Throw away the seatbelts. What I had to un-learn after a long career in network radio.

For more than three decades I spent my working life in network radio news, reading scripts and speaking to the clock. As a journalist covering politics, wars and the financial markets, I had to master the art of the precis — telling compact, compelling stories using a minimum number of carefully chosen words. As a radio news-talk … Continue reading Throw away the seatbelts. What I had to un-learn after a long career in network radio.

“Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.

This is the first of several blogs on making better podcasts. Today: how to be a great guest. The other day I was interviewing a young woman who wanted to work on a podcast project with us. About half of her answers began with the all-too-frequent comment, “that’s a really good question.” I wanted to … Continue reading “Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.

Podcasts: When The Missing Ingredient Is Soul.

If you want to start a podcast, the barriers to entry are low. Good equipment is cheap and there are plenty of smart, simple “how to” guides to get you and your organization in the game. But what most experts and consultants won’t tell you is that to be successful, your podcast needs soul. You … Continue reading Podcasts: When The Missing Ingredient Is Soul.

On podcasting: the small picture

The other day a young man in his 20’s told me something very sad. While he has a strong moral sense and believes in the necessity of profound political change, and would like to do something to make the world a better place, he doesn’t know where to start. My friend sees no connection between … Continue reading On podcasting: the small picture

How Do We Fix It? When Did It Become Cool To Be So Angry?

Why are so many of us so damn angry? Signs of fury are everywhere.  The national mood has darkened and it's doing nothing to improve our democracy. From chaotic scenes last weekend in Las Vegas when Bernie Sanders' supporters threw a hissy fit at the Nevada's Democratic Convention, to Donald Trump's string of outrageous insults, it seems … Continue reading How Do We Fix It? When Did It Become Cool To Be So Angry?

A Brand New Journey: From Network News to Startup

29 years as a network radio news correspondent is enough. The clock has run out on my oath of impartiality. During my time at ABC, and before that at RKO, CNN, the BBC, IRN and LBC, (why are most networks acronyms?) I took that oath seriously, and was lucky enough to be a eyewitness to … Continue reading A Brand New Journey: From Network News to Startup