Circling The Drain

Nashville legend, attorney, former councilman and stand-up comic Adam Dred joins Johnny B and J. Harper from Nantucket to talk about everything from politics and scooters to sharks, data centers, cab laws and comedy wars.Adam walks through his infamous “English-speaking cab drivers” bill, his near-fatal stroke and brain bleed, why he splits time between Nashville and Nantucket, and how he went from radio and stand-up to law and animal advocacy. He also dishes on Trace Adkins, Ralphie May, Steve Harvey, Joe Rogan, Bob Saget, bad Californians in Nashville, and why wind farms and data centers make him crazy.If you love Nashville, comedy, behind-the-scenes radio stories and unfiltered political takes, this episode is packed.Timed Highlights (for chapters/clips)02:13 Life in Nantucket and buying manfromnantucket.com from Russians03:27 Man From Nantucket merch and fundraising for animal charities03:49 Bonnie Dred, the toilet-trained cat and viral TV coverage04:19 Splitting life and law practice between Nantucket and Tennessee05:09 “Hate months,” gossip season and Nashville heat05:16 Asking if he can swear on the podcast and political correctness06:15 Fourth of July “water fight” becomes “water game” and cultural wimpification06:43 Growing up without helmets, seatbelts and safety culture07:11 The satirical “prenuptial weight agreement” from law school07:37 History with Trace Adkins and the “Giant Painters – Ladders Are For Fags” story09:37 Getting fired for on-air drinking and Lightning 100 “music for angry lesbians”11:18 How Adam fed the entire TV crew via ad deals and earned loyalty12:25 Doing good deeds, karma and his Nantucket country radio show “Cohog Wild”13:05 Declaration of Independence reading controversy and moving it to St. Paul’s14:30 Making outdoor church services pet friendly and doubling attendance15:39 From scooters to taxes: why Adam fought Nashville scooters and the economics16:48 Property tax shock on Lower Broadway and Layla’s honky tonk19:02 Historic entertainment zoning, Zanies, Douglas Corner and losing venues19:44 Fighting Eighth Avenue bike lanes and Nashville’s climate reality20:47 Why free buses beat bike lanes and how Nantucket does transit21:10 Term limits, “community tithing” and what he did on Metro Council22:21 Stroke story: blacking out, the crash and coding twice24:21 Citywide prayer on the air and waking up telling jokes25:13 Second brain bleed, Coumadin, misdiagnosis and changing genetic markers28:08 Allergies changing, bee stings and new ticks that can make you allergic to meat29:07 Great whites, bull sharks, tiger sharks and hammerheads vs humans31:11 Overfishing, baby sharks at New Smyrna and blaming sport fishing33:30 Nantucket vs Martha’s Vineyard culture and politics34:26 Mr. Rogers on Nantucket and the Fred Rogers Award34:58 Nantucket Clean Team and making kids care about trash35:21 Nashville’s “ladders on the interstate” vs Nantucket’s paper bags36:10 Wind farms, broken blades, beach closures and unseen environmental costs38:30 Data centers by the zoo, water use, contamination and eminent domain problems40:33 How Nashville bungled the data center permits and legal exposure41:48 Megan Barry, mayors’ affairs and why Adam still defends her as a person43:01 Losing children, grief and why some people get a lifelong “hall pass”43:38 Missing old Nashville: Phasins, the Trace, Maud’s Courtyard and Hillsboro Village45:15 “Bad Californians,” fake service dogs and a dog-bite lawsuit story48:38 Payment plans for Bel Meade Californians and serving people by publication48:50 Jim’s severe dander allergy and workplace pets putting him in the hospital49:49 Emotional support animals vs real service dogs in law and travel50:47 Chinese poison pet food case, Phil Valentine’s cat and suing for the owners52:23 Remembering Bart Durham and what people don’t know about him53:23 How contingency-fee firms really pick cases56:16 Abortion question at a forum and Adam’s 16-year “abort your kid” joke57:51 Musica statue complaints, “I posed for it” and renaming the Christmas tree58:14 Holiday tree vs Christmas tree, menorah and being born Jewish in that fight58:52 Circling the Drain as a brand and “circling and stirring”59:32 When Adam is back in Nashville: Vandy tailgate, tents 1 and 2 and open bar1:00:09 Pavia, Heisman, image problems and Pacman Jones comparisons1:01:10 Cheetah 3 strip club in Atlanta and hosting the Battle of the Cheetah Girls1:02:21 Ralphie May, the divorce, TMZ allegations and the stress that killed him1:03:56 How Ralphie was treated, money issues and the banned ex-wife1:04:42 Ralphie’s last phone call and the Vegas shooting1:05:18 Getting into comedy at Vanderbilt, Rights of Spring and Henry Cho1:06:10 First road work, a blown radiator and Steve Harvey saving his hand1:07:06 Co-headlining with Dennis Leary and learning to follow dirty comics1:07:51 Joe Rogan as his opener and Bob Saget’s filthy sets1:08:54 Nantucket comedy festivals and his local Nantucket books1:09:26 Island Cup: Nantucket vs Martha’s Vineyard, whaling roots and big kids1:10:26 Tuna, sharks, Block Island and fall “shoulder season” on Nantucket1:11:07 Restaurant Week, chamber duties and being “a man of leisure”1:11:45 Faith, obligation to give back and leaving the world better1:12:07 Johnny B calls Adam a hero and they tease live shows from Vandy and the boat1:12:36 Adam’s legal plug: no-charge consults and 888-DUI-ADAM1:13:04 Wrap-up, invitation to future episodes and Circling The Drain plugsFollow 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

On this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B,  Jay Harper and Jim McCarthy sit down with Tanya Montana and Shelli Coe, daughters of outlaw country legend David Allan Coe. They share what it was really like growing up on the road, clear the air about racist allegations and the infamous X‑rated albums, and explain the truth behind the estate, the will, and why the kids aren’t “silver spoon” heirs.Tanya and Shelli talk about their own musical journeys, the Goodbye Girls Nashville shop, reconnecting with long‑lost siblings, and how their mom Jody quietly held the whole family together. This is one of the most honest, emotional, and human conversations you’ll hear about fame, family, and faith in country music.Timed Highlights / Chapters:  02:00 – Growing up as Coe kids and Tyler’s guitar chops on the road with Blackberry Smoke 05:01 – Shelli’s Texas roots, Dripping Springs, Willie Nelson’s grandkids and writing songs from childhood 06:25 – The family album, Heavenly Father, Holy Mother and 3‑year‑old Shelli on tape 07:26 – Tanya’s childhood on the road, faxes with her dad and discovering songwriting 09:57 – From accounting to artist: opening Goodbye Girls and being thrown on stage at GG Happy Hour 12:10 – Todd Snider discovers Tanya at the shop and offers to record her for free 13:20 – Silver Bullet: DIY iPhone video, political talk show bumper music and fan reactions 15:06 – Why radio and “Billy Sherrill rules” don’t define modern independent artists 16:07 – Billy Sherrill, David Allan Coe’s genre‑bending catalog and embracing creative risk 17:10 – John Lennon comparisons, Hydro Emotion and the power of All Effed Up 18:17 – Shelli’s song I Need My Name and writing out of love for her dad 20:33 – Making a low‑budget but powerful video in a closed furniture/consignment store 22:13 – Life as kids on the road: band members as protectors and the “Willie Nelson family” vibe 23:59 – Growing up between strict Christian schools and a rough, all‑male tour bus world 25:05 – How the band quietly protected the kids from danger and bad situations 25:21 – The X‑rated albums, racist accusations and what the family actually believes 27:33 – “I love black culture and music”: Tanya on reconciling her dad’s catalog with her values 28:10 – Shelli: “The children of David Allan Coe are not racist” and why she’s never listened to those albums 29:29 – Context for the X‑rated records, parody, Red Foxx, Mel Brooks and intent vs misuse 30:14 – Never giving up: years of unanswered texts, trying to reconnect and the pain of estrangement 33:26 – Going to the funeral scared, public viewing and being “breadcrumbed” through each event 34:41 – Shelli’s impromptu eulogy and thanking the fans for loving their dad 36:19 – David Allan Coe’s traumatic childhood and the side most fans never saw 38:16 – Early 80s Nashville radio memories and meeting David at Spence Manor 39:01 – Playing deep cuts on air: Compass Point, Spectrum 7 and late‑night spins 40:39 – Shelli joins the road in the early 90s, first show in Austin and deciding to be a performer 42:08 – Buses, vans, “carnival” convoys and how the big road show eventually went broke 43:23 – Re‑configuring the bus so the kids could live on the road with their dad 45:03 – Why the kids had relatively “normal” lives thanks to their mothers 45:35 – Jody’s crucial role in the family, fan club and giving all the kids a home base 46:26 – Welcoming a newly discovered brother, Josh, and his family into the fold 47:35 – How the siblings are building a united family now, even without controlling the estate 48:19 – Growing up in East Nashville, Goodbye Girls as a community and the “little shop that could” 50:39 – Surviving 16+ years in retail, COVID, Lana Del Rey’s support and small‑business hustle 52:09 – What Goodbye Girls actually sells: vintage western, stagewear, boots and boho fashion 53:38 – Explaining East Nashville’s vibe and the meaning behind Goodbye Girls 54:04 – Re‑releasing David’s “This Is David Allan Coe” book and why prices spiked after his death 55:20 – What Tanny Montana Music really is and what Jody actually owns 57:00 – Clearing up rumors: Tanya doesn’t get royalties from Stand By Your Man or other songs 58:23 – “We’ve been excluded from everything”: reading the will and dealing with that heartbreak 1:00:17 – The kids’ perspective on narrative wars, online attacks and trying to stay classy 1:01:04 – First time publicly going this deep on the record about the will and estate 1:01:33 – Shout‑out to Tyler Coe’s Cocaine & Rhinestones podcast and the siblings’ admiration 1:02:30 – Where to find their music: Bandcamp, Facebook pages and respecting each sibling’s privacy 1:03:58 – How they’re grieving together and keeping the family unit strong 1:04:36 – Where to find Circling The Drain: Facebook, YouTube, iHeart, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn and merchSocials / Links  Tanya’s shop: • Goodbye Girls Nashville – goodbyegirlsnashville.comMusic (Bandcamp): • Tanya Montana – “Silver Bullet” (vinyl) and “Hydro Emotion” (CD) available on Bandcamp • Shelli Coe – “A Girl Like Me” available on BandcampFollow 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

On this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim talk about how political division has seeped into every corner of entertainment and media. They trade stories from talk radio, debate Trump’s influence on patriot events, and unpack why fans are turning on artists who get too political from the stage.The guys also reminisce about women who changed rock (Linda Ronstadt, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Amy Lee), underrated girl and boy bands, and classic film stars and directors. They hit on the Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean controversies, the 250th celebration tied to Trump, CMA Fest politics, and how talk radio and cable news are burning people out. It’s part nostalgia, part media critique, and part “can we please just enjoy a show again?”Includes: – Behind-the-scenes stories from talk radio and WTN – How politics hijacked July 4th and the 250th celebration – Country music’s culture war: Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Beyoncé, CMA/ACM awards – Why conservative talk radio has become an echo chamber – Classic crushes and icons: Linda Ronstadt, Bridget Fonda, Cher, Marilyn Monroe – Film noir, Turner Classic Movies, and Spielberg’s new UFO film – Trace Adkins, Taylor Sheridan, and dream casting for Yellowstone-style showsTimed Highlights: 0:00 Lioness, Linus and dad-joke cold open 0:45 Johnny B, Jay, and Jim check in and bust chops on age and birthdays 2:50 Sharing birthdays with Tom Cruise, Andrew Garfield, Demi Lovato, Amy Adams, Scorsese, and Danny DeVito 4:10 Jim’s last-minute save as a baseball PA announcer and learning the lingo on the fly 7:50 Mercy rules, softball vs baseball pace, and why tournament ball can be brutal 8:45 Rush’s new drummer on tour and pulling off Tom Sawyer live 10:15 Blink-182’s drummer, plane crashes, DJ AM, and guilty-pleasure pop bands 12:10 Boy bands, Backstreet Boys, The Bangles, Go-Go’s, and needing more women drummers and guitarists 14:15 Linda Ronstadt, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Amy Lee, and greatest female rock vocalists 15:59 Linda Ronstadt stories, studios in Nashville, and realizing you’ve been sitting next to a legend 19:10 Aging icons: Linda Ronstadt, Cher turning 80, separating politics from