Legendary Philadelphia Concert Promoter Larry Magid shares captivating stories from his early days booking bands for Temple University frat parties, his time working with the biggest talent agency of the '60s, to founding Electric Factory and making it a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s music scene.

We revisit iconic moments like the 1969 Atlantic City Pop Festival, which took place just weeks before Woodstock. Larry’s pivotal role in booking Bruce Springsteen for four sold-out shows at the Tower Theater, and his behind-the-scenes perspective on producing Live Aid and Live 8 in Philadelphia, two historic event that raised global social consciousness and marked a turning point for the music industry.

Larry also reveals the extraordinary efforts he made to bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Philadelphia, and why it slipped away to Cleveland instead. Through anecdotes about famous artists, the city’s rich radio legacy, and his passion for mentoring the next generation, Larry's reflection on the teamwork, luck, and vision required to shape Philadelphia into a music powerhouse produced a book:

Purchase the book here: The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City

Proceeds benefit The Philadelphia Music Alliance

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!

Legendary media executive and headhunter Rob Barnett takes us on his journey through the wild, unpredictable world of radio and television, that included being tasked with replacing Howard Stern on CBS Radio. A challenge that would become one of the most talked-about moments in broadcasting. But not to be upstaged by his earliest achievement, when he convinced the Rolling Stones to play a secret show for 300 WAAF listeners in Boston back in 1981.

The episode explores Rob Barnett’s evolution, from major programming roles to trailblazing online video networks like MTV, VH-1, and My Damn Channel. He reveals big risks that lead to iconic moments. And how his own career pivot created a compassionate career coaching platform and executive job search for media professionals. If you’ve been “on the beach” without a job, Rob Barnett breaks down the frustrations of the modern job hunt, shares practical tips from his book Next Job Best Job and website NextJobBestJob.com, and gives real advice on standing out in today’s changing media landscape.

Here's how you can find your next job: https://nextjobbestjob.com
Here's how you can hire Rob 1 on 1: https://robbarnettmedia.com
Here's where you can buy the book: NextJobBestJob/Amazon

Rob's email: rob@robbarnettmedia.com

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!

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!