Talking About Radio with John Leslie

Send us Fan MailWe all have great stories to tell.  If I ever write a book here are two of the stories that will be in it.  Listen now to 22 minutes of radio mayhem.   One when I was brand new to the business and the other when I was near the peak of my career.https://talkingaboutradiowithjohnleslie.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailCBS Radio News is no more!  It ended abruptly for 700 affiliates in May of 2026.  CBS Radio Correspondent Peter King ends a 30 year association with the 99 year old institution of CBS Radio News. Amonng reporting and anchoring duties, Peter was the space reporter for the network for 3 decades.  Peter joins host John Lelsie in this episode of Talking About Radio to talk about his remarkable Network radio career.You can reach Peter King by email at pkingnews62@gmail.,comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailFive words!  That’s all it took for the stuff to hit the fan and collapse one of the biggest media promotional agreements in modern history.  And, I was the one poor soul who inadvertently short circuited the whole mega deal.  Here is an 18 minute podcast with all of the gruesome details.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailThe brightest promotional ideas.  The best execution. The local, national and international media attention.  It's all part of this amazing morning show barrage  of spotlight promotions in one of Mid America's largest markets. How did it all work?  What was the payoff.  Who was left standing when the smoke cleared?https://talkingaboutradiowithjohnleslie.buzzsprout.com/A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailI was "on the air" at WFBL in Syracuse in 1976 when Stoner Broadcasting System hired me to host the morning show on their flagship station in Des Moines, Great Country KSO.I arrived one week before the fall sweeps began.  The show went fom a 9 share to a 27 share in that book.  Here is the continuation of my audio commentary on I managed to get at keep high morning show numbers year after year.  https://talkingaboutradiowithjohnleslie.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailI had never worked with such a talented staff. The station was filled with magic when our new team of talent arrived in 1974.  This is a continuation of my audio book memoirs on how I was able to muster double digit ratings year after year for nearly 5 decade.My year at WFBL in Syracuse introduced me to a stable of the nations top talent.   What I learned from them has stayed with me til this day 51 years later.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailEpisode one is a 34 minute look at my very earliest days as a morning show host.  My friends and family have encouraged me for years to write abook about my morning show adventures. I would rather do it in the form that I know best, an audiobook as a podcast. There will be six episodes in the series This is the first one and it dates back to the early 70s in Binghamton, New York.  I really didn’t want to do a morning show.  But it was a blessing.   . A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailThere was plenty of opportunity to find myself in awkward, creepy and sometimes life threatening situations during my decade of being a foreign correspondent for Stoner Broadcasting System.  Bizarre events seemed to be my constant companion while on my assignment behind the iron curtain in the former USSR.  This is part two of my adventures in Siberia and Armenia.  You will enjoy this 34 minute narrative of my life and times as a foreign correspondent.http://talkingaboutradio.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailBeing a foreign correspondent on the other side of the world brings with it excitement, danger and intrigue, specially if you had never done it before.  This is 20 minute episode is part one of a multi part special edition of Talking About Radio with John Leslie.   This assignment took me as far away from home as one can possibly get.  https://talkingaboutradio.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailFor the first time, the entire story of this historic radio broadcast event is told in Audio Book fashion.  Production of this epic retrospective required 39 separate creative sessions, 39 separate editing sessions, 39 separate rehearsal sessions, 45 separate recording sessions and 39 separate productions sessions.No other radio broadcaster on the planet owns this story.  It is one of a kind. This special edition podcast of Talking About Radio is 1 hour and 52 minutes in length.  It is a must listen all the way through to the end.  Wether you listen in one sitting or break it up into several sessions, it is a remarkable story that can be told by only one person, John Leslie, host of the podcast.  It is a must listen all the way through to the end.This story is now told in its entirety, with every detail,  to be archived for present and future communicators and interested citizens, to hear and learn.  A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailThis radio promotion is so complicated, there is only one way to tell the story in its entirety.  None of the original sound exists so now I tell this story in a 57 minute mini audio  book style so that all of the twists and turns can be described in detail.  It is chronicled in this podcast to be saved for all of history.  All of us in the radio industry have had great "on air" promotions from time to time, but never before or since have I heard of a more protracted morning show escapade in the name of ratings.  