Chachi Loves Everybody

Benztown
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Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting. Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 91 Dave Santrella

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Salem Media Group CEO Dave Santrella looks back on a broadcasting career that began as a high-school radio DJ in the Chicago area and grew through sales, station leadership, and executive roles. He shares how early mentors shaped his work ethic, why he puts clients’ needs ahead of a sale, and how a move to Salem allowed him to align his professional skills with his faith. Santrella will be among those honored as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at Gotham Hall in New York City. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dan Mason about:   Dave’s Chicago upbringing in Niles, Illinois, and how early radio curiosity started with a high school building that looked like it held a station tower His first radio breaks at WMTH and WVVX, including learning the grind of early broadcasting and taking whatever gig was available How a college job driving the WMAQ White Sox fan van exposed him to advertisers, clients, and the business side of radio The sales mentorship of Steve Lessman and Joe Dubeck, including the tough love that helped him grow up fast in a grown-up business Why he believes the best salespeople diagnose client needs first and are willing to say, “I’m not the right fit” His leadership philosophy, including the value of giving reps credit, helping others win, and avoiding silos Moving to Salem Media and launching The Fish in Chicago Salem’s expansion into Salem Surround, Salem Now, and Salem News Channel as a response to digital change and audience behavior His advice to people entering media And More!   ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:  In January 2022 Dave became the Chief Executive Officer after serving 12 years as the President of Broadcast Media for Salem Media Group. Salem is a media company specializing in Christian and Conservative content with over 1400 employees and 3500 affiliates in 30 markets.    Under Dave's leadership, Salem launched Salem Surround - a digital platform - which has been a powerful revenue growth engine for the company and has dramatically increased Salem's digital abilities and footprint to help their clients. Salem Podcast Network, SalemNOW, and the Salem News Channel have also been launched under his leadership. Throughout his nearly 40-year career in the radio broadcast communications industry, Dave has provided leadership in promotions, marketing, sales, and management. A Chicago native, Dave worked for NBC's locally-owned radio station WMAQ for more than 12 years and then for CBS's WBBM for more than eight. In 2001, Dave felt called to use his talents and abilities in a more significant way and joined Salem to manage the Chicago market. He progressed steadily through Salem ranks, managing both Chicago and Milwaukee assets for Salem, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Ops VP. He served in that role for just 14 months before, in 2010, before being promoted president of Salem’s radio division and later to president of broadcast media, overseeing all local and national business for Salem’s broadcast division. Due to his depth of expertise in the industry, Dave collaborates with many industry organizations. From June 2021 until June 2023, he served as the joint board chair for the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) and also served as radio board chair prior to that.  Upon terming out as joint board chair, Dave now sits on the board of the NAB’s Leadership Foundation. He is also a member of the president's council and an executive committee member for NRB (National Religious Broadcasters). In 2024 Dave was the recipient of the National Association of Broadcasters National Radio Award. He has been featured in the Radio Ink’s “The 40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” for four consecutive years. Dave and his wife Barb have four adult children, have been married for over 40 years, and reside in Southern California.    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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 91 Dave Santrella

  2. 5d ago

    Ep. 90 Dan Mason

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Former CBS Radio head Dan Mason shares his remarkable journey from a young radio enthusiast to a media industry leader, offering insights on persistence, innovation, and leadership in broadcasting. This episode explores his career milestones, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring broadcasters.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dan Mason about:   The relentless persistence that helped him realize his childhood dream of working in radio His philosophy of making big market stations sound small How he learned by doing as he climbed the ranks through every step of his career Becoming a programmer GM before being named president of Cook Inlet Integrating many different cultures and brands while navigating mergers at CBS Stepping back at CBS, then returning to help struggling stations and launch CBS Sports Radio and digital platforms Transitioning from CEO to sports broadcaster and horse racing analyst Investing in VSiN, and selling to DraftKings. Dan’s involvement in the Broadcasters Foundation of America His advice for the next generation of broadcasters And More!   ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dan Mason began his radio programming career in 1975 at WZGC-FM/Atlanta. Two years later, he became program director at WPGC-FM/Washington DC while also serving as national program director for First Media, the station's parent company. In 1979, the 27-year-old Mason became one of the youngest general managers in the U.S. at KTSA and KTFM/San Antonio before returning to First Media (later Cook Inlet Radio Partners) and becoming president of the company in 1988. Five years later, Mason was appointed president of Group W Radio; when the company merged with CBS Radio in 1995, Mason became president for a seven-year stint. During this period, Mason successfully integrated the original CBS, Group W, Infinity Radio and American Radio Systems stations. After five years as a free-lance adviser and consultant, Mason returned to CBS Radio as President and CEO in 2007 before retiring in 2015. During Mason’s tenure as head of CBS Radio, the company pursued an aggressive plan for growth, purchasing FM stations in Miami, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Mason oversaw the expansion of CBS Radio’s digital presence in addition to the creation of CBS Sports Radio, which offers national programming to over 300 stations in the U.S. and Canada.  Dan Mason was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2015.   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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 90 Dan Mason

