Mason’s Observations: Five Lessons from John Garabedian

Almost 15 years ago, I discovered John Garabedian’s Open House Party, a nationally syndicated weekend show once heard on over 200 stations between 1987-2017. What it’s become today is a totally different novel, but then it was truly the most entertaining, authentic and exciting radio to ever bless Top 40 radio. Why I loved it, how we became friends and how Liveline was created for is a story I’ve told many times. But to sum it up quickly, (in true John Garabedian fashion), I will always credit him with teaching me everything I know and love about radio. 

John is by far the most influential and important person I have ever known personally and professionally, with more experience in virtually every single aspect of the radio/TV business than anyone alive today. From simple, fun things like being a captivating, engaging, relatable and exciting air personality, to being a great interviewer of all the biggest stars, building syndication networks and shows, and inspiring and coaching many others to do the same who would go on to have big careers. 

John got his first-class FCC license at the age of 17, he’s built and owned several radio stations, a full power Boston television station, a national cable TV channel, and owns multiple houses with aircraft landing strips in the backyard of each one, so he can fly back and forth in one of his collection of five airplanes (though it used to be 23). Most people say this about Ryan Seacrest or Howard Stern, but I have witnessed John Garabedian to be the hardest-working person in radio. And no, this isn’t a eulogy. 

The annual Morning Show Boot Camp kicks off in Austin, Texas today and for the first time, I’m part of a panel on Thursday at 9:30 am called “Talent Showcase.” I’ve never been great in front of crowds unless it was in high school when I’d make jokes and get kicked out of class. Unless I know I’m gonna land every joke, I much prefer to hide beyond a microphone, where my personality, humor, and raw thoughts can really shine. 

I’m only 24, with a unique job and background that few in radio have. I can’t pretend to be a seasoned veteran. So this is a great time to feature the five best pieces of guidance I’ve received in my 10 years knowing and working for John “everything is a quote” Garabedian. Now 83 years old, he continues to work full-time producing Liveline, running Radiocraft LLC (which also distributes The TJ Show and The Jubal Show) and owning WJIB Boston.

Here are some things I’ve heard him say hundreds of times over the years, which will stick with me forever.

1. “Word blubber.” Editing and summarizing is an art. “The person who says the most in the least number of words will always win.” “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus!” “I would’ve written a shorter letter, but I didn’t have the time”. 
2. “Everybody needs a coach,” and nobody is too good for criticism. John himself often says he wishes he had more critical input over the years, especially while hosting Open House Party. Real pros with a desire to learn will always seek ways to improve, instead of just carrying on with what they think is best. “You don’t know what you don’t know.” There are things you do which you aren’t even aware of. Operating as a lone wolf is the path to self-destruction. “You need to hear reality,” good and bad, because you probably aren’t that great but would never think so because your friends, listeners, and co-workers know you have a fragile ego… after all, isn’t that why we got into this business? Nobody has all the answers.

3. “Relationships and reputation are everything.” There are many mediocre people working in every industry who survive, so if you treat people well, stay humble, always remember your roots, do your job, and remember  how lucky you are to even have a job (especially when so many others are losing theirs), you will have the best chance of survival. “You go by the same people on the way down as you do on the way up.”  No matter what your position or experience, there’s one thing John says over and over which I’ve now realized myself. “There are no amateurs in the radio business…because everyone thinks they’re a fucking expert”. For more information, John would then tell you to read How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

4. “When in doubt, always do the right thing.” For John, it was never about the money. He is the most honest, trustworthy and loyal person anyone could ask for. Through business and friendship, he pulls through for everyone on every promise and doesn’t bullshit. Even when the shortcuts, discounts and loopholes are easier, the quality, longevity and reputation are much more rewarding and successful. John is an expert communicator with his empathy and attention to detail. Anything bad, weird or suspicious you may have heard about John is completely false. He’s humble, generous, helpful, takes advantage of nobody and will always make sure he’s following the rules.

5. “You have to build your own stage.” The reason he got to where he is because at a young age he was tired of working for stupid people and actually took the risk that most of us never take, which is actually taking the risk. He hated the emphasis on mechanical formatic things like giving weather reports, endless promos, and time checks, not being encouraged to entertain, be able to laugh or air listener calls because at the time it wasn’t “professional”, or the hokey hype announcer voices that sounded fake. 

John went on to become a complete original, recognizing that you can only win fans by motivating and touching them on a deep level. So many people work terrible jobs and can’t wait to retire. Life is too short, but if you’re lucky enough to find a true passion that you can get paid for, you’ve struck gold. “Find something you love and you can do it better than anyone.”

It’s only appropriate to close out with John’s sign off quote of over 50 years: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, dream for tomorrow.. but most important, be your dream!”