EPISODE SUMMARY: Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary “Home of the Grand Ole Opry.”

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to guest Eric about:
Eric’s early beginnings in Indiana and his passion for radio from childhood
How WSM’s century-long legacy started and its pivotal role in launching Country music into the mainstream
The innovative history behind the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium
Vital contributions of key figures like Jack DeWitt and E.W. Bud Wendell in building WSM’s future
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Bill Cody and his lasting impact to WSM, the Opry, and the broadcasting community
Eric’s diverse roles in radio, from engineering and production to management and live event hosting
His leadership during significant moments like the station’s move to Roy Acuff’s former home 
Strategies for embracing digital transformation while preserving radio’s heritage
The community and artist connections that make WSM a family and a living history
Eric’s advice for young broadcasters and the importance of adaptability and passion 
And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Eric Marcum is the General Manager and Content Director for WSM radio. He joined the WSM staff in 2010 after graduating from Purdue University and making the move to Nashville. His broadcasting journey began in high school at WKPW in Knightstown, Indiana, and continued at WMDH in nearby New Castle.

Over the years, Eric has worn many hats at WSM–from promotions team member to longtime producer ofCoffee, Country & Cody, and on-air personality for Route 650, where he championed the best of Americana music. Today, he serves as General Manager, proudly guiding the station as it approaches its centennial milestone and beyond.

Eric lives in Old Hickory with his wife Carly and their two children, Rowan and Rhys. When he’s not at the station, you’ll likely find him exploring Nashville’s music scene, sampling local cuisine, or spending time with his family at their favorite spots–local breweries, coffee shops, and the Nashville Zoo.

 

LINKS: 

Air Castle of the South:

https://www.amazon.com/Air-Castle-South-Making-American/dp/0252032578

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.

 

ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials.

Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife.

Web: benztown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio

Twitter: @benztownradio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown

Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio

EPISODE SUMMARY: Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary &ldquo;Home of the Grand Ole Opry.&rdquo;
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to guest Eric about:
<ol>
<li>Eric&rsquo;s early beginnings in Indiana and his passion for radio from childhood</li>
<li>How WSM&rsquo;s century-long legacy started and its pivotal role in launching Country music into the mainstream</li>
<li>The innovative history behind the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium</li>
<li>Vital contributions of key figures like Jack DeWitt and E.W. Bud Wendell in building WSM&rsquo;s future</li>
<li>Reflecting on the legacy of the late Bill Cody and his lasting impact to WSM, the Opry, and the broadcasting community</li>
<li>Eric&rsquo;s diverse roles in radio, from engineering and production to management and live event hosting</li>
<li>His leadership during significant moments like the station&rsquo;s move to Roy Acuff&rsquo;s former home&nbsp; Strategies for embracing digital transformation while preserving radio&rsquo;s heritage</li>
<li>The community and artist connections that make WSM a family and a living history</li>
<li>Eric&rsquo;s advice for young broadcasters and the importance of adaptability and passion&nbsp; And more!</li>
</ol>
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Eric Marcum is the General Manager and Content Director for WSM radio. He joined the WSM staff in 2010 after graduating from Purdue University and making the move to Nashville. His broadcasting journey began in high school at WKPW in Knightstown, Indiana, and continued at WMDH in nearby New Castle.
Over the years, Eric has worn many hats at WSM&ndash;from promotions team member to longtime producer of<a href="https://wsmradio.com/shows/coffee-country-and-cody/"> Coffee, Country &amp; Cody</a>, and on-air personality for Route 650, where he championed the best of Americana music. Today, he serves as General Manager, proudly guiding the station as it approaches its centennial milestone and beyond.
Eric lives in Old Hickory with his wife Carly and their two children, Rowan and Rhys. When he&rsquo;s not at the station, you&rsquo;ll likely find him exploring Nashville&rsquo;s music scene, sampling local cuisine, or spending time with his family at their favorite spots&ndash;local breweries, coffee shops, and the Nashville Zoo.
&nbsp;
LINKS:&nbsp;
Air Castle of the South:
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Air-Castle-South-Making-American/dp/0252032578">https://www.amazon.com/Air-Castle-South-Making-American/dp/0252032578</a>
&nbsp;
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave &ldquo;Chachi&rdquo; Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio and broadcast industry and beyond as they share their unique career paths. Hear how a variety of innovative leaders grow businesses, develop iconic brands, and entertain audiences in this in-depth interview podcast.
&nbsp;
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America&rsquo;s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 21 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&amp;B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown&rsquo;s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials.
Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Compass Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, and SPECai. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and American Afterlife.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/benztownradio">instagram.com/benztownradio</a>

Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting.

Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.

Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting.
Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they&rsquo;ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.

Chachi Loves Everybody

Eric Marcum is the general manager and content director of WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his career journey from board op to executive at the legendary “Home of the Grand Ole Opry.”