Radio . . . What? RadioGAGA!

Philip Gabbard returns to Fictional Cafe with a new creative fiction project: a film treatment based upon a very popular song from the 1990s. Phil is a create-preneur of many talents and interests and we’re always interested in his work. He’s written creative nonfiction, THISday: Words for the Venerable and the Vulnerable, and Thrivation: The Everlasting Philosophy of Providence + Privilege. He penned (on his MacBook Pro) Every Saint, Every Sinner, a novel about his spiritual experiences. He produced and directed an extraordinary video based on the life and death of an archetypal Hispanic woman called La Llorona.

Phil is beholden to Freddy Mercury and Queen for the inspiration to write about radio. More specifically, the rise and nowadays the fall of radio broadcasting. With the rise of television, its demise was probably inevitable. TV has suffered under the cudgel of internet as well, yet curiously it seems to be inspired a return of its entertainment media and a resurgence in broadcast radio as well.

And so we present a pre-publication draft of the first episode of Phil’s film treatment, “RadioGAGA,” based on Queen’s song of 1984 (with homage to George Orwell, no a coincidence), “Radio Ga Ga.” Tune in (sic) to the interview with Phil which follows after the treatment. Let’s get to it.

RadioGAGA: A Film Treatment

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

In the dark, silent, shadows of a Los Angeles high-rise corner office, the air buzzed with the hum from various radio stations piping out the day’s programming. Keyboard keys clacked, interspersed with the frustrated mumbling of Philip Hemsworth, a man who had dedicated his life to making media matter.

“It’s not the media, it’s what you do with it,” Philip muttered to himself, the words barely audible over the cacophony.

Philip’s fingers moved instinctively over the keys to rebuff what was perhaps more manifesto than manuscript. “No! It’s what they have done to it,” Philip said, wagging his fist into the air.

The shrill ring of a phone cut through the noise. The voice of the office assistant broke his rhythm, polite yet insistent.

“Mr. Hemsworth? Hi, sir. Mr. Meyer is ready to see you in his office.”

Philip acknowledged the message with a grunt.

“Okay, I’ll let him know. Thank you,” the assistant’s voice faded into the background noise.

Chapter 2: The Harsh Reality

When Philip stepped into the radio station’s podcasting studio that afternoon, something was awry. It was not the fly on the windowsill, watching passersby, that caught his eye. The usually vibrant space felt eerily quiet. The DJ booths stood empty; the automation boards, on standby, hummed.

He walked through the corporate labyrinth of cubicles and paused at the sparse lunchroom beyond. It was filled with undervalued staffers who busied themselves with anything that kept them from looking at him. On the wall a flickering monitor, mostly black and glitching, played the landing page of The Glenn Cheeseboro Show.

“Recording in 3, 2, 1 . . . go,” came the producer’s disembodied voice over the monitor.

“Hey folks, Glenn Cheeseboro here, welcome back!” Glenn’s voice boomed, filled with the confidence and charisma that had made him a household name. But this day, the halls of the office maze were long and winding.

Chapter 3: After the Fall

Philip’s heart pounded as he left the CEO’s office, his emotions a tumultuous mix of shock and anger. The CEO’s comforting pat on the back felt hollow, a mockery of the reality that Philip was now an outsider. A blow to the rising thought-leader with a meaningful manuscript in hand.

The office staff, sensing the gravity of the situation, avoided his gaze as he made his way through the maze of cubicles.

Philip paused by the still glitching, blank monitor, its screen yet again showing snippets of the Glenn Cheeseboro Show. Glenn’s voice, dripping with unwarranted cheerfulness, continued in the background.

“How the name rolls off the tongue after all these years. I love it!” Glenn exclaimed, his voice oozing self-satisfaction.

“Fuck you, Glenn!” Philip thought to himself.

As Philip walked past the office staff, his mind replaying the firing conversation, was waived down by Glenn, who appeared to be running to find him.

