September 28, 2024 • 19 mins
Kelly Ford is making waves as the newly named Music Director and afternoon host at 103.1 The Wolf on Long Island and continues to connect with listeners across the country as host of the nationally syndicated Backstage Country. Known for her warm, authentic style, Kelly has built a remarkable career in country radio, beginning with a 20-year run at Denver’s legendary KYGO, which cemented her status as one of the top voices in the format.
With accolades including three CMA Awards, three Gracie Awards, an ACM Award, and the prestigious Marconi Award, Kelly’s legacy speaks for itself. In this episode, she shares insights from her journey from launching the original NASH FM in New York City to hosting the nationally syndicated *America’s Morning Show* and beyond.
In this episode, hear Kelly’s take on staying adaptable, mastering the art of storytelling, and building lasting relationships with guests and audiences. Kelly also reflects on the rapidly evolving media landscape and offers practical advice on enhancing your social media presence and personal branding to stay ahead of the ever-evolving media curve, today and tomorrow.
One Minute Martinizing by David Martin
Please help us thank these BRANDwidth on Demand supporters:
Get the FREE BRANDwidth newsletter
Mentioned in this episode:
visit: www.throwbacknation.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kelly (00:00):
I don't think there's winging it anymore in radio.
I feel like part of what I pride myselfon as a human is reading the room.
Very smart.
I know when to shut the F up.
VO (00:11):
Brandwidth On Demand.
Rebooting radio with a differenttake on all radio can be.
Kelly (00:18):
This is why I love radio still.
And local radio.
Like the world is looking for connection.
Now more than ever.
And I think that's why I'mexcited to take the job in Long
Island to build community again.
To build those things Isaid I valued personally,
community stability and growth.
Those are my three bigcore values right now.
And to be able to build thatcommunity is everything.
VO (00:41):
Now your guides through the mediamorphosis.
David Martin and author of the book BrandWith, media branding coach Kipper McGee.
Dave (00:50):
With a dynamic career that has spanned some of country's top
radio markets, this radio personalityhas carved out a remarkable place
in country music broadcasting.
She began by making a name forherself at Denver's KYGO FM, legendary
station, where she became one of themost recognized voices in the format.
(01:10):
That long standing success setthe stage for New York City.
where she helped launchthe original Nash FM.
As a co host of the nationallysyndicated America's Morning Show
with Ty, Kelly, and Chuck, she quicklyconnected with a network audience and
further solidified her reputation,bringing warmth, authenticity, and
her engaging style coast to coast.
(01:32):
Her talent and dedication has beenrecognized with multiple awards, including
three Gracies, three CMAs, wait, anACM, and the prestigious Marconi Award.
And she's just getting started.
Today she continues to share her passionfor country music as the host of the
syndicated show Backstage Countryand now Back to the New York Market.
(01:54):
This afternoon host of The Wolf 103.
1 in Long Island, Bramwood On Demandproudly welcomes back theee Kelly Ford.
Kelly (02:05):
I want Dave to follow me around in the grocery and be my hype guy.
Like, do you know who she is?
Kipper (02:11):
Happy to do it.
So for starters, Cal, anyadventures since Oh my
Kelly (02:16):
gosh, any adventures?
Didn't I talk to you before I leftNashville, New York to do mornings?
VO (02:23):
Yeah, that
Kelly (02:24):
was the best adventure of my most growth experience in my whole life
because I never hosted a show before.
So to host a morning show and thebiggest media market in the world
was a blast and I learned a ton and.
Both professionally and personally.
And then the station went away.
Flipped in almost three years to the date.
And guys, it's been quitethe ride since then.
(02:47):
Yeah.
I haven't been on a dailybroadcast shows until now.
A real time of reflection and Lookingat the business and I don't think I
was gonna take another, uh, tough toget a job in Nashville, to be honest.
Did a lot of different things andhad time to think about, like, people
would always say to me in the pastyear or so what's your dream job?
(03:09):
And I go, you know what?
I don't work that way anymore.
And I'm not working on dream jobs.
Cause I think with three kids andtrying to do all that all those
years, I was like now I just wantto look at what I value, right?
