May 20, 2024 • 16 mins
This time we're joined by Chris Kelly and Chris Demm, the co-hosts of the popular morning radio show "2 Guys Named Chris". With over 25 years of success, Chris and Chris share their journey from initial radio rivalry to teaming up to become a top-rated morning show.
The duo discusses their unique chemistry, supported by producer Josh Ellinger and meteorologist Dave Aiken, and how a special coach helped them refine their craft. They highlight the benefits and challenges of co-hosting, adapting to the evolving media landscape, and the importance of personal anecdotes in connecting with their audience.
Gain valuable insights into handling on-air disagreements, the importance of being genuine and accessible, and the significance of collaboration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mastering the dynamics of a successful multi-mic morning show.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Chris Kelly (00:00):
Once we started, he put us together and said, let's see if it'll fly.
And the first month or so, we were greenand it didn't look like it was gonna fly.
VO (00:07):
Welcome to BRANDwidth on Demand, your guide to rebooting radio.
Chris Demm (00:12):
Know your role, pick your spots and be respectful.
And take your job seriously,but not yourself seriously.
VO2 (00:19):
BRANDwidth on Demand.
Rebooting radio with a differenttake on all radio can be.
Now, your guides through themediamorphosis, David Martin, and author
of the book, BRANDwidth on Demand,media branding coach, Kipper McGee.
Dave (00:35):
This time around we talk with a morning show duo who create a
daily dose of laughter, information,and whatever other unpredictable
adventures they can cook up.
Killer content all fromscratch, folks, really.
Radio veteran Chris Kelly bringshis smooth voice and years of
experience to the table, havingcaptivated audiences for decades.
(00:56):
Comedic partner Chris Demm keepsthings fresh with his sharp wit
and off the wall humor, creating adynamic duo that's garnered the hearts
of listeners across the country.
They've received numerous awards andaccolades, including an NAB Marconi.
And they were named North CarolinaBroadcasters Morning Show of the Year.
The show has achieved consistent numberone ratings in both Nielsen and Eastland.
(01:18):
It's now being heard onstations from coast to coast.
BRANDwidth on Demand is proud towelcome The one and oh, I guess
the two in them guys named Chris.
Kipper (01:30):
Welcome.
Welcome.
Chris Kelly (01:31):
Those are the nicest things anybody's ever said about us.
Wow.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
Thank you.
Kipper (01:37):
Okay.
So with 2 Guys Named Chris, Igot to ask first, which Chris
is which just so everybody knows
Chris Kelly (01:44):
I'm Chris Kelly and I am Chris Demm.
Kipper (01:47):
And just for the record, what do you guys do in the show?
I mean, you're cohosts, but what's the jobdescription for each of you and anybody
else, major part of the playing cast?
Chris Kelly (01:58):
Yeah, we have, uh, two other guys.
We, we really plan a lot of theshow and, uh, you know, I run the
board and sort of kick off eachbreak, but it's very ensemble.
We try, I think we have a reallygood group that fits together.
Well, great chemistry.
We have a third, a producer on the show.
His name is Josh Ellingerand everybody just calls him
Biggie because he's a big guy.
(02:18):
And then we have a, uh, we have ameteorologist who joined probably almost
20 years ago just to start doing weather,but he, he was really, uh, such a fun
and funny personality that he became partof the show and his name is Dave Aiken.
And, um, It just seems to reallyflow well with the four of us.
Kipper (02:35):
That's cool.
So on the show, and even in writing andarticles and stuff, you often joke about
instantly hating each other because youwere at different stations, although
digging a little deeper, I found outyou also kind of grew up together.
So what's the story there?
Chris Demm (02:52):
The hatred part is actually a hundred percent accurate.
You know, we, I think we bothstarted in radio in about the 1980s.
And at that point, at least in ourexperience, a lot of radio was very
parochial and there was crosstown wars.
There was, uh, battles on the street.
And so Chris Kelly entered our,you know, we kind of entered the
(03:15):
market, maybe roughly the same time.
He was on a top 40 station and Iwas on the classic rock station.
