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10 Questions with ... Rob Carson
April 8, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
The lion's share of my career has been in music morning radio. I have done mornings at KS95 in Minneapolis and Mix 94.1 in Cincinnati. The last nine years I did PM drive at WRQX in DC while doing some talk on WMAL. Throughout my entire career I've written syndicated comedy for America's biggest networks and shows including the Rush Limbaugh program. I have also done talk on stations around the country. I also have over 100 cooking/lifestyle videos on the web that get thousands of views. I have landed a syndicated weekend show on Envision Radio Network's "America Weekend" from noon to three ET Saturday on over 150 affiliates. I also have built a complete broadcast studio with ISDN in my home where I do time on great stations like WTMJ and KMOX, among others.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
A couple years ago, I stopped relying on others to help me forward my career. I started truly believing in my abilities and my skill set as a unique talent. Every day I wake up optimistic I will land, and every day it is my focus.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I do my syndicated talk show as well as talk on stations around the country like KMOX and WTMJ, and I write comedy and prep for Wisebrother.
3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like to land a weekday talk gig on a great station. I would continue doing my weekend show and building my brand on the web, on video and with merchandise like my culinary creations. Yeah, I cook.
4) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
The secret to success in the business is increasing the value of your currency. You have to become more of a "complete entertainer" on-air, on stage, on video and on the web. I have become a syndicated talk show host and comedy writer, video host, standup comedian and public speaker.
5) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to more. I have more time to do so.
6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I dove headfirst into Talk radio with a show that isn't just another monologue and phone call political show. I have also built and engineered a complete broadcast and recording studio from the ground up in my home.
7) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the perks the most ... trips, free stuff, positive feedback from fans. I miss over-analysis of PPM data by some programmers. I miss PDs and talent using their "gut" to make decisions on how to entertain people instead of looking at the clock or an auditorium test rating.
8) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I don't look at salary as the end all to what you can make in the business. You have to be industrious and not JUST do endorsements and wait for bonuses. Look for ways to go above and beyond the call of duty working with sales and promotions. Be industrious and never stop reinventing yourself. It will pay off.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
The only thing that separates you from your competition is you. You HAVE to create a product that is uniquely entertaining. We all come to the table every day with similar material. We have to CONNECT on a profound level with listeners and advertisers. Connection is as important as content.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
Every time I've been out of work, I gain even more appreciation for a job in this business. Every day is a lesson in humility. I will return to radio with the same drive and attitude I've been able to maintain throughout my entire career.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/9334-how-to-make-asian-spare-ribs-with-wasabi-mashed-potatoes
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