10 Questions with ... Matt "Money" Smith

NAME:Matt "Money" Smith TITLE:Nationally Syndicated Radio Host SHOW:Petros and Money NETWORK:Fox Sports Radio MARKET:National BORN:1973 in East Chicago RAISED:Chicago

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KLAC - 2005-present

1. Your background is as both Kevin and Bean's "Sports Guy" on KROQ and a label guy. Was there ever any question in your mind whether you'd pursue music (or music radio) over sports talk, or vice versa? What made you decide to join KLAC and do sports full-time?

The KLAC gig came out of nowhere. I got a call from Don Martin, who asked if I'd like to be part of the Lakers radio broadcasts. I said I was interested and it got put together. Had it not involved the Lakers, I wouldn't have ever left KROQ. I was having far too much fun as Music Director and loved my relationship with The Kevin and Bean Show.

2. You're one of several Kevin and Bean cast members who went on to do bigger things; what do you think accounts for that? Why has one show produced that much national talent?

It's probably because they're very good at letting their supporting cast shine. They have no issue with other personalities or characters having a part in their success, which is rare. Most other hosts want to be sure everyone knows it's THEIR show. Ralph is a star, Psycho Mike is a star - they have no problem with it. Nothing has changed.

3. How do you see your role on the show as opposed to Petros'? What do you bring to the table, and how does that complement what he's up to?

We really don't have roles. Some days, I'm doing ridiculous personal interest stories while he's breaking down football. Other days, I'm deep into Lakers trade talk while he's complaining about last night's "The Bachelor." The show really is what we feel like talking about that day; we rarely let any events dictate what we are going to do. I know some see us as "straight guy/wacky dude," but that's not really fair to either of us. P has more football knowledge than any other personality in the market, and probably most of the people around the country. He's also very well read and retains an asinine amount of information. Conversely, I'm lucky in the fact that when I start a topic that's a bit racy or off-color, it's usually attributed to P, and I'm still recognized as the professional and refined half of the duo.

4. Who's your biggest sports hero and why?

I don't know if I really have a sports hero, but I think the closest one would be Walter Payton. He was a Chicago icon, a dude who was the best on the field, and by all accounts, a wonderful human being and great family man.

5. You were part of Lakers radio coverage for the past few years. What was the best moment of that time -- was it the championship itself, the parade, something else?

The best moment was Neil Diamond sitting in a courtside seat sporting a fake moustache. After the moustache started to fall off, Jeanie Buss texted Jeremy Piven to tell Neil what was happening, and Piven leaned in to Diamond and said, "Um, excuse me, Neil, your moustache is falling off." It doesn't get better than that.

6. Who -- team or individual -- in sports do you hate the most and why?

I don't really hate any team and no squad makes me writhe with anger, but I do wish the soccer team I follow, Tottenham, would get a little better as I take far too much crap from Man U and Arsenal fans.

7. Which among the major sports interests you the least?

I honestly love them all. I do, however, follow basketball the closest.

8. Who are your main influences in life and in radio?

Professionally, my main influences have been Jimmy Kimmel, Kevin Weatherly, my brother Kevin, Petros, Mo Ostin and Lenny Waronker. They're all amazing teachers, sharing so much they learned in their time in the business - lessons I'll never forget. While I'm not an overly religious person, the lessons taught in the Bible and Qur'an, the ideas shared by Jesus and Mohammed or by Suzuki or Lao-Tzu, all apply in the way I try to live my life and treat others.

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

...seeing my family. I get really bummed out on the road.

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

Worst: The many times Kevin insisted on pulling an all nighter at our K&B parties and going on the air with no sleep. That never turned out well.