On Hold with Siara

I have been so excited introduce this project with you. I have always loved listening to podcasts and I have always had the idea of hosting my own. Country Radio Seminar (CRS) felt like the perfect place to start, at least I thought. Over the years and several conversations and radio tours later, some of these program directors I communicate with weekly, have really turned in to some wonderful friends. Almost every time I call program directors, I am put on hold, so I thought hosting a podcast called “On Hold with Siara” would be something different and fun for them at CRS this year. I was able to interview four of my favorite program directors. After these first four episodes, On Hold will feature artists, musicians and others working behind the scenes in the music industry.

This podcast has also taught me so much about myself. I am so comfortable jumping head first into anything new and just running with it. Eventually, I always figure it out. This hasn’t exactly happened with the podcast. There have been some hurdles (using the correct equipment, using the correct programs, etc.) and although this has been a very humbling process so far, it is teaching me that asking for help is never anything to be embarrassed or ashamed of. I am so exited to keep this going and progressing along the way (episode 5 will sound great)!!

On Hold really could not have happened without some people I am incredibly fortunate to have in my life. First and foremost, I want to thank Ryan Swinehart. When you hear how great the audio sounds (and how much better it will progress) it’s ALL because of him. He’s also an incredible saxophone player, audio engineer and he’s been really patient through this whole process. When you get my jingle stuck in your head, that is all Samuel Lee’s fault. He’s one of my best friends and also a ridiculously talented musician. Check out his Spotify and thank me later. When you see my graphic that makes you actually want to listen to my podcast, you can blame Wonder Woman herself, Amie Jakoboski Appel. A huge thank you goes out to my first interviewees who took breaks from their insane CRS schedules; Ryan McCall, Fletch Brown, JD Justice and Dennis Banka! Without these people, On Hold would have just remained an idea. They all helped bring my vision to life. Never be afraid to ask for help, because it is so worth it.

I hope you put everything else On Hold and tune in!