performance 21:14 Trump, De Niro, Sean Penn, Johnny Depp and when politics ruins the art 22:38 Trump’s 250th celebration, Martina McBride and Bret Michaels backing out 25:00 Can we have a non-political patriotic event anymore? Remembering the 1976 Bicentennial 29:30 Covid money printing, tariffs, gas prices, and why voters always come back to their wallets 31:00 Bruce Springsteen, the Black Crowes, and crowds telling artists to “shut up and play” 32:10 CMA Fest, Justin Pearson, and bringing politicians on stage to rant 32:58 Music Row’s political disconnect from the country audience 33:37 Morgan Wallen being ignored by awards shows despite massive popularity 33:58 Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town,” Columbia courthouse, and outrage over the video 34:51 A billion streams, Congressional recognition, and producing the songwriter podcast 35:58 10–15 years of politics dividing entertainment 36:34 Steve Earle, protest songs, and when stage rants kill the vibe 37:10 Dixie Chicks backlash, Natalie Maines, and radio phones melting down 37:50 Playing Dixie Chicks on classic country formats and the name-change wars (Dixie Chicks, Lady A) 38:33 College indoctrination, Jim Breuer’s bit, and “racist, sexist, gender” on repeat 39:40 Campus politics then vs now, old-school professors who actually debated 40:59 Talk radio turning into an echo chamber and worshipping Trump 41:38 Jim getting heat on WTN for criticizing Trump’s spending 42:21 Audience demanding red meat and nothing but politics 44:16 Burnout from politics on air: filling in at WTN and being exhausted by the news cycle 45:18 Fox News running nonstop in the background and how it shapes older viewers 48:54 Family stories: visiting parents and in-laws who live on cable news and Trump 49:53 Streaming instead of news: Turner Classic Movies, film noir, and great writing 50:47 Classic Hollywood glamor, Bogart and Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and missing wit in modern movies 52:00 Marvel highs and lows after Endgame and Spielberg’s new disclosure/UFO movie 53:23 Emily Blunt, Monty Python references, and “huge tracts of land” 54:02 Whatever happened to Bridget Fonda and why she left Hollywood 55:00 Privacy, health, car accidents, and what aging looks like in the spotlight 57:17 Growing up a Fonda, Hollywood burnout, and punning about “Fond of Fondas” 57:37 Sound drops, Kelsey Grammer’s legendary stage fall, and physical comedy clips 58:15 Trace Adkins’ accident, almost losing a leg, and that unreal voice in headphones 59:44 Deep-voice envy, timbre, and why Trace belongs in a Taylor Sheridan series 1:00:36 IndyCar in Nashville, Alex Palou, short shorts, and being surrounded by race fans 1:02:06 Hospital stories, heart issues, and future guest John with his Muscle Shoals lineage 1:03:26 Why it’s fun but risky to wade into politics on a usually non-political show 1:04:10 Nearing episode 50 and the idea of “drinking before vs after” each podcast 1:05:21 Racing, upcoming events in Nashville, and guests missing the studio driveway 1:08:24 Directions, flagpoles, and the perils of running a hidden hilltop studio 1:09:21 Joking about fans “clogging the drain” and possible spin-off names 1:10:00 Where to find Circling The Drain across platforms and video/audioFollow 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 icon Trace Adkins gets candid about buying his Tennessee farm, Nashville’s explosive growth, and why “perfect” modern records leave him cold. He shares wild stories with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, and more, plus visions for a catfish joint called Hot Mamas.Trace Adkins is back for part three, and this time he goes deep on life at the farm, Nashville’s real estate explosion, and why old-school, imperfect records still hit harder than today’s polished tracks. From Merle Haggard in boxer shorts with a joint over his ear to Waylon cussing the bugs onstage and Buck Owens’ brutally honest “low note” advice, Trace tells the kind of stories only a true country legend can.He and the guys also riff on Nashville turning into a “clean New Orleans,” soccer vs. hockey, the changing studio scene, in-ear monitors vs. wedges, health food vs. fried catfish, and his dream of opening a catfish joint called “Hot Mamas.” If you love real country, road stories, and unfiltered opinions, this is your episode. 1:01 How Trace found his dream 100‑acre farm (and paid more later for 30 acres) 2:55 Nashville’s growth, California money, and $3M homes in former farm fields 3:35 “Clean New Orleans” vibes: Broadway, CMA week, and 250 people a day moving in 5:19 Murfreesboro, Franklin, Gallatin: when the outer ring gets just as crowded 6:07 Getting outside 840 to keep “country living” alive 7:26 Little League moms, grocery store encounters, and a fan story gone sideways 8:18 Why Trace hates soccer and loves hockey fights 10:37 Being a Titans fan, the Music City Miracle, and growing up with the Saints 12:20 Nashville before the Titans and Predators: massage parlors, Printer’s Alley, and a ghost town downtown 17:07 What happens to Music Row studios when AI and home recording take over? 18:39 “Too perfect” records vs. real, messy, live music 19:46 Cutting with Asleep at the Wheel high and out of tune – and why that’s exactly what Trace wanted 20:22 Loving rough live albums and records with mistakes and feel 21:54 Old records recorded by eye and cue, not click tracks and grids 22:33 Trace refuses to sing to a click in the studio 23:00 One in‑ear, loud wedges, and missing the days of club monitors ripping his face off 25:08 Country legends: Merle Haggard in boxers, Waylon fighting bugs, and Hall of Fame grudges 29:41 Buck Owens puts Trace through his paces and gives him brutal “low note” advice 33:05 Grand Ole Opry memories and realizing he’s now one of the “old guys” backstage 36:09 Married to a fitness model: salmon, rice, salads… and disastrous squash brownies 38:02 “I pay for premium health insurance so I can eat what I want” 39:30 Bougie Nashville: Sperry’s, Perry’s, Bourbon Steak, truffle and duck‑fat fries 40:46 Organic fast food and shameless restaurant plugs 41:38 Trace’s dream restaurant: a catfish joint called “Hot Mamas” with flirtatious 50‑something waitresses 43:28 Victoria’s “guilt‑free” menu concept and why Trace’s buddies won’t eat there 44:20 Real pizza talk: New York‑style favorites and local spots 45:22 Mafia‑vibe Italian joints, Godfather radio bits, and ticking off the real bosses 46:37 Wrapping up: three hours with Trace, veterans work, 30th anniversary tour, and where to find Circling the DrainFollow 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 Part 2 of our deep-dive with country icon Trace Adkins, we get the stories behind his most emotional and controversial songs, from “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” to “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Arlington.” Trace shares powerful memories from Arlington National Cemetery, his candid take on Donald Trump, and the radio days with Phil Valentine that almost got people fired.We also dig into his acting career, how he met his wife on a movie set, the wild origin of his dog “Gary Busey,” and why he believes live shows are now the only truly “real” part of the music business.0:43 – If Trace had to be in a tribute band forever, who would he choose? 1:36 – Waylon Jennings’ “Honky Tonk Heroes” and how it inspired Trace’s “Dangerous Man” album cover  3:25 – The grind of album photo shoots and making a real, gritty cover shot  4:12 – The Phil Valentine show, stepdad life, and getting sick of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”  5:44 – Why “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” is cleverly written, not just a novelty hit  6:42 – How the song became the most-played country song in strip club history  7:44 – The backroom label deals behind certain cuts and how “You’re Gonna Miss This” started as a wedding song  9:00 – “I thought it was too sappy” – Trace misjudges a song that becomes a massive number one  10:26 – Ashley Gorley’s hit-making juggernaut and why everyone wants one of his songs  11:04 – Writing “American Made” for the country’s 250th anniversary  11:38 – “Arlington” and “An Empty Chair” – songs that choke him up on stage  12:04 – Performing “Arlington” at Arlington National Cemetery and barely getting through it  12:43 – Why Trace only does “Arlington” for the right audiences (and never for drunks or festivals)  14:04 – The true story behind “Arlington” and Lance Corporal Patrick Nixon  16:26 – Playing “Arlington” on air, Phil Valentine’s reaction, and the emotional weight of the song  17:04 – Remembering Phil Valentine: sparring on-air, sharp wit, and real friendship  18:34 – A hilarious voicemail from Trace and joking about “your little radio show”  19:22 – Rodeo memories, FCC close calls, and the infamous “hot and juicy” weather report  21:18 – Live radio chaos: open mics, cussing and thinking they’d be fired  22:16 – Trace’s new production company “Fifth Rodeo” and its cowboy-with-a-fifth-of-whiskey logo  23:14 – Why Trace doesn’t want the pressure of doing a podcast  24:07 – From tractors to Lululemon and voiceovers: “degradation” of the conversation  24:19 – “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” real cowboys and concern for the horses  25:25 – Why some ranch work still has to be done on horseback  26:08 – Trace’s Christmas show: Celtic vibes, stories behind songs and gospel roots  27:32 – Feeling good about the Christmas show vs. “I’m sorry, Lord” after “Badonkadonk”  28:08 – Is memorizing dialog hard? How years on stage made acting easier  28:58 – Directors who demand word-for-word delivery vs. those who allow improvisation  29:46 – Meeting his wife on the set of “The Virginian” in Vancouver  30:21 – How his wife writes, acts and why their dog is named Gary Busey  31:50 – The Christmas parade, a weird looking puppy and the Gary Busey hair and teeth  32:05 – Writing a song for the 250th and the Freedom 250 concert controversy  32:48 – PBS Fourth of July, Trump’s event, and shifting TV schedules  34:02 – The best Trump impressions Trace has heard and how Trump exaggerated his own persona  35:43 – Riding in Trump’s limo and getting asked: “Are you reasonably faithful to your wife?”  36:55 – Trump Jr. explains his job: “I follow him around and put fires out”  37:42 – Wanting to be Ambassador to Australia or the “Office of Hell No”  38:00 – How Trace judges Trump: “He’s a rich old asshole, not evil”  39:11 – New York real estate, DC politics, and why Trump didn’t need to run  40:00 – Meeting Trump on the plane: funny, warm, and totally different from the public caricature  40:31 – Touring Trump’s penthouse and offices: proud of what he’s built  41:04 – Negotiating through hyperbole: Greenland, Canada, and “shooting for the moon”  42:23 – Dave Chappelle’s take on Trump’s debate moment about tax loopholes  43:07 – Rand Paul vs. Trump on stage and how one debate moment flipped opinions  43:54 – Label history: Capitol, Show Dog, Broken Bow, Verge, and coming back “home” to MCA  45:22 – Why this next MCA album might be Trace’s last  45:32 – New artists he likes (Ella Langley) and why she “has every tool”  46:12 – Betting whether Ella Langley will stay country or go pop  46:42 – Not knowing many of today’s artists and thinking “Shaboozy” was a whiskey brand  47:32 – Loving traditional country and hopes for a pendulum swing (Zach Topp)  47:57 – Advice for new artists in the AI era and why live shows are the last “real” thing  48:54 – Getting fooled by an AI demo and how hard it is to tell what’s real  49:14 – Why you should never spend your own money if people truly believe in you  50:12 – Writing his book with twin collaborators and building the “roller coaster” story  52:33 – Immigration, politics and realizing parts of the book were prophetic  52:53 – Feeling uneasy before release and calling Charlie Daniels for advice  53:55 – Charlie Daniels’ wisdom: “People who don’t like you now aren’t going to read your book”  54:20 – Singing at Charlie Daniels’ funeral and what Charlie meant to him  54:51 – Why he probably didn’t sell enough books to worry in the first place  55:09 – Why there’s no audiobook yet and how a Trace-voiced edition could revive it  56:00 – Ideas for updating the book with new chapters and addendums  56:17 – Tease: Trace Adkins Part 3 is coming to Circling the Drain  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 legend Trace Adkins joins Circling the Drain for a raw, funny, and unfiltered conversation about survival, success, and the scars he picked up along the way.Trace opens up about growing up in small-town Louisiana, singing bass in church, working dangerous oil rigs in the Gulf, getting shot by an ex-wife, flipping a tractor, multiple open-heart surgeries, and why he still prefers hard work on the farm to life on the tour bus. He also talks about his breakout in Nashville, label politics, 30 years in country music, and how acting