Ricky's Big World
Welcome to Ricky's Big World, the podcast that blends mouth-watering food, Southern charm, and the unique perspective of Ricky Bartlett - double-leg amputee, radio host, and actor.
Recoded live from Pizza World Iowa's vibrant kitchen, join Ricky for entertaining tales, laughs, and a glimpse into Southern culture. Whether you're a fried chicken enthusiast or seeking a good chuckle, Ricky's quick wit and infectious personality make each episode a joy. Ricky's Big World is a podcast that's as irresistible as a hot slice of Pizza World's famous pizza!
Ricky's Big World
Is Radio Dead? Ricky Talks AM/FM, Driverless Cars & Pizza Drama!
In this episode, Ricky dives into the hot debate: Is radio dying? From the survival of AM/FM in a digital world to the rise of driverless cars, he shares his insider knowledge of the industry. Plus, things heat up as he rants about Pizza World's famous chalkboard menu and Roxanna’s producer duties. Packed with laughs, insights, and authentic banter, this episode is a must-listen!
Timestamps:
0:00 | Hungry and Hangry: Ricky opens with a rant about hunger and smells at Pizza World.
2:22 | Is Radio Dead?: Roxanna sparks a conversation on the future of AM/FM.
6:00 | Driverless Cars & Radio’s Survival: How cars are keeping traditional radio alive.
10:30 | FCC Rules vs. Podcast Freedom: Ricky explains the difference between regulated radio and the free world of podcasting.
15:00 | Local Radio vs. Big Conglomerates: Ricky highlights what makes local stations unique.
20:10 | The Chalkboard Menu Drama: Ricky shares his love-hate relationship with Pizza World's chalkboard menu.
26:00 | The Importance of Authentic Content: Ricky and Roxanna discuss why staying real matters.
31:10 | Producer Duties & Ricky’s Rants: Ricky calls out Roxanna for her producer promises.
34:22 | Outro: Ricky teases Roxanna about food, sponsorships, and what’s next for the podcast.
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0:00 | Introduction
Ricky: Howdy y’all, welcome back to Ricky’s Big World! Today, we’re diving into some tea, and by tea, I mean radio drama, food drama, and, well… life drama.
Roxanna: You’ve been ready for this one, haven’t you?
Ricky: Oh, I’ve been ready! But first, I’m going to complain because I’m hungry.
0:07 | Hungry and Hangry
Roxanna: Okay, okay, calm down. I know, I know, you’re hungry.
Ricky: I am hangry. I can smell all these delicious flavors in the air—pizza, wings—and yet, where is my food?
Roxanna: (Laughing) You’re going to survive until we’re done recording.
Ricky: I don’t know about that. I think I’ve got the vapors.
0:22 | Is Radio Dead?
Roxanna: All right, let’s jump into it. Here’s my question: Is radio dead?
Ricky: Ooh, that’s a big one. Let me tell you, people have been saying that radio is dying for decades. But here’s the thing—radio is still alive and kicking.
Roxanna: But how? With Spotify, Apple Music, and podcasts, how is radio even relevant anymore?
Ricky: It’s simple. Americans drive everywhere. We’re always in our cars, and we rely on radio for entertainment and information while we’re on the road.
Roxanna: That’s true.
Ricky: Plus, AM radio is still huge. Did you know that my old station, KMRY, is actually an AM station?
Roxanna: Really? I didn’t know that!
Ricky: Yep. AM radio still has a place. People love the local flavor, the community connection.
6:00 | Driverless Cars & Radio’s Survival
Roxanna: What about driverless cars, though? Do you think they’ll change the game?
Ricky: Absolutely. If we get to the point where cars are fully autonomous, people might shift to watching TV or streaming videos instead of listening to radio.
Roxanna: But that’s still years away, right?
Ricky: Oh, definitely. The technology is too young. I’d say we’re at least 50 years out before driverless cars become the norm.
10:30 | FCC Rules vs. Podcast Freedom
Roxanna: You’ve mentioned before that podcasting feels weird for you because it’s not regulated like radio.
Ricky: Oh, it’s so weird. In radio, you have to follow FCC rules. You can’t say certain words, and you’re always watching what you say. But with podcasts, it’s like the Wild West.
Roxanna: Do you ever feel tempted to let loose on here?
Ricky: Not really. I carry those FCC rules with me. It’s ingrained in me.
15:00 | Local Radio vs. Big Conglomerates
Roxanna: What’s your take on local radio versus the big conglomerates?
Ricky: Local radio is where it’s at. It’s all about the community. But the downside is that local stations have to work harder to survive because they rely solely on local advertising dollars.
Roxanna: And the big guys?
Ricky: They’ve got national dollars coming in, so they have a safety net. But they treat on-air talent like cattle. You’re the first to go when budgets get tight.
20:10 | The Chalkboard Menu Drama
Ricky: Speaking of local, let me tell you about the chalkboard menu here at Pizza World. I love that thing.
Roxanna: (Laughing) You’ve been mad about this for years!
Ricky: Look, the chalkboard has character! It’s authentic. I don’t want some slick, digital menu. Keep the chalkboard!
Roxanna: You’re so stubborn.
26:00 | The Importance of Authentic Content
Roxanna: That actually ties into something I’ve been thinking about—authenticity.
Ricky: Oh, here we go. Philosopher Roxanna.
Roxanna: I’m serious! Everything is so overproduced these days. Filters, edits, everything. I love that we keep this podcast real.
Ricky: I agree. People are afraid to be themselves. But not me. I don’t care what people think.
31:10 | Producer Duties & Ricky’s Rants
Ricky: Speaking of being real, can we talk about your producer duties for a second?
Roxanna: Oh no, what now?
Ricky: My back hurts from slouching over this table, and I’m still waiting on that food you promised.
Roxanna: (Laughing) Next episode, I swear!
34:22 | Outro
Ricky: Well, family, that’s it for today. Radio isn’t going anywhere—yet. Driverless cars might change that, but for now, we’re here, we’re local, and we’re staying authentic.
Roxanna: And we’re going to get you some food next time!
Ricky: You better. Thanks for listening, y’all. We’ll leave the light on and the front door unlocked for you. See you next time!
