National Day
National Great American Pot Pie Day (USA)
This food holiday honors a hearty comfort dish invented by Marie Callender's that is treasured across the country on this date each year; savory fillings and flaky crusts make it a go-to around dinner tables.
Celebrate Bisexuality Day (International)
Founded in 1999 by three activists in the United States, it spotlights bisexual people and history and works to challenge the stigma and invisibility that bisexual individuals often face.
Checkers Day (National Dogs in Politics Day) (USA)
Named after President Nixon's dog, this day recalls his famous 1952 'Checkers speech' in which he defended himself before the nation and preserved the gift of his family dog from return.
Birthdays
Bruce Springsteen (77)
He is a legendary musician known for his powerful lyrics and energetic performances. Bruce was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. He has won 20 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history.
Ani DiFranco (56)
She is celebrated for her influential role in the indie music scene and her feminist lyrics. Ani founded her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, which empowers other artists to retain creative control. She is also an outspoken advocate for social and political causes.
Mickey Rooney (106 — deceased)
He was an iconic American actor and entertainer, known for his work in both film and television. Mickey had a career that spanned nearly nine decades and was one of Hollywood's biggest stars during the Golden Age of Cinema. He received an Academy Award for his contributions to the film industry in 1983.
Julio Iglesias (83)
A Spanish singer and songwriter who became one of the world's most successful Latin and international recording artists. He rose to international fame during the 1970s and 1980s, recording in multiple languages and selling hundreds of millions of records worldwide. His best-known songs include 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before', his hit duet with Willie Nelson, as well as 'Hey' and 'Crazy'. Before becoming a singer, Iglesias was a professional footballer and played goalkeeper for Real Madrid's reserve team.
John Collins (29)
He is recognized as a professional basketball player in the NBA. John played college basketball at the University of Utah before being drafted into the NBA. He has a reputation for his impressive skills as a forward on the court.
On This Day
🎵 Music
David Bowie released the single "Heroes" on 23 September 1977, a song co-written with Brian Eno which became one of his signature anthems and later hailed as a classic of his catalogue.
🎵 Music
Billy Joel released The Nylon Curtain in 1982 and it quickly became one of his most critically praised albums, eventually going multi-platinum.
🎵 Music
The Crickets' "That'll Be the Day" hit No.1 on the US Billboard Best Sellers chart in 1957, marking their first US chart-topping single.
🎵 Music
Bob Marley and the Wailers played the final concert of their Uprising Tour on 23 September 1980 at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, the last live performance by Marley.
🌟 Pop Culture
The first regular column devoted to music appeared in Billboard magazine in the early 20th century, expanding music's visibility beyond live entertainment to a national stage.
🌟 Pop Culture
Nintendo was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, beginning life as a playing-card company and growing into a global gaming icon.
🌟 Pop Culture
The film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid premiered in New York City in 1969 and went on to win multiple Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
Movies & TV
Forgotten Island — 🎬 Cinema
Forgotten Island is a DreamWorks Animation adventure comedy directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, following best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) as they're swept through a portal to the mythic island of Nakali, where the catch is every memory they share might be lost. Critical response has been positive so far, especially praising its visual style and emotional stakes driven by Filipino folklore, and tracking suggests it could open strong at the U.S. box office. The film opens in U.S. theaters this week and is set for a mid-October release in the UK, with streaming availability to follow in the United States via Universal's planned Peacock-then-Netflix window.
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
UK Release: Friday Oct 16, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
UK Release: Friday Oct 16, 2026
How to Rob a Bank — 🎬 Cinema
How to Rob a Bank is a forthcoming action-heist film directed by David Leitch, starring Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Pete Davidson, Christian Slater, Anna Sawai and others. It follows a daring group of bank robbers who livestream their heists while a veteran FBI agent and a talented software engineer are called in to stop their escalating crime spree. The film's release date was officially shifted from early September to mid-November, and it remains highly anticipated ahead of its theatrical debut.
