10 Questions with ... Mary Jones

NAME:Mary Jones POSITION:Host/Executive Producer STATION:WDRC-AM; WMMW-AM; WWCO-AM; WSNG-AM MARKET:Connecticut COMPANY:Buckley Broadcasting BORN:Connecticut RAISED:Connecticut

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My first experience behind a microphone was long before I began my talk show. I was Director of a statewide United Way agency for 7 years, and each month I would go to WTIC in Hartford and record a months' worth of PSA's that aired daily. Roll the clock ahead... having started and managed a corporate recruiting firm for 18 years, during which time the "behind the mic" bug occasionally surfaced in the back of my mind, I approached WDRC-AM about doing a weekend show on careers, jobs, etc. One demo and several meetings later, I began hosting The Career Connection with Mary Jones on Saturday mornings. Six months later, I approached station management about doing a daily show with a totally different format. Two demos and several meetings later, The Mary Jones Midday Magazine began, Mondays-Fridays.

1. How did you get started in radio- why radio?

Radio was not my first career, and the decision to get into it was made at a point in my life when I was very clear about my interests, strengths, and goals. For me, it was a matter of wanting to re-capture the daily feeling of exhilaration that 18 yrs in even the best career can dampen. Also, I felt there was a significant void in local radio that should be filled, so... why not me????

2. What are you passionate about?

I have always been passionate about going after your dreams. I wish more people were. I see so many men and women who haven't embraced the reality that they truly can create the life they want, and deserve. It doesn't need to depend on external factors; it's all up to us to do it for ourselves. And, we can. Truly....

3. Some experts have predicted that talk radio for women will at some point be successful. What does "talk radio for women" mean to you- is there such a thing? What do women want to hear? Is there a "women's talk" the same way there's a "guy talk"?

There is absolutely no doubt, whatsoever, that talk radio for women will succeed, and in some areas, it already has. Men will listen to "women's" programming because they want to know what the women in their lives are listening to and talking about. Women, however, will not pay much attention to programming geared towards men, interestingly. (probably are too busy!!!)

Women want to hear, think, and talk about issues of daily life... issues that genuinely impact their lives. Women constantly want to learn about ways to improve aspects of their lives, and to be healthier/happier/more fulfilled/thinner/prettier/richer/smarter/better cooks/less stressed, etc., etc.

Women's talk radio is here to stay.

4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?

After graduate school, I was a Social Worker and therapist for several years, then owner of a corporate recruiting firm for many years.

Radio is my second effort at successfully re-inventing myself, and it's what I'm meant to do at this point in my life.

5. Who's the best guest you've ever hosted on the show? Why?

Well... as ridiculous as this sounds...when I read that question, the first person who came to mind was Tammy Faye Bakker...!!!??? When I was first asked to interview her, my reaction was "oh, no!!". But, after speaking with her about her life and many challenges, I realized that she is as genuine as anyone could be, and was so honest about her mistakes, decisions, etc. I soon became her biggest fan!! No one was more surprised than me about that!!

6. Who are your mentors and/or your inspirations?

My older sister always inspired me to think outside the box, and to push myself beyond my comfort zone... (any other trite expressions I can throw in there??!!)

And, when my husband died unexpectedly at the age of 40, I became face-to-face with the reality that life can be taken away from us at any time, and any age. Shame on us if we don't make the most of it while we can!!

7. Of what are you most proud?

Wow... most proud? With each passing year, I have a new appreciation of things to be proud of, and grateful for. But, I guess I'm most proud of learning from everything I've done in life, the good and the bad, and the fact that I'm SO much smarter than I was years ago!!

8. What do you do for fun?

As truly corny as this sounds... I make my entire day fun! The best thing I do for myself, first thing each morning is to remember that my attitude will make it either a great day, or not a great day. It's all up to me... and, I choose each day to make it a fun one! (I know, I know... corny, fluffy, trite... but, also true, for me!! What can I say????)

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

...laughing.

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

Best advice... .Go For It!!

Worst advice... .that I'd look good in short hair!!