Circling The Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper
  • 5.0 (20)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Circling The Drain is a show about the current state of the music and radio businesses as well as culture in general! Hosted by John E. Bozeman and Jay Harper along with Jim McCarthy as Co-Host/Executive Producer. John has had a storied career in music and talk radio, most notably as the Executive Producer for the late and legendary Phil Valentine. Jay also has has a long career in radio as Announcer, Play-by-Play, Voice and On-Camera Actor. He was also an Artist Rep for MCA records. Jim McCarthy ALSO has had a tremendous career in radio since 1996 and has since brought his consulting/producing skillset to the podcast world. Circling the Drain is produced by ItsYourShow.co

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

    1D AGO

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

    In this episode of Circling The Drain, we sit down with traditional country artist and former radio host Scott Southworth for a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep conversation.   Scott shares how “bad breaks” in life often led to his biggest blessings, from accidentally landing a radio show on WLAC to stumbling into a thriving traditional country career with fans across Europe. He talks about walking away from chasing radio hits, leaning into hillbilly-with-wit songwriting, and why he refuses to turn his shows into political sermons.   You’ll hear behind-the-scenes radio stories, Merle Haggard concert etiquette, meeting legends like Dolly Parton, Aaron Neville, and John Prine, and how Scott discovered a forgotten live recording that became his new live album, “Scott Southworth and the Honky Tonk Anonymous Band.”   If you love real-deal country, inside-radio war stories, and conversations about resilience, faith, and staying audience-focused as an artist, this episode is for you.   01:39 Serial killer names, three-part names, and dark radio humor   02:40 Introducing guest Scott Southworth and his bio line about writing songs and loving pie   03:36 The great pie debate: seasonal pies, pumpkin rules, and equal-opportunity pie eating   05:00 WLAC days, historic radio, and the roots of Nashville radio culture   05:28 Stories from WLAC and Jimi Hendrix’s early session getting pulled from the mix   06:45 How Scott and John really met, Christmas parties, and early Nashville connections   08:13 Scott’s musical origin story: from rock, reggae, and blues bands to secretly writing country   10:37 The accidental birth of The Music Row Show on WLAC   12:26 Learning from interviewing Dolly, Little Richard, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and more   13:59 The inside truth about most music careers versus superstar myths   15:20 Scott’s pivot away from writing for radio after a blunt publisher conversation   16:21 Bro country, traditional sounds, and the one-song-a-year “just for me” demos   16:56 How a 2016 traditional country album blew up in Europe overnight   18:10 Hillbilly rock star in Europe, art festivals back home, and loving both worlds   19:43 “Granny Used To Honky Tonk” and working with Dallas Moore   20:31 The story behind “Middle Finger First” and why it resonates with drivers   22:59 Why Scott keeps his politics off the stage and just wants to give people a break   23:13 Protest songs, Steve Earle, and when on-stage preaching crosses the line   24:41 Cicada Enchilada, talk radio inspiration, and writing with a Gulf Coast flavor   26:44 Jay’s Louisiana accent, Cajun vibes, and Jim’s draw to the bayou   28:25 New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Spanish moss, and the Neville Brothers soundtrack tip   30:03 Meeting Aaron Neville and the infamous “shower dancers” newlywed story   33:11 The reality of radio layoffs, Christmas-time firings, and newsroom gallows humor   37:31 How “bad things” led Scott to his best opportunities and life philosophy for his kids   39:41 Life is not fair, but good can come from hard times   42:11 Dads, sons, and being tougher on the boys than the girls   42:23 Back to Scott: career focus and a new live album on the way   42:27 The accidental live album: finding a forgotten Dropbox file from 2022   44:51 Capturing a raw, real band sound in a world of polished, AI-shaped music   45:51 The Lewisville, Tennessee venue, quick sellouts, and fully engaged audiences   47:18 Noisy crowds, Merle Haggard at the Ryman, and why Scott puts the onus on himself   48:52 Advice to his daughter as a new indie artist and earning your scars on stage   51:02 The bravery of just getting up and singing in tough rooms   52:01 Being audience-focused: little me, big them, and be-them-centric performance   53:55 Audience singalongs, Tom Petty fans, and sharing the moment   55:22 Soul-crushing bar gigs, Elvis requests, and “Not that one” hecklers   55:40 Running into Phil Valentine in an overseas customs line   58:54 Quick hits with legends: John Prine in the boarding line and Dolly Parton holding Scott’s hand   59:39 Booking info: how to find Scott online   59:45 Website, socials, and a joke about Tinder and OnlyFans   1:00:30 The honky tonk anonymous band and rotating lineups in Nashville   1:01:18 Female musicians in Scott’s band and producing his daughter’s EP   1:02:43 Girl bands, Robert Palmer, and all-female tribute bands   1:03:28 Tease for a future episode: Scott’s idea for a book, “Go Indie Without Going Broke”   1:03:58 John’s genuine praise of Scott’s records and musicianship   1:04:14 Wrap-up, merch plug, and where to find more Circling The Drain and more Scott   Follow Scott Scouthworth: www.scottsouthworth.com Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

