Sometimes the best ideas come from somewhere else. In fact, the true art of appropriating (OK, stealing) an idea is to actually make it better.
Yesterday, Mike Stern stumbled upon a Fast Company article with the unlikely title, “9 CEOs tell ‘Modern CEO’ what they’re thankful for.” It’s an insightful read, mostly because we rarely hear business leaders talk about their employees, their pets, their children, and their holiday gatherings. (But do we really care about what the head honcho of Inspired Capital or Butterball is thankful for?)
Frankly, Mike felt radio people could do a much better job in the gratitude department. So, we put it to the test, reaching out to some of our favorite people from all corners of radio and taking their “thanks temperature.” (You’ll see Mike take his own “turkey trot” at the end of today’s post.)
We hope you find their musings inspirational and timely. And you’re invited to leave your thoughts below in “comments” or on my socials. And if we don’t get a chance to chat, let me wish you the happiest and warmest Thanksgiving greeting – and thank YOU, in particular, for reading and engaging with this blog. – FJ
Terrie Carr – Program Director + On-air Personality, WDHA/New Jersey
WDHA staff | Terrie, front row, second from right
I’m always thankful for being a part of the radio community. The reflection this year seems more vivid with the reality of the massive amount of changes the industry is going through and the challenges we continually face; however, the thanks and gratitude I have for the folks that I get to work with daily never changes. Having passionate people around you on-air, in sales and in the advertising and record community is what it’s all about. And being able to be a part of the lives of our listeners is never lost on me. How many people have that opportunity? When I reflect on still being able to be on stage or at a successful event with the people I love, my staff – Thankful is an understatement.
Dave “Chachi” Denes – President, Benztown Radio Networks
I know it’s been a tough year, with many of our friends facing job losses. Despite these challenges, I remain deeply thankful to work in such an incredible industry—one that harnesses its tremendous power to positively impact lives across the country. We keep people informed with vital news and information, support countless charities and nonprofit organizations, and bring joy through entertainment, making life a little brighter for our audiences. Now more than ever, it’s important that we rally around the strength of our medium and extend a hand to help our friends get back on their feet. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
Stephanie Theisen – COO, Leighton Media
I am incredibly thankful for the dynamic team of professionals I work with every day at Leighton Media. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence drive our success. It’s inspiring to see how each team member contributes to our mission of connecting with communities and delivering exceptional value to our audiences and clients. Their dedication fuels our ability to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.
I’m also grateful for the trust and relationships we’ve built with our clients, partners, and listeners. I have made it a focus to attend several of our events this year. When I do, the connections I witness remind me of the impact our work has on businesses, families, and local communities. I’m proud of the role we play in enriching lives and fostering engagement. As we look ahead, I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead a company that embraces curiosity, creativity, and the power of “we,” not “me.”
Dave Farra – Co-host, The Dave & Mahoney Morning Show, KSLX/Phoenix (and beyond)
As I reflect on my journey in the radio industry this Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture, but when I take a step back, I’m reminded of how privileged I am to do what I love. Working in radio is so much more than a job—it’s the realization of a lifelong dream.
I can still vividly recall the first time I felt a radio personality speaking directly to me. Growing up in rural Minnesota, that connection felt personal and powerful, sparking a dream that shaped my future. Today, I’m living that dream, and I’m thankful for every moment—even the tough ones that challenged me to grow.
One of the greatest blessings in my career has been the opportunities I’ve received, often before I truly felt ready for them. I owe so much to the program directors who took a chance on a kid with more ambition than experience. Their belief in me, and their openness to fostering new talent, was transformative. This industry thrives on fresh voices and bold ideas, and I’m endlessly grateful to those who invested their time and trust to help me find my own voice.
But what makes radio truly extraordinary is the connection it fosters with listeners. In a world that increasingly leans on digital communication, there’s something irreplaceable about real-time interaction. Whether sharing a laugh on someone’s morning commute or offering comfort during life’s challenges, radio creates a bond no comment section ever could. Listeners don’t just hear us—they feel us.
This Thanksgiving, I’m especially thankful for my incredible co-hosts on the Dave and Mahoney Morning Show, the talented professionals I work alongside, and the listeners who let us be part of their day. Radio is my passion, my purpose, and the reason I wake up excited every morning. I’m endlessly grateful to call this medium my home.
