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10 Questions with ... Greg Overhuls
February 24, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my start at 92.3 K-Rock in 2008. When the station flipped format, one of the few things they held onto was me. I was asked what I wanted to do in radio. I said, "I want to work for a morning show." They let me run the board for The Rollin' with Nick Cannon Morning Show. Being a part of it every day, my role with the show and station grew and grew. When Nick's show ended in 2012, I was fortunate enough to be picked up by the great Kidd Kraddick. I have been part of The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show ever since.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
I would have to say exhausting. I was still going to college when 92.3 K-Rock hired me from being an intern to working street team and running the boards. I would go from working an overnight to going to classes in the morning. I was pretty shocked that I got a job in the field I had always dreamed of at a station that I revered. I worked hard to prove my worth there every day because that's where I wanted to be. It was one hell of a grind, but I'd say it worked out pretty well.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
We had a sort of career fair in elementary school where they took us to a place called Enterprise Village. You had to choose your job for the day and one of the positions available was DJ. I had listened to the radio my whole life but I didn't know it was, like, an actual job I could get. From that day forward I decided I was going to work in radio. Oh, in case you're wondering, I didn't get the radio job at Enterprise Village.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
When a produced piece, a joke, a bit, or an imaging piece goes on the air and goes over well. There is nothing better than when I get positive feedback from the cast or from a listener.
4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
This may be surprising, but no, I am not. I actually get to specialize on my specific job title at this job. I did so much coming up in the business. It's nice to have a little reprieve from that.
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
MJ Kelly (Todd Schnitt). I grew up in Tampa and every morning I would tune in to the MJ and BJ Show. My mom bought me all of their Crotchety Christmas CDs (all of which I still have) and I would show up to their events and get them signed by the whole cast. I idolized MJ. He was my hero. I loved his bits, impressions, and the character development on the show. He really put on the show I'd someday like to be part of.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
102.7 WNEW, when it was Talk format with Opie and Anthony in the afternoon drive and Ron and Fez at night. I grew up in Florida but whenever I would visit my dad in New York, I would be glued to that station. When I was back in Florida I even had a friend of mine record some bits during the week and send me burned CDs. It was like no other radio I had ever heard. 'NEW, as a whole, was the total package for me.
7) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
John Mullen, Jake Ray, Rob Chickering, Lenny Bloch and Kidd Kraddick. They all influenced me and have helped me enormously, but I wouldn't be really focused on wanting to work in morning radio if it wasn't for MJ.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
When the times are good in this business, it doesn't get much better. Some of the things I have done in radio have made me laugh harder than anything, or have given me a rush you can't get anywhere else. I honestly don't know what else I would do for a living.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I remember Dom Theodore telling me that you have to get a reaction from the listener. He would say, "make them laugh, make them cry, poke them in the eye." Whether it's good or bad it shows they care. The worst thing you can get is indifference.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
If you want to succeed in this business, you have to put in the hours and show you care. You can't fake passion.
Bonus Questions
Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
"Jake the Dog" from the cartoon Adventure Time. He's definitely my spirit animal.
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