and voiceover work have kept him relevant.Along the way you’ll hear wild stories featuring Gene Simmons, Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Donald Trump, Blake Shelton, and more – plus why the national anthem still makes him nervous every single time.This is Part 1 of our Trace Adkins series on Circling the Drain.1:56 – Trace walks in like a superstar and why everyone respects him  2:26 – The only “tangible result” of being on stage: applause and then back to the bus  3:03 – Farm life, physical work, and needing something real to show for the day  3:50 – Taking down massive ash trees and chasing a chainsaw voiceover gig  4:30 – Losing a Steel commercial because he didn’t wear gloves  6:09 – 12+ years as the voice of Firestone and other national campaigns  6:42 – KFC, Farmer Boys, and ongoing work with Wounded Warrior Project  7:30 – Five daughters, Lululemon bills, and the idea of Trace voicing an athleisure brand  8:01 – Intimidating the boyfriends: hunting on his land and the “I could bury you here” moment  9:47 – Telling a boyfriend he “wasn’t going to make it” and helping him cut his losses  10:25 – Five daughters, three ex-wives, and being “five times more confused about women”  11:10 – Growing up in church: singing beside his granddad with that rich bass voice  11:40 – Discovering that “chicks dig the bass” in a gospel quartet at 17  12:43 – Hayrides, jamborees, and covering Haggard and Buck Owens  13:20 – Working offshore on a drilling rig and singing in the wheelhouse after 12-hour shifts  14:08 – Winning the Wild Turkey Battle of the Bands and coming to Nashville  15:00 – Club circuits, drugs, booze, and learning “everything you’re not supposed to do”  16:08 – Getting his first guitar at 10 and taking lessons in Spring Hill, Louisiana  16:42 – Why he calls himself a “lazy guitar player” and just plays enough to accompany himself  17:11 – Cutting off a finger and the chords he can’t play anymore  17:40 – The shooting: getting shot by an ex-wife and why he didn’t press charges  18:52 – Bullet through the heart and both lungs, Life Flight, and Vanderbilt saving his life  19:45 – Bleeding on the floor, protecting the new carpet, and passing out in the atrium  21:04 – Being 32, strong, and why that’s the only reason he survived  21:39 – Scars from construction work, broken arms and legs, ribs, and flipped tractors  23:15 – Tractor roll-over, crushed sternum, and calling a neighbor with a backhoe to save him  24:16 – Trauma surgery vs. scheduled open-heart surgery and the pain difference  25:14 – Why he doesn’t write songs about his craziest life events  26:00 – Capitol Records, meeting Scott Hendricks at baggage claim, and getting offered a deal on stage  27:06 – Being a big, striking presence and coming from a tall family  28:21 – Shrinking from 6'6" to 6'5" and feeling it in the joints  28:52 – Label politics after Scott leaves Capitol and refusing to go back into the building  29:29 – Almost throwing an executive out the window and the Patsy Cline “she’s dead” story  31:02 – New leadership, Mike Dungan, and how Tim DuBois helped push Trace’s career forward  32:17 – The Chrome era, bikes, and typecast biker roles in movies  33:00 – Deepwater Horizon, playing a furious parent, and Peter Berg demanding more intensity  35:30 – Manhandling Mark Wahlberg on set and the behind-the-scenes story  35:59 – Meeting Kurt Russell and seeing oilfield authenticity on screen  36:38 – Why that movie got the oilfield details right  37:01 – Taylor Sheridan, Land Man delays, and writers chasing the next “shiny toy”  38:53 – Yellowstone, spinoffs, and the risk of losing momentum between seasons  40:04 – Getting tricked into a faith-based movie (Mom’s Night Out) and only reading his sides  41:23 – Peeing fire as a demon in a field and calling it his greatest scene ever  49:00 – Gene Simmons on Celebrity Apprentice and how he changed the rules of the game  52:01 – Turning hot dogs into $5,000 donations and reshaping the show around charity money  53:07 – The mysterious “go to my room” invitation and the producer’s warning  53:52 – What Trace really thinks of Gene Simmons and his magnetism  54:08 – His take on Donald Trump and how “what you see is what you get”  54:34 – Why the national anthem still makes him nervous, from car lots to the World Series  55:52 – Respecting the anthem, the range of the song, and starting in the basement  56:47 – Land of the Free as the vocal high point and the challenge of the melody  57:16 – Reading music, Nashville number system, and forgetting trombone days  57:58 – Losing music programs in public schools and why that bothers him  58:17 – Country heroes: George Jones, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and more  58:48 – Hillbilly Bone with Blake Shelton and why Blake is always chasing the laugh  59:31 – Wrapping Part 1 and teasing more Trace Adkins stories to come  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

Veteran bassist and author Mickey Hayes joins Circling the Drain to pull back the curtain on the wild, brilliant and chaotic world of country legend David Allan Coe. From blacked‑out tour buses and outlaw bikers to wigs, panthers, boats and hit songs, Mickey shares what it was really like to live on the edge with one of country music’s most controversial figures.  Mickey talks about joining Coe’s band in 1979, surviving the Outlaws MC, refitting buses and boats in the Florida Keys, the truth behind the “death row” myth, and why Coe was the PT Barnum of country music. He also dives into Coe’s overlooked Columbia catalog, the making of “The Ride,” working with Warren Haynes, and how those years inspired his book “My Life on the Road with David Allen Coe” and a late‑career songwriting burst.  If you love outlaw country, road stories, and unfiltered music history, this episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.  Timed highlights  02:56 Miami club gig and the four‑barrel derringer on the monitor board  04:55 Flying into David Allan Coe’s world and first impressions at the compound  07:04 The purple house, refitting buses and boats, and riding in like a circus  10:16 Swamp-ass on black buses with no A/C and building the outlaw image  13:17 Ad break: Milltown Bikes in Columbia, Tennessee  16:01 Coe’s later years, health, and the line “I just don’t want to die alone”  20:02 Leaving the spotlight, finishing the book, and writing 35–40 new songs  21:38 Playing Coe’s deep cuts, Columbia catalog, and early classic albums  22:18 Rewriting “Stand By Your Man” as “Stand By Your Band”  23:32 The birth of the wigs and why David named one after Mickey  24:57 TV appearances, Farrah Fawcett hair and multiple wigs on Ralph Emery  26:24 Rusty Spur stories, lost wigs and using heartbreak as stage patter  26:55 Earning Coe’s respect by standing up to him over an out‑of‑tune guitar  29:32 Outlaw caravans, smoking and drinking on the road in a fake Packard  33:21 The real story behind Coe’s “death row” legend  34:55 Controversy, X‑rated albums and why Coe welcomed being talked about  41:04 Kris Kristofferson’s advice on songwriting and “Sunday Morning Coming Down”  45:19 Dealing with labels and the infamous record‑exec table story  47:20 Pink Nudie suit, “family” crowd shock and Coe’s onstage antics  50:00 Ruskin Cave, Loretta Lynn tours and getting kicked off the bus route  51:39 Why David Allan Coe belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame  54:00 Sinking the 50‑foot “pirate” boat and losing everything with no insurance  55:00 Outlaws MC, being hung over a balcony and “you can’t testify if you don’t know”  58:31 Calling Coe a legend and the unmatched volume of songs he wrote  59:54 How Nashville remembers Coe and what happens after you die in this business  1:02:08 Billy Joe Shaver standing up to Waylon and how an album got made  1:07:00 Touring with a black panther, monkeys and other road “pets”  1:11:18 Quitting Coe five times and sending him the tire bill  1:18:00 Austin City Limits, “My Girl,” and how Coe gamed the taping  1:19:49 Mickey on Coe’s legacy, the kids, the widow and posthumous releases  1:20:31 Outro: Where to find Mickey’s book and how to follow the show  Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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

Sheila Shipley Biddy went from small‑town radio and seven failed interviews to running one of Nashville’s most powerful record labels. In this episode, the first woman to head a major label on Music Row sits down with us to talk about discovering artists, fighting industry sexism, and the stories behind some of country music’s biggest careers.Sheila shares intimate memories of working with legends like Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Roger Miller, Don Williams, Patty Loveless, Gary Allan, and LeAnn Womack. She opens up about fighting for “difficult” artists, taking career gambles, launching Decca Records, and what really changed when Napster, streaming, and 360 deals hit the business.In the most personal part of the conversation, Sheila reflects on her faith, her work with Music Health Alliance, and surviving the devastating loss of her husband and son within months of each other.If you care about country music history, radio, or how the record business really works behind the scenes, this is a masterclass in both the business and the humanity of Music Row.02:21 – Moving to Nashville, small‑town radio roots, and seven Monument Records interviews05:40 – Turning down TV news and working for less than $100 a month07:21 – Early days at Monument: Roy Orbison, Larry Gatlin, Ray Stevens, Kris Kristofferson08:06 – Waylon Jennings, intimidation, and becoming the only rep he’d work with09:49 – Reading Waylon’s energy and protecting him in public09:58 – Jumping to RCA and “failing downward” to bet on herself12:20 – Telling radio the truth about a bad record and earning lifelong trust14:23 – When that honesty paid off years later at Decca15:10 – Sexism on Music Row and being mistaken for “the secretary”17:55 – Mentors, office politics, and being the only woman in the room20:02 – How Sheila helped bring Alabama to RCA (and why they were first passed on)22:02 – The phone call that changed Alabama’s life forever23:47 – Inside Alabama’s rise and balancing Southern imagery and the Confederate flag26:12 – 50 years in music and how the industry has changed27:23 – Taking artist failures personally and why she “couldn’t leave it at the office”28:13 – Fighting three times for Waylon’s “Rose In Paradise” to go No. 129:22 – Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith and the risk of “left‑of‑center” country33:25 – Roger Miller’s “Big River” and selling Broadway to Country radio36:47 – Working with Glen Campbell and hearing him sing Amazing Grace on an airplane39:59 – Remembering promotion brothers, early MCA days, and lost friends41:27 – Becoming the first woman to run a major label in Nashville (Decca)42:27 – Building Decca from scratch: logo, staff, budget, and vision45:38 – Dawn Sears, incredible talent, and when an artist doesn’t want it badly enough48:10 – Discovering Gary Allan in California and why she refused to change his image49:50 – The album cover where you can’t see Gary Allan’s face (and why that mattered)49:50 – LeAnn Womack’s showcase strategy and choosing MCA/Decca over “everyone”51:46 – Why “Never Again, Again” had to be the first single53:58 – When radio programmers and Alan Jackson fell in love with LeAnn’s album54:44 – Old‑school radio: when DJs really chose the music and broke artists55:51 – How small‑market radio and relationships built careers58:15 – Chasing trends vs. creating trends in country music59:27 – Roster strategy: male/female, tempo, traditional vs. modern1:02:09 – From singles deals to full albums and the cost of breaking an artist1:05:14 – SoundScan, Napster, and watching country sales spike – then slide1:06:20 – 360 deals, touring, and why tickets are so expensive1:08:39 – Live Nation, fees, and the squeeze on mid‑level touring acts1:09:24 – AI, fully AI movies, and the fear inside the creative community1:09:59 – Life after labels: Music Health Alliance and helping artists get healthcare1:11:14 – Losing her husband after a long illness and the strength of faith1:11:44 – Her son’s sudden death at 52 and holding him as he passed1:13:25 – The Reba McEntire birthday lunch her son never forgot1:15:01 – Being more than “the label”: real friendships with artists1:15:24 – Legacy, loss, and why these stories need to be told before they “circle the drain”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

