Ep. 51 Elaina Smith

EPISODE SUMMARY: Elaina Smith is the Gracie award-winning host of Nights with Elaina, heard on over 150 radio stations. She shares how she became a radio host, her transition from local radio to a syndicated national show, and the challenges and excitement that came with her career.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Elaina Smith about:

1. Getting started in entertainment through internships at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and doing red carpets while attending SDSU
2. Starting in radio by representing JACK-FM at events and then joining Chainsaw and Dave on-air
3. Getting her name on the Timmy and Elaina show on A1A in Florida and becoming a local celebrity
4. Moving to Nashville to host a syndicated country show
5. The challenging transition from a local to a national radio show and the mentors and supporters who helped her succeed
6. Becoming a solo host after Shawn Parr left the show
7. Launching the Nashville Show in the UK
8. Becoming the voice of the ACM Awards, People Choice Country Awards, the Gracie Awards, and more
9. The importance of building relationships and adapting and innovating in the radio industry, and other advice for younger generations

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Every night you can hear Elaina D. Smith interviewing the biggest stars in country music & sharing the inside scoop on what’s happening in Nashville on Nights with Elaina!

While working at Entertainment Tonight & The Insider in Los Angeles, Elaina found her true passion when she got an opportunity to join a morning radio show in San Diego, and never looked back. After a year on a morning show in Florida, Elaina made the move to Nashville and began her long-running syndicated night show, which is nearing a decade on-air!

Elaina is now an ACM & CMA Award-nominated, Gracie Award-winning radio host, heard on Nights with Elaina on 150+ stations internationally!

Outside of her radio show, you might have seen Elaina hosting the Official Red Carpet at the 57th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas, playing herself on CMT’s Nashville, introducing artists on some of the biggest stages in the country, or heard her on the award winning Breaking Thru with Elaina podcast, where she has in-depth conversations with artists like Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood & Maren Morris about equality in Country Music.

Be sure to follow all of Elaina’s adventures on social media @elainadsmith!

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Dave, Shelley, and Chainsaw 
• Rick Dees
• Ryan Seacrest
• Jon Bon Jovi
• Marissa Edwards
• Mary Steenburgen
• Ted Danson
• Mike Reilly
• Mike McVay
• Timmy Vee
• Kix Brooks
• Gary Kline
• Ty Bentli
• Shawn Parr
• R Dub!
• John Shomby
• Jason Adams
• Ryan Tedder
• Guy Raz
• Malcolm Gladwell
• Vin Scully
• Paul Williams
• Becky Bennett
• Ellen K
• Randy Thomas
• Lisa Konicki

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Jacobs, Vice President and General Manager of Jacobs Media, shares his journey in the radio industry and founding a consultancy with his brother Fred Jacobs. He discusses his success in programming and sales and his work championing radio's future.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Jacobs about:

1. Growing up in Detroit and starting a bagel delivery business as a kid
2. Working with his brother for the first time at WRIF
3. The collaboration between programming and sales and how he rose through the station ranks from sales to gm
4. Joining his brother Fred at Jacobs Media and launching the Jacobs Media Blog
5. Negotiating with Apple for CarPlay and the future of radio in the automotive industry
6. Attending CES and the importance of Xperi and new technology to radio’s future
7. How constantly reinventing yourself and staying ahead of industry trends is key to long-term success
8. His advice for young people entering the industry

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Jacobs is the “suit” of Jacobs Media, rising up through the sales ranks to become a General Manager of a major market radio station at age 28. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1976 with a BA in Advertising, Paul immediately went to work selling radio for WNIC-FM in Detroit, where he realized one could actually make money selling air.

After a brief stint working for the William A. Robinson marketing services agency in Chicago, where he created campaigns for Philip Morris and Seagram's, Paul struck gold when he was hired as an Account Executive at WRIF-FM in Detroit. This experience launched his sales management career, and four years later, he became the General Sales Manager for KZEW-FM in Dallas, and ultimately, the General Manager for KHYI-FM, also in Dallas. He was lured home to run WDFX-FM in Detroit, before joining Jacobs Media as its General Manager in 1991.

Along with overseeing our day-to-day operations, Paul’s main contribution has been the addition of sales consulting services. As an expert in all Rock formats, Paul has helped our clients open up new revenue streams by aiding them in their understanding of how to sell, market, and position their formats via sales training seminars. He’s currently focused on helping broadcasters transform their business models from being primarily focused on radio, to taking a more “platform” approach, using content to appeal to new audiences and generate revenue. Paul is a true “radio champion” – someone who believes in the power of branding, and developing radio’s inherent assets.

