Aircheck: Radio Stories

The Philadelphia Concert Promoter Who Continued to Pull Off The Incredible!

Legendary Philadelphia Concert Promoter Larry Magid shares captivating stories from his early days booking bands for Temple University frat parties, his time working with the biggest talent agency of the '60s, to founding Electric Factory and making it a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s music scene.We revisit iconic moments like the 1969 Atlantic City Pop Festival, which took place just weeks before Woodstock.  Larry’s pivotal role in booking Bruce Springsteen for four sold-out shows at the Tower Theater, and his behind-the-scenes perspective on producing Live Aid and Live 8 in Philadelphia, two historic event that raised global social consciousness and marked a turning point for the music industry.Larry also reveals the extraordinary efforts he made to bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Philadelphia, and why it slipped away to Cleveland instead. Through anecdotes about famous artists, the city’s rich radio legacy, and his passion for mentoring the next generation, Larry's reflection on the teamwork, luck, and vision required to shape Philadelphia into a music powerhouse produced a book:Purchase the book here: The Philadelphia Music Book:  Sounds of a CityProceeds benefit The Philadelphia Music Alliance 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!

Rob Barnett Got the Rolling Stones to Perform for 300 People | He Can Help Find Your Next Job.

Legendary media executive and headhunter Rob Barnett takes us on his journey through the wild, unpredictable world of radio and television, that included being tasked with replacing Howard Stern on CBS Radio.  A challenge that would become one of the most talked-about moments in broadcasting. But not to be upstaged by his earliest achievement, when he convinced the Rolling Stones to play a secret show for 300 WAAF listeners in Boston back in 1981.The episode explores Rob Barnett’s evolution, from major programming roles to trailblazing online video networks like MTV, VH-1, and My Damn Channel.  He reveals big risks that lead to iconic moments.  And how his own career pivot created a compassionate career coaching platform and executive job search for media professionals. If you’ve been “on the beach” without a job, Rob Barnett breaks down the frustrations of the modern job hunt, shares practical tips from his book Next Job Best Job and website NextJobBestJob.com, and gives real advice on standing out in today’s changing media landscape.Here's how you can find your next job:  https://nextjobbestjob.comHere's how you can hire Rob 1 on 1:  https://robbarnettmedia.comHere's where you can buy the book:  NextJobBestJob/AmazonRob's email:  rob@robbarnettmedia.comYou 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!

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!

Music Saved His Life as a Teen—Now He Uses It to Help Others on Air

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!