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10 Questions with ... Drex & Maney (& Cassiday)
January 14, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Drex-
- WDRQ/Detroit - AM intern/Asst. Producer
- KZIA/Cedar Rapids - nights
- WIOG/Saginaw - mornings
- WFFY/Fort Walton Beach, FL - mornings
- WHBQ/Memphis - afternoons/mornings
Maney-
- Z100/New York - Assistant Producer
- KHTE/Little Rock - Producer
- KRQQ/Tucson - co-host
- KDND/Sacramento - co-host
- WHBQ/Memphis - host
Cassiday-
- KAMX/Austin
- I started as Executive Producer of Bridget and Carey in afternoons, then became a member of the JB and Sandy Show for 4 years.
1) What have been the main factors contributing to your success there?
Drex: Transparency. Our bosses, John Reynolds and Bill Schoening, are very honest with their expectations. We also have every tool imaginable to do a successful show: our consultant Steve Reynolds, great equipment, proper prep services, assistant producers, etc. Finally, we have a personal, strong conviction to put on a great sounding show every morning.
2) You had the unenviable task of replacing a show that had been on the air for a long time. What was that like initially?
Maney: The one thing we knew we had going for us was the Kiss brand. Plus, we felt we were different enough that comparisons wouldn't be made. It's never easy replacing a long running show - and I'm not even sure the listeners or sales staff know that we're not Ace and TJ!
3) What's the coolest bit you've done recently?
Cass: We took calls from people wanting to get away from their crazy families on Thanksgiving. We called it "Turkey Day Getaway" and put them up in a nice hotel suite for the night. Our winner was a single mom who had to sleep in the same room as her son and her parents every night. We talked to her today to touch base and it was great
4) Talk about what Cassiday brings to the table.
Drex: Well, everything. She is very intelligent and extremely strategic. I've worked with several co-hosts, both male and female, who have a hard time leaving home issues/drama at the door. Cass walks in, game face on, ready to roll.
5) What are you guys doing to stay visible and involved in the community?
Maney: We're always out around town. Look, we go to any event we're invited, too! You can find us at Bobcat games hosting Wednesday Night Basketball all season, plus we have a great relationship with Cam Newton's Foundation and are always in public schools with him, and we have The Drex and Maney Kids at Levine Children's Hospital. We just raised $40,000 to buy presents for hundreds of kids and families stuck in the hospital for Christmas.
6) What kind of posts have gotten you the most action on social media?
Cass: Personal stuff always wins. Our listeners feel like they know us if we are doing our jobs right, and therefore they react most to posts that reveal parts of our lives. Drex put up a few pics from my wedding and they blew up on Facebook. Also, the local buzz lately with our relationship with the Panthers and Bobcats has given us great social media content. Be local.
7) Are there any particular show prep sources that you favor?
Drex: First, would be our bi-weekly recaps that we send to each other. There can't be any better show prep ideas than things going on in our lives. We also use the app called "Heytell" to send short voice messages to each other throughout the day. From an industry standpoint, we have been really happy with Stefan and Lauri at Nineball.
8) Who would be a dream guest to have on the show?
Maney: There's these two guys who make comments on parking fails. They're on YouTube, they're Australian and are absolutely hilarious. I'd just want them to comment on everything!
9) What do you guys like to do in your downtime? Any favorite hobbies?
Cass: Drex is an avid golfer, Maney is an armchair quarterback, and I'm always drinking craft beer at local breweries. We all love sports and love to go to the local teams' games when we hang out together as a show.
10) What advice would you give to people new to the business?
Drex: Don't go home. Get your internship or part-time gig and be at the station all the time. With PDs wearing so many hats, stuff gets dropped on their plate last minute. It would be great if you were around to save the day.
Bonus Questions
What were your last non-industry jobs?
Maney: I was a landscaper and tile guy (LOL). I swear when we're fired, I'm going back to mowing lawns! Drex was a painter and a mobile DJ, and Cass was a Tequila bar shot girl! Or maybe that was Drex??
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