Aircheck: Radio Stories
AIRCHECK is a podcast about radio's personality from radio personalities. Whether you’re in the radio industry yourself, or have just have a love for the medium, each episode will take you backstage, in the studio and on the air at some of biggest radio stations in the country. You’ll live vicariously through radio stories and celebrity interviews shared by those who were privileged to have these opportunities. Some have also shared the actual audio from those moments frozen in time.
For those who find themselves the result of “reduction in force” you’ll appreciate the words of wisdom and advice from some of the radio industries best; Program Directors, General Managers, Consultants, Owners, Trade Journalists and the Air Personalities themselves who have successfully applied their skillset elsewhere.
Season 1- Season 4
Host: Rich DeSisto
WAXQ/New York, WMGK/Philadelphia, WBEN/Philadelphia, WYSP/Philadelphia, WPST/Trenton, WJBR/Wilmington, WDHA/Dover. WCHR/Toms River, WMGM/Atlantic City, WAMX/Huntington, WZXL/Atlantic City.
Co-Host: Paul Kelly
WMGK/Philadelphia, WEZX/Scranton, WPDH/Poughkeepsie, and WZXL/Atlantic City.
Season 5
Host: Rich DeSisto
Co-Host: Steve Raymond
Starview92/Lehigh Valley, WSBG Stroudsburg, WINK 106.3/Rhode Island, and WZXL/Atlantic City.
AIRCHECK is accepting guests for future sessions/seasons. If there’s a story to be told….and hopefully audio to complement it, from College Radio to AM/FM, Satellite, AIRCHECK will give it a listen. If you are in or out of radio and want to tell your stories, email: AirCheckMe@gmail.com.
Aircheck: Radio Stories
Rock Radio DJ Brian Orlando: Jamming with Gavin Rossdale & Corey Taylor, Radio Survival, and the Healing Power of Music & Tarot
Brian Orlando is not just the morning drive co-host at Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark, but a second-generation psychic who uses the energy of song to help guide others. His powerful status connects him with not only the local community but with music legends like Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Gavin Rossdale (Bush), and Kevin Martin (Candlebox). A unique journey that added another talent to his resume, as he is also the author of Rock and Soul Tarot.
Hosts Rich DeSisto and Steve Raymond uncover how Brian leveraged authentic conversations, not just typical interviews with rockstars to create unforgettable moments on-air, including on-the-spot performances and even a live radio proposal! You'll hear how he convinced musicians to jam live in the studio, stories about partnering with stars from Anthrax to Candlebox, and his heartfelt approach to radio philanthropy. Like organizing a 24-hour telethon for Angela's House and a star-studded mental health awareness campaign after Chris Cornell’s death.
Brian opens up about how music saved his life as a teen, the healing power of songs like Blondie's "Heart of Glass," Soul Asylum’s "Runaway Train," and Candlebox’s "Far Behind," and the parallels between tarot and rock storytelling. Discover his journey from truck driver to on-air talent, the challenges of breaking into radio, navigating rejection, and his honest reflections on personal growth, intuition, and mental health.
Topping it off, Brian shares a group tarot reading for radio professionals facing transitions and offers motivational advice for creators, broadcasters, and music fans confronting change.
Whether you’re into radio, classic rock, tarot, or stories of resilience and reinvention, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes tales, learning moments, and inspiration for anyone passionate about music, broadcasting, or self-discovery.
(00:00) "Brian's Selfless Journey Through Radio"
(5:13) Kazoo-Talica Charity Promotion
(8:49) "Unexpected Interview and Connection"
(12:13) "Song Mashup Instructions"
(15:51) The Humility of Psychic Work
(16:55) Music's Healing Power
(20:26) "Candlebox Memories and Friendship"
(24:53) Angela’s House Charity Telethon Idea
(27:31) "Chris Cornell Tribute Broadcast"
(32:52) Father's Critique of Radio DJs
(35:46) "Weekend Radio Memories, 2008"
(39:58) "Radio: More Than a Novelty"
(41:46) Radio Job Rejection Reflections
(46:12) Rigid Interviews Lack Connection
(46:53) Radio Career Connection Story
(51:53) "Radio Audition Leads to Opportunity"
(54:33) "Overcoming Comparison and Moving Forward"
(57:20) "Embracing Change and New Paths"
(59:51) "Rock and Soul Tarot Promo"
Click here to make a donation to Angela's House
Click here to purchase Rock n Soul Tarot
You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.
If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.
Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckme
Tell us what you think and your favorite episode!
