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10 Questions with ... Jason Lewis
August 11, 2009
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NAME:Jason LewisTITLE:Nationally Syndicated Talk Show HostSHOW:The Jason Lewis ShowMARKET:NationalSTATION:KTLK-FM MinneapolisCOMPANY:Premiere Radio NetworksBORN:Waterloo, IARAISED:Waterloo, IA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After graduating from the University of Northern Iowadar Falls), I decided on an "Animal House" style escape to Los Angeles and went to work for an aerospace company in the San Fernando Valley. However, our family business (an automotive aftermarket warehouse distributorship) was beckoning, and I eventually returned to Iowa to help my father run it until he retired and I moved to Colorado. Of course, when the state of Iowa decided to build a freeway through our building, that expedited things a bit (we could have relocated, but I decided it was time for a second escape). In Denver, I worked for an incumbent Congressman, then ran myself. I always had an interest in politics so it seemed the timing, if not the district (Boulder), was right. After the run, I finished my graduate degree and started doing some radio work on a part-time basis, which of course, led me to where I am today.
1. How did you get your start in radio? Why radio?
I was at a bit of a crossroads and had developed an interest in talk radio. It seemed like a good fit -- politics without the fundraising. I got my start doing some part-time work in Denver, which led to a 10-year stint at AM 1500 KSTP in Minneapolis. I later joined 1110 AM WBT in Charlotte, N.C., before signing on as the drive-time host at 100.3 KTLK-FM in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2006. Earlier this year, Premiere Radio Networks picked up my program for national syndication, and the rest is history. As for why radio, well, hard work won't kill you, but why take the chance, eh?
2. About what are you most passionate these days?
Objective truth. There is far too much cheerleading among competing red and blue sides these days - almost a loyalty to party above principle (which the framers feared). The fact is, much of what I find objectionable about the current administration was started in the previous administration.
3. There are a lot of conservative talk hosts, but you've broken out of the pack with success in two stints in the Twin Cities, in Denver, and in Charlotte, and now in syndication. What, in your mind, makes you different from the average host? To what do you attribute your success?
I think it was Paul Newman who once said, "My ambition is greater than my talent." That's a great line. I can relate so I've tried, kidding aside, to work a bit harder at it. You know what they say: "Attitude is 90% of achievement."
4. You ran for Congress in 1990. What lessons, if any, did you learn from the experience that you apply to your radio career?
I learned not to worry about the outcome. I was definitely tilting at windmills running in such a liberal district, but I had something to say and I thought what I was doing was right. Two things happened: we did much better than any of the pundits predicted, and I had a wonderful time doing it.
5. If you hadn't gone into radio, what do you think you'd be doing right now?
If I wasn't in radio, I'd be in business in one form or another. It wouldn't just be any business, but something I really had an interest in. There are those who can do anything for money - not bad people, in fact, very disciplined - and there are those who have to enjoy the journey. I'm the latter.
6. Of what are you most proud?
First and foremost, I'm most proud of my family, the backbone of my existence. Secondly, I'm proud of my willingness to make the tough calls and do what is necessary to advance my career. The moves from one place to another when I was already doing very well were not always easy, but that's what it took. It's not always the best and the brightest who succeed, but those willing to take the necessary action.
7. Who's the best guest you've ever had on the show? The worst?
I've debated Al Franken, talked golf with Greg Norman and music with Glen Campbell, but two stick out -- the late actor Darren McGavin and former Iran-Contra prosecutor Lawrence Walsh. Darren was just a great guy and we had a blast talking about his career, from "The Natural" to "A Christmas Story." When I concluded the interview with Walsh, he said, "Why, that's the best cross examination I've had on Iran-Contra in years." It was a while ago, but I was glad to have done my job.The worst guest? I won't mention any names but you know who you are... ha!
8. Who are your main influences in life and in radio?
Without a doubt, my father is one of the main influences in my life. He taught me by word and by example what it means to be passionate about your work. Also, believe it or not, Ayn Rand and Bill Buckley have also influenced me. They definitely did not like each other and had vehement disagreements about religion, but both came down sharply on the side of reason and freedom -- can't top that.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ____________.
...Beatles music.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
When I first began in radio, I was told you've got to either be compelling or entertaining, preferably both, but at least one or the other. A very good approach, I think.st advice? Probably the notion that I should somehow 'dumb things down' a bit and appeal to the lowest common denominator. Folks don't need to be talked down to or subjected to the same things over and over again. Look, I'm a listener just like anybody else -- tell me something I don't already know.
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