This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary sits down with the remarkable Devin O’Day, a beloved voice in country music radio whose career has touched countless lives. Together, they reminisce about their early days in small-town stations, swapping stories filled with humor, resilience, and a genuine love for community connection.
Devon opens up about her journey from aspiring careers to becoming a full-time broadcaster, author, audiobook narrator, and hit songwriter. Tune in and discover what it means to honor your passions, no matter where the road takes you.
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In this Episode:
- Why local radio is a lifeline for so many communities
- Hear behind-the-scenes stories of radio life and insights into the art of audiobook narration
- Devon’s songwriting successes with George Strait, Trace Adkins, and Lee Ann Womack
- The joys (and mishaps) of early broadcasting in Louisiana and Alabama
- Embracing new media without losing your roots
Quotations:
“I always found that some of the people that I met in country music, where they came from and what they had to overcome, was more inspiring than any song they ever recorded. ” ~ Devon O’Day
“I think the only hope we have in radio right now is the small, independently owned stations.” ~ Devon O’Day
“The whole joy of radio is communication. That’s what we do.” ~ Devon O’Day
“When I was little, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I said, I just don’t want to be bored. And I love a lot of things.” ~ Devon O’Day
“I love books, and I love reading, and then I just started realizing that people didn’t read, and they didn’t read because they can’t focus when they open up a book. But I said, if I can take people and I could read to them and get them into a book, oh, wouldn’t that be fun?” ~ Devon O’Day
“My goal before I left this planet was I wanted to write a book that would be in libraries.” ~ Devon O’Day
“God never forgets a dream that he puts in your heart. God doesn’t forget.” ~ Devon O’Day
“If you go back and look at your little kid list, your little kid is always smarter than your big kid. You’re a kid.” ~ Devon O’Day
“I feel like God has always put somebody in my path. And I don’t think there’s ever any accident. If you notice who’s in your path. There aren’t accidents. Even the people who were not wonderful, fun experiences usually taught you something.” ~ Devon O’Day
“You never know what’s going to happen. I said, some days are diamonds, some days are stone. But for the most part, you just wait for the magic to happen and pay attention.” ~ Devon O’Day
Bio:
Devon O’Day is a storyteller at heart, a seasoned radio personality, speaker, author, voice actor, and champion for creatives. With a career of over 30 years in broadcast, Devon has hosted nationally syndicated shows, voiced thousands of commercials, and written books that inspire and uplift. Beyond the mic, she’s a proud advocate for kindness, purpose-driven living, and the power of faith. Whether sharing her journey or elevating others, Devon brings warmth, grit, and heart to every conversation.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://devonoday.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonoday