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10 Questions with ... Cassiday Proctor & Anthony Wise
March 15, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. We both worked at Hubbard St. Louis, but we never worked together. In fact, I’m not sure we ever had any conversations outside of basic hallway small talk. When I landed mornings here in Buffalo, Anthony was one of the first people I thought of as we made a list of candidates for co-host. He has so much untapped talent and ability, yet no one has ever been smart enough to put him in mornings. I’d like to think I’m just smarter than those people. Seriously though, I wouldn’t have made it as far as I did in radio without someone seeing something special in me and giving me a chance. Anthony just needed that chance.” - Cassiday Proctor
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
(Cass) I got my start at KAMX in Austin, TX where I was on The Bridget And Carey Show as a producer. I was then moved up to The JB and Sandy Show after a few months. Then it was The Drex And Maney Show on WNKS in Charlotte, NC and hosting the TV Show The Edge on WCCB/Charlotte. After that, it was The Drex, Cassiday, And Tingle Show on WSTR/Atlanta, then Spencer’s Neighborhood on WARH/St. Louis and then I moved back to my hometown of KC where I did afternoons on KCJK, and then added middays on KCHZ.
(Anthony) KTBG and KDKD in Western Missouri were the first stations to take a chance on me. Total Traffic Network STL gave me my first job out of college. Downsized after 3-4 years but was back in the building of iHeartRadio STL after a month off. Promotions, Production/Imaging and on-air (KLOU, KSLZ) till I became syndicated morning producer for Elvis Duran on KSLZ-FM and Bobby Bones on KSDFM. Did additional on-air and production work for KBWX, KMJM, KATZ and KLLT. Emmis Radio with KPNT and KSHE before being purchased by Hubbard. Was on-air for KPNT while also doing production and imaging work for WARH, WXOS, KPNT, KSHE and WIL.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
(Cass) Riding to school in the carpool in Kansas City as a kid. I always loved listening to the radio, especially to Randy Miller who did mornings as a shock jock on Q104.
(Anthony) I always enjoyed the connection between jock-music-listener. I grew up with Stern in the mornings and Love Line at night. Radio and music were a huge part of my childhood.
2. Talk about how you both worked in the same building in St. Louis and how this opportunity came together for you to form a new morning show.
(Cass) We both worked at Hubbard St. Louis, but we never worked together. In fact, I’m not sure we ever had any conversations outside of basic hallway small talk. When I landed mornings here in Buffalo, Anthony was one of the first people I thought of as we made a list of candidates for co-host. He has so much untapped talent and ability, yet no one has ever been smart enough to put him in mornings. I’d like to think I’m just smarter than those people. Seriously though, I wouldn’t have made it as far as I did in radio without someone seeing something special in me and giving me a chance. Anthony just needed that chance.
(Anthony) We had like 3 convos when we worked together. It was a huge surprise that Cass even thought of me. When she sent me a message on the day of her child's birth and it wasn't a picture of the baby, but a message about the show, I knew then she was serious. Mornings has always been the goal; I am thankful to be able to finally step up and show that I am capable.
3. What have you learned about each other in the short time working together on-air and how have you developed on-air chemistry?
(Cass) Anthony LOVES weed. (Don’t worry, it’s legal here). He is a very hard worker. He is very go with the flow, and understanding of my dual roles as a radio personality and a mom/wife. Of all the people I’ve worked with in radio, I feel Anthony is one of the most open. Many personalities edit themselves or tell half-truths to create a better “image” of who they are on air. Anthony has kept it real from day one, and the listeners LOVE it. We have gotten so much great feedback about him and his stories. We have developed chemistry quickly by being open, being ourselves, and bringing our unique perspectives to every topic we do. We couldn’t be more different on paper, so I love highlighting the things and viewpoints that make us different in our breaks.
(Anthony) Cass knows how to play the part. She is open, not only in her life, but also how to go about the show. Cass does a great job of making sure the show is inclusive/cooperative as much as possible while still taking the time to lead when its needed. She puts the show above any ego and that has been a rarity in my time in the industry. Cass has welcomed me into her family and continues to amaze me as she adapts to whatever situation life/radio throws at her while still PUMPING MILK FOR HER BABY. Cass has provided an environment for me to be authentic and that has let us grow our chemistry exponentially.
4. Let’s talk about Cass & Anthony Mornings 6-10 On The Edge. So, you play about 9 songs each hour. Your morning show page on The Edge website says, “It’s a show about real life in Buffalo, comedy, pop culture, music, sports and more.” Discuss your role on the show.
(Cass) I’m the quarterback as far as the structure of the break goes, but once the mic is cracked and the station and the show is identified, it’s anyone’s game. We have a healthy mix of personal stories and fun stuff from the news or pop culture, and lots of Buffalo content. Buffalo loves Buffalo and we know that in order to succeed here, our show needs to be for Buffalo and about Buffalo. I think we are doing a nice job of that so far.
(Anthony) I guess I am like the bass or drums. Its call and response. Cass dishes the bit, and I am there to receive it and send it back. We have similar humor and when we want to take our ideas to another level, my imaging background helps create the theater of the mind we both enjoy playing in. Cass has some experience in Buffalo, but I am brand new, so I try to bring that perspective to the show in order to connect with the audience.
5. How would you describe your on-air style?
(Cass) I’m probably more of the straight laced one and Anthony is the wild card. It’s a change for me, as every radio show I’ve been on until now, I’ve been a second mic or player on a multi person show. It was a bit of a challenge to switch from “reactor” to host, but I feel like we have settled into our roles, and we are finding our unique style both as individuals and as a team.
