National Day
Gold Star Mother's Day (USA)
It is observed on the last Sunday of September to honor mothers who lost a son or daughter in service to the United States Armed Forces; in 2026, it is legally codified under Title 36, Section 111 of U.S. Code.
National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (USA)
Established to draw attention to how HIV disproportionately impacts gay, bisexual, and other men who have male-to-male contact, the day promotes testing, prevention, treatment, and challenges stigma.
National Corned Beef Hash Day (USA)
This food-day celebrates the classic diner breakfast staple and gives people a tasty excuse to enjoy diced corned beef, potatoes, and onion.
National Katsu Curry Day (UK)
This UK food observance spotlights katsu curry as part of the country's curry culture and features restaurant promotions, especially for students.
World Tourism Day (International)
Established by the UN World Tourism Organization in 1980, this day marks when the UNWTO Statutes were adopted and raises awareness of tourism's economic, cultural, and social value.
Birthdays
Gwyneth Paltrow (54)
She is widely recognized for her roles in popular films such as 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Iron Man.' Gwyneth founded the lifestyle brand Goop, which started as a newsletter and has grown into a multi-million dollar company. She has also won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Lil Wayne (44)
He is known as one of the most prominent figures in hip-hop with numerous chart-topping hits throughout his career. Lil Wayne began his music career at just 9 years old and was part of the hip-hop group Hot Boys. He is also recognized for his unique style and influential mixtapes.
Avril Lavigne (42)
She rose to fame with her catchy pop-punk anthems and became a voice for a generation of young music fans. Avril's debut album, 'Let Go,' was a massive success and included the hit single 'Complicated.' She is also known for her charitable work, including founding the Avril Lavigne Foundation.
Simona Halep (35)
Halep is celebrated for her achievements in tennis, including winning multiple Grand Slam titles. She was ranked world No. 1 in women's singles for a total of 64 weeks. Simona is also known for her incredible work ethic and resilience on the court.
Steve Kerr (61)
He is well-known as both a former professional basketball player and the successful head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Kerr won three championships as a player with the Chicago Bulls and has led his team to multiple titles as a coach. He is also known for his insightful comments on social issues.
On This Day
🎵 Music
R.E.M.'s ninth album Monster was released in the United States in 1994 marking the band's shift to louder, more distorted guitar-driven rock and debuting at number one on the US charts that year.
🌟 Pop Culture
The first production Ford Model T was completed in 1908, creating a vehicle that would become iconic and ultimately change how people around the world moved and lived.
Movies & TV
Heart of the Beast — 🎬 Cinema
Heart of the Beast is a survival thriller directed by David Ayer starring Brad Pitt, J. K. Simmons, and Anna Lambe, in which a former special forces soldier and his combat dog must fight the elements after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. The film opened in the United States and many international markets on September 25, 2026, and is drawing positive attention for its emotional core and Pitt's rugged performance, though some critics find its close to the formula. On UK release, it's being shown under a 12A rating and audiences are reacting favorably to the cinematography and the bond between man and dog.
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
UK Release: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
UK Release: Wednesday Sep 23, 2026
Primetime — 🎬 Cinema
A suspenseful crime-drama thriller directed by Lance Oppenheim, following a character played by Robert Pattinson who must navigate public and private danger when scandalous secrets emerge, with Merritt Wever and Skyler Gisondo in key supporting roles. The film's tension builds through moral conflict and intrigue that make it feel both timely and urgent. For those who love character-driven suspense, this is one of the more gripping new entries this weekend.
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
Forgotten Island — 🎬 Cinema
A magical animated adventure from DreamWorks in which two best friends become stranded on the mystical island of Nakali where escaping means risking everything they've ever shared, conceived and co-directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. H.E.R. and Liza Soberano lead the voice cast with Dave Franco and Jenny Slate among the ensemble bringing fantasy and heart to the fore. For fans of richly imagined worlds and emotional stakes, this island excursion promises to deliver just that.
