During those long days at home, the instructors were broadcasting from their homes too. We were all going through the pandemic together. Their encouragement, honesty, and positivity lifted my spirit in a time when we all needed it.

The instructors began to feel familiar, like personalities you look forward to hearing. They reminded me of what we’ve always known in radio: people connect with people.

When I made it into a live ride class at the Peloton Studios New York, it was everything I hoped it would be. In fact, it was so great that one ride turned into three. I found myself going back again and again, each time reminded of how powerful that in-person connection can be. Meeting the instructors I had ridden with for years and seeing that they were just as real, just as encouraging off camera, mattered.

A couple of years ago, it looked like Peloton might be struggling financially. But they made a strategic reset. They shifted their focus beyond just fitness and leaned into what was already working, the personalities and the experience.

It’s what we’ve always said in radio.

Connection matters.

And Peloton doubled down on that idea in a way that clearly worked.

I can tell you exactly why I connect with certain instructors.

Take Matt Wilpers. He’s from Atlanta, always smiling while I’m riding with him. He talks about loving his mom. He runs races all over the country. He shows up for his friends, and they show up for him, especially in class. You feel that.

Or Jess Sims, a former kindergarten teacher and WNBA player. She shares stories about going to Payless Shoes with her mom, brings a fun, spicy energy, and even taught me how to make “sweat angels” on my mat.

It’s those personal details. Those real-life moments. That authenticity.

That’s what builds connection.

Because whether it’s a Peloton instructor, a morning show host, or someone on social media, the impact is the same. When people feel like they know you, when they feel encouraged by you, they come back.

That’s the opportunity we have every day, every break.

Personalities matter because they’re more than voices, they’re people who share themselves, spark connection, and reflect God’s light in ways that help listeners feel truly seen. When we support, guide, and develop them, the connections they create aren’t just heard, they’re felt, lasting in hearts long after the broadcast ends.

And that’s the work we get to do every day, helping people feel known, helping them shine, helping them carry that light forward.

Beth Bacall is a media personality and talent coach. Catch her on Peloton at @BethBacall.

The post From Bike to Mic: What Peloton Can Teach Us About Radio first appeared on CMB.

The post From Bike to Mic: What Peloton Can Teach Us About Radio appeared first on CMB.

The kind of truth that sets people free.

That was the heart of the discussion, and it all started with John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” From there, stories started pouring out—honest, bold, God-at-work stories. 

Singer-songwriter Megan Woods—CMB’s Breakout Artist of the Year—was at the center of it. Her debut song “The Truth” has resonated far beyond what anyone expected, topping iTunes charts in 45 countries, racking up over 60 million streams, and inspiring tens of thousands of user videos. Clearly, people are hungry for truth—real truth, the kind that speaks into the deep places.

Megan’s story is living proof. She didn’t grow up with Christian radio. But in a hard season, she and her mom were driving to the beach when a Casting Crowns song came on. Something about it broke through. It wasn’t just background noise—it was a beginning. Healing began that day. Hope got planted in soil they didn’t even know was ready. And now? Megan’s music is doing the same for others.

She even shares a voice coach with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns—who not only loves “The Truth,” but also her new song, “I Believe You,” a soul-lifting anthem about clinging to God’s promises in the middle of life’s mess.

Radio hosts are feeling it too.

Brittney Minnard from The Journey in Tennessee heard Christian radio for the first time when her marriage was falling apart. Scanning the dial, she found hope. Eventually, she found a job. And not just any job. She met the station’s morning host at a donut-eating contest (yes, she won), and when a role opened at the station she’d come to love, she bought herself out of her TV contract to take it. Today, she’s not just part of that show—she’s the program director at CMB’s Medium Market Station of the Year.

Then there’s Sam Kelly, a fighter in every sense. Wife to Carlos, Mom to Zoe her daughter with special needs aka her “super-powers,” and a breast cancer survivor. The voice behind Princess Peach and Toad. But when you ask her what matters most? Being a friend of Jesus. She shows up for the fight every day—with peace, humor, and the kind of strength that makes you stand a little taller just by listening.

Megan said something simple that landed like truth always does—with gentleness and weight. Her mom is the one who always does the barbecues, the hosting, the heavy lifting. And one day it hit her: Maybe someone should invite her to a barbecue for once.

That moment stuck. Every woman listening felt it—because sometimes we all just want to be invited. Not because we have something to offer. Just because we’re loved.

That’s truth too.

The post More Truth… first appeared on CMB.

The post More Truth… appeared first on CMB.

Started in 2006 with just a vision and no budget, The Fish’s Christmas Wish campaign has since become a powerful initiative in the community. Through this program, listeners are encouraged to submit stories about friends, family members, coworkers, or anyone in need during the holiday season. Thanks to the generosity of listeners and advertisers, the Christmas Wish Fund helps provide support to those who need it most.

Last year in 2023, listeners paid 93 months of mortgages / rent payments, 11 adaptive bikes for children with special needs ($4,000+ per bike), provided $18,000+ in groceries and fully furnished 3 homes.

This year, The Fish is committed to expanding the reach and impact of Christmas Wish, making it one of Atlanta’s most meaningful holiday projects. Listeners can get involved by visiting the Christmas Wish webpage or attending live broadcasts at Chick-fil-A locations.

In addition to Atlanta’s beloved Christmas soundtrack, The Fish offers ways to stay connected with the community through the “Holly Jolly Line” and the “Fish Christmas Zone,” both designed to keep listeners engaged with local merchants and each other.

As Atlanta tunes into 104.7 The Fish, they can expect more than just holiday music – they’ll experience a season filled with hope, love, and the true spirit of giving.

The post 104.7 The Fish: Brings Christmas Celebration to Atlanta first appeared on CMB.

The post 104.7 The Fish: Brings Christmas Celebration to Atlanta appeared first on CMB.

As the discussion turned to how best to guide listeners through the season, the consensus was clear: summer offers unique opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. Whether reminiscing about childhood adventures or embracing quiet moments with loved ones, like enjoying iced tea by the beach or enjoying flowers on the roadside, these experiences serve as reminders of the beauty in simplicity.

One question during the webinar that provoked thought centered on what childhood memories we hope our listeners create this summer. Nikki Davis, of Boost Radio, reflecting on personal loss and resilience, expressed this heartfelt hope: “I wish for listeners and their children to cherish every moment and create lasting memories that bring joy and healing.” The webinar resonated as a celebration of nostalgia, resilience, and the enduring power of summer experiences to shape our lives and inspire creativity. 

As these women in radio continue to share their artistry and personal stories, they offer a poignant reminder of the profound impact of summer memories on our journeys of faith and growth. While the summer season continues to stretch on, take full advantage of the warmth and freedom it brings, savoring every moment and every listener’s story. 

Now back-to-school season is upon us, bringing with it a significant shift in our community, another different kind of busy. Let’s embrace this change with the same intentionality and enthusiasm we bring to our Summer adventures, guaranteeing that this transition is meaningful and enriching both on and off the air.

The post Her Voice first appeared on CMB.

The post Her Voice appeared first on CMB.