Two talk show hosts in a professional broadcasting studio — BSMG talk show mentor-apprentice training nationwide

Train for Talk Radio and Podcast Hosting—with 1‑to‑1 Mentorship

Build the skills that make listeners stay: stronger interviews, tighter segments, clearer delivery, and a show format you can repeat consistently—guided by an experienced mentor in the format you choose.

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Talk with a real person. Get clear answers fast.

How the Talk Show Mentoring Program Works

1

What are your goals?

Talk show hosting, Podcasting, newscasting —or if you’re not sure yet, we’ll help you choose the best fit.

2

Get paired with a working mentor

We pair you with a experienced broadcaster near you—or remotely—based on your goals and location.

3

Train on a schedule you choose

Your training schedule is coordinated around your schedule and availability.

4

Build skills and industry connections

You follow a professional curriculum, complete hands-on projects, and get coaching and guidance designed to help you move forward in broadcasting.

Questions? Connect with BSMG

Get Trained by a Talk Show Host

This program is built for people who learn best by doing. You’ll get one-on-one coaching to improve your delivery, segment structure, and interview skill through real practice.

Your training is customized to your goals and schedule. Choose a track below, then select training days and times when you’re ready to proceed.

Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll connect you with a mentor from one of the following career tracks:

Professional talk show host mentoring a student in a radio studio — BSMG one-on-one broadcaster training
Talk show host mentor and student in a professional radio studio — BSMG Track 1 Talk Show Host

Track 1: Talk Show Host

Develop the skills for live or recorded talk programs—opinion, interviews, topical commentary, or roundtable shows.

BSMG Talk Show Podcasting track — student learns talk interview format with working broadcaster

Track 2: Podcasting
(Talk Show Format)

Create consistent, audience-building podcasts leveraging talk/interview structure and in-depth guest segments.

BSMG Newscasting track — student trains with professional newscaster in talk show format

Track 3: Newscasting
(Talk Show Format)

Deliver news and headline-driven segments in a conversational talk or podcast format, guided by experienced newscasters.

What You’ll Master

You’ll learn the core skills behind great talk radio: strong openings, clear point-of-view, audience-focused segments, and interviews that create real moments.

This curriculum was developed with input from experienced broadcasting professionals and program leaders—so you can focus on what matters on-air, not just theory.

It includes 14 core modules covering voice and delivery, interview strategy, talk show structure, production fundamentals, and how to publish homework episodes as a podcast.

1. Show Identity & Format

Shape your show’s unique voice, tagline, and structure—build an audience around your point of view.

2. Segment & Sequence

Plan segments, transitions, and episode flow to maximize listener engagement.

3. Interview Mastery

Secure and prep guests, conduct deeper interviews, and draw stories that hold attention.

4. Audience Building

Distribution strategies, promotion, and community building for show growth.

5. Production Skills

Recording, editing, sound quality, and integrating remote guests or co-hosts.

6. Guest Booking & Management

How to identify, approach, and schedule high-value guests—even as a beginner.

7. Monetization Paths

Understanding how successful talk & podcast hosts generate revenue (ads, sponsors, Patreon, syndication).

8. Sports Reporting

Learn how to gather information quickly, write cleanly, and deliver updates with clarity—so you can contribute credible reporting within a talk show format.

9. Show Contributor

Learn how to add value as a contributor—bringing prepared ideas, timely facts, and strong perspectives—so you become the person producers and hosts want back.

10. Utilizing Social Media

Use social media to extend your show, promote segments, and build audience attention—without turning it into a full-time job or relying on gimmicks.

11. Play‑By‑Play and Color Commentary

For students pursuing live sports broadcasting, learn the fundamentals of play-by-play and color—preparation, pacing, accuracy, and how to sound confident under pressure.

12. Vocal Development

Improve breathing, articulation, projection, pace, and vocal hygiene—so you sound credible, clear, and easy to listen to during long segments.

13. Realities of the Job

Understand what the day-to-day actually looks like—hours, expectations, feedback, and performance pressure—so you enter the industry prepared and resilient.

14. Video: Job Hunting 101

Learn the practical steps to pursue opportunities: building a demo reel, targeting roles, outreach, and follow-up—so you approach job searching professionally and consistently.

Comprehensive Job Placement Assistance You Can Count On

There’s no set formula for breaking into broadcasting, but two things always matter: proven skills and the right industry contacts.

BSMG’s four-step job placement framework helps you build both—so you can demonstrate your talent and start connecting with the people who open doors in this field.
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1. Build a Demo Reel & Resume

Get noticed by program directors with a professional demo reel and resume. Your mentor will advise you on what your demo reel should include. They'll also teach you how to avoid common resume errors and omissions.

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2. Learn How to Interview Like the Pros

You get one chance to make a first impression. We'll show you the Do’s and Don'ts of making your first impression a great one.

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3. You'll Know How to Locate the Hidden Jobs

Many real opportunities don’t start with public job listings. You’ll learn practical ways to identify legitimate openings, build relationships, and approach stations professionally—so you’re ready when a door opens.

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4. You'll Receive Personal Recommendations

You've heard that it's not just what you know but also who you know. Your mentor and BSMG have networks of influential industry contacts. Whenever jobs become available, we'll make our contacts aware of you.

Resume icon

1. Build a Demo Reel & Resume

Get noticed by program directors with a professional demo reel and resume. Your mentor will advise you on what your demo reel should include. They'll also teach you how to avoid common resume errors and omissions.

assistance icon

2. Learn How to Interview Like the Pros

You get one chance to make a first impression. We'll show you the Do’s and Don'ts of making your first impression a great one.