Released: Friday Nov 13, 2026
Released: Friday Nov 13, 2026
Practical Magic 2 — 🎬 Cinema
Practical Magic 2 is the legacy sequel directed by Susanne Bier that brings back Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, joined by Joey King and Maisie Williams as Sally's daughters. The film follows the family as they uncover long-buried origins of their supernatural lineage, face a malevolent curse, and fight to break the spell that has haunted their family for centuries. Critics have given tepid reviews, though audiences appear to be much more taken with it, and it opened at number one domestically — however its overseas numbers look modest.
Released: Friday Sep 11, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 11, 2026
Finding Emily — 🎬 Cinema
Finding Emily is a British romantic comedy directed by Alicia MacDonald, starring Angourie Rice as a psychology student and Spike Fearn as the lovesick musician who sets out after being given the wrong number for his dream girl. Since its UK debut in May and US release in late August, it has received generally warm reviews for its charm, the chemistry between leads, and its fresh Gen-Z twist on classic rom-com tropes, though some critics feel the third act and themes around identity leave something to be desired. It is now available on digital platforms in the UK, though its theatrical run has largely tapered off and it is no longer in wide circulation.
Released: Friday Aug 28, 2026
UK Release: Friday May 22, 2026
Released: Friday Aug 28, 2026
UK Release: Friday May 22, 2026
Wonka's The Golden Ticket — 📺 Streaming
Netflix debuts Wonka's The Golden Ticket, a reality competition series inspired by Roald Dahl's classic and the 1971 film. Contestants navigating whimsical factory challenges must balance moral choices with tests of endurance, mental acuity and inventiveness. It's one of Netflix's biggest experiments this fall, combining nostalgia with high stakes in a candy-colored setting.
Released: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
Released: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
A Different World (Sequel Series) — 📺 Streaming
Netflix brings back A Different World with a sequel series focused on Deborah Wayne, daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, as she starts college at Hillman. Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy reprise their beloved 90s roles, Debbie Allen returns behind the scenes and directs the premiere. It's a high-profile return primed to draw in old fans and new, reviving a classic sitcom legacy.
Released: Thursday Sep 24, 2026
Released: Thursday Sep 24, 2026
American Horror Story: 13 — 📡 TV (USA)
FX reignites its anthology horror phenomenon with American Horror Story: 13, premiering at 9pm ET/PT with three episodes on launch night. Fan-favorite cast members like Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, and Evan Peters return for a crossover-heavy season designed to honor— and upend—the franchise's history. With 13 episodes this time, it's being promoted as a horror event for both longtime followers and genre curious viewers.
Released: Thursday Sep 24, 2026
Released: Thursday Sep 24, 2026
Survivor 51 — 📡 TV (USA)
Survivor returns for its 51st season with a two-hour premiere on CBS from 8pm-10pm ET, featuring an all new cast of players navigating Fiji. Host Jeff Probst brings back the signature survival competition with fresh strategies from complete newcomers. With no returning contestants for the first time in years, this marks a bold reset in a franchise staple.
Released: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
Released: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
Concerts
🎤 Harry Styles — Together, TogetherTonight: Wednesday Sep 23 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
This week: Friday Sep 25 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York · Saturday Sep 26 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
This week: Friday Sep 25 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York · Saturday Sep 26 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
🎤 Bruno Mars — The Romantic TourTonight: Wednesday Sep 23 at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.
This week: Saturday Sep 26 at Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado · Sunday Sep 27 at Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado.
This week: Saturday Sep 26 at Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado · Sunday Sep 27 at Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado.
🎤 Ed Sheeran — LOOP TourThis week: Friday Sep 25 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts · Saturday Sep 26 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.
🎤 Shakira — LAS MUJERES YA NO LLORAN - RESIDENCIA EUROPEAThis week: Friday Sep 25 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain · Saturday Sep 26 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain · Sunday Sep 27 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain · plus 1 more date this tour.
Events
Truro Food Festival — 🍴 Food — Truro, Cornwall, UK
Truro Food Festival is a five-day celebration of Cornwall's food and drink scene with local producers, top chefs, street food, live music and family-friendly workshops taking over Lemon Quay. The festival is free to enter during the day though some special events like "Feast Nights" and chef demonstrations require tickets; more details and bookings are available on the official Truro Food Festival website.
