Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Circling The Drain
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast | 01 Sep 2025 | 01:10:19 | |
Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation. **[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician **[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment **[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins **[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas **[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio **[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception **[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers **[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| When Stars Die: How Entertainment Icons Shape Our Lives :: Ep 1 Circling The Drain Podcast | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:54:32 | |
Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy launch "Circling the Drain" by exploring how the deaths of entertainment legends affect us personally. From Elvis and John Lennon to Phil Valentine and Eddie Van Halen, the hosts share intimate stories about meeting their heroes and discuss why we form such deep connections with celebrities we've never met. Jay recounts his days at MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen as well as his incredible Muhammad Ali encounter, and they pay tribute to the late Phil Valentine who brought them all together. **[2:24]** Jay Harper's journey from 1000-watt radio to MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen and legends like George Strait **[14:22]** The shocking impact of Elvis Presley's death - where were you when the King died? **[16:56]** Why celebrity deaths hit us so hard - the emotional connection to our musical heroes **[20:13]** Johnny B's tribute to Waylon Jennings and how country music brought him closer to his father **[24:44]** The forgotten outlaw: Why Johnny Paycheck deserves more recognition **[29:17]** A touching encounter with Faron Young that revealed the loneliness of faded stardom **[31:19]** 2025's devastating celebrity losses: From Loni Anderson to Ozzy Osbourne **[40:12]** Phil Valentine's lasting impact - the radio host who connected like family **[45:46]** Jay's incredible Muhammad Ali story: Getting the champ to sign his artwork in 1978 Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| From Stage to Screen: When Musicians Try Acting :: Ep 3 Circling the Drain Podcast | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:48:30 | |
Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive into the wild world of musicians crossing over into acting. From Hank Williams' reluctance to become a movie star to Trace Adkins' impressive western roles, this episode explores the hits and misses of singers turned actors.
A hilarious and insightful journey through the sometimes cringe-worthy, sometimes brilliant world of musicians trying their hand at acting! Jagger/Bowie “Dancing in the Streets” video without music: https://youtu.be/BHkhIjG0DKc?si=WMvOh-dQMKlNgaoJ Star Wars Ending with No Music: https://youtu.be/Tj-GZJhfBmI?si=nOKO47YzEI904uJE Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co Radio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast
**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician **[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment **[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins **[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas **[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio **[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception **[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers **[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Backstage Blunders and Celebrity Encounters: Embarrassing Moments in Entertainment :: Ep 7 Circling the Drain Podcast | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:05:43 | |
Join Johnny B & Jay Harper as they dive into a hilarious and cringe-worthy exploration of their most embarrassing celebrity encounters. From awkward backstage moments with Roy Clark and Waylon Jennings to on-air radio mishaps and fan-boy interactions, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories that reveal the human side of entertainment personalities. Learn about unexpected meet-and-greets, on-stage wardrobe malfunctions, and the art of not embarrassing yourself when meeting your heroes. It's a candid, entertaining look behind the scenes of the music and radio world that you won't want to miss! Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| The Ride: Gary Gentry's Musical Journey Through Country Legends :: Ep 6 Circling The Drain Podcast | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:08:43 | |
Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Gary Gentry as he shares incredible stories from Nashville's golden era. From his supernatural encounter with Hank Williams' ghost to writing hit songs like "The Ride" and working with icons like Billy Sherrill and David Allen Coe, this episode is a treasure trove of music history. Timed Highlights: A must-listen for country music fans, aspiring songwriters, and anyone who loves authentic behind-the-scenes music stories! Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Podcast Reactions, Charlie Kirk Martyrdom and Hollywood Heroes :: Ep 5 Circling the Drain Podcast | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:56:16 | |
In this episode, the 3J crew dives deep into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from music and movies to current events. Highlights include: [0:00-0:10] Personal stories and podcast reflections The podcast offers a mix of nostalgia, pop culture commentary, and personal anecdotes, keeping listeners entertained with the hosts' witty banter and diverse topics. Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Story Songs: The Lost Art of Musical Storytelling :: Ep 4 Circling the Drain Podcast | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:45:35 | |
Johnny B, Jay and Jim dive deep into the world of story songs, exploring their rich history and cultural impact. In this episode, we'll unpack: [0:01:00] The Power of Narrative Music [0:22:30] Legendary Storytellers in Music [0:33:40] Modern Challenges in Songwriting [0:41:20] Emotional Resonance of Story Songs Highlights include candid discussions about music's evolution, the importance of imperfection in recordings, and a nostalgic look at how story songs connect generations. Whether you're a music historian or casual listener, this episode offers insights into the art of musical storytelling. Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co Radio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast
**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician **[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment **[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins **[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas **[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio **[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception **[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers **[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creators Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Circling the Drain Ep 12: Regie Hamm - From Family Band to American Idol Glory | 12 Nov 2025 | 01:14:06 | |
Join us for an intimate conversation with Regie Hamm, a songwriter whose life took unexpected turns through music, adoption, and personal transformation. Highlights include: [0:00-0:15] Introduction and podcast setup [0:15-0:30] Background on Regie's musical journey [0:36-0:45] Early days in a family musical group [0:45-1:00] Transition from family band to solo artist [1:00-1:15] Adoption of daughter Isabella and life-changing experiences [1:15-1:30] American Idol songwriting competition victory [1:30-1:45] "The Time of My Life" song becoming an Olympic anthem [1:45-2:00] Reflections on creativity, family, and personal growth Regie shares candid stories about his musical roots, unexpected success, adopting a daughter with special needs, and how life's challenges transformed his perspective. A must-listen for music lovers and those seeking inspiration through personal storytelling.
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Wade Hayes: Surviving, Strumming, and Staying True to Country Roots :: Ep 11 Circling The Drain | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:41:57 | |
Country music singer Wade Hayes joins Circling the Drain for an intimate conversation about his remarkable journey through life's challenges. From battling stage four colon cancer to navigating the music industry, Wade shares his inspiring story of survival, his Oklahoma roots, and his passion for authentic country music. Hear about his early days playing in honky tonks, his breakthrough hits like "Old Enough to Know Better", and his upcoming reimagined greatest hits album. Wade opens up about his musical influences, his near-death experience, and the gratitude that keeps him grounded in the ever-changing world of country music.
