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10 Questions with ... Mandy Connell
April 15, 2008
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NAME:Mandy ConnellTITLE:Host of "Daybreak with Mandy Connell"STATION:WINK News RadioMARKET:Fort Myers/Naples, FLCOMPANY:Meridian BroadcastingBORN:Lake City, FLRAISED:By Wolves (in Lake City)
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my career in Orlando at Real Radio 104.1 producing the overnights with Drew Garabo. I left Real Radio to join WQTM 540 the Team's Morning show with Jerry O'Neill and the Shot Doctor. In 2000, I joined 97.3 The SKY (WSKY) in Gainesville, FL as a News Reporter/Anchor. I landed at WINK News Radio in 2005 and took over the morning talk show shortly thereafter, bringing it from #8 to #1 in two books!
1. How did you get your start in radio? Why radio?
I was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines when I met Dick Robinson, the founder of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, during a flight. He thought I'd be great in radio and helped me get a scholarship to the school. I took a leave from Delta, went to CSB in North Palm Beach and went to work as an intern from Real Radio shortly thereafter. Needless to say, I never went back to flying.
Why radio? No heavy lifting and very little math. And I love and happen to be good at it.
2. What are you passionate about?
My family, my dog, and talk radio. I love the immediacy of the format, I love the freedom to express myself, and I love hearing from people who disagree with me. And I love making people laugh.
3. How did the work you did as a producer and sidekick in Orlando prepare you for being the anchor of a morning show? How much of an adjustment was it to move from the support role to being the star?
First and foremost, I learned a lot about how to treat the people that help me do the show. My producer Jeff Wolf and my News guy Dave Rode both know (I think) how valuable they are to me and the show. It was a huge personal adjustment for me from support to star, in that I have to know about EVERYTHING now. I can't just flip on my mic occasionally and make a snarky comment. I have to make MANY snarky comments in a row. I've gone from seasoning to main dish, and that has meant a ton more work and prep time. But it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO worth it.
4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?
Who knows? I have an uncanny knack to hear about something and say, that sounds fun, I'll do that. Hence the flight attendant gig.
5. You've evolved from your role on Real Radio through the sports stint to your present show, which has more political and news content. Did you feel comfortable with the more serious elements of your current show right away, or was there a learning curve?
9/11 changed me profoundly. I was doing news at the time, and it was as if the world snapped into focus for me. My priorities changed professionally at that moment. As much as I think Hot Talk and Sports radio serve a great entertainment purpose, I want to focus on the issues that will have a serious, long-term impact on the world. But that being said, I learned from Real Radio that my news guy's vasectomy is a great topic as well. Luckily, my bosses don't even know I do a show, so I have the flexibility to do both. I think the future of talk radio is going to be a combination of news and entertainment. You can make the best political point in the world, but if you're boring, it won't matter because no one is listening. I'm very grateful to have such a varied foundation to grow on.
6. Who's the best guest you've interviewed? The worst?
This is a tough question because I have gotten to interview some great guests. Mitt Romney was fantastic, Lawrence Reed from the Heritage Foundation is fascinating. The worst interviewee, but quiet possibly the funniest interview I've ever done was with the Rev. Fred Phelps, the nutball from the Westboro Baptist Church, the "God Hates Fags" guy. He hung up on me in 29 seconds. I wear that one like a badge of honor.
7. What one thing about you would surprise people if they knew about it?
I'm very uncomfortable being the center of attention. I'm not used to people being excited to meet me because I'm on the radio, it's still very strange to me.
8. What do you do for fun?
Spend time with my family and friends and visit my cabin in the woods of North Florida. That's where I'm stockpiling food and weapons...just in case. I'm kidding. Sort of.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________.
...surfing the net...it's like crack to me. Damn you, YouTube!
10. What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?
Best: "Never turn down a breath mint when offered." From my Mom.
Worst: "The show should be information driven, not personality driven." The consultant that I had to work with when I took over here. I didn't listen. I'm number one now, and he's not our consultant anymore.
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