Finder icon

3. You'll Know How to Locate the Hidden Jobs

Many real opportunities don’t start with public job listings. You’ll learn practical ways to identify legitimate openings, build relationships, and approach stations professionally—so you’re ready when a door opens.

connection icon

4. You'll Receive Personal Recommendations

You've heard that it's not just what you know but also who you know. Your mentor and BSMG have networks of influential industry contacts. Whenever jobs become available, we'll make our contacts aware of you.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Since 2008, We Have Trained Hundreds of Students to Break into the Broadcasting Industry

Elan Olliff, BSMG sportscasting graduate, Sports Director at MyLocalRadio and voice of the Evanston Red Devils Wyoming

Meet Elan: Sports Director, Play-by-Play Announcer, and Voice of the Evanston Red Devils

In 2017, BSMG placed Elan Olliff with Steve Brown — the former Voice of the Salt Lake Stars — through the Sportscasters Mentoring Group program. Under Steve's mentorship, Elan developed his sports play-by-play skills while covering high school sports throughout the Salt Lake City region. His career has grown steadily since, including announcing Alpine Skiing Collegiate National Championship and World University Games events. Today Elan is Sports Director at MyLocalRadio Sports in Evanston, Wyoming, where he has been the voice of the Evanston Red Devils since the 2019–2020 school year.

Kevin O'Connell, BSMG graduate, Executive Producer of the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show in Nashville Tennessee

Meet Kevin: Executive Producer, The Bobby Bones Show — Nashville

In 2018, BSMG placed Kevin O'Connell with Jeff Biggs — a 25-year Los Angeles sportscasting veteran and ESPN icon — through the Sportscasters Mentoring Group program. Training inside ESPN Los Angeles, Kevin developed the on-air and production skills that would define his career. When a position opened at FOX Sports Los Angeles, Biggs personally recommended Kevin to his former boss at the station — and Kevin was hired. When the pandemic shut down FOX Sports LA in September 2020, the BSMG network again proved its value: the FOX Sports program director reached out to his counterpart in Nashville, whose stations were still on the air. Kevin was immediately hired as Executive Producer of the Bobby Bones Show — the number one country music radio program in the United States — where he continues to work today.

Cato is now a successful TV producer and show host

Meet Cato: Radio Host and TV Presenter for South Africa’s “Die Uitnodiging”

In 2012, Cato arrived in the US as a BSMG mentee. Mentored in both radio and television broadcasting by WAAF Boston's Mistress Carrie and the legendary Mark Costello, respectively, Cato returned to South Africa as co-anchor of Smile 90.4 FM's afternoon drive show. Cato is now a successful TV producer and show host of the popular South African reality show "Die Uitnodiging."

News director and talk show host

Meet Ellis: News Director, Talk Show Host, and Play-by-Play Announcer

Ohio broadcasting legend John Capparanis, of WBBW, mentored Ellis Codjoe in 2010. There, Ellis hosted his own weekly five-minute broadcast, eventually landing a full time job as a show host, play-by-play announcer, and board operator. Today, Ellis lives in Iowa where he is a news director and talk show host, as well as a play-by-play announcer for six radio stations in the Ottumwa Radio group.

Not sure which path?

Interested in Radio DJ training?

See Radio

Interested in sports broadcasting?

See Sportscasting

Interested in talk formats?

See Talk Show

Tuition & Payment Options

You can review current tuition, discounts, and financing options on our Tuition page. If you prefer, connect with an advisor first and get clear answers before you decide.

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Transparent pricing. No pressure.

Interested in Learning More? Connect with BSMG.

If you are interested in learning more about our radio talk show mentoring programs, the quickest way to get your questions answered is to connect with BSMG.

We are more than glad to help with any of the following:

  • checked circle General Questions - If you have questions, we have answers.
  • checked circle Career Guidance - Unsure which track is best for you? We can help!
  • checked circle Training Preference — Choose in-station (local) or virtual (online).
  • checked circle Costs and Payment Plans - Discounts, down payments and monthly payment plans available.
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Start Talk Show Host Training

You can start the process online today. It takes less than 3 minutes.

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BSMG will be in contact within 1 business day.

Got Questions?
Here are some of the most common questions about our mentoring programs

1. What exactly does BSMG do?

BSMG pairs you for training with a working broadcaster or sportscaster in your area. You choose the station and decide what days and times you’ll be training.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

2. Do you have a broadcast school in my city?

Yes! If you have a radio station within acceptable driving distance of your location, we can place you with a mentor.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

3. Which radio stations do you work with in my area?

Every radio station in your local area is a candidate to work with a BSMG-placed student. Rest assured, you will be placed with an experienced broadcaster who is well-connected to the broadcasting industry and your community.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

4. How often will I meet with my mentor and go into the station?

You determine your training schedule so that it’s tailored to your availability. Most students go into the station anywhere from one to three times every week. Our curriculum also involves training and education that you’ll complete on the days you’re not at the station.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

5. When is the best time to start my training?

Since you will be a class of one, the “best time” to get started is whenever you’re ready to take the next steps in realizing your dream as a future radio broadcaster.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

6. Do you offer financial aid or financing?

BSMG does offer financing, but because we are a career vocational training school, we are unable to offer federal financial aid in the form of Pell grants, FAFSA, or Stafford loans.

For more details about this topic, see the Radio Mentoring Guidebook.

7. How do I get started?

Fill out our contact form or call us directly at 818-879-0858 from anywhere in the U. You’re guaranteed to speak with a real person who is happy to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. We will never pressure you to make a decision you’re not ready to make.