Audio Version
Van Harden of WHO Radio’s Van and Bonnie Show has been retired from radio since September of 2020, but he’s not slowing down. He sat down to discuss what he’s been up to and he reacts to local radio’s struggle to maintain focus on their community.
Harden presided not only as host of Iowa’s most popular morning show, but as program director for the state’s largest news radio station. After leaving however, the station has struggled to stay relevant, sliding in ratings and losing critical staff. He discusses his new chapter, a new forthcoming book, and gives advice to small businesses wanting to use podcasts as a tool to reach new customers.
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Van Harden of WHO Radio: 50 Years in Radio
Harden’s 50-year career Iowa radio career has led to some incredible experience. He is well-known for his humor, warmth, and deep connection with listeners. He opens up about life post-radio, how the industry has changed, and the unique challenges facing traditional media today.
Even after stepping away from daily broadcasts, his voice remains a fixture on WHO Radio through commercials, which he records monthly. Reflecting on his career, he notes, “I thought people would forget about me… but everywhere I go, they still stop and recognize me.”
He speaks fondly of his travels since retirement, sharing anecdotes from trips to Egypt, Greece, and Zimbabwe. Harden is particularly proud of founding a church in Zimbabwe, saying, “I’ve been to the poorest country on earth, and I swear the people there were happier.”
The conversation turns to the evolution of WHO Radio and the media industry. Harden comments on the station’s shift toward more political programming, noting that his approach was always a blend of news and entertainment. “I didn’t have one audience—I had two. One for news and one for fun. It was a winning combination,” he explains.
Despite changes in the industry, Harden is hopeful. He praises podcasts and digital platforms for expanding voices but stresses that authenticity and passion are crucial for success: “If you’re not passionate about it, don’t do it.” His advice for budding podcasters and business owners? Know your audience and have clear goals.
Harden’s upcoming book, Jesus: The Prequel, explores the life of Jesus before his birth in Bethlehem. Harden, a long-time Bible teacher, says, “People know Jesus from the New Testament, but they don’t realize He existed before Bethlehem. This book dives into that part of His story.”
Harden discusses WHO Radio challenges
Throughout the interview, Van Harden reflects on how WHO Radio has evolved since his departure. Once known for its balanced mix of local news, humor, and apolitical content, the station has leaned more heavily into politics, especially since his exit. “Now they focus more on politics and news, but it’s different from how we did it,” Harden observes. He highlights the importance of having a dynamic and engaging personality in radio: “You need to be funny and current. That’s what drives ratings.”
Harden attributes much of his success to his focus on creating a show that resonated with a wide audience. He emphasizes that radio should be about connection, not just content. “We did things that had people talking,” he recalls, explaining how his team often made headlines by doing out-of-the-box stunts that captured public attention.
For those starting in media today, Harden’s advice is simple: “Find your voice and stick to it. People want someone genuine—they can detect when you’re not being real.”
Van Harden’s wisdom and experiences offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a broadcasting legend who shaped Iowa’s radio landscape for decades. Though retired, his influence on the media world continues through his voice, his writing, and the legacy he left at WHO Radio.
Connect with Van at his website here!