SYR Radio

 

This was the website for SYR Radio. Content is from the site's 2007-2008 archived pages.

 

With an unbeatable recipe for success, Stephen Valentino and his Co-Host Tony Mendive welcomes you to SYR Radio.

It's a cutting edge lifestyle radio show with elements of food, travel, style, fashion and entertainment; borne from the host’s highly successful magazine column of the same name.

This dynamic and fun show airs onCRN, the Cable Radio Network, and NRN Networks to millions of homes and internationally on the World Wide Web Saturday afternoons 3 - 4 P.M. Pacific Time. To find CRN on your cable system, or broadcast on radio in your town click here.

Radio interviews, on-location live shows, voice-overs and commercial spots are a few examples of Stephen's considerable experience in the world of broadcasting. These, in addition to his vast knowledge in the realms of entertainment, travel, health and cuisine, combined with his creativity and passion, enable him to always bring out the best in his guests.

Elements of the show include:

  • Location, Event and Restaurant Coverage
  • Celebrity Interviews
  • Hot New Recipes
  • Travel Destinations
  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • New Cookbook Reviews
  • Style and Fashion
  • Entertainment
  • Product Reviews & Resource Guide
  • Automotive Reviews

Join with Stephen and his Co-Host Tony and their guests as they Serve You Right on weekly romps through the delightful worlds of food and wine, travel, fashion, style, fitness, health and entertainment.


 

 

As a Texas personal injury lawyer, I spend my days translating complicated automotive facts, safety standards, and liability questions into stories that judges and juries can understand. Contributing to discussions around cars and legal responsibility in a forum connected to a nationally syndicated lifestyle broadcast gave me a whole new respect for what it takes to keep a program like this on the road week after week.

What struck me immediately was the scope. The show wasn’t just chatting about one niche subject; it wove together travel, cuisine, wellness, celebrity culture, and, in the case of the automotive features, real-world experiences with vehicles from major manufacturers. Reading about the way the host test-drove cars, reported impressions, and folded them into a broader narrative of lifestyle and aspiration reminded me of how my own team builds a case. We gather technical data, interview people, pressure-test assumptions, and then present something coherent, engaging, and credible.

Producing and promoting a national program requires relentless coordination: lining up guests, satisfying sponsors, keeping audiences interested, and maintaining editorial momentum. In the courtroom, my staff and I face a parallel challenge representing injured parties. We coordinate investigators, medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and families whose lives have been turned upside down. Like a broadcast team, we have to make sure every voice is heard at the right time and in the right way.

I also appreciated how the show balanced personality with professionalism. A strong host can make complex topics feel approachable without watering them down. That is exactly what effective advocacy demands. Jurors don’t need theatrics; they need clarity, humanity, and confidence. When I heard how segments were structured to inform while still entertaining, I found myself borrowing that mindset for opening statements and client communications.

Maintaining visibility in media is another shared hurdle. A syndicated show must constantly earn its audience anew, just as a law firm must continually prove its credibility to clients who may be meeting us on the worst day of their lives. Reputation is built episode by episode, verdict by verdict.

Participating in conversations around automotive issues for this platform was genuinely rewarding. It demonstrated that whether you are broadcasting to millions or standing before twelve jurors, the mission is similar: prepare thoroughly, respect the audience, and deliver trustworthy guidance. I’m grateful to have been a small part of a production that understood that responsibility so well. Lance Lucci

 

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Co-Hosts and Co-Hostesses

Dr. Grace Hameister, D.C.

Meet Dr. Grace Hameister, DC. As one of the few primary health care providers using the newest, most objective, and effective whole-body alternative techniques, Dr. Grace is truly unique in her field of chiropractic. She is a licensed and board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic, and is an expert at diagnosing and treating various degrees of musculoskeletal and organic disorders.

