The Unknown Morning Show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this laid-back catch-up episode, Chuck and Mandee take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on the past year of The Unknown Morning Show. From unforgettable guest moments to behind-the-scenes chaos, they share what’s changed, what stayed weird, and why they keep hitting “record.” It’s part recap, part ramble, and all heart. Tune in for the nostalgia, the randomness, and maybe even a few hints about what’s next.

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana dive into the recent severe weather that swept through East Texas and highlight the incredible work of local broadcast teams who kept the public informed and safe. From live coverage to behind-the-scenes dedication, they reflect on the legacy of storm coverage in the region and share personal stories from the studio. Tune in to hear how East Texas broadcasters continue to rise to the challenge when the skies turn dark.

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana sit down with longtime East Texas broadcaster Matt Williams. From his early days owning KEES-AM 1430 in Gladewater to transforming KYZS 1490 into a powerhouse for talk and sports radio, Matt shares an insider’s look at the evolution of AM radio in East Texas. He reflects on changing formats, navigating ownership transitions, and hosting his own morning show on 99.3 Talk FM — where Chuck was once his producer. Tune in for stories, history, and plenty of behind-the-scenes radio insight.

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

Bob Mauldin joins Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana for a fun-filled reunion on The Unknown Morning Show! From their early days in East Texas radio to today’s adventures in television, the trio takes a trip down memory lane with stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.

Bob shares what’s new with the spring season of Expedition Texas, gives us the scoop on his current projects, and reflects on the wild ride of working in media. Expect laughter, nostalgia, and a few behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else.

Press play and settle in — this one’s like catching up with an old friend over coffee (or maybe on the road somewhere deep in the heart of Texas).

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, hosts Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana sit down with radio veteran Kurt Gilchrist to explore his incredible journey through the airwaves. From his early days in Odessa and Lubbock to programming major stations in Houston, El Paso, and beyond, Kurt shares stories from over four decades in broadcasting.

As a senior program director at XM Satellite Radio and later SiriusXM, Kurt played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of multiple decades-based stations. We dive into his experiences managing stations across Texas, the evolution of radio from AM/FM to satellite, and what it takes to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re a radio enthusiast, a media professional, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insight and nostalgia.

🔊 Tune in for a conversation full of classic radio memories, industry wisdom, and a few surprises along the way!

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

This week, we’re bringing you a fan-favorite replay while Chuck recovers from a tragic (but honestly, kind of hilarious) injury—courtesy of his beloved best friend, Prince. Yes, his dog’s leash somehow got the best of his right thumb… and, of course, he’s right-handed. Meanwhile, Mandee is off on a very important special assignment (we’re keeping it mysterious).

But don’t worry—we’ll be back next week with a brand-new interview! In the meantime, enjoy this throwback conversation with our longtime friend and former colleague, Kenny Smith. We chat about his broadcast career, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reminisce about the good old days in radio.

Hit play, enjoy the nostalgia, and we’ll catch you next week—hopefully with all thumbs intact! 🎙️🐾✨

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

This week on The Unknown Morning Show, Trapper John Morris—aka “Trapper” from SiriusXM’s The Highway & Y2Kountry—joins Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana for an inside look at the world of country radio.

With 38 years in the industry, Trapper shares his journey from college radio at UNT to programming top country stations across Waco, Tyler, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas, and Nashville. We dive into how country radio discovers new talent, the data behind picking hit songs, and what it takes to make it on The Highway.

From working alongside legends to programming today’s hottest country hits, Trapper’s insights are a must-listen for country music fans, artists, and radio lovers alike!

🎧 Tune in now for an entertaining and informative conversation!

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, hosts Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana sit down with Michael Storm to talk all things radio—past, present, and future! They his career and time as an East Texas morning radio personality and programmer. Storm is back on the airwaves with 95.1 Great FM, bringing a fresh yet familiar sound to East Texas.

From his days at Mix 107.3, Star 105.9, and Z100, to his latest venture with Storm Broadcasting, Michael Storm has left his mark on the industry. Tune in as we dive into his journey, the vision behind Great FM, and what this means for radio fans in East Texas.

🎙️ Stream 95.1 Great FM live at GreatFM.com

📱 Follow them on social media @greatfmradio

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, Chuck McKinley and Mandee Montana sit down with Jared Jones, a rising star in sports broadcasting. Jared’s journey started as the Sports Director for Tyler Junior College’s The Drumbeat and has taken him all the way to running the Antler Sports Network, where he travels the Southwest to stream live athletics. As the current Broadcast Director for UT Tyler’s Patriot Talon, Jared shares his passion for journalism, the behind-the-scenes of sports coverage, and the grind of building an independent media brand. From his early days interning at 92.1 FM The Team to winning an award for Best Sports Story from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Jared’s story is one of dedication, hustle, and a love for the game—both on and off the field.

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show

We want to hear from you! Send us a Text.

In this episode of The Unknown Morning Show, Chuck and Mandee sit down with the legendary Scott Gaines to talk about his incredible 38-year career in radio. From major market broadcasting to syndication and producing projects for a Nashville record label, Scott shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. We also had a blast chatting with his son, Landry, at the end of the episode—don’t miss his special appearance!

📧 Guest Contact: Scott Gaines | [email protected]

📱 Socials: Facebook: Scott Gaines Radio | Instagram: @scottgainesradio | LinkedIn: Scott Gaine

🔊 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Support The Unknown Morning Show when you buy us a cup of coffee.

Support the show