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

Michael Jackson

Joe Pyne

Scott Shannon

Henry Winkler

Judy Licht

Jerry Della Femina

Lorraine Rapp

Dave Logan

Laurie DeYoung

Ed Shane

Phil Strider

Dick Cheney

Malcolm Wallop

Alan Simpson

Lynne Cheney

Carl Gardner

Alan Berg

Drew Hayes

Ken Charles

Joel Denver

Lee Harris

Charlie Van Dyke

Jeff Green

Ken Cole

Tom Leykis

Toni Grant

Sharon Dale

Jhani Kaye

Liz Kiley

Tim Kelly

Big Boy

Randi Mayem Singer

Dan Avey

David G. Hall

Karen Sharp

John Mainelli

Rush Limbaugh

Bob Grant

Joy Behar

ABOUT BENZTOWN:

Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, podcasts, jingles, and voiceover services company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. In 2017, Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for the fifth consecutive year as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging workparts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Urban, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Audio Architecture, Incentive Sales Rewards, BMG Production Music, Top 10 Now and Then, Tough Love With Siri, Ask Alexa and Flashback.

Web: benztown.com

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.