    1h 5m
  2. Beat the Odds: Rock Drummer Sandy Gennaro on The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Life Lessons :: Ep 30 Circling the Drain Podcast

    MAR 18

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

    What do The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen, Bo Diddley, Jason Aldean, and a random fan named Dave in a backstage doorway all have in common? Sandy Gennaro. In this episode of Circling the Drain, John and Jim sit down with veteran rock drummer Sandy Gennaro, a man whose career has taken him from watching The Beatles on TV as a kid to playing arenas around the world and speaking to Fortune 500 companies about leadership, gratitude, and beating the odds. Sandy shares: - How seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at age 11 made him decide his life’s path, and why he literally taped a photo of a drummer to his bathroom mirror and told himself, “That’s going to be you.”   - Stories from his early band Blackjack with a pre–solo career Michael Bolton and guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS, Billy Squier, Meat Loaf, Grand Funk).   - Touring and recording stories with Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Bo Diddley, and a 3‑month European tour opening for Queen.   - His powerful Dave in the Doorway story, a five-minute interaction with a fan that changed his entire life and career.   - Why he believes recognition, gratitude, and lifting others up are the real measures of success, on stage and in business.   - How a chance connection with Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean’s drummer) and his daughter’s college search led him to Nashville at exactly the right time.   This one is packed with rock & roll history, road stories, and surprisingly deep lessons about leadership, humility, and the power of small choices. Topics & Themes: - Visualization, mindset, and “no Plan B” careers   - Working with major artists (Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen)   - How artists treat their fans, good and bad   - The drummer’s role as the CEO of the band   - Why recognition (from roadies to CEOs) is fuel for performance   - Moving to Nashville and reinventing yourself later in life   - Sandy’s book Beat the Odds in Business & in Life   3:10 – East Coast Roots, Italian Family & Giving Up Red Meat   Sandy talks about growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Italian family life, his mom’s reaction when he quit red meat in 1979, and turkey meatballs with toothpicks. 5:00 – Europe vs. U.S. Food, Movement & Smartphone Culture   A quick tangent on food quality, more active European lifestyles, binge-watching, binge-scrolling, and distracted driving. 6:20 – Toy Drums, Early Rhythm & The Beatles Moment (Deep Dive)   Sandy revisits the story of getting his first toy drum at 2½, and how that Beatles performance became the defining moment of his life’s direction. 7:40 – No Plan B: Rock Star Drummer or Home Depot   How committing fully to a dream, and overcoming obstacles one at a time, shaped Sandy’s entire career. 9:00 – First Big Break: Blackjack with Michael Bolton & Bruce Kulick   Sandy tells the story of his first professional band Blackjack, with Michael Bolotin (Michael Bolton), Bruce Kulick, and Jimmy Haslip, and working with legendary producer Tom Dowd. 12:40 – Touring with Peter Frampton & Learning the Big-League Game   Opening for Peter Frampton, playing arenas for the first time, big-label hype, and how Blackjack led to other opportunities like Benny Mardones’ Into the Night. 