Randy Merkin has been a Sports Radio Producer for over 30 years. He worked for the national sports radio network One-On-One Sports, which became Sporting News Radio and was the Operations Manager and Executive Producer for ESPN 1000. He is currently part of the content team for Bet Rivers Podcast Network. Randy lives in the Chicagoland Area with his wife and teenage twins. Beyond the Glass: More Stories from a Sports Radio Producer is Randy’s second book. Behind the Glass: Stories from a Sports Radio Producer was his first book. You can follow him on Twitter at @randymerkin. Read More
Beyond the Glass
April 1, 2026
Trade paperback
Available now!
$25.00
Veteran sports radio producer Randy Merkin returns with a new collection of true, behind-the-scenes stories that go deep into the daily chaos of live sports radio.
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Randy Merkin
Author
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My relationship with Randy goes back over 20 years. I have always admired his professionalism and attention to detail each time we’ve worked together. What truly stands out about Randy, though, is the human side. A simple congratulatory message or birthday wish from him is always appreciated and goes a long way. Randy is a true pro’s pro!
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If I hadn’t witnessed some of these moments myself, I might not have believed them! Very few people have experienced what Merk has over the years; he’s dealt with every player, coach, executive, and media personality in the business, both local and national. Whether it is booking a big guest, breaking big news, or putting out a big fire, he always knows how to handle the situation. And like any good consigliere, he knows when and how to give it to you straight. Go along for the ride with a great raconteur!
Summary
In his second book, Beyond the Glass: More Stories from a Sports Radio Producer, veteran sports radio producer Randy Merkin returns with a new collection of true, behind-the-scenes stories that go deep into the daily chaos of live sports radio. From last-minute guest cancellations and breaking news to tense moments with hosts, executives, and high-profile athletes, these stories reveal what really happens when the red light turns on and there’s no room for mistakes.
This second volume moves past the basics and into the moments that shape a career—the pressure-filled decisions, the hard lessons learned on the fly, and the relationships built through trust, timing, and resilience. With honesty, humor, and insight, Merkin shows how producing live radio is as much about problem-solving and instincts as it is about sports.
Drawing from nearly 30 years behind the glass, Beyond the Glass is for sports fans, media insiders, and anyone curious about the unseen work that keeps live broadcasts on the air—and why the stories behind the scenes are often better than the ones told on air.