-
10 Questions with ... Timmy G
August 18, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my Broadcaster's License in '86 at Ohlone College in Fremont. The school was 10 minutes from my house, had a radio program, and I wanted to do play-by-play. So many broadcasters have become successful because of that program ... Lisa St. Regis and All Access' Ken Anthony, to name two.
KKIQ/Livermore was my first paid gig ... Christmas board-op, one night. At KDON/Salinas, I learned from Jeff Hunter, Chuck Geiger and Jamie Hyatt. My first salary was in Reno, X-102. Carey Edwards and Mike Abrams ran that station. I bounced around Reno for several years. After a sabbatical, KWIN in Stockton opened their doors. Amanda King, as a matter of fact. I grew a lot there. Somehow, I ended up tending bar in the Caribbean for several years.
Now it's time to get back on the air.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
The mind is strong, fragile and precious. It's imperative to protect attitude. I read. Intelligent movies help. Powerful music aids as well. As a reminder of the prize ahead, I also listen to my airchecks and put together demos, some of which can be found on YouTube. Aircheck Timmy G and KWIN.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes, for the right opportunity, I will stick long term.
3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I am comfortable in any daypart. An on-air with the possibility of progressing to programming. I do enjoy my newscasts as well.
4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Thus far, the courtesy level has been rather high. Crash in Sioux Falls, and Steve Wall stand out at this time. My experience has always been that the successful, busy people always make time to get back. The 'haters' are generally not worth working with anyway.
5) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
Probably, "When can you start?" I tend to feel a little less of a man when I'm looking for a place to work.
6) With consolidation, there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I'll let my work speak for itself. In Stockton, John Christian had the idea to put a newscast on the air to inform the mothers, yet keep the kids listening. Some of that is available on YouTube.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Finding peace. No joke. If you're asking specifically about my radio career, I haven't accomplished much at all. I would tell you that I believe I was at KWIN in Stockton, CA for two shows. The one-year anniversary of 9/11, the suits (Roy Williams, John Christian) sent me to NYC for the weekend. "Just talk to the people on the street, Timmy," is what they said.
On the 11th, I hosted the morning show alone, shut the studio door, and everyone in the station knew to stay out -- except the traffic girl, of course. That day was special to me because I'd lived in New York for about eight years prior to that.
The second show was when our morning man and friend Rick Chase was found passed away in his home. I was left alone in the studio. The Hot Line rang and told me to not mention anything of the news, and stick to the format. I went silent, played very few sweepers, retrieved some CDs from my locker and played music which was appropriate to the situation. Maybe a couple hours later, someone from management alerted me that the GM said it was time to get back to format. I still never spoke, just played the hits. Chase was special.
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
Honestly, I didn't miss it much for years. Especially while I was tending bar at resorts in the Caribbean. What radio provides is no surprise, the opportunity to interact with people. On a few occasions, I was allowed to visit school classrooms and just answer questions from kids of all ages. That was rewarding.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
There aren't a myriad of important things in life. Much of what we busy ourselves with is fluff.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'm not certain it will change me. Perhaps season is a better word. I'm old. I have a bit of life experience. And I'm smart enough to know that I know little.
Bonus Questions
Seen any great movies lately?
There are so many fantastic movies out there. While explosions are great, I prefer cinema that makes me think. With Netflix, one is able to see films that would never find one's town otherwise. A few titles I've enjoyed: "Nebraska" with Bruce Dern. "The Dynamiter," a story about a new teenager and his little brother. "Get Low" with Bill Murray and Robert Duvall. Duvall plans his own funeral and attends it while alive. "Last Love" with Michael Caine is also terrific. While Hollywood may be lacking according to some, film still has many people who know and appreciate their craft.
-
-