[0:05:57] - Wade shares his move to Nashville at 22 with just $450, determined to pursue music [0:08:02] - Pivotal moment: Ricky Skaggs' CMA Awards speech inspires Wade to pursue his music career [0:09:38] - Wade describes how record labels discovered him while playing lead guitar for Johnny Lee [0:13:32] - Detailed discussion of his stage four colon cancer diagnosis at age 42 [0:21:39] - Wade talks about his musical influences, particularly praising Vince Gill's incredible talent [0:34:43] - Story of how he met his wife Leah, with John Rich playing matchmaker [0:37:04] - Wade discusses his upcoming Greatest Hits album, where he's re-recording and reimagining his classic songs [0:39:47] - Conversation about his hit song "Tore Up" and why he stopped performing it for years Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Radio Rage: Meltdowns, Mishaps, and Mayhem Behind the Mic :: Ep 10 Circling the Drain Podcast | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:46:10 | |
Join the Triple J's as they dive into the wild world of radio broadcasting, sharing hilarious and cringe-worthy stories of on-air explosions, technical disasters, and workplace tensions. This episode reveals the chaotic backstage drama that listeners never hear. [0:00-0:10] Intro to radio confrontation stories [0:10-0:15] Johnny B's first hint at announcer conflicts [0:20-0:30] Michael Jackson death reporting incident [8:20-8:54] Jay's embarrassing engineering confrontation [11:00-13:15] Johnny's on-air outburst with another personality [15:00-16:30] Discussion of Super Talk TV technical failures [33:00-36:18] Production department technology frustrations [41:36-43:59] Wild story about David Allen Coe's unpredictable concert behavior Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Artists Who Should Have Made It Big :: Ep 9 Circling the Drain Podcast | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:56:36 | |
Join the Three J's as they dive deep into the music industry's hidden stories, exploring talented artists who were on the brink of stardom but never quite broke through. Timed Highlights: [0:05] - Introduction to the podcast and hosts [0:15] - Discussion of MCA Records' unique artists like Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett [0:25] - The challenges of country radio in the 1980s [0:35] - Personal stories of artists who should have been bigger [0:45] - Behind-the-scenes insights into music industry politics [0:55] - Memorable encounters with musicians in Nashville [1:05] - The importance of timing and finding the right song in an artist's career [1:15] - Exploring the magic of Nashville's music scene Get an insider's look at the Nashville music scene and the complex world of record labels, radio promotion, and the elusive "it factor" that separates good artists from superstars. Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Band Dynamics: When Members Change, Does the Music Stay the Same? :: Ep 8 Circling the Drain Podcast | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:51:52 | |
Following the news that Rush will be hitting the road again with drummer Anika Nilles, we dive deep into the world of band member changes, exploring the delicate balance between musical evolution and fan loyalty. From Rush's upcoming tour to Van Halen's iconic lineup shifts, we'll break down: [0:01:46] - The legal battles of bands replacing original members [0:07:10] - Van Halen's transformation with Sammy Hagar [0:22:14] - The crucial role of loyalty in music, especially in country genres [0:38:53] - Ringo Starr's All-Star Band and maintaining musical magic [0:41:29] - Bands like Toto and their ever-changing lineups We'll explore how bands navigate member changes, the impact on their sound, and whether a band can truly remain the same when key players depart. Packed with rock and roll stories, musician insights, and passionate debate! Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Thanksgiving & Holiday Rewinds: Movies, Music, and Memories :: Ep 14 Circling The Drain | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:47:54 | |
Join the Circling the Drain crew for a festive Thanksgiving episode filled with laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of holiday spirit. From debating the best (and worst) Christmas movies and songs, to trading stories about working long shifts during the holidays, the hosts open up about meaningful traditions, family memories, and radio life’s quirks. Listen in for reflections on "It's a Wonderful Life," holiday music pet peeves, behind-the-scenes radio tales, and some lively debates about whether "Die Hard" is truly a Christmas movie. Whether you love classic holiday films or quirky Christmas songs, this episode brings warmth and wit to your holiday season. Highlights: - [00:00:00] Reflecting on "It's a Wonderful Life" and personal connections to the film - [00:02:51] Holiday music gripes: Elvis, Porky Pig, and radio playlist woes - [00:04:09] Stories from working Christmas and New Year's shifts in radio - [00:07:26] Country radio tales and "smoking with Willie" stories - [00:10:00] The Christmas Song Countdown: Least favorite tunes and radio parodies - [00:14:04] Holiday movie tropes and poking fun at Hallmark plots - [00:17:30] Christmas TV specials and Bing Crosby's surreal team-ups - [00:24:02] "Four Christmases" and the reality of family holidays - [00:38:13] The ongoing debate: Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie? - [00:43:40] Family food traditions: Ravioli and homemade noodles on Christmas Eve - [00:47:35] Wrapping up with holiday wishes and where to find the show and merch Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| The Matt Murphy Radio Journey - From Small-Town Radio to Saving Lives On Air :: Ep 13 Circling the Drain Podcast | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:16:24 | |
Johnny B, Jay and Jim welcome radio veteran Matt Murphy for an unforgettable conversation spanning his upbringing in Georgia, the twists and turns of his eclectic radio career, and the hard-won philosophies that animate his celebrated talk shows. Matt recounts personal battles, including family struggles, memorable firings, and the deeply moving "Liberty Bell" segment that reveals radio’s power to change lives. The team explores the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of modern radio, with plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs and heartfelt moments along the way. Timed Highlights: - [00:00:00] Matt Murphy’s introduction and the heartwarming story of "Liberty Bell" - [00:03:14] Growing up in Thompson, Georgia: Family challenges and radio dreams - [00:06:10] First steps into radio: Following in his father’s unpredictable footsteps - [00:09:03] From college theater to talk radio: Early lessons and live mishaps - [00:14:25] Firing stories and resilience: Lessons from early radio stations - [00:18:13] Building a career in Montgomery and Birmingham; launching Talk 99.5 - [00:25:10] "Liberty Bell" story in depth: Impact, love, and community response - [00:31:49] The importance of making radio about the audience, not the ego - [00:49:13] Discussing radio host safety after on-air tragedy - [00:56:10] Changing political views: From "Joe Liberal" to Liberty-first values - [01:04:27] The art and emotion of caller-driven radio, live moments, and staying unscripted - [01:08:34] Best firing stories: Humor and humility behind the microphone - [01:15:30] Wrapping up: Podcast promotion and mutual admiration
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Deborah Allen: From “Baby I Lied” to Elvis’ Bus and Back Again :: Ep 20 Circling the Drain Podcast | 07 Jan 2026 | 01:03:20 | |
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:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Shannon McCombs On Nashville Radio, Rock To Country, And Industry War Stories :: Ep 19 Circling the Drain Podcast | 31 Dec 2025 | 01:04:10 | |
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: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Our Dads, Music, and Memories :: Ep 18 Circling the Drain Podcast | 24 Dec 2025 | 01:09:42 | |
In this deeply personal “Dads Episode,” the guys open up about the fathers who shaped their lives, careers, and love of music. From small-town country radio and booking legends like Roy Clark, to petrochemical plants, phone lines, and woodworking in retirement, each story reveals how complicated, flawed, and unforgettable dads can be. The guys trace how certain songs became emotional landmarks—Merle Haggard concerts, Elton John story songs, and country classics about fathers and sons. They share how grief hit them when their dads passed, how music and video tributes helped them heal, and how late-in-life “I’m proud of you” moments still echo years later. They also grapple with tougher truths: jealousy, absence, depression after loss, and generational discipline that would look very different today. Yet, through it all, there’s an undercurrent of gratitude for dads who showed love in their own ways—by working hard, building things, fixing cars, or just bringing their kids along for the ride. Closing out, they reflect on the importance of reconciliation while there’s still time, and how politics and pride should never be allowed to permanently sever family ties. The idea for the discussion came from Jim sharing the video he produced for his father's memorial service. R.I.P. Justin J. McCarthy
00:00 – Opening reflection on a complicated father who wanted the spotlight, and later pride in his kids’ careers --- | |||
| Gene Simmons, Radio Royalties & The AI Artist Future :: Ep 17 Circling the Drain Podcast | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:59:48 | |
On this episode of Circling the Drain, Johnny B, Jay, and Jim dive deep into Gene Simmons’ push for the American Music Fairness Act and what it could mean for already-struggling terrestrial radio. They unpack who really benefits from new royalty schemes, why small “mom & pop” stations could be crushed, and how streaming and AI are rapidly reshaping the music business. From stories of old-school radio logging and payola-era politics to modern streaming, AI-generated hits, and DIY “instant artists,” the guys explore whether Gene is picking the wrong fight—and what the real endgame might be. Along the way, they hit on artist exploitation, fan loyalty, the death (and possible rebirth) of local radio, and why creatives must learn to **sell their own value**. - **[00:00:00]** Kicking off with Gene Simmons, Sheryl Crow, and the question: who should pay whom for radio airplay? - **[00:04:21]** Breaking down the **American Music Fairness Act** and the financial realities of radio paying both writers and artists. - **[00:09:22]** Is Gene Simmons secretly trying to **kill radio** to push everything toward streaming? The conspiracy angle. - **[00:14:30]** Sheryl Crow’s past effort to get musicians paid and how stations responded by cutting her from playlists and bumper music. - **[00:19:14]** Politics enters the chat: why Republicans are backing the bill and how artists align (or don’t) with parties. - **[00:23:11]** The looming wave of **AI-generated artists and songs** and what that means for real musicians and discoverability. - **[00:28:20]** From **Napster to now**: overpriced CDs, filler albums, cherry-picking tracks, and why legacy acts live on the road. - **[00:31:06]** Horrible contracts and exploitation—from classic R&B and soul to syndicated talk radio talent getting shortchanged. - **[00:35:00]** Radio’s forgotten leverage: labels paying for promotions, giveaways, and the historic payola dynamic. - **[00:45:07]** “You’re either being sold or doing the selling”: why radio people (and creatives) must learn to **sell themselves**. - **[00:53:52]** Knowing your worth vs. **selling your worth**—turning talent and results into real raises and better deals. - **[00:58:25]** A live pitch: why sponsoring *Circling the Drain* is a killer opportunity for advertisers in a crowded audio world. - **[00:59:35]** Signing off with a jab at “consultants” and a tease for the next episode. Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| The Problem with Corporate Radio and Consultants - Stories from the Inside :: Ep 16 Circling The Drain Podcast | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:45:45 | |
Join the Circling the Drain crew as they dive into the heart of what's gone wrong with modern corporate radio. In this candid episode, Jay, John and Jim reflect on the loss of local flavor, the rise of consultants with little on-air experience, and how cookie-cutter strategies have changed the industry. Through vivid anecdotes—including infamous consultant run-ins, near-misses on Music Row, and heartfelt stories about legends like Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride—they explore what made radio great and what's being lost in today's era of homogenized programming. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tales, laughter, and honest debate about the future of radio, topped off by listener shout-outs and real talk about what it takes to keep a radio show authentic. Timed Highlights: - [0:00:00] The problem with corporate radio: Inexperienced program directors and consultants. - [0:01:35] Appreciating "superfan" Larry Alderman and audience engagement. - [0:02:59] Stories about consultants blocking hit songs and late adoption on radio. - [0:07:45] Humor and pushback against consultants' advice in the studio. - [0:10:03] Remembering when local flavor defined radio and music scenes. - [0:12:55] Discovering "My Toot Toot" and the journey of a song to national acclaim. - [0:14:33] The legacy of Charlie Pride and barriers in country music history. - [0:16:41] Near-miss with Ronnie Milsap and personal anecdotes from Music Row. - [0:21:26] Reflections on aging artists and heartfelt tributes. - [0:26:09] Consultants, business coaches, and the rise of “expert” speakers. - [0:30:41] The impact of homogenized corporate radio programming. - [0:36:19] The pitfalls of instant gratification among newcomers in radio. - [0:39:59] The value of spontaneity—and the pitfalls of over-planned radio. - [0:44:33] Thanking listeners, shout-outs, and episode wrap-up.
