The Dawn of Radio Advertising and High-Flying Tales of the Memphis Belle

Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan

As the radio waves of yesteryear crackled with fresh energy, imagine the thrill of the first-ever real estate promotion breaking through the static. That's the world we step back into, with tales spun from a life dedicated to the symbiotic dance between broadcasting and advertising. With the warmth of a seasoned host, I recount how early ads on stations like WEAF not only turned the dial up on sales but also cemented long-standing partnerships that would one day fill a room at my own retirement bash. It's a revelatory journey correcting common myths, like KDKA's often misattributed first commercial, and celebrating American Express among the pioneers who recognized radio's golden opportunity.
Strap in tight as we also take flight with the heroic Robert Morgan, original pilot of the Memphis Belle, and relive the awe of soaring in the legendary B-17's replica. Hear the engines roar and feel the weight of history in the tales of bravery and camaraderie shared high above the earth. Meanwhile, back on terra firma, we'll regale you with the unexpected chuckles of radio promotion bloopers—think turkeys dropping from the sky—and the unforgettable wizardry of on-air games that could turn any radio listener into a rapt participant. It's a heartfelt nod to the mirth and mishaps of bringing the magic of radio into every home and the legacy of advertisers who made it all possible.