Randy Merkin, operations manager and executive producer of Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM, has just released Behind the Glass: Stories from a Sports Radio Producer. (Here is the link.) Published by Rick Kaempfer and David Stern’s Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, the book highlights Merkin’s encounters with athletes, coaches, journalists and celebrities over his three decades in the business. It also offers an inside look at how radio shows are produced and provides expert advice on how to book big-name guests. Merkin, who got his start in radio at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, worked at One-On-One Sports (later known as Sporting News Radio) before joining ESPN 1000 as executive producer of Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s midday show in 2007.
Monday, November 08, 2021
When you've even lost the NFL Today crew
The discussion on FOX about the Rodgers situation
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 7, 2021
Jimmy: "I'm disappointed in his selfish actions."
Howie: "Possibly putting your teammates in jeopardy is selfish."
Terry: "Let me give Rodgers some advice, it be nice if he came to the Navel academy and learn how to be honest." pic.twitter.com/O9rT6kDNXm
Minutia Men
Come for the Tom Waits story you have to hear, stay for West Bank Story @MinutiaMen https://t.co/E3yZNuygvC
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 7, 2021
This is Your Life, Roger Badesch
Eckhartz Press author, and now retired WGN newsman...
To borrow @wgnkingjohn’s line - ‘HOKEY SMOKES!’ - looky what @WGNRadio did on their web site! Thank you @1stieman & everyone else at the station! Oh, & @SteveBertrand - when you least expect it, there might be pizza 😁🍕 https://t.co/wsAfrsbNrN
— Roger Badesch (@TeacherRB) November 6, 2021
Jim Baumann in Elgin
Thanks to everyone who came out to Elgin on Saturday to meet Eckhartz Press author Jim Baumann (Grammar Moses). Jim sold a lot of books while managing to stay safe and follow protocols. He also had a great time.
Friday, November 05, 2021
Behind the Glass by Randy Merkin
Our latest book is currently being announced on AM 1000, ESPN Radio. That's because the executive producer of the station is our latest author. Click here to pre-order today.
Here are a few reviews...
“As a new talk show, finding the right executive producer is vital to a show’s long-term success. I can say that the Waddle & Silvy Show has been successful over parts of three decades due, in part, to Randy Merkin. After his sweaty first interview with Waddle, our PD, and me in 2007, Randy quickly established relationships with A-list guests, a trust with Chicago teams, and a quick wit on the air.
Merk is much more than an executive producer & is one of the best storytellers I know. I’ve enjoyed watching him creatively navigate booking the best guests in the business. And, if he’s booked them once, they continue to join us thanks to Merk establishing a trust that few other producers earn. Merk is a pro’s pro, a lifelong friend & radio brother.”
“Randy is an incredible radio talent. His vast knowledge of the business and bottomless pool of contacts are unmatched. I’ve learned a lot about the business from Randy. His talent is only exceeded by his loyalty and integrity. Randy is the best!!!”
”In our years together I saw Randy go from green to whatever the opposite is when it comes to experience. I also saw him go from black to grey (now I’m talking hair), maybe from having to deal with us! But when it came to guest booking, I’ve never been with anyone better. My partner, Bob Berger, and I would marvel at his naivete when it came to his guest pursuits, and what he said he could deliver, until he actually DELIVERED! What a great joy it was for us to have those conversations, thanks to Randy’s passion and ‘never take no for an answer approach.’ He was the best!”
“After more than 40 years in radio, I can tell you that Randy’s the best. There’s nobody better at booking guests! If there was a Hall of Fame for producers, Randy would get in on the first ballot. The list of those he somehow convinced to come on radio shows is a who’s who’s of the sports world and beyond. I was lucky enough to be in front of the microphone for many of those interviews.”
“While we cherish champions in the world of sports, we cheer louder for champions in the game of life. Character, integrity and honesty matter. That sums up Randy Merkin.”
Free Kicks
The story of the Hollywood stars coming to Adam's childhood pitch is part of this week's episode. @fkadamandrick https://t.co/H3p502OMZ8
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 5, 2021
Thursday, November 04, 2021
Jim Baumann on Minitua Men Celebrity Interview
This week's guest is now the Executive Editor of the Daily Herald. See what the Eckhartz Press bump can do for an author? Fun conversation with Jim Baumann, author of Grammar Moses. https://t.co/YNFtGjtSqT
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 4, 2021
Jim Baumann with Steve Cochran
Eckhartz Press author Jim Baumann on Steve Cochran's highly-rated podcast: https://t.co/BshsDtEc1b
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 4, 2021
Women in Radio
Behind the Tribune paywall so I can't read it, but having seen the business first hand, I probably don't need to...