“Hey, between us . . . I heard, man. Bummer. Where you off to? El Paso?” Glenn said, resting his headphones on his shoulders and catching a breath.

“Well, you know I called you. You don’t pick up,” Philip replied, masking his offense at how quickly the news of his firing had spread.

“No, I should have seen this coming,” he continued, talking more to himself than to Glenn. “These soulless fuckers. I was just right there . . ..” Philip held his fingers close together, indicating how close he was to elevating himself as a newfound published thought leader and industry influencer.

Glenn, ever the opportunist, tried to console him. “They can’t cage us, man! Sorry, but you know my schedule. Gotta run.”

Philip, his mind still reeling from the sudden change, muttered a few more words before Glenn resumed his show. As Glenn returned to his studio, he roared theatrically,

“You’re my lion!”

Philip nodded. A weak smile crossed his lips. “I’ll be listening . . . always,” he mumbled, more to himself than to Glenn, before making his way to the parking garage.

Chapter 4: The Long Drive

The drive out of Los Angeles was both a physical journey and an emotional odyssey for Philip. He packed the last of his belongings from the radio station into his car – it was nothing compared to the weight of his firing, pressing heavily on his shoulders. As he navigated the city’s labyrinthine streets, Glenn’s voice continued to haunt him, seemingly broadcast from every other car stereo, phone, and billboard he passed.

“OK, there we go . . .  it’s THIS GUY . . .  MY GUY, Guglielmo Marconi. Rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?” Glenn’s voice reverberated through the car’s speakers, a relentless reminder of Philip’s life’s work.

The roads rolled out endlessly. A dizzying blur of lefts and rights as he followed the GPS out of the city onto the Interstate. Philip’s thoughts drifted to his childhood, to simpler times when radio was a source of joy and discovery. He remembered the excitement of winning concert tickets as a teenager, the thrill of being “Lucky Caller Number 95.”

Those were the days when radio was magical, personal and deeply connected. Those were the days, now lost to the corporate raiders.

Chapter 5: Old Friends and New Beginnings

El Paso was a place filled with memories of youth and friendship. Philip stopped at a truck stop along the way, where he encountered Sarge, an old radio DJ turned gas station attendant.

“Hey . . . uh, Sarge. Bathrooms, this way?” Philip asked with semblance of normalcy.

“You’re buying something?” Sarge replied, his tone wary and distrustful.

“I’m getting gas . . . paying cash,” Philip said, privately insulating his financial worry.

“Card only,” Sarge retorted, pointing to a sign that confirmed the cashless policy.

After a brief, awkward exchange, Philip made his way to the restroom. He washed up, changed into a fresh suit, and returned the key to Sarge.

“You were Sarge Preston. On the radio. Right?” Philip asked, the flicker of recognition now dawning.

“Just Sarge now,” came the gruff replied. “And you, suddenly you’re a suit?” Sarge disparagingly noted.

As Philip drove away, his mind churned with the ghosts of the past and the uncertain possibilities of a future that lay ahead.

Chapter 6: Welcome to El Paso

Philip’s road-weathered BMW cruised into El Paso. The city’s skyline evoked the anxieties of new beginnings and unwanted worries, especially at this stage of his life. The radio towers crowning the mountaintops were familiar landmarks, like road signs, pointing the pathway to the now-derelict station which once had signified the pinnacle of his career.

The city that had forged him had now changed. “It’s so small!” He thought as he pulled into the parking garage, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. Texting Moni, he wrote, “I’m here.”

A homeless person tapped on the car window, startling him, as it shifted his attention to another homeless person now tapping on someone else’s car window. It was Moni, a well-dressed, colorful Latina woman in her 50s, who sat in her car listening to Glenn’s motivational audio through headphones.

“You’re late,” she said with a grimace, thrusting open her car door. The window washer jumped back to avoid getting smacked.

“Hi, Moni. It’s been a long time,” Philip replied, trying to sound casual.

“Uh-huh. For me, like, 10 jobs ago . . . ay, hold on,” she said, noticing Ana Paola walking up.