What do I value?
What do I want out of life?
Now that the kids are mostly grown.
Massive therapy with me being theirmother, but they're mostly grown.
(03:29):
But yeah, so I was like to slowdown and be able to do that.
, I just feel really calm, calmer thanI've ever felt and more informed
to go in into this experience.
Like, yeah, I know what I love aboutthis and I know what I don't love.
And for people right now in broadcastingwho have jobs in all of media, right?
I'm in Nashville, tough to evenget a label jobs for people, right?
(03:53):
Labels, all of media, radio,television, all of media is changing
so exponentially that to have a job.
I remember saying this rightbefore I left New York and I
didn't even know what was coming.
. It's a business that most people arestill doing because they love it.
And we were talking, I wassaying, you know what, we don't
have just one in a million jobs.
(04:15):
We have like one in 10 millionjobs at this point to be on the
air and to find the gratitudeabout that, but also, take care of
yourself, take care of your family.
So I definitely come back tothis with a more informed.
opinion about what I want outof not just radio, but life.
(04:35):
So I know and love and understand the NewYork country listener and appreciate them
because they are listeners who numberone, I grew up in Kentucky, worked in
Nashville, Colorado, very, very country.
As you mentioned, KYGO was always.
Top five, just a behemoth and when yougrow up in areas where a country's part
(04:58):
of the soundtrack up here, it's not.
So they don't take it for granted andthey most likely choose it and they
then defend it like a New Yorker.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I like luke Bryan.
So it's been fun.
Like a bunch of artists called in lastweek to just acknowledge the station,
acknowledge me, which was really cool.
(05:19):
And what people say over and over againis that maybe Country listeners or radio
people in the other parts of the countrydon't understand is that it is next
level listener here of country that isVery passionate because again, they're
choosing it and they're defending it.
Kipper (05:36):
Yeah,
Kelly (05:37):
that's my life
Dave (05:39):
Well between your local and national assignments, you've dealt
with a lot of high profile guests.
I mean just talking about themHow do you prepare for that?
What's your secret topreparing for celebrities?
and The care and feeding of thosefolks, and does it differ from your
local and network shows at all?
Kelly (05:55):
I think, and not to be Pollyanna, but my approach to all of radio has
always been the same and even more strongnow that I've always done this job.
I probably mentioned this to you guyslast time we talked, because it's
about relationships, like the factthat you guys called me back and that
we're part of this broadcasting family,like that's what fuels me in this job.
So.
(06:16):
That's part of theanswer to your question.
The other part is the backstage country.
We tape in one sitting per artist.
And it's really a cool show becauseit's like you get an A list artist.
Here's me plugging, like I'm sellingit or something, but I'm just the
talent JTT, but it's kind of coolcause the artist is the host.
(06:38):
So I feel like for me, I'vealways been more of a personality
than a jock and a host.
So it's always been my job tomake other people shine, right?
And with that though, like, I'm goingback to, I'll be going back from
Forth to Nashville, I'm going backWednesday and Thursday to interview
Lainey Wilson and Keith Urban.
And they will be, hey, it's Lainey Wilson,your host this week on Backstage Country.
(07:02):
We 45 minutes to an hour to get 20,20, basically 20 hours of content.
That's So, obviously it's not full20 hours, but in that case, I write a
script and I try to get inside the headof the person for all of our intros,
all of our show opens, all of our show,because we have to be really efficient.
And then we also have to getreally great content, though.
(07:26):
I don't think there'swinging it anymore in radio.
I think you do have to be wildlyprepared and then you have to read
just like you guys prepared for this.
You have to read the personality.
You kind of get to know.
And the beauty of still doinglocal radio, too, is you meet
them as they're coming up.
And when you meet them as they'recoming up, they never forget you, right?
(07:48):
So, artists are really different.
I'm not going to do some goofy game.
Like, I'm not going toput them in that position.
I feel like part of my, what I pridemyself on as a human is reading the room.
Very smart.
I know when to shut the F up , andI know, you know what I mean?
And I know when to be like, andit's partially because I wanna be
(08:09):
respectful and I hope people are of me.
Like I don't wanna come in hotif somebody's got social anxiety.