Dates: Wednesday Sep 23-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Wednesday Sep 23-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
British Art Fair — 🎨 Art — London, England, UK
The British Art Fair is the UK's only fair devoted entirely to Modern and Contemporary British art, presenting works from leading specialist dealers in painting, sculpture, photography and ceramics at the Saatchi Gallery. Tickets are available via the fair's official site, which also lists opening times, exhibitor information, and curated talks and events.
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
2026 Presidents Cup — 🏆 Sports — Medinah, Illinois, USA
A premier golf team competition pitting the United States against an international team at historic Medinah Country Club. It's one of the major golf events of 2026, featuring top PGA Tour players and a story of national pride and international rivalry that appeals to a broad sports audience. Tickets are sold through golf outlets; spectator packages include full week access from practice through to final round, with course access subject to PGA Tour policies.
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
New Glarus Oktoberfest — 🎪 Festival — New Glarus, Wisconsin
An annual four-day Oktoberfest featuring live music, local beer including New Glarus Brewing Co.'s Staghorn Octoberfest, Swiss-German food, wagon rides and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown area. It's nationally relevant for its blend of craft beer culture, regional tradition and free admission, drawing visitors across the Midwest and beyond. Admission is free, tent hours and special events vary daily, with two ceremonial keg tappings and traditional dress encouraged.
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
AV Fair (Antelope Valley Fair) — 🎪 Festival — Lancaster, California
Tickets range by day with presale discounts; general admission is around $15 for adults with reduced pricing for juniors and seniors; full event details and ticketing are available via the official AV Fair website, avfair.com.
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Thursday Sep 24-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
The Oklahoma State Fair — 🎪 Festival — Oklahoma City, OK
The state's flagship fair showcasing agriculture, commerce, food, carnival rides and nightly entertainment on the Chickasaw Country stage. It draws in audiences from across the US for its size, attractions and special events, making it relevant to a national audience. Tickets are required, with different pricing for daily or full-fair passes and advance purchase highly recommended.
Dates: Thursday Sep 17-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Thursday Sep 17-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Charlotte Film Festival — 📌 Event — Charlotte, North Carolina
An independent film festival showcasing narrative, documentary, and short films from emerging and established filmmakers, plus panel events and special presentations that highlight fresh voices and global stories. It's nationally relevant as it draws film lovers and industry professionals from across the US and sometimes overseas, offering premiers and narratives that might not appear in major markets. Practical info: screenings are held at the Independent Picture House, tickets typically range modestly (often around $15), and the 2026 program is scheduled such that attendees should reserve films in advance.
Dates: Tuesday Sep 22-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Tuesday Sep 22-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Daily Broadcast Prep is free for every broadcaster, radio host and podcaster. If it's made your show prep a little easier, please share it with friends. You're also very welcome to Buy Me a Coffee which helps to maintain the site's content. Thanks for supporting IanGardner.com
Home Studio Blog
The Home Studio Blog lets you explore in-depth articles on microphones, headphones, studio essentials, computers, televisions, home essentials, outdoor essentials and business resources.
There's also advice and information on a range of subjects including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VoIP phones, computer terminology, TV history, MIDI and much more! - it's all free and updated regularly. You can also view the Blogs alphabetically here.
Shop!
Building a Home Studio is more than just buying a microphone and a computer.
The Shop! pages are filled with useful products for both inside and outside your workspace.
Explore microphones, headphones, computers, portable speakers and more. Plus check out digital products to help your Studio Business grow.
Here's a randomly selected item from the Shop! pages. These products contain affiliate links which earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting IanGardner.com
Refresh for another Shop! item
Shout Out Your Show
Daily Broadcast Prep will soon feature a randomly selected radio show or podcast from the broadcasting community.
Would you like your show or podcast featured here? Email your station or podcast name, a short description (max. 200 characters), a URL to listen (a direct stream link for radio stations, or a link to your episodes for podcasts), a URL to your station/show homepage and a portrait-style image (under 2MB) to Ian@IanGardner.com
Submissions are reviewed before appearing and inclusion isn't guaranteed. By submitting, you confirm that you have the right to share all material provided. Featured shows, stations and podcasts aren't endorsed by IanGardner.com, and listings may be removed at any time. Some links on this page lead to third-party websites, radio streams, and podcasts. IanGardner.com is not responsible for their content, availability, or operation.