  3. Sep 24

    Ep. 89 David Donovan

    EPISODE SUMMARY: David Donovan shares his extensive experience in broadcasting policy, from his early days at the FCC to leading the New York State Broadcasters Association. He discusses the evolution of media regulation, the digital transition, and the importance of local broadcasting in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Donovan will be among those honored as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at Gotham Hall in New York City. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to David Donovan about: His shift from real estate law to communications at the FCC How regulatory changes have shaped broadcasting What goes into the FCC’s negotiations and regulations process His contributions to policy fights over must-carry retransmission consent, satellite carriage, ownership rules, and the financial interest, syndication rules and more The transition from analog to digital TV, and the engineering and policy challenges it brought on His local television advocacy at the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association and the New York State Broadcasters Association, and the importance of   work at the state level His work strengthening federal enforcement against pirate radio and why it’s a public safety issue The state of AI and content training legislation, and what the future of broadcasting policy looks like And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Broadcast industry veteran David L. Donovan is president and executive director of the New York State Broadcasters Association. Donovan came to Albany in 2011 with more than 25 years of broadcast regulatory experience in Washington, DC. He served two terms on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Spectrum Management Advisory Committee as well as the FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council. He is on the advisory board of the James H. Quello Center for Communications at Michigan State University. From 2001 to 2011, he served as president of the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), the leading engineering and technical trade association of the television industry.  During his tenure, MSTV guided the industry through the digital transition.  It developed and implemented the DTV channel selection process.  MSTV helped design the technical specifications for the government-subsidized digital-to-analog converter box. Working with Sprint he helped coordinate the broadcast industry’s reallocation of broadcast auxiliary spectrum, which is essential for electronic news gathering. Since 2004, he led the fight to prevent unlicensed devices from interfering with television transmissions. Donovan served as the vice President for legal and legislative Affairs for the Association of Local Television Stations (ALTV) from 1990 to 2000.  He worked with the NAB and successfully lobbied for a TV station’s right to must-carry and retransmission consent. He successfully lobbied for the carry one-carry all rules that govern satellite carriage on television stations. Donovan helped relax the TV duopoly rules for large markets ,and was involved in the reshaping of the financial interest and syndication rules. Joining the Federal Communications Commission in 1983, Donovan occupied a number of important legal positions at the agency. He was directly involved in revising content regulations as well as the ownership rules for radio and television. Donovan served as the chief media advisor for the Honorable James H. Quello for three years. An attorney, Donovan is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and before several federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He earned his JD from the Suffolk University Law School in Boston. He received an MA in communications and BA in political science from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). Donovan and his wife, Jackie, live in the Albany area. He has three adult sons and a little 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 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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 89 David Donovan

  4. Sep 24

    Ep. 88 Suzyn Waldman

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Suzyn Waldman shares her remarkable journey from Broadway to becoming a trailblazing sports broadcaster, breaking barriers for women in the industry. She recounts stories from decades of calling Yankees games, highlighting how perseverance and authenticity helped her succeed in an evolving sports media landscape. Waldman will be among those honored as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at Gotham Hall in New York City. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Suzyn Waldman about: Her early life in Boston and her love for baseball and Broadway How her musical theater background helped her as a broadcaster, and why she changed careers Challenges she faced as a woman in sports broadcasting in the 1980s and 1990s The groundbreaking moment she became the first woman to call a World Series game Her partnership with John Sterling and their impact on Yankees broadcasting Her relationship with Yankees legends George Steinbrenner and Yogi Berra Surviving breast cancer and how the experience shaped her life and career The most memorable moments covering championships, crises, and personal milestones The evolution of sports media and her advice for young women entering the industry And More!   ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Award-winning broadcaster Suzyn Waldman this year begins her 40th year either covering or broadcasting the New York Yankees, and her 22nd season as the Yankees’ radio color commentator. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022, Waldman has spent the last four decades overcoming the obstacles that go along with being a female sports broadcaster, and has been an inspiration and mentor to two generations of girls and women wanting to enter the sports arena. Forty years ago, in 1987, Waldman became the first voice heard on New York’s WFAN-AM — the first all-sports station in the country — creating the job of the radio beat reporter, covering the Yankees and New York Knicks. Her news-breaking reports, exclusive interviews and controversial opinions won her countless journalism awards, including the International Radio Award for Live and Emotional Reporting from the upper deck in Candlestick Park during the San Francisco earthquake. The word “first” precedes the name Suzyn Waldman in every facet of her television and radio career. She was the first woman to work on a nationally televised baseball broadcast (for the Baseball Network) and the first to provide TV play-by-play for a Major League team, broadcasting New York Yankees games for WPIX, MSG Network and WNYW in the mid ‘90s. She is the first woman to host an NBA pre- and post-game show, provided play-by-play for the WNBA on Lifetime TV, and was an analyst for St. John’s basketball and the NIT for MSG and WFAN. She was the first woman to broadcast a World Series, and her scorecard and microphone are among other artifacts of her career in the “Women In Baseball” exhibit at Cooperstown. She has been honored by countless organizations, including the Thurman Munson Foundation, the March of Dimes, the Jimmy Fund of Boston, the Gracie Awards, American Women in Radio and TV, the US Federal Women’s Foundation, and was the first recipient of the Women’s Global Health award from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at the United Nations for her work speaking with and inspiring fellow breast cancer survivors. She has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Radio” 12 straight years by Radio Ink Magazine, and in 2016, was inducted, with her former longtime radio partner, John Sterling, into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. On January 25, 2025, at the 100th New York Baseball Writers’ Dinner, Waldman and Sterling received one of baseball’s highest honors, the William J. Slocum/Jack Lang Award for “Long & Meritorious Service.” A native Bostonian with a B.S. in economics and an honorary doctorate of Journalism from Boston’s prestigious Simmons University, Waldman spent 15 years on the Broadway musical stage and performed in countless night clubs around the world. She is proudest of two things in her long and varied career: her two years in theater starring opposite the late Richard Kiley in Man of La Mancha, and her bringing together George Steinbrenner and Yogi Berra after 14 years of not speaking. She lives in Westchester County with her German Shepard, Margo. 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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 88 Suzyn Waldman