Ana Paola, an attractive, edgy Latina in her late 20s, approached them. Outlandishly stylish was a foreshadowing of her personality. Moni watched as Ana interacted with the homeless man first, handing him a bag of takeout empanadas and change. Ana’s kindness a stark contrast to Moni’s practical demeanor.

“Hey, I saw your car from my apartment. Came to say hi . . . and I guess I can help,” Ana said, smiling warmly, hugging Moni.

Ana was a hugger. She immediately turned to Philip, giving him a hug as well. The awkwardness was palpable as Philip recalled the importance of a hug from a stranger. Hugging was a signature move and a common cultural gesture in the borderland. He resumed the hug with fervency.

Moni handed Philip the garage door opener, and the three of them caravaned the Santa Monica Freeway to Moni’s. Phil pulled his car into the garage, leaving the other two in the driveway. Turning off the engine, he took a deep breath and stepped out.

“Girl, don’t just stand there letting the flies in! Help shut the garage.” Moni scolded Ana.

“Maybe I am setting them free,” Ana replied playfully. They all laughed and piled into Moni’s 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Chapter 7: The Haunted Radio Station

They were inside the radio station. It was a maze of abandoned offices, old equipment, and garbage. The buzzing of flies filled the air, creating an eerie atmosphere. Moni swatted at them as she gave Ana a dirty look. Ana shrugged her shoulders and said, “No hice nada.”

Moni led the way, her high heels clicking on the tiled floor. Philip followed, carrying the box of his belongings. “This place is just like you remember, right?” Moni asked, her voice echoing in the empty halls.

“It’s a-MAZE-ing!” Ana exclaimed, running around excitedly, “like a time machine.”

Philip couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as he walked through the building. The once vibrant atmosphere that buzzed with the creativity and excitement of working in radio now was a time capsule, a skeleton of its former self buzzing only with flies. Philip was haunted by memories from his past here.

Moni broke the silence. “Jesse says you’re staying here for now,” she said matter-of-factly to him.

“Here? He didn’t say anything about that. He just said to come.” Philip replied, confused.

“Yes sir! Until this sells. But he’s your long-lost friend.” she said, her voice dripping with irony.

“Okay? I will talk with him. Whenever he gets back.” Philip mumbled to himself, feeling a sense of foreboding.

Moni’s demeanor softened slightly. “Don’t worry. I don’t come to this part of town anymore for any other reason but to store things for Jesse and collect his rents. “You gotta gun?” She added offhand.

“A gun? No!” Philip cracked back.

“How about a priest?” Moni barked.

Ana was walking around, opening and closing doors that would still open or close.

“Girl, shut that door!” Moni scolded Ana, rolling her eyes again. “You know, I worry for you too, girl. Where you going to live when this whole neighborhood goes up?”

“I’m staying. It’s got history.” She looked at Phil. “And if it goes away, I will figure it out . . . again,” Ana replied, her tone defiant.

Philip watched the exchange, balancing his self-administered doses of hope and dread. The radio station, once a symbol of his success, was now a testament to a failed coup perpetrated by corporate raiders in which nothing was lost and nothing gained.

Chapter 8: Echoes of the Past

As Philip wandered through the station, memories flooded back. The office space, now empty and decaying, had once been a hub of activity. He remembered the parties, the intense meetings, and the camaraderie of his colleagues.

Moni, noticing his distant look, asked, “Does this place bring back memories?”

“It does,” Philip replied, his voice tinged with a certain sadness.

“Well, look at it now.” Moni dashed his sentiment.

As they toured the darkened halls, passing by DJ booths, sales cubicles, and motivational posters, Philip thought he saw a shadow. “Nah,” he thought, thinking it was something else.

But when he turned, there was nothing there.

Moni noticed the old speaker system, turning it on. Echoed music filled the air, a haunting reminder of the station’s glory days.

