10 Questions with ... Heath Reynolds

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have spent 10 years in radio at multiple stations in Iowa, progressing to larger stations (and a couple have gone bankrupt -- got to love this business). I have learned so much at each station I have been at; learning different programming ideas is one of my favorite things. I have been very fortunate to work with award winning personalities who love to teach as well be great on the air.

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

I used to drive a truck and I listened to a lot of sports radio. After deciding to live a normal life, I joined a local station in Des Moines and started working my way up the food chain. I was hooked the first time I ever cracked open a mic and have never looked back. I have done radio and television for some time now, and feel that radio is, by far, the place I belong.

2. About what are you most passionate?

I'm most passionate about interaction with my listeners. I could do a boring three hour radio show everyday where it's just me, but that really isn't any fun. I love to interview coaches and athletes. They have to be some of the hardest interviews to do, because they always give short answers (so you'd better be prepared). Calling ballgames is probably the most fun part of my job; getting a chance to reach listeners by telling them what is happening at that moment is probably the most fun.

3. You do sports in a small market; what's the primary focus for your coverage? Is it all high school, or is there interest in college and pro sports, and how do you balance those interests?

I do sports in Northwest Iowa; the station I am at is kind of the big-fish-in-a-small-pond type of station. I cover 56 different high schools and 4 local colleges. We are also a NASCAR, Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings Network affiliate. The balance part is actually not that tough. I put most of my emphasis on the high school side of things; we cover all sports.

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

If I hadn't gone into radio, I would probably be doing some boring office job. That or possibly coaching a sports team.

5. If you could have one dream play-by-play job, what team would you be calling and why?

My dream job is to call Chicago Cubs games. I am a diehard Cubs fan and love listening to Pat Hughes and Ron Santo. I think working with those two would be great and quite a learning experience. I have been fortunate everywhere I have been so far to call championship games; maybe I could get lucky with the Cubs and help be a part of history in breaking the curse.

6. Who are your mentors, inspirations, and/or heroes in the business?

In all the years I have been in radio, I never really had a mentor. I have learned from as many people as possible in all different areas, from the DJ side, talk-radio side, and programming side of things. I guess if I had a hero in the biz it would have to be Paul Harvey. He was so easy to listen to, and was able to paint such a picture to every story he told.

7. Of what are you most proud?

I'm most proud that I graduated from college with a degree in my field. Going back to school was the best thing I ever accomplished, and to be fortunate enough to use that degree every day is quite a pleasure.

8. What do you do for fun?

For fun, I watch sports. All Sports, All the Time. I have three televisions set up in my living room that carry all different games at the same time.

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

...COFFEE!!!

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

The best advice I ever received was to just be myself on the air. Too many of us try and be someone we're not, and, a lot of times, it shows.

The worst advice I ever got was that someone told me many years ago that I would get rich in radio. I learned the hard way on that one real fast!!!