Here are two areas to be mindful of if you’re wanting to connect deeper with your listener.

1. Especially in the beginning of your radio break, try to use the widest welcome mat possible that attracts the widest audience listening.

 That means that you can’t assume that anyone listening is anything: married, a parent, a Christian, goes to church, or is a fan of your radio station. 

Here’s an example:

 “It’s summertime and your kids are headed off to VBS.” 



That assumes that everyone listening is a parent, has kids, and knows what a VBS is. Recent research showed that 70% of Christian radio listeners don’t have an eighteen-year-old or younger living with them.



How to adjust: “It’s summertime and a kid in your life may be headed to a camp.”



Using a phrase like, “a kid in your life” is relevant to parents, grandparents, babysitters, older siblings, aunts, uncles, teachers, next door neighbors, etc. Also, summer camp is a broader term that includes VBS. 



Being inclusive without sounding exclusive welcomes more people to feel like they’re seen. Every listener wants to feel like I BELONG HERE when listening to your radio show.



2. Listen to almost any Christian Radio station and you’ll hear the DJ handing out spiritual advice. 

Here’ an example:

 “So, the next time you find yourself in that same situation I was in, remember to trust Jesus and worry less.” 



This is so cliche’ (and bad) Christian radio. Stop handing out (maybe unwanted) advice, and start being a good example.



How to adjust: “So, the next time I find myself in that same situation, I’m going to trust Jesus instead of worrying so much.”



In faith breaks, be self-evaluating and self-examining so that you can model honesty and vulnerability. Every listener wants to feel like I’M NOT ALONE when listening to your radio show. They come to you for encouragement, not admonishment.



HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY


The 2 big ideas for Christian Radio shows (I BELONG HERE & I’M NOT ALONE) are powerful ways to attract people to your radio show and connect with them at a deeper level. That builds trust and forms habits, and that’s something streaming music can’t do.

The post 2 Big Ideas for Christian Radio Shows first appeared on CMB.

The post 2 Big Ideas for Christian Radio Shows appeared first on CMB.

Twenty-five years ago, Christian radio was blessed with a majority of 55+ baby boomer listeners who loved artists like Mark Schultz, Point Of Grace, Avalon, 4 Him, Newsong, Phillips Craig And Dean, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, and others.

But there was a slow natural shifting happening, and then a few radio stations turned it into an intentional shifting.

A ROADMAP TO CHANGE

These words were delivered at a board meeting by then President/CEO of The River in Ohio, Dan Baughman, and I’ll never forget them. He said, “For us to grow, we need to exchange walkers and wheelchairs for baby strollers and car seats.”

Those were marching orders to do things differently. Some songs and artists still tested well, but they no longer pointed toward the audience we were striving to serve next. So, we gradually phased them out and started championing MercyMe, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Tobymac, Matthew West, and others.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Fast-forward to 2026 and we’re at this shifting again. This time it’s 55+ GEN X radio listeners who must make room for the musical tastes of younger Millennials and older Gen Zers.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

CCM radio needs courageous leaders to forge a path RIGHT NOW and into the next 25 years. There are songs to stop playing and songs to start playing. The good news is that this can be done gradually.

I have some specific ideas about how to honor artists while becoming more relevant. Feel free to reach out and we can chat about it.

The post The Next Bold Move for Contemporary Christian Radio and Why first appeared on CMB.

The post The Next Bold Move for Contemporary Christian Radio and Why appeared first on CMB.


The goal of your radio show should be to deepen relationships with listeners over time.

1. It starts with the right show prep and topics.
2. It continues with amazing storytelling.

3. It ends with you not wasting their time.



HERE’S THE PROCESS

Continuously connect with new listeners. Have interesting conversations with casual listeners so that they become regular listeners. Deepen the relationship with regular listeners so that your radio show becomes a habit in their life.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Focus on the person your radio listener cares about most… it’s not you; it’s them. Radio listeners don’t become raving fans because they understand you. They become raving fans because you understand them.
 That’s an adapted quote from the 1993 book, “Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. Here’s a free archived copy.

In 2021, Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting service, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. He has led over 1,700 coaching sessions with radio shows. At the time of this article, he serves 34 shows at 13 radio stations. Todd has also written 200+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.

The post Who Radio Listeners Care About Most first appeared on CMB.

The post Who Radio Listeners Care About Most appeared first on CMB.

In 2021, I made a listener growth pyramid for radio stations and radio shows.

Connections lead to conversations. Conversations lead to habits. Habits lead to fans. Fans lead to support. 