Award-winning artist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Golden joins Johnny B and Jay Harper to swap stories from a lifetime in music. From growing up in the Golden family dynasty (son of Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden), to playing for every living U.S. president, to singing with his kids and racking up 478,000 miles on the road, this episode is loaded with behind-the-scenes tales, faith, family, and a lot of laughs.  Chris talks about:  – Growing up on the Alabama–Florida line in a deep musical family  – The Oaks’ gospel-to-country transition and backlash from the “church crowd”  – Forming The Goldens and Golden Spear, Muscle Shoals sessions, and label drama  – Playing the White House, One America Appeal, and hanging with multiple presidents  – Touring life, that red sparkle Ludwig snare, and his monster hybrid drum kit  – Voiceover work (Heinz 57, ad auditions, and chasing the “Sam Elliott” spec)  – Recording 34 songs with his dad and brother, and now sharing the stage with his kids  – His upcoming album “A Better Man” and the song “Where My People Are”  03:18 Growing up on the Alabama–Florida state line  07:58 Golden family music roots and Inspirational Country Music Awards  09:56 Rusty Golden, Beatles, Elton John, and brotherly rivalry  10:47 Dad hands Chris a guitar: three chords and “Home on the Range”  13:42 Early bands: Boys Band, Cedar Creek, and Golden Spear  17:19 Muscle Shoals sessions and CBS developmental deal  22:14 The Goldens, label cuts, and touring with William Lee Golden  27:49 Pandemic records: 34 songs with Dad and Rusty, three albums of covers  29:29 Chris’s kids join the show: the next Golden generation  30:48 Opening for Ricky Skaggs with daughter Elizabeth on fiddle  37:14 Glen Campbell, hairspray, and backstage heroes  38:50 Roy Clark, Jim Halsey, and the Oaks’ trip to Russia  41:59 Realizing the family was “extraordinary” and the grind of early Oaks days  47:17 All-night gospel sings: sundown to sunup  53:39 Playing for every living U.S. president at One America Appeal  56:36 The first red sparkle Ludwig snare and why it still matters  1:02:00 Shaking hands with the President at the White House  1:02:38 Drum nerd talk: Chris’s hybrid Pearl/DW/Ludwig/Meinl/Zildjian/Sabian kit  1:06:04 Palace Theatre “family and friends” shows in Gallatin  1:08:21 478,000 miles on the van and the song “Grateful”  1:10:11 Voiceover stories: Heinz 57 campaign and hillbilly reads  1:16:31 New album “A Better Man” and “Where My People Are”  1:17:27 How Chris’s song “Home” helped Johnny B through a rough patch  1:18:26 Where to find Chris Golden and Circling the Drain online  Follow Chris: https://chrisgolden.net/Follow CTD: 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

Larry Stewart, the voice of Restless Heart and member of The Frontmen, joins Circling The Drain to talk about breaking through in 80s and 90s country, early resistance from Music Row, touring with Alabama, and how one phone call changed his life. Larry shares the origin stories of Restless Heart and The Frontmen, the realities of road life, raising a family while constantly touring, and why today’s country boom feels bigger than ever.  The crew also digs into modern country (Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Ella Langley), how AI is already reshaping the music business, why live shows are more important than ever, and what it really takes to stay married 40+ years in this industry. If you love 90s country, harmony-driven bands, and real behind-the-scenes stories, this one’s loaded.  02:24 Six straight number ones, becoming “road dogs,” and the Wheels era  03:36 Why radio embraced Restless Heart before the industry did  04:37 How a Belmont kid working at the Country Music Hall of Fame became the lead singer  05:45 Recording the first album, getting married, signing to RCA, and “the rest is history”  08:06 Harmony magic: how five voices created the Restless Heart sound  11:20 Where the songs came from and the role of Tim DuBois and Alabama  12:24 First big tour with Alabama, stage fright, and playing for 15–18,000 a night  14:13 Band chemistry, breakups, reunions, and outlasting most marriages  16:39 Growing up in Kentucky, gospel roots, piano, and choosing music over baseball  20:44 From JUCO ball to Belmont: the crazy path that led Larry to Nashville  25:20 Naming Restless Heart and the terrible band names that didn’t make the cut  25:27 How The Frontmen started with a lobby conversation and a wild idea  26:54 Randy Owen, early Frontmen shows, and taking the act to the troops  28:20 Performing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on aircraft carriers – bonding through USO-style tours  29:39 COVID shutdowns, livestreaming Fridays at Five, and doubling down on The Frontmen  32:27 Building The Frontmen as a business: LLC, trademark, and brand strategy  33:31 Putting the band together in Nashville and finding the right players  35:46 Modern country: Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Ella Langley and the 90s influence  37:40 Why country that “hits a nerve” is connecting with massive audiences  38:36 How Restless Heart finally landed on their name (and why “Lazy River Boys” didn’t happen)  41:54 Guilty pleasures, Broadway tunes, Taylor Swift, and not listening to much music anymore  43:01 42 years of marriage, missing family time, and coaching his kids to make up for the road  45:21 Kids, grandkids, and why none of them went into music  48:16 AI, demo singers, and why live music is becoming even more valuable  49:12 Can AI build an artist’s entire image and album from scratch?  51:45 Tracks vs live: how The Frontmen actually run their show  55:13 Where to see The Frontmen live and how Larry stays out of trouble on social media  Follow Larry and The Frontmen: https://www.larrystewartmusic.com/https://www.thefrontmenlive.com/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 into how Nashville and Middle Tennessee have changed under the wave of California and out-of-state transplants. From McMansions and roaming dogs to the death of “old” Music Row, they unpack what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and why some newcomers bring their problems with them.  They also hit on the impact of the Telecommunications Act on radio, the shift in the music and movie industries, old money vs new money, the immigrant work ethic, and how social media turned everyone into a political pundit.  If you love Nashville, radio, music history, and a good rant about culture, money, and manners, this one’s for you.  Timed Highlights:   01:17 California and LA “refugees” landing in Tennessee  03:20 From farmland to McMansions: Johnny’s neighborhood transforms  05:13 “The Duttons” move in: roaming dogs, dune buggies, and entitlement  08:05 No-income-tax migration: Texas, Florida, Tennessee and beyond  10:11 Wichita, Montana, Idaho and the new playgrounds for the wealthy  13:13 Voiceover, LA unions, and movie work leaving California  15:27 How unions strangled opportunity in Hollywood  15:53 Remembering “old Nashville” and Music Row’s golden era  17:32 Urban Cowboy, arenas, Predators, Titans and a new city identity  19:02 When Elvis played Murfreesboro and Nashville had no big venue  19:36 The 2010 flood and Nashville’s turning point  21:00 Insurance, healthcare and the real business of Nashville  23:02 “Bringing California food” to Tennessee and why it failed  24:39 Sticker shock: $26 California pizza in Vegas  25:22 Tiny portions, big prices and Southern “meat and three” culture  27:18 Sylvan Park, Monell’s and eating with total strangers  28:55 Nashville gets cosmopolitan – real restaurants arrive  29:18 Bell Meade money, radio paychecks and brutal honesty  32:22 Old money snobbery in New Orleans and Charleston  33:29 Generational wealth: who earns it, who blows it  34:39 Trust fund kids, cash flashes and zero self-awareness  36:58 The Murdoch saga and destroying a family legacy  38:17 Strong men, weak men, good times, bad times  39:19 Immigrant grit, building empires from nothing  40:55 Vietnamese and Cambodian communities thriving in New Orleans  42:02 Cultural distrust and the Vietnamese grocery experience  42:55 California fear in Tennessee vs New York’s evolution  43:33 Johnny’s “John Dutton” neighbor and hoping he’s just unaware  44:05 Dog safety, coyotes and suburban “protection money” jokes  45:00 Southern accents and being stereotyped as dumb  46:25 Facebook community pages, bad spelling and zero punctuation  46:49 Texting culture and the death of proper sentences  47:35 Everyone’s a pundit now: social media, politics and Artemis skeptics  48:04 Wrap-up: Real talk, real idiots, and where to find Circling The Drain  Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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

Circling The Drain welcomes artist and storyteller Jared Rogers, with a special guest drop‑in from country legend John Berry. They dive deep into what’s happened to the magic of music: from growing up around Kenny Rogers and Opryland to the harsh reality of streaming payouts, AI “artists,” and the corporatization of radio and Nashville.  Jared shares the story behind his powerful duet with John Berry, “Bridge We All Must Cross,” how faith and real-life struggle shape his writing, and why he’s pushing back against the way DSPs and AI are devaluing human creativity.  If you care about real songs, real musicians, vinyl, radio, and the future of music in an AI world, this one hits home.  2:42 Growing up around the business: Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Diffie  3:35 Falling in love with storytelling, songwriting and the stage  3:56 John Berry joins the show from the yard in his work shirt  4:32 How the Jared Rogers & John Berry duet came together  5:41 John on choosing “Bridge We All Must Cross” and first hearing Jared’s songs  7:01 John’s Christmas legacy, “O Holy Night,” and being known for faith-based music  8:18 Jared on running sound for John and why he looks up to him as an artist and believer  9:06 Johnny B’s ’80s Athens, GA story and early John Berry interview  10:13 Life in Athens, UGA fans everywhere, and 38 years of marriage  10:51 Kenny Rogers’ classic weekend: music, sports and a young Jared meeting Michael Jordan  12:56 Studio lessons from John Berry – how legends record vocals  15:08 Kenny Rogers’ “first or second take” magic vs. working the song  16:12 Autism benefit show, calling out a reluctant donor from the stage  17:19 Why charity matters after John’s cancer battle and benefit experience  19:39 Music Health Alliance and the power of community in Nashville  20:31 Robin Berry’s role – harmony, touring and doing life together  22:52 Back to Jared – growing up as Kenny Rogers’ nephew and his dad’s voice  25:27 Inside Jim’s studio: Marvel, Jesus, and the “chop shop” joke  27:04 Jared’s musical influences: BB King, David Gilmour, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Beck, Van Halen  28:47 Meeting Meat Loaf in Vegas and the best advice he gave Jared  30:17 Radio nostalgia: when DJs, records and MTV made music feel magical  31:23 Jared’s favorite part of the business: building songs in the studio  31:57 The spiritual message behind his album “Sinner Man”  33:00 Writing “Bridge We All Must Cross” at 150 mph and finishing in 20 minutes  34:30 Co-writing with Jerry “Papa Bear” Williams and crafting the track  35:00 Why John Berry was the only choice for the duet  37:05 The reality check: streaming platforms are killing songwriters  39:03 Why Jared loves radio and hates what deregulation did to it  40:42 Vinyl vs downloads – what we lost when music left the jacket and liner notes  44:10 The math of streaming: rich platforms, broke creators  45:14 Why Jared wants off DSPs and back to tangible music  46:32 Remembering the needle on vinyl and the drama of dropping the record  47:09 How Broadway and Nashville lost their soul to high-rises and bars  48:31 AmericanaVille in Livingston – intimate listening rooms vs no traffic  50:00 Today’s country: trucks, whiskey, heartbreak and a few standouts  51:18 Social media grind: crowded, loud and hard to convert to real fans  51:49 A better model: direct-to-artist digital sales that actually pay  53:38 The economics of being a working musician in 2020s America  55:00 Life in the shadow of a famous family name and refusing to be a copy  57:46 Hank Jr. as the example of what happens when you finally become yourself  58:19 Why many new artists are still chasing music radio that’s almost out of gas  59:44 Podcasting as the new radio and a path for artists to own their stories  1:03:36 How AI and synthetic “artists” are flooding the market  1:07:15 Entire AI albums, fake singers and charting “artists” that don’t exist  1:09:44 Faith, revelation and what AI disruption might really mean  1:10:14 Terminator, I Robot and why AI isn’t just sci‑fi anymore  1:13:19 Vinyl outsells CDs again and Gen Z brings records back  1:14:26 Why human imperfection and “off” notes are what make records exciting  1:15:00 Old records with energy: Dave Clark Five, Rare Earth and beyond  1:16:47 World premiere spin: “Bridge We All Must Cross” – Jared Rogers & John Berry  1:17:03 First verse – a troubled mind and the path back to the light  1:17:44 Chorus – the bridge we all must cross and the cross we all must bear  1:18:14 John Berry’s vocal enters – voices blend and lift the hook  1:19:39 Jared on watching legends and staying a student in the studio  Follow Jared and John:https://www.instagram.com/jaredrogersofficial/https://www.johnberry.com/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

