10 Questions with ... Michael Bower

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

At KSJO, Dana Jang got me out of promotions and into an overnight weekend shift. That let to Afternoons at KFM in Chico, Midday (and eventually) Evening Host at KXFX in Santa Rosa and then my first "big break" thanks to E. Curtis Johnson to do PM Drive at KRZR "The Wild Hare" in Fresno. Really developed under E Curtis and eventually hosted nights at WDFN in Detroit, Mornings at WKTK in Pensacola, Mornings at KCXX in San Bernardino and then off to Sirius to anchor the Maxim Channel. I transitioned to EA SPORTS as part of an internet/broadcast sports & pop-culture radio show and once that game closed in 2008, moved back to the NYC area and have been doing the podcast and a lot of voice over work.

1. You were on terrestrial radio for years, then on satellite at Maxim Radio, and now you're doing both streaming/podcasts and terrestrial fill-in. Let's talk about the streaming and podcasts first: Having done "The Wheelhouse" for a while, what differences, if any, are you finding in doing online shows versus "regular" radio? Is the interaction with the audience different? Is preparation different? Or is it just radio in a different form?

The podcast is a blast! But there is a difference. That difference is that there is no "built in" audience. You have to build your audience from a "grass-roots" level. It's a ton of work, but eventually, what you end up with is a dedicated, engaged audience that can't wait for you to come in to their life on a nightly basis with your opinions, views and programming. We broadcast on Blogtalkradio (on "delay" at ErrorFMlive) as well as have the show downloadable for our listeners at wheelhouseradio.com. That way they can be interactive when we are on live, but they can also listen passively on their computers and MP3 players. The prep has all pretty much been the same. My co-host Chris Cause and I do a majority of the prep, and our producer Jeff Peck helps us lay it out for show. To me, I think of it as radio -- not even in a different form -- just a different system of delivery to the listener. Aside from language (which we exploit for our audience), this sports show is from the sports fan perspective, and one that any PD across the country could have on his or her station.

2. "The Wheelhouse" and Maxim are in the category of "guy talk," but you've done fill-in on WTKK that is in a different direction. If you had to describe what kind of host you are, how would you do it? What kind of host ARE you, anyway?

That's tough, because I have always wanted to distance myself from titles. "Shock Jock" always seemed like one of those titles that meant if you were open and honest about something, it became shocking. That turned into guys being shocking for the sake of being shocking. The "new" talk radio seems to be going that way now, the only difference being that it's being done through a veil of politics as opposed to a veil of testosterone. Whether it's Maxim, Raw Dog or 96.9 Boston Talks, I'd say I'm simply a relatable host. I pride myself on building a rapport and relationship with my audience by talking with them. Not AT them. No hanging up and berating them. But actually taking the time to find out who they are and why they feel the way they do. Relatable, engaging and -- most of all -- entertaining.

3. Having done sports, music, and talk radio for a while now, do you think you've mellowed over the years, maintained your tone, or gotten wilder? How has your experience shaped what you do now?

Wow... mellowed does make me sound old. I like to think of it as matured. Maxim was a fun time, amazing people and an experience I'll never forget. At the same time, I wasn't a 23 year old guy trying to get laid every second of every day. And that is, at it's core, what Maxim was all about. I aimed myself at the 30 something demographic. The newlywed. The brand new father. I focused on the articles as opposed to the pictures in the magazine. I live their lifestyle and that's what I talked about. It's what I do talk about. It might come across edgy to the 55+ crowd, but for those 35-54 year olds, it's about what goes on in their life daily. I feel life has shaped what I do now. I'm a husband of 14 years and a father of an amazing 3 year old little girl...almost everything that I do, gets seen through that filter.

4. You've done a lot of standup, so... what makes you laugh?

Feigned anger. From Bill O'Reilly to Keith Olbermann... whether it is sports talk radio or political radio... the sheer volume of anger, contempt and an itchy trigger finger. Those quick to hang up on someone who opposes your views... HILARIOUS! Coming in second is Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" exposing hypocrisy, and your first place winner is: tried and true: Stand Up Comedy. I have a lot of friends who perform every night and I can't get enough. Patton Oswalt and Mitch Fatel crush it!!

5. Who are your mentors, influences, and heroes?

Mentors: Nate Lundy, E. Curtis Johnson, Steve Cohen, Jeremy Coleman, Grace Blazer
Influences: Perry Stone, Dennis Erectus
Heroes: Jon Stewart, Adam Carolla, Johnny Carson

6. What's your process -- how do you prepare for each show? What resources do you use?

It sounds weird and my wife hates it, but I live for the prep. Literally. All day long, I am hitting up Fark, Digg, HuffPo, The Week, and -- ALWAYS -- Talk Topics on Allaccess! More often than not, I mix those stories with things happening from my own life or the life of my friends. It makes everything more relateable when you can bring the story to the table through the eyes of everyday experiences.

7. About what are you most passionate these days?

Learning how to be an awesome Dad to my 3 year old little girl and, hopefully, a great husband to my wife. Followed up by Fantasy Football and conquering Tiger Woods golf on Wii.

8. Of what are you most proud?

Personally: My amazing family. Professionally: Not giving up on this beautifully harsh world of radio. I have numerous friends who have given up, taken up real estate or another career and have moved away from broadcast. I've evolved, am evolving - learning, growing, developing and will continue to do so as long as there is a mic to talk into and people who will listen to me embarrass myself.

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

...listening to the radio. Then, thinking about how I can take something I heard and making it more entertaining. Making it bigger, faster, harder, funnier.

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

Worst: Whatever I took away from Howard Stern's "Private Parts" movie. Operating as if everyone is against you in this industry makes you unhappy and paranoid. I choose to enjoy my opportunities, team, guests, bosses and daily prep/brainstorming meetings.

Best: Dr. Seuss - Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.