It was the morning of Oct. 6, 1996. I was away from home but called my mom early on a Saturday morning to put the phone up to her radio so I could listen to a broadcast on KFEQ radio in St. Joseph, Mo.
It was the first “American Countryside” feature, which I had pre-recorded, and I wanted to hear the final product. Wow! How times have changed!
SATURDAY MORNING FEATURE
Upon the 25th anniversary of the show, I was asked to share how it began. I first presented my idea for a radio feature focused mostly on rural America to KFEQ farm director, Tom Brand. He in turn set up a meeting with Gene Millard, the station’s general manager. Gene was gracious to allow me to air the feature on Saturday mornings at 6:35.
Gene had a couple of stipulations for me to be on the air. My original idea was for me to simply talk about people I had met on my travels. Gene said, “These features should be pretty good once you actually interview the people you’re talking about.”
6,000+ SHOWS
I had not planned on interviewing any guests, but Gene was right. The magic of the feature was hearing from the people I met, and I’m thankful for the folks that have been kind to speak to me. In 25 years, we’ve produced more than 6,000 shows. There was one show without a guest – the first one.
We rarely interview someone who is a household name, and I think that’s inspired all of us to think about how we live and work. Everyone has a story. Each of us can positively impact the people and places around us. You don’t have to be wealthy or well-known. It’s been a privilege to help share those stories with listeners.
Gene had a second stipulation though. “You can’t just do this for a week or two and then quit.” It’s now been 25 years, and I hope we can go another 25 years or more.
As time passed, the program grew from just one day per week on KFEQ, to a five-days-per-week feature on about 100 radio stations, XM satellite radio and Farm Journal’s broadcast platforms. (Listen here.)
AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
There’s no way to pick out one interview that was my favorite, but it’s the question I get asked most often.
However, I did interview two of my grandparents in the early days of the show. I treasure those interviews and encourage you to sit down with your family and record or video them sharing family stories. It’s wonderful to go back and hear their stories, just as you remember them telling them to you.
It’s been a fun journey with many people and places still to go. Thanks for “traveling the countryside” with me.
Drawing upon his travels and experiences as a farmer and rancher, radio broadcaster and speaker, Andrew McCrea shares stories on “U.S. Farm Report,” a daily radio segment and weekly podcast.
