When Bruce Collins stepped away from AM radio to care for his mother with dementia, it seemed like a quiet end to a broadcasting career that had spanned three markets. But the veteran radio personality had other plans. Now he's back, bringing the classic variety show format to YouTube with a twist that blends nostalgia with modern digital media.
The Bruce Collins Show has returned as a digital-first production, eschewing traditional broadcast channels entirely. Collins, who previously hosted programs on AM stations in Boston, Tampa, and Nashua, has partnered with co-host Chad Miles to create what they describe as variety programming that merges old-time radio sensibilities with contemporary interview content.
A Different Kind of Variety Show
The show's approach is deliberately eclectic. Rather than chasing a narrow demographic, Collins and Miles are targeting Christians and paranormal enthusiasts—two audiences that might seem disparate but share a common interest in questions beyond the material world. It's a programming strategy that harkens back to mid-century broadcasting, when variety shows could swing from serious interviews to lighter entertainment without losing their audience.
The relaunch kicked off with international bestselling author Jared Knott as the first guest, setting an ambitious tone for what the hosts hope will become a destination for engaging conversations across multiple topics. The old-time radio influence isn't just aesthetic—it represents a philosophy about pacing, storytelling, and the kind of depth that's often sacrificed in today's rapid-fire content environment.
From AM Waves to Digital Streams
The transition from AM radio to YouTube represents more than just a platform change. It's a bet that audiences still crave the kind of meandering, personality-driven content that defined radio's golden age, even if they're consuming it through completely different technology. Collins' experience across three different radio markets gives him insight into how regional audiences respond to various topics, knowledge he's now applying to a potentially global YouTube viewership.
The hosts are clear about their ambitions: they want to build a community. "We want everyone on board to join in the fun," they say, suggesting an interactive element that goes beyond passive listening. It's an acknowledgment that YouTube offers something AM radio never could—immediate audience participation through comments, shares, and direct engagement.
For Collins, the show represents not just a professional comeback but a personal one. The years spent caregiving, while taking him away from broadcasting, also gave him perspective that likely informs the show's approach today. Now, with a digital platform that allows for both creative control and direct audience connection, The Bruce Collins Show is testing whether old-school variety programming can find new life in the streaming era.