On this episode of Circling The Drain, the three J’s sit down with Marconi Award–winning talk host and former WTN program director Dan Mandis for a deep dive into his 30+ years in radio.  From cutting his teeth at legendary KFI in Los Angeles with Dr. Laura, to building syndication the hard way, to steering SuperTalk 99.7 WTN through the loss of Phil Valentine, Dan opens up about the highs, lows, and realities of a life behind the mic.  You’ll hear how he:  - Went from board-op and traffic guy in LA to hosting major-market and national shows  - Helped grow Dr. Laura’s show station by station before syndication was “plug-and-play”  - Transitioned from producer to host and program director across LA, New York, Dallas, Fort Wayne, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Nashville  - Dealt with overnights, early mornings, burnout, and moving his family all over the country  - Survived industry cutbacks, never technically got “fired,” and kept landing on his feet  - Navigated the aftermath of Phil Valentine’s passing and kept WTN strong  - Embraced video, editing, and streaming as an “old radio guy” and why he thinks you must if you’re on air today  - Sees podcasting and radio converging and where the next generation of talent will come from  Plus:  - War stories about unscreened open lines on “America at Night”  - A hilariously off-the-rails interview with Van Halen’s former manager Noel Monk  - Dr. Laura’s tough-love style, how she sounds exactly the same today, and what Dan learned from her as a broadcaster and as a human  - A candid look at conservative talk, Rush, Glenn Beck, and how digging into issues changed Dan’s politics  - The power of theater of the mind, why storytelling still wins, and how Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley are doing it in country music today  If you love radio, podcasting, broadcasting history, or just great stories from people who’ve “been there and done that,” this episode is loaded.  Timed highlights (chapter markers):  3:00 Dan’s favorite market: why a smaller station in Fort Wayne was the most fun  4:05 How Dan actually got his start in radio in Los Angeles  4:55 Early days at KFI: producer, board-op, traffic, and the Dr. Laura connection  6:40 Building Dr. Laura’s syndication station by station, the “old-school” way  7:35 Moving from behind the scenes to PD and host in Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Denver, and beyond  9:11 Starting in 1987 and what fascinated Dan about “behind the glass” radio  7:55–9:30 Classic “old days of radio” stories: smoking in studios and nude ballet in the control room  9:44 Why Dan left music radio and embraced talk: “I was a terrible disc jockey”  9:53 Growing up on LA talk radio in the back seat of a smoke-filled car  10:40 Learning production, call screening, and board-op skills at powerhouse KFI  11:59 The rush of live talk, callers, and flying without a net  12:17 Working mornings, spontaneity, and regretting what you said on-air  14:15 Discovering open lines on “America at Night” and the terror of unscreened calls  15:37 Yelling on-air after 30 years of being the “non-yeller” host  15:55 Has Dan ever been fired? Downsizing vs. “real” firing debate  16:43 Radio careers, layoffs, and never being unemployed more than 3 weeks  17:06 Moving markets with a family and the toll it takes at home  18:39 How constant moves impacted Dan’s kids and what they gained from it  19:13 Paying dues and why young would-be hosts need patience  19:41 From radio to podcasting: Dan’s show “Mostly Peaceful with Dan and Chris and Matt”  20:01 Why Dan still believes in radio even while podcasting  20:18 Missing radio so much it hurts: Johnny’s story of stepping away  20:47 Dan on being 58, counting down to retirement, and whether he’d really quit  22:03 Waking up at midnight, prepping for a 5 a.m. show, and the grind behind “just talking”  23:54 Being dragged into video kicking and screaming, then learning to love it  24:55 Teaching himself Premiere Pro and using ChatGPT for vertical content  25:53 Not wanting to be “the old guy who can’t change” and embracing video editing  26:32 Is video hurting radio? Serving stream viewers without abandoning listeners in cars  27:53 Theater of the mind vs. cameras in the studio  28:25 How streaming exposed radio’s wardrobe, and Dan’s wife fixing his on-camera look  29:41 Discovering audiences actually watch radio shows and their passion for live streams  30:44 Why listeners now complain when the video stream goes down  30:44–32:25 How many actual radios do they own now and reception issues even near big signals  33:06 First impressions of WTN, hearing Johnny and Phil and feeling intimidated  34:33 PD stories: “Who are you again?” and live-mic warnings in the hallway  35:30 Intimidation, team-building, and managing big talent without being an a-hole  36:26 Relief at stepping down as PD and focusing on mornings  37:54 Ten years as PD: ratings, revenue wins, and pride in WTN’s performance  38:22 Johnny calls Dan the best PD they had and why: he understood and loved talk radio  40:29 Navigating Phil Valentine’s death: grief, attacks on talk radio, and rebuilding afternoons  41:55 Processing grief late, after job changes and format shifts  44:40 Dan’s pride in the morning show era with Ken and Johnny: top-3 ratings run  45:51 Losing colleagues, changing lineups, and the necessity of adjusting in radio  47:01 How management trusted Johnny with a farewell show and why that never happens  47:44 Letting a beloved host say goodbye and why it worked  48:41 Love of working together, teasing, hugging, and Dan’s “stiff hugger” reputation  49:45 Dan’s wife Amy, support at home, and volunteering for too many fill-ins  51:04 Why Dan keeps saying yes: honor of being asked and knowing it won’t last forever  52:45 Conservative talk: from young liberal know-it-all to Reagan-style conservative  53:54 Rush, Glenn, Larry King, and the influences that sharpened Dan’s politics  55:54 Interviewing well: asking shorter questions and then getting out of the way  57:32 Worst interview: exhausted Kurt Cobain investigator who would not stop talking  59:00 The infamous Noel Monk (Van Halen) interview meltdown  1:01:00 Van Halen talk: Eddie vs. Dave, drugs, and missing entire eras in the history books  1:02:42 Wolfgang Van Halen and the new generation of that legacy  1:04:13 Rush reunion with Annika Niles on drums, and a drummer’s perspective on replacing Neil Peart  1:06:16 Different “feels” on drums and how two players can change the same song  1:07:22 Geddy Lee’s voice today, aging singers, and still going to see your heroes  1:09:00 Dr. Laura on SiriusXM, sounding exactly the same, and Dan’s memories of working w...

On this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper and James Patrick McCarthy sit down with guitarist and broadcaster Dez Dickerson – best known as Prince’s original guitarist from the 1999 and Little Red Corvette era.Dez takes us from his early days in Midwestern cover bands to his legendary audition with Prince, life on the road, opening for the Rolling Stones, his faith journey, leaving the band just as they were about to headline stadiums, and his unexpected path into conservative talk radio.Along the way, the guys dive deep into Jimi Hendrix’s legacy, the darker side of the music business, the opioid epidemic and fentanyl, and why modern rock rarely hits as hard as it used to.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Dez’s wild origin story, starting professional gigs at 14 without even a driver’s license  - The real story behind his Prince audition and how “having the vibe” got him the gig  - Inside the infamous Rolling Stones opening shows and how Hells Angels changed the narrative  - Why he walked away from Prince’s band at the brink of stadium-headliner status  - Dez’s conversion to Christianity on the Dirty Mind tour and how it reshaped his choices  - Moving to Nashville, discovering the Christian music business and landing an A&R role  - How Phil Valentine pushed him toward talk radio – and why the mic felt like home  - His unapologetically conservative views, pushback he’s gotten, and “clear thinker” philosophy  - Guitar talk: Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Santana, bikers, death metal, and why no one is truly “original”  - Dez’s thoughts on today’s rock, podcasts vs radio, and what he wants to do nextHit play for a fast, funny, honest conversation about music, faith, politics and life from someone who’s actually been there, on stage and on the air.Listen, subscribe, and join the Drain Gang at: circlingthedrain.net 2:47 Dez’s first days with Prince and the audition at an empty tire shop  3:36 Growing up in Midwest cover bands and touring before he could drive  4:47 Inside the Prince audition: playing with the band vs trying to “blow them away”  6:38 Seeing Prince’s real personality after joining the band  8:04 Opening for the Rolling Stones, Hells Angels and getting “booed off stage” in the media  10:49 Dez’s conversion to Christianity on the Dirty Mind tour  11:17 Moral discomfort on stage and the moment he knew he had to leave  12:38 Intense years in the band and the image from the 1999 video  13:07 Little Red Corvette solo and Dez’s guitar legacy  13:19 Why and how Dez moved to Nashville and into A&R  15:11 Early days in Nashville and culture shock over a little snow  16:00 How Phil Valentine pushed Dez toward talk radio  18:01 Discovering talk radio feels like “home” and plans to blend radio and podcasting  19:41 The story behind the iconic kamikaze headband  21:27 Fan art, the faceless cartoon band, and Dez as a visual icon  22:03 Prince’s pain, opioids, fentanyl and the tragedy of his death  24:49 The opioid epidemic, fake fentanyl and near-misses with pain meds  26:17 Personal stories of back surgeries, painkillers and dependency  27:08 Dez’s first guitar, outgrowing lessons and early school gigs  29:25 Early career breaks, agents, and being “the kid who plays like Hendrix”  29:53 Guitar heroes: Clapton, Zeppelin, Grand Funk and growing into Hendrix influence  30:54 Winning over biker crowds and the Stones show irony  31:30 How Prince fused Sly Stone, Hendrix and the Stones’ Glimmer Twins  32:17 Hendrix’s unrealized future and his deep influence on guitar players  34:05 Being the only one at school mourning Hendrix and the “players’ player”  35:04 Eddie Van Halen, borrowing from Hendrix and other influences  37:04 Why “best guitarist” debates miss the point  37:31 Practice, grind and scaring your parents with your obsession  38:02 Reading music vs playing by ear and learning the Nashville number system  39:09 Reconnecting with Prince in Nashville and the “show after the show”  40:49 Sharing the stage with Larry Graham and surreal “Forrest Gump” moments  41:54 First Avenue stories, U2 and Minneapolis memories  42:26 Moving from cold Minnesota to too-hot Nashville  43:03 Dez’s conservatism, being “just to the right of Attila the Hun” and industry blowback  45:41 Leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a “clear thinker”  47:16 The problem with political echo chambers, even in conservative talk radio  48:12 Label me an American: political parties vs founding ideals  49:31 Why you cannot recreate Phil Valentine and why listeners still compare  50:09 Radio vs record labels and the business side of both worlds  51:00 Why copying Phil can never work and why he was a true radio rock star  52:32 Inside label culture in Nashville and signing left-of-center artists  53:47 How a meeting with Jimmy Bowen helped shape modern Christian music  55:01 How Prince’s band wrote and arranged: endless rehearsals and recorded jams  56:47 Creating The Time, Vanity 6 and how Morris Day got his band and career  58:32 Writing “He’s So Dull” and Prince “Prince-ing up” Dez’s ideas  59:17 Classic MTV videos, shooting 1999 and Little Red Corvette  1:00:19 Spot the reshot close-up in the 1999 video  1:01:23 Dez’s take on today’s rock and the bands that still move him  1:02:29 Guilty pleasures: death metal, screamo and Seven Dust  1:03:16 Darkness in lyrics, the state of the world and wanting more light  1:03:47 Wrapping up, future plans, Dez’s socials and the “Dez Dickerson Is Based” brand  1:05:05 Talk of Dez’s book, possible audiobook and closing thanksFollow 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 changing world of music and radio from the perspective of insiders who have lived it.  They start with why some artists get massive tribute concerts while others do not, then slide into a raw, honest look at country radio’s glory days, its corporate-driven decline, and what happens to artists and broadcasters when the industry moves on.  