And through fate, our ownerpurchased both stations.
So now we were working for the samecompany, working for very powerful,
very experienced morning hosts.
And so we realized we had thesame job, but our job was to knock
(03:36):
the other guy off the podium.
And so we really disliked each other in away that only insecure radio people can.
Chris Kelly (03:45):
Right.
Kipper (03:47):
Okay.
And so then.
How'd they get you together?
Chris Kelly (03:50):
Well, then, you know, Chris Demm is such a nice guy.
Uh, all of a sudden we were atevents together and things like that.
And then we started playingbasketball together and they teamed
us up to do things in the company,like a plan company, Christmas
party skits and things like that.
And, you know, I just, Chris Demm is thefunniest person I know, and it's hard
not to like him after a while because,uh, he just is a funny, good guy.
(04:13):
And so we became friends and didthings like hang out with other people
that we played basketball and sports.
And so when there was anopportunity to put us together,
Chris Demm (04:20):
We had similar interests for probably, you know, four
or five years, well, before weeven thought about doing a show.
And as Chris Kelly said, Once werealized we were working basically
the same job, you know, number twomicrophones with very powerful hosts,
we kind of commiserate over that.
And we realized we had a lot of similarinterests and we had zero social life.
(04:42):
And so, but we instantly had chemistry.
We laughed at the same things.
We thought the same movies were funny.
The same movies were not funny.
And I think we were joking about itone night after a game of basketball
nine o'clock at night, it wassummertime, the sun was still out.
And we would often say, wouldn't itbe kind of cool to do a show together?
Never dreaming it would happen.
(05:03):
But then, uh, it's a long story abouthow our company had a syndicated
morning program in place and throughno decision of our companies, that
syndicated show never happened.
Left leaving our WKRR with agaping morning show opening.
And so we, Chris Kelly lobbied ourboss and said, give us a chance.
And stunningly he did.
Chris Kelly (05:25):
He did.
Dave (05:26):
Well, you guys have had this incredible 25 year run of success.
What are some of the unique benefits andchallenges of co hosting a morning show?
Chris Kelly (05:34):
The benefits was we knew each other for a long time before we started.
And once we started, as Chris Tim wassaying about our boss, um, he put us
together and said, let's see if it'll flyin the first month or so we were green and
it didn't look like it was going to fly.
And we really went through the warsof trying to improve the show and our
boss at the time, we thought he wasgoing to cancel us because it just
(05:58):
wasn't going well in the first 6 weeks.
But then he hooked us up with a guy namedRandy Lane, a pretty legendary consultant.
And he helped us, thatwas the benefit we had.
He helped us immeasurably in year one.
And then after that, I think, I knowwe have the mantra of, you know, we
might not be the funniest or bestever, but we can work the hardest.
And so I think we put a lotof hard work into it early.
(06:20):
And the more we did it, I just feellike it just keeps falling into place
more and more chemistry and it getsjust, I won't say easier and easier.
I think we'd still try to keep itfresh and, uh, and come up with
more and more things and more andmore topics and stories to do.
But learning from Randy Lane earlyreally helped us propel into some success
Chris Demm (06:40):
as far as benefits and challenges.
You know, I think.
I don't want to, I think Ican speak for Chris Kelly.
I think we both are doing whatwe've always wanted to do.
And for that, you can'teven put a value on that.
The challenges of course, are,you know, the radio advertising
marketing has changed everybody andthere are more and more podcasts
there's there's, you know, people canlisten to content wherever you are.
(07:03):
So the challenge is.
Making people want tocontinue to seek you out.
Chris Kelly (07:09):
What a difference between now and when we started as far as, I
mean, it was us versus 20 other FM signalshere, and now it's West versus a million,
everything and streaming and podcastingand all of that is a amazing challenge.
Kipper (07:21):
Many of which though are yours.
I mean, you got your own stream,you got your shows out, your
podcast, your feature bits.
Chris Kelly (07:27):
Well, I think you have to.
Kipper (07:29):
No, absolutely not.
I think you're absolutely right.
So obviously you agree on a lot of stuff.
