Aircheck: Radio Stories

Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall Created Album Covers For Rock’s Greatest

We’re diving deep into the world of iconic album cover art with our special guest, Frm. Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall.  A name behind some of the most memorable visuals in music history. From his humble beginnings at Elektra Records in the late 1960s to becoming the youngest art director in the business, Bob Heimall’s creativity has graced records by legends like Carly Simon, Jim Croce, The Doors, Bread, Iggy Pop, and even Yoko Ono.You’ll hear Bob Heimall share personal stories, like joining Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin for an unforgettable moment in a New York penthouse, rubbing elbows with rock royalty, working with Carly Simon while she breastfed her son, and being the sole audience for Jim Croce’s final album performance just two weeks before tragedy struck. He’ll reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes about album art decisions—some even leading to legendary band debates—describe the step-by-step design process before Photoshop, and recount the emotional impact these collaborations left on him.Plus, Bob Heimall discusses the cutthroat world of record labels, his transition from Elektra to Arista under Clive Davis, and reflects on the vital role music—and its packaging—plays in shaping our memories. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, design lover, or music history buff, this episode is packed with untold stories, industry insights, and the passion that goes into creating the artwork we all grew up with.(0:00) "Starting at Elektra Records"(4:14) "Music Legends at the Hilton"(9:14) "Redefining Album Cover Art"(11:45) "Early Album Cover Design Process"(15:41) Carly's Jingles and Brother(18:19) "Unplanned Success, Captured Moment"(22:04) "Music, Photos, and Choices"24:39 "Following the Music"(28:45) "Rejected Naked Silhouette Cover"(30:17) "Innovative Multi-Fold Album Design"(33:30) "Reflecting on Jim Croce's Death"(38:13) "Asthma, Draft Exception, Jersey Shore"(41:40) "QuadSound and Career Transition"(43:59) "High-Stakes Creative Meetings"(46:15) "Jack's Artistic Integrity Struggle"(48:45) "Pool Nights in the Office"(53:56) "The Band's Big Pink Album Cover Story"(56:19) "The Doors Strange Days Album Cover Controversy"(59:19) "Cover Stories Book"You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckmeTell us what you think and your favorite episode!

Street Beat to Spotlight: How Cyndy Drue Moved a Generation

We’re celebrating one of Philadelphia’s most beloved radio icons and "The Queen of the Philly local music scene, Cyndy Drue. From spinning tunes during her early college days to making a name for herself on legendary Philly stations like WMMR, WYSP, and WMGK, Cyndy’s story is woven into the fabric of the city’s sound. She didn’t just play the hits; she helped shape them, especially with her groundbreaking local music show, Street Beat, which gave countless Philly bands their first shot at the spotlight.Join hosts Rich DeSisto, and Steve Raymond as they trace Cyndy’s journey from her first radio gigs to her role in breaking iconic acts like LIVE, her adventures in TV, and even modest moments in movies as a SAG-AFTRA member. Along the way, you’ll hear about the Philly radio wars, the magic of hearing your song on the air for the first time, and how Cyndy is turning her remarkable story into a documentary...fifty years in the making.(00:00) Pierre Robert Introduction (5:49) Origin of "Street Beat" Radio Show(7:14) "Queen of Local Music Scene"(12:48) "Street Beat's Biggest Success"(14:50) "Melody Matters Most"(18:15) "One More Song Created"(21:32) "Discovering Radio as a Career"(23:21) "Choosing a Women's College"(28:17) The Power of 1970s DJs(31:10) "Philadelphia DJs and Music Showcases"(33:19) "John Lennon’s Death Reported"(37:21) "Pre-SNL News Broadcast Insight"(40:02) Union Strike Over AI Impact(44:20) "Getting Fired from Street Beat"(47:33) "Brother's Business and Career Shift"(51:06) "College Film Reunion Screening"(52:02) "Rock and Roll Connection"You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckmeTell us what you think and your favorite episode!

