10 Questions with ... Ted Stryker  

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Tucson, AZ. Power 1490, 92.1 KFMA and 1490 The End (1993-1999)
Los Angeles - KROQ (1999 - 2021)
Loveline for 3.5 years (mid 2000's)
Out Of Order for 7 years roughly - still doing it
  Tuna On Toast With Stryker podcast
Appeared in over 300 episodes of TV
Dabbled in some acting... Grandma's Boy, The Sweetest Thing, Out Cold, Sushi Girl 

1. KROQ was your life for over two decades. Why did you decide to leave KROQ and what was your biggest takeaway? 

Thank you, Shawn, for this question. Over the last 18 months, my overall happiness and enthusiasm at work were very low for a variety of reasons. I needed to shake up my life professionally to get my energy back not only for everyday living, but for work. Whatever light I have internally and externally felt extinguished. Two months post KROQ, I feel like it's coming back. Biggest takeaway is that everything will be ok.

2.  What made you decide to branch out into the world of podcasting?

I love hunkering down on a drive, or a hike and locking into podcasts that I know will take me on an entertaining ride. I'm excited to create that same entertainment for those that checkout my pod. Doing a podcast for me was the logical next step, it's also something I could start right away.

3.  So, your new show, Tuna On Toast With Stryker debuts October 5th and you will feature in-depth interviews with never before heard stories from some biggest names in music. Tom Morello, Finneas, Mike Shinoda, Brett Gurewitz are among your initial guests. Take us behind the scenes of the first show on October 5th. What can we expect and how long will each show be each Tuesday?

Number one...I'm beyond grateful that the guests lined up said yes (before I had even recorded one episode) I have 14 artists ready to go as we speak. Each episode will be somewhere between 42 to 63 minutes. 

I also have a 3-camera setup at home so you can watch the show as well! Not all guests are coming over, a couple will be done on zoom.

4.  Do you ever see yourself working in radio again?

Great question.  Yes.  

5. From 2016-2019, you hosted a great in-depth weekly music interview/performance show on DirectTV’s Audience Network Channel. How different will your podcast show be and what will surprise people most about the show?

Thank you! My approach to the podcast is very similar to that of the TV series which I loved... Beyond prepared, relaxed, great content, laughs, positive vibes, safe space for the artists to let their hair down. I want the guest to shine! That's always the goal. Let them talk and zip it! I think once this thing really gets going, people will be surprised in a good way by the variety of guests.

  6.  Tell us about the studio you built in your home in L.A. and how hosting the show in this environment changes the dynamic of the podcast?

I've never been so excited to buy snacks and soda (for the guests). My second bedroom is now the podcast/tv studio. I had a vision for how I want to present Tuna On Toast visually and I think I'm pretty close to it. It's very professional while still having that relaxed feel to it. Now that the room is all set up, I'm ready for any artist/band/entertainer to stop by anytime, all I need is 3 minutes notice. Oh, you're going on Kimmel, yes you can stop by before or after. You're going out for sushi and drinks tonight, yes please!!  you can stop by my place first. 

  7.  What is your goal for each podcast?

My goal is to create a sense of belonging and community for those that listen, a fun cool little exclusive club. Another goal is that both the guest and listeners feel excited and enthused after each episode.

  8.  Talk about the process of launching Tuna On Toast and building an audience on all the places people go to get their Podcasts.

For the most part, Tuna On Toast is a one-person operation, it's on ME to build this thing one listener at a time. I've gotten emotional recently with how supportive people have been. The listeners have been the best! Their enthusiasm for my new venture has been really exciting. Professionals have reached out wanting to help in any way possible (from those in radio, past and present, to TV producers and editors, PR folks, managers, and the artists themselves). I feel proud (it's nice to feel that way again). Just getting this thing off the ground feels like an accomplishment. 

  9.  How did you come up with the name of the show and what else will you be doing to market Tuna On Toast?

I love having conversations in delis and diners.... I also love Seinfeld. Nothing ever worked out for George when he ordered Tuna On Toast, I'm hoping it works out for me.  In terms of marketing, I'll be appearing on other podcasts and relying on word of mouth.

10. You also continue to host your nationally syndicated weekly alternative countdown show “Out Of Order.” What drives you to host each week and could there potentially be some interview content added from Tuna On Toast? 

Holy cow, I cannot stress enough how much I love hosting this show.  YES YES YES...content from Tuna On Toast will be heard on Out Of Order, that way we can play the songs that go along with the conversation. THANK YOU Compass Media for letting us do our thing!  Out Of Order is me and the awesome producer Corey Irwin -- this dude is so talented.

What are weekends like for you?

We love eating breakfast burritos while watching Ted Lasso on Saturday mornings (7:40am) followed by the show DAVE (just got done with season 2). I love Palm Springs as well. I'm down for golf anytime! 

Favorite food?

Iceberg lettuce and pizza plus gas station desert

Favorite beverage?

Sugar Free Red Bull and Cherry Vanilla Diet Coke If we're out, I'd also be very happy with a nice vodka drink or tequila. 

Favorite restaurants in L.A.?

Fat Burger (specifically on Ventura Blvd)
Krispy Rice (postmates)
Apple Pan on Pico
Sandwiches at the Laurel Canyon Country Store on Laurel Can.
Sandwiches at Vendome Liquor on Robertson 

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

U. of Arizona men's basketball
Lakers
Dodgers
The Ryder Cup (golf)
Still deciding on Rams or Chargers 

Anything else you would like to add?

Happy and grateful that I was lucky enough to work at KROQ for 22 years, I only lasted that long because of how great the staff was. From top to bottom, it was such a great vibe all around.