You laugh at the same things, you getthe same sense of humor, that kind
of stuff, which is very helpful, but.
Every show invariably will havesome differences here and there.
And, one person wants to talkabout the, SAG awards and the
(07:49):
other one doesn't or whatever.
So can you give us an example ofsomething you disagreed about and how
you resolved it...in real time, then?
Chris Kelly (07:58):
Well, I mean, there have been times that we've disagreed on the
air, but I think for us, there's such arespect and friendship and long standing
chemistry that, you know, you do it onthe air and it's a friendly disagreement.
Generally, I don't thinkanybody takes it to the next 15
minutes or break or whatever.
And I know that neither oneof us are really comfortable.
I don't think talking about like politics.
Sometimes we get into that andI don't think Chris Dim likes
(08:20):
to talk about it very much.
And, you know, we'll disagree andcome at it from different sides.
And then we usually resolve justto, I think we're very good at, um,
resolving those issues by saying,okay, we don't want to talk about
it, but we have to, because it'sa big enough item in the news.
We try to keep everything really lightand funny, but some days, of course,
if you've got a school shooting orsomething, I hate talking about that
(08:42):
kind of stuff, but it dominates thenews so much and he's really good.
I'm saying, you know, this reallyneeds to be addressed and then we
try to figure out a way to addressit in a way that fits with our show
Chris Demm (08:52):
and before, uh, Kipper,to your question about conflicts.
I mean.
What stands out in my mind was for manyyears, it was just Kelly and me, and
we didn't even have a phone screener.
Kelly would answer thephone calls live on the air.
You know, it was literallyradio without a net.
And we did that for five years.
And so I think we had some, andto Randy Lane's credit, he said,
(09:14):
you two need to play up yourdifferences and play your characters.
You know, which is anexaggerated version of yourself.
And in my mind, I think we had this,the lead up to the Gulf War, you
know, and that was kind of, we kindof butted heads on that on the air,
but I don't think, to Chris Kelly'spoint, we did not take it personally,
you know, we knew we just had to do it.
Chris Kelly (09:33):
We're different in that I, uh Would rather eat at
Chick fil a or McDonald's and he'drather eat a fine meal and have
wine and I'd rather drink Diet Coke.
And, and so we play that up to the hilt.
And then I would say bring as much,I do a lot of talking about my body.
Family, my son, funny little thingsthat happened to me throughout the day.
(09:53):
I mean, give as much as you canabout yourself because that's
what people talk to me about.
And we do so many stories about thenews or whatever, but all people talk
to me about are the personal things.
Uh, you know, two things I can think of.
I play pickleball and we talk about itand that's all anybody talks to me about.
And a couple of years ago.
(10:14):
I had something happen to me.
I got scammed in a, uh, pine straw scam.
But guys came by my house and triedto sell me pine straw and I wound
up Making a huge mistake and, uh,spending a lot of money on pine straw
and people remember those things.
That's the stuff people really remember.
So I would just say, those are thetwo things I would say is exaggerate
your own character and give as muchas you can about your personal life.
Chris Demm (10:36):
Yeah.
And my advice wouldbe, be a good listener.
Um, you know, use, use your timeas wide as you can, because we
have incredible phone callers.
As Chris Kelly said, we have two other.
major players on the show.
Everybody has equalaccess to microphone time.
So listen and you know, remainin your character and you
know, know what your job is.
Like Chris Kelly will tell storiesabout himself and he leaves himself
(10:59):
open for a punchline, which is kindof an opening for myself or Biggie,
uh, our phone screener producer whohas a background in standup comedy.
He knows how to come inwith just the right line.
You know, it's just sometimesit's a simple line and then you
can take that on a two minute.
Comedic tangent talking about anything,you know, about, you know, how husbands
and wives get together or how parentsand children relate to one another.
(11:19):
So, you know, know your role andpick your spots and be respectful and
take, take your job seriously, but notyourself seriously, but that's some
of the best advice I've ever heard.
Chris Kelly (11:30):
Great, great way to say that.