Radio DJ Psychic Brian Orlando's Masterclass on Befriending Legendary Rockstars

Brian Orlando is not just the morning drive co-host at Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark, but a second-generation psychic who uses the energy of song to help guide others.  His powerful status connects him with not only the local community but with music legends like Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Gavin Rossdale (Bush), and Kevin Martin (Candlebox).  A unique journey that added another talent to his resume, as he is also the author of Rock and Soul Tarot.Hosts Rich DeSisto and Steve Raymond uncover how Brian leveraged authentic conversations, not just typical interviews with rockstars to create unforgettable moments on-air, including on-the-spot performances and even a live radio proposal! You'll hear how he convinced musicians to jam live in the studio, stories about partnering with stars from Anthrax to Candlebox, and his heartfelt approach to radio philanthropy.  Like organizing a 24-hour telethon for Angela's House and a star-studded mental health awareness campaign after Chris Cornell’s death.Brian opens up about how music saved his life as a teen, the healing power of songs like Blondie's "Heart of Glass," Soul Asylum’s "Runaway Train," and Candlebox’s "Far Behind," and the parallels between tarot and rock storytelling. Discover his journey from truck driver to on-air talent, the challenges of breaking into radio, navigating rejection, and his honest reflections on personal growth, intuition, and mental health.Topping it off, Brian shares a group tarot reading for radio professionals facing transitions and offers motivational advice for creators, broadcasters, and music fans confronting change.Whether you’re into radio, classic rock, tarot, or stories of resilience and reinvention, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes tales, learning moments, and inspiration for anyone passionate about music, broadcasting, or self-discovery.(00:00) "Brian's Selfless Journey Through Radio"(5:13) Kazoo-Talica Charity Promotion(8:49) "Unexpected Interview and Connection"(12:13) "Song Mashup Instructions"(15:51) The Humility of Psychic Work(16:55) Music's Healing Power(20:26) "Candlebox Memories and Friendship"(24:53) Angela’s House Charity Telethon Idea(27:31) "Chris Cornell Tribute Broadcast"(32:52) Father's Critique of Radio DJs(35:46) "Weekend Radio Memories, 2008"(39:58) "Radio: More Than a Novelty"(41:46) Radio Job Rejection Reflections(46:12) Rigid Interviews Lack Connection(46:53) Radio Career Connection Story(51:53) "Radio Audition Leads to Opportunity"(54:33) "Overcoming Comparison and Moving Forward"(57:20) "Embracing Change and New Paths"(59:51) "Rock and Soul Tarot Promo"Click here to make a donation to Angela's HouseClick here to purchase Rock n Soul TarotYou can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckmeTell us what you think and your favorite episode!

From Radio to Trade Journalism: Mike Boyle and Paul Heine’s Journey Behind the Airwaves

The radio careers of Mike Boyle and Paul Heine, have taken them from legendary radio stations to the influential world of trade journalism.  They both share inside stories from their days behind the mic and their pivotal roles at publications like FMQB and Billboard Radio Monitor, painting a vivid picture of an era when radio and records were at the cultural crossroads.Listen in as Mike and Paul recount remarkable encounters with iconic artists: Donny Osmond causing office pandemonium, one-on-one moments with Stevie Nicks and Ronnie James Dio, and unforgettable interviews with Howard Stern and Frank Zappa. From witnessing history in Berlin as the Wall came down to swapping stories from behind-the-scenes at conventions and concerts, this episode is packed with nostalgia, industry insights, and lessons on navigating career transitions.Season 5 is off to a great start with more intimate, heartfelt looks into the friendships, the risks, and the evolution of radio from the personalities who helped shape it.You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckmeTell us what you think and your favorite episode!

Wolfman Jack's Chauffeur to Rock Royalty: Lenny Bloch's Radio Journey Revealed

New York City radio personality Lenny Bloch takes you on a wild and insightful ride through decades of radio history. From his early days as a kid in Queens, idolizing the "Good Guys" at WMCA, to his jaw-dropping start as Wolfman Jack's chauffeur (yes, you read that right), Lenny shares behind-the-scenes stories from a truly one-of-a-kind career.You'll hear about Lenny's formative internship at WNBC, rubbing shoulders with Wolfman Jack, Alice Cooper, and even bumping into the not-yet-famous cast of Saturday Night Live in the hallways of NBC. Lenny opens up about his coast-to-coast radio adventures, the characters that shaped him, and the mentors who kept him inspired along the way.He walks us through his time at legendary stations like CBS FM, Sirius Satellite Radio, WDHA in New Jersey, and finally, his current home at Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST. From tales of radio’s heyday through the changing media landscape, Lenny reflects on the magic and challenges of staying true to your roots (and your dreams) in a business that never stops reinventing itself.Lenny's candid, colorful journey is a master class in chasing big breaks, rolling with the times, and always keeping your love for radio alive. Enjoy the laughs, the nostalgia, and a treasure trove of insider tales you won’t hear anywhere else.You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckmeTell us what you think and your favorite episode!