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!

Most people think radio is just playing music and talking between the songs—but there’s a whole lot more to it. Talking Between the Songs is a deep dive into the world of radio, hosted by Brenden Peach, the brand ambassador of KCVI with RIverbend Media Group.

Each episode, Brenden sits down with the voices behind the airwaves—DJs, producers, and industry pros—to pull back the curtain on what really happens when the ON-AIR light is glowing. From career-defining breaks to the weirdest caller stories, this podcast explores the side of radio that listeners rarely get to hear.

If you’ve ever wondered how people break into the industry, what it’s like working in live radio, or just want to hear some outrageous stories from the business, this is the show for you.

Subscribe now and get ready for a real, unfiltered look at what happens between the songs.