14:30 – Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Cancer Fundraising   Sandy’s work with Cyndi Lauper (Money Changes Everything) and Joan Jett (The Hit List), plus how they still support his cancer fundraisers with signed merch and swag. 17:00 – The Monkees: TV Band, Real Legacy   Stories from decades of Monkees reunion tours, their innovative early use of video to sell records, Davy Jones’ dedication to fans, and their impact on pop culture. 19:20 – Davy Jones at Dinner & Always Signing Autographs   Anecdotes about Davy Jones eating at Sandy’s house, his heartthrob status, and refusing to leave venues until every fan in line got an autograph. 20:20 – Gratitude, Fans & Never Forgetting Who Got You There   Sandy’s philosophy on always appreciating fans, recognizing people by name (like servers), and why it’s non-negotiable to show respect to those who support you. 24:00 – Opening for Queen in Europe (1986)   The CRAFT tour with Queen across Europe: how Queen treated their openers, full access to production, after-show parties, and hanging with Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. 25:50 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Headliners   Contrasting Queen’s generosity with less gracious headliners; John shares a rough experience opening for Roy Clark’s band. 31:00 – Drum Techs, Crew & Recognizing the People Behind the Show   Sandy talks about his drum tech Bob Oiler, a Modern Drummer shoutout, and why public recognition for crew and “lower-level” staff is so life-changing. 32:40 – Leadership Lesson: Recognition Fuels Engagement   How appreciation boosts engagement, pride, and self-esteem, from the CEO to the person emptying the wastebasket, and why praise must flow both ways. 35:10 – Life Philosophy: Souls, Flames & Sprays of Gasoline   Sandy’s spiritual take: each person’s soul as a flame, small kindnesses as “sprays of gasoline,” and how lifting others up is the ultimate purpose and measure of a life. 40:40 – From Drums to Keynote Stages: Speaking to CEOs   How Sandy moved from entertaining tens of thousands as a drummer to moving corporate audiences to tears with stories and life lessons. 44:10 – Bo Diddley, Health, Aging & When to Park the Bus   Touring with Bo Diddley, his stroke after a final gig, and a broader conversation about aging artists, residencies vs. touring, and knowing when it’s time to slow down. 48:40 – Why Sandy Moved to Nashville: Stars Aligning   The full story: a call from Sammy Merendino, meeting Rich Redmond, seeing Jason Aldean at Madison Square Garden, his wife’s commute, his daughter’s interest in Belmont, and realizing Nashville was the next chapter. 52:30 – The Dave in the Doorway Story (Life-Changing 5 Minutes)   A fan named Dave in the backstage doorway at Toad’s Place in 1981 asks for an autograph, a photo, and a favor. Sandy takes an extra five minutes, gives him his card, and everything changes. 55:20 – From Dave to Cyndi Lauper & the Love of His Life   How Dave Wolf later calls with a new singer he’s managing, Cyndi Lauper, leading to Sandy joining her band, massive success, and ultimately meeting his wife Sherry in Charlotte. One small choice rewires his entire future. 59:30 – Thoughts → Words → Actions → Personality → Legacy   Sandy wraps his core philosophy: how repeated thoughts shape words, actions, personality, and ultimately how the world experiences you. 58:00–1:01:30 – Drummers & CEOs: The Same Job?   Why the drummer is like the CEO of the band, setting tempo, consistency, and tone, and how band dynamics mir...

