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10 Questions with ... JDub
September 30, 2008
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Please outline your radio career so far:
'03: Production Assistant and street team WKDD Akron,OH.
'03-04: Production Assistant WGAR and board op WMMS, WAKS, WGAR/Cleveland.
'04: Weekends on WHOT/Youngstown.
'05 Nights, WHOT.
'07 MD, WHOT.
'08 PD/afternoons, WHOT.1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Crazy, because my first show was almost my last! It was my first shift as a part-timer at WHOT, and it was Black Eyed Peas "Lets Get It Started." The song starts, I crack the mic -- mind you it's a :00 intro -- I hit the positioning statement while Fergie's vocals play. I turn off the mic and belt out a four-letter NO-NO word all at the same time. Lucky for me there was nothing on the skimmer. Thanks for not giving me the boot, Trout.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I was always a talker and loved being in the limelight, and I always wanted to be in entertainment. I got my feet wet at WKDD, and thanks to my best friend Miles Hlivko, who was the production intern in Cleveland, I met Bill Conners, the Production Director at WGAR.
3) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
WHOT is one of the oldest Top 40 stations in the nation, and I follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest radio people like Dick Thompson, Tom Pappas, AC and Kelly, Mike Thomas (Jagger), Mike Kasper... I mean, the list can go on and on. WHOT is just a great heritage station that's very well known, and I have a lot of good team players on my staff.
4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
That I grew up on a farm. Yes, I am a good ol' boy at heart and yes, I do own a pair of cowboy boots that I do wear.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
AC and Kelly in the morning. Wow, they truly are great, on the air and off. If you need to know anything about organic foods and roller skating, AC is the man. If you need parenting advice or guidance on life, Kelly is your woman. Everyone knows and loves them both and can relate to them. Middays, Kelin is a diamond in the rough. If she could only figure out how to work a computer ... LOL! Just kidding... she is a big help when it comes to assisting in promotions.
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Mike Thomas (Jagger). He is a native of Youngstown, not to mention he is just an upstanding good guy. He is great on the air and great with music. Look at his resume ... he isn't in NYC for nothing. Oh, and if you're looking to add a great weekend show, check his out: www.weekendthrowdown.com.
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
Music is always huge influence when you were in high school. Being one of the captains of my high school football team, before each game we chanted an old DMX song. Some of the acts were N'Sync, Eminem, 2Pac, Master P and KC and Jojo.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I love to golf. I mean, I suck at it, but who are we kidding here ... it's all about the beer consumption at the end of the day, right? LOL! Oh, and I'm into magic. I want to be David Blaine one day.
9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
A lil' bit of everything, to be honest. I like to be well-rounded with everything.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
If you're not willing to bust your ass, don't even try it. This industry takes a lot of dedication, so if you're not willing to put your personal life on hold, please find a different career field.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cel?
I am so gay for the New Kids on the Block feat. Neyo and the song, "Single." Also, Plies and Neyo, "Bust It Baby, part 2."
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