I mean, I, I feel like, and I think thisis probably Randy Lane that told us this,
the more vulnerability you can have, Idon't mind being vulnerable and leaving
myself open for jokes because it's.
I hear so many hosts say something that'slike, uh, leaves themselves open and
vulnerable and the other hosts start tomake, the other co hosts start to make
fun of them or joke around and they'llsay, Oh, no, no, no, and try to fight it.
(11:51):
I don't do that because I feel likethe comedy is just there for that.
I don't mind taking those hits.
I think in
Chris Demm (11:57):
comedy, they call that going with the bit.
And Chris Kelly is, you know, Aplus for, for going with the bit.
Try.
Dave (12:04):
These guys are amazing and they're named Chris.
That's something else.
Somebody you'd love to hear from.
We'd love to hear your suggestions.
Just email show at brandwithondemand.
com or reach out to us on social.
Brandwith Plus on Insta,Facebook, and Twitter.
And that, that's X or whatever it is.
(12:25):
That's Brandwith P L U S.
Brandwith Plus.
So should we make that Brandwith
Kipper (12:30):
P L U X?
Dave (12:34):
No.
Kipper (12:36):
So if you're new to the podcast, we just want to say welcome
and please be sure to hit the followbutton wherever you get podcasts.
And if you've been with us fora while, even better, be sure
to tell a friend if you would.
And We'd appreciate a five starrating wherever you get your podcast.
Dave (12:53):
Coming up, 2 Guys Named Chris reveal something they know now that they
really wish they knew way back then.
Spot1 (13:02):
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(13:23):
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At Music Master, we know a thing or two,because, well, we've heard a thing or two.
We are Music Master.
Perfect the sound ofyour radio station today.
Check out Musicmaster.
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Spot2 (13:38):
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(13:58):
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VO2 (14:22):
The stuff we know now.
We wish we'd known then.
BRANDwidth
Dave (14:27):
on Demand.
We're with 2 Guys Named Chris.
No, really.
They are 2 Guys Named Chris.
Guys, what do you know now?
You really wish you'd knownway back in the beginning.
Chris Kelly (14:41):
I think I would say, I wish I had known then that our hard work would
pay off in the, in the way that listenerswould trust us and believe in us and laugh
at what we were doing without us tryingto reinvent the wheel, as we mentioned.
Uh, without us trying to do things thatreally weren't in our comfort zone, that
what we had was working and, uh, wouldwork and that it would all pay off.
(15:07):
I just, I just wish I had trustedmy, I wish I had trusted what we
do now, 25 years ago, because ittook a while to get to that point.
Chris Demm (15:15):
That's a, it's an amazingly tough question off the top of my head.
I would say, you know, be, be accessibleto all the members of your team.
I mean, you know, a radio stationis an immense undertaking.
We have people who work part time.
We have people on our promo team, oursales team, you know, Kelly and I have
always prided ourselves on trying to be.
(15:36):
Available and accessible to oursales team because they're the
ones who get us the endorsements.
They're the ones who, you know,keep the ad revenue coming in.
So be known and be available inthe building to everybody on the
team, because you're all reallyessentially working for the same goal.
You know, you don't have the same job,but you're, the goals are the same.
Dave (15:53):
Our thanks to 2 Guys Named Chris links for their archive
shows, podcasts, feature bits,and more all in the show notes.
Just scroll down on your phone.
Kipper (16:03):
As always our thanks to Exec Producer, Cindy Huber and to Associate
Producer, Hannah B for booking.
And coming up next.
Molly (16:11):
Hi, it's Molly Cruz, brand manager of B96 in Chicago.
And next time on BRANDwidth on Demand,I'll share with you the best advice I
ever got and how I get through my days.
Of being a brand manager in thethird largest market in the U.
(16:32):
S.
And, uh, and being a mom, all in one day.
Dave (16:35):
That's a wrap, Kipper.
Level up with a goal and a plan.
That's this time inOne Minute Martinizing.
Find it in the show notesat brandwithondemand.
com.
I'm Dave Martin.
Kipper (16:48):
And I'm Kipper McGee.
May all your BRANDwidth on Demand be wide.