    1h 4m
  3. Ron Allen on Nashville Radio, Jack FM, and What’s Next :: Ep 29 Circling the Drain Podcast

    MAR 11

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

    Longtime Nashville programmer Ron Allen (96.3 Jack FM, Y’all Country) joins Circling The Drain to talk about 20 years of Jack FM, the changing face of radio, and how local personalities still matter in a streaming and AI-driven world. Ron walks through his journey from Tulsa and Wichita to Nashville, the heyday of big-budget radio, and what has been lost as companies cut costs, shrink staffs, and push more national and digital initiatives. He explains why training grounds for new talent have disappeared, why making a living in radio is harder than ever, and why he still believes there is a long life left for terrestrial radio if it leans into its strengths. You will hear candid insights on Jack FM, Y’all, iHeart, HD Radio, Big D & Bubba, WSM, KDF, and the battle for country listeners in Nashville, plus stories about Phil Valentine, building the Moose brand, and keeping stations “local” even without a full live staff. Timed Highlights1:44 Ron Allen introduced and his Jack FM background2:31 Jack FM hits 20 years in Nashville and the power of simple billboards3:24 Why some stations still get branding and billboards wrong4:15 Suites, perks, and how radio culture has changed over the years5:31 Company culture: radio vs non-radio employers6:37 What radio felt like in the 80s and 90s compared to today8:16 Cost cutting, AI, and multi-market programming on the horizon8:54 Would young Ron choose radio today?9:29 No more “farm teams”: the disappearance of training grounds9:43 Why it is hard to give hopeful advice to broadcasting students10:21 Content will always be needed, but the distribution is changing11:14 Why existing radio talent are undervalued as content creators13:49 The need for young talent and how broadcasters should mentor them14:32 Pay reality: when fast food gigs beat full-time radio salaries16:16 What actually sells with advertisers now: spots vs digital16:43 Tip of the hat to iHeart’s digital operation18:16 Why local personalities like Moose still beat automation and AI19:30 Radio’s built-in advantage: licenses, scarcity, and reach20:21 Nashville ice storm: when radio’s immediacy really matters20:42 Stations off the air and the business impact22:09 How Jack and Y’all stay “local” with limited live staff23:32 Are big groups more invested in digital than in their over-the-air product?25:14 HD Radio, subchannels, and having transmitters but no content28:06 When digital investment does not flow back to better radio29:39 “Facebook is free”: social replacing traditional marketing budgets30:59 How Jack and Y’all actually use social media and street teams32:27 The blurry line between promotion and spam in social feeds33:17 Why putting sponsors on as guests hurts host credibility34:21 Remembering Phil Valentine and why honesty on air works36:17 What traditional music radio has that Spotify and Apple Music do not36:34 Personality, locality, and effortless music discovery38:59 Contests, trips, and experiences listeners cannot buy themselves39:12 Turning Moose into a recognizable, real-life brand42:12 Launching Y’all and tapping the 80s–2000s country lane46:16 How competition in Nashville country radio shifted48:03 Inside baseball: KDF, WSM, iHeart, and market strategy50:00 Moving Big D & Bubba and how audience migration could have been handled54:05 Using a powerful signal well vs treating it like an afterthought54:48 Ron’s favorite formats to program and why they still excite him56:00 How he fell into adult hits and Jack-style radio58:00 Why adult hits plus 90s country is his dream combination59:27 Wrap up and closing thoughts

    1h 2m
  4. Hauntings in Nashville: Hank Williams’ House, Ghost Cats, and Messages from Beyond :: Ep 28 Circling the Drain Podcast

    MAR 4

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

