10 Questions with ... Chris The Ego

NAME:Chris The Ego TITLE:APD/MD/afternoons STATION:KFMA MARKET:Tucson COMPANY:Arizona Lotus BORN:on a dark, stormy night in Salt Lake City RAISED:in a barn (Salt Lake City)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as a dumb kid at the great KRZQ in Reno. I quit radio, realized what I was missing, and after college, latched on, thanks to the encouragement of many brilliant minds, at KFMA.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

I was an account manager for Xerox. It was a real job. Ever seen Office Space?

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

Not sure, but I was pretty stoked for the Tears For Fears album I got for Christmas.

FIRST CONCERT:

Living Colour and Primus at the Salt Air in SLC. It was awesome!

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Ugh, if I say U2 that makes me lame. So I'm going to say... U2.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I've listened to it my entire life. I've always loved music. I actually decided to try out and intern at KRZQ for a bet. Someone owes me a 6-pack.

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

I'm not answering this, because I used to have pretty sorry music taste. But I used to get mad a certain girlfriend who always wanted to listen to X96. She was obviously smarter than me.

3. What do you like best about your job? Least?

I love the ability we all have to create something that is hopefully entertaining and relates to everyone listening. I hate the current economic conditions within the industry, but that applies almost everywhere.

4. What has been your biggest challenge since being promoted to MD?

I'm a control freak, so I still have my grubby lithe fingers in all our imaging, which means I have far less time for EVERYTHING. I absolutely love being able to access and implement the music part of the job though.

5. What would an outsider find most surprising about KFMA?

I'm not sure what people would expect. We're all pretty grounded people and we all actually like each other. Oh, and we're glad to be rid of Greg Rampage. I'm of course totally kidding. You're gonna do great, son.

6. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

That I'm not actually a jerk, and that I'm not actually gay.

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

Wow, coffee, ESPN, my beautiful wife and unbelievably gorgeous 3 month old daughter...and beer, beer's tasty.

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

You can get a good look at a t-bone by sticking your head up the bull's...I think you have to be real. Its cliché, but your audience will figure it out if you're not.

9. What has been your greatest accomplishment?

This is going to sound cheesy as hell, but all accomplishments pale in comparison to having a beautiful daughter

10. If you were to leave radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

Are you trying to tell me something? My dream is sports broadcasting but I would love to be a chef.

How has your new baby girl changed your life?

I'll try to keep this brief; humility, the actual understanding of unconditional love, infinite admiration for mothers everywhere, immunity to human excrement, and the return of child wonderment. It's freakin' amazing! Just don't attempt, until you're damn sure ready (and then wait two or three years, condoms rule).