As a former Olympic-level Rhythmic Gymnast, and World-Champion Water Skier, she has intimate knowledge of how the body can function at its best, and thus knows how to teach others to achieve their personal potential. Grace received her Bachelor's degree in psychology, and minor in biology, from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis. She then worked in the Department of Surgery at the U of M doing cancer research in immunology, and then continued her education in San Jose, California at Palmer College of Chiropractic West, for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Recently, she has become a member of the Clinical Society for Advanced Laser Therapy, and also has become a Board Qualified Clinical Thermographer from the American Medical Infrared Academy. As such, she can take, read and interpret thermal images which are an excellent tool to discovering the signs consistent with abnormal breast health, years before mammograms can.

She has lectured nationally to health care practitioners and body-workers alike, including symposiums by the American Massage Therapy Association, Via-Christi Burn Center, Erchonia Medical and the Pro Sport Chiropractic Organization.  Now, through her exclusive company Doc Next Door, and her presence on Serves You Right Radio, she is applying the most elite techniques of preventative medicine through chiropractic, physiotherapy, exercise, technology, detoxification and nutrition, to positively affect the health of high-profile individuals in their homes, and at various events. For more information visit her website at www.docnextdoor.com.

Holly Rudin-Braschi

Holly Rudin-Braschi, recent Co-Hostess of Serves You Right®. Holly's book Grill Power www.grillpower.com,  the first and still most comprehensive book for indoor electric grills, has sold over 50,000 copies.

An American College of Sports Medicine certified health, fitness, and nutrition lecturer, Holly is a sought after speaker and culinary instructor by major corporations, health organizations, and cooking schools throughout the USA where she presents her Feasting in the Fast Lane®  programs at Apple Computer, 3M, Chevron, American Cancer Society, Sur La Table and many others. A frequent guest on both TV and radio throughout the US, Canada and Europe, Holly has entertained audiences with her language facility in French, Italian, German and Greek. Holly has also appeared as a spokesperson for culinary appliances on QVC, generating over $10 Million in sales.

Holly travels the world to write food, nutrition and travel articles that appear regularly in national newspapers and magazines including Cooking Light, Prevention, Sunset Every Season Magazine (Safeway stores) and on numerous websites. An opera singer with a Master's Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, Holly has sung throughout the US and Europe, including once with Stephen in La Traviata in Banff,Canada.  To become more acquainted with Holly, visit her on the web at www.grillpower.com.

Carol-Ann Planté and Stephen

Originally from New York, Carol-Ann moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15.  Since she had already earned her theater chops on Broadway and graced just about every recording studio in NYC singing jingles for commercials and movies, Carol-Ann decided to give California a try.  About a year after her arrival, she landed a 3-year series regular spot on a Fox Television series called Harry and the Hendersons.  Carol-Ann says that although acting was a great experience, singing has always been her number one dream.  She graduated UCLA with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature.

Carol-Ann met Stephen when she was 17 and came up to the Bay Area to do a Toys For Tots event that Stephen produced.  They were reunited over 10 years later via a serendipitous email from a music group mentioning Carol-Ann's new CD.  She joined Stephen as his Co-Hostess at the CRN Burbank studios for live broadcasts of Serves You Right Radio in May of 2005.

Chris Aable

Noted coin expert, author and television personality, Chris Aable, has co-hosted the show on several occasions, and has been a frequent guest as well.  Mr. Aable’s performance background includes multiple commercials, television appearances and hosting his own television show, “Hollywood Today”.  Mr. Aable is currently the President and owner of several internet companies and was elected President of the Beverly Hills Coin Club for three consecutive terms.  He has authored three books on rare coins, written numerous articles in trade-related publications, and is recognized world-wide as an expert on collecting and investing in rare coins, among his many other talents.

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2007 / 2008 NEWS

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Dr. Grace Hameister, DC, joins Stephen Valentino as co-hostess of his Nationally Syndicated Radio Show. Mr. Greg Lockamy, President and CEO of SYR, Inc., announces the April 1, 2006 addition of Dr. Grace as co-hostess for Stephen Valentino’s nationally syndicated radio show, “Serves You Right”, which will air Saturdays from 3 to 4 PM, Pacific Time.

The show’s Producer is Brenton Metzler, Associate Producer of Warner Brother’s hit TV show, “Elimidate”, and the show’s Co-Producer is Kenny Kristiansen. Both men bring strong entertainment-based broadcast backgrounds to the project.