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Fred Jacobs
• Ed Christian
• Bill Robinson
• Marty Greenberg
• Jay Hoeker
• Bill Jacobs
• Roy and Walt Disney
• Steve Jobs
• Tim Cook
• Tim Davis
• Seth Resler
• Tom Bender
• Alan Mulally
• Art Vuolo
• Katie Gambrill

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Jeff Warshaw is the Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He shares his incredible journey of building a radio empire, starting from purchasing his first radio station for $50,000 as a college sophomore to eventually selling his company for $258 million and going on to make many more amazing deals.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about:

1. Growing up in a family involved in Christian radio stations and developing an early passion for radio and entrepreneurship
2. Buying his first radio station as a Sophomore at Wharton and building it from scratch
3. How investing in distressed radio debt allowed him to make major deals
4. The importance of humility and learning from others
5. The impact of deregulation and consolidation in the radio industry
6. Selling his group to Cumulus for $258 million
7. Partnering with the Perot family during the recession and later buying them out
8. The importance of being a great local media company and the future of radio and local media

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO, Jeff Warshaw is a lifelong broadcaster. He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993 Jeff founded Connoisseur Communications Partners LP, a 39 station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258M. In 2004 Jeff formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in 5 markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry wide for his outspoken candor, Jeff’s spirit of innovation and long held principles of integrity, accountability and improvement remain core values of the company and guide its team members. Jeff serves as the chairman of the RAB Board, and the Nielsen Audio Advisory Council.

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 industry.

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Dennis Green is a legendary radio exec who serves as the co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame and the COO for Key Networks and Sun and Fun Media. Dennis shares his journey and what he’s learned in the radio industry.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dennis Green about:

1. Doing sportscasts at Indiana University for WIUS give play-by-play and color commentary for local sports in Florida
2. Getting his first gig at WGN in Chicago
3. Landing his first big sale with Enterprise while working for the Mid-Continent Conference Basketball network
4. Traveling four days every working for Bloomberg Media
5. Joining Westwood One and becoming head of affiliate sales two separate times
6. Signing a big deal with Benztown for Cumulus after they acquired Citadel
7. How he became COO of Sun and Fun Media
8. His thoughts on the future of radio.

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dennis Green serves as Sun & Fun Media's first Chief Revenue Officer. Before SFM, he had a long stint running affiliate sales and operations at Westwood One and Cumulus Media Networks. Dennis’s lifelong ambition was to be on the air but syndication found its way to Dennis. After a stint with the Illinois and Wisconsin Radio Networks featuring lots of beer, sausage and cheese, Green graduated to the network level. His first big clearance was Last Night on Larry King Live on WWJ-AM in Detroit. When the boss asked how in the world did you get on in a top 10 market in morning drive with that feature, Green replied “I picked up the phone, called the station, and they said great send over a contract.” That was the last easy clearance.

When Green is not figuring out how to put great products and services on radio stations from coast to coast, he can be found screaming at a television as his beloved Miami Dolphins continue to break his heart followed closely by his Indiana Hoosiers trying to be relevant in athletics. IU is the Harvard of the Midwest, so we can live without winning NCAA Championships like other schools.

Green and his wife Jill reside in West Orange, NJ along with their two sons Max and Jeremy and Lulu the Wonder Dog.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY:  Edgar “ShoBoy” Sotelo is the owner/host of the only bicultural/bilingual Latino syndicated radio show that's heard Coast to Coast in America on 25 stations around the country. He has won the Marconi award for personality of the year and he has been awarded the Most Influential Leader Award by the US Senate. He shares his experience using his platform to celebrate Latino culture and make a difference in the community. 

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to ShoBoy about:

1. Being the surprise baby in the family and how his 2 older brothers acted like additional father figures growing up
2. Immigrating to the USA when he was 5 from Jalisco, Mexico and the sacrifices his parents made to give their kids a better future
3. How he tries to use radio as a megaphone for good to support, represent, and unite the latino living dual Spanish and English lifestyle
4. What it was like to interview the First Lady Michelle Obama and how he helped the Dallas Latino community enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage
5. Winning a Marconi and putting his all in when he was invited back to host the awards
6. The PD that went to jail for him
7. Incredible experiences he’s grateful for like meeting President Obama at the White House and opening for Gabriel Iglesias at Madison Square Garden.
8. Being a girl dad and how his wife, family, and faith have supported him throughout his career
9. Starting the Hanging With Los Sotelos podcast during the pandemic with his wife to give hope and unite families by sharing challenges and being vulnerable

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Born in Ocotlan Jalisco, Mexico, Edgar "Shoboy" came to the U.S. at the age of five. He credits his success to his parent’s sacrifice of immigration to the US and the support and encouragement of his loving wife Janet, beautiful daughters Ariela and Alani and his faith in God. Edgar has a passion for people and therefore obtained a Psychology Degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA, and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. 