From Taylor Hawkins and Eddie Van Halen, to Waylon Jennings, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves, and Tim McGraw, the guys unpack how careers peak and fade, how politics can tank a fan base, and why loyalty in production teams still matters.  Along the way, you will hear behind the scenes stories from Nashville radio, Country Radio Seminar, hall of fame inductions, and on air rivalries the hosts now regret. It is a brutally honest, funny, and nostalgic ride through a business that is, quite literally, circling the drain.  Listen for  – Why some legends get big tribute concerts and others never do  – How corporate ownership and streaming gutted local radio  – The unspoken 20 year shelf life of most country stars  – When politics and award shows push fans away  – Confessions about bashing other hosts on the air  – The Nashville radio names they still want to get on the podcast  Circling The Drain is a podcast about music, media, and entertainment before it all goes down the disposal.  2:12 – Taylor Hawkins vs Eddie Van Halen: who gets a tribute and why  3:55 – Waylon Jennings, tribute shows, and honoring musical “gifting”  6:10 – Radio as a launchpad: how on air skills still matter even when radio does not  7:05 – Inside Country Radio Seminar: from DJ convention to corporate schmooze fest  8:49 – Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson as “new artists” at CRS  10:28 – Early misreads: not being blown away by The Judds at first listen  12:17 – When record labels ruled: RCA, MCA, and the power to make stars  13:27 – The Nashville machine wakes up to radio’s decline and bankrupt clusters  14:22 – Getting tossed aside with age: musicians, flatbed truck gigs, and reality checks  15:32 – Why only a handful of artists have true decades-long careers  18:11 – Earl Thomas Conley: hit records, introversion, and painful live shows  19:58 – Country bars, boring sets, and what audiences really want  21:56 – Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, and the 20 year A list career arc  23:37 – What happened to Kacey Musgraves and the Dixie Chicks effect  24:55 – The cost of politics onstage and why some artists never learn  25:32 – Oscars, live streams, and why award shows feel pompous and out of touch  26:36 – CMT Awards, live vocals, and brutal pitch correction moments  27:47 – Waylon’s hearing loss and the studio tricks to keep him on pitch  28:42 – Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” and the Columbia courthouse backlash  30:06 – Racism in the North vs South: a blunt Ohio story  30:58 – Jason Aldean’s production team loyalty and “do not fix what is not broken”  31:39 – Talk radio etiquette: why bashing other hosts is bush league  32:39 – Johnny’s regret over slamming Rick and Bubba on the air  35:00 – Howard Stern, rivalries, and when feuds actually helped the ratings  36:01 – Air Awards story: the Kanye West Bill Cody gag  37:28 – How industry awards slowly got cheaper and smaller  38:24 – Tennessee Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and forgetting key co hosts  40:00 – Phil Valentine, Terry Hopkins, and the show that made a career  42:29 – Brian Sargent, music director battles, and taking heat for the host  43:36 – A rare good GM: Dennis Ways and healthy radio culture  44:21 – Michael Dickey and the reality of ownership families  45:59 – Who they still want on: Nashville radio legends, especially women  47:07 – TV and weather crossovers: why they want Davis Nolan’s story  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 powerful episode of Circling the Drain, Johnny B and Jay Harper sit down with legendary drummer Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, and more) to explore his extraordinary journey from growing up in Compton and rural Oregon poverty to becoming a world‑class musician, author, speaker, and “Minister of Groove.”  Zoro shares how a humble janitor job unlocked his destiny, why he believes gifts come from God as seeds that must be cultivated, and how a life of service, not self, leads to real joy. He also opens up about his memoir “Maria’s Scarf,” his faith journey, encounters with major celebrities like Denzel Washington and Lenny Kravitz, and the spiritual principles that have guided his life through hardship, rejection, and eventual breakthrough.  If you’ve ever felt behind, overlooked, or discouraged about your calling, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep going.Timed highlights  [0:01:34] Zoro joins: life in Tennessee, weather, and growing up doing hard manual labor  [0:02:27] Early jobs: groundskeeper, mowing, John Deere mishap, and not being afraid of work  [0:05:54] First “real job” and discovering taxes as a kid  [0:06:50] What got Zoro into drumming and his view that gifts are God‑given  [0:07:29] Growing up in Compton, soul music, Motown, and the “ghetto drum set” in a Radio Flyer wagon  [0:09:50] Playing on the sidewalk, earning quarters, and sensing a calling  [0:10:05] Destiny, spiritual warfare, and why opposition often accompanies your purpose  [0:11:40] Moving from Compton to rural Oregon and years of rejection from school band programs  [0:13:20] The janitor job that changed everything: sneaking onto the drums after hours  [0:15:00] Discovered while drumming on the job and suddenly needed in every school band  [0:16:19] From 62 absences to showing up: how finding purpose transformed his attendance  [0:17:48] Skipping school vs. loving learning and caring for his sick mother  [0:18:11] Mark Twain’s quote: “I never let schooling interfere with my education”  [0:18:57] Chickens, self‑education, and early entrepreneurship  [0:20:00] The orange paper titled “My Future” and deciding to be a professional drummer  [0:20:20] “You are basically honest” and the humor and honesty in his early diaries  [0:21:19] Street life in Compton, stealing as a kid, and gradual character transformation  [0:23:42] Gifts as seeds: why talent is an acorn, not a full‑grown oak  [0:24:35] Living in a car, chapters titled “Living on a Prayer,” “I Will Survive,” and “Gonna Fly Now”  [0:25:07] 12‑hour practice session, bleeding hands, and winning state band competition  [0:27:00] Stewarding the gift vs. bragging about the gift; humility and the “Bill Gates’ son” analogy  [0:29:00] Accepting small, “beneath you” doors and how that leads to big opportunities  [0:30:00] Minister of Groove: Lenny Kravitz’s nickname and Zoro’s multi‑faceted calling  [0:30:40] Speaking everywhere from San Quentin to the White House to villages in Ghana  [0:32:50] Why Zoro treats a six‑person church and a mega‑platform the same  [0:34:12] “My Father’s business” and seeing everything as people‑focused ministry  [0:35:00] God as “alien,” the Holy Spirit as a willing invader of the human heart  [0:37:21] “When I drum, I feel His pleasure” – Chariots of Fire, calling, and joy  [0:37:40] Life of self vs. life of service: why selfish people self‑implode  [0:40:00] Deathbed regrets, Schindler’s List, and what actually matters at the end  [0:41:20] Salvation, grace, and how quickly a life’s direction can change  [0:42:30] The book “The Practice of the Presence of God” and Brother Lawrence’s example  [0:44:08] Inviting God into everyday moments, from the kitchen to the car  [0:45:00] Zoro’s habit of asking God to be in podcasts, gym sessions, and daily encounters  [0:47:36] Surrender, prophetic encouragement, and unexpected creative breakthroughs  [0:48:20] Brother Lawrence’s impact 400 years later and what real legacy looks like  [0:52:01] Lenny Kravitz, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and “I just want to be a saint in that number”  [0:52:19] Denzel Washington’s prophetic word as a boy and calling to influence for God  [0:55:00] The 12‑year‑old campfire prayer: forgiveness and “please make my dreams come true”  [0:56:24] The life‑changing prophetic encounter that made God “real‑real”  [1:00:47] Collecting prophetic words, seeing them fulfilled, and stacking evidence of God’s work  [1:02:45] Influence with “kings” of business, politics, and entertainment and why paupers matter just as much  [1:05:11] Why pious, judgmental religion misses Jesus’ message of grace  [1:06:18] Extending grace, not playing judge, and meeting people where they are  [1:08:44] Loving people on the tour bus without condemning their choices  [1:10:00] Everyday ministry: encouraging cashiers, waitstaff, and strangers  [1:14:02] Why Zoro plays with “secular” artists and the plumber/toilet analogy  [1:15:00] What “Maria’s Scarf” means: the seven‑year‑old who wanted a scarf for school pictures  [1:16:04] “One day you’ll do something phantasmical” – his mother’s blessing and identity  [1:16:48] The scarf as a symbol that weaves through his life and memoir  [1:18:57] Inside covers: childhood dreams vs. when the dreams came true  [1:20:15] Writing the memoir almost his whole life and how the book came together  [1:20:47] Turned down over 100 times by publishers and why he’s glad now  [1:23:37] The secular publisher who fully believed in the story and gave it space  [1:20:47–1:24:47] (overlap) The editor who called the 120,000‑word manuscript “absolute perfection”  [1:20:47–1:24:47] Soho House Malibu story: “Who does this guy think he is?” to “one of the greatest books I’ve ever read”  [1:24:12] Other books: The Big Gig, Soar, and his award‑winning drumming books  [1:24:47] Still full of ambition at 63 and wanting to be like 100‑year‑old Dick Van Dyke  [1:25:00] Wrap‑up, where to find Zoro online, and closing the episodeFollow Zoro: www.zorothedrummer.comFollow 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 and Jim talk candidly about the state of radio today, the toll of bad management, and how podcasting has become a lifeline after nearly 50 years on the air. They share raw stories about being let go over Zoom, losing close friends and mentors like Phil Valentine and Dave White, and trying to find purpose again in a fractured media landscape. Guest appearance by longtime radio pro John David Wells, who breaks down what every radio company must give its talent to survive: money, opportunity, training, and respect.From Jesse Jackson on Radio Row to meeting your heroes (and being disappointed), to why personality is still radio’s last great hope, this episode is a love letter, a warning, and a blueprint for what comes next.Timed highlights (for show notes / description)   1:25 – Welcome back to Circling The Drain and where’s Jay Harper?  2:10 – Losing Phil Valentine, Dave White, and nearly 50 years in radio  3:24 – Radio as an abusive ex-wife you still miss  4:29 – Ratings wins, zero attaboys, and keeping the team’s morale up  6:00 – What good leadership and a healthy culture actually look like  7:58 – Phil Valentine’s “horse blinders” lesson and controlling what you can  8:59 – Getting fired over Zoom and bizarre comments from management  10:21 – When bosses praise your work… and still cut you loose  11:00 – The managers who shielded talent from corporate chaos  12:29 – The GM who fired Johnny after “Googling” him  13:33 – Setting boundaries and standing up to bad management  14:25 – Producing ratings but not getting respect or revenue credit  15:35 – Realizing the audience loves you (thanks to a grocery store trip)  16:33 – Depression after losing Phil and radio, and not knowing what’s next  17:53 – How this podcast became purpose and therapy  18:21 – Radio vs. podcasts: competition in a world of millions of shows  18:52 – Favorite episodes so far: guests, dads, and forgotten artists  19:53 – Interviewing drummer Sandy Gennaro after seeing him as a fan  20:48 – Why the pedestal for stars has crumbled (and that’s a good thing)  21:34 – Social media access, DMs, and how expectations of artists changed  22:55 – “Don’t meet your heroes”: when radio idols disappoint  25:01 – How rude encounters can kill your enjoyment of a personality  25:34 – The responsibility that comes with being meaningful to listeners  28:21 – Working in Vegas with “star” programmers and becoming peers  29:17 – Dressing up as your PD for Halloween and winning the contest  28:48–31:30 – (Overlap) Unassuming talent versus people “too busy being fabulous”  29:53–31:30 – Nashville’s unassuming radio community  29:59 – Jesse Jackson at the 2004 DNC and being “Johnny B, you the man”  31:11 – Remembering a polarizing figure by a single human moment  31:24 – The conversations we need to have to bridge the political divide  33:02 – Trump, scapegoats, and the WWE-ification of politics  34:30 – Voting for people you don’t hate and missing the Clinton years  35:34 – Accidentally talking politics on a non-political show  35:49 – Why Johnny still loves radio, even after everything  36:30 – Losing touch with former coworkers and the rarity of true friends  37:27 – Dave White and Phil Valentine as real, lifelong friends  38:15 – What Phil might have done next and the push toward podcasting  38:59 – Campbell’s talent and why he needs to be creating again  40:33 – Spotting that Campbell was born for the mic  41:25 – Campbell shadowing Johnny and realizing what the job really pays  41:59 – The hard problem: how do you actually monetize this stuff?  