“Serves You Right” is broadcast on Cable Radio Networks (CRN) and National Radio Network (NRN), reaching over 28 million homes. The show is also simulcast on www.crni.net into an additional 10 thousand homes worldwide. CRN’s World Wide Website is rated in the top 10% of entertainment websites globally.

With an unbeatable recipe for success, Stephen Valentino brings his listeners “Serves You Right”, a cutting edge lifestyle radio show; borne from the host’s highly successful magazine column of the same name. Each weekly episode features celebrity interviews, travel destinations, entertainment, style and fashion, contests and product giveaways, cookbook author interviews, hot new recipes, and much more. With the addition of Dr. Grace we now have a truly dynamic duo.

The show’s producers are welcoming advertisers to participate in this venture. To find out more about “Serves You Right” and to benefit from this opportunity, please contact Stephen Valentino at either info@syrradio.com or800-898-4598.

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"Hot Wheels" has been added as a new segment to Serves You Right ®Radio.

The Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Mercedes Benz, Infinity, Subaru, Land Rover and Jaguar corporations have all joined the Serves You Right family of Sponsors. 

Every week one of these major auto manufacturers will send a brand new car to Stephen Valentino, your host of SYR Radio, to tool around in and report back to you, the SYR audience about his experience with each vehicle.  Not only will Stephen tell you about the cars on air, but we will also be featuring his reviews in written format under the "HOT WHEELS" menu button.

Serves You Right® has just gotten even hotter with the addition of "Hot Wheels" as a new weekly segment.

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- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Stephen Valentino, Host of the  Nationally Syndicated Radio Show Serves You Right®  Meets with World Renowned Fashion Critic, Mr. Blackwell

Mr. Greg Lockamy, President and CEO of SYR, Inc., announces that Mr. Stephen Valentino, host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Serves You Right®, recently met with world renowned fashion critic Mr. Blackwell while attending Macy’s Passport Fashion Show in Los Angeles, CA.

Mr. Blackwell was very complimentary about Stephen’s outfit for the event. Mr. Valentino was “resplendent!” in Armani formalwear with shirt by Geoffrey Macon of the Gendarmerie Spa in West Hollywood and an appropriate amount of “bling-bling” featuring a magnificent vintage Cartier brooch. Mr. Blackwell commented, “Boy, do you know how to accessorize!”

Paul Stearn, Sr. VP of Operations at CRN Networks and host of the AM Show has said, “We have had so many callers on the AM Show demanding to see a photo of Stephen and Mr. Blackwell together that it has been amazing!”

Never wanting to leave his loyal listeners on the AM Show and Serves You Right® waiting too long to satisfy their desires, forthwith our webmaster, Chaz Hawley, www.chazonmedia.com, has been ordered to post this press release and photo on the www.syrradio.com website for their enjoyment.

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Due to Popular Demand, Stephen Valentino Joins “The Morning Show”

Due to popular audience demand, Stephen Valentino joins “The Morning Show” as a permanent featured guest. After several guest appearances on Cable Radio Networks top-rated Morning Show, hosted by Paul Stern and Mister B, audiences have been clamoring for Mr. Valentino to be on the show more often.

Now Stephen will be a featured guest on The Morning Show every Thursday morning from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

Mr. Valentino is a veritable font of wisdom on so many topics…everything from food and travel, to music, new cars and the good life. Stephen will delight the Morning Show’s nationwide audience by taking guest call-ins and informing listeners about upcoming events and guests for his weekly radio show, Serves You Right®, broadcast live on CRN, www.crni.net , every Saturday at 3:00 PM Pacific Time.

