Chachi Loves Everybody

EPISODE SUMMARY: Gracie award-winning radio host Dana Cortez shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Big Spring, Texas, to becoming the first Latina to lead a nationally syndicated radio show. Her story highlights perseverance, authenticity, and how real-life experiences fuel her success and led her. Plus, insights into her multi-platform presence and charity work.   On this ep...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Humorist, journalist, and actor Mo Rocca shares his inspiring journey through broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of following your passions and cultivating a genuine voice. Discover how his diverse experiences, from children's TV to hosting national programs, shaped his unique perspective in media, journalism, and comedy. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi int...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Chachi interviews the team behind Apple’s #1 fiction podcast "American Afterlife," actress Scarlett Estevez, author Pedro Hoffmeister, and producer/director Bill Stuart, about adapting a novel into an audio drama. Hear concrete takeaways on casting, script adaptation, sound and production choices, and tips for writers, actors, and producers turning prose into immersive audio...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Adam Taylor, President and CEO of APM Music, shares his non-linear career path from chemist and perfumer to producing landmark TV for Lifetime and PBS, co-founding a direct marketing enterprise, and becoming the driving force behind APM Music. He explains how he champions composers, shapes production-music strategy, and builds longevity in media. Expect behind-the-scenes TV storie...

Chachi Loves Everybody is a feel-good, big-conversation podcast about the people who shape our world and the stories that shape them. From radio to music, leadership to life lessons, Chachi brings curiosity, energy, and genuine connection to every conversation. No ego. No gotchas. Just real talk with people doing interesting things. Because at the end of the day… Chachi really does love eve...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Angela Perelli is a radio and podcast talent and life coach with over 30 years of radio experience, including programming at groundbreaking female-targeted radio stations. She shares how her unique skillset allows her to carve her own path and develop top talent.   On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Angela about: Growing up in San Francisco,  and...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Shotgun Tom Kelly is a legendary Southern California broadcaster with experience at iconic stations and several broadcasting awards. He shares his journey from high school announcer to Emmy-winning icon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Shotgun Tom about: Growing up in San Diego and working his first gig as a high...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Dave Ryan is the Marconi-winning host of the Dave Ryan Show. He shares a wealth of stories and advice from his successful radio career in the Twin Cities and beyond. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dave Ryan about: Studying broadcasting at community college in Colorado and feeding goats during his first gig at a religious station. The comedians and perso...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Lesley Visser is the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time. She shares her journey to becoming the first woman to achieve numerous recognitions, the people who helped get her there, and many great stories from along the way. Visser was honored as a Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electro...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Rick Dees is an radio legend, entertainer, comedian. He shares how he created one of the most iconic countdowns in history and redefined what it means to connect with the audience in this hilarious career retrospective. Dees will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electr...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Acclaimed actor Gary Sandy reflects on his remarkable career in television and theater, sharing insights from his TV and Broadway experience including his iconic role as Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati. Sandy will be honored as an LABF Giant of Broadcasting this November. Sandy will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcastin...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Steven Portnoy is a national correspondent for ABC News Radio. He has covered Congress and the White House and served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. He shares his journey to becoming an iconic storyteller and receiving the 2025 Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. On this episode of Chachi Love...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Tim Dukes is the president of Hope Media Group. He shares his radio journey including leadership roles at Jacor, Emmis, Tribune and Clear Channel, and the lessons he learned along the way.  On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Tim Dukes about: Growing up in Louisville, KY, and the host who inspired him to work in radio Exaggerating his credentials to get his...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Deborah Parenti is a broadcasting trailblazer who currently oversees some of the industry’s most respected brands and events, including Radio Ink, Radio + Television Business Report, Forecast, and the Hispanic Radio Conference. She shares stories of how she broke through barriers throughout her career, culminating in her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. On this episode of Ch...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Jeff Warshaw is the Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He returns to the podcast to go behind the scenes of his company’s proposed acquisition of Alpha Media and shares what’s next for his growing company. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about: Fostering a culture of being dedicated to local markets and being a great place to work The imp...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Otto Padrón is a visionary leader who has shaped the media industry across TV, radio, and digital platforms. He is the former President and CEO of Meruelo Media, the fastest-growing minority-owned media company in California. and an Army Ambassador who has programmed Telemundo and Univision. He shares his incredible journey from Cuba, through the military, to becoming a giant of m...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Chris Forgy is President & CEO of Saga Communications and serves on the board of the NAB, the RAB, and the Broadcasters Foundation of America. He shares his radio journey and the many lessons he learned along the way to becoming a Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award honoree. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chris Forgy about: Growing up in...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Chet Buchanan, Emmy-winning host of KLUC’s Chet Buchanan show, discusses the many steps in his radio journey, how he serves his community through charity work, and the advice he’s picked up along the way. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chet Buchanan about: Getting his start volunteering to wash cars at KRKO in Everett, Washington, before debuting on air...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Paige Nienaber, VP of Fun and Games for CPR Promotions, shares the story of his career, and his advice on “The art of getting people to notice you,” AKA promotions. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paige Nienaber about: Braving blizzards while growing up and working in the Twin Cities Starting his radio career at Pepperdine University then landing at KGON...

EPISODE SUMMARY: TJ is the host of the TJ Show which is syndicated on over 75 stations nationwide. He shares his journey from high school radio fan to successful radio host and more. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to TJ about: Becoming obsessed with radio while growing up in New Jersey and working at his first station, WFDU. Getting to intern at Z100 in New York right out...

EPISODE SUMMARY: David Junk is a music executive who lived in Russia for 15 years working to fight piracy and grow the legitimate music industry there. He is joined by author Fred Bronson who cowrote Rockin' the Kremlin with David. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to David Junk and Fred Bronson about: Growing up in Ohio during the Cold War and listening to rock radio to dist...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Al Roker is the award-winning weather and feature anchor of The Today show on NBC News as well as a best-selling author, radio host, and Broadway star. Roker reflects on the challenges and excitement of working in broadcasting throughout his legendary career.  Roker will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation a...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Patsy Smullin is the owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting as well as the host of the successful TV interview series Up Close and Personal. She shares her insights on leadership, family dynamics, philanthropy and the changing media landscape. Smullin will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation a...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Mike McVay is a 40+ year radio veteran with expertise spanning content creation broadcasting, network syndication, talent coaching, artist development, and media strategy design. He has held numerous roles including EVP of Cumulus and Westwood One and is the President of McVay Media Consulting. McVay shares the story of his legendary career.  McVay will be among those honored this...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Steve Jones is the multi-award-winning President and CEO of Skyview Media. He shares his lifelong passion for news and his journey to become a Giant of Broadcasting. Jones will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12...