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10 Questions with ... Steve Haywood
August 1, 2005
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NAME:Steve HaywoodPOSITION:On-Air Talent, afternoon drive co-host of "The Game" (with Bill Johnson)STATION:Milwaukee's ESPN Radio 1510 Days (WAUK)/1290 Nites (WMCS) and Madison's Fox Sports Radio 100.5 fm (WTLX)MARKET:Milwaukee and Madison, WICOMPANY:Good Karma BroadcastingBORN:MilwaukeeRAISED:Same spot
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
The slow and steady rise began at birth and has led me to this pinnacle of success (LOL).
1) How did you get your start in radio?
I started as a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; I helped to create, run and co host a hip-hop, R&B, Gospel & weekly slowjams show called "Club 91" with my buddy Danelle "Tiki" Ramsuer at WSUW. It was sponsored by our Black Student Union back in 1988.
2) What are you passionate about?
Kids getting access to opportunities in life. I go out of my way to let people know in the markets that we do our show about constructive things for kids to get into in sports. After that, just talking sports, and winning arguments.
3) Milwaukee's a pretty strong sports town- two sports stations, major league baseball and NBA basketball, the Packers up the road, major college sports, but what are the strongest topics for you? Is it all-Packers and Wisconsin football, all the time? Do the Brewers or Bucks get a lot of attention from the hard-core sports radio listener in Milwaukee?
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Packers are a year-round topic in Wisconsin; everybody else has to create buzz. Milwaukee is a town where, if you know you stuff on any sport, people will talk about it with you. I feel that most of our listeners are like Bill & myself; stubborn and passionate about their point(s) of view. I cover the Bucks and have an extensive knowledege of "The Association", so that helps in hoops season, but most fans in Milwaukee and Madison care about the hot topic of the day, which is good for us, because our diiversity is the strength of the show.
4) If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today? In 10 years?
Great question: something in communications or maybe even coaching... I live my life in 15 minute segments, so it's hard to say..
5) What's your one favorite/most memorable sports moment? (I'm assuming it doesn't involve the words "4th and 26")
Actually, a couple really stand out. Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals between the 76ers and the Bucks in 2001; for personal reasons it was just so cool to be right in the heart of the event. The 2002 All-Star Game at Miller Park (yeah, that's the tied game)- I was right there in the home hallway by the dugout with Commish Selig watching him anguish over his choice that night. That was unforgettable.
6) Who are your influences?
My mom is a big influence, as well as my wife Deborah. In the industry, I really don't try to emulate any one style... I'm just Steve in Milway and Madtown, but I do respect a lot of folks doing their thing. If there is one guy who has made me feel like he's got it figured out and found the perfect mesh of doing a show and getting accross his personality, it's Mike North at The Score 670 AM in Chicago. I feel that you go on the air as who you are. Nobody shouldn't have to "turn into a personality."
7) Who's the best guest you've ever had? Who's the one guest you haven't had on yet but want to get the most?
We've had a lot of great guests over the years; a shout-out to past and current producers for that.
Steve Sabol of NFL Films is one of my favorites as well as Bert Sugar.
The 2 guys I want to talk to are Jim Brown and Barry Sanders. Shawn Respert was the best guest with his story of how he battled cancer and never told anyone with the team while playing for the Bucks in 1996
8) What do you do for fun?
Spend time with my family and just reflect about things in life.
9) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ____________.
...interaction with my family and checking my cell phone and email.
10) What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?
The best was "don't let the facts get in the way of a good argument." (Moms Haywood)
The worst so far is someone told me to assume listeners are stupid and wrong. The best is when you help listeners see their point of view is off by comparing it with yours...I'm in the business of teaching and learning while being entertaining. I'm just blessed that I sit in the chair for now.
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