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
Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall Created Album Covers For Rock’s Greatest
We’re diving deep into the world of iconic album cover art with our special guest, Frm. Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall. A name behind some of the most memorable visuals in music history. From his humble beginnings at Elektra Records in the late 1960s to becoming the youngest art director in the business, Bob Heimall’s creativity has graced records by legends like Carly Simon, Jim Croce, The Doors, Bread, Iggy Pop, and even Yoko Ono.
You’ll hear Bob Heimall share personal stories, like joining Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin for an unforgettable moment in a New York penthouse, rubbing elbows with rock royalty, working with Carly Simon while she breastfed her son, and being the sole audience for Jim Croce’s final album performance just two weeks before tragedy struck. He’ll reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes about album art decisions—some even leading to legendary band debates—describe the step-by-step design process before Photoshop, and recount the emotional impact these collaborations left on him.
Plus, Bob Heimall discusses the cutthroat world of record labels, his transition from Elektra to Arista under Clive Davis, and reflects on the vital role music—and its packaging—plays in shaping our memories. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, design lover, or music history buff, this episode is packed with untold stories, industry insights, and the passion that goes into creating the artwork we all grew up with.
(0:00) "Starting at Elektra Records"
(4:14) "Music Legends at the Hilton"
(9:14) "Redefining Album Cover Art"
(11:45) "Early Album Cover Design Process"
(15:41) Carly's Jingles and Brother
(18:19) "Unplanned Success, Captured Moment"
(22:04) "Music, Photos, and Choices"
24:39 "Following the Music"
(28:45) "Rejected Naked Silhouette Cover"
(30:17) "Innovative Multi-Fold Album Design"
(33:30) "Reflecting on Jim Croce's Death"
(38:13) "Asthma, Draft Exception, Jersey Shore"
(41:40) "QuadSound and Career Transition"
(43:59) "High-Stakes Creative Meetings"
(46:15) "Jack's Artistic Integrity Struggle"
(48:45) "Pool Nights in the Office"
(53:56) "The Band's Big Pink Album Cover Story"
(56:19) "The Doors Strange Days Album Cover Controversy"
(59:19) "Cover Stories Book"
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!
