Podcast Summary: JCW ARCHIVE: Rough Jazz

Podcast Information:

• Title: The John Clay Wolfe Show
• Host/Author: John Clay Wolfe
• Episode: JCW ARCHIVE: Rough Jazz
• Release Date: February 1, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "JCW ARCHIVE: Rough Jazz," host John Clay Wolfe delves into a nostalgic exploration of his extensive radio career, intertwining intriguing stories from the broadcasting world with broader discussions on the intersections of legality, crime, and the music industry. This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful and often wild experiences within the radio business, enriched with firsthand anecdotes and candid conversations.

Main Discussion

Legal Marijuana Operations and the Ms.13 Cartel

John Clay Wolfe begins by recounting an encounter with a man involved in the legal cultivation of marijuana in Los Angeles. This individual was affiliated with the Ms.13 cartel, highlighting the complex relationship between legal businesses and criminal organizations.

• Quote: “So when you get a license to grow potential, you got a zone that you have a license for. So his license was downtown LA and he called it the RV cookers, the RV crew.” [01:08]

John explains how the licensed operations are tightly regulated, with inspectors ensuring compliance. However, he points out that many individuals avoid tagging their plants to evade the federal tax of 40%, thereby fueling a robust black market.

• Quote: “They can sell those to the black market and not have to pay 40% taxes on it. Big difference. So there's a lot of hustle going on there.” [02:19]

This evasion leads to significant hustle, with the legitimate greenhouse operations serving as a front for expanding into out-of-state markets, notably Texas, where the demand for high-quality California cannabis is premium.

Violence and Crime within the Industry

The discussion takes a darker turn as John reveals the violent consequences of this underground economy. He shares that four members of his acquaintance's crew were murdered, underscoring the inherent dangers of operating within such a volatile environment.

• Quote: “And they're all tagging. It's almost like a bar that has liquor and TABC stamps on it, you know, government stamps on it. But there's a lot of plants that aren't getting stamped. So they can sell those to the black market and not have to pay 40% taxes on it.” [02:19]

The presence of meth operations in the area further complicates the landscape, indicating a multifaceted drug trade where legal and illegal activities are deeply intertwined.

Anecdote: Buzz Bennett and the Wild Stories from Y95

Transitioning from the broader discussion on marijuana operations, John reminisces about his time with Buzz Bennett at Y95 in Dallas during the early '90s. This segment is rich with colorful anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the wild parties and excessive lifestyles prevalent in the radio industry at the time.

• Quote: “Buzz and this and that. And so this guy was kind of Buzz Bennett's pimp a little bit.” [05:00]

John narrates a particularly outrageous story involving cocaine use, rivalries, and even a mountain lion encounter. These tales not only entertain but also highlight the blurred lines between professional and personal chaos within the radio business.

• Quote: “He gets mauled by a mountain lion... he yells down the stairs, it's okay. He's got no claws and rubber teeth.” [06:47]

The Program Director and the Mountain Lion

One of the most memorable stories involves the program director, known for his eccentricities, including owning a cougar with rubber teeth. This peculiar pet became a symbol of the director's unconventional approach to programming and life.

• Quote: “He just had it as a pet. It roamed. But he took his teeth out and put rubber teeth in him.” [09:20]

This anecdote serves as a metaphor for the director's willingness to take risks and embrace the bizarre, qualities that earned him respect and admiration within the station.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, John Clay Wolfe reflects on the juxtaposition of legitimacy and illegality within the radio and music industries. He emphasizes how individuals often navigate these murky waters, balancing between lawful operations and the allure of fast money through illicit means.

• Quote: “It's like getting in the cattle business and not wanting to get any bull crap, cow crap on you.” [04:12]

John's stories illustrate the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by those in the business, shedding light on the human side of the industry often hidden behind the glitz and glamour of radio fame.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Clay Wolfe: “The John Clay Wolf show has appeared on terrestrial radio for a really, really, really long time.” [00:27]

• John Clay Wolfe: “This is going to get a little long, but this is worth it.” [03:08]

• John Clay Wolfe: “So when you get a license to grow potential, you got a zone that you have a license for.” [01:08]

• Co-host: “He's just a normal guy who was actually a radio guy.” [03:10]

• John Clay Wolfe: “He gets mauled by a mountain lion.” [06:47]

• Co-host: “He just had it as a pet. It roamed.” [09:20]

Conclusion

"JCW ARCHIVE: Rough Jazz" offers a captivating journey through John Clay Wolfe's experiences in the radio industry, enriched with tales of legal loopholes, criminal entanglements, and unforgettable personal stories. The episode underscores the unpredictable and often perilous nature of the business, while also celebrating the camaraderie and resilience of those who navigate its challenges. For listeners unfamiliar with the show, this episode serves as a compelling introduction to the wild, unfiltered world of radio broadcasting as seen through John Clay Wolfe's discerning lens.