Once we started, he put us together and said, let's see if it'll fly.
And the first month or so, we were greenand it didn't look like it was gonna fly.
VO (00:07):
Welcome to BRANDwidth on Demand, your guide to rebooting radio.
Chris Demm (00:12):
Know your role, pick your spots and be respectful.
And take your job seriously,but not yourself seriously.
VO2 (00:19):
BRANDwidth on Demand.
Rebooting radio with a differenttake on all radio can be.
Now, your guides through themediamorphosis, David Martin, and author
of the book, BRANDwidth on Demand,media branding coach, Kipper McGee.
Dave (00:35):
This time around we talk with a morning show duo who create a
daily dose of laughter, information,and whatever other unpredictable
adventures they can cook up.
Killer content all fromscratch, folks, really.
Radio veteran Chris Kelly bringshis smooth voice and years of
experience to the table, havingcaptivated audiences for decades.
(00:56):
Comedic partner Chris Demm keepsthings fresh with his sharp wit
and off the wall humor, creating adynamic duo that's garnered the hearts
of listeners across the country.
They've received numerous awards andaccolades, including an NAB Marconi.
And they were named North CarolinaBroadcasters Morning Show of the Year.
The show has achieved consistent numberone ratings in both Nielsen and Eastland.
(01:18):
It's now being heard onstations from coast to coast.
BRANDwidth on Demand is proud towelcome The one and oh, I guess
the two in them guys named Chris.
Kipper (01:30):
Welcome.
Welcome.
Chris Kelly (01:31):
Those are the nicest things anybody's ever said about us.
Wow.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
Thank you.
Kipper (01:37):
Okay.
So with 2 Guys Named Chris, Igot to ask first, which Chris
is which just so everybody knows
Chris Kelly (01:44):
I'm Chris Kelly and I am Chris Demm.
Kipper (01:47):
And just for the record, what do you guys do in the show?
I mean, you're cohosts, but what's the jobdescription for each of you and anybody
else, major part of the playing cast?
Chris Kelly (01:58):
Yeah, we have, uh, two other guys.
We, we really plan a lot of theshow and, uh, you know, I run the
board and sort of kick off eachbreak, but it's very ensemble.
We try, I think we have a reallygood group that fits together.
Well, great chemistry.
We have a third, a producer on the show.
His name is Josh Ellingerand everybody just calls him
Biggie because he's a big guy.
(02:18):
And then we have a, uh, we have ameteorologist who joined probably almost
20 years ago just to start doing weather,but he, he was really, uh, such a fun
and funny personality that he became partof the show and his name is Dave Aiken.
And, um, It just seems to reallyflow well with the four of us.
Kipper (02:35):
That's cool.
So on the show, and even in writing andarticles and stuff, you often joke about
instantly hating each other because youwere at different stations, although
digging a little deeper, I found outyou also kind of grew up together.
So what's the story there?
Chris Demm (02:52):
The hatred part is actually a hundred percent accurate.
You know, we, I think we bothstarted in radio in about the 1980s.
And at that point, at least in ourexperience, a lot of radio was very
parochial and there was crosstown wars.
There was, uh, battles on the street.
And so Chris Kelly entered our,you know, we kind of entered the
(03:15):
market, maybe roughly the same time.
He was on a top 40 station and Iwas on the classic rock station.
And through fate, our ownerpurchased both stations.
So now we were working for the samecompany, working for very powerful,
very experienced morning hosts.
And so we realized we had thesame job, but our job was to knock
(03:36):
the other guy off the podium.
And so we really disliked each other in away that only insecure radio people can.
Chris Kelly (03:45):
Right.
Kipper (03:47):
Okay.
And so then.
How'd they get you together?
Chris Kelly (03:50):
Well, then, you know, Chris Demm is such a nice guy.
Uh, all of a sudden we were atevents together and things like that.
And then we started playingbasketball together and they teamed
us up to do things in the company,like a plan company, Christmas
party skits and things like that.
And, you know, I just, Chris Demm is thefunniest person I know, and it's hard
not to like him after a while because,uh, he just is a funny, good guy.
