In this episode of Talking Between the Songs, I’m joined by one of rock radio’s hardest-working voices — Cutter. Known for WAPL Mornings with Laura Lee and Cutter, the nationally syndicated Cutting Edge Countdown, and the interview-driven Cutter’s Rockcast, Cutter shares the path that took him from a small Wisconsin town to becoming a respected presence in rock and metal broadcasting.

Recorded prior to the passing of legendary broadcaster Rick McNeil, this conversation also serves as a heartfelt look back at Rick’s influence, the legacy of Rick and Cutter, and the lasting mark he left on rock radio and the people who worked alongside him.

Cutter opens up about building a syndicated show from the ground up, surviving industry layoffs, and why connecting with listeners matters more than chasing trends. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from decades in radio, unforgettable moments interviewing rock icons, and the realities of balancing creativity, family life, and multiple major projects at once.

We talk about:

• The real story behind the name “Cutter”
• Lessons learned from working with Rick McNeil
• Building the Cutting Edge Countdown without corporate backing
• How radio layoffs reshape careers and force reinvention
• Why small-market stations still matter in national music charts
• Interviewing legends like Lemmy and unforgettable rock stories
• Growing up in Wisconsin and building a career without leaving home
• Balancing morning radio, national syndication, podcasting, and family life

Whether you’re deep in the radio industry, a rock music fan, or someone curious about the voices behind the mic, this episode delivers insight, humor, and genuine perspective from someone who lives and breathes the format.

In this episode of Talking Between the Songs, I’m joined by not one, but two powerhouse voices in radio: Joey and Lauren from Boise’s My 102.7 FM — also syndicated right here on Z103. What started with Joey’s childhood dream of broadcasting and Lauren’s unexpected leap from city government turned into an eight-year journey of morning radio success, authentic storytelling, and real on-air chemistry.

We dive into the roots of their show, how they transitioned from traditional sports radio and non-media careers into creating a relatable, feel-good morning program that listeners across the country connect with. Joey shares what it was like getting “the call” that changed his career, and Lauren opens up about initially saying no to radio, only to later become a full partner and cohost on one of Idaho’s top morning shows.

We talk about:

• What makes a radio segment stick
• Building authentic on-air voices without “announcer mode”
• Keeping politics and heavy news off the air — and why it works
• Navigating burnout, content ruts, and listener trust
• The business of syndication and staying likable across markets
• How being married on and off the air creates a rare dynamic in the industry

Plus, I share my own path from basketball dreams to battling tiny rental cars and awkward filler words — all to find my place behind the mic.

Whether you’re in radio, love radio, or just want to know what it’s really like behind the curtain, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and heart from two of the most down-to-earth pros in the game.

You’ve heard his voice everywhere—radio stations, movie trailers, even national TV commercials—but Pete Gustin’s journey is one of the most inspiring in the industry. Diagnosed with macular degeneration as a kid, Pete lost his eyesight but never lost his vision. Instead, he became one of the most recognizable voices in media today.

In this episode, Pete shares how he found his way into radio despite being told he’d never make it, the grind of becoming a top-tier voice actor, and how he turned a challenge into a superpower. We dive into his process of perfecting the voice, the wildest gigs he’s ever booked, and what it’s like creating content as BlindSurfer on YouTube, where he now has millions of views.

We also get into the changing landscape of radio, why social media is a game-changer for voice talent, and the unexpected ways technology is opening doors for accessibility. Plus, Pete talks about the funniest mistakes he’s made in the booth and the strangest fan mail he’s ever received.

If you love radio, voice acting, or just a great underdog story, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play and dive into the conversation with Pete Gustin!