10 Questions with ... Michael Catherwood aka Psycho Mike

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at KROQ seven years ago as a van driver. It was the bottom entry level job in the promotions department. Then I got hired by Kevin And Bean to be an assistant producer. After about two years of doing that, they decided I could suck less at coming into the studio and running the board with them. Of course I sucked at that too, but I would do a voice bit every now and then to save myself. Then about a year ago I started hosting Loveline.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I wanted to be a rock star and I got a job at KROQ as a straight gig to pay the bills. Seven years later I have a career in broadcasting.

2. How did you get started with Kevin And Bean?

I was only working at KROQ for about seven months before Kevin And Bean hired me. I lied to them and told them I was very skilled in digital production. The guy they hired was a practicing alcoholic and didn't show up for work on his first day. They got so pissed they decided to hire me.

3. What's the story behind your nickname "Psycho Mike?"

Kevin And Bean gave it to me and I hate it so they insisted it stick. That's the classic criteria for radio nicknames right? You can't give it to yourself and you can't like it.

4. Tell us about the celebrity voice impersonations you do on Kevin & Bean. Do you have a favorite?

I love doing that stuff. Gene Simmons, K-Fed, Spencer, Manny Ramirez, Tommy Lee. They all suck except for my Gene Simmons. I stand behind that one.

5. What led to you co-hosting Loveline with Dr. Drew?

They needed a host and I really thought I'd be good at it. I'm an addict that has some years of sobriety under my belt and I feel like I can really relate to kids. I've got some self esteem issues and some inadequacies that make me a little more accessible to the callers.

6. What is the single biggest thing you bring to Loveline each night?

A sincere concern for the callers and a passion to be good at what I do. I feel like I owe it to the listeners and to KROQ to really commit everything I have to hosting that show.

7. What may shock people the most about Loveline?

Jeez I don't know. I still get shocked by Loveline every night.

8. What is a typical day like for you?

I wake up around 4am to drive in for Kevin And Bean show. First thing I do is set up the board and connect to Bean in Seattle. Then read the paper or blogs with hot chicks on them. Afterwards I go home sleep then hit the gym. I'll play some guitar before Loveline. Return home around 1am and try to catch a nap.

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

My Dogs.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I think people have this image of me as a tough guy or a meat head. I'm really not that way at all. I go to museums about as much as I go to ball games. I am much more sensitive and artsy than people think.

What are your hobbies?

Writing and playing music. Surf a bit. Lifting weights and Yoga.

Last non-industry job?

Janitor at a Prosthetics lab

First record ever purchased?

Master of Puppets. It's true.

First concert?

Beach Boys...LOVED IT

Favorite band of all-time?

Toss up. Black Flag or Faith No More. You said band so I didn't include Waylon Jennings, Tom Petty, Cash or Dylan.