10 Questions with ... Spud

NAME:Spud TITLE:Afternoons STATIONS:WGRD MARKET:Grand Rapids, MI (#67) COMPANY:Regent BORN:Jacksonville, TX RAISED:Austin-Baltimore-Washington

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Step 1: College radio overnight hell. Step 2: Intern at WCSX Detroit. Step 3: Morning Show Bitch Boy at WGRD. Step 4: Afternoon wise-ass at WGRD. Step 5: Poverty.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Bouncer. No, really. Me.

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

Def Leppard "Pyromania." On vinyl. You can't play a CD backwards, kids.

FIRST CONCERT:

You've forced me to reveal my high-class background, which I usually don't care to brag about. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. I was probably eight, and my mother brought me and my older brother. I think she put us up in the nosebleeds while she got high with her boyfriend down on the floor. You could say I was once babysat by 30,000 stoners with mullets.

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Absolutely, without a doubt, it's (name of current band at number 1 on Alternative Hot 100 list). I love (current band at number one on Alternative Hot 100 list). They really have integrity, which, as you know, is rare in this business.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Wow, here's a cliché. I really did spin my mother's Beatles records and talk into a hairbrush. It's always kind of been a done deal for me.

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

The legendary WHFS out of Washington D.C. They helped invent the Alternative format in the late-'80s. Those jocks (Aquaman, Damien, Johnny Riggs, Zoltar) taught me that it was possible to create good radio without sounding like Don Pardo.

3. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I don't spontaneously fly off into right-wing rants in line at the bank. Or on first dates. I think for a lot of people, who aren't in the business, it's hard to grasp the concept of being "on" and being "off."

4. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I love meeting the occasional listener who remembers something I said two years ago on my show in passing, something I've completely forgotten about. It's a humbling reminder of the power we wield when we pot up a mic. I could do without the grueling 25-hour work week, though.

5. How would you describe your PM drive show?

Me at my most abrasive and confrontational. Me during a fit of steroid rage. Me when I've had seven Jaeger bombs, and I think I'm tough enough to tell you you're a douche bag for believing the government brought down the Twin Towers. Douche bag, "Did you know fire can't melt steel?" Me, "You're a douche bag."

6. What makes your show successful?

Success? I drive a Grand Am with a rusty muffler.

7. What is your biggest challenge each day on-air?

I feel like I'm walking a tightrope, trying to be engaging and entertaining without completely annoying the piss out of even those that agree with me. I tend to ram my opinions down people's throats. You either love me or want to put Icy Hot in my underwear. There is no in-between.

8. Of all the things you have done at 'GRD, what are you most proud of?

I was here when things weren't going so well. Now that everything's coming together and we're enjoying real success, I can truly appreciate the contrast. I'm sincerely proud to be a part of this team. We're making good radio on our own terms, and having fun while we do it, which I'm sure a lot of people in the industry didn't think was possible.

9. What would surprise people most about the station?

That our P1 is not a 15 year old girl who calls herself "Night Mistress" and works weekends at Hot Topic so she can save up to get her eyelids pierced.

10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Oh boy. I'm pretty good at Guitar Hero. Do they pay people to nail the solo at the end of "Message In A Bottle"?

BONUS QUESTION: What are your hobbies?

Hobbies are for the weak. I have no time for such frivolous pursuits. Okay, I ride a bicycle and I even wear those fruity little tight shorts. You happy now?