41:56–43:23 – Pitching advertisers: there is an audience here  42:19 – Radio people vs people who just work in radio  43:11 – Why former talent talk about radio like a mourning process  43:23 – How corporate radio could still save itself (if it wanted to)  44:58 – Losing syndication, coming back local, and a totally different show  45:15 – Pamela Furr, shifting roles, and not wanting to be just a button pusher  46:01 – First-ever live call-in: introducing John David Wells  46:48 – The four essentials of radio: money, opportunity, training, respect  48:24 – If you have none of those, you’re probably at Clear Channel or Cumulus  48:28 – Wells’ blueprint for saving radio from corporate debt  49:56 – Why big groups should cut loose signals to new owners  51:02 – Dad predicted deregulation’s fallout decades ago  51:37 – Talent loss, debt, and running stations into the ground  51:55 – Where is the new investor class willing to rebuild radio?  52:00 – Personality as the last, best differentiator for radio  52:43 – Talk radio is the hardest and most expensive format to get right  53:08 – Gratitude for Jay Harper and the “stars aligning” for the show  53:37 – Dreaming about a four-mic episode with Wells and Harper  53:52 – Radio salespeople as bigger characters than on-air talent  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, we sit down with traditional country artist and former radio host Scott Southworth for a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep conversation.  Scott shares how “bad breaks” in life often led to his biggest blessings, from accidentally landing a radio show on WLAC to stumbling into a thriving traditional country career with fans across Europe. He talks about walking away from chasing radio hits, leaning into hillbilly-with-wit songwriting, and why he refuses to turn his shows into political sermons.  You’ll hear behind-the-scenes radio stories, Merle Haggard concert etiquette, meeting legends like Dolly Parton, Aaron Neville, and John Prine, and how Scott discovered a forgotten live recording that became his new live album, “Scott Southworth and the Honky Tonk Anonymous Band.”  If you love real-deal country, inside-radio war stories, and conversations about resilience, faith, and staying audience-focused as an artist, this episode is for you.  01:39 Serial killer names, three-part names, and dark radio humor  02:40 Introducing guest Scott Southworth and his bio line about writing songs and loving pie  03:36 The great pie debate: seasonal pies, pumpkin rules, and equal-opportunity pie eating  05:00 WLAC days, historic radio, and the roots of Nashville radio culture  05:28 Stories from WLAC and Jimi Hendrix’s early session getting pulled from the mix  06:45 How Scott and John really met, Christmas parties, and early Nashville connections  08:13 Scott’s musical origin story: from rock, reggae, and blues bands to secretly writing country  10:37 The accidental birth of The Music Row Show on WLAC  12:26 Learning from interviewing Dolly, Little Richard, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and more  13:59 The inside truth about most music careers versus superstar myths  15:20 Scott’s pivot away from writing for radio after a blunt publisher conversation  16:21 Bro country, traditional sounds, and the one-song-a-year “just for me” demos  16:56 How a 2016 traditional country album blew up in Europe overnight  18:10 Hillbilly rock star in Europe, art festivals back home, and loving both worlds  19:43 “Granny Used To Honky Tonk” and working with Dallas Moore  20:31 The story behind “Middle Finger First” and why it resonates with drivers  22:59 Why Scott keeps his politics off the stage and just wants to give people a break  23:13 Protest songs, Steve Earle, and when on-stage preaching crosses the line  24:41 Cicada Enchilada, talk radio inspiration, and writing with a Gulf Coast flavor  26:44 Jay’s Louisiana accent, Cajun vibes, and Jim’s draw to the bayou  28:25 New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Spanish moss, and the Neville Brothers soundtrack tip  30:03 Meeting Aaron Neville and the infamous “shower dancers” newlywed story  33:11 The reality of radio layoffs, Christmas-time firings, and newsroom gallows humor  37:31 How “bad things” led Scott to his best opportunities and life philosophy for his kids  39:41 Life is not fair, but good can come from hard times  42:11 Dads, sons, and being tougher on the boys than the girls  42:23 Back to Scott: career focus and a new live album on the way  42:27 The accidental live album: finding a forgotten Dropbox file from 2022  44:51 Capturing a raw, real band sound in a world of polished, AI-shaped music  45:51 The Lewisville, Tennessee venue, quick sellouts, and fully engaged audiences  47:18 Noisy crowds, Merle Haggard at the Ryman, and why Scott puts the onus on himself  48:52 Advice to his daughter as a new indie artist and earning your scars on stage  51:02 The bravery of just getting up and singing in tough rooms  52:01 Being audience-focused: little me, big them, and be-them-centric performance  53:55 Audience singalongs, Tom Petty fans, and sharing the moment  55:22 Soul-crushing bar gigs, Elvis requests, and “Not that one” hecklers  55:40 Running into Phil Valentine in an overseas customs line  58:54 Quick hits with legends: John Prine in the boarding line and Dolly Parton holding Scott’s hand  59:39 Booking info: how to find Scott online  59:45 Website, socials, and a joke about Tinder and OnlyFans  1:00:30 The honky tonk anonymous band and rotating lineups in Nashville  1:01:18 Female musicians in Scott’s band and producing his daughter’s EP  1:02:43 Girl bands, Robert Palmer, and all-female tribute bands  1:03:28 Tease for a future episode: Scott’s idea for a book, “Go Indie Without Going Broke”  1:03:58 John’s genuine praise of Scott’s records and musicianship  1:04:14 Wrap-up, merch plug, and where to find more Circling The Drain and more Scott  Follow Scott Scouthworth: www.scottsouthworth.comFollow 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 do The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen, Bo Diddley, Jason Aldean, and a random fan named Dave in a backstage doorway all have in common?Sandy Gennaro.In this episode of Circling the Drain, John and Jim sit down with veteran rock drummer Sandy Gennaro, a man whose career has taken him from watching The Beatles on TV as a kid to playing arenas around the world and speaking to Fortune 500 companies about leadership, gratitude, and beating the odds.Sandy shares:- How seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at age 11 made him decide his life’s path, and why he literally taped a photo of a drummer to his bathroom mirror and told himself, “That’s going to be you.”  - Stories from his early band Blackjack with a pre–solo career Michael Bolton and guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS, Billy Squier, Meat Loaf, Grand Funk).  - Touring and recording stories with Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Bo Diddley, and a 3‑month European tour opening for Queen.  - His powerful Dave in the Doorway story, a five-minute interaction with a fan that changed his entire life and career.  - Why he believes recognition, gratitude, and lifting others up are the real measures of success, on stage and in business.  - How a chance connection with Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean’s drummer) and his daughter’s college search led him to Nashville at exactly the right time.  This one is packed with rock & roll history, road stories, and surprisingly deep lessons about leadership, humility, and the power of small choices.Topics & Themes:- Visualization, mindset, and “no Plan B” careers  - Working with major artists (Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, The Monkees, Queen)  - How artists treat their fans, good and bad  - The drummer’s role as the CEO of the band  - Why recognition (from roadies to CEOs) is fuel for performance  - Moving to Nashville and reinventing yourself later in life  - Sandy’s book Beat the Odds in Business & in Life  3:10 – East Coast Roots, Italian Family & Giving Up Red Meat  Sandy talks about growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Italian family life, his mom’s reaction when he quit red meat in 1979, and turkey meatballs with toothpicks.5:00 – Europe vs. U.S. Food, Movement & Smartphone Culture  A quick tangent on food quality, more active European lifestyles, binge-watching, binge-scrolling, and distracted driving.6:20 – Toy Drums, Early Rhythm & The Beatles Moment (Deep Dive)  Sandy revisits the story of getting his first toy drum at 2½, and how that Beatles performance became the defining moment of his life’s direction.7:40 – No Plan B: Rock Star Drummer or Home Depot  How committing fully to a dream, and overcoming obstacles one at a time, shaped Sandy’s entire career.9:00 – First Big Break: Blackjack with Michael Bolton & Bruce Kulick  Sandy tells the story of his first professional band Blackjack, with Michael Bolotin (Michael Bolton), Bruce Kulick, and Jimmy Haslip, and working with legendary producer Tom Dowd.12:40 – Touring with Peter Frampton & Learning the Big-League Game  Opening for Peter Frampton, playing arenas for the first time, big-label hype, and how Blackjack led to other opportunities like Benny Mardones’ Into the Night.14:30 – Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett & Cancer Fundraising  Sandy’s work with Cyndi Lauper (Money Changes Everything) and Joan Jett (The Hit List), plus how they still support his cancer fundraisers with signed merch and swag.17:00 – The Monkees: TV Band, Real Legacy  Stories from decades of Monkees reunion tours, their innovative early use of video to sell records, Davy Jones’ dedication to fans, and their impact on pop culture.19:20 – Davy Jones at Dinner & Always Signing Autographs  Anecdotes about Davy Jones eating at Sandy’s house, his heartthrob status, and refusing to leave venues until every fan in line got an autograph.20:20 – Gratitude, Fans & Never Forgetting Who Got You There  Sandy’s philosophy on always appreciating fans, recognizing people by name (like servers), and why it’s non-negotiable to show respect to those who support you.24:00 – Opening for Queen in Europe (1986)  The CRAFT tour with Queen across Europe: how Queen treated their openers, full access to production, after-show parties, and hanging with Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor.25:50 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Headliners  Contrasting Queen’s generosity with less gracious headliners; John shares a rough experience opening for Roy Clark’s band.31:00 – Drum Techs, Crew & Recognizing the People Behind the Show  Sandy talks about his drum tech Bob Oiler, a Modern Drummer shoutout, and why public recognition for crew and “lower-level” staff is so life-changing.32:40 – Leadership Lesson: Recognition Fuels Engagement  How appreciation boosts engagement, pride, and self-esteem, from the CEO to the person emptying the wastebasket, and why praise must flow both ways.35:10 – Life Philosophy: Souls, Flames & Sprays of Gasoline  Sandy’s spiritual take: each person’s soul as a flame, small kindnesses as “sprays of gasoline,” and how lifting others up is the ultimate purpose and measure of a life.40:40 – From Drums to Keynote Stages: Speaking to CEOs  How Sandy moved from entertaining tens of thousands as a drummer to moving corporate audiences to tears with stories and life lessons.44:10 – Bo Diddley, Health, Aging & When to Park the Bus  Touring with Bo Diddley, his stroke after a final gig, and a broader conversation about aging artists, residencies vs. touring, and knowing when it’s time to slow down.48:40 – Why Sandy Moved to Nashville: Stars Aligning  The full story: a call from Sammy Merendino, meeting Rich Redmond, seeing Jason Aldean at Madison Square Garden, his wife’s commute, his daughter’s interest in Belmont, and realizing Nashville was the next chapter.52:30 – The Dave in the Doorway Story (Life-Changing 5 Minutes)  A fan named Dave in the backstage doorway at Toad’s Place in 1981 asks for an autograph, a photo, and a favor. Sandy takes an extra five minutes, gives him his card, and everything changes.55:20 – From Dave to Cyndi Lauper & the Love of His Life  How Dave Wolf later calls with a new singer he’s managing, Cyndi Lauper, leading to Sandy joining her band, massive success, and ultimately meeting his wife Sherry in Charlotte. One small choice rewires his entire future.59:30 – Thoughts → Words → Actions → Personality → Legacy  Sandy wraps his core philosophy: how repeated thoughts shape words, actions, personality, and ultimately how the world experiences you.58:00–1:01:30 – Drummers & CEOs: The Same Job?  Why the drummer is like the CEO of the band, setting tempo, consistency, and tone, and how band dynamics mir...