In real-world terms, connections are just acquaintances. People in your phone contacts or who you’ve connected with on social media who would never pick up the phone and call you in a time of need.

In radio, connections equal CUME. So, engaging conversations on your radio show will increase tune-in occasions (forming habits) and time spent listening (building fans who are willing to support you).

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Marketing and product improvement (perceptual studies and ongoing music research) are factors in exposing your radio station or radio show to more people (building CUME). Those may be out of your control.

Here’s what you can control. Great content, relevant to today, is the vehicle that drives deeper relationships over time. Your authenticity, wit, heart, self-deprecation, and self-evaluation will turn casual listeners into fans over time.

Finding new connections is necessary. Converting them into fans is vital. 


In 2021, Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting service, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. He has led over 1,700 coaching sessions with radio shows. At the time of this article, he serves 33 shows at 13 radio stations. Todd has also written 200+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.

The post Content Is Not King first appeared on CMB.

The post Content Is Not King appeared first on CMB.

Your attempts at encouragement might bounce off this defensive wall and come right back at you.
You must help each listener remove one brick at a time. That happens when you’re self-evaluating and self-deprecating. Stories from your real life are where connections happen and listeners start to trust you.

That’s how relationships are deepened – that’s how fans are cultivated… one brick removal at a time through your own authenticity and real-life relatable (fun) stories.

 Over time, as a well-rounded radio show, a listener’s defensive wall can start to come down so that encouragement can penetrate to their heart and soul.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Be intentional to plot your radio show with different emotions at different times and days. Make a grid. Be purposeful. Unless you have a reoccurring benchmark, the emotion of your show should feel different at the same time tomorrow.

The post How to Remove a Radio Listener’s Defensive Wall first appeared on CMB.

The post How to Remove a Radio Listener’s Defensive Wall appeared first on CMB.

Everyone talking at once in person with friends might be common. But on a radio show it can sound confusing, off putting, and even rude to a listener.

LEAVE SPACE FOR THE REACTOR TO REACT 

There’s typically a Generator and a Reactor personality on a radio team show or at least playing that role on a particular radio talk break. Could be a solo show host with a guest or a listener too. 



The Generator’s role is to drive the story forward so that the Reactor can react. That includes giving the Reactor space and time to react without talking on top of them.



INSERT SPORTS ANALOGY HERE

Whether it’s football, baseball, or any other sport, the announcers have defined roles. The play-by-play is the Generator and color commentator is the Reactor.

I coach several team shows where each cohost can be either. Because of that they must clearly define their roles for that radio break before the mics turn on.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Defining and understanding roles during a radio talk break can prevent everyone from talking at the same time, which helps eliminate a tune out factor.

At the time of this article, I’ve held over 1,600 coaching sessions where I’ve discovered universal truths that can be tailored to individual shows. There are more helpful videos on my Instagram and YouTube pages, and you can find every article at beyond615.com.

 In 2021, Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting service, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. He has led over 1,600 coaching sessions with radio shows. At the time of this article, he serves 30 shows at 11 radio stations. Todd has also written 190+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.

The post Help for Radio Shows To Not Talk at the Same Time first appeared on CMB.

The post Help for Radio Shows To Not Talk at the Same Time appeared first on CMB.

Here’s a conversation between someone I coach and A.I. after I pointed out that A.I. seems to give “moral of the story endings” to every on-air break idea.

RADIO DJ INSTRUCTING A.I.

“So, I have a coach that helps me sound better on the radio, and he feels like the wrap-up sentences that you generally put at the end of every story are not necessary. Maybe we can work on just the ending be the emotion or the reveal of the story as opposed to a summary of what was just shared. Thoughts?”

A.I. RESPONSE

“That’s great feedback—and your coach is right on target for live radio. Those wrap-up lines can sometimes feel a bit “buttoned up” or scripted, especially when the story already speaks for itself emotionally. If the content has already delivered the heart, humor, or surprise, there’s no need to restate it—we just let the moment land and trust the listener to feel it. So instead of wrapping with a summary or takeaway, we can aim to end on…”

• A visual or moment that sticks.
• A quote or phrase from the person in the story.
• A beat of emotion—even just silence or a breath after something powerful.
• Or sometimes, just stop talking—let the story do its job and roll into the next song or element.

So going forward, all stories will follow this refined structure:

1. Engaging opening line (ideally from the listener’s perspective).
2. Quick setup or conflict.
3. Heartwarming twist, fun fact, or emotional payoff.
4. Let the last moment breathe—no summary or “moral of the story” needed.


HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY


It takes time and effort for A.I. to get to know you and what you’re trying to accomplish. Continue to coach A.I. to adjust to your specific show, personality, and how it can help you become the best storyteller.


At the time of this article I’ve held over 1,500 coaching sessions where I’ve discovered universal truths that can be tailored to individual shows. There are more helpful videos on my Instagram and YouTube pages, and you can find every article at beyond615.com.

#radioshow #radiopersonality #radiohost #radio #radiodj #radiocoaching 

In 2021, Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting service, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. He has led over 1,500 coaching sessions with radio shows. At the time of this article, he serves 28 shows at 11 radio stations. Todd has also written 190+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.

The post Adjust Your AI Relationship For Your Radio Show first appeared on CMB.

The post Adjust Your AI Relationship For Your Radio Show appeared first on CMB.

YOUR STORIES > OTHER PEOPLE’S STORIES

Recently, my wife and I said goodbye to our 16-year-old minivan. I can’t believe the emotional reaction I had! I wasn’t sad about losing the leather interior, the transmission, or the years of reliability. The nostalgia came when I began processing all the memories and life moments shared. The wonderful family road trips. The little kids’ soccer practices and games. All three of our children learned to drive in that van. I could go on and on. I felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend.

That was a good example of how you make connection points with listeners by revealing emotion from your own life story. Relationships deepen when people get to know each other. That helps build trust over time and turns casual listeners into fans (and hopefully donors).

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Be on the lookout for life around you. Every week try to lower the percentage of show prep service stories and increase your own relevance to today, real life stories.

Here’s an example of something that I encourage the radio shows I coach to keep on their cells to help them capture and reflect on moments that made them have an emotional reaction.

In 2021, Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting service, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. He has led over 1,500 coaching sessions with radio shows. At the time of this article, he serves 25 shows at 10 radio stations. Todd has also written 190+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.


The post Your Stories > Other People’s Stories first appeared on CMB.

The post Your Stories > Other People’s Stories appeared first on CMB.

The problem with a predictable daily routine is that you start to see the world from a muted point of view. Unfortunately, that’s not going to help you gather colorful stories from real life around you for your radio show.

5 R.I.S.K.S. FOR YOUR RADIO SHOW

ROUTINE – change your routine once a week. Force yourself to drive a different way to work. Do something you’d do after work in the morning or vice versa.

INTENTIONAL – be intentional as you view the world around you. When you observe situations, ask yourself how you would react or how you would feel. There’s a story inside of you waiting to be found.

SPEND TIME WITH JESUS – the best radio teams I know have a common spiritual depth woven throughout each team member. When you spend consistent time with Jesus (Bible & prayer) you begin to confidently and naturally share your faith on your radio show too.

KINDLE RELATIONSHIPS – listen more and ask more questions in conversations. Pull a story out of the barista or cashier. People have unique and interesting lives, and you have a radio show to share them.

STOP BURNOUT – take action if you’re headed toward burnout or already there. That may mean a crucial conversation with your boss and/or some time in therapy. A sign will be that you live your life exhausted and frustrated.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Many radio personalities are functioning introverts who need alone time to recharge. I’m not asking you to become an extrovert, but I am asking you to shake things up a bit. It’s risky to engage strangers and to set boundaries for your well-being.

But just imagine becoming the healthiest and most confident version of yourself yet.

The post Risks for Your Radio Show first appeared on CMB.

The post Risks for Your Radio Show appeared first on CMB.

3 WAYS TO REMAIN AUTHENTICALLY HUMAN

1. Talk like a human and not like how an Internet story is written – replace newsy, formal words with words that you would use with a friend at a coffee shop.
 
2. Limit facts and add emotion – facts activate the left side of someone’s brain. Engage the right side of a listener’s brain with vivid stories about your own or others’ experiences.
 
3. Learn to be a good listener – if you’re on a team show or interact with your audience, be mindful of how you can help them move their story forward without stealing the spotlight from them.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY


Be authentically human by talking like you, showing emotion, and pausing to listen before reacting.

At the time of this article I’ve held over 1,400 coaching sessions where I’ve discovered universal truths that can be tailored to individual shows. There are more helpful videos on my Instagram and YouTube pages, and you can find every article at beyond615.com.

The post 3 Ways to Remain Authentically Human first appeared on CMB.

The post 3 Ways to Remain Authentically Human appeared first on CMB.