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: A Hall of Confusion :: Ep 15 Circling The Drain Podcast | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:56:50 | |
Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the controversial world of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dissecting its questionable inductee choices and glaring omissions. [0:00-0:10] Intro: Critique of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's misleading title [0:10-0:20] Discussion of unexpected inductees like Whitney Houston [0:20-0:35] Drummer's perspective on the Hall's exhibit setup [0:35-0:50] List of notable rock artists missing from the Hall of Fame [0:50-1:05] Comparison with Country Music Hall of Fame [1:05-1:20] Radio industry changes and loss of local music identity [1:20-1:35] Detailed breakdown of Hall of Fame induction process [1:35-1:50] Personal stories about music legends and rock history [1:50-2:00] Closing thoughts on the need for a more authentic rock museum Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Divorce, Nashville, and “Now What?” w/Brenda Golden :: Ep 23 Circling The Drain Podcast | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:45:13 | |
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: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Bill Cuomo: From “Bette Davis Eyes” to Barbra, Skynyrd & Studio War Stories :: Ep 22 Circling the Drain | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:39:21 | |
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
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Backstage Legends: From Glen Campbell to Trump’s Plane :: Ep 21 Circling the Drain | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:56:37 | |
Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive into their most memorable celebrity encounters from decades in radio, records, and concert production. You’ll hear stories about:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Dan Mandis: From Dr. Laura To Marconi Winner & The Future Of Talk Radio :: Ep 36 Circling The Drain Podcast | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:28:35 | |
On this episode of Circling The Drain, the three J’s sit down with Marconi Award–winning talk host and former WTN program director Dan Mandis for a deep dive into his 30+ years in radio. From cutting his teeth at legendary KFI in Los Angeles with Dr. Laura, to building syndication the hard way, to steering SuperTalk 99.7 WTN through the loss of Phil Valentine, Dan opens up about the highs, lows, and realities of a life behind the mic. You’ll hear how he: - Went from board-op and traffic guy in LA to hosting major-market and national shows - Helped grow Dr. Laura’s show station by station before syndication was “plug-and-play” - Transitioned from producer to host and program director across LA, New York, Dallas, Fort Wayne, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Nashville - Dealt with overnights, early mornings, burnout, and moving his family all over the country - Survived industry cutbacks, never technically got “fired,” and kept landing on his feet - Navigated the aftermath of Phil Valentine’s passing and kept WTN strong - Embraced video, editing, and streaming as an “old radio guy” and why he thinks you must if you’re on air today - Sees podcasting and radio converging and where the next generation of talent will come from Plus: - War stories about unscreened open lines on “America at Night” - A hilariously off-the-rails interview with Van Halen’s former manager Noel Monk - Dr. Laura’s tough-love style, how she sounds exactly the same today, and what Dan learned from her as a broadcaster and as a human - A candid look at conservative talk, Rush, Glenn Beck, and how digging into issues changed Dan’s politics - The power of theater of the mind, why storytelling still wins, and how Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley are doing it in country music today If you love radio, podcasting, broadcasting history, or just great stories from people who’ve “been there and done that,” this episode is loaded. Timed highlights (chapter markers): 3:00 Dan’s favorite market: why a smaller station in Fort Wayne was the most fun 4:05 How Dan actually got his start in radio in Los Angeles 4:55 Early days at KFI: producer, board-op, traffic, and the Dr. Laura connection 6:40 Building Dr. Laura’s syndication station by station, the “old-school” way 7:35 Moving from behind the scenes to PD and host in Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Denver, and beyond 9:11 Starting in 1987 and what fascinated Dan about “behind the glass” radio 7:55–9:30 Classic “old days of radio” stories: smoking in studios and nude ballet in the control room 9:44 Why Dan left music radio and embraced talk: “I was a terrible disc jockey” 9:53 Growing up on LA talk radio in the back seat of a smoke-filled car 10:40 Learning production, call screening, and board-op skills at powerhouse KFI 11:59 The rush of live talk, callers, and flying without a net 12:17 Working mornings, spontaneity, and regretting what you said on-air 14:15 Discovering open lines on “America at Night” and the terror of unscreened calls 15:37 Yelling on-air after 30 years of being the “non-yeller” host 15:55 Has Dan ever been fired? Downsizing vs. “real” firing debate 16:43 Radio careers, layoffs, and never being unemployed more than 3 weeks 17:06 Moving markets with a family and the toll it takes at home 18:39 How constant moves impacted Dan’s kids and what they gained from it 19:13 Paying dues and why young would-be hosts need patience 19:41 From radio to podcasting: Dan’s show “Mostly Peaceful with Dan and Chris and Matt” 20:01 Why Dan still believes in radio even while podcasting 20:18 Missing radio so much it hurts: Johnny’s story of stepping away 20:47 Dan on being 58, counting down to retirement, and whether he’d really quit 22:03 Waking up at midnight, prepping for a 5 a.m. show, and the grind behind “just talking” 23:54 Being dragged into video kicking and screaming, then learning to love it 24:55 Teaching himself Premiere Pro and using ChatGPT for vertical content 25:53 Not wanting to be “the old guy who can’t change” and embracing video editing 26:32 Is video hurting radio? Serving stream viewers without abandoning listeners in cars 27:53 Theater of the mind vs. cameras in the studio 28:25 How streaming exposed radio’s wardrobe, and Dan’s wife fixing his on-camera look 29:41 Discovering audiences actually watch radio shows and their passion for live streams 30:44 Why listeners now complain when the video stream goes down 30:44–32:25 How many actual radios do they own now and reception issues even near big signals 33:06 First impressions of WTN, hearing Johnny and Phil and feeling intimidated 34:33 PD stories: “Who are you again?” and live-mic warnings in the hallway 35:30 Intimidation, team-building, and managing big talent without being an a-hole 36:26 Relief at stepping down as PD and focusing on mornings 37:54 Ten years as PD: ratings, revenue wins, and pride in WTN’s performance 38:22 Johnny calls Dan the best PD they had and why: he understood and loved talk radio 40:29 Navigating Phil Valentine’s death: grief, attacks on talk radio, and rebuilding afternoons 41:55 Processing grief late, after job changes and format shifts 44:40 Dan’s pride in the morning show era with Ken and Johnny: top-3 ratings run 45:51 Losing colleagues, changing lineups, and the necessity of adjusting in radio 47:01 How management trusted Johnny with a farewell show and why that never happens 47:44 Letting a beloved host say goodbye and why it worked 48:41 Love of working together, teasing, hugging, and Dan’s “stiff hugger” reputation 49:45 Dan’s wife Amy, support at home, and volunteering for too many fill-ins 51:04 Why Dan keeps saying yes: honor of being asked and knowing it won’t last forever 52:45 Conservative talk: from young liberal know-it-all to Reagan-style conservative 53:54 Rush, Glenn, Larry King, and the influences that sharpened Dan’s politics 55:54 Interviewing well: asking shorter questions and then getting out of the way 57:32 Worst interview: exhausted Kurt Cobain investigator who would not stop talking 59:00 The infamous Noel Monk (Van Halen) interview meltdown 1:01:00 Van Halen talk: Eddie vs. Dave, drugs, and missing entire eras in the history books 1:02:42 Wolfgang Van Halen and the new generation of that legacy 1:04:13 Rush reunion with Annika Niles on drums, and a drummer’s perspective on replacing Neil Peart 1:06:16 Different “feels” on drums and how two players can change the same song 1:07:22 Geddy Lee’s voice today, aging singers, and still going to see your heroes 1:09:00 Dr. Laura on SiriusXM, sounding exactly the same, and Dan’s memories of working w... | |||
| Dez Dickerson on Prince, Hendrix, Faith, Talk Radio and Modern Rock :: Ep 35 Circling the Drain Podcast | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:06:10 | |
On this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper and James Patrick McCarthy sit down with guitarist and broadcaster Dez Dickerson – best known as Prince’s original guitarist from the 1999 and Little Red Corvette era. Dez takes us from his early days in Midwestern cover bands to his legendary audition with Prince, life on the road, opening for the Rolling Stones, his faith journey, leaving the band just as they were about to headline stadiums, and his unexpected path into conservative talk radio. Along the way, the guys dive deep into Jimi Hendrix’s legacy, the darker side of the music business, the opioid epidemic and fentanyl, and why modern rock rarely hits as hard as it used to. What you’ll hear in this episode: - Dez’s wild origin story, starting professional gigs at 14 without even a driver’s license - The real story behind his Prince audition and how “having the vibe” got him the gig - Inside the infamous Rolling Stones opening shows and how Hells Angels changed the narrative - Why he walked away from Prince’s band at the brink of stadium-headliner status - Dez’s conversion to Christianity on the Dirty Mind tour and how it reshaped his choices - Moving to Nashville, discovering the Christian music business and landing an A&R role - How Phil Valentine pushed him toward talk radio – and why the mic felt like home - His unapologetically conservative views, pushback he’s gotten, and “clear thinker” philosophy - Guitar talk: Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Santana, bikers, death metal, and why no one is truly “original” - Dez’s thoughts on today’s rock, podcasts vs radio, and what he wants to do next Hit play for a fast, funny, honest conversation about music, faith, politics and life from someone who’s actually been there, on stage and on the air. Listen, subscribe, and join the Drain Gang at: circlingthedrain.net
