10 Questions with ... Isaac Wenzel "Isaac on-air"

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Currently, I host the afternoon drive on Magic 105, home for Today's Hit Music. I can also be heard on All Things Wrestling Radio, Saturday mornings on Today's Talk 1490.

I graduated from Winona State University in 2015 with a degree in Mass Communication. While I was at Winona State, I was heavily involved with the student radio station as a PD, Promotions Dir., Production Dir. and on-air personality.

Also during that time, I served as a production/on-air intern for the Power Trip Morning Show on 100.3 The Fan in Minneapolis.

Upon graduation, I briefly worked for KROC/Rochester as a weekend/fill-in jock before taking my current positions in August of 2015.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

I started off as an intern for the Power Trip Morning Show on 100.3 The Fan in Minneapolis. Best opportunity I could ever ask for, because I was surrounded by some of the most hilarious and creative guys in the business. While I would do a lot of intern-like duties (get coffee, let guests in, etc.), I'd also do a lot of on-air "bits" as well! It was pretty incredible because it was one of my favorite shows in high school and continues to be to this day.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Radio was something I was always passionate about. When I started working at the college radio station at Winona State Univ., I remember I felt like a kid in a candy store getting to try out all of the tools that I had picked up just by listening to radio. When I was a junior, a few colleagues and I created "the B Team Morning Show," where we produced all sorts of elaborate segments and bits. Essentially, once I started dipping my toe into radio, I knew that I wanted to do this for a living.

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Always, and it continues to grow throughout the course of my time here. I'm also the radio group's Interactive Media Dir. and I'll assist with production and promotions as well.

4) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, without question. I've always admired how hard he's worked to get where he's at today.

5) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Growing up in the Twin Cities, I would always listen to KDWB. Dave Ryan in the Morning was my favorite show, too. When I was in middle school, he came to race a bunch of the girls on the track team and I remember thinking it was the coolest event ever.

6) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

I've been fortunate enough to attend a lot of great concerts, but you really never forget the first ... N'SYNC at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis.

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I'm the resident WWE nerd here at the La Crosse Media Group. Heck, I even host a pro wrestling radio show on our sister station!

8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

I'm really all over the place. While I frequently listen to the music we play on Magic, I'm always crossing over into Country, Rock, Alternative -- you name it.

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

It's a platform to entertain the masses. When someone tells me they enjoyed hearing a bit I did, interview, etc., it makes my week.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

While I'm far from a "radio vet," I think it's important for people to learn to be as well-rounded as possible. Learn the ins and outs of social media, pick up some graphic design skills, figure out how to produce video ... you name it. Do whatever you can to enhance your station, programming and your personal brand as much as possible.

What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?

One time, doing play-by-play for a Winona State baseball game, I referred to the pitcher as "Casey Anthony" when his name was "Casey Jacobson." Yikes.