And a great example is Ijust interviewed Jelly Roll.
Like we had a blast.
I only met him one other time, buthe's one of those megastar because
I think he does the same thing.
We laughed, he gave me endlessgrief, which I love but, you
(08:31):
know, he just kept saying, Areyou gonna let me host this show?
I go, please.
Are you, do you think they're firstman who's ever said that to me?
Um, but yeah.
So I think it's readingpeople and listening, right?
Because it's through listening that youget to get a better secondary question,
or you get to play off somethingthat does create magic, but a lot of
(08:51):
broadcasters listening to this, youcan't rely on winging it to find magic.
What you want is great content nomatter what, and then if you're
prepared it leaves you much moreroom for the success of magic.
But if you don't get it, well that'sokay because you got decent, good
content that you know you have.
But if you're listening and youfind a way to go, Oh my gosh, did he
(09:13):
just say he still plays Pokemon Go?
Oh, we're going to talk about that.
Are you going to try tostill catch them all?
I think they've all been caught, dude.
Kipper (09:24):
Well, speaking of that, I guess that leads to the question,
how do you stay relevant and freshin an industry that's changing
constantly with formats, stations,technology, and particularly for you.
Balancing the demands of asyndicated show, local show, and
your podcasts and everything else.
How do you do it?
(09:44):
I
Kelly (09:45):
don't think no matter what your age, you have room
to say you won't do something.
And for anybody listening who'snot on board with socials . I don't
know why I've always loved socials.
Cause I do think it's a way to letaudience and people see you in a
different way, in a more real way,just like the artists are using it.
Right.
(10:05):
We're all our own brands and wehave to get people to root for us.
We have to just be ourselves.
And so I don't know about that.
I will edit.
I love reels.
I love that, but it just there'sno room for saying you're
not going to do something.
There's a room for sayingI'm not that great at that.
That might not be the best useof my bandwidth, but I'll do it.
Dave (10:29):
What strategies do you use to create a connection with listeners?
Kelly (10:33):
Um, dude, I don't know.
I just be me.
And because what I have found is be kind,like this is why I love radio still and
local radio, like the world's lookingfor connection now more than ever.
And I think that's what I am excitedto take the job in long Island to build
community again, to build like thosethings I said, I valued personally,
(10:56):
community, stability and growth.
Those are my three.
Big core values right now.
And to be able to build thatcommunity is everything.
So you just try to be you without makingit all about you and just make people
feel like they're part of something.
Cause if you think about us, evenindividually, like we all want
to be part of something, right?
(11:16):
We like being part of thebroadcasting community.
So I hope that answers thequestion, I don't know...
Dave (11:21):
No, it does.
Yeah.
Yeah, it does.
Kipper (11:23):
Absolutely.
So flipping the script just a little bit,being back on top, you're in Long Island,
New York DMA, and you got a network show,but thinking back to when you were first
dreaming about getting into the businessand your first couple of jobs, now, today,
what do you think young broadcastersreally should be focusing on skill-wise to
(11:48):
be a viable candidate in a business likeyou said, that's got a one in 10 million
chance of getting a current job, now?
Kelly (11:56):
Well, I think you need to make peace with you're more
than a broadcaster, right?
You are building your brand.
And so to be.
It's so easy.
I remember when I was younger,people say, Oh, just be yourself.
And that seems like the easiestthing in the world but it's not.
So like figuring out what you value andwho you are early on is pretty great.
(12:18):
And I meet so many young people thathave that down, which is amazing.
And remember at the end of the day, nomatter what we're doing, creatives in
radio, television, your online presence,It's all about the art of storytelling.
And so if I had one big piece ofadvice besides hanging in there
and being tenacious and findingallies and finding supporters.
(12:42):
That was all the samething in that one thing.
It's the importance of storytelling andlearning how to be a good storyteller.
And I think finding the people youadmire to watch as far as storytelling.
And back when I very first started out,this was back in the good old days when
they had news people on morning shows.
And I was a news person and I alwayswanted to tell stories with audio.
(13:08):
I'm sitting here editingas we speak, Dan and Shay.