Please take time to listen to my mini audio book story of the great abominable snowman hunt on Mount Everest in Katmandu, Nepal. A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailAny broadcasting job you can imagine, Doug Clark, known professionally as Jack Scott, has done it.  From early radio and television, morning show host on both coasts, program management, general management and ownership, Doug is a thru broadcast professional.  He joins us on this edition of Talking About Radio to talk about his transition from banking to broadcasting and what it has meant to him.  Speaking from Gloversville, New York where is is an integral part of the community, Doug has tons of interesting stories and insights into today's state of radio broadcasting. A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode is Talking About Radio with, yours truly, John Leslie…with guest host Elizabeth Grattan.I recently had the opportunity to interview Elizabeth on a previous episode about her career in the industry and we decided it might be interesting to flip the script and the result is an entertaining and insightful look into my very own journey. Elizabeth is known all across the country for her outstanding imaging, voice tracking and voice-over work.  Now, she has shown herself to be an accomplished interviewer.Elizabeth stepped into my role and executed it flawlessly.  She is witty, charming, intellectual, probing and able to pull emotions to the forefront as she interviews her guests. I know, because it happened to me! Please be sure to listen to this ever entertaining episode of Talking About Radio With Elizabeth Grattan.  It really was fun. http://www.radioelizabeth.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIn honor of the memorial day weekend Z-morning Zoo special with Ross Brittain and Brian Wilson, we are re-running this entertaining episode of Talking About radio featuring the ever talented Brian Wilson.  It aired December 14, 2024 and if you missed it or would like to hear it again, I am pleased to air this entertaining episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailAll you have to do is listen to Elizabeth for five minutes to hear high quality that she puts in her voice tracking, imaging, voice overs and everything else that she says professionally.   She stumbled onto the moniker RadioElizabeth by accident and it not only stuck by has served her well in her profession.  She is also a talented writer, producer and speaker.Elizabeth has done voice work for some of the biggest names in the industry and is still going strong.Elizabeth will lift you up in this lively episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie. http://www.radioelizabeth.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailA retrospective on the birth, life and end of radio stations, their formats and their personalities.  The tears, the anger and the heartbreak not only in the station but from their audience as well.  You'll hear actual audio of stations big and small who met their early end.  This is the most comprehensive report of its kind anywhere on the internet.  It was six weeks in the making with over 200 hours of research and production.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIn this anniversary special episode we have put together segments from 11 great episodes featuring some of the to names in the Radio Industry.  It was impossible to include all 200, but we think you'l enjoy hearing interesting and amusing stories.Thanks to everyone who has, in just two short years made Talking About Radio with John Leslie one of the to radio industry podcasts in the world.https://talkingaboutradio.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailWhen I first heard Don Clark, I said to my wife, "listen to this guy, he is really great."  Turns out Don has been entertaining audiences and making them laugh all across the midwest, northeast and south.  His humor is contagious and fun to listen too.In this podcast, I believe Don Clark and I did more laughing than we did talking.  After 30 years of spinning the hits and give'm the fits, Don is now host of a popular syndicated show called, "Don's Basement Hits."  I promise that you will enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it with Don Clark.   Don't pass up the chance to laugh and smile. http://www.donsbasementproductions.com  A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailWashington DC native Jeff Young began his radio career while in college in Miami.  He worked his way up and up from early "free form" radio to distinguished positions with ABC radio news, the Z100 morning Zoo in New York as well as other radio positions in the Big Apple.His news positions took his back to his native Washington, then got the job of a lifetime, rebuilding the radio systems in Kuwait.  Jeff found a new and different gig in London, "Live Streaming" top music groups of the era.Once he was back home, for the newxt 20 years, Jeff graced the radio and television air waves of Voice of America.  During those two decades, his assignments took him all around the world.Jeff Young joins host John Leslie on this episode of Talking About Radio.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailJamie Grout was a master at doing what makes radio work the best.  He was always live and he was always local.  Fund raising, amazing charity work, service club membership and ear catching promotions.  Currently working at legendary WHO in Des Moines and hosting a podcast, Jamie is still a busy broadcaster after 50 years of service.  