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10 Questions with ... Skywalker
October 29, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I grew up on Long Island as a radio geek and worshiping WBLI. I got my first job there then moved on to Connecticut and then K104 in the Hudson Valley in 2000. In between and during a ton of voicetracking, as well as two weekend stints in Boston (Star 93.7 and Mix 104.1) and two weekend stints in New York City (92.3 AMP RADIO and 95.5 WPLJ). I also currently teach radio at a local college.
1. You're closing in on 20 years at K104. First of all congrats! Secondly, what are some of the things that you attribute your lengthy success to?
Solid leadership at a consistent company. As well as performing. I totally realize what I experience at K104 is the exception and not the rule. I will ride the wave as long as it will have me. I can honestly say I am as engaged and passionate now as much was on day one. I am constantly looking to improve myself and complacency is not part of my D.N.A.
2. You're also the station's APD. Your PD, Scotty Mac, has a lengthy tenure there as well. What's the day-to-day like in the programming department?
I handle the weekend/part time talent (yes we have a live staff on weekends-imagine that). I write and produce the imaging (Mark Driscoll and Ann DeWig are our voice talent). In general I act as Scotty's mini-me making sure all is running well while he handles his plate. I must mention our MD/Night Guy, Paulie Feva, who is an essential cog, as well as Patrick McKeon, our Promotion Director. Both are key elements to our success. 20 years with an amazing PD--that's better than most marriages.
3. As the station's afternoon host you've got some important 'appointment listening' type features that are benchmarks of your show. Explain the philosophy there.
The Brainbuster is a fun mindless trivia question to insert some personality. The throwback track at 5pm is to let the station breathe with a nice GOLD highlight. My traffic reporter, Tina Lang, is almost a co-host as we do personality driven breaks.
4. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Jay Z. Period the end.
5. How do you make your social media interactions with your listeners stay fresh?
So many philosophies on that so little time. I do make sure I interact BACK with the listeners. No one likes a one sided conversation or to be sales pitched to. I make sure it's a relationship first. It's SOCIAL.
6. What does proximity to Market # 1 mean to you and the staff?
I am so proud of our product. The quality of our product matches up and it keeps us strong and competitive.
7. Speaking of, you had close to a year of on-air duty at the late, great WPLJ. What was it like to crack the mic on 95.5 FM?
It was so amazing. I am not going to lie, that one hurt. My first dance in NYC was at a station I thought has a shot at success, 92.3 AMP Radio, but the new owners wanted to try something new and bring Alternative back to NYC. I was so blessed to get another shot, this time on WPLJ (a station I listened to as a kid -Scott and Todd in the morning). To be ON that station and walk those halls, I still get goosebumps. The "end" was so tough, but so special. I can't believe I was even in the same space as that talent. NYC has an energy like none other and I will be back in some capacity eventually.
8. What led you to a career in radio?
I was drawn to it as a kid, and wanted nothing else. This isn't an easy business and I love mentoring and coaching the people that want to be in it. It is very unique. I have zero regrets. My Dad passed away two years ago and it was a bit of a life not "reset" but reminder; family first. I am getting better at being a more balanced person while still being in this all-encompassing business. I am happy with how I have done.
9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock?
WBLI. The morning team was Rick and Shelly. Also the afternoon guy Hollywood Harper. Kid Kelly, Elvis Duran and Paul 'Cubby' Bryant were on-air heroes of mine and still are.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Scotty Mac for sure. Al Levine at WBLI was a huge influence on me when I was just beginning. I have taken some nugget from everyone I have interacted with.
Bonus Questions
As the year is winding down, describe 2019 in 3 songs.
I have the "MOTIVATION" to only move forward and not in "CIRCLES"...and I have thought to myself--damn, Skywalker you have it "GOOD AS HELL"...and I am very grateful.
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