Our first Jones Beach concert was lastweekend or Saturday and it's Monday.
And I'm editing sound from listeners.
And I'm just saying why they loveDan and Shay, getting them to
sing along to a Dan and Shay song.
People want to hear themselves on the air.
So that's, to me, there's nobetter storytelling than people,
(13:30):
letting people tell their story.
And that, coincidentally, alsobuilds community, also builds all
the things we've been talking about.
So, I think storytelling and tenacity.
And finding allies, those would be thetop three for me as far as like, no
matter what you're doing, because again,no one's just doing radio anymore.
No one's just doing television.
(13:51):
No one's just doing online.
It's all part of being a tourde force as far as your presence
and knowing who you are.
That was a lot of extra things.
Sorry.
That wasn't very good storytelling.
Kipper (14:05):
You did great.
Dave (14:06):
We are with the award winning afternoon star and network co hosts.
Let me some backstage country.
The Kelly Ford knows someone who'dbe perfect for this show or have
a topic you'd like to suggest.
Well, let us know, emailyour suggestions to show.
At Brandwidth On Demand.
(14:27):
Com or hit us up on socials brand withplus on Instagram, Facebook, and X that's
brand with P L U S brand with plus.
Kipper (14:39):
And if you're new to the podcast, we are so glad you're here.
Welcome and be sure to hit the followbutton wherever you get those podcasts.
And if you've been with us a while,please be sure to tell a friend.
So we hope you keep following, keepsharing, and let's keep pushing the
boundaries of what really is possiblein the next iteration of audio
Dave (15:03):
coming up, theee Kelly Ford shares her thoughts on mentors and.
Taking advice.
Spot 1 (www.Musicmaster.com) (15:14):
Musicmaster presents Real Music Master Pros.
Real Music Master Pros.
Here's to you, Mr.
I Make A Database Backup Every Week Guy.
Mr.
I Make A Database Backup Every Week Guy.
You've heard the horror stories before.
No, no, no, that's not gonna happen to me.
Every week you think I'll make abackup next week because I'm in a rush,
(15:37):
but then you stop and do it anyway.
You're a lazy sailor.
Music Directorship, Solar Flares, EMPs,Ransomware, Lightning Strikes, they
bow before your shield of discipline.
They're all just like, wow, just wow.
So even though nobody else will, patyourself on the back, because when the
(15:58):
world comes crashing down, you'll be theresmiling with a terabyte of radio beauty.
Good stuff, Mr.
Musicmaster Pro.
Details at musicmaster.
com.
Imagine having your own prep team.
Working nonstop, a producer pickingthe best content, a copywriter making
every story hit home, and a marketerfinding new ways to grow your audience.
(16:24):
All while a digital team keeps your feedsfresh with posts, updates, and videos.
What if these pros were available24 7, market exclusive, and
affordable for your radio station?
Power up your content before thecompetition does with Radio Content Pro.
(16:44):
See the demo in action.
Just scroll down the shownotes or visit radiocontentpro.
com slash brandwidth.
VO (16:51):
The stuff we know now, we wish we'd known then.
Brandwidth on Demand.
Dave (16:59):
We're with thee Kelly Ford, afternoon host at The Wolf 101.
3 Long Island.
And the nationallysyndicated backstage country.
Kelly, what role did mentorshipplay in your career and what's the
best advice that you've ever gotten?
Kelly (17:15):
Oh, wow.
You know what?
I've asked that question and I hate it.
Why are you talking about that?
What?
What's the best advice?
Never take advice.
No.
I would say, uh, but I do know so manypeople along the way have given me advice.
And probably the kind of amalgamationof that is some of the advice I've given
(17:39):
out today, like, learn how to pivot,be adaptable be tenacious, don't take
anything personally I think those areall things that play into who I am and
probably and I want to thank anyone whohas given me advice along the way because
I know they have and they're probablylike, why doesn't she remember that?
That would be the adviceone of you needs to give me.
Write this stuff down
Kipper (18:03):
For your book Kelly for your book,
Dave (18:05):
yeah
Our thanks to an original Kipper.
She is amazing.
Thee
Kelly Ford.
