Circling The Drain

John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper

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

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. Divorce, Nashville, and “Now What?” w/Brenda Golden :: Ep 23 Circling The Drain Podcast

    JAN 28

    Divorce, Nashville, and “Now What?” w/Brenda Golden :: Ep 23 Circling The Drain Podcast

    What happens when your life flips upside down at 50? Former Oak Ridge Boys insider and Nashville industry pro Brenda Golden joins Circling the Drain to talk about starting over in her golden years. Brenda shares how a painful divorce, a cross-country move to Austin, and a complete career reboot led to her new book, “Now What?”. Along the way, she pulls back the curtain on life with William Lee Golden, working around Garth Brooks at his peak, the impact of Pam Lewis and Lib Hatcher (Elizabeth Travis), and how a little movie called “God’s Not Dead” became a turning point. If you’ve ever lost a job, a marriage, or a sense of who you are and thought, “Now what?”, this conversation is for you. Timed highlights:   1:10 Brenda’s book origin story and turning 50 in chaos   2:40 Moving from Nashville to Austin and finding an arts-first city   3:55 South by Southwest and representing artists at the festival   5:10 Brenda’s early music-business days and Nashville connections   6:40 How she met William Lee Golden and joined the Oak Ridge Boys   8:30 Marriage, family life, and their son Solomon’s path to medicine   9:40 Why Solomon chose EMT/paramedic work over music   11:55 Ongoing ties with the Oak Ridge Boys and concern for Richard Sterban   13:20 Joe Bonsall’s passing and helping him land his first book deal   14:30 Crossing paths with Jay at MCA in the mid-80s   15:10 Becoming William’s personal assistant and the MCA solo record   16:00 Meeting powerhouse publicist/manager Pam Lewis   17:30 Hitting rock bottom financially and asking Pam for a job   19:00 “Do you want a career or a paycheck?” – Pam’s tough-love moment   20:10 Learning PR, marketing, and sponsorships around Garth Brooks   21:35 How that mentorship permanently changed Brenda’s career   22:30 Reinventing at 50 and reaching out to Lib Hatcher (Elizabeth Travis)   24:00 Lib’s advice: “You’re going to have to reinvent yourself”   25:40 The film “God’s Not Dead” and its unexpected impact on Brenda   28:00 Feeling seen by God in the middle of a breakdown   30:30 Lib’s own reinvention and success in film and Pure Flix   32:40 Moving to Austin, turning 62, and what life looks like now   34:10 Meeting and briefly working with Frank Stallone   36:40 Longstanding friendships and business ties back in Nashville   38:30 Why Brenda wrote “Now What?” and who it’s really for   40:40 Finding hope, purpose, and community after major life changes   42:40 Two-stepping in Texas, strong dance partners, and playful banter   43:40 Wrap-up, where to find “Now What?”, and Circling the Drain outro 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

    45 min
  4. Bill Cuomo: From “Bette Davis Eyes” to Barbra, Skynyrd & Studio War Stories :: Ep 22 Circling the Drain

    JAN 21

    Bill Cuomo: From “Bette Davis Eyes” to Barbra, Skynyrd & Studio War Stories :: Ep 22 Circling the Drain

    Legendary keyboardist, writer, and producer Bill Cuomo joins Circling The Drain to share six decades of music-industry stories. From crafting the iconic intros to “Bette Davis Eyes” and “Oh Sherrie” to working with Alabama, Trace Adkins, Herb Alpert, Barbra Streisand, Little River Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd**, and more, Bill walks through the evolution of recording from analog to digital, lawsuits with major brands, and why he prefers the studio over the road.   He also opens up about surviving Catholic school, building a dome house in the forest, moving from LA to Nashville, and what AI means for today’s musicians. Candid, funny, and brutally honest. **Episode Highlights:**   - 0:04:18 – Leaving LA and choosing Nashville   - 0:06:31 – Building a 5,500 sq ft Arrington home and basement studio   - 0:09:37 – Alabama, Trace Adkins, and “firing” himself from country   - 0:15:43 – Becoming “the intro guy” and tape-era risks   - 0:16:20 – Crafting the “Oh Sherrie” intro at home   - 0:21:57 – Analog vs. digital and why he kept his console   - 0:29:38 – Watching Little Richard destroy pianos nightly   - 0:32:58 – Why he prefers the studio to the road   - 0:38:24 – “Welcome to Tennessee” and handshake deals   - 0:40:07 – Suing Ford and J. Walter Thompson over “Oh Sherrie”   - 1:02:27 – Gospel work and being a “recovering Catholic”   - 1:10:36 – Trace Adkins and Nashville’s work ethic   - 1:13:05 – Inside the Barbra Streisand / Kim Carnes duet   - 1:24:54 – Reimagining “Bette Davis Eyes”   - 1:30:23 – AI, voices, and the future of music   - 1:33:30 – Skynyrd, Ed King, and “Sweet Home Alabama” money   Listen and subscribe at www.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

    1h 39m
  5. Deborah Allen: From “Baby I Lied” to Elvis’ Bus and Back Again :: Ep 20 Circling the Drain Podcast

    JAN 7

    Deborah Allen: From “Baby I Lied” to Elvis’ Bus and Back Again :: Ep 20 Circling the Drain Podcast

