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I’m not sure who Sto knows, but if he thinks the hosts or the industry is “100% phony”, it tells me his anecdote is from tissue paper thin experience. I’ve worked with one of the “Mike’s” already mentioned in the thread. Like many, they are trained, expert debaters; they can - YES - argue either point of view based and depending on the ‘facts’ at hand. However, the point of view will be ultimately be theirs as it’s developed and displayed from integrity. This comes from genuine passion, intellect, authenticity, personal values, and (usually/hopefully) solid research. The distinction that I had to make, after first meeting “Mike”, is that he’s not going to carry that same high energy of intellect and spirited debate outside the studio; and the last thing he’s likely going to want to do is discuss politics or current events unless it’s for show prep. If anything, the curtains are drawn back around the Wizard after the red panel mic feed light goes off. I can only presume the best hosts must all work the insane hours that “Mike” does and with full attention to show prep, listener emails, website content and accuracy, sponsorship meetings, audio spot reads, and now - twitter/facebook interactions for the sake of listener numbers and promotions. This is over and above the three hours on air per day, handling curveballs, tech issues, time constraints of hard/soft breaks, irresponsible guests who are late and/or don’t show, egomaniacle-control freak publicists, revolving engineers/producers with different styles, worries about marketing staff target numbers and general staff incompetence, making sure the sponsors’ needs are met while also balancing listener wants... They make great money but certainly earn it where their heart/soul are thrown in to the job. (Hell, I haven’t even mentioned the part about dealing with fanatical stalkers/psychos).

I’m not sure what Sto is talking about, but I don’t see where there is time enough to be “100% phony” and how that’s pulled off with any degree of success.