We have links to her shows, podcasts,socials, and more all in the show notes.
Just scroll down on your phone.
Kipper (18:19):
With a country star only fitting, our cowboy hats are off
to exec producer Cindy Huber.
For putting everything together andour associate producer Hannah B for
booking, the voices we all learn from.
Dave (18:32):
That's a wrap, kipper all the hard work really don't mean
a lot unless you're consistent.
Consistency is the subject ofthe new one minute mark nuts.
Find it in the show notesat Bran with on demand.com.
I'm Dave Martin.
Kipper (18:47):
And I'm Kipper McGee.
May all your BRANDwidth be wide.
I don't think there's winging it anymore in radio.
I feel like part of what I pride myselfon as a human is reading the room.
Very smart.
I know when to shut the F up.
VO (00:11):
Brandwidth On Demand.
Rebooting radio with a differenttake on all radio can be.
Kelly (00:18):
This is why I love radio still.
And local radio.
Like the world is looking for connection.
Now more than ever.
And I think that's why I'mexcited to take the job in Long
Island to build community again.
To build those things Isaid I valued personally,
community stability and growth.
Those are my three bigcore values right now.
And to be able to build thatcommunity is everything.
VO (00:41):
Now your guides through the mediamorphosis.
David Martin and author of the book BrandWith, media branding coach Kipper McGee.
Dave (00:50):
With a dynamic career that has spanned some of country's top
radio markets, this radio personalityhas carved out a remarkable place
in country music broadcasting.
She began by making a name forherself at Denver's KYGO FM, legendary
station, where she became one of themost recognized voices in the format.
(01:10):
That long standing success setthe stage for New York City.
where she helped launchthe original Nash FM.
As a co host of the nationallysyndicated America's Morning Show
with Ty, Kelly, and Chuck, she quicklyconnected with a network audience and
further solidified her reputation,bringing warmth, authenticity, and
her engaging style coast to coast.
(01:32):
Her talent and dedication has beenrecognized with multiple awards, including
three Gracies, three CMAs, wait, anACM, and the prestigious Marconi Award.
And she's just getting started.
Today she continues to share her passionfor country music as the host of the
syndicated show Backstage Countryand now Back to the New York Market.
(01:54):
This afternoon host of The Wolf 103.
1 in Long Island, Bramwood On Demandproudly welcomes back theee Kelly Ford.
Kelly (02:05):
I want Dave to follow me around in the grocery and be my hype guy.
Like, do you know who she is?
Kipper (02:11):
Happy to do it.
So for starters, Cal, anyadventures since Oh my
Kelly (02:16):
gosh, any adventures?
Didn't I talk to you before I leftNashville, New York to do mornings?
VO (02:23):
Yeah, that
Kelly (02:24):
was the best adventure of my most growth experience in my whole life
because I never hosted a show before.
So to host a morning show and thebiggest media market in the world
was a blast and I learned a ton and.
Both professionally and personally.
And then the station went away.
Flipped in almost three years to the date.
And guys, it's been quitethe ride since then.
(02:47):
Yeah.
I haven't been on a dailybroadcast shows until now.
A real time of reflection and Lookingat the business and I don't think I
was gonna take another, uh, tough toget a job in Nashville, to be honest.
Did a lot of different things andhad time to think about, like, people
would always say to me in the pastyear or so what's your dream job?
(03:09):
And I go, you know what?
I don't work that way anymore.
And I'm not working on dream jobs.
Cause I think with three kids andtrying to do all that all those
years, I was like now I just wantto look at what I value, right?
What do I value?
What do I want out of life?
Now that the kids are mostly grown.
Massive therapy with me being theirmother, but they're mostly grown.
(03:29):
But yeah, so I was like to slowdown and be able to do that.
, I just feel really calm, calmer thanI've ever felt and more informed
to go in into this experience.
Like, yeah, I know what I love aboutthis and I know what I don't love.
And for people right now in broadcastingwho have jobs in all of media, right?
I'm in Nashville, tough to evenget a label jobs for people, right?
(03:53):
Labels, all of media, radio,television, all of media is changing
so exponentially that to have a job.