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 25, 2026
Resident Evil — 🎬 Cinema
Resident Evil is a reboot of the iconic horror video game franchise written and directed by Zach Cregger, starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, and Kali Reis. The film follows medical courier Bryan as he fights to survive a sudden viral outbreak under increasingly nightmarish circumstances in an isolated mountain town. Critics are celebrating it as one of the best video game adaptations yet, with a 95% Tomatometer and strong audience praise, while also breaking franchise opening records in both the US and UK.
Released: Friday Sep 18, 2026
UK Release: Saturday Sep 26, 2026
Released: Friday Sep 18, 2026
UK Release: Saturday Sep 26, 2026
Concerts
🎤 SHAKIRA — LAS MUJERES YA NO LLORAN - RESIDENCIA EUROPEATonight: Sunday Sep 27 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
This week: Sunday Sep 27 at Shakira Stadium, Madrid, Tarragona, Spain · Friday Oct 2 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain · plus 2 more dates this week.
This week: Sunday Sep 27 at Shakira Stadium, Madrid, Tarragona, Spain · Friday Oct 2 at ESTADIO SHAKIRA(Iberdrola Music), Madrid, Madrid, Spain · plus 2 more dates this week.
🎤 Bruno Mars — The Romantic TourTonight: Sunday Sep 27 at Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado.
This week: Wednesday Sep 30 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California · Friday Oct 2 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California · plus 1 more date this week.
This week: Wednesday Sep 30 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California · Friday Oct 2 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California · plus 1 more date this week.
🎤 Rod Wave — Don't Look Down TourTonight: Sunday Sep 27 at American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.
This week: Thursday Oct 1 at Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California.
This week: Thursday Oct 1 at Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California.
🎤 Kacey Musgraves — Middle of Nowhere TourTonight: Sunday Sep 27 at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
This week: Wednesday Sep 30 at State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.
This week: Wednesday Sep 30 at State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.
🎤 Harry Styles — Together, TogetherThis week: Wednesday Sep 30 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York · Friday Oct 2 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York · Saturday Oct 3 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
Events
Vision Festival London — 🎪 Festival — London, England
An interdisciplinary festival in King's Cross that merges culture, science, ideas and live performance, featuring venues, workshops, installations, talks and evening performances by artists like Martin Simpson alongside scientific and literary programming. It stands out as a festival of ideas and creativity across disciplines, appealing to a broad audience interested in cultural and intellectual engagement. Events are ticketed or free depending on specific venue, open to the public, and span multiple sites in the King's Cross neighbourhood.
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Sep 27, 2026
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
Wigtown Book Festival — 📌 Event — Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, UK
Wigtown Book Festival is a ten-day celebration of literature, ideas, music, theatre and more, in Scotland's National Book Town with over 250 events featuring authors, film, poetry and discussions. Tickets and full programme are available from the box office (01988 403 222) and the official site wigtownbookfestival.com.
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 4, 2026
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 4, 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
State Fair of Texas — 🎪 Festival — Dallas, Texas
One of the largest state fairs in the U.S., offering massive food courts, livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibitions, and multiple stages of live music at its Midway and Main stages that attract stars and local artists alike. This event garners national attention for its scale, its unique Texan culture, and its longstanding traditions that resonate across the country. Tickets are required for entry; Fair Park hours are typically 10 a.m. until 9-10 p.m., and minors under 18 must be accompanied after 5 p.m. on certain days.
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 18, 2026
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 18, 2026
State Fair of Virginia — 🎪 Festival — Doswell, Virginia
An annual state fair focused on Virginia's agriculture, entertainment, youth programming, and scholarship competitions, featuring Midway rides, exhibits, and large-scale blue-ribbon showings. It draws significant regional and national interest as Virginia is agriculturally rich and this fair showcases both traditional and cultural local talent. Admission covers concerts and exhibits (though some attractions cost extra), fair runs daily from morning until evening.
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 4, 2026
Dates: Friday Sep 25-Sunday Oct 4, 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
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 and don't forget to bookmark Daily Broadcast Prep for fresh content every day. 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.