He is a great guest on Talking About Radio with John Leslie.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailTriangle Broadcasting in Philadelphia was one of the nations largest media conglomerates back in the 50s, 60s and 70s.  One of their radio television groups was in Binghamton, New York, where they initiated an experimental program to attract young men interested in broadcasting.  They formed Explorer post 12 which was an arn if the Boy Scouts of America but dedicated strictly to those interest in Broadcasting.A young high school student, Dave Freeman, was one of the first to be attracted to the explorer post.  For the next four decades Dave was heard on many of Binghamton's radio and TV stations but is remembered best for is 14 year run as co-host with Jerry James as "The Breakfast Flakes" on WHWK 98.1.Dave Freeman is my guest on this episode of Talking About Radio With John LeslieA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIt takes a lot of practice and skill to be a radio traffic reporter, specially in a bustling city like the Big Apple.  Matt Ward, who sometimes went by the name Tom Rivers worked for Shadow Traffic for 25 years on some of the biggest and best known stations in New York.In this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie, Matt takes us into the Shadow Traffic operations area and explains how all those mounds of traffic jams got sorted out and transmitted on the air, one station after the other.You'll also get to hear some vintage audio of Matt on a hectic day of ice and sleet on 1010 WINS.   Also a rare piece of audio with Matt doing a sports report with the legendary Herb Oscar Anderson, plus a lot more.You'll enjoy this conversation with Matt WardA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailJimmy Diele started his radio career like many of us.  He worked at small suburban New York City radio stations on weekends running the religious tapes.  At the same time, he was working for Robin Leach, host of "The lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."   Pretty soon Jimmy found himself working in the Big Apple at some of the top stations.  WPLJ, WYNY Country Y-107 and more.  Today, he is host of "Celebrity Spotlight", a semi monthly interview show with the biggest names in entertainment.  It is beamed worldwide on YouTube, Facebook live and the internet.  In this episode of Talking About Radio, Jimmy and John Leslie share radio stories that span 5 decades.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailThis is a remastered episode featuring the legendary DJ John Records Landecker who. appeared on Talking About Radio when it was in its infancy back in early 2023.  Many of you may not have heard it since it it buried in a haystack of 220 episodes of this podcast.  But you don't want to miss this rare appearance of Landecker on an interview program.  Even if you have heard it, it's worth listening to a second time or even a third.As I say at the beginning of the episode, it's like interviewing royalty.http://talkingaboutradio.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailEntertainment giants Johnny Carson and Jack Benny became good friends over the years.  Each appeared on the others programs, and many people recognize Jack Benny's comic mannerisms in Johnny Carson.Steve Newvine, who spend many years in radio and television broadcasting broadcasting spent two years researching the relationship between the two and cronicled it in a book titled "Jack and Johnny."  He tells us about it as Steve makes his second appearance on the podcast Talking about Radio with John Leslie.https://www.mercedcountyevents.com/steve-newvine-1/about-jack-johnnyA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailThe topic of DJ shouts and DJ jingles came up recently and I asked my Facebook radio friends to send me their shouts and name jingles.   I put them together in a six minute sampler that is fun to listen to, I think.Give it a listen.http://talkingaboutradio.buzzsprout.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailHer name was Michelle Haun when she joined my morning show as producer in 1990.  It took only a few days for me to become enormously fond of this bright, effervescent young lady.  She brought sunshine into my studio every single day and learned the trade at lightening speed.When she wasn't grinding away to find show topics and guests for me, she was busy making me smile and laugh.34 years later, after radio stints in Washington D.C., she is now Michelle O'Neil with a family and a new Novel titled “Dog Park.”  Michelle joins me on this episode of Talking About Radio and we relive the days when she was making my life brighter and my show consistently number one in the market.Every broadcaster should be so lucky to have a wonderful producer like Michelle.http://www.michelleoneilauthor.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailWhen Matt Cundill was told his radio job was dissolved, he took his skill in a different but similar direction.  Matt is now owner of Sound Off Network.  In addition to hosting a popular podcast titled "Sound Off", Matt is an experienced consultant to those who want to have a professional sounding podcast of their own.He counsels businesses, corporations and individuals who don't have the experience necessary to create an enjoyable podcast.  He talks about his new lifework with on this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie.http://www.soundoffpodcast.