Jim Mothersbaugh Jr., “Jimbo on Stereo” As Founder and Director of Road Radio USA, he and his team at Road Radio USA have been working hard this summer to reach hundreds of camp trainees and to reach a half-million youth, parents, teachers and educators with their message.
“We understand that children don’t want to be looked down on or talked down to, so the show will feature many speakers who have experienced the effects of drugs and alcohol.” Business manager Marianne Bean said: “We are present on all social media platforms and our TikTok profile has around 50,000 views and counting. We want to reach young people before they get involved with alcohol and drugs.”
Road Radio USA is adamant. “Underage drinking and drug use is a national health issue, and you can be part of the solution.” Bean began working with Mothersbaugh in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop a virtual version of their show to get their message out to hundreds of school districts, which of course continues to thrive and grow steadily.
Mothersbaugh has been involved with Road Radio USA for decades after a close friend was killed in a car accident while driving under the influence and suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in an induced coma at Geisinger Medical Center for four months.
Mothersbaugh is recovering and has health issues that he has to tend to on a daily basis. “I turned a bad thing into a good thing.”
“It’s great to see Mothersbaugh come to life on stage with her theater background.” Bean said.
Mothersbaugh informs kids, students, teachers and parents through pre-recorded multimedia programming. Road Radio USA features informative information and popular music videos interspersed with public service announcements about the dangers of vaping, texting while driving, wearing seat belts, the dangers of taking drugs of unknown origin and the impact of social media on mental health.
Mothersbaugh said. “No matter where you go in the country, it started to get better in 1993 and has only gotten better.”
Mothersbaugh plays the show with a longtime group of friends, including DJ Andy Keister. “Big Andy” Audio/Video, Jim Smith “Music Smith”– Backup DJ/Audio and Video, and Ron Johnson – Transportation and Event Photography.
Mothersbaugh and Bean started the podcast, and Road Radio USA has grown into a conversation based on facts and testimonials.
Everyone is affected “Through drugs or alcohol in some way.” They said.
The podcast’s first season alone features 32 episodes filled with testimonials and the evolution of the program, sharing stories of people affected by drugs and alcohol.
“Road Radio wants to give a voice and a face to those affected and eliminate stereotypes.” Bean emphasized. “There’s no shame in this. You may think there’s no one to help you, but there is help available that could save your life.”
“It’s designed for middle school students, but it reaches all ages, from children to adults.” Mothersbaugh said.
Live production will include a live DJ, fog machines, lasers and a Q&A.
Bean is constantly working on updating the segment. “Jim comes alive on stage and is energized by the kids’ reactions.”
Mothersbaugh believes God has brought him through it all and would like to include God in more of his shows. Road Radio USA visits private, Catholic and public schools.
“These are evidence-based interventions. The three most effective interventions are community-based, school-based and family-based,” Bean said.We’re working on providing each child with a card with a QR code that they can easily access as a pocket resource. … We’re not looking to do this once and for all. We want this to be an ongoing effort. The reality is, kids are likely going to see this every day. Again, we want to work with guidance counselors, substance abuse counselors and many other stakeholders to complement our programs and hear their input.”
Road Radio podcasts are between 5 and 30 minutes long.
Bean and his team at Ignite Business Services in Williamsport “I fully support Mothersbaugh at Road Radio USA.”
“If you go to our website (www.roadradiousa.net), you can see all of our social media platforms. We put out a lot of information.” She said:
Ignite Inc. is also currently working on creating an area within the office where they can interview guests and conduct slightly more structured programs.
“Everyone has a story, and sharing it is a powerful thing.” Bean said.“It’s not a dirty secret. If you think it has to be hidden, that it’s something to be ashamed of, then people can use that as power over you. As long as you own it, it has no power over you.” She explained that one in five people are affected, either currently suffering from an addiction, recovering from an addiction or knowing someone who is.
“We need to remove the stigma and encourage kids to seek help.”