    From Civil War battlefields to the legendary Hank Williams house on Franklin Road, this episode of Circling The Drain dives deep into hauntings, strange coincidences, and emotional encounters with the other side. Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy swap eerie and heartfelt stories, including:   – Ghostly music in Phil Valentine’s old cabin   – Cold rooms and strange phenomena in Hank and Audrey Williams’ home   – A child’s disembodied “Mom” in the middle of the night   – A ghost cat that still roams a family home   – A terrifying choking encounter in a haunted Arizona hotel   – Dreams, premonitions, and final goodbyes from parents, friends, and radio legends   They also touch on ley lines, New Orleans voodoo, Civil War and Revolutionary War history, and why Middle Tennessee may be one of the most spiritually active regions in America. If you’ve ever wondered whether loved ones can reach out after they’re gone, or why certain places just feel heavy, this episode is for you. 02:25 TV news stories, anchors with no pants, and pre-show haunting chat   03:06 Phil Valentine’s haunted cabin and mysterious violin music   04:43 Blood in the dirt: Civil War battlefields around Middle Tennessee   05:37 Cannonballs through walls and soldiers hung in the trees   06:15 Hank Williams sightings at the Ryman and ghost stories on the Opry   06:43 Inside the Hank Williams house on Franklin Road   08:13 The record slows down, temperature drops, and the room turns freezing   09:48 Was it Hank Sr. or Audrey Williams haunting the house?   09:59 Audrey’s strange death, unpaid taxes, and a bedroom that stayed cold   11:07 Partygoers who swear they saw Audrey among them   12:17 Cancelled checks in the attic and lost Hank-era artifacts   13:15 Using the Hank house as the ultimate pickup line   13:57 The light-up “Williams” bar and the home’s later famous owners   14:30 Music Row history and the loss of classic studios like the Sound Shop   15:24 An older Gallatin home, a ghost child’s “Mom” and the phantom cat   17:20 Anniversary trip through haunted Arizona hotels   19:13 The Prescott hotel choking incident and an angry prostitute’s room   20:59 Taps on the shoulder at the San Carlo in Phoenix   23:13 Songwriter Gary Gentry, summoning Hank Williams, and “The Ride”   24:12 Opry performance of “The Ride” that blacked out the Opryland complex   24:53 Audrey’s line that became “The whole world calls me Hank”   25:53 Haunted office building at 1111 on Music Row and the lonely sisters   26:36 How Nashville and Music Row have transformed over the years   27:19 Jim’s wife and early apartment hauntings in Nashville   29:17 Blacklight evidence of something dark under the carpet   30:09 New houses, old graves, and why everywhere might be a burial ground   30:21 Being buried on your own property in Tennessee and HOA jokes   31:08 Growing up in Connecticut vs. haunting-rich Southern states   31:58 Kansas hauntings and pioneer tragedies   32:23 New Orleans, Charleston, voodoo, slavery, and haunted cities   35:04 Marie Laveau’s grave and cemetery tourism gone too far   35:35 Celebrity graves, offerings, and questionable “tributes”   35:48 Ley lines, Topeka, Nashville, and energy crossings   37:10 Do spirits linger? The group’s take on the paranormal   37:18 Jim’s brother, a psychic, and a dream of their father   38:34 A promised breath on the neck after death that actually happened   40:30 A mother asking permission to die and passing the next morning   43:10 A last-minute decision to visit Dad just before he passed   44:36 A father’s final advice about appreciating time and people   45:01 The day Johnny lost his best friend, Dave White   46:07 Sudden death of a radio mentor and seeing him at the station   48:05 Praying for Phil Valentine and a feeling that “everything’s going to be okay”   49:05 Interpreting peace as a sign of a loved one’s safe passing   49:50 Repeated dreams of Phil and why some people show up more than others   50:15 Dream appearances by parents that feel more like visits than dreams   52:27 Hugging Mom in dreams that feel absolutely real   53:13 A dream of Phil checking on his son and Susan confirming the details   54:56 A Christmas card from Phil and a layoff ten minutes later   55:27 Breaking the heaviness with humor about haunting Jim’s dreams   55:39 Vegas, the mob, and bodies under new construction   56:18 Lake Mead receding and bodies in barrels   56:37 Johnny’s fascination with the mob and Michael Franzese   57:09 Jim’s Henry Hill story at the Spearmint Rhino   59:00 The Godfather bit, Philadelphia, and a real mob warning   59:54 Mob involvement in making The Godfather and “The Offer” series   1:00:59 Haunted bungalows near a dam in Chattanooga and nervous dogs   1:03:13 Why women and children often sense things first   1:03:21 Dogs reacting on the day Johnny’s grandfather died   1:04:04 Threatening to haunt listeners who do not like and subscribe   1:04:18 How to find Circling The Drain, social media, and sponsorships   Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