“I sense this ain’t your scene no more,” Moni raised her voice. “And you will find out the hard way that this door sticks and will likely lock you in, or out,” Moni said, laughing nervously.

“So, no one works here?” Philip asked.

“Nope. It’s fully automated.”

Ana Paola redirecting the discussion. “Moni, I’m sensing he probably knows how a door works.”

Moni shot her a look. “Smart ass. I know. You never know, people get stuck. Trapped. Need help. Suffer. And don’t call me Moni.”

Philip grimaced and lifted his sad eyes toward the girl. “Yeah, don’t worry for me.”

Chapter 9: The New Routine

Philip settled into a monotonous routine. Days blurred into nights as he adjusted to his new life. The once vibrant radio station was now a ghost town, and Philip felt like a ghost himself, drifting through the remnants of his past.

He woke every morning in his sparse apartment staring at the cluttered computer screen filled with junk mail. He clicked on a motivational video featuring Glenn, trying to boost his spirits spawned by years of habit. Throughout the day, Glenn’s voice echoed in his mind, urging him to “seize the day” and be a “lion” in his pursuits.

Despite Glenn’s words, Philip felt a deep sense of stagnation. His once promising career was in shambles. He struggled to find a way forward, spending his days organizing his room, cleaning obsessively, and listening to Glenn’s speeches, trying to find inspiration in the empty words.

One day, Ana Paola knocked on his door, bringing him a batch of homemade brownies. She reminisced about her childhood and the role of radio in her life, sharing her struggles and uncertainties about the future. Philip found comfort in her presence, but their conversations only served to remind him of how lost he felt.

At night, Philip’s dreams were filled with memories of his past successes and failures. The station, once a symbol of his ambition, now felt like a prison. The buzzing of flies, the flickering lights, and the eerie silence all contributed to his growing sense of unease.

Chapter 10: The Psychedelic Trip

Philip politely waited until Ana left to enjoy her  special treat. He wolfed down several brownies, soon realizing their psychedelic properties which Ana had not mentioned. Philip soon found himself on a mind-altering journey through the amazing world of radio.

The walls seemed to breathe, and animated characters danced around him. Glenn’s voice morphed into an eerie presence, taunting Philip with cryptic messages about success and perseverance. Philip felt like he was losing his grip on reality, the boundaries between his memories and the present blurring into one.

As he wandered through the station, he encountered bizarre visions: a mouse navigating a maze, a fly interacting with him, and Glenn transforming into an AI robot. The experience was both enlightening and terrifying, forcing Philip to confront his deepest fears and regrets.

In the midst of his trip, Philip had a moment of clarity. He saw the station as it once had been, filled with life and energy. People were happy, DJ’s were in their booths, and the community was thriving. It was a vision of what could be, a reminder of why he had fallen in love with radio in the first place.

Chapter 11: The Morning After

Philip awoke in a laundromat, disoriented and hungover. The drone of a clothes dryer filled the air, a stark contrast to the sonic psychedelic chaos of the previous night. He attempted to fold his clothes but gave up, left them with a homeless person and headed to a liquor store.

As he drank cheap whiskey from the bottle in a brown paper bag, Philip felt a deep sense of despair. His life had become a series of meaningless routines, punctuated by moments of intense introspection.

The once vibrant world of radio was now a distant memory, replaced by the harsh reality of his current situation.

A tap, tap, tapping on the windowpane depressed Philip even further. “These flies!” Philip thought. But the tapping turned to a knock, knock, knocking. It was Moni paying a much-needed visit to him, knocking on the apartment window to deliver some news. She expressed frustration with his lack of response, her words muted through the haze of his hangover.

Philip felt inadequate, unable to meet her gaze. Then he noticed Ana Paola behind her and someone else. She waved at him, but Philip could only muster a weak return. He felt invisible, powerless, a shadow of his former self. Then he recognized the man, who was also waving at him. It was Jesse, his childhood friend. He hadn’t seen Jesse for years.

