Legendary media executive and headhunter Rob Barnett takes us on his journey through the wild, unpredictable world of radio and television, that included being tasked with replacing Howard Stern on CBS Radio. A challenge that would become one of the most talked-about moments in broadcasting. But not to be upstaged by his earliest achievement, when he convinced the Rolling Stones to play a secret show for 300 WAAF listeners in Boston back in 1981.

The episode explores Rob Barnett’s evolution, from major programming roles to trailblazing online video networks like MTV, VH-1, and My Damn Channel. He reveals big risks that lead to iconic moments. And how his own career pivot created a compassionate career coaching platform and executive job search for media professionals. If you’ve been “on the beach” without a job, Rob Barnett breaks down the frustrations of the modern job hunt, shares practical tips from his book Next Job Best Job and website NextJobBestJob.com, and gives real advice on standing out in today’s changing media landscape.

Here's how you can find your next job: https://nextjobbestjob.com
Here's how you can hire Rob 1 on 1: https://robbarnettmedia.com
Here's where you can buy the book: NextJobBestJob/Amazon

Rob's email: rob@robbarnettmedia.com

(0:00) "Unexpected Support Through Vulnerability"

(7:36) "Tracking Down the Rolling Stones"

(11:31) "Rock Radio's Golden Era"

(20:07) "MTV's Impact on Music"

(22:14) "MTV's Early Music Gatekeepers"

(28:18) "VH1's Hit Show Origins"

(34:22) "Replacing Howard Stern Nightmare"

(41:56) "Launching My Damn Channel"

(46:09) Biden Project Leads to Layoff

(49:20) "How 'Next Job, Best Job' Began"

(56:11) "Bypass HR: Reach the Boss"

(1:03:05) Mastering the 30-Minute Interview

You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.

If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.
Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.com

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Tell us what you think and your favorite episode!

We’re diving deep into the world of iconic album cover art with our special guest, Frm. Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall. A name behind some of the most memorable visuals in music history. From his humble beginnings at Elektra Records in the late 1960s to becoming the youngest art director in the business, Bob Heimall’s creativity has graced records by legends like Carly Simon, Jim Croce, The Doors, Bread, Iggy Pop, and even Yoko Ono.

You’ll hear Bob Heimall share personal stories, like joining Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin for an unforgettable moment in a New York penthouse, rubbing elbows with rock royalty, working with Carly Simon while she breastfed her son, and being the sole audience for Jim Croce’s final album performance just two weeks before tragedy struck. He’ll reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes about album art decisions—some even leading to legendary band debates—describe the step-by-step design process before Photoshop, and recount the emotional impact these collaborations left on him.

Plus, Bob Heimall discusses the cutthroat world of record labels, his transition from Elektra to Arista under Clive Davis, and reflects on the vital role music—and its packaging—plays in shaping our memories. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, design lover, or music history buff, this episode is packed with untold stories, industry insights, and the passion that goes into creating the artwork we all grew up with.

(0:00) "Starting at Elektra Records"

(4:14) "Music Legends at the Hilton"

(9:14) "Redefining Album Cover Art"

(11:45) "Early Album Cover Design Process"

(15:41) Carly's Jingles and Brother

(18:19) "Unplanned Success, Captured Moment"

(22:04) "Music, Photos, and Choices"

24:39 "Following the Music"

(28:45) "Rejected Naked Silhouette Cover"

(30:17) "Innovative Multi-Fold Album Design"

(33:30) "Reflecting on Jim Croce's Death"

(38:13) "Asthma, Draft Exception, Jersey Shore"

(41:40) "QuadSound and Career Transition"

(43:59) "High-Stakes Creative Meetings"

(46:15) "Jack's Artistic Integrity Struggle"

(48:45) "Pool Nights in the Office"

(53:56) "The Band's Big Pink Album Cover Story"

(56:19) "The Doors Strange Days Album Cover Controversy"

(59:19) "Cover Stories Book"

You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.

If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.
Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckme
Tell us what you think and your favorite episode!

We’re celebrating one of Philadelphia’s most beloved radio icons and "The Queen of the Philly local music scene, Cyndy Drue. From spinning tunes during her early college days to making a name for herself on legendary Philly stations like WMMR, WYSP, and WMGK, Cyndy’s story is woven into the fabric of the city’s sound. She didn’t just play the hits; she helped shape them, especially with her groundbreaking local music show, Street Beat, which gave countless Philly bands their first shot at the spotlight.

Join hosts Rich DeSisto, and Steve Raymond as they trace Cyndy’s journey from her first radio gigs to her role in breaking iconic acts like LIVE, her adventures in TV, and even modest moments in movies as a SAG-AFTRA member. Along the way, you’ll hear about the Philly radio wars, the magic of hearing your song on the air for the first time, and how Cyndy is turning her remarkable story into a documentary...fifty years in the making.

(00:00) Pierre Robert Introduction

(5:49) Origin of "Street Beat" Radio Show

(7:14) "Queen of Local Music Scene"

(12:48) "Street Beat's Biggest Success"

(14:50) "Melody Matters Most"

(18:15) "One More Song Created"

(21:32) "Discovering Radio as a Career"

(23:21) "Choosing a Women's College"

(28:17) The Power of 1970s DJs

(31:10) "Philadelphia DJs and Music Showcases"

(33:19) "John Lennon’s Death Reported"

(37:21) "Pre-SNL News Broadcast Insight"

(40:02) Union Strike Over AI Impact

(44:20) "Getting Fired from Street Beat"

(47:33) "Brother's Business and Career Shift"

(51:06) "College Film Reunion Screening"

(52:02) "Rock and Roll Connection"

You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.

If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.
Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckme
Tell us what you think and your favorite episode!