10 Questions with ... Mike Tomano

NAME:Mike Tomano TITLE:Morning Host STATION:WKAN Talk AM1320 MARKET:Kankakee, Illinois COMPANY:STARadio Corp. BORN:South Side of Chicago RAISED:Chicago

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Since 1990, I've worked in a number of formats, from active rock to jazz, oldies to talk, loving every minute of it. Well, almost every minute! From 1995 to 2003, PD and morning host of The KAT, 105.5 in Joliet. 2003 to present, Morning Host at WKAN.

1. How did you get your start in radio?

I heard of an opening at a little cornfield station in the suburbs. I put together a crude tape and drove over to drop it off. That was WDND in Wilmington, Illinois in 1991. It was a "can you start now?" desperate situation, but I thought I got the job 'cause I was so good. Ah, the blissful ignorance of youth!

2. What are you passionate about?

I'm passionate about freedom. The freedom to express my self, protect my family and pursue happiness without interference is very important to me. I'm passionate about my work. I love what I do and try to top myself each day. I see so much of the "ah, it's only radio" attitude out there and it makes me sick. I'm thankful every moment that I'm able to make a living doing something so wonderful. I'm passionate about creating radio with attention to detail and craftsmanship. Radio is as legitimate a medium as film or television, why not treat is as such?

3. You made the switch from music morning shows to talk radio- what changes and adjustments, if any, did you have to make in moving to the talk realm?

It was a natural progression. I had been champing at the talk bit for a long time and had envisioned the prepping and pacing adjustments I'd have to make. I'm constantly taking notes throughout my day and solidifying my opinion on news items and daily issues, which works the brain out. With talk, you've got to hone your chops. Music takes up a lot of the slack for you. In my music days, I worked with a partner, Steve Touhy, who is one of the most naturally funny people in the world, he made it easy. Doing issues & lifestyle talk, it's an adjustment to keep from becoming self-serving. Everyday, it's my duty to stimulate discussion, be an opinion maker and cause my audience to react to what they're hearing.

4. You continue to do a lot of comedy and character voice work and include a lot of entertainment on your show. Who are your comedy heroes- who and what make you laugh?

My biggest influence in radio comedy was Steve Dahl and Garry Meier in the late '70s and into the '80s in Chicago. Hearing them when I was in grade school was an epiphany that shaped my life's course. When I heard Flo & Eddie with Frank Zappa I had a similar reaction. They were so hip and free-form and outrageous, I loved it! Growing up, Richard Pryor was it for me. Later on, I discovered Lenny Bruce, Nichols & May, The National Lampoon Radio Hour, Lily Tomlin and others who used characterization in their work. Also, the spirit of anarchy perfected by the Marx Brothers and Monty Python had a huge effect on me, too. These days, I'm in awe of Harry Shearer and Martin Short. Human behavior makes me laugh. We are a goofy species.

5. What's the best celebrity interview you've ever done? How about the worst?

So many great ones stand out. Bob Newhart, the week he was given The Mark Twain Award. Samuel L. Jackson calling in to promote "Pulp Fiction." Having Ted Nugent on following 9/11 was incredible. The spirit of patriotism soared. Talking movies with Tim Curry was really cool, too. The worst would have to be Jeff Conaway, of "Grease" and "Taxi" fame. He wouldn't talk about "Grease" or "Taxi." "Um, okay, so, uh...who's better Led Zeppelin or Rush?," you know?

6. Of what are you most proud?

My family. My wife, Denise is my best friend and our daughter, Leah, is the cornerstone of my existence. Fatherhood is the highest high.

7. If you hadn't gone into radio, what do you imagine you'd be doing right now?

I would have carried on in the theater. I started at Second City's Children Theater. I love writing for and performing on the stage. I romanticize about becoming an olive famer or restoring monster trucks, but, since I know nothing of cultivating olives and can barely figure out how to inflate the tires of my Chrysler, I remain a radio guy.

8. What do you do for fun?

If I'm not at work or at home, chances are I'm in the woods or on the water. Archery, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, rafting...it's all magical stuff to me. The Great Outdoors is a lifestyle. I love music. I'm a vinyl collector geek to this day and love to haunt the old record stores. I watch a lot of horror movies and classic comedies. Other than that, I'm hangin' with my family and friends. Everyday truly is an adventure.

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

...laughing.

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

The best advice I ever got was "play to the smartest member of the audience." The worst advice I ever got was "quit talking about your personal life on the air."