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10 Questions with ... Bennett
June 28, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WSPK Hudson Valley, NY Overnights
WSPK Hudson Valley, NY Nights/Music Director
WTDY Philadelphia, PA for the last nine years
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first radio gig was on my hometown station, K104. It was a dream come true. I never thought that would even be a possibility. I grew up with a stammer, so I never thought in a million years that I would be able to talk for a living. But there I was at 20 working overnights. I am forever grateful for that opportunity. It changed my life.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I was terrible at everything else. I didn’t want a real job. I wanted to make jokes and have fun. Radio was the outlet for me and I never looked back.
3. How did navigating the pandemic make you a better broadcaster?
Oh boy. Well, going from a state-of-the-art studio in the Audacy headquarters to broadcasting with my cats in my bedroom closet was quite the adjustment. I also found out I was going to be a first-time father. OH, HEY THERE 2020! So, if anything it made me work even harder to be better. I would record each talk break like seven different times. Do different punchlines. Switch the set ups. I think I drove my wife nuts. 4. How do you and co-host Raven jump start the station’s broadcast day?
With a lot of laughs. We just never take ourselves too seriously, which I think is good. My favorite benchmark right now is our Pop Culture Pop Quiz. Every morning at 8:20 I come up with some pop culture questions and Raven and a listener battle it out. If the listener gets more right than Raven they win $100 of her money. Raven hates this game.
5. Who would be a dream guest to have come in and plug in across from you some morning in the studio?
Oh, that’s tough. I’m going to go Paul Rudd. I feel like that would be a fun show.
6. Your father (Mike Bennett) is a Hudson Valley broadcasting legend. What impact did his career have on yours?
It had the biggest impact on my career. I got to see my dad in action from a very young age. I would listen to his morning show or watch him host a charity event and I would just be in awe. He always has the perfect blend of humor and sincerity. He just won a lifetime achievement award from Make-A-Wish. His heart is even bigger than his talent.
7. Have you and the other station personalities been back out mixing it up with your listeners at this point?
Yes! I’ve been doing these fun trivia nights every month at the big comedy club here in Philly. The best part is all the proceeds benefit the PSPCA! Dogs, beer, and comedy are always great things.
8. Tis the season…has the ‘Song Of Summer’ shown up yet?
As I’m writing this Beyoncé just dropped a new song so I’ll go with the Queen. Also, Lizzo “About Damn Time” and literally anything off the Harry Styles album.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
K104 (WSPK) and WHUD in the Hudson Valley, NY were my stations growing up. I listened to my dad every morning before school just hoping he would announce we had a two-hour delay.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My parents certainly. Scotty Mac my first PD. I owe everything to Scotty. Terry Donovan, Skywalker, Buster, Dan Hunt, David Yadgaroff our Market Manager has been incredible. We couldn’t ask for a better leader. Tim Herbster gave me an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of Most Requested Live. The best PD in America Nathan Graham made my dreams come true by putting me in mornings. I’m fortunate to have always been surrounded by the best.
Bonus Questions
If someone from out of town was visiting Philadelphia for the first time, what are a couple of things that you’d make sure that they saw?
I love just walking the streets of center city. So much to see and do. So many sculptures and murals. There’s usually something going on at Dilworth or Love Park. Or you can head over to Fairmount and check out the art museum. You don’t have to look hard to find pop-up beer gardens or live music. We are way more than just cheesesteaks. Although they do, in fact, slap.
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