1 of 1- RadioActive
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The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
I've produced (and even hosted) a talk show on the radio in the past. And I know how hard it is to find really good guests. Which may explain why the main talkers in the city, AM640 and NT1010, seem to rely on the same "experts" over and over and over - often on the same day, if not the same hour.
On Friday, I heard ex-MP Lisa Raitt on 640 at around 7:21 AM during the morning show. Less than 20 minutes later, there she was again, this time on CFRB with John Tory. This happens a lot and she's become something of talk show staple.
And so has Carmy Levi, tech expert. And Nainesh Kotek, a personal injury lawyer. Or Eric Alper, usually called on when a music star dies. And then there's David Shellnut, commonly referred to as the Biking Lawyer. Not to mention P.R. expert Tony Chapman, of the Chatter That Matters podcast.
On Friday, I heard Steve Stebbings, an expert who previews and reviews movies and TV shows on both stations, once in the morning, the other at night. Tom Korski appears on CFRB and Sauga 960, and before she disappeared, twice a week on Alex Pierson's show as well as Mike Farwell on the now departed CKGL.
It's amazing how these people keep turning up over and over and over. You'd almost think the stations who give them so much free publicity would at least try to get them to be exclusive to one station, so they don't get over exposed and help the competition.
But they're free agents and there's nothing to stop them from being on every station that asks. I'm not saying they're not interesting. Just that there's always a danger of over exposure. And as I've noted before, sometimes less is more. I'm sure you could compile your own list if you just think about it for a minute. The same people are like the old City TV - Everywhere!
- jughead jones
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
It's interesting though how some of the guests are 1010 people and some are 640 people and rarely if ever cross that line. Moshe Lander from Concordia is 1010's economics professor, and 640 has Eric Kam from TMU. 640 has Hank Idsinga and Clayton Campbell, and 1010 have their own police people. 640 has the food professor and I have never heard him on 1010.
- 67GreenRambler
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
Tom Korski also appears weekly on 610 CKTB with Gene Valaitis. He supplies information unlike many commentators who provide videwpoint and sometimes context.
Which brings to mind CBC Metro Morning deciding that inviting rabid anti-Repubcan political science professor and activist Thomas Schaller (just read his bio or the title of his books) was the best person to explain to listeners what President Trump had to say the night before. Unquestionably abusive use of public property.
- jughead jones
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
I used to love listening to Alex Pierson and or Roy Green interview Tom Korski. He's very funny along with being very smart.
- Shorty Wave
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
I think Carmi Levy is the one pundits that gets the most exposure. Fairly recently I heard him on Moore in the Morning, then later on AM740, then that evening he was on CP24, busy guy! He’s good at explaining tech and that’s probably why he’s in demand.
Last edited by Shorty Wave (July 18, 2026 12:39 pm)
- mace
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
I enjoy the Tik-Tok Traffic Cop who occasionally appears on Jerry Agar's show.
- jughead jones
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
Marc Saltsman is a great tech guy.
- RadioActive
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
jughead jones wrote:
It's interesting though how some of the guests are 1010 people and some are 640 people and rarely if ever cross that line. Moshe Lander from Concordia is 1010's economics professor, and 640 has Eric Kam from TMU.
Yes, let's not forget Sylvan Charlebois, the "Food Professor." He's on constantly, as is Dan McTeague, a former MP now with Canadians for Affordable Energy. He turns up every time there's a gas price hike. And computer security expert Mohit Rajhans is another frequent guest on both stations.
I always like whenever Eric Kam comes on 640. I find that not only does he have an interesting point of view, but he's good at making sometimes convoluted financial stuff easy to understand. That's a rare talent these days.
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Thread Starter- jughead jones
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Re: The Radio Talk Show Guest Merry-Go-Round
RA, I agree with you about Eric's talents and I say this as somebody partially responsible for asking him to be on-air with 640 in the beginning.