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailHosting my podcast "Talking About Radio" is typically me, John Leslie, interviewing other radio professional.  In this case 25 year radio veteran and now podcast network executive Matt Cundill is interviewing me.  It was an honor to be a guest recently on his "Sound Off" podcast from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  This is a rebroadcast of his podcast featuring "yours truly" as a guest.Matt is scheduled to be a guest on my show, "Talking About Radio" before the end of 2024.http://www.soundoffpodcast.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailWether Brian Wilson is performing alone or teamed up with Ross Brittain he is a true radio legend.  From the very mountain top of New York city, nationally syndicated shows or radio shows in major markets across the continent, Brian is part of radio history.   He is Talking About Radio with John Leslie.   This is one episode that you don't want to pass by.   He is as entertaining as ever.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailKen Herrera is a household name in Milwaukee.  He's been the radio news voice there for many years on the biggest stations.  His time in Milwaukee came after gigs on the NBC radio network, WBBM in Chicago, KNX in Los Angeles, UPI radio AP Radio and a bunch of stations in his native Texas.It was a pleasure to talk with this accomplished radio news professional on Talking About Radio With John Leslie.http://www.kenherrera.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailI had no idea how good she is.  You will not hear a more enchanting radio and entertainment professional than Randye Kaye.  In addition to her years of radio work, Randye is a musician, singer, comedian, author, voice over artist and teacher,  podcast host, blogger and alot more.You will find yourself lifted up by listening to the this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie, featuring one of the best  in the industry Randye Kaye.http:///www.randyekaye.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailRay Ross was an accomplished top 40 DJ in the 60s and 70s.  He was Billboard Magazine personality of the year when he was in the US Air Force.  Ray was a longtime radio station owner and he head of a project to put over 100 FM radio stations on the air in the USSR.Lots of information, conversation, great stories and laughs in this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie, featuring the ever popular Ray Ross.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailLong time DJ Larry Kratka retired from doing regular radio shows and news programs, but he wasn't ready to give up broadcasting.  So he began to syndicate his brainstorm, a program that features "Nothing But Old 45s."  It has developed a life of it's own and is currently on 65 terrestrial and online stations and continues to grow each week.This is fun conversation with an original radio DJ and newsman who has great stories to tell about the many stations he worked at.  Lots of laughs and nostalgia in this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie.https://nothing-but-old-45s.castos.com/?page=27A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailChas Henry's resume is as extraordinary as it is long.  In addition to holding seven ranks in the United States Marine Corps he has worked with some of the nations most respected broadcast facilities.  Having retired as a Captain from the Marine Corps, he was a natural to be National Security Correspondent at WTOP in Washington.  He was also managing editor and anchor for CBS Eye on Veterans.  Chas was an anchor at WNEW 99.1 CBS radio in the nations capital and is now a free lance journalist.  Chas Henry spent a great deal of time behind the mic as an accomplished DJ in Hawaii and the Mainland.He has many more credentals....to many to mention here, but he talk about them in this episode of Talking About Radio With John Leslie.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIf you live in Orlando, Florida, you know Ellis B. Feaster for his morning show on "positive hits X88.3."  If you live anywhere else in the world, chances are you are one of over 50,000 subscribers to this YouTube air check and radio jingles channel.In this episode, we get a chance to get to know a bit more about Ellis as well as heard from of his favorite jingles from his massive collection.Search for "Ellis B Feaster radio channel" on YouTube. A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailSince 1966 Shotgun Tom Kelly has been on one or more radio and television stations in California.  With 20 years on the air at fabled KRTH in Los Angeles, syndicated television programs, top radio stations in San Diego and elsewhere, Shotgun Tom is the most visible radio entertainer in the Golden State. He is currently a host on sirius XM's 60s Gold channel, formerly 60s on 6.Shotgun Tom Kelly is part of an elite group of radio greats who have a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Now he is the author of a great new multimedia book "All I Wanna Do is Play the Hits." It was an honor to host Tom on my podcast Talking About Radio.https://www.amazon.com/All-Wanna-Do-Play-Hits/dp/B0DB6YCM97https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/shotgun-tom-kelly-rocking-your-evenings-with-60s-hitsA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailAre you looking for the perfect song rotation on  your country music station?  How about improved traffic and billing.  It's all wrapped up in  one with Steve Warren's Music one.  