I remember saying this rightbefore I left New York and I
didn't even know what was coming.
. It's a business that most people arestill doing because they love it.
And we were talking, I wassaying, you know what, we don't
have just one in a million jobs.
(04:15):
We have like one in 10 millionjobs at this point to be on the
air and to find the gratitudeabout that, but also, take care of
yourself, take care of your family.
So I definitely come back tothis with a more informed.
opinion about what I want outof not just radio, but life.
(04:35):
So I know and love and understand the NewYork country listener and appreciate them
because they are listeners who numberone, I grew up in Kentucky, worked in
Nashville, Colorado, very, very country.
As you mentioned, KYGO was always.
Top five, just a behemoth and when yougrow up in areas where a country's part
(04:58):
of the soundtrack up here, it's not.
So they don't take it for granted andthey most likely choose it and they
then defend it like a New Yorker.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I like luke Bryan.
So it's been fun.
Like a bunch of artists called in lastweek to just acknowledge the station,
acknowledge me, which was really cool.
(05:19):
And what people say over and over againis that maybe Country listeners or radio
people in the other parts of the countrydon't understand is that it is next
level listener here of country that isVery passionate because again, they're
choosing it and they're defending it.
Kipper (05:36):
Yeah,
Kelly (05:37):
that's my life
Dave (05:39):
Well between your local and national assignments, you've dealt
with a lot of high profile guests.
I mean just talking about themHow do you prepare for that?
What's your secret topreparing for celebrities?
and The care and feeding of thosefolks, and does it differ from your
local and network shows at all?
Kelly (05:55):
I think, and not to be Pollyanna, but my approach to all of radio has
always been the same and even more strongnow that I've always done this job.
I probably mentioned this to you guyslast time we talked, because it's
about relationships, like the factthat you guys called me back and that
we're part of this broadcasting family,like that's what fuels me in this job.
So.
(06:16):
That's part of theanswer to your question.
The other part is the backstage country.
We tape in one sitting per artist.
And it's really a cool show becauseit's like you get an A list artist.
Here's me plugging, like I'm sellingit or something, but I'm just the
talent JTT, but it's kind of coolcause the artist is the host.
(06:38):
So I feel like for me, I'vealways been more of a personality
than a jock and a host.
So it's always been my job tomake other people shine, right?
And with that though, like, I'm goingback to, I'll be going back from
Forth to Nashville, I'm going backWednesday and Thursday to interview
Lainey Wilson and Keith Urban.
And they will be, hey, it's Lainey Wilson,your host this week on Backstage Country.
(07:02):
We 45 minutes to an hour to get 20,20, basically 20 hours of content.
That's So, obviously it's not full20 hours, but in that case, I write a
script and I try to get inside the headof the person for all of our intros,
all of our show opens, all of our show,because we have to be really efficient.
And then we also have to getreally great content, though.
(07:26):
I don't think there'swinging it anymore in radio.
I think you do have to be wildlyprepared and then you have to read
just like you guys prepared for this.
You have to read the personality.
You kind of get to know.
And the beauty of still doinglocal radio, too, is you meet
them as they're coming up.
And when you meet them as they'recoming up, they never forget you, right?
(07:48):
So, artists are really different.
I'm not going to do some goofy game.
Like, I'm not going toput them in that position.
I feel like part of my, what I pridemyself on as a human is reading the room.
Very smart.
I know when to shut the F up , andI know, you know what I mean?
And I know when to be like, andit's partially because I wanna be
(08:09):
respectful and I hope people are of me.
Like I don't wanna come in hotif somebody's got social anxiety.
And a great example is Ijust interviewed Jelly Roll.
Like we had a blast.
I only met him one other time, buthe's one of those megastar because
I think he does the same thing.
We laughed, he gave me endlessgrief, which I love but, you
(08:31):
know, he just kept saying, Areyou gonna let me host this show?
I go, please.
Are you, do you think they're firstman who's ever said that to me?
Um, but yeah.
So I think it's readingpeople and listening, right?
Because it's through listening that youget to get a better secondary question,
or you get to play off somethingthat does create magic, but a lot of
(08:51):
broadcasters listening to this, youcan't rely on winging it to find magic.