Longtime Nashville programmer Ron Allen (96.3 Jack FM, Y’all Country) joins Circling The Drain to talk about 20 years of Jack FM, the changing face of radio, and how local personalities still matter in a streaming and AI-driven world.Ron walks through his journey from Tulsa and Wichita to Nashville, the heyday of big-budget radio, and what has been lost as companies cut costs, shrink staffs, and push more national and digital initiatives. He explains why training grounds for new talent have disappeared, why making a living in radio is harder than ever, and why he still believes there is a long life left for terrestrial radio if it leans into its strengths.You will hear candid insights on Jack FM, Y’all, iHeart, HD Radio, Big D & Bubba, WSM, KDF, and the battle for country listeners in Nashville, plus stories about Phil Valentine, building the Moose brand, and keeping stations “local” even without a full live staff.Timed Highlights1:44 Ron Allen introduced and his Jack FM background2:31 Jack FM hits 20 years in Nashville and the power of simple billboards3:24 Why some stations still get branding and billboards wrong4:15 Suites, perks, and how radio culture has changed over the years5:31 Company culture: radio vs non-radio employers6:37 What radio felt like in the 80s and 90s compared to today8:16 Cost cutting, AI, and multi-market programming on the horizon8:54 Would young Ron choose radio today?9:29 No more “farm teams”: the disappearance of training grounds9:43 Why it is hard to give hopeful advice to broadcasting students10:21 Content will always be needed, but the distribution is changing11:14 Why existing radio talent are undervalued as content creators13:49 The need for young talent and how broadcasters should mentor them14:32 Pay reality: when fast food gigs beat full-time radio salaries16:16 What actually sells with advertisers now: spots vs digital16:43 Tip of the hat to iHeart’s digital operation18:16 Why local personalities like Moose still beat automation and AI19:30 Radio’s built-in advantage: licenses, scarcity, and reach20:21 Nashville ice storm: when radio’s immediacy really matters20:42 Stations off the air and the business impact22:09 How Jack and Y’all stay “local” with limited live staff23:32 Are big groups more invested in digital than in their over-the-air product?25:14 HD Radio, subchannels, and having transmitters but no content28:06 When digital investment does not flow back to better radio29:39 “Facebook is free”: social replacing traditional marketing budgets30:59 How Jack and Y’all actually use social media and street teams32:27 The blurry line between promotion and spam in social feeds33:17 Why putting sponsors on as guests hurts host credibility34:21 Remembering Phil Valentine and why honesty on air works36:17 What traditional music radio has that Spotify and Apple Music do not36:34 Personality, locality, and effortless music discovery38:59 Contests, trips, and experiences listeners cannot buy themselves39:12 Turning Moose into a recognizable, real-life brand42:12 Launching Y’all and tapping the 80s–2000s country lane46:16 How competition in Nashville country radio shifted48:03 Inside baseball: KDF, WSM, iHeart, and market strategy50:00 Moving Big D & Bubba and how audience migration could have been handled54:05 Using a powerful signal well vs treating it like an afterthought54:48 Ron’s favorite formats to program and why they still excite him56:00 How he fell into adult hits and Jack-style radio58:00 Why adult hits plus 90s country is his dream combination59:27 Wrap up and closing thoughts

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

Following the news that Rush will be hitting the road again with drummer Anika Nilles,  we dive deep into the world of band member changes, exploring the delicate balance between musical evolution and fan loyalty. From Rush's upcoming tour to Van Halen's iconic lineup shifts, we'll break down:[0:01:46] - The legal battles of bands replacing original members[0:07:10] - Van Halen's transformation with Sammy Hagar[0:22:14] - The crucial role of loyalty in music, especially in country genres[0:38:53] - Ringo Starr's All-Star Band and maintaining musical magic[0:41:29] - Bands like Toto and their ever-changing lineupsWe'll explore how bands navigate member changes, the impact on their sound, and whether a band can truly remain the same when key players depart. Packed with rock and roll stories, musician insights, and passionate debate!Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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 Johnny B & Jay Harper as they dive into a hilarious and cringe-worthy exploration of their most embarrassing celebrity encounters. From awkward backstage moments with Roy Clark and Waylon Jennings to on-air radio mishaps and fan-boy interactions, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories that reveal the human side of entertainment personalities. Learn about unexpected meet-and-greets, on-stage wardrobe malfunctions, and the art of not embarrassing yourself when meeting your heroes. It's a candid, entertaining look behind the scenes of the music and radio world that you won't want to miss!Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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 legendary songwriter Gary Gentry as he shares incredible stories from Nashville's golden era. From his supernatural encounter with Hank Williams' ghost to writing hit songs like "The Ride" and working with icons like Billy Sherrill and David Allen Coe, this episode is a treasure trove of music history.Timed Highlights:[0:09:45] - The supernatural moment that inspired "The Ride"[0:34:28] - Wild stories about Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings[0:52:18] - Behind-the-scenes of writing "Bluegrass Morning"[1:00:35] - Gary's thoughts on current country music artists[1:04:26] - Discussion on how modern country music lacks distinctive artist styles[1:06:24] - Potential collaboration idea: Beyoncé covering "The Ride"A must-listen for country music fans, aspiring songwriters, and anyone who loves authentic behind-the-scenes music stories!Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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, the 3J crew dives deep into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from music and movies to current events.Highlights include:[0:00-0:10] Personal stories and podcast reflections[0:10-0:25] Discussion of Charlie Kirk's recent assassination and its impact[0:25-0:40] Memories of talk radio and political discourse[0:40-1:00] Reminiscing about Robert Redford and classic Hollywood actors[1:00-1:20] Detailed breakdown of the movie Jaws, its production challenges, and iconic moments[1:20-1:40] Exploration of classic film noir and golden age Hollywood glamour[1:40-End] Conversations about interview shows like Dick Cavett and memorable celebrity interviewsThe podcast offers a mix of nostalgia, pop culture commentary, and personal anecdotes, keeping listeners entertained with the hosts' witty banter and diverse topics.Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.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 dive deep into the world of story songs, exploring their rich history and cultural impact. In this episode, we'll unpack:[0:01:00] The Power of Narrative Music- Gordon Lightfoot's "Edmund Fitzgerald"- How story songs transcend musical genres[0:22:30] Legendary Storytellers in Music- Kenny Rogers' narrative hits- The emotional depth of songs like "Lucille"[0:33:40] Modern Challenges in Songwriting- The impact of AI on music creation- Rising concert prices limiting musical inspiration[0:41:20] Emotional Resonance of Story Songs- Personal stories that move listeners- Examples from Pearl Jam, Zach Brown, and moreHighlights include candid discussions about music's evolution, the importance of imperfection in recordings, and a nostalgic look at how story songs connect generations. Whether you're a music historian or casual listener, this episode offers insights into the art of musical storytelling.Follow Johnny B:https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozemanFollow Jay Harper:https://www.facebook.com/harperjeffFollow Jim:www.jmvos.comCircling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Cowww.itsyourshow.coRadio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast  Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creatorsFollow 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 Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive into the wild world of musicians crossing over into acting. From Hank Williams' reluctance to become a movie star to Trace Adkins' impressive western roles, this episode explores the hits and misses of singers turned actors.[0:00-0:15] Podcast introduction and show premise[0:15-5:00] Hank Williams' Hollywood hesitation and behind-the-scenes stories[5:00-15:00] Country music stars in film: Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Tim McGraw[15:00-25:00] Rock stars and acting: Alice Cooper, Keith Richards, and Prince[25:00-35:00] Successful crossover artists like Dwight Yoakam and Kiefer Sutherland[35:00-45:00] Discussion on celebrity influence and the rise of social media stars[45:00-50:00] Closing thoughts on the changing landscape of entertainmentA hilarious and insightful journey through the sometimes cringe-worthy, sometimes brilliant world of musicians trying their hand at acting!Jagger/Bowie “Dancing in the Streets” video without music: https://youtu.be/BHkhIjG0DKc?si=WMvOh-dQMKlNgaoJStar Wars Ending with No Music: https://youtu.be/Tj-GZJhfBmI?si=nOKO47YzEI904uJEFollow 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.coRadio Wars and Rockstar Dreams: Tales from the Golden Age of Broadcasting :: Ep 2 Circling The Drain Podcast  Join Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creatorsFollow 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 Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep into the wild, unfiltered world of radio's golden era. From cigarettes in the studio to celebrity encounters gone wrong, these veteran broadcasters share hilarious and heartfelt stories about the days when radio was pure theater of the mind. Hear about Phil Valentine's close calls, Steve Earle's contentious interviews, and why Naomi Judd made such a lasting impression. Plus, the hosts discuss how corporate takeovers killed radio's soul and why podcasting might be the industry's salvation.**[0:00 - 2:15]** - The Jack Kemp Ego Check: How Phil Valentine's national show got a reality check from a confused politician**[2:15 - 8:30]** - Radio's Wild West Days: Stories of on-air smoking, pizza, and the "dance" of operating vintage equipment**[8:30 - 15:45]** - Celebrity Memory Lane: Donald Trump Jr.'s photographic memory and Steve Warner's Christmas connection to Chet Atkins**[15:45 - 25:20]** - The Great Radio Fire: When a joint nearly burned down a station and dad showed up in his pajamas**[25:20 - 35:40]** - Meeting the Judds: Naomi's warmth, Wynonna's bicycle rides, and sunglasses in the studio**[35:40 - 48:15]** - Steve Earle Chronicles: From rockabilly rejection to "Copperhead Road" at a banker's reception**[48:15 - 58:30]** - Political Landmines: How the Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, and others learned that politics can kill careers**[58:30 - End]** - Death of Old Radio: Corporate takeovers, the rise of podcasting, and why the future belongs to independent creatorsFollow 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 launch "Circling the Drain" by exploring how the deaths of entertainment legends affect us personally. From Elvis and John Lennon to Phil Valentine and Eddie Van Halen, the hosts share intimate stories about meeting their heroes and discuss why we form such deep connections with celebrities we've never met. Jay recounts his days at MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen as well as his incredible Muhammad Ali encounter, and they pay tribute to the late Phil Valentine who brought them all together.**[2:24]** Jay Harper's journey from 1000-watt radio to MCA Records with Jimmy Bowen and legends like George Strait**[14:22]** The shocking impact of Elvis Presley's death - where were you when the King died?**[16:56]** Why celebrity deaths hit us so hard - the emotional connection to our musical heroes**[20:13]** Johnny B's tribute to Waylon Jennings and how country music brought him closer to his father**[24:44]** The forgotten outlaw: Why Johnny Paycheck deserves more recognition**[29:17]** A touching encounter with Faron Young that revealed the loneliness of faded stardom**[31:19]** 2025's devastating celebrity losses: From Loni Anderson to Ozzy Osbourne**[40:12]** Phil Valentine's lasting impact - the radio host who connected like family**[45:46]** Jay's incredible Muhammad Ali story: Getting the champ to sign his artwork in 1978Follow 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