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10 Questions with ... Nick Wize
October 7, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my start interning in Detroit and my first full-time gig in Waterlo, IA. It was so cold there. I ended up back in Detroit doing weekends and fill in when I got my huge break and got the opportunity to work in market #1 on the night show of 92.3 Now with Chunky as the second mic/producer, and also doing weekend shifts. After the big city I went back to my hometown of Detroit to do nights before coming to the beautiful beaches of Panama City, FL.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I tell myself that every radio personality has been through this struggle and life will work itself out. When one door closes, a better one opens. I have had a lot of luck when my doors have closed and I remind myself it is only a matter of time before a better door opens.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Being in Florida I am working on the tan and literally sitting on the beach while I am on the beach.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I am sticking with radio. I honestly am not sure what else I could do. Recently I looked into taking classes at the college here in Panama City and nothing interested me other than being a doctor or lawyer and I am not sure anyone wants their life in my hands.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
When I left Detroit to come to Panama City I was on the beach for one month and not being on the air for an entire month was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with. I was having radio withdrawals as I am having right now.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
The key is getting an internship and taking it as far as you possibly can. I remember interning at WKQI in Detroit when I was 18. All I wanted was a key card to get into that building and the day I got one was the greatest day of my life. Bug people and let them know you're in the building and can help. Go above and beyond what your internship calls for, stand out, and put in as many days as you can.
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I have been refreshing the All Access jobs section every five minutes and bugging all of my friends in the industry about what they know to be open.
7) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I drove six hours down to Tampa to deliver Tommy Chuck at WFLZ a pizza that said "TC I'M YOUR GUY" in sausage. I should have went with Pepperoni because I am not working at WFLZ. But it was still worth it to get the chance to meet Tommy ... not a bad guy to know in this industry.
8) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would love to get back into the BIG markets to do afternoons or nights. I have big-market experience and miss the big-city lifestyle, but right now I am not too picky ... I just want to talk on the radio!
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I like to showcase my personality; I love to make people laugh and the radio is an outlet for me to do that. There are personalities and liner jocks. I like to think of myself as a personality. It is very important to promote the station liners but when doing it you can make them creative and add personality to them rather than just read them, and I put a lot of effort in doing so.
10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Cracking the mic in New York City. Watching Howard Stern all those years on the E Channel and being able to be on the air live in that same studio was a dream come true.
Bonus Questions
What great movies have you seen recently?
I haven't watched very many movies but I have been binge-watching The Sopranos. I might be the only person who didn't watch that when it came out. I am in the final season now. I hear the end will disappoint me ... we shall see.
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