Creative Blocks

We all hit a creative block at some point. You know there’s room for improvement on your station but you can’t quite pinpoint what needs to change. When that happens, this simple but powerful exercise can re-ignite your creative thinking. (It works every time for me!)

The 60 Minute Listening Exercise

Set aside one full hour with no distractions. Choose another station – maybe a competitor, or one you’ve heard great things about. With pen and paper in hand, write down everything you hear:

• Every song title & artist (plus your best guess at its category in their music library). 
• Every imaging piece (capture as many words as possible). 
• Every talent break (including the topics covered and delivery style). 
• Every commercial, promo, or jingle. 
• The exact time each element happens.

Why This Works

Studies show that physically writing things down activates different parts of your brain, helping you process and retain information in a deeper way. By forcing your analytical side to track what your artistic side is absorbing, you’ll get new insights and fresh ideas—often revealing things you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.

The Takeaway

This exercise shifts how you listen and sparks creativity. You’ll walk away with new ideas for your own station and a clearer sense of what needs improvement. Try it out – you’ll be amazed by all the fresh ideas and insight you uncover for your station.