(Anthony) Team player. My voice is big, so I have been asked to lead many times before, it’s nice to be able to fallback and just react to what Cass throws at me. We grew up around the same time, in similar areas, so it has become a fun game for me to see where our mental parkour can take us on any break. Cass builds the structure and I try to do my best to bend it without breaking it.
6. What is your show prep routine?
(Cass) First, I want to make sure we look at what EVERYONE going to be talking about today at work/school/the bar… to make sure we don’t miss that BIG story. Second, I always want to lean heavily on what is going on in our personal lives and in the lives of people in Buffalo. I feel like show content can literally come from anywhere, so it’s a matter of being open all the time and saying “oh that’s a bit for the radio” when something happens. In a world where we are constantly being inundated with content, it can be easy to go for what’s “trending” or hot right now. I feel like prep is more about finding WHY people care about topics and creating content where they feel like they’re sitting with friends having drinks when they listen to our show. I never want it to feel like they’re watching the news when they listen to our show. It’s all about connection.
(Anthony) I prep the local news and sports. The news is quick hits from local newspapers and TV. Buffalo loves its sports teams. These fans pay attention too. They know their stats and have opinions on 2nd and 3rd string players and their coaches. Concise but informative is always the goal with news and sports. As for general topics, I always want to find the relatable and the funny. If it matches those qualities, then it’s at least a contender for getting on the air.
7. It appears Twitter @RadioCass and @AnthonyUntamed is your #1 choice for connecting with listeners on social media? How are you using social media to augment what you’re doing on-air?
(Cass) I’ll be the first to admit I could use social media more to augment what we are doing on-air. However, I think we are doing a fair job of connecting to Buffalo listeners in the spaces they utilize the most. Buffalo is a Twitter and Reddit city, so we utilize both of those as often as we can. I look forward to creating an even bigger social presence for the show as we grow.
(Anthony) There is definitely room for growth in this department. As we continue to grow as a show and establish our benchmarks, we will most certainly have to up our social efforts to attract more listeners and interactions. In the era of high connectivity, it is imperative that we be accessible to the audience within reason. The interaction we have received has been fun and affirming, it has been great to see who is been paying attention.
8. What do you love most about being on-air?
(Cass) Telling stories and being a part of our listeners daily routine. Entertaining.
(Anthony)I have been doing so many background jobs in radio for so long, it's really nice to just be talent, to be the most interesting me I can be is a lot more fun than remembering stop set times on 6 different stations.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
(Cass) I’ve spent most of my life telling myself I’m an extrovert, but getting into radio helped me to realize I’m an introverted extrovert. Radio lets me live both of those realities. Also yes, I’m THAT chick who gave birth live on the radio. People always are surprised that was me.
(Anthony) My competitiveness I like to win, I am used to winning. I will put forth the effort to figure out how to win.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
(Cass) Coffee. I have two kids and my baby is still not sleeping through the night so morning radio can be a little crazy sometimes. Coffee forever.
(Anthony) Water. I carry it by the jug.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
(Cass) Doing stuff with my kids and my husband, exploring the city’s cool spots and eateries, and drinking as much craft beer as I can.
(Anthony) When it is not snowing, I like to be amongst the people. Either meeting new people or listening to live music. If its snows, then I am reading or playing video games.
What are your favorite places to eat in Buffalo?
(Cass) Mister Sizzles, it’s this new-ish eatery with amazing burgers, milkshakes, and cocktails. I’m currently having to live dairy free so it’s awesome to find a place that takes food allergens seriously but also the food doesn’t suck. Their food is phenomenal. I also love Cafe 59, The Beerkeep, and Bar Bill Tavern.
(Anthony) I am still figuring that out. I feel like it's a never ending search for the best tacos, but I have been getting lots of lamb curry since they are right around the corner from me.
Cassiday, I guess you became a Bills fan before you moved to Buffalo. Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
(Cass) I’ve been a Bills fan since 2008, when I met my husband. We were living in Austin, TX and our first date was watching a Bills game together. I would say Bills rank at the top, but I also have major love for the University Of Kansas Men’s Basketball team, and the Kansas City Royals. When I was in KC most recently, I worked for 2 seasons in a production role for the KC Chiefs and even earned a Super Bowl ring, which was pretty cool.
(Anthony) Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey. I was a Rams football fan once upon a time but that changed with Kronke. I am without a team for football but some of my favorite players were Bills players at one point in their career and Bills fans have been generous so I can see myself becoming a lifer.
First record ever purchased?
(Cass) Oh man, I think it was Hootie And The Blowfish Cracked Rear View. But I definitely was rocking The Disney Disco album on vinyl as a kid.
(Anthony) Vinyl? I don’t have any, first tape was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Out of Our Shell Tour. First CD was Seal.
First concert?
(Cass) I was a music festival baby. My mom and dad took me along to all their outings, so I have it on good authority one of my first experiences was the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado in 1990.
(Anthony) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Coming Out of our Shell Tour.
Favorite band of all-time?
(Cass) I hate this question. How to pick just one? Bon Iver, Local Natives, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Hozier are what came to mind today.
(Anthony) That’s tough. The band I have seen live the most is a 3-piece jam band from STL called Aaron Kamm and The One Drops. My favorite band changes with the seasons, but currently I would say its Funkadelic.
Favorite new band over the past year?
(Cass) Ayron Jones
(Anthony) Silk Sonic
Anything else you would like to add?
(Cass) This was fun. Thanks. Go Bills.
(Anthony) Thank you for reaching out.
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