2:47 Dez’s first days with Prince and the audition at an empty tire shop 3:36 Growing up in Midwest cover bands and touring before he could drive 4:47 Inside the Prince audition: playing with the band vs trying to “blow them away” 6:38 Seeing Prince’s real personality after joining the band 8:04 Opening for the Rolling Stones, Hells Angels and getting “booed off stage” in the media 10:49 Dez’s conversion to Christianity on the Dirty Mind tour 11:17 Moral discomfort on stage and the moment he knew he had to leave 12:38 Intense years in the band and the image from the 1999 video 13:07 Little Red Corvette solo and Dez’s guitar legacy 13:19 Why and how Dez moved to Nashville and into A&R 15:11 Early days in Nashville and culture shock over a little snow 16:00 How Phil Valentine pushed Dez toward talk radio 18:01 Discovering talk radio feels like “home” and plans to blend radio and podcasting 19:41 The story behind the iconic kamikaze headband 21:27 Fan art, the faceless cartoon band, and Dez as a visual icon 22:03 Prince’s pain, opioids, fentanyl and the tragedy of his death 24:49 The opioid epidemic, fake fentanyl and near-misses with pain meds 26:17 Personal stories of back surgeries, painkillers and dependency 27:08 Dez’s first guitar, outgrowing lessons and early school gigs 29:25 Early career breaks, agents, and being “the kid who plays like Hendrix” 29:53 Guitar heroes: Clapton, Zeppelin, Grand Funk and growing into Hendrix influence 30:54 Winning over biker crowds and the Stones show irony 31:30 How Prince fused Sly Stone, Hendrix and the Stones’ Glimmer Twins 32:17 Hendrix’s unrealized future and his deep influence on guitar players 34:05 Being the only one at school mourning Hendrix and the “players’ player” 35:04 Eddie Van Halen, borrowing from Hendrix and other influences 37:04 Why “best guitarist” debates miss the point 37:31 Practice, grind and scaring your parents with your obsession 38:02 Reading music vs playing by ear and learning the Nashville number system 39:09 Reconnecting with Prince in Nashville and the “show after the show” 40:49 Sharing the stage with Larry Graham and surreal “Forrest Gump” moments 41:54 First Avenue stories, U2 and Minneapolis memories 42:26 Moving from cold Minnesota to too-hot Nashville 43:03 Dez’s conservatism, being “just to the right of Attila the Hun” and industry blowback 45:41 Leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a “clear thinker” 47:16 The problem with political echo chambers, even in conservative talk radio 48:12 Label me an American: political parties vs founding ideals 49:31 Why you cannot recreate Phil Valentine and why listeners still compare 50:09 Radio vs record labels and the business side of both worlds 51:00 Why copying Phil can never work and why he was a true radio rock star 52:32 Inside label culture in Nashville and signing left-of-center artists 53:47 How a meeting with Jimmy Bowen helped shape modern Christian music 55:01 How Prince’s band wrote and arranged: endless rehearsals and recorded jams 56:47 Creating The Time, Vanity 6 and how Morris Day got his band and career 58:32 Writing “He’s So Dull” and Prince “Prince-ing up” Dez’s ideas 59:17 Classic MTV videos, shooting 1999 and Little Red Corvette 1:00:19 Spot the reshot close-up in the 1999 video 1:01:23 Dez’s take on today’s rock and the bands that still move him 1:02:29 Guilty pleasures: death metal, screamo and Seven Dust 1:03:16 Darkness in lyrics, the state of the world and wanting more light 1:03:47 Wrapping up, future plans, Dez’s socials and the “Dez Dickerson Is Based” brand 1:05:05 Talk of Dez’s book, possible audiobook and closing thanks
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Radio Sales Gone Wild, Groupies, and Legendary Local Ads :: Ep 26 Circling the Drain Podcast | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:43:30 | |
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)
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Podcasts vs Radio, Nashville Stories, and the New Media Gold Rush :: Ep 25 Circling the Drain Podcast | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:07:27 | |
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
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Ice Storms, Airwaves And Radio Wars :: Ep 24 Circling the Drain Podcast | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:02:19 | |
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
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Tributes, Cancelled Careers, And Nashville War Stories :: Ep 34 Circling the Drain | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:48:32 | |
In this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the changing world of music and radio from the perspective of insiders who have lived it. They start with why some artists get massive tribute concerts while others do not, then slide into a raw, honest look at country radio’s glory days, its corporate-driven decline, and what happens to artists and broadcasters when the industry moves on. From Taylor Hawkins and Eddie Van Halen, to Waylon Jennings, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves, and Tim McGraw, the guys unpack how careers peak and fade, how politics can tank a fan base, and why loyalty in production teams still matters. Along the way, you will hear behind the scenes stories from Nashville radio, Country Radio Seminar, hall of fame inductions, and on air rivalries the hosts now regret. It is a brutally honest, funny, and nostalgic ride through a business that is, quite literally, circling the drain. Listen for – Why some legends get big tribute concerts and others never do – How corporate ownership and streaming gutted local radio – The unspoken 20 year shelf life of most country stars – When politics and award shows push fans away – Confessions about bashing other hosts on the air – The Nashville radio names they still want to get on the podcast Circling The Drain is a podcast about music, media, and entertainment before it all goes down the disposal. 2:12 – Taylor Hawkins vs Eddie Van Halen: who gets a tribute and why 3:55 – Waylon Jennings, tribute shows, and honoring musical “gifting” 6:10 – Radio as a launchpad: how on air skills still matter even when radio does not 7:05 – Inside Country Radio Seminar: from DJ convention to corporate schmooze fest 8:49 – Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson as “new artists” at CRS 10:28 – Early misreads: not being blown away by The Judds at first listen 12:17 – When record labels ruled: RCA, MCA, and the power to make stars 13:27 – The Nashville machine wakes up to radio’s decline and bankrupt clusters 14:22 – Getting tossed aside with age: musicians, flatbed truck gigs, and reality checks 15:32 – Why only a handful of artists have true decades-long careers 18:11 – Earl Thomas Conley: hit records, introversion, and painful live shows 19:58 – Country bars, boring sets, and what audiences really want 21:56 – Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, and the 20 year A list career arc 23:37 – What happened to Kacey Musgraves and the Dixie Chicks effect 24:55 – The cost of politics onstage and why some artists never learn 25:32 – Oscars, live streams, and why award shows feel pompous and out of touch 26:36 – CMT Awards, live vocals, and brutal pitch correction moments 27:47 – Waylon’s hearing loss and the studio tricks to keep him on pitch 28:42 – Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” and the Columbia courthouse backlash 30:06 – Racism in the North vs South: a blunt Ohio story 30:58 – Jason Aldean’s production team loyalty and “do not fix what is not broken” 31:39 – Talk radio etiquette: why bashing other hosts is bush league 32:39 – Johnny’s regret over slamming Rick and Bubba on the air 35:00 – Howard Stern, rivalries, and when feuds actually helped the ratings 36:01 – Air Awards story: the Kanye West Bill Cody gag 37:28 – How industry awards slowly got cheaper and smaller 38:24 – Tennessee Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and forgetting key co hosts 40:00 – Phil Valentine, Terry Hopkins, and the show that made a career 42:29 – Brian Sargent, music director battles, and taking heat for the host 43:36 – A rare good GM: Dennis Ways and healthy radio culture 44:21 – Michael Dickey and the reality of ownership families 45:59 – Who they still want on: Nashville radio legends, especially women 47:07 – TV and weather crossovers: why they want Davis Nolan’s story
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Zoro: From Janitor to World‑Class Drummer and Minister of Groove :: Ep 33 Circling the Drain | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:25:41 | |