What you want is great content nomatter what, and then if you're
prepared it leaves you much moreroom for the success of magic.
But if you don't get it, well that'sokay because you got decent, good
content that you know you have.
But if you're listening and youfind a way to go, Oh my gosh, did he
(09:13):
just say he still plays Pokemon Go?
Oh, we're going to talk about that.
Are you going to try tostill catch them all?
I think they've all been caught, dude.
Kipper (09:24):
Well, speaking of that, I guess that leads to the question,
how do you stay relevant and freshin an industry that's changing
constantly with formats, stations,technology, and particularly for you.
Balancing the demands of asyndicated show, local show, and
your podcasts and everything else.
How do you do it?
(09:44):
I
Kelly (09:45):
don't think no matter what your age, you have room
to say you won't do something.
And for anybody listening who'snot on board with socials . I don't
know why I've always loved socials.
Cause I do think it's a way to letaudience and people see you in a
different way, in a more real way,just like the artists are using it.
Right.
(10:05):
We're all our own brands and wehave to get people to root for us.
We have to just be ourselves.
And so I don't know about that.
I will edit.
I love reels.
I love that, but it just there'sno room for saying you're
not going to do something.
There's a room for sayingI'm not that great at that.
That might not be the best useof my bandwidth, but I'll do it.
Dave (10:29):
What strategies do you use to create a connection with listeners?
Kelly (10:33):
Um, dude, I don't know.
I just be me.
And because what I have found is be kind,like this is why I love radio still and
local radio, like the world's lookingfor connection now more than ever.
And I think that's what I am excitedto take the job in long Island to build
community again, to build like thosethings I said, I valued personally,
(10:56):
community, stability and growth.
Those are my three.
Big core values right now.
And to be able to build thatcommunity is everything.
So you just try to be you without makingit all about you and just make people
feel like they're part of something.
Cause if you think about us, evenindividually, like we all want
to be part of something, right?
(11:16):
We like being part of thebroadcasting community.
So I hope that answers thequestion, I don't know...
Dave (11:21):
No, it does.
Yeah.
Yeah, it does.
Kipper (11:23):
Absolutely.
So flipping the script just a little bit,being back on top, you're in Long Island,
New York DMA, and you got a network show,but thinking back to when you were first
dreaming about getting into the businessand your first couple of jobs, now, today,
what do you think young broadcastersreally should be focusing on skill-wise to
(11:48):
be a viable candidate in a business likeyou said, that's got a one in 10 million
chance of getting a current job, now?
Kelly (11:56):
Well, I think you need to make peace with you're more
than a broadcaster, right?
You are building your brand.
And so to be.
It's so easy.
I remember when I was younger,people say, Oh, just be yourself.
And that seems like the easiestthing in the world but it's not.
So like figuring out what you value andwho you are early on is pretty great.
(12:18):
And I meet so many young people thathave that down, which is amazing.
And remember at the end of the day, nomatter what we're doing, creatives in
radio, television, your online presence,It's all about the art of storytelling.
And so if I had one big piece ofadvice besides hanging in there
and being tenacious and findingallies and finding supporters.
(12:42):
That was all the samething in that one thing.
It's the importance of storytelling andlearning how to be a good storyteller.
And I think finding the people youadmire to watch as far as storytelling.
And back when I very first started out,this was back in the good old days when
they had news people on morning shows.
And I was a news person and I alwayswanted to tell stories with audio.
(13:08):
I'm sitting here editingas we speak, Dan and Shay.
Our first Jones Beach concert was lastweekend or Saturday and it's Monday.
And I'm editing sound from listeners.
And I'm just saying why they loveDan and Shay, getting them to
sing along to a Dan and Shay song.
People want to hear themselves on the air.
So that's, to me, there's nobetter storytelling than people,
(13:30):
letting people tell their story.
And that, coincidentally, alsobuilds community, also builds all
the things we've been talking about.
So, I think storytelling and tenacity.
And finding allies, those would be thetop three for me as far as like, no
matter what you're doing, because again,no one's just doing radio anymore.
No one's just doing television.
(13:51):
No one's just doing online.
