10 Questions with ... Paul Schadt

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WSOC FM 1981 - 1997
• WKKT FM THE KAT 1997 - Current

1) Congrats on THIRTY YEARS on the air in Charlotte! Does it feel like it's been 30 years and what's the secret to keeping your show fresh over all this time?

It does not seem like thirty years. It has gone incredibly fast and the way we keep things fresh is we get a new sidekick every few years. It's very much like Menudo in their heyday!

2) I know that WKKT has done some really cool things to celebrate the milestone. Tell us about that- I hear there were even special "Got Schadt?" shirts and masks for listeners?

Yes everyone has been very thoughtful on how out of the way they've gone to celebrate, the t-shirts were great and at first the masks were too- until it appeared on tape I had knocked off a 7 11.

3) Originally you were looking at going into the police force. What made you change your mind to radio and how did you get your start?

Once I found out you could make millions of dollars and hardly ever get shot at I was all in. I got my start as an intern for Jack Benny.

4) Thirty years on the air is a big accomplishment, especially in one city. What advice would you give to those looking to get into the radio industry now?

Once you get on the air do a really good highly rated show!

5) What has changed the most since you started in radio for better or worse?

When I first started in PD's and GM's seemed like old guys, now a days they don't.

6) I read that you have even had a street named after you in the Mint Hill area. How did that come to be?

I got the Mayor tickets to Taylor Swift!

7) Your mustache is pretty much famous at this point. I know other staffers there and listeners were challenged to grow a mustache as part of the celebration of your 30 year anniversary. Did anyone come close to growing one like yours and has anyone ever talked you into shaving it on a bet?

To this day no one has or ever will be able to grow one like I have, and in the last 30 years it has come off only once, a bet or "challenge' to raise a certain amount of money for St Jude. The money was raised and Kellie Pickler came on stage and shaved it off. Before I got home that night it had entirely grown back and thicker.

8) Tell us about your involvement with NASCAR and who is your favorite driver?

I've been doing the syndicated show "Racing Country" on the PRN network for about 20 years. As far as favorite driver, I'd have to say Morgan Freeman in that movie he did.

9) I am sure you have had the chance to interview almost all of the Country artists over the years. Who have a few of your favorites been and why?

Some of my favorites have been, the man in black Johnny Cash, Garth, Kenny, Tim and Blake Shelton who revealed to me privately that he is really a women trapped in a mans body.

10) Who have your mentors been inside or outside of radio during your career and what's the best advice you have given?

My first two program directors/mentors have probably meant the most to my career, the late Don Bell, and the still kicking Paul Johnson. They are two people that inspired and took a chance on me, and the best advice I received in my career came early, I was told to do a "really good highly rated show" and so far it has worked out.

1) What is the best restaurant in Charlotte and what should we get there?

Bojangles. Try the biscuits!

2) If you had to pick another market to work in, which one would it be and why?

Near a beach with palm trees and warm weather year round!

3) What is the first song you remember playing on the radio?

"Queen of Hearts" - Juice Newton