Shoboy has hosted radio shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco. He is a fun, positive, proud bicultural-bilingual Marconi Award Winning radio host, motivational speaker & content creator. His passion, determination, unique bicultural perspective and positivity has brought him to great success, but the best is yet to come in his career and personal life as he continues to live the American Dream.

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 industry.

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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Heather Cohen is the recently named president of the Weiss Agency, previously serving as EVP. She has been named to Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women in Radio 9 years in a row, is a recipient of the Talkers Magazine Judy Jarvis Award and many other honors. She shares what it’s like to represent incredible talent and the amazing friends, clients, mentors, and mentees she has met along the way. 

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Heather Cohen about:

1. Growing up in New York and developing a love for radio from an early age ny listening to her uncle on air from her Strawberry Shortcake radio
2. Getting her start at WRHU and the amazing opportunities given to her as a student at Hofstra University
3. Becoming the first female non-union board op for WOR
4. Negotiating deals as an APD and PD including altercation with an agent that almost got physical
5. Meeting Eric Weiss and becoming a part of his personal and professional family
6. How she was convinced to join the Weiss Agency
7. How the audio world has changed since she started out and the shift from working with mostly radio groups to streaming services and podcast companies
8. Her work with great causes such as the Gracie Awards and the Broadcasters Foundation of America
9. The value of mentorship and how she has benefitted from mentors throughout her career

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Heather Cohen was recently named President of The Weiss Agency, a broadcast talent agency which represents and develops the careers of many of the industry’s most successful local and syndicated personalities where she served as EVP for many years. Heather joined the Weiss Agency directly from GreenStone Media, LLC, where she was Vice President, Programming.

Heather joined GreenStone from New York’s legendary WOR where she was Assistant Program Director and responsible for the station’s local and national on-air content, programs, and production. Prior to that, she served as Executive Producer for The Joan Hamburg Show.

In 2013 Talkers Magazine awarded Heather with the prestigious “Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman,” also known as “Woman of the Year”. Radio Ink Magazine has selected Heather as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio every year since 2014. Heather was on the cover of Radio Ink’s June 2017 Most Influential Women in Radio issue. She is a 2015 recipient of Hofstra University’s George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award. In 2019 Heather was inducted into the WRHU Radio Hall of Fame. In 2021, Heather was one of the first awardees of the “Sheros in Media” Award from the Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association.

Heather serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and Foundation Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chair. She has formerly held positions as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, and has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016.

Heather is on the Board of Directors of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is a juror for the Academy of Radio Arts & Sciences.

A graduate of Hofstra University, she is President of the Executive Board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, and has previously served as both Vice President for Programs and Vice President for Services. Heather is a member of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board and the Women In Leadership Advisory Board. She recently completed her term on the Board of Directors of the George M. Estabrook Alumni Association. Heather previously served as President of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Alumni Association.

Heather has mentored New York City school children as part of NYC’s Principal for a Day program and has been a Safe Space committee member. She judged the Tony Awards for eight seasons.

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 industry.

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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: 

instagram.com/benztownradio/

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse media and he has experience representing major talents,Media producing podcasts, movies, and ad campaigns, as well as working in real estate and venture capital companies. Anderson discusses his multitude of business ventures and how he identifies and cultivates success in talented people and businesses.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Anderson about:

1. Going to law school and working for the DOJ before representing media and tech companies in Seattle
2. How a chance encounter with Bob Rivers led him to working with radio talent
3. Finding talented radio personalities and turning them into enterprises symbiotic partnerships
4. Forming a bond with the late Bob Saget
5. Producing the movie 2 Weeks and his experience working on a film
6. Starting Workhouse creative and working on the award-winning Microsoft Beautiful Web campaign
7. Pivoting to podcast production and the ingredients for a great podcast
8. His current ventures including Atlas Capital which invests in hemp products and the the real estate firm Bauhaus partners
9. The philanthropic work he is involved in such as Gokidgo which creates children’s content and the Shaufler Prize which he created to award journalistic content focusing on marginalized people 

 And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse Media, Inc., a leading audio first multi-platform talent + content management and production company with clients and partnerships working across radio, podcasting, television, and digital. He represents some of the biggest talent in the industry including Dan Patrick, Ricky Smiley Shonda Rhimes, and the late Bob Saget. He produced award-winning podcasts including including Cold, The Letter, Aftershock, Solar, and several others. He won two Telly Awards for marketing campaigns he produced for Microsoft, and he produced a movie called Two Weeks with Sally Field. He's also a partner at a venture capital firm, a principal owner of a real estate development company with properties in five different states, and a board member for GoKidGo, a podcast company focused on content for kids.

