Radio Split Ranch

Veteran broadcaster Chris Brunner joins me to recount his career arc from college radio and FM album rock to the "Famous 1540" and then on to a long run in the Channel 13 newsroom.  Chris recalls memorable assignments — the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, reporting from El Salvador, the switch to digital production, and his retirement hobby digitizing home movies and creating YouTube content — offering...

I got to sit with an old friend and colleague this month, and I wish we had reconnected sooner. With a long and varied career in broadcasting, from college and regional radio to decades in television news and media production, my guest witnessed the evolution of newsroom technology, the growth of WGNA-FM and WNYT-TV first hand. His transition to teaching, and the legacy he left mentoring students...

To start our 6th year of interviews with broadcasters who shaped the last 60 years of Capital Region radio and television, Tracy Villaume recounts her unexpected path from corporate communications into both mediums. She shares highlights from her years on WGY and The River, community work like The Children's Hospital Radiothon and Pay Less for the Dress, and the friendships that sustained her care...

This month Kelly Lynch shares the story of her Capital Region roots and multifaceted broadcasting career — from TV production and weekend anchoring to radio mornings — balancing family (with another veteran broadcaster), surviving layoffs, and returning to the business on her own terms. We also discuss her transition out of media, and how she unexpectedly discovered another rewarding career.

This month veteran sportscaster Rodger Wyland shares the story of his 40-year career at WNYT and his unexpected start in Altoona at age 15. From his start in Pennsylvania to his move to Albany, his work across TV, radio and print, and his memorable moments covering local teams, Saratoga, and Super Bowls, it's all here. The conversation also reflects on how local media has changed, Rodger’s play-by...

Longtime Capital Region radio veteran Richie Norris is my guest this month. He talks about his Schenectady roots, early inspirations from WABC, and a career spanning stations like 3WD, WTRY, WGNA, and Magic 590. We cover on-air name changes, a massive jingle collection, the changing radio industry and Richie's move into internet radio. Get ready to smile!

Mike Augustyniak talks with me this month about his journey from growing up in Rotterdam to combining a passion for radio with a career in meteorology. Mike recalls early radio memories, pivotal storms that inspired him, internships at WGY and Channel 10, and his rise to work in a major market and for CBS. The episode highlights mentorships, the challenges of local forecasting, the changing media...

Longtime regional broadcaster Walt Adams is my guest this month. We talk about his 40-year radio career from an eight-year-old’s crystal set to major local stations and a beloved community morning show. Walt and I revisit his early days when we first met and the formats he's mastered from country to disco. Along the way we share memorable on-air moments, industry upheavals, charity work, and why l...

Longtime broadcaster Lisa Walker traces her radio career from college station cassettes to work at major stations from coast-to-coast. Lisa shares stories about promotions, music directing, programming, bucket-list stations, and the tough realities of life on air. She also discusses her transition into a whole second career, the changing radio landscape, podcasting and retirement plans, with archi...

On Episode 54 of Radio Split Ranch we sit down with veteran broadcaster Jerry Crouth to trace his life from a humble childhood in Rome, New York to a long career in radio. Jerry discusses his new memoir "Thank You, Mom," memorable moments like appearing on the Match Game, and the family traditions that shaped him. The conversation also covers Jerry’s decades on Saratoga-area radio, the Singing Val...

I engage this month with Marissa, a Capital Region native whose 20+ year radio career spans local favorites and major markets. You'll hear how she overcame shyness, earned dream gigs at FLY92 and Boston stations, and adapted to modern voice-tracking across multiple stations daily. Our conversation covers her start in radio, career highs and sudden cuts, the pandemic pause, recovery after injury, a...

This month's conversation is with a veteran broadcaster who traces his radio career from early inspiration and college radio through stations like WIZN, WQBK, WHRL and WGY to his current role at WEQX. His story  mixes personal anecdotes (including a surprise Howard Stern call and Don Weeks guesting), industry shifts like format flips and layoffs, and his personal reflections on reinvention — endin...

