Adventures in the Radio Trade

It’s rare to read a book and to find yourself so keenly aware of the audience that will cherish that book … but that’s where I found myself as I read Joe Mahoney’s engaging memoir Adventures in the Radio Trade, an account of his long career working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a technician, a producer, a sound-effects wizard, and a manager. Those who listened to the CBC from the late 1980s through the 2000s will undoubtedly enjoy the “behind the scenes” look at the making of many of their favorite programs, and Mahoney is a terrific guide, for he possesses an amazing memory for detail as well as an affable style. You can’t help but like the way the curious, humble narrator describes speaking French with Margaret Atwood, making his first sound effects in Studio 212, or going on strike with his colleagues.Mahoney’s recall of detail that will endear him to another natural audience for this collection of tales: people who have worked in radio, or who have an intense interest in the technical details of radio production. Mahoney’s obvious love of learning new technology allows him to create interesting accounts of all the tools he learned to use over the years.What lifts this book out of the realm of radio industry nostalgia, however, is the charming character of Mahoney himself. Talkative, informal, and continually curious, Mahoney shows that a curious and reasonably intelligent person can make it anywhere, as long as they’re willing to work hard and try new things.

This memoir captures what it's really like to work in radio. The fun, the fascinating and the routine parts - all told with good humor and no ego. Mahoney takes us behind the scenes of some of the CBC's best known shows. A great read!

Possibly one of the most interesting autobiographies I have had the pleasure of reading in the last couple of decades. Joe tells his life in the tech area of radio in the much appreciated chronological fashion. There is a natural flow to this book as you age and grow with Joe on his journey.The centre of the universe here is his working for CBC Radio. Unless you are Canadian or live near the Canadian border, this venue may be unfamiliar to you. If you have listened to CBC Radio, then this book is the pulling back of the curtain on what you thought you knew.The stories shared are fun and easy to read. The interaction Joe has from the tech side with both producers and talent is simply fascinating. The circle of life cannot be much different from the person who runs the lights at a concert venue. The person is there but not THERE.There is both a blessing and a curse about Joe's knowledge of radio tech. For much of the book, the terms and equipment are bantered about in a pretty understandable way. There is only one chapter where the detail of the tech is so overwhelming, it simply loses the reader and the reader loses the story. If that chapter could be reworked to make it just a bit more approachable, then this book would be 5+ stars and up for an award.I personally enjoyed reading this book. The stories about famous artists and personalities was fun to read. Many times I said 'oooh I listened to that!' A fun book that should be a must read for every Canadian. This book would be an excellent read for fans of the business of radio. This book is also good for fans of good autobiographies. I would enjoy reading this author's book about his time in management.4.75 stars.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you are a listener of radio, especially the CBC, this book is for you! And if you have ever been involved in the production of audio (or video), you will quickly identify with the author's trials and tribulations as well as resounding successes. Should you be a layman on the technical details, don't worry: there is a comprehensive Glossary included, but I think context makes it relatable to all readers anyway - I never had to refer to it and the author takes the time to 'set the stage' well in description.There are so few books that take place behind the scenes of the radio world, and this one is unique. As a lifelong fan of CBC radio, with an interest in how it all comes together, I recommend this book highly to everyone, and if you are or want to be a media production student at college then this book will share some valuable insights that come from decades of experience.A brilliant, humorous, and exceedingly well-written tale!