By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

In ongoing discussions about the dwindling relevance of radio in the modern world, the medium is grudgingly defended as a reliable “first responder” during times of public emergencies.

Nothing beats having an old-fashioned battery powered radio handy when confronted by hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, blackouts, and (dare I say it) weapons of war. Yes, radio is quite useful in the thick of natural “disasters” when the grid goes down, and the lights go out.

However, we are missing a huge opportunity by limiting radio to the role of modern-day media Sterno.

I’ve been a practicing therapist in New York and South Florida for the past 25 years, and although not a host, I have served, and continue to participate, as a guest on broadcasts across the nation, discussing the emotional connections between hot news topics and people’s feelings. I am not alone in the perception that people of my profession have performed for decades as fully invested members of the talk radio family.

During this period, it has become obvious that the one-time talk radio mainstay of the in-house or “go to” mental health professional has become an endangered species. Some of the biggest names in radio were practicing therapists. They were a familiar part of the talk (even news/talk) format. Without turning this into a historical essay or a scold, it is sad to note that most of them are gone.

Ironically, now more than ever, the deeply troubling events in the world, the nation, and our local communities, constituting news and statistics, are bringing deep emotional pain and crippling anxiety to the masses… especially the kind of people likely to tune in to talk radio. Professionals. Businesspeople. Workers. Parents.

Looking for younger demos? Gen-Z is perhaps the most anxiety-plagued segment of the population. These “kids” need support, guidance, and understanding.

Hurricanes and heat waves are not the only disasters that call for the helpful and healing power of radio.

The hot topics of the day: crime, inflation, corruption, disease, ignorance, racial strife, and identity politics – not to mention the ever-lingering threat of nuclear devastation – are not merely subjects (and excuses) to vent blame, anger and hate. They contribute to an environment of deep fear and institutionalized discomfort. There are millions of real-life, personal “disasters” going on out there, exacerbated by relationship betrayals and family breakdowns, that make a heavy snowstorm feel like an adventure by comparison.

Stoking people’s fear and anger with cherry-picked cherry bombs is only a small part of the equation when it comes to serving the desperate needs of both current and potential listeners.

It would be a good thing to bring back to the talk radio menu some psychology shows and professional purveyors of emotional clarity, available in the local communities, as guests to dole out much sought compassion, empathy, guidance, and old fashioned advice.

Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com.  Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.