Host Warren Garling interviews Jay Clark about his long radio career, starting as an overnight DJ in the Capital Region and rising to program director roles at major stations including WTRY, WPRO, WTIC, WABC, and KHits. The episode traces Clark’s experiences in the Top 40 wars, format changes (including WABC’s switch to talk), programming and promotion lessons, memorable on-air moments, and his la...

Radio Split Ranch host Warren Garling catches up with Fred Sidoti, tracing his journey from a basement 100 mW pirate station to decades on Albany and Buffalo airwaves under many on‑air names. The episode highlights memorable moments (Apollo 13, moon landing, Beach Boys, concerts and local radiothons), Sidoti’s station  moves and jingle aliases, and his later career as a corporate trainer and commu...

Dive into a captivating conversation with Paul Vandenberg this month. Paul is a notable talk radio host and station owner in the Capital Region. As we kick off the fifth year of this podcast, we explore the evolution of local radio and TV broadcasting in the Northeast, highlighting recent challenges and changes within public broadcasting and commercial radio. Paul reflects on his journey from work...

Welcome to another captivating episode of Radio Split Ranch, where we take a nostalgic journey with Brian and Chrissy, the renowned morning team from WGNA in Albany. They share their roots as local talents, their chemistry developed over years, and how their passion for radio brought them unexpected recognition in the Capital Region. Join us as we delve into their individual backstories, the chall...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Radio Split Ranch! This month it's a conversation with the legendary Gary Locatelli, better known as Uncle Vito from PYX/106. Hear firsthand stories of backstage laughs, memorable on-air moments, and the serendipitous path that led Gary to a cherished career in radio. Discover the magic of radio broadcasting as Gary shares his love for music, creativity, and...

This episode features a captivating conversation with one of the more recent inspirational figures in regional radio, Terry O'Donnell. With a broadcasting career spanning 30 years, Terry shares his journey from starting as a passionate intern to becoming a prominent figure dedicated to keeping the spirit of local radio alive in today's corporate-driven environment. Discover how Terry navigated the...

We take a look into the fascinating world of public broadcasting this month with Chris Wienk. From his early aspirations sparked by Canadian radio stations to his significant contributions in establishing a new voice for non-commercial radio, Chris shares anecdotes from his storied career enlightening listeners about the unique challenges and triumphs of running a successful non-commercial music s...

Welcome to Radio Split Ranch! In this engaging episode, Warren Garling sits down with John Cooper, a legendary figure in Capital Region broadcasting. With nearly 50 years of experience, John shares insights from his incredible journey in radio. From the early days of pretending to be a disc jockey as a child to becoming a staple on PYX/ 106, John reflects on the evolution of radio and its impact o...

Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with John Gray, a celebrated news anchor and beloved storyteller, known for his remarkable 40-year career in the Capital Region. We delve into John's early days in radio, his transition to television journalism, and the various roles he has embraced throughout his career as an author and columnist. Discover personal anecdotes about John's humble begin...

From his early days as a teenage DJ to spot in the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Sean McMaster shares insights into the unforgettable moments and influential figures that have shaped his journey. Sean reflects on his enduring love for radio, the evolving industry landscape, and his deep community connections. Discover how radio magic happens behind the scenes and gain inspiration from...

Welcome to another episode of Radio Split Ranch, where the tables turn as Warren Garling, a seasoned broadcaster with over 50 years behind the microphone, becomes the subject of the interview. Veteran broadcast journalist Diane Donato takes the lead, guiding the conversation about Warren's wide-ranging career. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, they delve into Warren’s journey from his makeshift b...

This month, Joe Reilly's storytelling prowess is on full display. Join us as he shares captivating stories from his early days in radio, his encounters with iconic personalities like Bobby Darin, Johnny Mathis, and Stephen Sondheim, and his humorous experiences at various radio stations. Learn about Joe's journey from humble beginnings in Schenectady to his significant role in shaping the broadcas...

Join us for another engaging episode of Radio Split Ranch, where host Warren Garling takes us on a nostalgic journey through the captivating history of Capital Region broadcasting. This month, Warren sits down with veteran broadcaster Steve Chick, a familiar voice to many who recall his versatile career spanning multiple formats on a single signal. With anecdotes that include early inspirations, u...