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

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges facing the radio industry and the rise of podcasting as a new platform for expression and connection.

Johnny and Jim talk candidly about the state of radio today, the toll of bad management, and how podcasting has become a lifeline after nearly 50 years on the air. They share raw stories about being let go over Zoom, losing close friends and mentors like Phil Valentine and Dave White, and trying to find purpose again in a fractured media landscape. Guest appearance by longtime radio pro John David Wells, who breaks down what every radio company must give its talent to survive: money, opportunity, training, and respect. From Jesse Jackson on Radio Row to meeting your heroes (and being disappointed), to why personality is still radio’s last great hope, this episode is a love letter, a warning, and a blueprint for what comes next. Timed highlights (for show notes / description) 1:25 – Welcome back to Circling The Drain and where’s Jay Harper? 2:10 – Losing Phil Valentine, Dave White, and nearly 50 years in radio 3:24 – Radio as an abusive ex-wife you still miss 4:29 – Ratings wins, zero attaboys, and keeping the team’s morale up 6:00 – What good leadership and a healthy culture actually look like 7:58 – Phil Valentine’s “horse blinders” lesson and controlling what you can 8:59 –…

People in this episode

Hosts: Johnny, Jim

Guest: John David Wells

Topics covered

• state of radio
• podcasting
• media landscape
• leadership
• management
• personal stories

Keywords

• radio
• podcasting
• management
• leadership
• media
• personal stories
• Phil Valentine
• Dave White

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Radio Row

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