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 talks to Deborah Parenti about: Falling in love with radio as a child g...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 71
EPISODE SUMMARY: Jeff Warshaw is the Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He returns to the podcast to go behind the scenes of his company’s proposed acquisition of Alpha Media and shares what’s next for his growing company. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about: Fostering a culture of being dedicated to local markets and being a great place to work The importance of talented, hardworking, enthusiastic people, and commitment to community Prioritizing need...
Jun 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 70
EPISODE SUMMARY: Otto Padrón is a visionary leader who has shaped the media industry across TV, radio, and digital platforms. He is the former President and CEO of Meruelo Media, the fastest-growing minority-owned media company in California. and an Army Ambassador who has programmed Telemundo and Univision. He shares his incredible journey from Cuba, through the military, to becoming a giant of media. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Otto about: Growing up in Cuba wher...
Jun 05, 2025•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 69
EPISODE SUMMARY: Chris Forgy is President & CEO of Saga Communications and serves on the board of the NAB, the RAB, and the Broadcasters Foundation of America. He shares his radio journey and the many lessons he learned along the way to becoming a Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award honoree. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chris Forgy about: Growing up in Dayton, OH, and visiting the radio stations where his dad worked How mentorship plays a crucial...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 68
EPISODE SUMMARY: Chet Buchanan, Emmy-winning host of KLUC’s Chet Buchanan show, discusses the many steps in his radio journey, how he serves his community through charity work, and the advice he’s picked up along the way. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Chet Buchanan about: Getting his start volunteering to wash cars at KRKO in Everett, Washington, before debuting on air at 16. His hustle mentality and how it’s helped him stand out Bouncing Z100 in Portland, The KUBE i...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 67
EPISODE SUMMARY: Paige Nienaber, VP of Fun and Games for CPR Promotions, shares the story of his career, and his advice on “The art of getting people to notice you,” AKA promotions. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paige Nienaber about: Braving blizzards while growing up and working in the Twin Cities Starting his radio career at Pepperdine University then landing at KGON. Learning that radio is supposed to be fun while doing promotions back in Minneapolis His unconvent...
May 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 66
EPISODE SUMMARY: TJ is the host of the TJ Show which is syndicated on over 75 stations nationwide. He shares his journey from high school radio fan to successful radio host and more. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to TJ about: Becoming obsessed with radio while growing up in New Jersey and working at his first station, WFDU. Getting to intern at Z100 in New York right out of high school and what he learned at the biggest CHR station in the U.S. Getting to produce and co-...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 65
EPISODE SUMMARY: David Junk is a music executive who lived in Russia for 15 years working to fight piracy and grow the legitimate music industry there. He is joined by author Fred Bronson who cowrote Rockin' the Kremlin with David. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to David Junk and Fred Bronson about: Growing up in Ohio during the Cold War and listening to rock radio to distract from fears of nuclear war. Traveling to Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall to see Pink F...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 64
EPISODE SUMMARY: Al Roker is the award-winning weather and feature anchor of The Today show on NBC News as well as a best-selling author, radio host, and Broadway star. Roker reflects on the challenges and excitement of working in broadcasting throughout his legendary career. Roker will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th...
Nov 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 63
EPISODE SUMMARY: Patsy Smullin is the owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting as well as the host of the successful TV interview series Up Close and Personal. She shares her insights on leadership, family dynamics, philanthropy and the changing media landscape. Smullin will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12t...
Nov 06, 2024•56 min•Ep. 62
EPISODE SUMMARY: Mike McVay is a 40+ year radio veteran with expertise spanning content creation broadcasting, network syndication, talent coaching, artist development, and media strategy design. He has held numerous roles including EVP of Cumulus and Westwood One and is the President of McVay Media Consulting. McVay shares the story of his legendary career. McVay will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 61
EPISODE SUMMARY: Steve Jones is the multi-award-winning President and CEO of Skyview Media. He shares his lifelong passion for news and his journey to become a Giant of Broadcasting. Jones will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to S...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 60
EPISODE SUMMARY: Curtis LeGeyt is the president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. He shares how his background in business, politics and law has shaped his career in broadcasting and discusses the challenges and opportunities broadcasters face in Washington, D.C. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Curtis LeGeyt about: How his passion for journalism, public service and politics led him to Cornell University Law School and Capitol Hill His experience work...
Aug 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 59
EPISODE SUMMARY: Johnjay Van Es is a radio host who alongside his partner Rich airs his show on over 20 stations across the country. He is also devoted to the community helping children in foster care and rescue animals through the LoveUp and LovePup foundations. He shares his journey from being a passionate radio enthusiast to becoming a successful radio host. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Johnjay Van Es about: Growing up in Arizona and Mexico and his early passion ...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of "Chachi Loves Everybody," host Dave "Chachi" Dennis welcomes Tony Coles, a highly influential figure in the broadcasting world, boasting over 35 years of industry experience. Tony takes listeners through his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming a top executive at iHeartMedia. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful commentary, Tony shares the highs and lows of his career, the impactful mentorship he received, and his dedication to fostering the next ...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of "Chachi Loves Everybody," Dave "Chachi" Dennis sits down with broadcasting titan Steve Newberry. With a career spanning over four decades, Newberry shares remarkable stories and valuable lessons learned from his journey in the radio industry. From acquiring his first radio station at 21 to navigating the complexities of the NAB and leading innovative ventures at Quu, Newberry's experiences are both inspirational and educational. Newberry delves into his early career, recountin...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 56
Brad Samuel shares his journey from an enthusiastic 15-year-old intern in radio to a respected media consultant and agency owner. His stories are filled with lessons on determination, embracing rejection, and the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody: Interning with Bruce Walton and falling in love with radio Owning your media assets as a talent The art of “hunting and gathering” Innovating and Managing Radio Disney AM 1240 Working with Roy ...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi Denes speaks to Mike Hulvey, a broadcasting luminary who has shaped the industry with his commitment to community service and mentorship. Mike discusses his career trajectory, the impact of his early influences, and his passion for developing future broadcasting talent through his summer mentoring program. Mike takes us through his journey from being awe-struck by radio broadcasts at a young age to eventually climbing the ranks of broadcast manag...