In this powerful episode of Circling the Drain, Johnny B and Jay Harper sit down with legendary drummer Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, and more) to explore his extraordinary journey from growing up in Compton and rural Oregon poverty to becoming a world‑class musician, author, speaker, and “Minister of Groove.” Zoro shares how a humble janitor job unlocked his destiny, why he believes gifts come from God as seeds that must be cultivated, and how a life of service, not self, leads to real joy. He also opens up about his memoir “Maria’s Scarf,” his faith journey, encounters with major celebrities like Denzel Washington and Lenny Kravitz, and the spiritual principles that have guided his life through hardship, rejection, and eventual breakthrough. If you’ve ever felt behind, overlooked, or discouraged about your calling, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep going. Timed highlights [0:01:34] Zoro joins: life in Tennessee, weather, and growing up doing hard manual labor [0:02:27] Early jobs: groundskeeper, mowing, John Deere mishap, and not being afraid of work [0:05:54] First “real job” and discovering taxes as a kid [0:06:50] What got Zoro into drumming and his view that gifts are God‑given [0:07:29] Growing up in Compton, soul music, Motown, and the “ghetto drum set” in a Radio Flyer wagon [0:09:50] Playing on the sidewalk, earning quarters, and sensing a calling [0:10:05] Destiny, spiritual warfare, and why opposition often accompanies your purpose [0:11:40] Moving from Compton to rural Oregon and years of rejection from school band programs [0:13:20] The janitor job that changed everything: sneaking onto the drums after hours [0:15:00] Discovered while drumming on the job and suddenly needed in every school band [0:16:19] From 62 absences to showing up: how finding purpose transformed his attendance [0:17:48] Skipping school vs. loving learning and caring for his sick mother [0:18:11] Mark Twain’s quote: “I never let schooling interfere with my education” [0:18:57] Chickens, self‑education, and early entrepreneurship [0:20:00] The orange paper titled “My Future” and deciding to be a professional drummer [0:20:20] “You are basically honest” and the humor and honesty in his early diaries [0:21:19] Street life in Compton, stealing as a kid, and gradual character transformation [0:23:42] Gifts as seeds: why talent is an acorn, not a full‑grown oak [0:24:35] Living in a car, chapters titled “Living on a Prayer,” “I Will Survive,” and “Gonna Fly Now” [0:25:07] 12‑hour practice session, bleeding hands, and winning state band competition [0:27:00] Stewarding the gift vs. bragging about the gift; humility and the “Bill Gates’ son” analogy [0:29:00] Accepting small, “beneath you” doors and how that leads to big opportunities [0:30:00] Minister of Groove: Lenny Kravitz’s nickname and Zoro’s multi‑faceted calling [0:30:40] Speaking everywhere from San Quentin to the White House to villages in Ghana [0:32:50] Why Zoro treats a six‑person church and a mega‑platform the same [0:34:12] “My Father’s business” and seeing everything as people‑focused ministry [0:35:00] God as “alien,” the Holy Spirit as a willing invader of the human heart [0:37:21] “When I drum, I feel His pleasure” – Chariots of Fire, calling, and joy [0:37:40] Life of self vs. life of service: why selfish people self‑implode [0:40:00] Deathbed regrets, Schindler’s List, and what actually matters at the end [0:41:20] Salvation, grace, and how quickly a life’s direction can change [0:42:30] The book “The Practice of the Presence of God” and Brother Lawrence’s example [0:44:08] Inviting God into everyday moments, from the kitchen to the car [0:45:00] Zoro’s habit of asking God to be in podcasts, gym sessions, and daily encounters [0:47:36] Surrender, prophetic encouragement, and unexpected creative breakthroughs [0:48:20] Brother Lawrence’s impact 400 years later and what real legacy looks like [0:52:01] Lenny Kravitz, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and “I just want to be a saint in that number” [0:52:19] Denzel Washington’s prophetic word as a boy and calling to influence for God [0:55:00] The 12‑year‑old campfire prayer: forgiveness and “please make my dreams come true” [0:56:24] The life‑changing prophetic encounter that made God “real‑real” [1:00:47] Collecting prophetic words, seeing them fulfilled, and stacking evidence of God’s work [1:02:45] Influence with “kings” of business, politics, and entertainment and why paupers matter just as much [1:05:11] Why pious, judgmental religion misses Jesus’ message of grace [1:06:18] Extending grace, not playing judge, and meeting people where they are [1:08:44] Loving people on the tour bus without condemning their choices [1:10:00] Everyday ministry: encouraging cashiers, waitstaff, and strangers [1:14:02] Why Zoro plays with “secular” artists and the plumber/toilet analogy [1:15:00] What “Maria’s Scarf” means: the seven‑year‑old who wanted a scarf for school pictures [1:16:04] “One day you’ll do something phantasmical” – his mother’s blessing and identity [1:16:48] The scarf as a symbol that weaves through his life and memoir [1:18:57] Inside covers: childhood dreams vs. when the dreams came true [1:20:15] Writing the memoir almost his whole life and how the book came together [1:20:47] Turned down over 100 times by publishers and why he’s glad now [1:23:37] The secular publisher who fully believed in the story and gave it space [1:20:47–1:24:47] (overlap) The editor who called the 120,000‑word manuscript “absolute perfection” [1:20:47–1:24:47] Soho House Malibu story: “Who does this guy think he is?” to “one of the greatest books I’ve ever read” [1:24:12] Other books: The Big Gig, Soar, and his award‑winning drumming books [1:24:47] Still full of ambition at 63 and wanting to be like 100‑year‑old Dick Van Dyke [1:25:00] Wrap‑up, where to find Zoro online, and closing the episode Follow Zoro: www.zorothedrummer.com Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Today’s State of Radio: Losing the Industry, Finding the Podcast :: Ep 32 Circling the Drain Podcast | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:54:46 | |
Johnny and Jim talk candidly about the state of radio today, the toll of bad management, and how podcasting has become a lifeline after nearly 50 years on the air. They share raw stories about being let go over Zoom, losing close friends and mentors like Phil Valentine and Dave White, and trying to find purpose again in a fractured media landscape. Guest appearance by longtime radio pro John David Wells, who breaks down what every radio company must give its talent to survive: money, opportunity, training, and respect. From Jesse Jackson on Radio Row to meeting your heroes (and being disappointed), to why personality is still radio’s last great hope, this episode is a love letter, a warning, and a blueprint for what comes next. Timed highlights (for show notes / description)
1:25 – Welcome back to Circling The Drain and where’s Jay Harper? 2:10 – Losing Phil Valentine, Dave White, and nearly 50 years in radio 3:24 – Radio as an abusive ex-wife you still miss 4:29 – Ratings wins, zero attaboys, and keeping the team’s morale up 6:00 – What good leadership and a healthy culture actually look like 7:58 – Phil Valentine’s “horse blinders” lesson and controlling what you can 8:59 – Getting fired over Zoom and bizarre comments from management 10:21 – When bosses praise your work… and still cut you loose 11:00 – The managers who shielded talent from corporate chaos 12:29 – The GM who fired Johnny after “Googling” him 13:33 – Setting boundaries and standing up to bad management 14:25 – Producing ratings but not getting respect or revenue credit 15:35 – Realizing the audience loves you (thanks to a grocery store trip) 16:33 – Depression after losing Phil and radio, and not knowing what’s next 17:53 – How this podcast became purpose and therapy 18:21 – Radio vs. podcasts: competition in a world of millions of shows 18:52 – Favorite episodes so far: guests, dads, and forgotten artists 19:53 – Interviewing drummer Sandy Gennaro after seeing him as a fan 20:48 – Why the pedestal for stars has crumbled (and that’s a good thing) 21:34 – Social media access, DMs, and how expectations of artists changed 22:55 – “Don’t meet your heroes”: when radio idols disappoint 25:01 – How rude encounters can kill your enjoyment of a personality 25:34 – The responsibility that comes with being meaningful to listeners 28:21 – Working in Vegas with “star” programmers and becoming peers 29:17 – Dressing up as your PD for Halloween and winning the contest 28:48–31:30 – (Overlap) Unassuming talent versus people “too busy being fabulous” 29:53–31:30 – Nashville’s unassuming radio community 29:59 – Jesse Jackson at the 2004 DNC and being “Johnny B, you the man” 31:11 – Remembering a polarizing figure by a single human moment 31:24 – The conversations we need to have to bridge the political divide 33:02 – Trump, scapegoats, and the WWE-ification of politics 34:30 – Voting for people you don’t hate and missing the Clinton years 35:34 – Accidentally talking politics on a non-political show 35:49 – Why Johnny still loves radio, even after everything 36:30 – Losing touch with former coworkers and the rarity of true friends 37:27 – Dave White and Phil Valentine as real, lifelong friends 38:15 – What Phil might have done next and the push toward podcasting 38:59 – Campbell’s talent and why he needs to be creating again 40:33 – Spotting that Campbell was born for the mic 41:25 – Campbell shadowing Johnny and realizing what the job really pays 41:59 – The hard problem: how do you actually monetize this stuff? 41:56–43:23 – Pitching advertisers: there is an audience here 42:19 – Radio people vs people who just work in radio 43:11 – Why former talent talk about radio like a mourning process 43:23 – How corporate radio could still save itself (if it wanted to) 44:58 – Losing syndication, coming back local, and a totally different show 45:15 – Pamela Furr, shifting roles, and not wanting to be just a button pusher 46:01 – First-ever live call-in: introducing John David Wells 46:48 – The four essentials of radio: money, opportunity, training, respect 48:24 – If you have none of those, you’re probably at Clear Channel or Cumulus 48:28 – Wells’ blueprint for saving radio from corporate debt 49:56 – Why big groups should cut loose signals to new owners 51:02 – Dad predicted deregulation’s fallout decades ago 51:37 – Talent loss, debt, and running stations into the ground 51:55 – Where is the new investor class willing to rebuild radio? 52:00 – Personality as the last, best differentiator for radio 52:43 – Talk radio is the hardest and most expensive format to get right 53:08 – Gratitude for Jay Harper and the “stars aligning” for the show 53:37 – Dreaming about a four-mic episode with Wells and Harper 53:52 – Radio salespeople as bigger characters than on-air talent
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| From Radio Row to Honky Tonk Hero: Scott Southworth on Music, Faith, and Finding Your Lane :: Ep 31 Circling the Drain Podcast | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:04:45 | |
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: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Beat the Odds: Rock Drummer Sandy Gennaro on The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Life Lessons :: Ep 30 Circling the Drain Podcast | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:03:48 | |
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... | |||
| Ron Allen on Nashville Radio, Jack FM, and What’s Next :: Ep 29 Circling the Drain Podcast | 11 Mar 2026 | 01:01:57 | |
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.
