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10 Questions with ... Ryno
October 18, 2005
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NAME:RynoTITLE:APD/afternoon driveCOMPANY:Ft. Myers, FL (#64)STATION:WJBXMARKET:Beasley BroadcastingBORN:New YorkRAISED:in Upstate NY
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Did everything under the sun, from working in factories to turning wrenches in a garage. It's what makes me so relatable to the working stiff.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
The Night Chicago Died by Paper Lace was the first record I played over and over.
FIRST CONCERT:
Ozzy in Utica, NY
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
AC/DC
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I just kind of fell into it. When I was working in a garage in Texas years ago, I gave a guy a ride home that did overnights at a radio station in San Antonio. I told him I wouldn't mind doing that and he gave me the name and number of a station that I could intern at on the weekends (wish I knew who and where that guy was now, would love to thank him). Once I cracked the mic for the first time, that was it.
2. What brought you to WJBX?
I worked at a once great Heritage Rock station in Syracuse. When Bob O'Dell and I ran that place we were unbeatable. They screwed O'Dell over and soon after they screwed me. John Rozz and I soon hooked up and talked about how radio used to be and how it was still being done like that at 99X. WJBX is a one of kind Alternative station that really rocks and also lets the personalities BE personalities! Just look at this staff: John Rozz is an amazingly solid and talented PD with one of the best reputations in the country; Zito and Garrett are a hugely successful morning show, who by the way were number #1 last book...again; the sassy and phone crazy Alexis (the real one) sluts up the midday shift; and one big bitch at night, Jenn The Rock Bitch that is, who is down with all the hard shit and really gets her role as a night chic. So as you can see, this was the easiest move of my career.
3. What part of your job do you like best?
Finally being in a place that totally gets it really helps. I am lucky enough to work with people I really like now. We have a staff that is extremely motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to win. I love that and missed it. So, in short, I love every part of my job.
4. What is your biggest challenge?
It's radio. Don't forget that it's not rocket science. I used to get worked up over a lot of things until a buddy of mine Dave Edwards, a great engineer in NY, told me to settle down and not sweat the small stuff. He assured me that the chances were pretty slim of anyone being killed by what happens on the radio. Good advice.
5. What would surprise people most about the station?
That we all actually like and respect each other. Well, at least in programming any way. Seriously, it is just a good building to be in. The sunshine helps too.
6. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?
having that five-hour release every day on the air. Great therapy
7. Besides WJBX, what is your favorite station and why?
I'm very competitive. I would never mention another station.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There are 20 people that work in radio, it's not rocket science and NO station is safe from themselves and lousy PDs who are clueless.
9. Biggest career highlight?
You kidding me? Giving Howard Stern diarrhea in December 2004, and being the brunt of his misdirected anger for a week straight. Loved that.
10. If you decided to completely change careers today, what would you do?
Consult.
Bonus Questions
How did you get the name Ryno?
Going back to early 2000, Bob O'Dell and I sat in room and tried to come up with a name that best fit my personality. We threw some names back and forth and all of a sudden, Bobby got that wild crazy look in his eye and said, "What about Ryno? We'll spell it with a Y." Who could say no to that crazy bastard. He told me that when I walked into a bar everyone would yell out Ryno like Norm on CHEERS. A few months went by and that actually happened and we just looked at each other and laughed, that crazy winning laugh. Best thing I ever did.
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