Jon Gay on Radio, Podcasting, and the Art of Storytelling

Jon Gay and I had a great time recording this podcast because we not only talked about podcasting, but also reflected on our years in the broadcast business and what people should know before starting a podcast of their own. There’s a lot of laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical insight for anyone curious about the world of audio storytelling.

Jon and I go way back to our radio days. We worked at different stations in the same building, crossing paths in a fast-paced world built on deadlines, storytelling, and finding the right words at the right moment. Radio teaches you quickly how to think on your feet, write with purpose, deliver information clearly, and connect with people through your voice.

What’s interesting is that neither of us spent much time trying to “sound like radio people.” We focused on being authentic, credible, and conversational. The voice came naturally because the storytelling mattered more than the performance.

For me, podcasting became a natural extension of the work I do with my Foundation. It gave me a platform to continue having meaningful conversations, telling important stories, and creating a space where people feel comfortable enough to share their experiences honestly.

That’s one reason I was thrilled to eventually hire Jon as my podcast editor. I already knew his professionalism, creativity, and work ethic from our radio days, and he understood the heart behind what I was trying to create. Jon has a real talent for shaping conversations into stories that people genuinely connect with.

In this episode, we talk about the evolution from radio to podcasting, the art of authentic storytelling, and why genuine connection matters more than ever in today’s media landscape.

And finally, Jon, it seems like everyone wants to start a podcast these days. I can’t tell you how many people ask me where to begin, and honestly, I don’t always have the time to walk everyone through it. So when someone comes to you and says, “I want to start a podcast,” what’s the very first thing you tell them?

If you want to talk with Jon you can contact him here: jag@jagpodcastproductions.com

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