    1h 5m
  5. Bennie Shipley: From Small-Town Radio to Country Music Legends :: Ep 27 Circling the Drain Podcast

    FEB 25

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

    Radio veteran and voiceover pro Bennie Shipley joins Johnny B, Jay and Jim for a deep dive into the golden age of radio, the rise of country music superstars, and the evolving world of voiceover in the age of AI. Starting as a 15-year-old kid at WLCK in Scottsville, Kentucky, Benny went on to WCDS, became a hometown celebrity in high school, and eventually made the massive leap to powerhouse Nashville station WSM. Along the way he worked alongside legends like Harold Hensley, Ralph Emery, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Alabama, Reba McEntire, and many more. Bennie shares hilarious and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories: stars tossing pebbles at the studio window to get on the air, Marty Robbins prank-calling the station, early days of Alabama before their first hits, and the creative chaos of producing a full “Country Christmas Carol” with country stars on reel-to-reel tape. He also opens up about building a successful national voiceover career, losing part of his vocal range, rebuilding it with help from Vanderbilt’s voice clinic, landing a huge McDonald’s campaign, and his honest take on how AI is impacting human voice talent today. If you love classic country, radio history, behind-the-scenes music industry stories, and real talk about the future of voiceover, this episode is for you. Timed Highlights  0:00 – Opening banter and intro to “Circling the Drain” with guest Bennie Shipley   2:30 – Growing up in Scottsville, Kentucky and starting in radio at 15   3:40 – Becoming popular in high school after landing a job at WCDS   4:50 – First radio paycheck, buying a color TV, and early radio memories   6:00 – Glasgow days, part-time to full-time, and a generous station owner   7:20 – Landing at WSM in Nashville and working with Harold Hensley   10:30 – Culture shock: small-town kid meets big-city country stars   12:00 – Marty Robbins stories, late-night calls, and emotional listener reactions   14:00 – Waylon, Willie, and Kristofferson at the door… and one unforgettable “no”   16:00 – Lefty Frizzell’s praise, friendship, and a heartbreaking last phone call   17:30 – Discovering Alabama before they were famous and spinning “I Want to Come Over”   19:20 – Early visits from “The Alabama Band” and watching their rise   21:00 – Music director days at WSIX and getting in trouble for playing unknown artists   22:30 – Programming battles and ultimately being proven right about Alabama   23:30 – Working with Gerry House, Jerry Minchew, and legendary Nashville radio voices   26:00 – WSM moves, Music Country Radio Network, and working with Charlie Douglas   28:30 – Creating a full “Country Christmas Carol” with country stars   30:00 – Producing on reel-to-reel: razor blades, tape, and homemade sound effects   31:40 – The Country Music Hall of Fame archives and the lost master tape   33:10 – Theater of the mind and why radio was magical before cameras   35:00 – Transitioning from radio to serious voiceover work   37:00 – Early feedback, blunt advice on appearance, and refining the “whole package”   39:10 – Breaking into studio work at Sound Shop and earning respect the hard way   41:20 – Losing vocal range and the scary moment in a session you can’t deliver   42:50 – Vanderbilt voice clinic, scopes, therapy, and rebuilding the voice   44:30 – Strange but effective vocal exercises: water, straws, and “curly” sounds   45:40 – Rethinking delivery: moving out of “radio voice” into higher, lighter reads   46:40 – Landing a major McDonald’s national campaign and how it changed his life   48:20 – Paying off debt, buying a condo, and the chain of events that led to meeting his wife   49:50 – Gratitude for songwriter/producer Milton Blackford and “Me and My RC”   50:50 – Reflecting on a full career and the importance of documenting radio history   53:10 – Being called a “legend,” radio luncheons, and old connections resurfacing   54:30 – AI, radio’s future, and what today’s tech is missing: human nuance   55:30 – Why authenticity, vinyl, and real voices still matter to younger audiences   56:30 – Wrap-up, where to find “Circling the Drain,” and closing thoughts with Benny   Find more episodes and extras at:   circlingthedrain.net Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

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

    FEB 18

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

    From coked-up sales reps in limos to Dolly Parton impostors and “attributes” pressed against the studio glass, this episode dives deep into the wild world of radio sales and promotions. Johnny B, Jay Harper, and James Patrick McCarthy trade war stories from small-market radio, over-the-top salespeople, unforgettable clients, and the local commercial legends who became stars in their own right. Timed Highlights   0:00 Cold open: “She had sales skills… and a certain attribute”   0:31 Welcome to Circling the Drain   2:00 Herb Tarlek, WKRP, and the classic radio salesperson stereotype   3:45 First time seeing coke in a limo (and it wasn’t Coca-Cola)   4:50 Small-market radio: doing on-air plus sales   5:45 Marriages, selling yourself, and buyer’s remorse   6:50 The Bronx closer: high-pressure but top-producing sales rep   7:55 Mary Garland, bug costumes, and the giant cockroach on the desk   10:16 Linda Biggers and “attributes” on the studio glass (1983 flashback)   13:25 Could that even happen today? Reverse harassment and boundaries   14:20 Beautiful radio groupie, fake Dolly Parton, and the Birmingham prank   18:20 Salespeople who ignore the “do not interrupt the show” rule   19:55 Production directors vs sales: copy, strategy, and bad client ideas   24:15 “Human highlighter” sales rep and the mystery golf-course spot   26:20 Mulch ads, name repetition, and an award-winning campaign   28:20 Why client-voiced spots and kid voices often go wrong   30:55 Grocery ads, lazy copy, and reading straight from the newspaper   32:00 Edgy grocery read: pantyhose “next to the best thing”   32:35 Local legends: Price LeBlanc, Darrell Waltrip, and car dealer catchphrases   35:20 Emma’s Florist and the Watson’s girl in the hot tub   37:00 Husband-and-wife furniture store and selling via baby pictures   39:00 Car sales, knocking down walls, and disarming skeptical buyers   40:30 Christopher Walken test drive and absurd dealership patter   42:02 Snow in Tennessee and episode wrap-up   42:30 Where to find Circling the Drain online (site and socials) Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

