-
10 Questions with ... Fook
November 28, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:FookTITLE:AfternoonsSTATION:WKQXMARKET:Chicago (#3)COMPANY:EmmisBORN:Suburbs of Washington, DCRAISED:Suburbs of Washington, DC
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Graduated College, and Radio God Rob Connelly hired me to help him build (literally) a rock station in Macon, GA (you in Bibb County, now boy). I can't even remember the calls from it. Then moved to Myrtle Beach, SC to work for the legendary Bob Chrysler at WJXY (Country 93.9), that also employed the legendary Bear O'Brian. From there I pinballed in short stints around the southeast to nights at WSTH/Columbus, GA, afternoons/Promotions/Imaging at Rock 103.5 in Columbus, GA, morning co-host/MD/Production at WBAM/Montgomery, AL, and then to mornings at WARQ in Columbia, SC for a couple years. Then Susan Groves brought me to Albany, NY to WHRL for afternoons. Eight months later I was at Q101 doing nights. Thanks Dave.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Head Line cook.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Billy Joel - Glass Houses
FIRST CONCERT:
Anthrax, Bayou, DC
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Tribe Called Quest
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I'm a ham. What can I say?
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
I both love and detest that I have a set schedule to entertain. It brings freedom and slavery.
3. What makes your afternoon show special?
I'm both honest and sarcastic. It probably makes me hard to understand at times, but I refuse to dumb it down anymore. When you listen to The Fook Show, you'll get a broad review of pop culture, politics, science, sex, and what's up in Chicago. Plus, there are a couple music features that tie into what Q101's "shuffle" philosophy is all about. And maybe a little theater of the mind.
4. What kind of show prep do you do before your show each day?
A few hours on the net, and however much production is necessary. I just try and find things of interest to our audience and mold them in my image. Sure, I have a God-complex.
5. What is your goal each day on-air?
Compelling radio.
6. What would surprise people most about Q101?
Hmmm ... being the first major market station that I've ever worked for, I'm still impressed at the sheer OPERATION of it all. We probably have three different levels of our interactive department, which is tops in the country, our promotions and marketing departments are rock solid, our sales dept constantly outsells the market, Ned Spindle's imaging. There are so many talented people here. Mike Stern is a Zen Master PD, and APD Spike has phenomenal hair. And our new morning show (The Morning Fix) is unlike anything you've heard: A parody of the news radio format a la the Daily Show. Given all that, I'd say what's most surprising is how Q101 constantly pushes the boundaries of the product, in every aspect.
7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Aqua Teen Hungerforce.
8. Besides Q101, what is your favorite radio station and why?
I grew up with DC101, and whenever I'm home I'm checking out what they're doing. Elliot kicks ass.
9. Biggest career highlight?
I don't know about the biggest, but my favorite: When the Confederate Flag controversy was raging in SC, we put a hot intern in a bikini, wrapped her in the flag, and remoted at the steps of the Statehouse. Megaphone in hand, she alternately protested and danced. For me, it was the perfect storm.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I'd like to think stand up comic, but probably lawyer.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Let's play some poker, donkey.
-
-