Life as a woman in Chicago radio, according to a new @chicagotribune report:
— Ariel Cheung (@arielfab) November 4, 2021
Bosses ask you to pose for a “strategically covered topless photo.”
Harassment after ending a relationship you felt coerced into.
Being the only woman in the room.https://t.co/CbosT90GEa
Wednesday, November 03, 2021
Eckhartz Press Author Bob Boone
VIRTUAL Author Event with Bob Boone
Tuesday, November 09, 2021
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Glencoe Public Library
Hammond Room
Event Details
Journalist Donald Liebenson will interview Glencoe’s own Bob Boone about City U, his most recent book of short stories. Mr. Boone will also read selections from City U and answer questions about his other books of school stories, which, according to Eric Lutz of New City, “sparkle with the feeling of lived experience.”
REGISTER HERE for this Zoom-based virtual event.
About Bob Boone: Mr. Boone and his wife have lived in Glencoe since 1969. In addition to his short story collections, he has written a memoir, a sports biography, a literature anthology, and three creative writing books. Bob has taught English in New York City, Germany, and Highland Park. He has also taught in Chicago, where he founded Young Chicago Authors. For his work with city youth, he was presented with an award at the White House by Michelle Obama.
Jim Baumann
Thanks to Robert Feder for posting this in his column today...
Jim Baumann, managing editor of the Daily Herald, kicks off the media tour for his new book, Grammar Moses: A humorous look at grammar and usage, with two interviews Wednesday. Published by Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, the book is a collection of Baumann’s Sunday columns from the Daily Herald. (Here is the link.) He’ll join Steve Cochran on his “Live From My Office” podcast and Eckhartz Press publishers Rick Kaempfer and Dave Stern on their “Minutia Men Celebrity Interview” podcast. Baumann’s first book signing will be Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. A 36-year veteran of the Daily Herald, Baumann was promoted Tuesday to executive editor, effective with the retirement of top editor John Lampinen in December.
Tuesday, November 02, 2021
Harry Teinowitz
The new Illinois Entertainer is out and includes my interview with Harry Teinowitz. https://t.co/QNbUwGT090 #radio #macjurkoharry #whenharrymetrehab
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 2, 2021
Monday, November 01, 2021
Chicago Radio Ratings
From Robert Feder's column...
1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.7 (6.6)
2. WVAZ 102.7-FM R&B, 5.8 (6.3)
3. WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 4.9 (4.3)
4. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.6 (4.8)
5. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 4.5 (4.2)
6. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.3 (4.1)
7. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 4.0 (3.6)
8. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.8 (3.8)
9. (tie) WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.5 (3.6); WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 3.5 (4.1)
11. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.9 (2.8)
12. WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.8 (2.7)
13. WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.7 (3.3)
14. (tie) WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 2.5 (2.5); WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip-hop, 2.5 (2.7); WGCI 107.5-FM hip-hop, 2.5 (2.4)
17. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.4 (2.3); WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.4 (2.6)
19. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.3 (2.5); WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 2.3 (2.1)
21. (tie) WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.0 (1.9); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 2.0 (1.9)
23. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 1.8 (2.2)
24. WCHI 95.5-FM rock, 1.7 (1.7)
25. WPWX 92.3-FM hip-hop, 1.3 (1.2)
26. (tie) WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.1 (1.7); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.1 (1.2); WZSR 105.5-FM hot adult contemporary, 1.1 (0.7)
29. WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian music, 1.0 (1.2)
Eckhartz Press
Founded on this day in 2011 (11/1/11).
Hard to believe it has been 10 years. What a fun ride. Thanks to all the great authors (80+) who have graced our little label, and the many thousands of you who have purchased and read those books. Dave and I are incredibly grateful. I don’t think either of us thought it would go this well. More book announcements to come, including one this week. Stay tuned!
