Radio Split Ranch

From Shy Kid to Multi-Station Star: Marissa’s Radio Rise

I engage this month with Marissa, a Capital Region native whose 20+ year radio career spans local favorites and major markets. You'll hear how she overcame shyness, earned dream gigs at FLY92 and Boston stations, and adapted to modern voice-tracking across multiple stations daily.
Our conversation covers her start in radio, career highs and sudden cuts, the pandemic pause, recovery after injury, and how Marissa turned relationships and resilience into a thriving remote-radio career while staying true to her hometown.

Jason Keller: 30 Years Behind the Mic

This month's conversation is with a veteran broadcaster who traces his radio career from early inspiration and college radio through stations like WIZN, WQBK, WHRL and WGY to his current role at WEQX. His story  mixes personal anecdotes (including a surprise Howard Stern call and Don Weeks guesting), industry shifts like format flips and layoffs, and his personal reflections on reinvention — ending with his ongoing specialty shows and love for the craft. Here's a fun hour with Jason Keller.

From Drummer to Radio Legend: Jay Clark's 60-Year Airwaves Journey

Host Warren Garling interviews Jay Clark about his long radio career, starting as an overnight DJ in the Capital Region and rising to program director roles at major stations including WTRY, WPRO, WTIC, WABC, and KHits.
The episode traces Clark’s experiences in the Top 40 wars, format changes (including WABC’s switch to talk), programming and promotion lessons, memorable on-air moments, and his later work with Sirius and consulting before retirement.
You'll get behind-the-scenes stories about station strategy, promotions, mentoring talent, and how radio evolved from local personality-driven shows to today’s multimedia landscape. 

Fred Sidoti: From Basement Pirate to Radio Legend

Radio Split Ranch host Warren Garling catches up with Fred Sidoti, tracing his journey from a basement 100 mW pirate station to decades on Albany and Buffalo airwaves under many on‑air names.
The episode highlights memorable moments (Apollo 13, moon landing, Beach Boys, concerts and local radiothons), Sidoti’s station  moves and jingle aliases, and his later career as a corporate trainer and community volunteer—an affectionate, nostalgic look at a classic radio life.

From Record Hops to Radio Talks: Paul Vandenberg's Broadcasting Journey

Dive into a captivating conversation with Paul Vandenberg this month. Paul is a notable talk radio host and station owner in the Capital Region. As we kick off the fifth year of this podcast, we explore the evolution of local radio and TV broadcasting in the Northeast, highlighting recent challenges and changes within public broadcasting and commercial radio. Paul reflects on his journey from working various jobs to eventually owning a radio station. And he contemplates the future of local radio amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.

Behind the Mic with Brian & Chrissy: The Dynamic Duo of WGNA

Welcome to another captivating episode of Radio Split Ranch, where we take a nostalgic journey with Brian and Chrissy, the renowned morning team from WGNA in Albany. They share their roots as local talents, their chemistry developed over years, and how their passion for radio brought them unexpected recognition in the Capital Region.
Join us as we delve into their individual backstories, the challenges and triumphs of switching from a pop format to country music, and their unwavering connection with listeners and country artists alike. Experience firsthand how Brian and Chrissy's journey symbolizes the spirit of broadcasting and community engagement.

From History Teacher Aspirations to Radio Legend: Uncle Vito's Journey

Welcome to another exciting episode of Radio Split Ranch! This month it's a conversation with the legendary Gary Locatelli, better known as Uncle Vito from PYX/106. Hear firsthand stories of backstage laughs, memorable on-air moments, and the serendipitous path that led Gary to a cherished career in radio. Discover the magic of radio broadcasting as Gary shares his love for music, creativity, and connecting with his audience. Whether you're a die-hard radio fan or new to the medium, this episode is packed with entertaining anecdotes and radio history that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Enjoy a delightful journey into the world of radio with Uncle Vito!

Terry O'Donnell's Journey through Radio's Golden Days and Future

This episode features a captivating conversation with one of the more recent inspirational figures in regional radio, Terry O'Donnell. With a broadcasting career spanning 30 years, Terry shares his journey from starting as a passionate intern to becoming a prominent figure dedicated to keeping the spirit of local radio alive in today's corporate-driven environment.
Discover how Terry navigated the evolving landscape of broadcasting while staying true to his roots. From small-town beginnings to creating impactful programming that resonates with audiences, this episode is a tribute to Terry O'Donnell's commitment to reviving the charm of local radio.

From Classical Cues to Local Tunes: The Chris Wienk Story

We take a look into the fascinating world of public broadcasting this month with Chris Wienk. From his early aspirations sparked by Canadian radio stations to his significant contributions in establishing a new voice for non-commercial radio, Chris shares anecdotes from his storied career enlightening listeners about the unique challenges and triumphs of running a successful non-commercial music station.

Behind the Mic with Radio Legend John Cooper

Welcome to Radio Split Ranch! In this engaging episode, Warren Garling sits down with John Cooper, a legendary figure in Capital Region broadcasting. With nearly 50 years of experience, John shares insights from his incredible journey in radio. From the early days of pretending to be a disc jockey as a child to becoming a staple on PYX/ 106, John reflects on the evolution of radio and its impact on listeners. Whether it's his time as a music director, program director, or his inspiring volunteer work with veterans, John Cooper's dedication to the craft is evident. Join us for a peek into the golden era of radio and discover the passion and dedication that has kept John on the airwaves for decades.