(04:13):
And so we became friends and didthings like hang out with other people
that we played basketball and sports.
And so when there was anopportunity to put us together,
Chris Demm (04:20):
We had similar interests for probably, you know, four
or five years, well, before weeven thought about doing a show.
And as Chris Kelly said, Once werealized we were working basically
the same job, you know, number twomicrophones with very powerful hosts,
we kind of commiserate over that.
And we realized we had a lot of similarinterests and we had zero social life.
(04:42):
And so, but we instantly had chemistry.
We laughed at the same things.
We thought the same movies were funny.
The same movies were not funny.
And I think we were joking about itone night after a game of basketball
nine o'clock at night, it wassummertime, the sun was still out.
And we would often say, wouldn't itbe kind of cool to do a show together?
Never dreaming it would happen.
(05:03):
But then, uh, it's a long story abouthow our company had a syndicated
morning program in place and throughno decision of our companies, that
syndicated show never happened.
Left leaving our WKRR with agaping morning show opening.
And so we, Chris Kelly lobbied ourboss and said, give us a chance.
And stunningly he did.
Chris Kelly (05:25):
He did.
Dave (05:26):
Well, you guys have had this incredible 25 year run of success.
What are some of the unique benefits andchallenges of co hosting a morning show?
Chris Kelly (05:34):
The benefits was we knew each other for a long time before we started.
And once we started, as Chris Tim wassaying about our boss, um, he put us
together and said, let's see if it'll flyin the first month or so we were green and
it didn't look like it was going to fly.
And we really went through the warsof trying to improve the show and our
boss at the time, we thought he wasgoing to cancel us because it just
(05:58):
wasn't going well in the first 6 weeks.
But then he hooked us up with a guy namedRandy Lane, a pretty legendary consultant.
And he helped us, thatwas the benefit we had.
He helped us immeasurably in year one.
And then after that, I think, I knowwe have the mantra of, you know, we
might not be the funniest or bestever, but we can work the hardest.
And so I think we put a lotof hard work into it early.
(06:20):
And the more we did it, I just feellike it just keeps falling into place
more and more chemistry and it getsjust, I won't say easier and easier.
I think we'd still try to keep itfresh and, uh, and come up with
more and more things and more andmore topics and stories to do.
But learning from Randy Lane earlyreally helped us propel into some success
Chris Demm (06:40):
as far as benefits and challenges.
You know, I think.
I don't want to, I think Ican speak for Chris Kelly.
I think we both are doing whatwe've always wanted to do.
And for that, you can'teven put a value on that.
The challenges of course, are,you know, the radio advertising
marketing has changed everybody andthere are more and more podcasts
there's there's, you know, people canlisten to content wherever you are.
(07:03):
So the challenge is.
Making people want tocontinue to seek you out.
Chris Kelly (07:09):
What a difference between now and when we started as far as, I
mean, it was us versus 20 other FM signalshere, and now it's West versus a million,
everything and streaming and podcastingand all of that is a amazing challenge.
Kipper (07:21):
Many of which though are yours.
I mean, you got your own stream,you got your shows out, your
podcast, your feature bits.
Chris Kelly (07:27):
Well, I think you have to.
Kipper (07:29):
No, absolutely not.
I think you're absolutely right.
So obviously you agree on a lot of stuff.
You laugh at the same things, you getthe same sense of humor, that kind
of stuff, which is very helpful, but.
Every show invariably will havesome differences here and there.
And, one person wants to talkabout the, SAG awards and the
(07:49):
other one doesn't or whatever.
So can you give us an example ofsomething you disagreed about and how
you resolved it...in real time, then?
Chris Kelly (07:58):
Well, I mean, there have been times that we've disagreed on the
air, but I think for us, there's such arespect and friendship and long standing
chemistry that, you know, you do it onthe air and it's a friendly disagreement.
Generally, I don't thinkanybody takes it to the next 15
minutes or break or whatever.
And I know that neither oneof us are really comfortable.
I don't think talking about like politics.
Sometimes we get into that andI don't think Chris Dim likes
(08:20):
to talk about it very much.