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Bob Rivers, Lisa Decker, Don Bouloukos, Kirk McEwan, Mark, and Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Dan Patrick, Bob Pittman, Woody, Bob Saget, John McConnell, Keith Kauffman, Steve Stockman, Jonathan Groff, Danny Bonaduce, Sally Fields, Ben Chaplin

Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, Clea DuVall, Kieth Rivers, Alex Clare, Dave Cawley, David Harbor, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeff Schmidt, Mark Ramsey, Ben Haber, Margaret Atwood, 50 Cent

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Peter Smyth is a legendary leader in broadcasting and the former chairman and CEO of Greater Media. He currently sits on the board of WBUR in Boston and is president of the Hundred Club of MA. Smyth shares how his background in business and passion for people helped bring innovative ideas to the broadcast industry and his leadership advice. Special guest Jeff Smulyan also joins to discuss his friendship with Peter.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Peter Smyth about:

1. Growing up in Tarrytown outside of NYC with a passion for radio, but being pushed towards finance by his father
2. Learning many skills while working at Nestle, but turning down opportunities with them to pursue radio
3. Struggling at first as an account exec at WROR in Boston before using his business acumen to secure clients
4. Introducing innovative ideas after getting promoted to GSM and working with Celtics broadcasters during the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson era
5. Moving back to New York to become director of sales at WOR at 29 and having to prove himself every day that he was worthy of leading at his young age
6. Taking another job in Boston and transforming WMJX from “tragic Magic” into a highly rated station as GM
7. His method of in-depth strategizing and planning as well as always telling the truth and keeping open communication that lead to Magic’s success
8. Becoming the COO of Greater Media and his method of ensuring stations were live and local, grounded in community, and had great personnel
9. Stepping in as Chairman and CEO after the passing of his friend and mentor, John Bordes, and continuing the vision of running a family company even through the recession
10. The tough decision to sell Greater Media and his philanthropic work since then with the RAB, WBUR, and the Hundred Club of Massachusetts

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Peter Smyth is recognized as a visionary and thought leader in the radio broadcasting industry. He most recently served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Media, Inc., one of the nation’s leading broadcasting companies.  In this role, Smyth oversaw the operational efforts of 21 AM and FM radio stations in Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia and New Jersey; a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey; and several telecommunications towers throughout the United States.  Over the past three decades, Smyth served in a variety of capacities within Greater Media, including General Manager of WMJX-FM in Boston, Vice President of the Radio Group, and Chief Operating Officer of Greater Media, Inc. He began his career in broadcasting in 1977 as an account executive with WROR-FM in Boston and was quickly promoted to General Sales Manager, a position he held for the next five years. In 1983, RKO General, the parent company of WOR, recruited him to serve as general sales manager of its New York stations, where he directed the company’s sales operations until his departure in 1986 to work at Greater Media. Smyth helped to revolutionize the broadcasting industry by advocating for and adopting new technologies such as HD Radio and internet streaming, and by developing and incorporating innovative content to improve media communications and meet the emerging demands of the industry and its advertisers. He was named a “Giant of American Broadcasting” by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2014. Radio Ink Magazine, a leading broadcast industry publication, in 2005 and 2011, selected Smyth as “America’s Best Broadcaster.” In addition, he has been recognized as one of Radio Ink’s “40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” ranking among the top ten. In 2007, the publication named him “Radio Executive of the Year.” An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and as president of the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and the United Way of Massachusetts. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Board for US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. In 2007, he received the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from the Hundred Club of Massachusetts and the Golden Mike Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America for exemplary service in the radio Industry. Smyth was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Suffolk University in Boston in 2011 and was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Heidi Raphael, The Gambling Family, Joan Hamburg, Bernie Meltzer, Joe Franklin, Ed Koch, Frank Sinatra, Bob Williamson, O’Neil family, Herb McCord, Peter Bordes. John Bordes, Phil Redo, Curt Hahn, Bob Harper, Don Kelly, John Fullam, Tom Bender, Dan Mason, Bob Pittman, Buzz Knight, Caroline Beasley, Erica Farber, Margaret Low, Norman Knight, Traug Keller

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Scott Herman spent 39 years at CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting. Herman shares how he started his career in news radio and worked his way up from desk assistant to COO all within the same corporation. He discusses his advice, leadership style, and incredible career as Scott and Chachi sit down for a chat!

