two takes show
For more than 20 years, Dan Johnson and Chris Varones have been guest panelists on Beyond the Beltway, a nationally syndicated live radio show. On the evening of June 30, the regular host had called in sick and the substitute host lost his Wi-Fi connection during the show. Suddenly, the two guest panelist were all alone. In a bout of panicky exuberance and crazy-brave zeal, the two inmates took over the asylum. Over two hours, their audience was exposed to a fun, loose, insightful political talk show experience that reminded them why enjoy the radio format. Inspired by what could be, the guest panelists decided to launch their own show based on the style, dynamic, and experience that worked so well on the night of June 30.Later in the same studio on the night of July 21, hours after news broke about President Biden’s withdrawal from the Democratic nomination, Chris and Dan recorded a pilot show.Dan and Christ are seeking to join the iHeartRadio network with a fun, friendly, and accessible live show and podcast for millions of people who want to be current on the news, form their own opinions, and have fun while avoiding tribal warfare and boring binary understanding of politics. They are available as guests on any other show or podcast.As interest in the presidential election increases every month, but traditional commentators continue to offer assembly-line style analysis of the issues, people, and events that are shaping the news, we will offer a fun, fresh, and engaging product that incumbent media isn’t offering.
Short description:
Two friendly pundits bring fun and interesting political talk for everyone — red, blue and purple.
Hosts:
Chris Varones and Dan Johnson are professional communicators. Dan is a registered lobbyist who regularly testifies before legislative committees and frames arguments for his clients. Chris counsels CEOs and civic leaders on narrative, media and story through his firm Aesop Communications Group. Dan served as a Bernie Sanders delegate in 2016 and his X account is @DanLikesVoting
Audience description:
Politically involved, curious, or concerned but exhausted with the status quo
Possesses strong opinions loosely held; appreciates independent or heterodox thinking
Seeks strong conservative and progressive opinion without feeling they are being preached at
Wants to learn something and enjoys being entertained
Frequency:
2 times per week live (Tues & Fri) but open to suggestions
Duration:
48 minutes of content for a 60 minute show
Tone, voice, style:
We pair opposites well. The show is friendly while pugilistic; honest yet outrageous; deeply serious but with fun banter; substantive but accessible. Above all, we want to make serious political conversations fun and interesting in mixed company again.
Segments:
The Round-Up: The first 15-20 minute segment of each show will discuss and debate the news of the day. The intention is to deliver quick hits on a range of issues in a lively way.
Fistful of Questions: The second 20 minute segment of the Tuesday show will feature each co-host getting 10 minutes to answer a provocative question on a single topic from the other co-host. The intention is for each co-host to defend his position, probe issues deeply, and educate and enlighten.
The Guest: The majority of the Friday show will be devoted to an interesting guest.
Outrage of the Week: Each co-host and guest is given a 60-second soapbox to rant elegantly about something outrageous to be used for social media clips.
Guests:
Actor and podcaster (We’re Here To Help) Jake Johnson
US Representative Nikki Budzinski