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10 Questions with ... Geoff Maddox
March 22, 2016
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1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I've always been pretty good about keeping myself positive. I learned early on that, no matter what job you have, especially in the entertainment industry, you can't let losing your job get you down. I've always known that there are a myriad of reasons your show gets canceled or replaced that have absolutely NOTHING to do with you! For the past 15 years or so, I've lived by the mantra, "It is a waste of energy to stress about things that have already happened and that you can't change."
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I suppose this interview could be called, "On the Horse," as opposed to "On the Beach," since it's been cold and raining a bit lately and the beach has not been my first choice this time of year. I have always loved horseback riding, though, so whenever I can, I drive about an hour or so to one of two stables and go horseback riding.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
You regularly hear, "It's who you know," and that couldn't be more true! The only caveat to that is, it is equally important who knows you! I've always been a big proponent of networking and taking every opportunity to market myself to new potential employers and clients. All that being said, I'd be lying if I said there was a more comprehensive list of industry openings than AllAccess.com. When I went to broadcasting school, they made sure that we knew about AllAccess.com and encouraged us to regularly keep an eye on the job postings.
4) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
I'm a firm believer that you never know where life will take you. Ideally, I'd love to have a good, full-time job in a great market, but in the words of Hank Moody (Californication): "People have a way of blinking and missing the moment ... that could've changed everything!" With that in mind, my eyes are always open and I try to blink as rarely as possible!
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
There are lots of ways! You could be the janitor! After all, "El Mandril" and Jim Runyon both started as janitors in their respective local radio stations before filling in for a host who was out sick or M.I.A. Otherwise, look for a job in the Promotions Department, or if you're lucky, a Board-Op position may become available. The closer you are to the microphones, the better because you're able to learn exactly what it takes from someone who is already sitting in the chair.
6) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
I sat across the desk from a woman one time who picked up the pen from her desk and said, "Sell me this pen."
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to less music radio and more talk radio now, but I still find time to keep myself on top of the latest music with magazines like Billboard.
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
I've been fortunate. Most people politely respond, telling me that they have either already filled the position, or that they see themselves going in a different direction. As I said earlier, you never know what they are going to want, and it could be completely out of your control, so I don't let it get to me. I haven't really had the 'Slam-the-phone-down' experiences.
9) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Bills still have to be paid, so I'm definitely keeping busy doing as similar work as possible to keep the skills up, and looking for employment takes time as well. Beyond that, I'm trying to enjoy as much time as I can, but I really enjoy working in the industry so getting back to it is definitely a goal!
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'll definitely try to give myself enough time to enjoy the things I am doing now. Working is great, but to keep yourself motivated, it's also important to enjoy the people and things that matter in your time off, so I'll be budgeting the free time that I have to do just that.
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is...
...using my VO equipment to record vocal tracks of favorite songs. (I've been singing since I was about three, and it's still a hobby of mine.)
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