For even more inspiration, check out these breaks from my clients—and get a taste for what I bring to the proverbial table with my talent coaching.
Want me to show your team how to strategically develop kick-ass content that turns listeners into raving fans?
Carlin and Brent, Indie 88, Toronto with the Drag Queen Bachelorette Party
The absurd always works. Marry the usual with the crazy and people will listen along. Carlin and Brent, Indie 88, Toronto did this effortlessly in this week’s audio. Carlin’s sister is about to get married. She’s given him a rather interesting task: he must put together her bachelorette party. Carlin openly admits he has no idea what to do. So, in a brainstorm, we decided that he’d subcontract the work out to local drag queens. Carlin and his girlfriend were about to go to a drag show anyway. He approached the head drag queen and invited her on-the-air to discuss the dilemma. They agreed to put something together for Carlin so we’re off the races with unique, character-driven content that has an absurd element to it so listeners pay attention. Edgy, attitude, the absurd. If that’s not you, invite it on your show to stand out.
Carlin and Brent, Indie 88, Toronto with Break Brent’s Brains
Benchmarks are even more effective when they define a cast member on the show. If the reason for the feature goes to a core attribute of the personality, it helps that talent secure a position in the mind of the listener. Like: “she’s the mom” or “he love dogs.” Look at Carpool Karaoke as an example. James Corden is a singer and theatrical performer at heart. So it makes sense for him, being a fan of music, to invite celebrities in the car to sing along with their tunes. Carlin and Brent, Indie 88, Toronto, came up with a new way to give out prizes. Brent has a fascination for quirky facts. Marry that to the belief that everyone knows one and here comes Break Brent’s Brain. Listeners call with their fact. The one that Brent is most wowed by wins the prize.
Kyle, Bryan, and Sarah, WRAL-FM, Raleigh with the Door Dash Audit
With tax season fast approaching, Kyle, Bryan, and Sarah, WRAL-FM, Raleigh decided to lean in on the lifestyle of one of its cast members. We talk much about relatability and radio’s super power to connect with the audience. One thing morning TV does not have is relatable cast members. Connecting is what we do well in radio. When forming a relationship with anyone in life (much less a listener), they must leave having connected with one of you – and the base for connection is having something common. That’s perfect character development. Bryan spends an amazing amount of money on Door Dash (and Uber Eats). The team gave a financial expert access to Bryan’s banking info. He then shared how much Bryan spent using these services in the last year. The number will blow you away. Now, Bryan sits with a sign behind him in the studio (as seen in social media posts) to show how many days he’s gone without using Door Dash!
Jackie and Bender, KISS, Seattle with Dad’s Poetry
This week’s audio is a reminder that when you have something to give out, you must take into consideration all those people not vying for whatever prize you have. Research consistently advises that 98% of your audience will never try to win something from you. They come to the show each day to connect with you on a human level and have a good time. So, when sales or promotions has something to give out, focus on how you give it out to earn images and play to why those 98% of your fans turn you on each day. Here’s some retro audio of Jackie and Bender, KISS, Seattle executing this perfectly. It’s Bender’s dad with some poetry around the station’s music blend. They gave out the prize, but entertained everyone.
Karen Carson with Johnny Minge and Intern Anthony, WNEW-FM, New York with It’s Raining Men Ringtone
What radio is missing many places is a sense of silliness and frivolity. Mischievous shows tends to make their audiences giggle with laughter. Looking at something through those lenses will bring out the goofiness in a show. Marry it to an opposite, include a family member, and you have a great recipe for a strategic, memorable break. As in the case heard here by Karen Carson with Johnny Minge, and Intern Anthony, WNEW-FM, New York. Anthony’s father is a longshoreman at the piers of New York City. This is a man’s man’s job. It’s hard, grueling work. How does his father react when Anthony changes his father’s ringtone to the iconic Weather Girls song “It’s Raining Men”? Silly and mischievous. Here’s the story of how it all unfolded and Anthony’s father’s reaction. An instantly memorable break.