Apr 25, 2024•49 min•Ep. 54
EPISODE SUMMARY: Lyndsey Parker is a veteran music journalist who has held roles at Yahoo, SiriusXM, and Warner Music, and interviewed numerous artists. She shares her experiences meeting artists, hosting shows, writing articles, and immersing herself in pop culture. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Lyndsey Parker about: Growing up as a valley girl in the San Fernando Valley Her avant-garde clothing style and how her mom supported her expression growing up Exploring the...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 53
EPISODE SUMMARY: Stew Redwine is the VP of Creative Services at Oxford Road and host of the Ad Infinitum Podcast . He shares the tips and tricks he’s learned from years of experience creating audio and video advertisements and his thoughts on the future of podcasting. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Stew Redwine about: Growing up in Kansas City and cold calling producers to build out his network and get involved in film productions Having kids and moving to LA for more...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 52
EPISODE SUMMARY: Elaina Smith is the Gracie award-winning host of Nights with Elaina, heard on over 150 radio stations. She shares how she became a radio host, her transition from local radio to a syndicated national show, and the challenges and excitement that came with her career. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Elaina Smith about: Getting started in entertainment through internships at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and doing red carpets while attending SDSU ...
Feb 28, 2024•57 min•Ep. 51
EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Jacobs, Vice President and General Manager of Jacobs Media, shares his journey in the radio industry and founding a consultancy with his brother Fred Jacobs. He discusses his success in programming and sales and his work championing radio's future. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Jacobs about: Growing up in Detroit and starting a bagel delivery business as a kid Working with his brother for the first time at WRIF The collaboration between pro...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 50
EPISODE SUMMARY: Jeff Warshaw is the Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He shares his incredible journey of building a radio empire, starting from purchasing his first radio station for $50,000 as a college sophomore to eventually selling his company for $258 million and going on to make many more amazing deals. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about: Growing up in a family involved in Christian radio stations and developing an early passion for radio an...
Feb 08, 2024•59 min•Ep. 49
EPISODE SUMMARY: Dennis Green is a legendary radio exec who serves as the co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame and the COO for Key Networks and Sun and Fun Media. Dennis shares his journey and what he’s learned in the radio industry. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dennis Green about: Doing sportscasts at Indiana University for WIUS give play-by-play and color commentary for local sports in Florida Getting his first gig at WGN in Chicago Landing his first big sale wit...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 48
EPISODE SUMMARY: Edgar “ShoBoy” Sotelo is the owner/host of the only bicultural/bilingual Latino syndicated radio show that's heard Coast to Coast in America on 25 stations around the country. He has won the Marconi award for personality of the year and he has been awarded the Most Influential Leader Award by the US Senate. He shares his experience using his platform to celebrate Latino culture and make a difference in the community. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Sho...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 47
EPISODE SUMMARY: Heather Cohen is the recently named president of the Weiss Agency, previously serving as EVP. She has been named to Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women in Radio 9 years in a row, is a recipient of the Talkers Magazine Judy Jarvis Award and many other honors. She shares what it’s like to represent incredible talent and the amazing friends, clients, mentors, and mentees she has met along the way. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Heather Cohen about: Growin...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 46
EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse media and he has experience representing major talents,Media producing podcasts, movies, and ad campaigns, as well as working in real estate and venture capital companies. Anderson discusses his multitude of business ventures and how he identifies and cultivates success in talented people and businesses. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Anderson about: Going to law school and working for the DOJ before represen...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 45
EPISODE SUMMARY: Peter Smyth is a legendary leader in broadcasting and the former chairman and CEO of Greater Media. He currently sits on the board of WBUR in Boston and is president of the Hundred Club of MA. Smyth shares how his background in business and passion for people helped bring innovative ideas to the broadcast industry and his leadership advice. Special guest Jeff Smulyan also joins to discuss his friendship with Peter. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Peter...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 44
EPISODE SUMMARY: Scott Herman spent 39 years at CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting. Herman shares how he started his career in news radio and worked his way up from desk assistant to COO all within the same corporation. He discusses his advice, leadership style, and incredible career as Scott and Chachi sit down for a chat! On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody recorded live at NAB, Chachi talks to Scott about: Growing up in Brooklyn and becoming inter...
May 25, 2023•55 min•Ep. 43
EPISODE SUMMARY: Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality and former host of the Mark and Kim show on KOST, the first equally billed male and female morning show in the country. Mark and Kim have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wallengren shares how he got his start in radio and tons of exciting stories from his decades on air as Mark and Chachi sit down at for a chat! On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mark Wallengren about: Growing up in a Mormon pioneer fam...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 42
