With nearly three decades on the air and 87 markets nationwide, The Murphy, Sam & Jodi Morning Show has built a legacy on authenticity, friendship, chemistry, and an uncommon ability to feel like family to the listeners who start their day with them.
This ensemble-driven morning show continues to expand its footprint while staying rooted in real life, real relationships, and real connection. For background, the program shares a long history albeit not including every member of the current group.
“The guys were together a long time before I came on board, but we just had a natural chemistry, not just on-air, but anytime we were together,” says Jodi. “I picked up on it right away while I was the producer. They asked me to sub one day, and it just worked. I’ve been in place ever since. That was 27 years ago.”
As for how the program was crafted, the concept was to have a different voice than Murphy or Sam guiding the show.
“They wanted a female lead, and it came naturally. But I truly believe our strength is the ensemble. People can feel the friendship, the family we’ve created. We ARE an ensemble, that’s where the strength is. But we all have different gifts,” insists Jodi. “Murphy is the stable voice of reason. He greets, moves things in and out, and he and Sam have a bit of a bromance. Sam is a funny cynic, kind of like the Grinch, in that we all know the heart is there.”
Every radio program needs to cater to the audience it serves, which is why the decision was made for Jodi to take the wheel of the show.
“I lead because I’m closest to the audience, the target demo: women doing all the things for their families and careers, needing a place where they’re catered to, understood, and seen, while still being entertained,” explained Jodi. “We all share our personal lives, and THAT resonates. We share the real, flawed stuff, the ups and downs of our marriage, Sam’s three divorces and dating adventures. The show feels real because it IS real.”
The goal; meeting the audience’s needs through companionship and building a lasting connection.
“First and foremost, we strive to be a friend in the community. To be there, not just with familiarity, but with comfort. Reassurance when something is unstable or going wrong. Whether it’s a hurricane, a school bus accident, or a local fundraiser. We also share anything our PDs and producers want us to, and we work closely with them to be in touch and be the voices of what’s happening,” she noted.
“Our biggest passion project is being a positive start to the day and cutting through a sea of noise and negative news,” says Murphy. “We’re advocates for Children’s Hospitals and St. Jude and lend our time to those fundraisers. I’m a Type 1 Diabetic, so I support Breakthrough T1D and the American Diabetes Association. Jodi is a huge pet lover and advocate for pet adoption.”
As far as prepping for the show, the concept is pretty simple.
“I always say, ‘Life will give it to you!’” insists Jodi. “Prep is everywhere. The best prep is living a life worth sharing and being vulnerable enough to give of yourself on-air. We all do that. News and entertainment? That’s everywhere too. In our modern world, prep is overflowing. I’m so grateful for that!”
“We’re always prepping for each other,” adds Sam. “With an eye for what might be a better fit for Jodi to share, or if something is more in Murphy’s lane, based on our arcs and roles.”
One of The Murphy, Sam & Jodi Morning Show‘s biggest strengths is the ability to adapt and deliver.
“We have the ability to deploy immediate, market-specific content if an emergency doesn’t affect all affiliate stations we’re on,” says Murphy. “That’s been a priority since we started adding stations. Having systems in place and anticipating needs makes all the difference. Many markets depend on that extra voice and support.”
After being on the air together for so long, it’s hard to believe that the road has been as smooth as it has so far.
“If nothing has turned us upside down yet, nothing will,” says Jodi. “We’ve been together so long, it’s a group mind. No matter what gets in the way; personal problems, schedules, creative differences, we focus on the audience. What are they expecting? Why do they come to us? I don’t think any of us has ever wanted to quit. I feel like I belong in this studio with these two guys, and don’t imagine much could tear us apart.”
As far as encouraging younger talent and working to keep the radio craft alive, the team feels strongly about leading by example.
“There’s still an opportunity to engage and encourage up-and-coming talent to hone their skills and build content for their portfolio, whether it’s in part-time radio positions or their own video/audio podcasts,” says Sam. “Technology has changed the business, but the core of what we do translates to all types of media consumption. We’re all in the content generation and companionship business. Mentoring with good balance and constructive and positive feedback is one of the best gifts we can give future talent.”
As for Murphy, he believes staying true to you audience is the biggest key for long term success.
“We don’t pretend to be what we’re not. Everything on the show filters through the eyes of a 30–49-year-old. Keeping current and focused on what makes today a great day — that’s our mission,” says Murphy.
As for what’s in store for the rest of the year, Jodi believes there is no shortage of content that the program could provide.
“This is my FAVORITE time of year for the show! It’s all about expectation and family time, and there’s SO much to talk about,” says Jodi. “In October, listeners share their real-life ghost stories. In November, it’s everything Thanksgiving: food, traditions, the quirky and non-traditional things families do. And December brings its own magic: ‘Make It, Take It’ gift ideas, the 12 Dips of Christmas, tons of calls about traditions… and Santa joins us every Friday. He’s jolly, heartfelt, and hilarious. Those shows are for kids!”
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Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