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Meet Stephen Valentino

Stephen Valentino SAG/AFTRA

Meet Stephen Valentino: Dubbed “San Francisco’s Beloved Bon Vivant” by noted columnist, Herb Caen. Stephen Valentino is the Founder and Chairman of SYR, Inc., and the on-air Host of “Serves You Right” broadcast on CRN Networks. Since 1996, Mr. Valentino has been the Entertainment Editor of QSF Magazine where he reviews entertainment venues, restaurants, travel locations, and the latest cars. His regular column, “Serves You Right”, was created as a vehicle to interview the world’s most prominent chefs and to review cookbooks and culinary equipment. A few samples have been added below. In 2002, Mr. Valentino became a Contributing Editor to Passport Magazine. Stephen has appeared in leading roles in operas, plays and musicals throughout the world. He is also the host of “San Francisco In Flight” for United Airlines, covering restaurants, clubs, cultural events, and hot tourist spots. Seen and heard in films, television commercials, public service announcements, and voice-over spots, Stephen has also had the honor of appearing in a command performance for His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, of England.

Stephen Valentino's new CD is an outstanding and inspiring experience. Ballad of the American Dreamis a mix of original and traditional songs including popular, patriotic and Broadway tunes. Sales will benefit R.E.A.F., The Richmond Ermet ;Aids Foundation, a charity raising money to help children with AIDS

Stephen Valentino’s Drunken Cranberry Sauce

Julia Child said: “This is the most wonderful cranberry sauce I have ever tasted.”Prep & Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Makes: 2-3 cups
Notes: This recipe can be frozen for up to 6 months or refrigerated for up to 3 months.

1 (12 oz.) bag of cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1.5 cups Grand Marnier
Zest of 1 each tangerine, lemon and lime
1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh finely grated
1 teaspoon ground all spice

  1. In a sauce pan, preferably non-stick, bring the Grand Marnier to a boil with the zests and spices. Add in the sugar; stir to dissolve and bring back to a boil.Add cranberries and bring back to a boil. Drop to a simmer for ten minutes. You now have whole cranberry sauce.

If you like a smoother texture use, a wand blender or potato masher to squish the berries. Pour into a mold or bowls and chill.

 

More Background On SYRRadio.com

 

SYRRadio.com served as the digital home for “Serves You Right,” a nationally syndicated lifestyle radio show that flourished during the mid-2000s, a period when terrestrial radio, cable radio networks, and emerging online distribution converged in new and creative ways. At its height, SYR Radio positioned itself as a sophisticated, personality-driven broadcast brand blending food, travel, fashion, entertainment, wellness, and celebrity culture.

Unlike traditional talk radio or narrowly focused niche programs, SYR Radio embraced the lifestyle magazine format in audio form, mirroring the tone and structure of glossy print publications and televised entertainment shows. Its host, Stephen Valentino, brought a charismatic, cosmopolitan sensibility that resonated with listeners interested in culture, luxury, and personal enrichment.

The SYRRadio.com website functioned as both a promotional hub and an extension of the show’s editorial voice, hosting program information, contributor bios, press releases, recipes, sponsor highlights, and media announcements. Today, the site exists primarily through archived records, but its influence and structure reflect a significant era in lifestyle broadcasting.

Ownership and Organizational Background

SYRRadio.com was operated under SYR, Inc., a media and production entity founded by Stephen Valentino, who also served as the show’s creator, host, and public face.

SYR, Inc. was structured as a lifestyle media company with ambitions beyond traditional radio. Its operations encompassed:

  • Broadcast radio production

  • Lifestyle journalism and commentary

  • Celebrity and cultural event coverage

  • Sponsorship and branded content partnerships

  • Public appearances and live broadcasting

  • Media consulting and entertainment hosting

Stephen Valentino, as Founder and Chairman, shaped the brand’s identity around personal expertise, cultivated relationships, and a strong presence within entertainment, culinary, and travel circles.

The show’s production team included seasoned professionals from television and radio, including producers with backgrounds in nationally syndicated entertainment programming, giving the show a polished and professional presentation that stood apart from smaller independent radio ventures of the time.

Format and Concept: What Made SYR Radio Unique

At its core, Serves You Right was a lifestyle program designed to reflect aspirational living. Rather than focusing on politics or breaking news, the show emphasized:

  • Fine dining and culinary trends

  • Travel destinations and luxury experiences

  • Fashion and style commentary

  • Health, wellness, and fitness

  • Celebrity interviews

  • Automotive features

  • Product reviews and lifestyle innovations

The show was structured as a fast-moving, magazine-style broadcast with rotating segments, guest appearances, and thematic episodes.

