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10 Questions with ... John Blaze!!!
November 24, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career back in 2001 attending Brown College in Minneapolis, MN (Mendota Heights to be exact). First station was B96, The Beat of the Twin Cities (no longer there). Started in promotions and earned on-air status, went to KCLD in St. Cloud, MN next and got my first full-time spot down in Wichita, KS at KSJM as afternoons and Production Dir. Moved back home in 2005 to Columbus, OH to work nights at POWER 107.5 and after there went to Fredericksburg, VA for mornings at WVBX 99.3 The Vibe ... did some Internet radio before going to Kansas City, MO to start part-time at KPRS - HOT 103 JAMZ, worked my way to developing a new morning show: The AM Mayhem.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I pray every day, several times a day.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I speak at schools with my "Blaze!!! Cares School tour" and I do other community events
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Hell yes! I love radio; it is a part of me...
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
When my mother had a stroke I did some Internet radio to stay fresh while helping her get healthy. That lasted about two years, so that's how long I was away from mainstream terrestrial radio.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
God has given me every job I've received even before radio. Pray and believe! You have to know it will happen!
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Over my 14-year career Allaccess.com has been amazing! Since I was told about this site in college it has been my main reference for up-to-date information and job postings in the industry!
7) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I designed a pizza box with my package inside (back when you sent CDs and all that, lol). I made a fake pizza and put a coupon inside that stated once I was hired the PD would receive a free pizza after I got my 1st check ... KDWB in Minneapolis ... I didn't get the job but got a reply that they loved my package; I just wanted to stand out!
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned that you must always stay true to yourself and your audience ... only sacrifice for what you truly believe in. Never sacrifice your morals and standards for anyone ... stay focused and look unto the hills for where your true help comes from!
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Yesterday has happened and tomorrow is not promised. I'm concerned with learning from yesterday regardless of what my choices led to, so I can be better today. No regrets, just life/learning lessons!
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Know yourself and learn yourself! Stay true to your beliefs and your audience. Study the business and learn how to adapt and change. Stay ahead of the competition regardless, even if those around you are not trying to change. Stay fresh and fun and upbeat. Radio is still a lifestyle so you MUST live and breathe what your audience lives and breathes ... keep an open mind to learn from those ahead of you but don't be afraid to lead and speak up and out ... a closed mouth doesn't get fed! You are a brand inside of a brand. "Utilize" it, don't "use" it, and don't let anyone use you up. Never get comfortable. Stay frosty!
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
The Bible is the best book. Reading about Job and his trials or the Hebrew Boys or even Daniel in the lion's den, God delivered them in grand fashion, so I know he will also deliver me! My next career move will be my best move!
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