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

    FEB 11

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

    In this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the evolution of media: from old-school radio and movie theaters to long-form podcasts and YouTube creators. They talk Joe Rogan’s three-hour conversations, why podcasts feel more authentic than corporate radio, the rise of independent creators, and how celebrities have lost their monopoly on “cool.”   Along the way, they share classic Nashville industry stories, memorable movie-theater moments, and real talk about niches, sponsors, and the future of podcasting. If you love behind-the-scenes media talk, Music City lore, and smart banter about where content is headed, this one’s for you. Timed highlights (chapters) 00:00 – Why long-form podcasts work and the Joe Rogan effect   01:00 – Welcome to Circling The Drain and hitting 1,000 Facebook followers   02:15 – Live event plans, swag, and possible dancing “girls”   03:10 – Why podcasts feel more real than corporate radio   05:35 – Borrowing the casual Joe Rogan-style intro for their own show   06:50 – Saving Nashville’s stories so they don’t “circle the drain”   08:50 – Donald Trump, Joe Rogan, Bill Clinton, and the politics of “being cool”   12:00 – How podcasts bypass mainstream media gatekeepers   13:55 – Relaxed rooms, real stories, and uncensored guest moments   14:58 – Sponsors, networks, and the cost of giving up independence   16:40 – Indie podcasters, Casey Anthony, and what you can’t air   18:30 – Releases, legal gray areas, and learning from Howard Stern   21:25 – Does a podcast really need video to succeed?   22:50 – Radio faces, self-deprecating humor, and old radio war stories   24:20 – Too many podcasts? Why niche and interest-based content win   27:15 – The decline of movie theaters and the streaming habit   28:50 – Marvel, Star Wars, and the magic of audience reactions   31:20 – Missing the big moment because you had to hit the bathroom   32:40 – Jaws, The Exorcist, and when movies truly scared people   33:45 – What we lose when we lose the shared theater experience   34:55 – New media vs Hollywood and the Markiplier “Iron Lung” moment   38:00 – How TV shows like “Nashville” reshaped the city’s image   40:20 – Behind-the-scenes Nashville TV stories and diva moments   45:00 – Reese Witherspoon, Music Row, and early film memories   50:20 – Modern TV, Law & Order, and aging into “get off my lawn”   51:40 – Schitt’s Creek, Christopher Guest mockumentaries, and Spinal Tap 2   53:00 – What podcasts the guys actually listen to   55:20 – Interest-based media, Gary V, and why you must aircheck yourself   56:40 – Joe Rogan, business pods, and the power of authenticity   58:00 – Johnny B’s favorite artist podcasts and “jacking around”   58:45 – Launching a niche redfishing podcast: Setting The Hook   1:00:10 – Fly fishing shows, sponsors, and how deep niches can go   1:00:46 – Why most new podcasts never make it past a few episodes   1:02:00 – Insurance, bowhunting, and how to find a money-making niche   1:03:26 – Knowing your audience and just letting proven talent work   1:04:30 – Who actually listens to Circling The Drain   1:06:08 – Why these stories matter and where to find the show Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

    1h 7m
  8. Ice Storms, Airwaves And Radio Wars :: Ep 24 Circling the Drain Podcast

    FEB 4

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

    Fresh off a nasty Nashville ice storm, Johnny B, Jay, and Jim unpack winter chaos, government blame, and why people still run to live talk radio when things get dangerous. From Phil Valentine tornado stories and Sheryl Crow calling out NES, to THC cookie misadventures, potholes, the Cherokee Nation fixing roads, and the slow death of music radio, this one is equal parts war story and radio therapy. Highlights:   – Ice storms, tornadoes, and staying on the air when everyone else is stuck   – Sheryl Crow vs NES, cloud-seeding conspiracies, and Trump as scapegoat   – TDOT, busted axles, and how a tribe fixed what a city wouldn’t   – THC cookies, on-air paranoia, and learning your limits   – Being undervalued by management and realizing your leverage in radio   – Why talk radio may be the last moat left in broadcasting Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: www.jmvos.com Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co www.itsyourshow.co

    1h 2m
See All (31)

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Circling The Drain is a show about the current state of the music and radio businesses as well as culture in general! Hosted by John E. Bozeman and Jay Harper along with Jim McCarthy as Co-Host/Executive Producer. John has had a storied career in music and talk radio, most notably as the Executive Producer for the late and legendary Phil Valentine. Jay also has has a long career in radio as Announcer, Play-by-Play, Voice and On-Camera Actor. He was also an Artist Rep for MCA records. Jim McCarthy ALSO has had a tremendous career in radio since 1996 and has since brought his consulting/producing skillset to the podcast world. Circling the Drain is produced by ItsYourShow.co

Information

  • Creator
    John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025

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