Its tone was upbeat, informative, and accessible, aimed at listeners who valued sophistication without pretension.

Broadcast Reach and Distribution

SYR Radio achieved national distribution through a combination of cable radio and network syndication, including:

  • CRN (Cable Radio Network)

  • NRN (National Radio Network)

  • Online streaming via affiliated platforms

At its peak, the show reached tens of millions of homes, a notable achievement for a lifestyle-focused broadcast.

The program aired weekly, often on Saturdays, aligning with leisure-oriented listening habits.

The website functioned as a companion platform where listeners could:

  • Learn about upcoming episodes

  • Read about guests and contributors

  • Access press announcements

  • Explore featured segments

  • Engage with sponsor content

Stephen Valentino: The Face and Voice of SYR

Stephen Valentino was the driving force behind SYR Radio’s success. His background included:

  • Broadcast media

  • Performing arts

  • Culinary journalism

  • Travel and hospitality

  • Voice acting and narration

Often described as a “bon vivant,” Valentino cultivated a persona centered on taste, refinement, and cultural fluency.

His experience in music, performance, and journalism gave him a commanding presence that translated effectively to long-form radio.

Strong industry connections enabled interviews and collaborations that elevated the show’s profile.

Co-Hosts and Contributors

SYR Radio featured a rotating lineup of knowledgeable contributors.

Dr. Grace Hameister

  • Sports medicine

  • Chiropractic care

  • Thermography

  • Preventative health strategies

Her contributions grounded the show’s wellness content in credible medical insight.

Holly Rudin-Braschi

  • National speaking engagements

  • Corporate wellness programs

  • Cookbook authorship

  • Media appearances

She expanded the program’s reach into nutrition and lifestyle branding.

Carol-Ann Planté

Contributed entertainment and performance industry insight.

Chris Aable

Brought expertise in collectibles and investment-oriented topics.

Signature Segments and Features

Food and Wine Coverage

Chef interviews, recipes, and restaurant features.

Travel and Destination Features

Luxury travel, hotels, and cultural experiences.

Celebrity Interviews

Guests from film, fashion, and publishing.

Automotive Reviews — “Hot Wheels”

Vehicle reviews and automotive trends.

Wellness and Fitness

Health-focused interviews and lifestyle guidance.

Sponsorships and Industry Recognition

SYR Radio attracted major sponsors and industry attention due to:

  • High production quality

  • Celebrity involvement

  • Cross-media integration

  • Consistent syndication

The program received recognition from media organizations and advertisers alike.

Cultural and Social Significance

SYR Radio represents a transitional era in broadcasting—bridging traditional radio with emerging digital media.

  • Rise of lifestyle-driven media

  • Blending of entertainment and consumer culture

  • Early cross-platform branding

  • Growth of host-centered media identities

Its format anticipated the modern podcast ecosystem.

Audience and Demographics

  • Adults aged 30–60

  • Affluent or aspirational listeners

  • Food and travel enthusiasts

  • Culturally engaged professionals

  • Consumers drawn to premium brands

The show appealed to listeners seeking inspiration rather than hard news.

Website Structure and Digital Presence

  • Host biographies

  • Segment descriptions

  • Press releases

  • Sponsor acknowledgments

  • Contact and booking information

  • Archived show content

The site reflected early-2000s design principles focused on information depth.

Legacy and Historical Importance

  • Early success in lifestyle radio syndication

  • Integration of broadcast and digital media

  • Use of personal branding as a media foundation

  • Influence on modern podcasting culture

Stephen Valentino’s work helped establish the model for today’s personality-driven lifestyle media.

SYRRadio.com and its flagship program, Serves You Right, represented a distinctive era in broadcast media—one defined by personality-driven content, lifestyle storytelling, and cross-platform ambition.

Though the website now exists primarily in archived form, its content and structure offer valuable insight into the evolution of lifestyle broadcasting and the foundations of today’s creator-driven media landscape.

 

SYRRadio.com