And, you know, we'll disagree andcome at it from different sides.
And then we usually resolve justto, I think we're very good at, um,
resolving those issues by saying,okay, we don't want to talk about
it, but we have to, because it'sa big enough item in the news.
We try to keep everything really lightand funny, but some days, of course,
if you've got a school shooting orsomething, I hate talking about that
(08:42):
kind of stuff, but it dominates thenews so much and he's really good.
I'm saying, you know, this reallyneeds to be addressed and then we
try to figure out a way to addressit in a way that fits with our show
Chris Demm (08:52):
and before, uh, Kipper,to your question about conflicts.
I mean.
What stands out in my mind was for manyyears, it was just Kelly and me, and
we didn't even have a phone screener.
Kelly would answer thephone calls live on the air.
You know, it was literallyradio without a net.
And we did that for five years.
And so I think we had some, andto Randy Lane's credit, he said,
(09:14):
you two need to play up yourdifferences and play your characters.
You know, which is anexaggerated version of yourself.
And in my mind, I think we had this,the lead up to the Gulf War, you
know, and that was kind of, we kindof butted heads on that on the air,
but I don't think, to Chris Kelly'spoint, we did not take it personally,
you know, we knew we just had to do it.
Chris Kelly (09:33):
We're different in that I, uh Would rather eat at
Chick fil a or McDonald's and he'drather eat a fine meal and have
wine and I'd rather drink Diet Coke.
And, and so we play that up to the hilt.
And then I would say bring as much,I do a lot of talking about my body.
Family, my son, funny little thingsthat happened to me throughout the day.
(09:53):
I mean, give as much as you canabout yourself because that's
what people talk to me about.
And we do so many stories about thenews or whatever, but all people talk
to me about are the personal things.
Uh, you know, two things I can think of.
I play pickleball and we talk about itand that's all anybody talks to me about.
And a couple of years ago.
(10:14):
I had something happen to me.
I got scammed in a, uh, pine straw scam.
But guys came by my house and triedto sell me pine straw and I wound
up Making a huge mistake and, uh,spending a lot of money on pine straw
and people remember those things.
That's the stuff people really remember.
So I would just say, those are thetwo things I would say is exaggerate
your own character and give as muchas you can about your personal life.
Chris Demm (10:36):
Yeah.
And my advice wouldbe, be a good listener.
Um, you know, use, use your timeas wide as you can, because we
have incredible phone callers.
As Chris Kelly said, we have two other.
major players on the show.
Everybody has equalaccess to microphone time.
So listen and you know, remainin your character and you
know, know what your job is.
Like Chris Kelly will tell storiesabout himself and he leaves himself
(10:59):
open for a punchline, which is kindof an opening for myself or Biggie,
uh, our phone screener producer whohas a background in standup comedy.
He knows how to come inwith just the right line.
You know, it's just sometimesit's a simple line and then you
can take that on a two minute.
Comedic tangent talking about anything,you know, about, you know, how husbands
and wives get together or how parentsand children relate to one another.
(11:19):
So, you know, know your role andpick your spots and be respectful and
take, take your job seriously, but notyourself seriously, but that's some
of the best advice I've ever heard.
Chris Kelly (11:30):
Great, great way to say that.
I mean, I, I feel like, and I think thisis probably Randy Lane that told us this,
the more vulnerability you can have, Idon't mind being vulnerable and leaving
myself open for jokes because it's.
I hear so many hosts say something that'slike, uh, leaves themselves open and
vulnerable and the other hosts start tomake, the other co hosts start to make
fun of them or joke around and they'llsay, Oh, no, no, no, and try to fight it.
(11:51):
I don't do that because I feel likethe comedy is just there for that.
I don't mind taking those hits.
I think in
Chris Demm (11:57):
comedy, they call that going with the bit.
And Chris Kelly is, you know, Aplus for, for going with the bit.
Try.
Dave (12:04):
These guys are amazing and they're named Chris.
That's something else.
Somebody you'd love to hear from.
We'd love to hear your suggestions.
Just email show at brandwithondemand.
com or reach out to us on social.