    In this episode, country artist and hit songwriter Deborah Allen joins the Three J’s for a warm, funny, and deeply personal conversation. Deborah shares: The story and long tail of her signature hit “Baby I Lied”Early days at Opryland, touring Russia with Tennessee Ernie Ford, and how Shel Silverstein nudged her into songwritingGrowing up in Memphis around the sounds of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green, and the Hodges brothersHow she wound up sleeping on Elvis’ tour bus and later cutting pioneering overdub duets with Jim Reeves as “The Mystery Girl”Getting a brand-new song from Prince after a brief meeting at Sunset SoundA major health scare, surgery at Vanderbilt with Dr. James Netterville, and why she says “the devil’s not stealing my smile”Celebrating her mom’s 100th birthday, her mom’s younger boyfriend Ed, and the belief that every person you meet is a gift Highlights & Timestamps 0:40 – Introduction to Deborah & “Baby I Lied” on country, pop, and AC radio7:35 – Opryland, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Russia tour & meeting Shel Silverstein12:19 – Memphis influences: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green18:39 – Elvis’ bus at her parents’ shop & “I slept in Elvis’ bed”23:10 – Overdubbing duets with Jim Reeves & the “Mystery Girl” campaign29:30 – Pushing for her own songs at MCA & “Don’t Worry ’Bout Me Baby”34:56 – Writing hits for others: Patty Loveless and “Hurt Me Bad (In a Real Good Way)”35:06 – Prince writes her a song as Joey Coco after a Sunset Sound encounter41:33 – Her mom at 100, Ed’s nightly visits, and Opry birthday roses50:12 – Metastatic carcinoma scare, holistic support, and successful surgery1:01:22 – How old friendships (doctors, musicians, neighbors) ended up saving her 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 3m
  6. Shannon McCombs On Nashville Radio, Rock To Country, And Industry War Stories :: Ep 19 Circling the Drain Podcast

    12/31/2025

    Shannon McCombs On Nashville Radio, Rock To Country, And Industry War Stories :: Ep 19 Circling the Drain Podcast

    Legendary Nashville broadcaster Shannon McCombs joins Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy for a fast-moving tour through rock and country radio history. From being yelled at by Sebastian Bach and an enraged artist at XM, to co-hosting a Buddy Holly birthday bash at the request of Paul McCartney, Shannon shares candid, funny, and sometimes cringeworthy stories from decades behind the mic.   She talks about breaking into a male‑dominated Nashville radio scene in the mid‑80s, surviving multiple format flips and firings, building country relationships through XM and Fan Fair/CMA Fest, producing Kix Brooks’ countdown, and why radio people share the same bizarre “dead air” nightmares. Along the way you’ll hear about Travis Tritt’s oversharing, Lee Greenwood’s Speedo moment, cat rescues, and why Shannon never chased the artist/songwriter dream in Music City.   Highlights   0:00:00 Skid Row backstage disaster and Sebastian Bach meltdown   0:01:30 Show open: Circling The Drain welcomes first female guest   0:03:00 Shannon’s move from Kentucky to Nashville and landing at KDF   0:07:50 Getting fired (twice) from KDF during format and staff overhauls   0:09:30 Working with Carl P. Mayfield, Slats, and returning to KDF for country   0:10:50 Transition to country, syndicated “Shannon’s Country News,” and Bill Anderson documentary   0:12:10 Shooting Bill Anderson’s writing session and interviewing Billy Bob Thornton   0:13:40 Linda Ronstadt interview goes sideways thanks to a forbidden Jerry Brown question   0:14:50 Co‑hosting Paul McCartney’s Buddy Holly birthday bash livestream in New York   0:16:15 Being briefed on how to approach “Sir Paul” and what not to ask   0:17:10 Buddy Holly’s widow and early internet-era red carpet streaming   0:18:10 Favorite country interviews: Eddie Arnold, John Conlee, and Hall of Fame drop‑ins at XM   0:20:00 Becoming XM’s unofficial engineer with a toolbox and a phone to DC   0:21:10 Breaking Nashville resistance to XM by going through publicists, not promotion   0:22:20 Fan Fair/CMA Fest bus and Ford Theater sessions, pairing Charlie Louvin with Dierks Bentley   0:25:20 The infamous live XM moment: skipping CD, furious star, and a security check   0:28:30 Naming names: the Sebastian Bach listener insult story revisited   0:30:30 Country vs rock backstage behavior; Randy Owen and Lee Greenwood in a Speedo   0:33:00 Trying to break into WSM, seeing Kathy Martindale, and realizing “it’s possible” for women   0:34:30 How stations refused to put women on daytime air shifts in the 80s   0:36:30 Remembering trailblazers: Mary Glenn Lassiter, Diana Lynn Bracey, Patty Murray   0:38:50 The great T‑shirt rebellion: refusing unflattering station swag   0:39:45 Travis Tritt and the “I’m not wearing underwear now” TV moment   0:41:00 Aaron Tippin’s measurements and producer‑provoked “stupid questions” that get great answers   0:41:50 Cat stories: Cheeto Willie Mae, rescuing family pets, and severe pet allergies   0:46:30 Kix Brooks as “best boss ever,” producing and co‑writing his countdown show   0:48:30 The infamous leopard‑print couch and building a basketball court for a radio show   0:50:00 Meeting Shannon at Deborah Evans Price’s house and trading off‑air war stories   0:50:45 Radio people turn the tables: Shannon interviews the hosts about their best guests   0:55:00 Favorite interviews: Dan Seals, Reggie Hamm, Penn Jillette, Charlie Benante, Rob O’Neill   0:58:30 Navy SEAL wisdom: “If you’re going to quit, quit tomorrow”   1:00:15 Why Shannon never wanted to be an artist or songwriter in Nashville   1:01:20 Being able to interview Motley Crüe and Randy Travis in the same day   1:01:50 Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, Shannon’s induction, and John’s nomination role   1:02:40 Where to find Shannon online and the “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Halloween costume gag   1:03:30 Closing: love all around and the idea of using “Circling The Drain” as the show’s theme song   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 4m
5
out of 5
19 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