10 Questions with ... Randy Slack

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started as a part-time talent and promo guy for WUBE, went over to iHeart in Cincinnati and worked for WLW and WEBN. Turned that into a bigger gig in Pittsburgh at WDVE and WXDX, and now I'm hosting my own shows in Wilmington.

1. How did you first become interested in radio? 

I got a chance to do color commentary for a small station where I grew up, WXZQ, and afterward, I wanted to figure out how to do that forever.

2. What was your biggest takeaway from learning the ropes at WEBN in Cincinnati and WDVE and WXDX in Pittsburgh? 

Those stations are brands. WEBN and DVE are rock radio royalty and you don't do that overnight. You become a member of the community. Everyone wants to do that, but it takes time and effort locally. 

3. What led you to Sunrise Broadcasting in 2018? 

I wanted to do my own show. Being the producer for Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show was a great experience, but I wanted to do my own thing. After applying all over the country for a gig, I found WRMR, and I think it's been a great fit for me.

4. In addition to mornings on Modern Rock 98.7 you program WFMD (ESPN Wilmington). What is a typical workday like for you? 

I'm up at the gym by 4am, and usually get to the building at 5. My first show starts at 6, and admittedly, I track the last bit of the show so I can get things done as needed before my 11am talk show. Once that show ends at 12, I'll get any prod work, sports scheduling, or those damn affidavits done. I try to connect with my PD at WRMR, Eric White, about anything going on with the station either in the short term or long term. WRMR turns 10 in 2021, and I have some ideas.

5. Let’s shift back to mornings on Modern Rock 98.7. Tell us about The Morning Alternative on Modern Rock 98.7? 

It features a good amount of music in-between my ramblings about things going on around town or in my life. I like to do fun things with the music, like bumper to bumper (a first letter, last letter type segment) 90's at 9, and the Weekend Pregame. If you're not into me, maybe the music we play and the library exploration we do will tickle your fancy. It's a regular buffet.

6. How would you describe your on-air style? 

Loud and Ridiculous. Did you know there's one grocery store in town that has the audacity to charge $1.39 for Gatorades? I'm never paying more than a dollar for a Glacier Freeze. Sometimes I yell.

7. What is your show prep routine? 

I use Complete Sheet, Reddit, Barstool, social media, and regular life to prep. I rarely do celebrity news, and I have no idea when awards shows happen, but I do know that a taco place was supposed to open for months and nobody knew what was happening and I kept that meme alive. People would rather hear about things happening in town that what some famous person is doing.

8. What do you love most about being on-air?

I love to entertain people. I feel like I needed to find an outlet to do that to be creative. I've started doing stand-up comedy as well, but I just love radio.

9. Who is your favorite on-air personality not on your staff and why do you like them? 

I love Bill Cunningham at WLW. He could do dramatic speeches, over the top monologues, great interviews, knew what the city wanted to talk about and just the way he carried himself. Politics aside, Bill Cunningham is one the best all time. I have to throw an honorable mention to Jay Gilbert and Randy Baumann as well. I've been lucky enough to work around some awesome talent.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________? 

Twitter! It's so much better than Facebook.

What are weekends like for you during a pandemic?

Pretty much the same. I'm lazy most weekends.

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

Winnie's Tavern, Flaming Amy's Bowl, and Hell's Kitchen. Also, god bless Cook Out. Outside the weather, my favorite part of the South.

How often do you get back to Ohio and what are your top priorities when you get back home?

It's a long drive, maybe once or twice a year. Seeing family is my top priority.

Your bio says you have a love/hate relationship with the Cincinnati Bengals. Explain and rank your sports teams in order of passion.

I love the Reds, because they seem like they try. However, the Bengals are the worst. They're like a drunk uncle. They annoy you and you constantly tired of their crap, but you have to be there for them. And just because I run them down, doesn't mean you can.

First record ever purchased?

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, Blink-182

First concert?

Conway Twitter

Favorite band of all-time?

Metallica is pretty cool.

Favorite new band over the past year?

The Dirty Nil puts out good stuff. I've really been getting into Des Rocs as well.

Anything else you would like to add?

After applying for almost every job listed on All Access for years, it's pretty crazy to be on the site as an interview. Local radio works.