Brandwith Plus on Insta,Facebook, and Twitter.
And that, that's X or whatever it is.
(12:25):
That's Brandwith P L U S.
Brandwith Plus.
So should we make that Brandwith
Kipper (12:30):
P L U X?
Dave (12:34):
No.
Kipper (12:36):
So if you're new to the podcast, we just want to say welcome
and please be sure to hit the followbutton wherever you get podcasts.
And if you've been with us fora while, even better, be sure
to tell a friend if you would.
And We'd appreciate a five starrating wherever you get your podcast.
Dave (12:53):
Coming up, 2 Guys Named Chris reveal something they know now that they
really wish they knew way back then.
Spot1 (13:02):
Here at Musicmaster, we can help with a lot of things because
we've heard a lot of things.
Have you ever heard this?
Of course you have.
It's dead air.
Or how about this?
Yeesh, what's known asthe trainwreck segue.
Or maybe your PD just heardtwo of the same artists back to
(13:23):
back, and it's not even Tuesday.
At Music Master, we know a thing or two,because, well, we've heard a thing or two.
We are Music Master.
Perfect the sound ofyour radio station today.
Check out Musicmaster.
com.
Spot2 (13:38):
Imagine having your own prep team working nonstop, a producer
picking the best content, a copywritermaking every story hit home, and a
marketer finding new ways to grow youraudience, all while a digital team
keeps your feeds fresh with the latest.
Posts, updates, and videos.
(13:58):
What if these pros were available24 seven market exclusive and
affordable for your radio station?
Power up your content before thecompetition does with radio content pro.
Pro.
See the demo in action.
Just scroll down the shownotes or visit radio content
(14:19):
pro dot com slash BRANDwidth.
VO2 (14:22):
The stuff we know now.
We wish we'd known then.
BRANDwidth
Dave (14:27):
on Demand.
We're with 2 Guys Named Chris.
No, really.
They are 2 Guys Named Chris.
Guys, what do you know now?
You really wish you'd knownway back in the beginning.
Chris Kelly (14:41):
I think I would say, I wish I had known then that our hard work would
pay off in the, in the way that listenerswould trust us and believe in us and laugh
at what we were doing without us tryingto reinvent the wheel, as we mentioned.
Uh, without us trying to do things thatreally weren't in our comfort zone, that
what we had was working and, uh, wouldwork and that it would all pay off.
(15:07):
I just, I just wish I had trustedmy, I wish I had trusted what we
do now, 25 years ago, because ittook a while to get to that point.
Chris Demm (15:15):
That's a, it's an amazingly tough question off the top of my head.
I would say, you know, be, be accessibleto all the members of your team.
I mean, you know, a radio stationis an immense undertaking.
We have people who work part time.
We have people on our promo team, oursales team, you know, Kelly and I have
always prided ourselves on trying to be.
(15:36):
Available and accessible to oursales team because they're the
ones who get us the endorsements.
They're the ones who, you know,keep the ad revenue coming in.
So be known and be available inthe building to everybody on the
team, because you're all reallyessentially working for the same goal.
You know, you don't have the same job,but you're, the goals are the same.
Dave (15:53):
Our thanks to 2 Guys Named Chris links for their archive
shows, podcasts, feature bits,and more all in the show notes.
Just scroll down on your phone.
Kipper (16:03):
As always our thanks to Exec Producer, Cindy Huber and to Associate
Producer, Hannah B for booking.
And coming up next.
Molly (16:11):
Hi, it's Molly Cruz, brand manager of B96 in Chicago.
And next time on BRANDwidth on Demand,I'll share with you the best advice I
ever got and how I get through my days.
Of being a brand manager in thethird largest market in the U.
(16:32):
S.
And, uh, and being a mom, all in one day.
Dave (16:35):
That's a wrap, Kipper.
Level up with a goal and a plan.
That's this time inOne Minute Martinizing.
Find it in the show notesat brandwithondemand.
com.
I'm Dave Martin.
Kipper (16:48):
And I'm Kipper McGee.
May all your BRANDwidth on Demand be wide.
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