Snapper and French
Born OTD in 1878, Snapper Kennedy. He had one of the all-time great names, but Snapper only played in 1 big league game. That came with the #Cubs on 5/1/1902. He played CF and batted 5 times in a 0-0 12-inning game at West Side Grounds, called because of darkness. #everyCubever pic.twitter.com/5GaVqM3gSV
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 1, 2021
Born OTD in 1907, Larry French. He pitched in two WS for Cubs ('35, '38), and memorably owned his own bear cub for a while (which tore his apartment apart), but more memorably served with distinction in WW2 as part of D-Day invasion. Remained in military until 1969. #everyCubever pic.twitter.com/iKZr3sW4X2
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) November 1, 2021
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Minutia Men
I like the title of this week's show. https://t.co/wsEzHnmQqZ
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 30, 2021
Eric is out
The only possible resolution to this story… https://t.co/bLyGxQ5oHw
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 29, 2021
Free Kicks
This week's episode of Free Kicks discusses the future of Manchester United's manager. https://t.co/QHvkhJcnmB
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 30, 2021
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Yet another soccer podcast
I stretched out my soccer legs this week, appearing on this Australian-based Premier League podcast. Thanks so much to Stu and Paul for having me on. https://t.co/21S0evtWuY @fkadamandrick
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 28, 2021
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Minutia Men Celebrity Interview
Harry has a new play opening up in a few weeks called "When Harry Met Rehab". We talk to him about that and his path to recovery. @MinutiaMen https://t.co/eFnGLNwF8v
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 27, 2021
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Meet the Eckhartz Press authors
As we celebrate our 10th annniversary next week, we’d like to take some time to acknowledge the great authors who are part of the Eckhartz Press family. We’ve now published over 70 books. About five years ago, whenever a new author joined our ranks, we began to publish a quick Q&A to introduce them to our audience.
Here are a few dozen of them since 2016, all in one handy easy to access list. They all have great stories to tell…
Exactly
Every country in the world that offers ZERO weeks of paid family leave:
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) October 25, 2021
1. Marshall Islands
2. Federated States of Micronesia
3. Nauru
4. Palau
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Suriname
7. Tonga
8. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Monday, October 25, 2021
Mob Adjacent
Super proud that our book Mob Adjacent has been named as a finalist for Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association (in the Indy non-fiction category.) Winners will be announced in December.
This month marks our 10th anniversary as a press, and Mob Adjacent is our 10th finalist for Book of the Year.
If you'd like to check out our other BOY finalists, here they are by title. Click on the links to see more.
The Unplanned Life by Roger Badesch
EveryCubEvery by Rick Kaempfer
The Scar Dance by William Mansfield
Records Truly Is My Middle Name by John Records Landecker
Doin the Cruise by Mitch Michaels
Minutia Men
Come for the bathroom emergency stories, stay for the 2-year old singing star. https://t.co/DAu97TU6Vc
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 25, 2021
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Jim Baumann
The following is an excerpt of Robert Feder's interview with Daily Herald managing editor (and now Eckhartz Press author) Jim Baumann. To read the entire article, click here.
Q. How did an occasional memo to the staff morph into a weekly column in the Daily Herald?
A. I was talking to Eileen Brown, our head of marketing and promotion at the time, and she came up with the idea. I wasn’t sure anyone outside our walls would be interested, let alone that such a column could be sustainable. So you have her to blame for what it’s become.
Q. Where do your ideas come from?
A. A journalist is always observant, always listening. When I hear or see something that is either funny or irritating, I know I have something to work with. And, yes, I realize I just ended that last sentence with a preposition. So sue me. When you’re passionate about something – and when you are under pressure to produce – it just comes to you.
Q. English teachers must love you. Do ever hear from any of them?
A. Often. I think former English teachers are my sweet spot. Why? Because they spent their careers trying to teach kids good communication skills and they see a lot of that work undone today. I also try to counsel them that language evolves so their work is not for naught. Wait, can I say “not for naught”?
Q. Why should the average person care about proper grammar?
A. When you write to someone or talk to someone, you want them to understand you. Right? That’s why we invented languages. That’s why we invented frameworks for employing those languages. You can torture them only so much before they don’t work for you anymore. For me, it starts with clear communication.
Q. Have you always been a grammar nerd?
A. That’s a hard no. I was a math and science nerd. My worst test scores were in English. I was a deer in headlights in speech class. I couldn’t parse a sentence to save my life. So, naturally, I pursued a career in journalism and ended up writing about grammar.