  5. Sep 1

    Ep. 87 Joe D'Angelo

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Joe D’Angelo, Xperi’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships, shares his journey from media and technology to leading innovations in radio, including HD Radio and DTS Auto Stage, transforming the connected car experience and shaping the future of broadcast radio.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi interviews Joe D’Angelo about:   Growing up in Long Island and early influences, including newspapers and other media Earning his MBA and jumping around the entertainment, telecom, and advertising industries The origin of HD Radio, how it works, and the role of Lucent Digital Radio How his combination of tech, business, and media experience helped him succeed The formation of Ibiquity Digital and digital radio standards Explaining DTS Auto Stage, its role in connected cars, and how it benefits program directors and broadcasters His outlook on the future of radio advertising and digital integration The importance of community and local content in radio His advice for industry professionals during challenging times And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Joe D'Angelo is Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Partnerships at Xperi, where he leads strategic growth initiatives, commercialization efforts, and key industry partnerships across connected car, broadcast radio, audience measurement, and digital audio businesses. He works with broadcasters, automotive manufacturers, technology companies, and media organizations worldwide to advance next-generation in-vehicle entertainment, analytics, and monetization solutions.  A founding executive of iBiquity Digital, the company behind HD Radio technology, Joe has spent more than two decades helping shape the evolution of broadcast and digital audio. Following iBiquity's acquisition by Xperi, he continued to lead initiatives spanning HD Radio, hybrid radio, streaming audio services, connected-car platforms, and audience measurement solutions. His work has focused on helping broadcasters and automotive OEMs successfully navigate the transition to a connected media ecosystem.  Before joining iBiquity, Joe was a Principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers, advising telecommunications and media clients on strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and international expansion. Earlier, he spent five years with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), leading technology and business transformation initiatives.  A recognized industry thought leader, Joe has been named one of Radio Ink's 40 Most Powerful People in Radio for three consecutive years (2024-2026) and serves as a BMI Ambassador supporting innovation across the radio and music industries. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors.   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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 87 Joe D'Angelo

