10 Questions with ... Nelson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

After leaving college here at IWCC I worked overnights at KQKQ in town and eventually worked up to producing the Pat & JT Show, mornings on the station. From there I got my first hosting position as co-host of Gary & Nelson on KFGE Froggy 98 in Lincoln. After 10 years there I took over mornings here at The River.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I’ve loved radio since I was a little kid. I would call into radio shows when they were running topics that were way too old for me, I didn’t care I just wanted to be a part of the magic. I have fond memories of being a listener and meeting my favorite jocks at a remote or other live appearance. Hell, I used to call into a guy on KQKQ and give funny lines that he would air occasionally, and it was the best feeling in the world.

2. You were most recently co-hosting mornings on Country KFGE (Froggy 98) in Lincoln. What led you back to your radio roots at 89.7 The River?

It was one of those perfect moments in broadcast that seem to be far and few between. The previous host was leaving the station and I had recently reconnected with Sophia John the GM at The River. When the time came that she needed a new show I was at the top of her list. I was excited to hear from her about this opportunity and knew that I had to jump at the chance.

3. What does everyone need to know about Nelson’s Morning Fiasco?

That it’s an escape from the daily grind. A place you can turn to get your mind off everything else weighing you down.

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

Dumb and loud. The dumber the better. I know when I’m cooking up a new bit that if I catch myself chuckling like an idiot while creating it it’s going to be exactly what I was looking for.

5.  What is your show prep routine?

It’s a mix of right after the show, taking stock of what happens in my life during the rest of the day and finishes the next morning before the show fires up again. I take a 20 minute break after each show and then I sit down at the computer and start building tomorrow’s show. It begins by seeing what’s trending and deciding if it’s relevant to the audience. From there I like to leave holes open to fill with character defining and lifestyle content that I see throughout the day. Then in the morning when I get in, I talk with the other members of the show and see what’s happening in their lives to determine what we can convert into relevant breaks.

6.  What do you love about working at The River?

First off, it’s the people. I’ve known my boss since the day she took over as GM here and she has my back in all things. Our midday guy Skinman is a legend around this market, I can still remember meeting him a thousand years ago at a midnight madness release of some album, couldn’t tell you the artist even but I remember that bad ass dude with the long rocker hair sitting in the K-Rock van at Homer’s. Lastly our afternoon guy Corey was one of the first people in the business that talked to me like I was a peer even though he had every right to brush me off as some kid. The other thing I really love about this place is I feel like I can fail here and not worry about having someone breathing down my neck. I am comfortable taking big swings when it comes to content and if they don’t go over how I planned I can take the pieces that did work throw out the rest.

7.  There’s some pretty wild stuff on your socials. Tell us about how you use social media to augment what you’re doing on-air?

I see social media as the perfect way to reinforce all of the character defining things I bring up on the show. I also use it to add another dimension to things I air. If there’s a great parody that I release on the show, I’ll put a music video together to help it live on beyond the walls of the show itself. Then there’s the prep angle, I can’t tell you how many times just scrolling through TikTok has delivered killer content for the next day.

8.  What would surprise people most about you?

That I’m really sensitive and caring guy. A lot of times I know that I can come off as brash or gritty and in reality, I’m a softy that just wants to see everyone succeed.

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

I know as a dad I’m supposed to say my kids here, but if we’re being honest it’s TikTok. I’m just as bad as every teenager you see I just don’t do the dances.

10.  Your website, ThatsJustNelson.com has the following headline: Husband. Father. General Letdown. Explain.

First and foremost, this interview has taught me that I need to update my website as I’ve been divorced for over a year now… As for the why behind that tag line I feel like it really encompassed what is important to and about me. Family comes first and nothing makes me laugh more than classic self-deprecation.

What are weekends like for you?

A time to unplug. As much as you can when you’re always on the hunt for content.

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

This trashy little “Mexican” restaurant here in Omaha called Romeo’s. I used quotes there because if you’re imaging a real Mexican restaurant, you’re giving it too much credit. Imagine if Taco Bell was a sit down place with waiters and that’s more the ballpark 

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

Husker Football from now until the end of time!

The rest of my love goes to the New England Patriots

First record ever purchased?

Not sure but I certainly remember the first one I ever owned. Christmas of 94 I got a portable CD player and Dookie by Green Day. I swear I wore the digital ridges off that disc as many times as I played that dang thing.

First concert?

The Urge at this legendary tiny venue we used to have in Omaha called The Rach Bowl

Favorite band of all-time?

Without a doubt Incubus

Favorite new band over the past year?

Not a band but I’ve really been into DaBaby over the last year or so. When I’m not listening to the music that The River plays a LOVE me some rap and no one seems to be putting out records like he has been.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just how much I love to entertain. Ever since I was a kid I’ve had this need to perform for people and radio has given me a way to do that that just makes sense. The medium isn’t dead by any stretch of the imagination you just have to be on your game to succeed.