Q. When it comes to grammar and usage, what’s your personal pet peeve?
A. A couple things really get under my skin. To have any facility with grammar you need to be a critical thinker. Does “Me and her went shopping” make any sense? Take out the “her.” I think the least skilled of us knows “Me went to the store” sounds like something an unfrozen caveman might say. What’s more bothersome to me is how people who understand grammar and mathematics twist their messages to make you think you’re buying something better than it really is.
Q. What made you come up with the name “Grammar Moses”?
A. I love art. I could spend days in the Louvre, the D’Orsay, the Rijksmuseum, the Art Institute of Chicago. Just ask my long-suffering wife. So Grandma Moses is on my radar. What an inspiring painter. It seemed natural that I’d steal her shtick.
Q. Have social media and texting contributed to the decline of good grammar?
A. We all have back space buttons on our computers and phones, so why don’t we use them? I understand that social media is casual and that texting is even more so. But I’d think choosing from their/there/they’re wouldn’t be too difficult. The whole world can see on Facebook that you can’t put together a sentence. I just don’t think too many people worry about that.
Q. How did you choose the columns for the book?
A. I can count on two hands the number of columns I’ve skipped over six years. Clearly, I don’t have a 1.000 batting average. There have been some clunkers along the way. So I spared you having to read them again. I chose the funniest ones and the ones that addressed the biggest problem areas. I also chose the ones that had the best contributions from my pen pals.
The column is really a conversation with readers, and without that interplay there would be no column and certainly no book. I write a lot about music, and I’ve pointed out that the best greatest hits albums always have a new song or two. That’s the reward for the constant fans who’ve bought all the other albums. So I lead off the book with a smattering of the internal staff memos that were the precursor to the column.
Q. Will reading your book make people smarter?
A. I can’t guarantee it, but I sure hope so. I’m confident it’ll make you smile. What I can guarantee is it won’t make you any less smart.
Q. Are you as funny in person as you are in the book?
A. I’m a laugh riot, Rob.
Naturally, Grammar Moses is available right here at Eckhartz Press. Here's a picture of Jim holding the first copy of his book...
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Kryie Smackdown
Perhaps the most direct and succinct #VoiceOfREason ever. @richeisen on @kyrieirving’s reported stance on not getting vaxxed —> pic.twitter.com/yEiNHHbOeT
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) October 13, 2021
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
No Chance I'm Missing This
Experience #TheBeatlesGetBack, a three-part Original Docuseries from director Peter Jackson streaming November 25 on #DisneyPlus.
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) October 13, 2021
Watch the new trailer now! pic.twitter.com/KoA9heA2dp
Paul Calls Stones a Blues Cover Band
The piece is in the New Yorker. At this link you can see the author of the piece, New Yorker editor David Remnick, put in perspective what Paul said.
In all honesty, I can't disagree with Paul's conclusion, and I really like the Stones.
Amen
WHAT TO DO WHEN ASKED FOR YOUR PROOF OF VAX pic.twitter.com/o5kk5gOvO3
— Brittlestar (@brittlestar) October 12, 2021
Rocket man
And now, at last, William Shatner truly is the goddamn Rocket Man. pic.twitter.com/QTWCqsFadO
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) October 13, 2021
Monday, October 11, 2021
Yup
Had this conversation this weekend. When you are fighting against safety precautions, and against trying to end a pandemic, and FOR a lunatic who lies every single day and truly wants to end democracy in this country, and then you have the balls to complain that YOUR freedom is being impugned, there comes a time when we aren't going to listen your crazy-ass shit anymore.
This!! pic.twitter.com/8EOfxCAuC0
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) October 10, 2021
Bill Maher Nails It
I've been worried about this exact scenario he paints here...
