Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan Randy

As the comforting crackle of a well-tuned radio takes us back to the days of storytelling at its finest, we're joined by Chuck Rice—a media veteran whose voice has colored the airwaves with stories of local charm and political intrigue. Together on Hot Mic, we reminisce about Chuck's climb from the modest beginnings at local stations like WMMH and WSKY to the pulsing political beat of WPTF in Raleigh. His tales, brimming with the humanity and wit that only live radio can capture, invite you t...

Discover the soul-stirring history and future of bluegrass music as we sit down with the remarkable Tammy Rogers King of The SteelDrivers. You're in for an auditory feast that intertwines the traditional melodies of Bill Monroe with the genre's modern-day mosaics, all through the lens of Tammy's rich musical narrative. She recounts her vibrant history of touring with country music luminaries, revealing how the high notes and harmonies of life on the road have woven into her artistic fabric. W...

When family stories and musical chords intertwine, the result is a legacy as rich as the one Tammy Rogers King brings from her East Tennessee roots. Our special guest, a founding member of the celebrated bluegrass ensemble The SteelDrivers, takes us on a melodic journey through her life, sharing how her upbringing and family band experiences shaped her artistry. We thread together the influences of her childhood, her family’s musical migration to Texas, and the vibrant return to Tennessee tha...

Travel back in time with us to the heart-wrenching era of World War II, where music wasn't just entertainment—it was a vital connection to home for soldiers and their families. As we wander through the poignant world of wartime tunes, we'll share how Tex Ritter's "There's a Gold Star in Her Window" and Ernest Tubb's "Soldier's Last Letter" captured the profound sorrow of loss. Our narrative also reveals the roles of Axis Sally and Tokyo Rose, whose broadcasts, filled with music and propaganda...

As the needle drops on a classic vinyl, the memories of my father sharing his World War II stories come flooding back, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration into how country music provided a soundtrack to an era of tremendous upheaval and unity. In our latest episode, we don't just recount tales; we bring you face-to-face with the songs that echoed through the barracks and battlefields, where the strains of "There's a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" mixed with the hopes and fea...

Join us on a heart-tugging trip back in time as we explore the undying charm of country classics and the heyday of radio shenanigans. Ever wondered why some tunes, like John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," seem to defy the decades, enchanting everyone from nostalgic seniors to spirited teens? We've got stories that'll paint a picture of the magic these songs carry, including how "Sweet Caroline" became an anthem across generations at my granddaughter's wedding. And for those of you cu...