Circling The Drain

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

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.netFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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

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 showFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 broadcastingFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 outroFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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.netFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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:The gherm-iest radio promo guy in a stained satin jacketDelivering a giant get‑well card to Amy Grant in a dying station vehicleGlen Campbell shredding in an Opry dressing room and cracking jokes at the urinalA Steve Earle meeting that went from dream chat to guarded on‑air interviewHank Thompson’s rough day and sincere later apologyWhy Raul Malo and The Mavericks should have been massiveBoarding Donald Trump’s private plane during the 2016 campaignJerry Lee Lewis at the Stockyard, an impatient Kenny Rogers backstage,Trace Adkins calling in after a rant, plus memories of Jimmy Dean, Roy Clark, and moreA funny, honest look at how fame collides with real human moods—and why backstage is usually the worst place to watch a show.Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

In this episode, country artist and hit songwriter Deborah Allen joins the Three J’s for a warm, funny, and deeply personal conversation.Deborah shares:The story and long tail of her signature hit “Baby I Lied”Early days at Opryland, touring Russia with Tennessee Ernie Ford, and how Shel Silverstein nudged her into songwritingGrowing up in Memphis around the sounds of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green, and the Hodges brothersHow she wound up sleeping on Elvis’ tour bus and later cutting pioneering overdub duets with Jim Reeves as “The Mystery Girl”Getting a brand-new song from Prince after a brief meeting at Sunset SoundA major health scare, surgery at Vanderbilt with Dr. James Netterville, and why she says “the devil’s not stealing my smile”Celebrating her mom’s 100th birthday, her mom’s younger boyfriend Ed, and the belief that every person you meet is a giftHighlights & Timestamps0:40 – Introduction to Deborah & “Baby I Lied” on country, pop, and AC radio7:35 – Opryland, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Russia tour & meeting Shel Silverstein12:19 – Memphis influences: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Mitchell, Al Green18:39 – Elvis’ bus at her parents’ shop & “I slept in Elvis’ bed”23:10 – Overdubbing duets with Jim Reeves & the “Mystery Girl” campaign29:30 – Pushing for her own songs at MCA & “Don’t Worry ’Bout Me Baby”34:56 – Writing hits for others: Patty Loveless and “Hurt Me Bad (In a Real Good Way)”35:06 – Prince writes her a song as Joey Coco after a Sunset Sound encounter41:33 – Her mom at 100, Ed’s nightly visits, and Opry birthday roses50:12 – Metastatic carcinoma scare, holistic support, and successful surgery1:01:22 – How old friendships (doctors, musicians, neighbors) ended up saving herFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 1942-2006https://youtu.be/XdRH-i5wt6A?si=6vveiKyDKuxq4Mh1Timed highlights:  00:00 – Opening reflection on a complicated father who wanted the spotlight, and later pride in his kids’ careers  00:54 – Show intro: Circling the Drain sets up a special “Dads Episode”  02:20 – Gene Simmons jokes, radio banter, and shifting into the topic of dads and music  03:48 – Why there seem to be more songs about moms than dads, and the impact of absent fathers  04:10 – Classic dad songs: “Cats in the Cradle,” Waylon’s “Between Fathers and Sons,” Elton John’s AIDS story song, “The Living Years,” “Daddy’s Hands,” and more  06:10 – Johnny’s dad: country singer, radio station owner, and the man who ushered him into radio and country music  10:00 – Booking stars in the Midwest: Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, radio “appreciation shows,” and drawing 70,000 people in Kansas  12:22 – Roy Clark, Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline’s fatal flight, and behind-the-scenes country music lore  15:19 – Growing up on small-town AM country radio; dads’ favorite artists and first concert memories with them  17:36 – Merle Haggard live in New Orleans and seeing a stoic dad finally hoop and holler  20:00 – Realizing “Dad is somebody” when Roy Clark brings him onstage to huge applause  21:13 – Mom and dad as a country duo, early radio at KMA, and the cost of dad’s jealousy on mom’s career  25:00 – Jim’s video tribute to his father and how music plus photos trigger powerful grief and healing  26:24 – Jim’s dad, Justin J. McCarthy: affection, pride, and a very different dad-son language of love  30:18 – Workaholic fathers, “Cats in the Cradle” parallels, and trying to balance work and family  31:38 – Losing mom at 16, dad’s depression and guilt, and the strain on father–son relationships  35:00 – How music bridges divides: Steve Earle, politics, and strangers getting along at shows  43:23 – “Good kid” confessions: sneaking out with the Cutlass, near accidents, and fear of disappointing dad  47:18 – Graduation night: a rare, direct “I’m proud of you” moment in the parking lot  49:44 – The “God thing”: Johnny’s last perfect evening with his dad—football, ice cream, and sudden death  53:25 – Writing and delivering eulogies, organizing thoughts through grief, and feeling dad’s approval  55:46 – Jim’s dad, multiple myeloma, the last Alaska dream trip, and choosing to stop treatment  58:45 – The handyman dads: furniture, music boxes, fixing everyone’s cars, and showing love through work  1:01:20 – Neighbors’ wreaths, mowing others’ lawns, and defying doctors after open-heart surgery  1:06:09 – Holiday tables that shrink over time and how quickly “big family” seasons vanish  1:07:02 – Families torn apart by politics and the coming regret of cutting parents off  1:08:00 – Final reflections: complicated fathers, cherished memories, and a plea to reconcile while there’s still time  ---  Would you like a shorter, punchier show description tailored for podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify?

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.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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.Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 museumFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 merchFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 admirationFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 growthRegie 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.Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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.[0:00:00] - Wade discusses his miraculous cancer survival, noting he was given only a 5% chance of survival[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 yearsFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 behaviorFollow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co

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 sceneGet 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.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.co