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Writer's pictureMatt Cundill

John Leslie: Talking About Radio

John Leslie's remarkable radio career is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. From his humble beginnings building a three-watt transmitter in his bedroom as a teenager, to becoming a pioneering broadcaster in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Leslie's story is a captivating journey through the golden age of radio.



Leslie's early days were marked by a relentless determination to break into the industry, taking on any role he could to get his foot in the door. His big break came when he was tapped to spot for a high school football broadcast, a role that eventually led to him becoming a program director straight out of high school. This early success set the stage for a career filled with remarkable achievements, from anchoring television news in Youngstown, Ohio, to becoming a morning show ratings juggernaut in Binghamton, New York.


The most remarkable chapter in Leslie's story, however, came when he was tasked with testing the boundaries of Gorbachev's glasnost reforms in the Soviet Union. Sent by a Republican Party insider with close ties to the Reagan administration, Leslie became the first foreign journalist to broadcast live and uncensored from the heart of the Soviet Union. His historic appearance on the nightly news program "Dobryy Vecher, Moskva" (Good Evening, Moscow) was a watershed moment, showcasing the power of radio to transcend political barriers and bring people together.


Leslie's post-radio career in syndicated hypnotherapy seminars further demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to changing times. By leveraging his radio expertise and connections, he built a thriving business that allowed him to retire comfortably after nearly two decades of success.



Today, as Leslie shares his stories through his podcast "Talking About Radio," he is cementing his legacy as a true broadcasting legend. His willingness to embrace new technologies and platforms, combined with his unwavering passion for the medium, serves as an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters and a reminder of the enduring power of radio to captivate and inform audiences. John Leslie's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of radio, and a testament to the power of one man's lifelong love affair with the airwaves.



 

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