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| Hauntings in Nashville: Hank Williams’ House, Ghost Cats, and Messages from Beyond :: Ep 28 Circling the Drain Podcast | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:05:18 | |
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
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Bennie Shipley: From Small-Town Radio to Country Music Legends :: Ep 27 Circling the Drain Podcast | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:58:00 | |
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
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Hit Songs, Phil Valentine Memories, Trump Stories & “Arlington” w/Trace Adkins Pt. 2 :: Ep 44 Circling the Drain Podcast | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:56:43 | |
In Part 2 of our deep-dive with country icon Trace Adkins, we get the stories behind his most emotional and controversial songs, from “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” to “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Arlington.” Trace shares powerful memories from Arlington National Cemetery, his candid take on Donald Trump, and the radio days with Phil Valentine that almost got people fired. We also dig into his acting career, how he met his wife on a movie set, the wild origin of his dog “Gary Busey,” and why he believes live shows are now the only truly “real” part of the music business. 0:43 – If Trace had to be in a tribute band forever, who would he choose? 1:36 – Waylon Jennings’ “Honky Tonk Heroes” and how it inspired Trace’s “Dangerous Man” album cover 3:25 – The grind of album photo shoots and making a real, gritty cover shot 4:12 – The Phil Valentine show, stepdad life, and getting sick of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” 5:44 – Why “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” is cleverly written, not just a novelty hit 6:42 – How the song became the most-played country song in strip club history 7:44 – The backroom label deals behind certain cuts and how “You’re Gonna Miss This” started as a wedding song 9:00 – “I thought it was too sappy” – Trace misjudges a song that becomes a massive number one 10:26 – Ashley Gorley’s hit-making juggernaut and why everyone wants one of his songs 11:04 – Writing “American Made” for the country’s 250th anniversary 11:38 – “Arlington” and “An Empty Chair” – songs that choke him up on stage 12:04 – Performing “Arlington” at Arlington National Cemetery and barely getting through it 12:43 – Why Trace only does “Arlington” for the right audiences (and never for drunks or festivals) 14:04 – The true story behind “Arlington” and Lance Corporal Patrick Nixon 16:26 – Playing “Arlington” on air, Phil Valentine’s reaction, and the emotional weight of the song 17:04 – Remembering Phil Valentine: sparring on-air, sharp wit, and real friendship 18:34 – A hilarious voicemail from Trace and joking about “your little radio show” 19:22 – Rodeo memories, FCC close calls, and the infamous “hot and juicy” weather report 21:18 – Live radio chaos: open mics, cussing and thinking they’d be fired 22:16 – Trace’s new production company “Fifth Rodeo” and its cowboy-with-a-fifth-of-whiskey logo 23:14 – Why Trace doesn’t want the pressure of doing a podcast 24:07 – From tractors to Lululemon and voiceovers: “degradation” of the conversation 24:19 – “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” real cowboys and concern for the horses 25:25 – Why some ranch work still has to be done on horseback 26:08 – Trace’s Christmas show: Celtic vibes, stories behind songs and gospel roots 27:32 – Feeling good about the Christmas show vs. “I’m sorry, Lord” after “Badonkadonk” 28:08 – Is memorizing dialog hard? How years on stage made acting easier 28:58 – Directors who demand word-for-word delivery vs. those who allow improvisation 29:46 – Meeting his wife on the set of “The Virginian” in Vancouver 30:21 – How his wife writes, acts and why their dog is named Gary Busey 31:50 – The Christmas parade, a weird looking puppy and the Gary Busey hair and teeth 32:05 – Writing a song for the 250th and the Freedom 250 concert controversy 32:48 – PBS Fourth of July, Trump’s event, and shifting TV schedules 34:02 – The best Trump impressions Trace has heard and how Trump exaggerated his own persona 35:43 – Riding in Trump’s limo and getting asked: “Are you reasonably faithful to your wife?” 36:55 – Trump Jr. explains his job: “I follow him around and put fires out” 37:42 – Wanting to be Ambassador to Australia or the “Office of Hell No” 38:00 – How Trace judges Trump: “He’s a rich old asshole, not evil” 39:11 – New York real estate, DC politics, and why Trump didn’t need to run 40:00 – Meeting Trump on the plane: funny, warm, and totally different from the public caricature 40:31 – Touring Trump’s penthouse and offices: proud of what he’s built 41:04 – Negotiating through hyperbole: Greenland, Canada, and “shooting for the moon” 42:23 – Dave Chappelle’s take on Trump’s debate moment about tax loopholes 43:07 – Rand Paul vs. Trump on stage and how one debate moment flipped opinions 43:54 – Label history: Capitol, Show Dog, Broken Bow, Verge, and coming back “home” to MCA 45:22 – Why this next MCA album might be Trace’s last 45:32 – New artists he likes (Ella Langley) and why she “has every tool” 46:12 – Betting whether Ella Langley will stay country or go pop 46:42 – Not knowing many of today’s artists and thinking “Shaboozy” was a whiskey brand 47:32 – Loving traditional country and hopes for a pendulum swing (Zach Topp) 47:57 – Advice for new artists in the AI era and why live shows are the last “real” thing 48:54 – Getting fooled by an AI demo and how hard it is to tell what’s real 49:14 – Why you should never spend your own money if people truly believe in you 50:12 – Writing his book with twin collaborators and building the “roller coaster” story 52:33 – Immigration, politics and realizing parts of the book were prophetic 52:53 – Feeling uneasy before release and calling Charlie Daniels for advice 53:55 – Charlie Daniels’ wisdom: “People who don’t like you now aren’t going to read your book” 54:20 – Singing at Charlie Daniels’ funeral and what Charlie meant to him 54:51 – Why he probably didn’t sell enough books to worry in the first place 55:09 – Why there’s no audiobook yet and how a Trace-voiced edition could revive it 56:00 – Ideas for updating the book with new chapters and addendums 56:17 – Tease: Trace Adkins Part 3 is coming to Circling the Drain
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Trace Adkins: Near-Death Stories, Oil Rigs, And 30 Years In Country Music :: Ep 43 Circling the Drain Podcast | 17 Jun 2026 | 01:00:09 | |
Country legend Trace Adkins joins Circling the Drain for a raw, funny, and unfiltered conversation about survival, success, and the scars he picked up along the way. Trace opens up about growing up in small-town Louisiana, singing bass in church, working dangerous oil rigs in the Gulf, getting shot by an ex-wife, flipping a tractor, multiple open-heart surgeries, and why he still prefers hard work on the farm to life on the tour bus. He also talks about his breakout in Nashville, label politics, 30 years in country music, and how acting and voiceover work have kept him relevant. Along the way you’ll hear wild stories featuring Gene Simmons, Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Donald Trump, Blake Shelton, and more – plus why the national anthem still makes him nervous every single time. This is Part 1 of our Trace Adkins series on Circling the Drain.
Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Life on the Road with David Allan Coe: Outlaws, Wigs, Boats and Blues :: Ep 42 Circling the Drain Podcast | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:19:51 | |
Veteran bassist and author Mickey Hayes joins Circling the Drain to pull back the curtain on the wild, brilliant and chaotic world of country legend David Allan Coe. From blacked‑out tour buses and outlaw bikers to wigs, panthers, boats and hit songs, Mickey shares what it was really like to live on the edge with one of country music’s most controversial figures. Mickey talks about joining Coe’s band in 1979, surviving the Outlaws MC, refitting buses and boats in the Florida Keys, the truth behind the “death row” myth, and why Coe was the PT Barnum of country music. He also dives into Coe’s overlooked Columbia catalog, the making of “The Ride,” working with Warren Haynes, and how those years inspired his book “My Life on the Road with David Allen Coe” and a late‑career songwriting burst. If you love outlaw country, road stories, and unfiltered music history, this episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Timed highlights 02:56 Miami club gig and the four‑barrel derringer on the monitor board 04:55 Flying into David Allan Coe’s world and first impressions at the compound 07:04 The purple house, refitting buses and boats, and riding in like a circus 10:16 Swamp-ass on black buses with no A/C and building the outlaw image 13:17 Ad break: Milltown Bikes in Columbia, Tennessee 16:01 Coe’s later years, health, and the line “I just don’t want to die alone” 20:02 Leaving the spotlight, finishing the book, and writing 35–40 new songs 21:38 Playing Coe’s deep cuts, Columbia catalog, and early classic albums 22:18 Rewriting “Stand By Your Man” as “Stand By Your Band” 23:32 The birth of the wigs and why David named one after Mickey 24:57 TV appearances, Farrah Fawcett hair and multiple wigs on Ralph Emery 26:24 Rusty Spur stories, lost wigs and using heartbreak as stage patter 26:55 Earning Coe’s respect by standing up to him over an out‑of‑tune guitar 29:32 Outlaw caravans, smoking and drinking on the road in a fake Packard 33:21 The real story behind Coe’s “death row” legend 34:55 Controversy, X‑rated albums and why Coe welcomed being talked about 41:04 Kris Kristofferson’s advice on songwriting and “Sunday Morning Coming Down” 45:19 Dealing with labels and the infamous record‑exec table story 47:20 Pink Nudie suit, “family” crowd shock and Coe’s onstage antics 50:00 Ruskin Cave, Loretta Lynn tours and getting kicked off the bus route 51:39 Why David Allan Coe belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame 54:00 Sinking the 50‑foot “pirate” boat and losing everything with no insurance 55:00 Outlaws MC, being hung over a balcony and “you can’t testify if you don’t know” 58:31 Calling Coe a legend and the unmatched volume of songs he wrote 59:54 How Nashville remembers Coe and what happens after you die in this business 1:02:08 Billy Joe Shaver standing up to Waylon and how an album got made 1:07:00 Touring with a black panther, monkeys and other road “pets” 1:11:18 Quitting Coe five times and sending him the tire bill 1:18:00 Austin City Limits, “My Girl,” and how Coe gamed the taping 1:19:49 Mickey on Coe’s legacy, the kids, the widow and posthumous releases 1:20:31 Outro: Where to find Mickey’s book and how to follow the show Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| From Receptionist to Record Exec: The Sheila Shipley Biddy Story :: Ep 41 Circling the Drain Podcast | 03 Jun 2026 | 01:17:09 | |
Sheila Shipley Biddy went from small‑town radio and seven failed interviews to running one of Nashville’s most powerful record labels. In this episode, the first woman to head a major label on Music Row sits down with us to talk about discovering artists, fighting industry sexism, and the stories behind some of country music’s biggest careers. Sheila shares intimate memories of working with legends like Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Roger Miller, Don Williams, Patty Loveless, Gary Allan, and LeAnn Womack. She opens up about fighting for “difficult” artists, taking career gambles, launching Decca Records, and what really changed when Napster, streaming, and 360 deals hit the business. In the most personal part of the conversation, Sheila reflects on her faith, her work with Music Health Alliance, and surviving the devastating loss of her husband and son within months of each other. If you care about country music history, radio, or how the record business really works behind the scenes, this is a masterclass in both the business and the humanity of Music Row. 02:21 – Moving to Nashville, small‑town radio roots, and seven Monument Records interviews
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Chris Golden on Oak Ridge Boys Legacy, Presidents, Elvis, and 478,000 Miles :: Ep 40 Circling the Drain Podcast | 27 May 2026 | 01:18:23 | |
Chris talks about: – Growing up on the Alabama–Florida line in a deep musical family – The Oaks’ gospel-to-country transition and backlash from the “church crowd” – Forming The Goldens and Golden Spear, Muscle Shoals sessions, and label drama – Playing the White House, One America Appeal, and hanging with multiple presidents – Touring life, that red sparkle Ludwig snare, and his monster hybrid drum kit – Voiceover work (Heinz 57, ad auditions, and chasing the “Sam Elliott” spec) – Recording 34 songs with his dad and brother, and now sharing the stage with his kids – His upcoming album “A Better Man” and the song “Where My People Are” 03:18 Growing up on the Alabama–Florida state line 07:58 Golden family music roots and Inspirational Country Music Awards 09:56 Rusty Golden, Beatles, Elton John, and brotherly rivalry 10:47 Dad hands Chris a guitar: three chords and “Home on the Range” 13:42 Early bands: Boys Band, Cedar Creek, and Golden Spear 17:19 Muscle Shoals sessions and CBS developmental deal 22:14 The Goldens, label cuts, and touring with William Lee Golden 27:49 Pandemic records: 34 songs with Dad and Rusty, three albums of covers 29:29 Chris’s kids join the show: the next Golden generation 30:48 Opening for Ricky Skaggs with daughter Elizabeth on fiddle 37:14 Glen Campbell, hairspray, and backstage heroes 38:50 Roy Clark, Jim Halsey, and the Oaks’ trip to Russia 41:59 Realizing the family was “extraordinary” and the grind of early Oaks days 47:17 All-night gospel sings: sundown to sunup 53:39 Playing for every living U.S. president at One America Appeal 56:36 The first red sparkle Ludwig snare and why it still matters 1:02:00 Shaking hands with the President at the White House 1:02:38 Drum nerd talk: Chris’s hybrid Pearl/DW/Ludwig/Meinl/Zildjian/Sabian kit 1:06:04 Palace Theatre “family and friends” shows in Gallatin 1:08:21 478,000 miles on the van and the song “Grateful” 1:10:11 Voiceover stories: Heinz 57 campaign and hillbilly reads 1:16:31 New album “A Better Man” and “Where My People Are” 1:17:27 How Chris’s song “Home” helped Johnny B through a rough patch 1:18:26 Where to find Chris Golden and Circling the Drain online Follow Chris: Follow CTD:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Larry Stewart of Restless Heart: The Frontmen, 80s/90s Country, AI & The Future Of Music :: Ep 39 Circling the Drain Podcast | 20 May 2026 | 00:57:18 | |
Larry Stewart, the voice of Restless Heart and member of The Frontmen, joins Circling The Drain to talk about breaking through in 80s and 90s country, early resistance from Music Row, touring with Alabama, and how one phone call changed his life. Larry shares the origin stories of Restless Heart and The Frontmen, the realities of road life, raising a family while constantly touring, and why today’s country boom feels bigger than ever. The crew also digs into modern country (Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Ella Langley), how AI is already reshaping the music business, why live shows are more important than ever, and what it really takes to stay married 40+ years in this industry. If you love 90s country, harmony-driven bands, and real behind-the-scenes stories, this one’s loaded. 02:24 Six straight number ones, becoming “road dogs,” and the Wheels era 03:36 Why radio embraced Restless Heart before the industry did 04:37 How a Belmont kid working at the Country Music Hall of Fame became the lead singer 05:45 Recording the first album, getting married, signing to RCA, and “the rest is history” 08:06 Harmony magic: how five voices created the Restless Heart sound 11:20 Where the songs came from and the role of Tim DuBois and Alabama 12:24 First big tour with Alabama, stage fright, and playing for 15–18,000 a night 14:13 Band chemistry, breakups, reunions, and outlasting most marriages 16:39 Growing up in Kentucky, gospel roots, piano, and choosing music over baseball 20:44 From JUCO ball to Belmont: the crazy path that led Larry to Nashville 25:20 Naming Restless Heart and the terrible band names that didn’t make the cut 25:27 How The Frontmen started with a lobby conversation and a wild idea 26:54 Randy Owen, early Frontmen shows, and taking the act to the troops 28:20 Performing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on aircraft carriers – bonding through USO-style tours 29:39 COVID shutdowns, livestreaming Fridays at Five, and doubling down on The Frontmen 32:27 Building The Frontmen as a business: LLC, trademark, and brand strategy 33:31 Putting the band together in Nashville and finding the right players 35:46 Modern country: Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Ella Langley and the 90s influence 37:40 Why country that “hits a nerve” is connecting with massive audiences 38:36 How Restless Heart finally landed on their name (and why “Lazy River Boys” didn’t happen) 41:54 Guilty pleasures, Broadway tunes, Taylor Swift, and not listening to much music anymore 43:01 42 years of marriage, missing family time, and coaching his kids to make up for the road 45:21 Kids, grandkids, and why none of them went into music 48:16 AI, demo singers, and why live music is becoming even more valuable 49:12 Can AI build an artist’s entire image and album from scratch? 51:45 Tracks vs live: how The Frontmen actually run their show 55:13 Where to see The Frontmen live and how Larry stays out of trouble on social media Follow Larry and The Frontmen: https://www.larrystewartmusic.com/ Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Californians, Old Nashville, and the Death of Class :: Ep 38 Circling The Drain Podcast | 13 May 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive into how Nashville and Middle Tennessee have changed under the wave of California and out-of-state transplants. From McMansions and roaming dogs to the death of “old” Music Row, they unpack what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and why some newcomers bring their problems with them. They also hit on the impact of the Telecommunications Act on radio, the shift in the music and movie industries, old money vs new money, the immigrant work ethic, and how social media turned everyone into a political pundit. If you love Nashville, radio, music history, and a good rant about culture, money, and manners, this one’s for you. Timed Highlights:
01:17 California and LA “refugees” landing in Tennessee 03:20 From farmland to McMansions: Johnny’s neighborhood transforms 05:13 “The Duttons” move in: roaming dogs, dune buggies, and entitlement 08:05 No-income-tax migration: Texas, Florida, Tennessee and beyond 10:11 Wichita, Montana, Idaho and the new playgrounds for the wealthy 13:13 Voiceover, LA unions, and movie work leaving California 15:27 How unions strangled opportunity in Hollywood 15:53 Remembering “old Nashville” and Music Row’s golden era 17:32 Urban Cowboy, arenas, Predators, Titans and a new city identity 19:02 When Elvis played Murfreesboro and Nashville had no big venue 19:36 The 2010 flood and Nashville’s turning point 21:00 Insurance, healthcare and the real business of Nashville 23:02 “Bringing California food” to Tennessee and why it failed 24:39 Sticker shock: $26 California pizza in Vegas 25:22 Tiny portions, big prices and Southern “meat and three” culture 27:18 Sylvan Park, Monell’s and eating with total strangers 28:55 Nashville gets cosmopolitan – real restaurants arrive 29:18 Bell Meade money, radio paychecks and brutal honesty 32:22 Old money snobbery in New Orleans and Charleston 33:29 Generational wealth: who earns it, who blows it 34:39 Trust fund kids, cash flashes and zero self-awareness 36:58 The Murdoch saga and destroying a family legacy 38:17 Strong men, weak men, good times, bad times 39:19 Immigrant grit, building empires from nothing 40:55 Vietnamese and Cambodian communities thriving in New Orleans 42:02 Cultural distrust and the Vietnamese grocery experience 42:55 California fear in Tennessee vs New York’s evolution 43:33 Johnny’s “John Dutton” neighbor and hoping he’s just unaware 44:05 Dog safety, coyotes and suburban “protection money” jokes 45:00 Southern accents and being stereotyped as dumb 46:25 Facebook community pages, bad spelling and zero punctuation 46:49 Texting culture and the death of proper sentences 47:35 Everyone’s a pundit now: social media, politics and Artemis skeptics 48:04 Wrap-up: Real talk, real idiots, and where to find Circling The Drain Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Is AI Killing Real Music? Jared Rogers & John Berry on Faith, Vinyl, Streaming and the New Nashville :: Ep 37 Circling the Drain Podcast | 06 May 2026 | 01:20:56 | |
Circling The Drain welcomes artist and storyteller Jared Rogers, with a special guest drop‑in from country legend John Berry. They dive deep into what’s happened to the magic of music: from growing up around Kenny Rogers and Opryland to the harsh reality of streaming payouts, AI “artists,” and the corporatization of radio and Nashville. Jared shares the story behind his powerful duet with John Berry, “Bridge We All Must Cross,” how faith and real-life struggle shape his writing, and why he’s pushing back against the way DSPs and AI are devaluing human creativity. If you care about real songs, real musicians, vinyl, radio, and the future of music in an AI world, this one hits home. 2:42 Growing up around the business: Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Diffie 3:35 Falling in love with storytelling, songwriting and the stage 3:56 John Berry joins the show from the yard in his work shirt 4:32 How the Jared Rogers & John Berry duet came together 5:41 John on choosing “Bridge We All Must Cross” and first hearing Jared’s songs 7:01 John’s Christmas legacy, “O Holy Night,” and being known for faith-based music 8:18 Jared on running sound for John and why he looks up to him as an artist and believer 9:06 Johnny B’s ’80s Athens, GA story and early John Berry interview 10:13 Life in Athens, UGA fans everywhere, and 38 years of marriage 10:51 Kenny Rogers’ classic weekend: music, sports and a young Jared meeting Michael Jordan 12:56 Studio lessons from John Berry – how legends record vocals 15:08 Kenny Rogers’ “first or second take” magic vs. working the song 16:12 Autism benefit show, calling out a reluctant donor from the stage 17:19 Why charity matters after John’s cancer battle and benefit experience 19:39 Music Health Alliance and the power of community in Nashville 20:31 Robin Berry’s role – harmony, touring and doing life together 22:52 Back to Jared – growing up as Kenny Rogers’ nephew and his dad’s voice 25:27 Inside Jim’s studio: Marvel, Jesus, and the “chop shop” joke 27:04 Jared’s musical influences: BB King, David Gilmour, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Beck, Van Halen 28:47 Meeting Meat Loaf in Vegas and the best advice he gave Jared 30:17 Radio nostalgia: when DJs, records and MTV made music feel magical 31:23 Jared’s favorite part of the business: building songs in the studio 31:57 The spiritual message behind his album “Sinner Man” 33:00 Writing “Bridge We All Must Cross” at 150 mph and finishing in 20 minutes 34:30 Co-writing with Jerry “Papa Bear” Williams and crafting the track 35:00 Why John Berry was the only choice for the duet 37:05 The reality check: streaming platforms are killing songwriters 39:03 Why Jared loves radio and hates what deregulation did to it 40:42 Vinyl vs downloads – what we lost when music left the jacket and liner notes 44:10 The math of streaming: rich platforms, broke creators 45:14 Why Jared wants off DSPs and back to tangible music 46:32 Remembering the needle on vinyl and the drama of dropping the record 47:09 How Broadway and Nashville lost their soul to high-rises and bars 48:31 AmericanaVille in Livingston – intimate listening rooms vs no traffic 50:00 Today’s country: trucks, whiskey, heartbreak and a few standouts 51:18 Social media grind: crowded, loud and hard to convert to real fans 51:49 A better model: direct-to-artist digital sales that actually pay 53:38 The economics of being a working musician in 2020s America 55:00 Life in the shadow of a famous family name and refusing to be a copy 57:46 Hank Jr. as the example of what happens when you finally become yourself 58:19 Why many new artists are still chasing music radio that’s almost out of gas 59:44 Podcasting as the new radio and a path for artists to own their stories 1:03:36 How AI and synthetic “artists” are flooding the market 1:07:15 Entire AI albums, fake singers and charting “artists” that don’t exist 1:09:44 Faith, revelation and what AI disruption might really mean 1:10:14 Terminator, I Robot and why AI isn’t just sci‑fi anymore 1:13:19 Vinyl outsells CDs again and Gen Z brings records back 1:14:26 Why human imperfection and “off” notes are what make records exciting 1:15:00 Old records with energy: Dave Clark Five, Rare Earth and beyond 1:16:47 World premiere spin: “Bridge We All Must Cross” – Jared Rogers & John Berry 1:17:03 First verse – a troubled mind and the path back to the light 1:17:44 Chorus – the bridge we all must cross and the cross we all must bear 1:18:14 John Berry’s vocal enters – voices blend and lift the hook 1:19:39 Jared on watching legends and staying a student in the studio Follow Jared and John:
https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||
| Trace Adkins on Nashville’s Boom, Real Country, and Rowdy Road Stories :: Ep 45 Circling the Drain Podcast | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:49:51 | |
Country icon Trace Adkins gets candid about buying his Tennessee farm, Nashville’s explosive growth, and why “perfect” modern records leave him cold. He shares wild stories with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, and more, plus visions for a catfish joint called Hot Mamas. Trace Adkins is back for part three, and this time he goes deep on life at the farm, Nashville’s real estate explosion, and why old-school, imperfect records still hit harder than today’s polished tracks. From Merle Haggard in boxer shorts with a joint over his ear to Waylon cussing the bugs onstage and Buck Owens’ brutally honest “low note” advice, Trace tells the kind of stories only a true country legend can. He and the guys also riff on Nashville turning into a “clean New Orleans,” soccer vs. hockey, the changing studio scene, in-ear monitors vs. wedges, health food vs. fried catfish, and his dream of opening a catfish joint called “Hot Mamas.” If you love real country, road stories, and unfiltered opinions, this is your episode. 1:01 How Trace found his dream 100‑acre farm (and paid more later for 30 acres) Follow Johnny B: https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman Follow Jay Harper: https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff Follow Jim: Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co | |||