  6. Sep 1

    Ep. 86 Kevin LeGrett

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Kevin LeGrett, Chief Business Officer of Beasley Media, shares his remarkable journey through the broadcasting industry, from childhood to leading major media companies. He discusses leadership, industry insights, and the importance of hard work and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Kevin LeGrett about:   His childhood in Rochester and early influences How he discovered his passion for broadcasting and decided to pursue it instead of attending law school Working as a promoter for concerts and Broadway shows How hard work allowed him to rise quickly from radio promotions manager at CBS to sales rep, sales manager, and cluster sales director, and general manager The nerve-racking experience of having to report directly to Mel Karmazin as a young GM Modeling himself after Frankenstein by taking lessons he learned from leaders such as Karmazin, Judy Ellis, and Farid Suleman, and combing them into his own approach  How Bob Pittman convinced him to take a job for iHeart to run LA Joining Beasley Media Group and the value of partnerships Adapting to industry changes and technology and advice for young professionals in media And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Kevin LeGrett was named Chief Business Officer of Beasley Media Group in February 2026. Mr. LeGrett is responsible for working with Chief Operating Officer Brian Beasley to unify the company’s business operations, aligning revenue strategy, cross-platform partnerships, and digital growth to strengthen the company’s competitive position to ensure long-term success. The media executive brings more than 15 years of distinguished leadership experience from iHeartMedia, where he drove strategic growth, built high-performance teams, and delivered transformative results across some of the industry’s largest and most complex portfolios. Prior to joining Beasley Media Group, Mr. LeGrett served as President of iHeartSports, overseeing the nation’s largest sports audio platform and managing an extensive portfolio of broadcast, digital, podcast, and live content assets. His leadership demonstrated a proven ability to scale high-value media ecosystems while maximizing audience engagement and revenue performance. Previously, Mr. LeGrett held the roles of Division President, West Coast, and Market President, Los Angeles, where he led the top-billing radio cluster in the country from 2015 to 2023. Earlier in his career, he served in several senior leadership positions, including Senior Vice President of Operations for iHeartMedia’s regional markets, President of Political Strategy, President of Citadel Broadcasting, and Senior Vice President and Market Manager at Infinity Broadcasting.   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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 86 Kevin LeGrett

  7. Jul 22

    Ep. 85 Eric Marcum

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary “Home of the Grand Ole Opry.” On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to guest Eric about: Eric’s early beginnings in Indiana and his passion for radio from childhood How WSM’s century-long legacy started and its pivotal role in launching Country music into the mainstream The innovative history behind the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium Vital contributions of key figures like Jack DeWitt and E.W. Bud Wendell in building WSM’s future Reflecting on the legacy of the late Bill Cody and his lasting impact to WSM, the Opry, and the broadcasting community Eric’s diverse roles in radio, from engineering and production to management and live event hosting His leadership during significant moments like the station’s move to Roy Acuff’s former home Strategies for embracing digital transformation while preserving radio’s heritage The community and artist connections that make WSM a family and a living history Eric’s advice for young broadcasters and the importance of adaptability and passion And more! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Eric Marcum is the General Manager and Content Director for WSM radio. He joined the WSM staff in 2010 after graduating from Purdue University and making the move to Nashville. His broadcasting journey began in high school at WKPW in Knightstown, Indiana, and continued at WMDH in nearby New Castle. Over the years, Eric has worn many hats at WSM–from promotions team member to longtime producer of Coffee, Country & Cody, and on-air personality for Route 650, where he championed the best of Americana music. Today, he serves as General Manager, proudly guiding the station as it approaches its centennial milestone and beyond. Eric lives in Old Hickory with his wife Carly and their two children, Rowan and Rhys. When he’s not at the station, you’ll likely find him exploring Nashville’s music scene, sampling local cuisine, or spending time with his family at their favorite spots–local breweries, coffee shops, and the Nashville Zoo.   LINKS:  Air Castle of the South: https://www.amazon.com/Air-Castle-South-Making-American/dp/0252032578   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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 85 Eric Marcum

  8. Jul 22

    Ep. 84 Julie Talbott

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Julie Talbott is one of the most respected leaders in broadcast radio, with a career spanning advertising, syndication, affiliate relations, and network leadership. Hear her unexpected journey, which culminated in induction to the Radio Hall of Fame.  On this episode of the Chachi Loves Everybody podcast, Chachi interviews guest Julie Talbott about: Growing up in Kentucky and the values that shaped her Getting started in advertising at BBDO Her unexpected path into network radio Building MJI Broadcasting from the ground up MJI’s acquisition by Premiere Networks and the impact of industry consolidation Julie’s leadership style and how she remains collaborative and open to change Radio’s evolution in a digital world AI as a tool for efficiency, not replacement, and why human judgment still matters The value of mentorship and hard work towards career growth Her advice for students and aspiring broadcasters And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Julie Talbott is President of Premiere Networks, overseeing the operation of Premiere Networks’ roster of more than 100 radio programs and services; managing business partnerships with talent; and leading and maintaining key affiliate relationships to sell and service Premiere Networks, Total Traffic & Weather Network and the 24/7 News Network.   Talbott has served as President of Premiere Networks since 2014. She joined Premiere Networks in 1999 as Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions, and was promoted in 2003 to Executive Vice President, Affiliate Relations, overseeing affiliations for programs hosted by Glenn Beck, George Noory, Steve Harvey, Keith Sweat, Elvis Duran, FOX Sports Radio and others. In 2009, Talbott was named President, Content and Affiliate Relations for Premiere Networks, and in September 2012 extended her responsibilities to the National Media Groups division of iHeartMedia.  Talbott began her career in advertising at BBDO. 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 21 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’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 Compass 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, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. 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.

    Ep. 84 Julie Talbott
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About

Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting. Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.

Information

  • Creator
    Benztown
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Benztown
  • Show Website
    Chachi Loves Everybody