Chapter 12: A Chance for Redemption

Jesse turned Philip’s attention to interviews with radio listeners, sharing their memories and feelings about the importance of radio in their lives. The recorded voices spoke of nostalgic anecdotes and changing times. They reminded him of the magic of radio, the connection it fostered between people, and the sense of community it created.

Philip’s existential crisis reached its peak as he grappled with the uncertainty of his future. The radio industry, once a beacon of hope, now seemed like a cruel joke. He questioned his purpose, his identity, and his place in the world. But Jesse helped him through it.

With the support of Ana Paola and Jesse, he began to rebuild the station he had known and loved from the ground up. The first thing was to deal with the automated monster that inhabited it. It was a daunting task, but Philip felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to create something new but timeless, something meaningful, a testament to the power of radio and the human spirit.

Chapter 13: The New Beginning

Philip stood in the radio station’s control room, watching as the equipment came back to life.

The buzz of activity filled the air, a stark contrast to the eerie silence which had pervaded the station for so long. He felt a sense of accomplishment, and a glimmer of hope for the future.

“Thank you, Jesse,” Philip said, his eyes glossing over with emotion.

With Jesse by his side, they planned to fulfill their dashed dreams from decades ago with a series of new shows, focusing on local talent and community engagement. Jesse had blossomed over the years as a financier but had never lost sight of their dream, despite the fact that their paths parted.

“Dreams take time,” Jesse replied, “Ana is going to be great at this.”

Ana Paola, with her fresh perspective and passion for radio, played a crucial role in their plans. Together, they envisioned a station that would not only entertain but also educate and inspire.

The journey was far from over, but for the first time in a long while, Philip felt like he was on the right path together with Jesse and Ana. He had faced his demons, confronted his past, and found a way to move forward.

As he looked out over the city of El Paso, Philip felt a renewed sense of purpose. The radio waves carried their signal far and wide, a testament to the enduring power of radio. It was a new beginning, a chance to create something lasting and meaningful.

Chapter 14: The Road to Recovery

The station’s revival was a labor of love, and the days were filled with hard work and dedication. Philip, Jesse, and Ana Paola worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. The once dilapidated building began to transform, echoing with the sounds of new beginnings and renewed hope.

Each day, they cleaned, repaired, and restructured. The DJ booths were revamped, the old equipment was replaced, and the studio was given a fresh coat of paint. The station’s new look mirrored their aspirations, blending modern aesthetics with a nostalgic touch.

Philip’s mornings started early, his routine now filled with purpose. He was no longer a shadow of his former self, but a man driven by a mission. The buzzing of flies was replaced by the hum of activity, a testament to the station’s rebirth.

The team brainstormed new show ideas, aiming to capture the essence of radio’s golden age while embracing modern technology. They planned podcasts, live shows, and community events.

Their goal was to create an innovative listening experience that would resonate with listeners of all ages, bringing people together through the power of radio.

Chapter 15: Community Connections

One evening, they hosted an open house event. The station was buzzing with energy as people from all walks of life came to explore the revamped studio. There were live performances, interactive sessions, and a nostalgic exhibits showcasing the history of radio.

Philip watched with a sense of pride as the community embraced their vision. He mingled with guests, sharing stories and listening to their memories of radio. The station, once a ghost town, was now a vibrant space filled with laughter, music, and connection.

Ana Paola, with her magnetic personality, quickly became a favorite among the guests. She hosted live interviews, capturing the essence of the evening. Her charisma and genuine interest in people made her an instant hit.

Jesse, ever the strategist, worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. His attention to detail and experience in the industry were invaluable. Together, they were a formidable team, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

Chapter 16: A Moment of Reflection

After the open house event, Philip found himself alone in the studio. The excitement of the evening had left him both exhilarated and reflective. He walked through the empty halls, the memories of the past few months playing in his mind.

He entered the DJ booth, the very place where his career had flourished, faltered and then renewed.  A fly buzzed above the console. Philip sat and gathered his thoughts as gazed at the buttons and dials on the programmer’s board . . . with a playful thought, Philip flipped on his microphone and his voice filled the room.