Steve is one of America's most experienced music programming experts and he is John Leslie's guest on this episode of Talking About Radio.http://www.gomusic1.comA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan Mail12 time Emmy award winning television reporter Mike Deeson in Tampa, lost his cars, his home, his belongings and his studio as four feet of Tampa Bay water rushed in during Hurricane Helene.In this gripping episode of Talking About Radio With John Leslie, we take a slight departure from strick radio discussion and find out what it's like to be on the receiving end of a hurricane after reporting about them for years.Mike is eternally grateful that he lost only possessions, when thousands of others will never recover and over 250 people died. A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIf you have not listened to part one, you are missing a very interesting conversation about Dave Mason‘s five decades and broadcasting.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailI've got another hundred or so to add the next time.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailIt's hard to find an important radio market, in the US, that has not broadcast the voice of Dave Mason.    Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Nashville, Cincinnati, Rochester, Las Angeles, San Diego, and now, short wave.. Here is part one of a two part episode of Talking About Radio featuring guest Dave Mason who has more than a few interesting radio stories to tell. A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailSteve Savino is doing his best to make Catholic diocese radio station WJMJ 88.9 competitive in the Hartford radio market by doing what all good radio stations do.  They play popular music witn  professional DJs who fill the gaps with compelling day part chat.Steve  Savvino is a real broadcast pro and has worked at some of New Englands top radio stations including WTIC.  You wil find him to be an inspiring guest on Talking About Radio.http://www.ortv.oA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailDusty Rhodes is a Christian radio broadcaster from Washington DC.  He interned years ago at WMAL, then got his first real radio job in Charlottesville, Virginia.  From there he graced the airwaves for years on WPIT in Pittsburgh. Since that time, he has been involved in Christian Radio and not for profit development.He's go some great stories for you to hear on this interesting episode of Talking About Radio With John Leslie.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailLike many of us, Mark Carey started out as a young dj, but then jumped to television and owner of a very successful multi media production/marketing and consulting company.Now, in his retirement, Mark is back at it with online station "Desert Rat Radio."  If that isn't enough, Mark is hosting a midday radio program on a station in Louisiana from  his home studio in sparks, Nevada.He''s got tons of great stories and he is a great story teller.   Listen now, to this episode of Talking About Radio with John Leslie with guest Mark Carey.http://www.desertratradio.com A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailRock and Roll Disc Jockey, Television New and Sports Anchor, zany radio morning show team member and lots more.  You will be fascinated by all of the professions that this one Texan did over a 50 year career.  Listen to Jim McCurdy talk about his professional experiences with show host John Leslie.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailYou can search far and wide and you will not find a more interesting, talented and down to earth Hollywood celebrity.  Ken Levine and his co-writer David Isaacs were responsible for nominated or awarding winning scripts for M*A*S*H, Cheers, The Simpsons, Frasier and dozens more of your favorite TV sitcoms.  Ken Levine in his early years was a fabulous Disc Jockey in San Diego, Los Angeles and several other markets.  He was the play by play announcer for the San Diego  Padres, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore, Orioles.  He is an accomplished Director, Producer, Author and Playwright.If that is not enough, Ken is a cartoonist, published in The New Yorker Magazine,  He has been a popular blogger and podcaster. What an honor it is to have as my guest on Talking About Radio, one of Hollywood's most celebrated humorists and creator Kenneth Levine.A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailProfessional spots broadcaster Dan Scott is also the host of a Christian based sports interview program on over 49 radio stations. Until now, The Dan Scott show was strictly non profit and funded by Grand Slam ministries.In a testament to the high quality of Dan's show, Ingles Supermarket chain, which boasts 198 stores, has announced that it is sponsoring a whole new series of Dan Scott shows throughout the Appalachian region of the Southeast United States.Dan took time out of his extremel busy schedule to be a guest of Talking About Radio with John Leslie.email [email protected]://www.danscottshow.org A product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.

Send us Fan MailCrys Quimby has a resume that few people in the radio industry have.  With call letters like WCBS, KFWB, WINS, WBBM, KNX and more, her radio career shines like a bright star.  It was a great thrill to spend an hour with one of the most accomplished radio professionals of our age.  Please listen and enjoy this  conversation with Award Winning news manager Crys QuimbyA product of John Leslie's World Radio Inc.