Journalism alum blazes her own trail in Toronto’s talk radio industry

Journalism contract lecturer and alum Amanda Cupido is an authority in the podcasting space with over ten years of experience producing professional podcasts for individuals and corporations. Most recently, she accepted the role of director of talk and talent at 640 Toronto (CFMJ AM), a talk radio station based in Toronto, trailblazing a path as the first woman in the city’s history to lead a talk radio station. 

Cupido has long had an affinity for crafting stories using audio storytelling as her preferred communication medium. While in the Journalism program, Cupido had the chance to shadow a host at Newstalk 1010 and eventually secure a producer job while finishing up her last year. 

Integral to the Journalism program, Cupido remarks on how paramount her relationships with her professors were.

“I am still in touch with so many of my Journalism professors like Don Gibb (opens in new window)  and Paul Knox (opens in new window)  because I truly built friendships with them,” says Cupido. “And they continue to champion me throughout my career.”

Another Journalism professor, Janice Neil, provided a gateway for Cupido to come back and teach her course at Ryerson, JRN801: Advanced Podcasting and Radio Documentaries (opens in new window) , an advanced laboratory course in the craft of planning and preparing podcasts and radio documentaries. These foundational relationships fostered in the Journalism program cemented Cupido’s passion for audio storytelling and enabled her to enter into talk radio. 

While working in talk radio, Cupido became interested in the podcast scene, and what had started as a side hustle, snowballed into a full-time career. Cupido made the tough decision to leave talk radio and follow her dreams and became an internationally recognized podcast producer.

Since launching a career in the podcast industry, Cupido has made a name for herself, publishing a full-length book, Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right  (external link, opens in new window) and founding her own professional podcast creation business, Lead Podcasting (external link, opens in new window) . But Cupido's time in talk radio wasn't nearly over, and as things would turn out, her new role as director of talk and talent at 640 Toronto chartered her full-circle return into the industry that gave her her start.

An offer too good to refuse

Although Cupido had made a name for herself producing podcasts, when the opportunity to become Toronto’s first woman to direct a talk radio station presented itself, it was an offer she simply couldn’t refuse. 

“When I received the offer, I got butterflies in my stomach,” Cupido replied. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the offer, and once I met with the leadership at Corus Entertainment, it was clear that we aligned on a lot of fronts, so I went with my gut decision and dived right back into talk radio.”

Since accepting her directorship role at 640 Toronto nearly three months ago, Cupido has been welcomed by an exceptionally talented and driven team. Alongside her duties of directing on-air personalities, producers and managers, Cupido is also heavily invested in pushing boundaries and revolutionizing the face of talk radio. 

“In my role, I get the opportunity to connect with radio stations across the country in British Columbia and Alberta and share resources, ideas and best practices,” asserts Cupido. “In this sense, we are redefining the medium at a community level but also a national level which is why I truly believe we’re going to change talk radio.”

Cupido is eager to bring her experience to the 640 Toronto team and deliver fresh ideas to the rich and community-driven medium. “Talk radio is a medium that connects to its audience in real-time,” Cupido asserts. “There’s a sense of urgency that is missing from the podcast scene, and it’s why I’m so excited to be back.”

Providing avenues of inspiration and representation 

When it comes to figuring out your career aspirations, Cupido is a firm believer in setting your sights high and thinking beyond the present day. By being the first woman to direct a talk radio show in Toronto’s history, Cupido hopes that she can be the inspiration for others who may not see themselves represented in some roles.

“[Students] should be continually checking in with themselves and asking what it is that excites you and what depletes you,” remarks Cupido. “If you’re open and continue to follow what excites you, you’re going to get closer and closer to something that you love, which is where I am at now, and I feel very fortunate.”

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