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10 Questions with ... Sean "The Rabbi" Tyszler
October 11, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO:
I was born and raised in Bronx NY, listening to Rock radio and landing my first internship at WXRK (K-Rock/92.3) in 1998. I continued to develop my skills in programming as an assistant/webmaster. In 2003, I relocated to Philadelphia's WMMR (93.3) for a job as a Programming Assistant and after six months was promoted to D. A few months ago the company restructured and I am currently looking to continue my career in the Active Rock world and continue to use my skills in radio to enhance and utilize to my next position.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
As Gavin Rossdale says, "Breathe In, Breath Out" and be patient, knowing there will be an opportunity soon. I keep pushing myself to reach my goal.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I would love to stick with it. Radio is what I always wanted to do professionally, and I was so excited when I got my foot in the door that I was determined to make it and stuck with it until I was hired. I am very comfortable in this field and like everyone who I have made a connection with, especially the listeners.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it ... three months. I have been in radio since my college years and it feels really weird to not wake up and head over to the radio station. I am surprised that I have not just shown up one morning out of force of habit. I really do not use the phrase "on the beach." I'd rather be referred to as "in the pit" or something else along those lines. I remain active and eager.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I check "All Access" daily (not to sound like I am kissing up,) where I can find jobs that suit me. I am still in touch with a lot of my radio, record and industry friends, so I have quite a few eyes and ears out there. I also have some non-industry personal friends who are also looking out for opportunities for me even if it is not in radio.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Something national involving Rock radio. I have a ton of creative ways and ideas to continue making radio great that I would love to implement. There are too many standards that are still being used today that need a little dose of new thinking. It would be the perfect job, but I will be satisfied with anything that is not lifting rocks or heavy furniture in the sun, nor shoveling snow in the cold, though I never mind getting my hands dirty.
6) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
Can you work Saturdays? Just kidding.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I am a huge Active Rock fan who knows the business, the audience, and has over 18 years of experience in two major markets. I can "pick the hits" and know what listeners want. To quote Brandon Fraser in the movie "Airheads," "I Am Rock N' Roll." :)
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Winning several national industry awards, exposing Philadelphia to new music, and getting to program one of the biggest Rock stations daily ... especially their over 2,000 song A-Z annual specials. I continue to get positive comments from listeners who I still meet at events.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the perks, free music, going to concerts, and meeting listeners and my musician heroes. I continue to keep up with new music and station news. I have enjoyed radio and discovering new music since I was a kid, by constantly keeping track of new music, countdowns and specialty programming. I am eager to apply this ongoing enjoyment in my next opportunity.
10) 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?
100%. I have always said, no matter what I do, I will always work hard but would rather work hard at something I enjoy. I love radio.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "In The Pit" cookbook?
Macaroni and cheese: Bring water to a boil. Don't forget to put in the macaroni. When macaroni is finished cooking, drain, add a little milk, butter and cheese and simmer and stir until soft and creamy. Make sure not to forget about it, water boils out quickly.
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