10 Questions with ... Greg "GregR" Rampage

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

When a certain radio DJ didn't show up for work at KTEG I was that kid that inhabited the radio station at all times and somehow got thrown on the air - at 15... During college, I found a part-time gig at KFMA and they couldn't get rid me for the next eight years. I moved to Vegas where they decided four months was enough Rampage and sent me packing. LUCKILY I landed on my feet at the coolest Alternative station in the country.

1. How did you score afternoons at The End?

I may be a solid talent capable of wearing a dozen different hats, but it really does come down to knowing the right people like Edie Lundeen. She's tight with Mike Kaplan (PD) and could give him the scoop! Also, I was willing to work for less than everyone... ugh.

2. What makes the GregR show unique?

I'm ridiculously positive. There's something about that mile walk down Capitol Hill every morning that gets the blood going -- the espresso... Kaplan is always making fun of me for how on it I am first thing and that carriers over all day.

3. What is your show prep routine?

Local Seattle news feeds. They are everything. I'm busy bookmarking and starring twitter news from bed every morning while my dog is still snoring away under the blankets.

4. How do you take advantage of all the social network tools?

Just about every hour there is something to ping out to our social sites. Listeners LOVE weighing in on topics -- even simple "who's gonna win the game" stuff. Using our networks to include them has all but replaced the phones on my show. Everything happens on Facebook, Twitter and most importantly our texting service.

5. Tell us about GregR's Nerd Blog.

Red (AM), Harms (mid day) and I all have vastly different strengths when it comes to blogging. We all post things two-to-four times a day at a minimum so 1077theend.com constantly has new content. By the time Harms' shift wraps up; they've found a lot of great content about music, news, and entertainment. I started to figure out that my niche was in nerdy stuff. Robots, lasers, and animals doing dumb stuff are all up my alley.

6. Your goal for each show?

Better teases and fewer boring details. I want to leave feeling like I didn't rely on any "they'll be here on the 4th -- more info at our website."

7. What do you like best about living in Seattle?

I've never lived in a place where people are so good at entertaining themselves. At the same time, I've never lived anywhere that had so many local craft beers. Coincidence?

8. Who in radio are your influences, your mentors, the people to whom you listen?

I'll never live this down amongst my coworkers, but Mike Kaplan taught me more about how to talk to someone -- to tell a story -- than anyone else. Lots of people have given me a break but no one has pushed me as hard as Mike -- he's also real good about buying a round of drinks after work!

I love what Adam Carolla is doing with his podcasting.

I'm still super close with Chris "The Ego" Firmage at KFMA. Marc Young has come to my aid numerous times, and John Michael is THE MAN in Los Angeles.

9. What are you passionate about?

Other than my Boston Terrier, Chowder 5000, I've developed this crazy Hungarian pride. My father is an immigrant and in recent years I've become obsessed with my heritage. The food still sucks. Also, I love Formula 1 and MotoGP.

10. What has been the biggest highlight of your radio career?

Seattle is the highlight. When I lost my job in Vegas, I became comfortable with the idea that I could grow into a different career. Then I got to Seattle and that immediately changed. Joe Hammill (Promotions Director) and I are obsessed with the Seattle Sounders FC MLS Soccer. There's an incredible music scene. I don't have to drive EVER! The tap water is amazing too!!

What stands out the most from your first radio job at KTEG/Albuquerque?

I can barely remember the dude, but Swami Rob the night guy at time told me "Keep it short and no PD will ever get mad at you." In this 140 characters or less world, he was on to something.