It's all part of being a tourde force as far as your presence
and knowing who you are.
That was a lot of extra things.
Sorry.
That wasn't very good storytelling.
Kipper (14:05):
You did great.
Dave (14:06):
We are with the award winning afternoon star and network co hosts.
Let me some backstage country.
The Kelly Ford knows someone who'dbe perfect for this show or have
a topic you'd like to suggest.
Well, let us know, emailyour suggestions to show.
At Brandwidth On Demand.
(14:27):
Com or hit us up on socials brand withplus on Instagram, Facebook, and X that's
brand with P L U S brand with plus.
Kipper (14:39):
And if you're new to the podcast, we are so glad you're here.
Welcome and be sure to hit the followbutton wherever you get those podcasts.
And if you've been with us a while,please be sure to tell a friend.
So we hope you keep following, keepsharing, and let's keep pushing the
boundaries of what really is possiblein the next iteration of audio
Dave (15:03):
coming up, theee Kelly Ford shares her thoughts on mentors and.
Taking advice.
Spot 1 (www.Musicmaster.com) (15:14):
Musicmaster presents Real Music Master Pros.
Real Music Master Pros.
Here's to you, Mr.
I Make A Database Backup Every Week Guy.
Mr.
I Make A Database Backup Every Week Guy.
You've heard the horror stories before.
No, no, no, that's not gonna happen to me.
Every week you think I'll make abackup next week because I'm in a rush,
(15:37):
but then you stop and do it anyway.
You're a lazy sailor.
Music Directorship, Solar Flares, EMPs,Ransomware, Lightning Strikes, they
bow before your shield of discipline.
They're all just like, wow, just wow.
So even though nobody else will, patyourself on the back, because when the
(15:58):
world comes crashing down, you'll be theresmiling with a terabyte of radio beauty.
Good stuff, Mr.
Musicmaster Pro.
Details at musicmaster.
com.
Imagine having your own prep team.
Working nonstop, a producer pickingthe best content, a copywriter making
every story hit home, and a marketerfinding new ways to grow your audience.
(16:24):
All while a digital team keeps your feedsfresh with posts, updates, and videos.
What if these pros were available24 7, market exclusive, and
affordable for your radio station?
Power up your content before thecompetition does with Radio Content Pro.
(16:44):
See the demo in action.
Just scroll down the shownotes or visit radiocontentpro.
com slash brandwidth.
VO (16:51):
The stuff we know now, we wish we'd known then.
Brandwidth on Demand.
Dave (16:59):
We're with thee Kelly Ford, afternoon host at The Wolf 101.
3 Long Island.
And the nationallysyndicated backstage country.
Kelly, what role did mentorshipplay in your career and what's the
best advice that you've ever gotten?
Kelly (17:15):
Oh, wow.
You know what?
I've asked that question and I hate it.
Why are you talking about that?
What?
What's the best advice?
Never take advice.
No.
I would say, uh, but I do know so manypeople along the way have given me advice.
And probably the kind of amalgamationof that is some of the advice I've given
(17:39):
out today, like, learn how to pivot,be adaptable be tenacious, don't take
anything personally I think those areall things that play into who I am and
probably and I want to thank anyone whohas given me advice along the way because
I know they have and they're probablylike, why doesn't she remember that?
That would be the adviceone of you needs to give me.
Write this stuff down
Kipper (18:03):
For your book Kelly for your book,
Dave (18:05):
yeah
Our thanks to an original Kipper.
She is amazing.
Thee
Kelly Ford.
We have links to her shows, podcasts,socials, and more all in the show notes.
Just scroll down on your phone.
Kipper (18:19):
With a country star only fitting, our cowboy hats are off
to exec producer Cindy Huber.
For putting everything together andour associate producer Hannah B for
booking, the voices we all learn from.
Dave (18:32):
That's a wrap, kipper all the hard work really don't mean
a lot unless you're consistent.
Consistency is the subject ofthe new one minute mark nuts.
Find it in the show notesat Bran with on demand.com.
I'm Dave Martin.
Kipper (18:47):
And I'm Kipper McGee.
May all your BRANDwidth be wide.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial
Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.