[3] He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and then attended New York University, where he excelled in debate.

[4] He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1916, having received honors in French, as well as a top prize for oration.

[5] After graduating, he enrolled in the U.S. Navy during World War I, where he became an officer, but when he came home, he was uncertain about which career to pursue.

[10] Carlin and McNamee also collaborated to announce the 1926,[11] 1927 and 1928 World Series, as well as boxing matches, including the Long Count Fight between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney in 1927.

[13] In addition, Carlin covered news and current events, including the 1924 Democratic National Convention and a 1927 reception in New York to honor aviator Charles Lindbergh.

In 1927, Carlin became convinced that NBC programs needed a definitive and consistent ending, to help affiliates know when it was okay to break away from the network for commercials or local announcements.

[17] During his time as a program manager at NBC, he was credited with introducing a number of soon-to-be famous performers to the radio audience, including Dinah Shore, the Ink Spots, and Dorothy Lamour.