My dark prediction for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. pic.twitter.com/GxHDEVh5dN
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) October 9, 2021
Minutia Men
Come for the Taliban accounting issues, stay for the origin story of Siri. https://t.co/rJ07SN33LA
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 10, 2021
Eckhartz Press in Orland Park
Your chance to meet two Eckhartz Press authors this weekend in Orland Park. Ryan Trembath and Paul M. Banks will be signing and selling their books on Sunday. Details are here: https://t.co/Khf21pzl1R
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 11, 2021
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Milwaukee
Not really going for the Brewers but I’m all in for the bratwurst. pic.twitter.com/45CA44hG4t
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 9, 2021
Saturday, October 09, 2021
Friday, October 08, 2021
Kris Bryant
He's the coverboy this week in Sports Illustrated. Great piece about him. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, October 06, 2021
Dutch
Born OTD in 1915, Dutch Meyer. On June 23, 1937, Dutch was called on to pinch run for #Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett in the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. On the next pitch he was eliminated at 2B on a fielders choice groundout. Dutch never played for the Cubs again. #everyCubever pic.twitter.com/ZFyY4SmfzP
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 6, 2021
Schwarbs!
2015: Kyle Schwarber hits a home run in the 3rd inning of the Wild Card Game off of Gerrit Cole to give his team a 3-0 lead
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) October 6, 2021
2021: Kyle Schwarber hits a home run in the 3rd inning of the Wild Card Game off of Gerrit Cole to give his team a 3-0 lead pic.twitter.com/Md1Lz9aojJ
Shoeless Joe
In honor of the White Sox making the playoffs this year... https://t.co/sk3CfUFp03
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 6, 2021
Tuesday, October 05, 2021
One Town That Won't Let You Down
Today is the 84th Birthday of the Lake Shore Drive Bridge #chicago #history #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/XxCuDCAf5f
— Barry Butler Photography (@barrybutler9) October 5, 2021
Roger Badesch Retires from WGN
Thanks to Robert Feder for the mention of Roger's impending retirement...
Chicago radio news anchor and reporter Roger Badesch has announced his retirement after more than 16 years on the air at Nexstar Media news/talk WGN 720-AM. He’ll work his last evening shift October 31. “While being on the air in radio has been a lifelong dream of mine, the warm childhood memories of helping take care of our home in Evanston have, unexpectedly, overwhelmed me and are now my primary focus,” he said. “The promise made was that I would completely retire. And so I have.” Earlier this year Badesch released the audio-book version of his acclaimed 2020 memoir, The Unplanned Life: The Journey of Roger Badesch, on Audible. Of course, The Unplanned Life is an Eckhartz Press book.
Monday, October 04, 2021
Chicago Radio Ratings
From today's Robert Feder column. For the daypart breakdowns, click here.
1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.6 (5.7)
2. WVAZ 102.7-FM R&B, 6.3 (6.3)
3. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.8 (5.4)
4. WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 4.3 (3.9)
5. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 4.2 (4.2)
6. (tie) WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.1 (4.3); WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 4.1 (3.8)
8. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.8 (4.5)
9. (tie) WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.6 (3.1); WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.6 (3.4)
11. WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 3.3 (3.2)
12. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.8 (2.5)
13. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip-hop, 2.7 (2.7); WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.7 (3.1)
15. WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.6 (2.2)
16. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.5 (2.5); WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 2.5 (2.9)
18. WGCI 107.5-FM hip-hop, 2.4 (2.5)
19. WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.3 (2.4)
20. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 2.2 (1.9)
21. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 2.1 (1.9)
22. (tie) WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 1.9 (2.0); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.9 (1.8)
24. (tie) WCHI 95.5-FM rock, 1.7 (1.8); WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.7 (1.4)
26. (tie) WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian music, 1.2 (1.7); WPWX 92.3-FM hip-hop, 1.2 (1.3); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.2 (1.0)
29. WXLC 102.3-FM hot adult contemporary, 1.0 (0.9)
30. WSRB 106.3-FM R&B, 0.9 (0.8)
Beatles
Might finally be time to go back to school for my graduate studies. https://t.co/JXixhR10gw
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 4, 2021
Got some splaining to do
Is this why Urban Meyer is trending? 😳 pic.twitter.com/nFg8kUFVli
— Dude In Texas (@ChiefSVP) October 3, 2021
More Trouble for Eric
Robert Feder has more on this story today too.A second accuser has come forward. https://t.co/zzQWyvnpkG
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 1, 2021
Tis the Season
This one made me laugh out loud. https://t.co/E72pHWR5Bi
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 1, 2021
Minutia Men
Come for the best autograph story ever, stay for the ever mysterious Meryl Streep. https://t.co/RcKPS3iG72
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) October 4, 2021
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