Chachi Loves Everybody
Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting. Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.
Episodes
EPISODE SUMMARY: David Donovan shares his extensive experience in broadcasting policy, from his early days at the FCC to leading the New York State Broadcasters Association. He discusses the evolution of media regulation, the digital transition, and the importance of local broadcasting in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Donovan will be among those honored as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting...
EPISODE SUMMARY: Suzyn Waldman shares her remarkable journey from Broadway to becoming a trailblazing sports broadcaster, breaking barriers for women in the industry. She recounts stories from decades of calling Yankees games, highlighting how perseverance and authenticity helped her succeed in an evolving sports media landscape.
Waldman will be among those honored as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting F...
EPISODE SUMMARY: Joe D’Angelo, Xperi’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships, shares his journey from media and technology to leading innovations in radio, including HD Radio and DTS Auto Stage, transforming the connected car experience and shaping the future of broadcast radio.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi interviews Joe D’Angelo about:
- Growin...
EPISODE SUMMARY: Kevin LeGrett, Chief Business Officer of Beasley Media, shares his remarkable journey through the broadcasting industry, from childhood to leading major media companies. He discusses leadership, industry insights, and the importance of hard work and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Kevin LeGrett about:
- His childh...
EPISODE SUMMARY: Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary “Home of the Grand Ole Opry.”
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to guest Eric about:
- Eric’s early beginnings in Indiana and his passion for radio from childhood
- How WSM’s century-long legacy started a...
EPISODE SUMMARY: Julie Talbott is one of the most respected leaders in broadcast radio, with a career spanning advertising, syndication, affiliate relations, and network leadership. Hear her unexpected journey, which culminated in induction to the Radio Hall of Fame.
On this episode of the Chachi Loves Everybody podcast, Chachi interviews guest Julie Talbott about:
- Growing up in Kentucky and the values...
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 episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi t...
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 interviews Mo Rocca about:
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 storytelling.
On this episode of C...
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 stories, leader...
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.
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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 how she got pulle...
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 schooler <...
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 personalities he grew up admiring and b...
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 & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards cer...
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 & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ce...
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 Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of B...
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 Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to S...
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 first radio job at Y107
- How hi...
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 Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi t...
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