“Good evening, El Paso. This is Philip Hemsworth. Radio is far from dead. In fact, it’s alive and well.” His words echoed through the empty studio.

As Philip switched off the microphone and dimmed the lights for the night, he noticed the buzzing had stopped. Somehow, the fly was gone. He smiled as he shut the door and turned the key.

Chapter 17: The First Broadcast

The day of the first live broadcast arrived with a mix of excitement and nerves. The studio was a hive of activity, each member of the team focused on their tasks.

Philip took a deep breath as he prepared to go live. He glanced at Jesse and Ana Paola, both of whom gave him encouraging nods. The red “On Air” sign lit up, and Philip’s voice filled the airwaves once again, but now for the final time.

“And that will do it for me, El Paso. This is Philip Hemsworth, signing off and welcoming you to the new era of radio where we bring you the best in music, stories, and community. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. This has been”‘Our Finest Hour: on HMB radio. Thanks for tuning in. Up next, your old friend, Sarge Preston, to guide you through this next part of our journey.”

A tear welled in Philip’s eyes. It was contagious.

That evening, Philip slept soundly.

Epilogue: The Legacy of RadioGaGa

Years later, the legacy of “Radio Ga Ga” lived on as testament to the power of resilience and the magic of radio, and the sense of pride that rebuilt a community.

Philip knew this road, which had been fraught with challenges, was necessary. And without those challenges he would not have experienced the moments of joy and triumph. The ones that make making living a life.

As he sat in the chair, looking out over the bustling studio. His gaze stopped and he stared long at a sign the team had hung on the wall in homage, an everlasting gift to Philip and his inspirational efforts. It read:

“Radio, someone still loves you!”

**

FC: Why is this an important story for you to tell?
PG: This story is deeply personal to me because it taps into the cultural significance of radio, which was a lifeline for so many people. The inspiration comes from the song “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen. Freddie Mercury and the band wrote the song as an homage to radio, which was being overshadowed by television in the 1980s. It was a reflection on how radio had shaped the youth of that time, and it’s still relevant today.

Radio has always been a voice in the night, a companion, a friend for the lonely, and a storyteller for those in need of connection. For me, “RadioGaGa” explores that emotional connection while examining how it has survived the ever-changing landscape of media.

FC: How will you use it?
PG: I see “RadioGaGa” as a multi-platform project. First and foremost, it will be a published novelette. But beyond that, I plan to use it as the foundation for a film/episodic series — theater or even an audio drama. It’s a versatile story that can adapt to different formats. The idea is to explore a myriad of radio stories, characters, and cities across the U.S., each episode focusing on radio’s role in those specific communities. The episodic nature allows for the themes of change, resilience, and the fight against corporate greed to resonate through various lenses.

FC: Is this the kind of work you do for a living?
PG: Absolutely. I’m a storyteller at heart — whether through the written word, film, or advertising. My company, Fat Unicorn Studios, is a hub for multi-media creativity. I write, produce, and direct content that connects with people on a deep level, whether that’s through a commercial, a screenplay, or a project like “RadioGaGa.” I’ve always believed that storytelling, in any form, has the power to influence and inspire. My work spans across media, but the core is always about crafting narratives that resonate with audiences.

FC: Is radio dead?
PG: Radio is far from dead — it’s trying to reinvent itself, once again. The resurgence of podcasts is the clearest sign of this. People crave storytelling, connection, and authenticity, and radio, in its many forms, still provides that. It’s more nimble than ever, adapting to today’s media-rich world by combining old-school broadcast with new digital platforms. Local radio stations still play a critical role in communities, offering a voice that national media often overlooks. And radio — whether on the AM/FM dial or through an app — still has the power to create intimate moments, just like it did decades ago…and like I say, “it’s not the medium, it’s what you do with it!”

More about Phil and his creative work at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipgabbard/

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