Tony Kurre and Josh Klapow discuss a caller’s problems during their radio show. Photo by Giani Martin

Clinical psychologist gives advice on live show to local, anonymous listeners

Surabhi Rao - Features & Opinions Editor
features@insideuab.com

Cuffing season is in full swing, and if your relationship is giving you trouble, a new radio show might be able to help.

Clinical psychologist Josh Klapow, Ph.D., and TV radio personality Tony Kurre co-host a show, which airs every Tuesday and Wednesday on TALK 99.5 from 7 to 9 p.m., that covers uncharted territory of radio in Birmingham: sexual and other love-life related issues.

“Three to four years ago, this town was not progressive enough for a relationship show,” Kurre said.

Klapow works as a faculty member in the School of Public Health, and Tony Kurre has been expanding his presence in the radio show industry for about 35 years.

“He’s an expert in relationships, and I’m an expert in telling people how it is, so we got the idea for this show,” Kurre said.

Klapow and Kurre started the show a few months ago, and have seen an increase in viewer and caller ratings. They strive to connect with UAB students and help in any way, with a focus on social and emotional issues.

Sitting in on a show revealed their ideas as they crossed multiple disciplines with their show and reached multiple people across the Birmingham community.

Klapow, Kurre and a guest speaker who provided a woman’s perspective sat in a small room about the size of a master bedroom closet. A glass window displayed the producer working to keep time, answer viewer’s calls and conduct the show.

The show started with a question that viewers could call in with comments on or seek advice about. The question of Nov. 15 — Is it ever safe to hook up with your ex?

The first caller was an older man who struggled with an on-and-off relationship, which he described as “limbo.” The show concluded with a caller who asked about her husband becoming an alcoholic.

“I really do want to be that helpful voice, along with my friend Tony, that is there for you when you need it. If you are just getting out of our first relationship and feel like the world is ending, we want to talk to you and help,” Klapow said.

Klapow and Kurre are well-known in the Birmingham community, and want to use this platform as an avenue to help students and other younger generations with any social issues, including the problems surrounding the dominance of social media over relationships.

“Yeah I’m a professional, but the show is also engaging in more of a personal connection. Kurre and I are people that you can see on the street. We are tied to UAB and Birmingham, and there is that edge,” Klapow said.

A therapist takes away the element of anonymity, and seeking help from a famed specialist like Dr. Phil himself doesn’t provide a local connection. Klapow and Kurre describe themselves as a personal avenue to seek help without commitment, but with the added benefit of communicating with people that you can see at a grocery store in Birmingham.

Klapow and Kurre are looking for suggestions and callers, and can be reached through the TALK 99.5 website.