Chuck Armstrong – Host, “Loudwire Nights” / VP, Content Operations / Townsquare Media
As I think about this beloved and complex industry we work in, I’m grateful that in the face of uncertainty, changes and growing competition — realities we’ve always had to confront — that one thing never stops ebbing and flowing: Connection. Whether it’s connection with our listeners and communities or connection with the music and spoken word, there is virtually nothing “out there” that can compete with what we can do. Do we have to change how we do it? Absolutely, sometimes daily. But do we change that sense of deep, distinct connection? Never. I’m a fan of radio and music first and foremost and my life has been changed forever by the connection I’ve felt as a listener and, over the past couple of decades, as a broadcaster, too. Referring to what I do as “work” is a sincere privilege and one I don’t take for granted.
Beyond that, I’m simply thankful for the people I work with and learn from on a daily basis. I think about this often, but during this season, it truly becomes something I hold onto dearly.
Molly Davis – COO, Radio Research Consortium
This is the time of year when we’re prompted to ruminate on things for which we’re thankful, which can sometimes feel contrived, but “fake it ’til you make it” is really a thing. Practicing gratitude does actually make us more adept at feeling thankful. So today, I’m stretching my gratitude muscles.
For the last 20 years, I’ve been so thankful to have landed in public radio. The first day I crossed the threshold of my station, I found my true calling, my home. Experiencing it from the other side (I was a lifelong listener) gave me new appreciation for what a lifeline and companion public radio is to so many people. As evidence, just look at the fact that the medium is largely funded by people who donate money for something they can consume for free. Public radio means something to people and to communities, and I found so much joy stewarding this public service.
Three months ago, I moved from my station to Radio Research Consortium as Chief Operating Officer, and not a day has gone by since that I haven’t been awash in gratitude for the opportunity to help advance the mission of non-commercial radio on a national level. In my brief time here, I’ve connected with people at stations, and at other organizations, all around the country—people who have affirmed for me the incredible level of creativity, and passion, and just plain spunk that exists in our industry. And I have witnessed firsthand the bright ideas and passion for service to stations that exists among the entire RRC team. So I think what it all boils down to for me is this: I’m thankful for people…all of you. I see you. I see what you give and what you do and how much you care, and I appreciate you. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Prospector – Mornings, WEZX (Scranton)
I’m so grateful to work in this industry. It’s all I ever wanted to do and I am so happy I have done it for over 38 years. When I was a kid, I’d ride with my dad in his pick-up truck and listen to the radio. I told him then that’s what I wanted to do. Now, I get to be a part of people’s daily lives, part of the community I grew up in, and I get to shine a light on causes and charities that are important to me. Oh, and I get to make silly jokes. What could be better?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cari Kates – Director of Digital Content, Pillar Media
I’m grateful for the intimate connection we get to have with our listeners. Every now and then, we get to hear the stories of how a song, something a DJ said, or even finding a solution to problem through a radio advertiser, has made an impact on someone’s day or life, but there are so very many times that’s happening that we aren’t even aware of. It’s cool to think about the fact that it’s our JOB. We get paid to do this!
And finally, a coupe of gratitude entries from Jacobs Media employees:
Chris Brunt – Director Digital Revenue + All Things AI, Jacobs Media
This year, I’m thankful for the communities that radio creates—both among my passionate colleagues in the industry and the 293 million U.S. listeners who trust us to entertain and inform them. It’s easy to lose sight of the joy and connection radio brings to listeners in the midst of our daily routines, but the impact is undeniable. I’m inspired by the incredible talent in our industry, from superstars conducting headline-grabbing interviews to local broadcasters stepping up in moments of crisis—like the Asheville teams who became lifelines for their community during the Helene tragedy. I’m also grateful for the millions of businesses that rely on radio to grow and the dedicated salespeople who champion its value and effectiveness every day. Lastly, I’m deeply appreciative of the mentors who shaped me and those who continue to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders in our industry.
Mike Stern – Consultant, Jacobs Media
With Jules at one Lollapalooza or another
Even more than in most years it feels like I am most thankful for the moments of creativity that can only be found in radio.
I’ve always said that I got into radio for the music, and I stayed for the talent. The truth is that what’s always been the biggest rush, are the moments of creativity that come from finding ideas and building them into something special in a way that only the radio can deliver. It’s what I loved growing up listening to the radio and it’s my favorite thing to be a part of now. That can be finding a unique and compelling way to package and present music. It can be helping hone a talent’s personal story into a great piece of content that listeners will talk about. It can be finding a new, unique way to raise money to benefit people in need. It can even be taking time to bedazzle a pair of jeans to wear on the stage at a live broadcast. It’s those moments where something goes from a little spark to a brightly burning piece of creativity that I find myself being the most thankful for this year.
You are most welcome to fill out our “comments” sections below with your own musings about thanks, gratitude, stuffing, and football. JacoBLOG will be back on Monday with a new post. In the meantime, a safe, happy, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving to you all! – FJ
Originally published by Jacobs Media
