Broadcast Live: 71 true stories, including some I'd just as soon forget

by Steve Vogel

With a storyteller's warmth and a dollop of self-deprecating humor, Steve Vogel invites readers along on his extraordinary journey from humble farm boy to accomplished journalist, broadcaster, and corporate communicator. You'll be able to tell which stories he'd "just as soon forget."
Spanning the latter half of the 20th Century into the new millennium, "Broadcast Live" is more than just a personal memoir. It's a vivid snapshot of American life, media, and the ever-changing cultural landscape. From rural roots and small-town traditions to the fast-paced worlds of broadcasting and Fortune 25 communications, Vogel's reflections are as entertaining as they are insightful and authentic. He calls some of his stories "celebrity-adjacent."
Critics are
• Publishers Weekly's BookLife says Vogel "writes with a practiced hand, delivering smooth, concise prose that trims a lifetime of memories into dynamic vignettes. 'Broadcast Live' balances the lighthearted with the profound, springing from prosaic childhood experiences to perceptive adult reflections that touch on social justice, cultural constructs, and a deep contemplation of what the future holds."
• IndieReader calls Vogel's writing "impeccable," adding, "A nostalgic tone is there from cover to cover, but Vogel rarely indulges sentimentality. If anything, his journalistic instincts ensure that each story is appropriately concise, with every word earning its keep."
Perfect for fans of heart-warming memoirs and behind-the-scenes tales, "Broadcast Live" celebrates rural America, portrays demanding careers, and reflects on work-life challenges that come with them. These are the kinds of stories that shape us all.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[Margie LaBarge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, heart-warming and entertaining read. As a baby boomer, it brought back many memories. This book has relevance to younger generations in many ways. If you want a glimpse of what it was like for your parent or grandparent growing up, this book is for you. If you want a sense of what news reporting integrity involves, read this book. If you want a reminder of key historical moments through the eyes of someone who lived through them, this is the book. There are so many topics explored. I pre-ordered this book from Amazon and waited more than 6 months to receive it…I’m glad I didn’t give up. I will read it again, slowly, and savor the memories doing so elicits. I will purchase the audiobook as well in order to hear the author’s voice describe these events through the decades.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Steve Vogel's short stories. Maybe it's because I live in his local area or because I grew up in the 60s, but his stories strike a knowing chord with me. Each story is short and easy to read. Some are funny, and some are heart-warming. Every one is interesting.

[Mary Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Vogel is a skilled storyteller. His latest book, Broadcast Live, is a delightful -- and insightful -- collection of stories from his childhood, his military service, his career, and his personal life. The memories range from hilarious to poignant. My favorites? Perhaps it's because I enjoyed a rural upbringing similar to Vogel's, but I especially savored his memories of life on the farm. I highly recommend this artfully written memoir.

[Atsirk Anodrac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t consider this your average memoir. Imagine meeting a guy at a coffee shop and striking up a conversation, only to look down at your watch 3 hours later and not wanting to leave because his stories are so good. That’s this book.

Vogel perfectly weaves personal stories with historical context.

If you’ve ever wondered about a love lost, about what your relationship with your parents could have been, about whether you’ve made the right decisions in work/life balance, or if you can cry thinking about the birth of a child, you’ll find his stories relateable.

Perfect for baby boomers who want to remember some of their experiences/stories from similar eras and for the children of boomers who want some insight into how that generation thinks and feels.

[DF Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Vogel grabbed my attention when he talked about "The Hard Road"...I haven't heard that expression in decades, but it was part of my life growing up in rural Illinois. I was fascinated reading Mr. Vogel's book....his honesty was refreshing, insightful and authentic. Mr. Vogel did not dwell on his preparation of his "interviews of political and famous people" but I can tell you it must have been intense as I observed him drill politicians down to the basics. Reading Broadcast Live, I felt I was an unobserved observer of Steve's very interesting life from rural Illinois to the executive suites of State Farm, stopping along the way, to complete a fascinating career in broadcast journalism...a very interesting read that earns five stars....

[Stew Salowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Vogel shares some terrific stories from a life that is at once ordinary and extraordinary. He describes his early life in rural Illinois and continues with stories from college, service in military, a distinguished career in broadcasting and an equally interesting life as a corporate spokesman. This very personal book is a gentle read, more like sitting down for a visit with the author. Outstanding material!!