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10 Questions with ... "Homeless" Mark Maira
July 24, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started off in 2008 interning here at Stephens Media Group and The Zone @ 94.1. It was at a time where clusters were getting rearranged and bought in Rochester so they needed people and I was hired three weeks into my internship as a production assistant/weekender. In 2010 I was hired full-time as Imaging Director for the cluster. Then in November of 2011 I gained Production Director for the cluster and afternoons on The Zone @ 94.1.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I was always interested in talk radio of any kind. The ladies really love a guy that blasts George Noory with the bass all the way up in his Dodge Neon. It didn't become something I wanted to do as a career until I was around 18 and I heard Opie And Anthony for the first time. They were on The Zone here in Rochester and it was a conversation style and comedy style that I really liked and wanted to get involved in.
2. Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Right now I'm really into Adam Carolla's Podcast. I think he's compelling and funny. Plus, I think it's a testament to him that he was able to hold on to such a large listener base in a medium that takes so many steps and effort to receive the content.
3. How did you get your nickname?
I'm not the sharpest dresser on this side of the Mason Dixon. I think my PD Nik Rivers started calling me Homeless Mark because of that. Then when people start to notice how it slowly kills you on the inside every time you're called it... well that's when a nickname sticks best.
4. How would you describe your afternoon show?
Afternoons on The Zone @ 94.1 are music driven but at the same time we like to give our listeners a little bit of a show. I'm not the type of guy to give you the weather and the best place to buy a smoothie in 10 seconds and on to the next song. We try to create a show that would fit in the mornings but for the afternoon. A lot of reoccurring bits, calls, and local topics.
5. What makes your show stand out?
I feel what makes me stand out is the fact that I hate the idea that all guys want to talk about is girls, beer, and sports. I feel what I do best is being able to take any subject and I'm able to put my opinion and twist on it. If people relate to it great if not then at least the content was brought up in a way that was hopefully entertaining. Plus, I prep a lot a lot a lot. Man I really gave myself a nice big pat on the back there.
6. How are you using social media?
I use Facebook and Twitter consistently. Basically I try to keep my show going all day on the both of them so our listeners can consistently keep a connection with me and the station and keep us in the front of their mind. I also blog, podcast, and make videos daily.
7. What do you find most amusing about your audience? Most annoying?
Amusing... some of their bad jokes. Annoying... when they hear any sort of trigger-esque imaging and call expecting to get Nirvana tickets.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Giving attention to my wife... yes very sappy.
9. What are you most passionate about?
My job. I love entertaining and I love comedy writing. The Zone @ 94.1 has given me the opportunity to have an audience.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
How indifferent I am to a lot of subjects. Sorry to break down the fourth wall but I care about 90 percent less than I lead on.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Music, filmmaking, watching movies. I hope watching movies counts as a hobby or I've been wasting a lot of time doing nothing.
Last non-industry job?
I had two jobs: making pretzels at Auntie Anne's in the mall and Corporate Audio Visual technician. I know riveting.
First record ever purchased?
First ever received would have to be the Bad Boys Soundtrack on cassette. I think I bought the first Spice Girls album. That was one cool 10 year old.
First concert?
MxPx at Water Street in Rochester.
Favorite band of all-time?
I'm going to cheat. Blink-182, Brand New, Say Anything, and Gatsby's American Dream.
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