broadcasting Archives - The John Krol Show

For Evan Valenti, working at Steven Valenti’s Menswear was at first a way to earn some extra money while following his dream of being a radio broadcaster. But, it wasn’t long until he discovered he had a great knack and, ultimately, a love for the all things menswear. However, this isn’t simply a case of following in his Father’s footsteps. Instead, Evan has brought a new angle to this legendary downtown business taking calculated risks on new trends, adapting to an ever-changing marketplace, and getting through to the other side of the monumental challenges presented by the pandemic. We cover a lot of ground quickly in this episode, including Evan’s decision to choose menswear as a career, his working relationship with his father Steven and a mutual respect that strengthens the business, surviving the pandemic restrictions and making it through to the other side, dress pants that feel like comfy sweatpants (I can vouch for how amazing they are), how the Amazonification of the world has actually strengthened Valenti’s niche in the marketplace, bike lanes, Evan’s work in radio, his brother Michael J. Valenti’s work with Sherman Baldwin on a remarkable time in Berkshire County radio, a great Gene Shalit anecdote when he appeared on the show, techniques of interviewing guests, what Star Wars trilogy to introduce first to kids, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Valenti family, including his mother Carolyn, and more. I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with Evan Valenti!

The road to 300+ games broadcast has been a long and winding one for Billy Madewell. Even before he started his tenure on the way to becoming the longest-serving play-by-play broadcaster in Wahconah Park history, it would have been hard to predict his path through the bowels of Taconic High School to the mound at Wahconah Park celebrating his milestone. After all, it all began with a nagging ankle injury – and ultimately a tumor in his foot – that kept him off the field and stumbling into what would become his new passion. It all started with encouragement from his friend Shane Reed, then some voice tracking, then a marathon live show at the old WTBR, to his promotion to student program director. He was floored when he had the chance to step into the booth for the former Pittsfield Colonials, and even more shocked when he got the call to do solo play-by-play for the then-new Pittsfield Suns in 2012. Over the past decade, Billy has established himself as a respected fixture for the organization and its fans, and also an enthusiastic mentor of young up-and-coming broadcasters learning the ropes. His commitment hasn’t come without personal challenges, as he courageously shares in our conversation. Billy is a nurturing husband and father. Also in this episode, we cover: a thoughtful microanalytical critique of Joe Buck, Larry Kratka’s pristine mustache, the difference between calling games on television and radio, the future of Wahconah Park, Phil Rizzuto’s play-by-play in “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights,” and putting the ego aside and “letting the moment come to you.” I hope you will enjoy my conversation with Billy Madewell. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/john-krol/support

broadcasting

Evan Valenti, podcaster, menswear pro

Billy Madewell on 300+ games broadcast and more