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Circling The Drain

Circling The Drain

By: John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper
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About this listen

Circling The Drain is a show about the current state of the music and radio businesses as well as culture in general! Hosted by John E. Bozeman and Jay Harper along with Jim McCarthy as Co-Host/Executive Producer. John has had a storied career in music and talk radio, most notably as the Executive Producer for the late and legendary Phil Valentine. Jay also has has a long career in radio as Announcer, Play-by-Play, Voice and On-Camera Actor. He was also an Artist Rep for MCA records. Jim McCarthy ALSO has had a tremendous career in radio since 1996 and has since brought his consulting/producing skillset to the podcast world. Circling the Drain is produced by ItsYourShow.co2025 Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Problem with Corporate Radio and Consultants - Stories from the Inside :: Ep 16 Circling The Drain Podcast
    Dec 10 2025

    Join the Circling the Drain crew as they dive into the heart of what's gone wrong with modern corporate radio. In this candid episode, Jay, John and Jim reflect on the loss of local flavor, the rise of consultants with little on-air experience, and how cookie-cutter strategies have changed the industry. Through vivid anecdotes—including infamous consultant run-ins, near-misses on Music Row, and heartfelt stories about legends like Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride—they explore what made radio great and what's being lost in today's era of homogenized programming. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tales, laughter, and honest debate about the future of radio, topped off by listener shout-outs and real talk about what it takes to keep a radio show authentic.


    Timed Highlights:

    - [0:00:00] The problem with corporate radio: Inexperienced program directors and consultants.

    - [0:01:35] Appreciating "superfan" Larry Alderman and audience engagement.

    - [0:02:59] Stories about consultants blocking hit songs and late adoption on radio.

    - [0:07:45] Humor and pushback against consultants' advice in the studio.

    - [0:10:03] Remembering when local flavor defined radio and music scenes.

    - [0:12:55] Discovering "My Toot Toot" and the journey of a song to national acclaim.

    - [0:14:33] The legacy of Charlie Pride and barriers in country music history.

    - [0:16:41] Near-miss with Ronnie Milsap and personal anecdotes from Music Row.

    - [0:21:26] Reflections on aging artists and heartfelt tributes.

    - [0:26:09] Consultants, business coaches, and the rise of “expert” speakers.

    - [0:30:41] The impact of homogenized corporate radio programming.

    - [0:36:19] The pitfalls of instant gratification among newcomers in radio.

    - [0:39:59] The value of spontaneity—and the pitfalls of over-planned radio.

    - [0:44:33] Thanking listeners, shout-outs, and episode wrap-up.


    Follow Johnny B:

    https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman

    Follow Jay Harper:

    https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff

    Follow Jim:

    www.jmvos.com


    Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co

    www.itsyourshow.co

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: A Hall of Confusion :: Ep 15 Circling The Drain Podcast
    Dec 3 2025

    Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the controversial world of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dissecting its questionable inductee choices and glaring omissions.


    [0:00-0:10] Intro: Critique of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's misleading title

    [0:10-0:20] Discussion of unexpected inductees like Whitney Houston

    [0:20-0:35] Drummer's perspective on the Hall's exhibit setup

    [0:35-0:50] List of notable rock artists missing from the Hall of Fame

    [0:50-1:05] Comparison with Country Music Hall of Fame

    [1:05-1:20] Radio industry changes and loss of local music identity

    [1:20-1:35] Detailed breakdown of Hall of Fame induction process

    [1:35-1:50] Personal stories about music legends and rock history

    [1:50-2:00] Closing thoughts on the need for a more authentic rock museum



    Follow Johnny B:

    https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman

    Follow Jay Harper:

    https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff

    Follow Jim:

    www.jmvos.com


    Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co

    www.itsyourshow.co


    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Thanksgiving & Holiday Rewinds: Movies, Music, and Memories :: Ep 14 Circling The Drain
    Nov 26 2025

    Join the Circling the Drain crew for a festive Thanksgiving episode filled with laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of holiday spirit. From debating the best (and worst) Christmas movies and songs, to trading stories about working long shifts during the holidays, the hosts open up about meaningful traditions, family memories, and radio life’s quirks. Listen in for reflections on "It's a Wonderful Life," holiday music pet peeves, behind-the-scenes radio tales, and some lively debates about whether "Die Hard" is truly a Christmas movie. Whether you love classic holiday films or quirky Christmas songs, this episode brings warmth and wit to your holiday season.


    Highlights:

    - [00:00:00] Reflecting on "It's a Wonderful Life" and personal connections to the film

    - [00:02:51] Holiday music gripes: Elvis, Porky Pig, and radio playlist woes

    - [00:04:09] Stories from working Christmas and New Year's shifts in radio

    - [00:07:26] Country radio tales and "smoking with Willie" stories

    - [00:10:00] The Christmas Song Countdown: Least favorite tunes and radio parodies

    - [00:14:04] Holiday movie tropes and poking fun at Hallmark plots

    - [00:17:30] Christmas TV specials and Bing Crosby's surreal team-ups

    - [00:24:02] "Four Christmases" and the reality of family holidays

    - [00:38:13] The ongoing debate: Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?

    - [00:43:40] Family food traditions: Ravioli and homemade noodles on Christmas Eve

    - [00:47:35] Wrapping up with holiday wishes and where to find the show and merch



    Follow Johnny B:

    https://www.facebook.com/john.e.bozeman

    Follow Jay Harper:

    https://www.facebook.com/harperjeff

    Follow Jim:

    www.jmvos.com


    Circling The Drain is produced by It's Your Show dot Co

    www.itsyourshow.co

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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