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody recorded live at NAB, Chachi talks to Scott about:

1. Growing up in Brooklyn and becoming interested in media through listening to the radio and accompanying his dad who was a news photographer
2. Joining the radio station at Brooklyn College and getting a job at 1010 WINS through his professor
3. Getting promoted to manager soon after college and working tirelessly to keep the station on air during a 13 week strike
4. Leaving NY for the first time to become a PD at KYW News Radio in Philidelphia
5. Being sent to turn WMAQ in Chicago into an all-news station and getting to build his vision
6. Returning to New York and getting in a dispute with Tom Chiusano and Howard Stern that had to be moderated by Mel Karmazin
7. Becoming an executive at CBS Radio and his management style for all the stations and markets he oversaw
8. His decision to retire when Entercom bought CBS Radio and his work as chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America

And more!

Watch the recording of this episode HERE:

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Scott Herman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in television and radio in 1980 and was named “Alumnus of the Year” in 2002. He started his career at 1010 WINS as a desk assistant and eventually worked his way up within CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting until he was named Chief Operating Officer of CBS Radio. He oversaw and supported hundreds of local station operations in dozens of cities until he retired in 2021. Previously, Herman was Executive Vice President, Operations for CBS Radio. His first corporate appointment was in 2003 when he was named CBS Radio’s Executive Vice President, Eastern Region.  Before that, he was Senior Vice President, Market Manager for the division’s New York properties.

In May 2011, he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and Radio Ink magazine named him one of the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio for multiple consecutive years. He has been on the board of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), International Radio and Television Society Foundation, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Brooklyn College, and currently serves as Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. 

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Sister Camille D’Arienzo, Bill Roswell, Paul Gluck, Bob Ross, Bill Branson, Bill Korn, Dan Mason, Weezie Kramer, Opie and Anthony, Mel Karmazin, Tom Chiusano, Chris Booker, Linda Lopez, Leslie Gold, Ron and Fez, Tom Leykis, Harvey Nagler Joel Hollander, Chet Buchanan, Les Moonves, Kevin Weatherly, David Field, Mary Berner, Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler, Jeff Smulyan, Phil Lombardo, Jim Thompson, Tim McCarthy, Greg Janoff, Steve Swenson, Mark Mason, Ben Mevorach, John Waugaman, Erica Farber

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, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! 

EPISODE SUMMARY: Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality and former host of the Mark and Kim show on KOST, the first equally billed male and female morning show in the country. Mark and Kim have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wallengren shares how he got his start in radio and tons of exciting stories from his decades on air as Mark and Chachi sit down at for a chat! 

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mark Wallengren about:

1. Growing up in a Mormon pioneer family full of artists and innovators
2. Getting his start in Preston, Idaho and working his way to larger markets
3. Shutting the Union Pacific Train with his reenacctment of War of the Worlds
4. Doing voiceover work and creating a proffessional press kit that got him noticed by Jhani Kaye
5. Landing a job at KOST and eventually replacing MG Kelly in the mornings
6. Meeting Kim Amidon and quickly dominating ratings with the Mark and Kim show 
7. His connections with Disney and the thrill of the annual KOST Disneyland Party
8. Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
9. The tragic loss of his brother Ernie to ALS

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:

Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality. He got his start in radio at KACH Preston, Idaho then worked his way to LA and was hired along with Kim Amidon at legendary Los Angeles radio station KOST 103.5FM in Feb of 1985. They won most of radios top personality awards and on the 20th anniversary of the Mark & Kim Show received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Disney's El Capitan Theater in 2006. To donate to the E. F. Wallengren Fund for ALS Research in honor of Mark’s brother, Ernie, who passed away from ALS, click HERE.

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 industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED: Kim Amidon, Gary Owens, Uncle Earl Trout, Don Burns, Larry McKay, Orson Welles, Kip Guth, Jim Ladd, Frasier Smith, Jhani Kaye, Machine Gun Kelly, Mark Allen, Mike Sakellarides, Lowman and Barkley, Robert W Morgan, Charlie Tuna, Rick Dees, David Paymer, Grant Tinker, Earl Hamner, Rugburn Liz Fulton, Scott Shanon, Big Boy, Mark and Brian, Kevin and Bean, Real Don Steele, Roy Disney, Darren Silva, Roy Laughlin, John Peake, Michael Levine, Dick Cook, Mike Eisner, Greg Ashlock, Ellen K, Andrew Jeffries, Rodrigo Hernandez

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, New York, London 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 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 Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!