Why Teasing Isn’t for Every Talk Show Host (original) (raw)

By Russ Ray Rollins Host of Monsters in the Morning
Real Radio 104.1 FM, Orlando

After over three decades as a talk show host, I’ve come to appreciate one essential truth about this industry: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Program directors, executives, and consultants often believe their advice applies universally, but experience has taught me otherwise. The reality? Not every tip or trick works for every host—or every audience.

One of the most debated techniques in talk radio is the “tease”- that carefully crafted promise of what’s coming next. Let me be upfront: I stopped listening to other radio hosts years ago. Not because I don’t respect or enjoy their work, but because I found myself inadvertently borrowing their ideas. It’s a slippery slope when you admire the craft so deeply.

That said, a while back, I broke my own rule and tuned into a show that had an intriguing topic. They had me hooked – until the host abruptly went to break with, “Coming up next, a representative from the Central Florida Humane Society will be in to talk about the kitten population.” And just like that, I was out. I changed the station and never returned.

Here’s my hot take: I hate the art of the tease.

Over the years, I’ve had countless consultants and program directors insist, “Russ, you have to tease your next segment!” My response? “No, I don’t.” Here’s why:

• A “Tease” Can Be a Turnoff

Sometimes the next segment, by title alone, doesn’t sound exciting—but we can make it fun. A dull-sounding topic doesn’t mean the content itself won’t surprise and engage listeners. Forcing a tease risks losing people before we even get the chance to surprise them.

• Radio is About Being in the Moment

What if I don’t know exactly what’s coming next? Talk radio thrives on spontaneity. Some of the best segments are born during the break—fresh, unfiltered, and relevant to what’s happening in real-time. Why box myself in with a tease that may no longer fit the moment?

• The Sponsored Segment Conundrum

Let’s be honest: not every segment is a home run. Sponsored content or sales-driven segments are part of the job, but they’re rarely the most engaging part of the show. A forced tease in these cases feels insincere, and listeners can tell.

The hosts I’ve always admired – legends like Ron & Ron, Jim Philips, and Howard Stern – didn’t rely on teases to keep me tuned in. I stayed with Ron & Ron out of loyalty. I listened to Jim Philips because I wanted to know what had him fired up that day. I followed Howard Stern because I couldn’t wait to hear the next crazy thing he’d say. None of them felt the need to force-feed a tease.

That’s not to say teases don’t work for some hosts. I’ve heard great teases that kept me glued to the dial. I’ve even used them myself when it made sense – but only when it felt authentic. The problem arises when consultants push the idea that a tease is mandatory in every break.

Talk radio is a deeply personal medium. It’s about connecting with your audience in a way that feels genuine. A great host knows their strengths and plays to them, even if it means breaking the so-called rules.

So, to my fellow talk show hosts: take the advice of consultants and program directors with a grain of salt. What works for one show might not work for you. And if you’re like me, don’t be afraid to ditch the tease. Sometimes, the best way to keep your audience engaged is to simply be yourself.

Russ Ray Rollins is the longtime host of the successful ensemble show, “Monsters in the Morning” heard on Real Radio 104.1 FM, Orlando. He can be emailed at russrollins1@me.com.