10 Questions with ... Josh Bachmeier

NAME:Josh Bachmeier TITLE:Host/Producer STATION:WKRK Live 97.1 Free FM MARKET:Detroit COMPANY:CBS Radio BORN:Howell, Michigan RAISED:Southeast Michigan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Chicago - WLUP-FM, WBBM-FM; Detroit - WKRK-FM

NOTE: This interview was conducted before recent staff changes at WKRK.

1. How did you get into radio? Why?

After years of mulling it over, I woke up one day and decided to move to Chicago and give it a try. I've always loved making people laugh and listening to myself talk; radio gives me a chance to entertain and, on rare occasions, inform.

2. What are you passionate about?

I'm very passionate about the show and life in general. You only get one go 'round, so you gotta make it do what it do.

3. Since a real Hamtramck House Party would likely involve polka music, and that's not what you do, describe what the show's about- what are you guys doing? What makes the show different?

We're two normal guys form the Midwest who can laugh at themselves and, more importantly, others.

What makes the show different? ME, that's what.

4. What do you see yourself doing in ten years? Twenty?

In 10 years I'd like to have adopted a child from every country on Earth. I REALLY like helping.

20? Marketing my own line of salad dressing.

5. What annoys you about your on-air partner (Bill McAllister) the most? What's his best feature?

His penchant for spontaneous partial nudity. It's ugly. And he doesn't wear deodorant and/or anything with even a hint of fragrance. It's weird. He, like, has no smell. I don't trust a man that has no smell.

The best? His smooth caress and gentle touch, of course.

6. You've had weird animals and bugs and stuff in the studio, and you've given away Lions tickets (as further punishment?) to people who came in to eat disgusting bugs, "Fear Factor"-style. That raises the question: what grosses you out? And what won't you eat?

I have absolutely no use for reptiles- at all. Bill likes to exploit this every chance he gets.

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

Detroit has some of the best radio in the country. I grew up listening to Drew and Mike and Dick Purtan among others. I started listening to WKRK's own Deminski and Doyle about six years ago. Since Bill (McAllister) and I began our show on WKRK, Jeff (Deminski) and Bill (Doyle) have been really supportive and it's been great working with them and learning. Motor City Middays with Jay and Michelle here at WKRK is also a great show and has been very good to Bill and me as well.

(Editor's Note: Since the interview was conducted, Michelle McKormick left WKRK and Bill McAllister moved up to co-host MCM along with his Hamtramck House Party hosting duties.)

8. What do you do for fun?

I just enjoy getting out and living. I ride my motorcycle, I like scuba diving, and Detroit is a great sports town, so it's always fun to take in a game.

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

...making a complete and utter fool of myself... and kissing Bill- gently.

10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?

Best: "Follow your dreams."

Worst: "Follow your dreams."