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10 Questions with ... Sean "Beefcake" McBee
September 15, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started out studying radio at Mt. Hood Community College. My first gig was here at KNRQ in 2005 doing nights and imaging. In 2006 I got the call to be the Technical Producer for the Dr. Doug and Skippy show at Charlie FM (KYCH) in Portland. Then I spent 3 1/2 years at KROG in Medford, Oregon with Opus Broadcasting, doing afternoons, then the Morning show, and finally middays. After 2 years doing retail, in September 2014, I accepted the Production Director gig and the midday shift back here in Eugene with KNRQ.
1. What led you back to KNRQ last year?
Al Scott called me when I was working my retail job to see if I wanted to come back to Eugene. Being a production director has always been on my radio bucket list and I love the people here at Cumulus Eugene. Emma from the KNRQ morning show is one of my all-time best friends and so many of my co-workers from 10 years ago were still here, it was too good for me to pass up.
2. What's it like working for Al Scott?
Al Scott doesn't pull punches. He has high standards and we love him for it. There are days where I have to take my lumps and be reminded what he expects of me (the same goes for the rest of the staff). But his high standards keep us all on our game. I would have it no other way. I always want to learn and get better on the air. He lives the lifestyle, goes to a lot of concerts, and works well with local promoters. He is a hip dude with his finger on the pulse of the format, and I'm lucky that I get to learn from him.
3. How would you describe yourself as an on-air personality?
I am very positive on-air. I love to create connection with the listener. I am the bridge between them and the things in the community they care about -- concerts, local festivals and gatherings. I think I am good at making the one-on-one connection with the listener. People tell me that listening to my show is more a hangout than a SHOW. More a bro-down than a broadcast. I think it is good contrast from the rest of the shows on the station.
4. What makes your show on Alternative @ 103.7 KNRQ unique?
I talk nerdy things on air. Games, Apps, Tech, Science, Super Hero movies... any of that could make its way onto my show any day. I even do a segment called, "That's Effing Science." - I want to make people smarter when they listen to my show... more aware of the world around them. ALSO, NO CELEBRITY GOSSIP ALLOWED!
5. What is your show prep routine?
I get in; check the local news outlets and weather for the day, cruise reddit, then look for trending topics on Facebook and Twitter. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for a "That's Effing Science" topic for the day. I plan out where I am gonna go in each of my content based breaks... then I bullet point out what I am gonna talk about and then go knock it out. I am a big fan of bullet points, so I can freestyle around the major Ideas of a story or topic. I think that keeps it fresh.
6. How do you try and connect with your listeners?
Mostly it comes through my delivery. I treat a show like I'm experiencing it WITH the listener, while still providing direction. I use my lower range to keep it intimate but maintain that heightened energy. The midday show is about forward momentum and providing useful information about local things around town, intertwined with a few laughs. I think I do a good job of being relatable and fun.
7. What has been the biggest change at the station since your first tenure 10 years ago?
KNRQ's format has shifted away from the active rock tracks that used to be on the station. There is no Disturbed anymore, no Mudvayne, hardly any GnR or Ozzy (only during the '90s at noon). We are still in tune with rock shows coming to town, but the sonic identity has changed a bit. We are firmly an alternative station now. And I think it's appropriate for the state of music currently, especially here in Eugene. Alternative artists are putting out some great tracks right now.
8. Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Dan Bozyk in Portland, formerly of 105.9 The Brew (and 101 KUFO) has always been my favorite. He is the guy I always wanted to be when I was younger. His delivery was always very inviting and so cool to me. I loved listening to Rock and Roll High school. Gustav and Daria (KNRK) were also big influences on my love of radio.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
One thing I haven't done yet, is doing voice overs for national commercials, and voice work for video games. Those boxes are still unchecked on the radio bucket list. I have accomplished a lot of what I dreamed of doing in radio. If I can have a job in broadcasting that keeps me comfortably funded, doing production and that lets me do an on air shift every weekday, I'll be a happy camper.
10. What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about the fellowship that comes with this business. I am on board for the people that love radio as an industry and a passion. Friendly competition is one thing, but I am passionate about the people who are in the business because they love radio and want to see it do good things. I want to share and enjoy the experience and trials of this job with others, because let's face it, we are all underpaid and overworked, but in the greatest line of work, all of us quirky, artsy, oddballs could ever hope to be a part of. Terribly cliché answer, but so many people have said it because it's the truth.
Bonus Questions
On your bio, you indicate that you are huge nerd in person. What do you enjoy doing during your spare time away from work?
Low tech games: Super Nintendo, board games, and card games like magic the gathering; I've played since I was 11 years old. They all helped craft me into the mighty nerd I am today (ha-ha). Game of Thrones, LORT, Star Wars, High Fantasy stuff, Sci-fi, Anime. All of it. My retail job was sales and marketing for a game shop that sold all of that stuff, so I'm well versed in nerd. Those are my people!!
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