Straight From the Mouth

years later at WTIC-FM. We both quit that in 1993 and didn't reconnect until LA in 1995.

Then you came to Atlanta. Things went well -- a couple of detours --then after a spell between gigs you came back briefly to WGST-AM to do talk? Deep down, is issues-oriented talk something you'd like to eventually do?

Yes, for one month. Deep down, I like doing what I'm doing. Eric has more of an appetite, for that kind of talk, but I think it's a losing career play. Southside Steve and Tim Andrews have zero interest. To be the 8th host in a market talking about the debt ceiling is a low percentage shot, IMO. We have news discussion within the show and we are very clear in our opinions, but it's always in the context of the overall theme of the show which is: "Why do people behave the way they do? Let's break nomics as opposed to a political show if you had to label it. Economics is, put simply, the study of how people respond to incentives and disincentives. That's the good stuff that listeners can relate to because it's very real and personal.

So much of FM life-style oriented shows like yours are indeed talk shows, but why aren't they always recognized as such?

Doesn't matter. If you're talking on the radio and playing no music for 3-4 hours, you're a talk show host, and need no further validation from self-anointed gurus.

When you and Eric finally returned as the Regular Guys, you joked 'You made more money sitting at home than what you were paid to come back.' Is it safe to say you're back in full stride and enjoying great ratings again?

Yes and no. The show is great and on target but, we're currently on a station in bad need of content marketing/ signal upgrade to be competitive, and it's kind of dampening our numbers, but I have every reason to believe this is being addressed as we speak. Big radio is slow to respond to the needs of the listener, unless there's a storm or something, then they are good at it.

Rock stations seem to be being flipped more and more to talk, or

here?

Because audiences are asking stations, "The Internet's got this. What do you have? Music? That's it?" It's the whole fallout from last decade when radio owners convinced themselves that sales people could also program. They can't...and most can't sell, either. I think it's comical how the future of FM has become, in some cases, the home of AM programming. Come on, folks. You're not trying! Step away from the HD Radio and Groupon-style knockoffs. Figure out how to monetize the podcasts that cannibalize your PPM numbers. Do something!

Do you think music radio in its current configuration is an endangered specie?

I hope so. More slots for talk hosts.

How would you rate the overall state of terrestrial radio?

If you have to ask, it's probably bad. Radio is still making money, but losing cultural ground. D+

So much of morning radio has changed. Is it just me, or has the concept of "The Bit" evolved into more emphasis on hot topics, celebrity interviews or pop culture?

The approach to morning radio has changed as has the culture that influenced the performers has changed. If you grew up listening to fast talking DJs, then that's what you're likely to emulate. The younger morning performers of today have grown up with more choices, more depth, and more insight into how show business really works, and their approach to material will emulate that culture.

Want to go back to New York for a minute. You were just starting when Howard Stern began to ignite in NYC. Did his style influence yours as a young personality in New York?

Of course. What I liked most about him was not what he said but how. He has a very seductive and sexy speech pattern. I like his pacing and relentless interview style.

Who would you say are the top three radio shows of all time?

Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, The Goldbergs

Anyone's show you like to listen to via streaming?

No. I like to listen to audio media in the car, but I don't like fiddling with internet streams while driving. Too much of a hassle and it interferes with my texting. (Smiley)

How about you and Eric. What do you and he agree and disagree on most?

We agree most to disagree. We disagree about everything else.

Ever had an in-studio meltdown where one or the other stormed out?

Yep. Plenty.

How about studio guests? Is there someone who'll never make a return visit?

Just the dead ones. We never say never to a good guest op.'

It was interesting to see how all the Presidential candidates, particularly Obama, started showing up on more FM Morning shows last campaign around. I'm guessing he and others be back next year. Plus, most FM Morning jocks wouldn't take it too political. Any calls from the President into TRG?

We must have missed that trend. No one called us. Don't know what the problem is. I don't know if I'd take the call. It's very tempting and seductive to do so, of course. He's the president and he's polarizing on a variety of levels. But the only person who really gets any satisfaction from that call are the hosts. Kinda narcissistic. Do you think the President brags about being on the Tom Joyner Show? I think it's the other way around. Is Tom Joyner aware that the president uses him? I don't think he is.

Okay, we'll finish with a fantasy question: You're visiting a small town and a station owner begs you to do a three hour show; no commercials, you pick the format, say whatever you want, just don't cost him his license. What would be your fantasy format for 3 hours?

Oooh. Fantasy! I'd say working for free for a small time owner who plays on your ego to get you in the door is not my idea of fantasy. So, in this case my fantasy format would have to be three hours of dead air. Don, if this is one of your fantasies, please reveal your others. This could get far more interesting than what we're up to over here.