Chachi Loves Everybody

EPISODE SUMMARY: Joe D’Angelo, Xperi’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships, shares his journey from media and technology to leading innovations in radio, including HD Radio and DTS Auto Stage, transforming the connected car experience and shaping the future of broadcast radio.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi interviews Joe D’Angelo about:   Growing up in Long Island and early influences, including newspapers and other media Earning his MBA and jumping around the entertainment, telecom, and advertising industries The origin of HD Radio, how it works, and the role of Lucent Digital Radio How his combination of tech, business, and media experience helped him succeed The formation of Ibiquity Digital and digital radio standards Explaining DTS Auto Stage, its role in connected cars, and how it benefits program directors and broadcasters His outlook on the future of radio advertising and digital integration The importance of community and local content in radio His advice for industry professionals during challenging times And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Joe D'Angelo is Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Partnerships at Xperi, where he leads strategic growth initiatives, commercialization efforts, and key industry partnerships across connected car, broadcast radio, audience measurement, and digital audio businesses. He works with broadcasters, automotive manufacturers, technology companies, and media organizations worldwide to advance next-generation in-vehicle entertainment, analytics, and monetization solutions.  A founding executive of iBiquity Digital, the company behind HD Radio technology, Joe has spent more than two decades helping shape the evolution of broadcast and digital audio. Following iBiquity's acquisition by Xperi, he continued to lead initiatives spanning HD Radio, hybrid radio, streaming audio services, connected-car platforms, and audience measurement solutions. His work has focused on helping broadcasters and automotive OEMs successfully navigate the transition to a connected media ecosystem.  Before joining iBiquity, Joe was a Principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers, advising telecommunications and media clients on strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and international expansion. Earlier, he spent five years with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), leading technology and business transformation initiatives.  A recognized industry thought leader, Joe has been named one of Radio Ink's 40 Most Powerful People in Radio for three consecutive years (2024-2026) and serves as a BMI Ambassador supporting innovation across the radio and music industries. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.   ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials.  Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. Web: benztown.com Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio Twitter: @benztownradio LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Kevin LeGrett, Chief Business Officer of Beasley Media, shares his remarkable journey through the broadcasting industry, from childhood to leading major media companies. He discusses leadership, industry insights, and the importance of hard work and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Kevin LeGrett about:   His childhood in Rochester and early influences How he discovered his passion for broadcasting and decided to pursue it instead of attending law school Working as a promoter for concerts and Broadway shows How hard work allowed him to rise quickly from radio promotions manager at CBS to sales rep, sales manager, and cluster sales director, and general manager The nerve-racking experience of having to report directly to Mel Karmazin as a young GM Modeling himself after Frankenstein by taking lessons he learned from leaders such as Karmazin, Judy Ellis, and Farid Suleman, and combing them into his own approach  How Bob Pittman convinced him to take a job for iHeart to run LA Joining Beasley Media Group and the value of partnerships Adapting to industry changes and technology and advice for young professionals in media And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Kevin LeGrett was named Chief Business Officer of Beasley Media Group in February 2026. Mr. LeGrett is responsible for working with Chief Operating Officer Brian Beasley to unify the company’s business operations, aligning revenue strategy, cross-platform partnerships, and digital growth to strengthen the company’s competitive position to ensure long-term success. The media executive brings more than 15 years of distinguished leadership experience from iHeartMedia, where he drove strategic growth, built high-performance teams, and delivered transformative results across some of the industry’s largest and most complex portfolios. Prior to joining Beasley Media Group, Mr. LeGrett served as President of iHeartSports, overseeing the nation’s largest sports audio platform and managing an extensive portfolio of broadcast, digital, podcast, and live content assets. His leadership demonstrated a proven ability to scale high-value media ecosystems while maximizing audience engagement and revenue performance. Previously, Mr. LeGrett held the roles of Division President, West Coast, and Market President, Los Angeles, where he led the top-billing radio cluster in the country from 2015 to 2023. Earlier in his career, he served in several senior leadership positions, including Senior Vice President of Operations for iHeartMedia’s regional markets, President of Political Strategy, President of Citadel Broadcasting, and Senior Vice President and Market Manager at Infinity Broadcasting.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.   ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials.  Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. Web: benztown.com Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio Twitter: @benztownradio LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary “Home of the Grand Ole Opry.” On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to guest Eric about: Eric’s early beginnings in Indiana and his passion for radio from childhood How WSM’s century-long legacy started and its pivotal role in launching Country music into the mainstream The innovative history behind the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium Vital contributions of key figures like Jack DeWitt and E.W. Bud Wendell in building WSM’s future Reflecting on the legacy of the late Bill Cody and his lasting impact to WSM, the Opry, and the broadcasting community Eric’s diverse roles in radio, from engineering and production to management and live event hosting His leadership during significant moments like the station’s move to Roy Acuff’s former home Strategies for embracing digital transformation while preserving radio’s heritage The community and artist connections that make WSM a family and a living history Eric’s advice for young broadcasters and the importance of adaptability and passion And more! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Eric Marcum is the General Manager and Content Director for WSM radio. He joined the WSM staff in 2010 after graduating from Purdue University and making the move to Nashville. His broadcasting journey began in high school at WKPW in Knightstown, Indiana, and continued at WMDH in nearby New Castle. Over the years, Eric has worn many hats at WSM–from promotions team member to longtime producer of Coffee, Country & Cody, and on-air personality for Route 650, where he championed the best of Americana music. Today, he serves as General Manager, proudly guiding the station as it approaches its centennial milestone and beyond. Eric lives in Old Hickory with his wife Carly and their two children, Rowan and Rhys. When he’s not at the station, you’ll likely find him exploring Nashville’s music scene, sampling local cuisine, or spending time with his family at their favorite spots–local breweries, coffee shops, and the Nashville Zoo.   LINKS:  Air Castle of the South: https://www.amazon.com/Air-Castle-South-Making-American/dp/0252032578   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.   ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. Web: benztown.com Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio Twitter: @benztownradio LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Julie Talbott is one of the most respected leaders in broadcast radio, with a career spanning advertising, syndication, affiliate relations, and network leadership. Hear her unexpected journey, which culminated in induction to the Radio Hall of Fame.  On this episode of the Chachi Loves Everybody podcast, Chachi interviews guest Julie Talbott about: Growing up in Kentucky and the values that shaped her Getting started in advertising at BBDO Her unexpected path into network radio Building MJI Broadcasting from the ground up MJI’s acquisition by Premiere Networks and the impact of industry consolidation Julie’s leadership style and how she remains collaborative and open to change Radio’s evolution in a digital world AI as a tool for efficiency, not replacement, and why human judgment still matters The value of mentorship and hard work towards career growth Her advice for students and aspiring broadcasters And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Julie Talbott is President of Premiere Networks, overseeing the operation of Premiere Networks’ roster of more than 100 radio programs and services; managing business partnerships with talent; and leading and maintaining key affiliate relationships to sell and service Premiere Networks, Total Traffic & Weather Network and the 24/7 News Network.   Talbott has served as President of Premiere Networks since 2014. She joined Premiere Networks in 1999 as Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions, and was promoted in 2003 to Executive Vice President, Affiliate Relations, overseeing affiliations for programs hosted by Glenn Beck, George Noory, Steve Harvey, Keith Sweat, Elvis Duran, FOX Sports Radio and others. In 2009, Talbott was named President, Content and Affiliate Relations for Premiere Networks, and in September 2012 extended her responsibilities to the National Media Groups division of iHeartMedia.  Talbott began her career in advertising at BBDO. ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.   ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife. Web: benztown.com Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio Twitter: @benztownradio LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Gracie award-winning radio host Dana Cortez shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Big Spring, Texas, to becoming the first Latina to lead a nationally syndicated radio show. Her story highlights perseverance, authenticity, and how real-life experiences fuel her success and led her. Plus, insights into her multi-platform presence and charity work.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dana Cortez about:   Growing up in Big Spring, Texas, and how early adversity forming the foundation of her honest and relatable on-air style Carving her own path through smaller markets and her breakthrough moment at KMRK in Odessa, Texas Becoming the first Latina to lead a nationally syndicated multicast radio show in the US The day-to-day behind the scenes of her show, and how they blend pop culture, relationships, and real talk, built on authenticity  The Pivotal mentorship of John Candelaria, who pushed her into mornings, perceived as a male-dominated space The importance of social media presence, strategic content batching, and embracing digital platforms Balancing on-air work with podcasting and charity involvement, and how her personal life intertwines with her professional journey Winning a Gracie award and the impact of industry recognition Her significant involvement in charities including St. Jude’s and CASA, and her commitment to community and helping foster children And More! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dana Cortez is a nationally syndicated radio host who shatters the glass when it comes to an industry where diverse female voices struggle to be heard and where women rarely occupy the lead role in a multi-cast show. A second generation Mexican American, Cortez grew up in poverty in West Texas and brings her experience and the perspective of many disenfranchised Americans to her show every day. On the Dana Cortez Show she “creates a room of her own,” using the airwaves to elevate topics of importance and interest often lost in the 24-hour news cycle. Cortez speaks to the female Latino experience in America and to her broader audience, she’s insightful on topics of relationships and pop culture. She has a nuanced way about her interviews with celebrities that allows them to feel comfortable and creates a more genuine conversation. She shares her show with her husband and executive producer DJ Automatic, and comedian Anthony A.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.   ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments. Web: benztown.com Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio Twitter: @benztownradio LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.