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10 Questions with ... Bob O'Brien
November 1, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've had a fascination with music, radio and TV since I was a wee lad.
I got my B.A. in Communication at Seton Hall University, and luckily, the day after graduation, I began my first full-time on-air job. I had previously worked part-time for the old Shadow Traffic Network while still in college. For a time, I sang and toured with the Duprees of "You Belong to Me" fame, but on the radio was where I wanted to be. To borrow from the Grateful Dead, "What a long strange trip it's been." Through great radio gigs in Washington D.C., Boston, Tampa, New York City, Denver, Orlando, Hartford, Springfield, Palm Springs and Riverside/San Bernardino, I've gotten to see this great country of ours and also work with some amazing people such as Wolfman Jack, Cousin Brucie, Ron Lundy, Jack Spector, Ed Salamon, Joe McCoy and Cleveland Wheeler (I learned so much from them). I also had the great opportunity to write and produce weekly shows for the United Stations Radio Network. That writing experience led to my having nine books published thus far. Although I loved living in Southern California, my life changed drastically in 2014 when, as an only child with two parents who took ill simultaneously, I made the decision to move back to my native New Jersey (two blocks away from them). My full-time on-air options are rather narrow in focus now because of my dad's health, and must be in the proximity of either Philadelphia, New York City, or New Jersey. I am currently working for the wonderful people at Townsquare Media (New Jersey 101.5). They've been finding me a bevy of part-time shifts and it's a blast working with their amazing staff of professionals. I've always bounced back before, and hopefully will yet again. Numerous airchecks are available at my website - www.bobobrien.tv, and my Soundcloud page
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I'm very lucky in that I possess a very upbeat, positive personality. I am the same on and off the air. My upbeat sound on the radio is just me being me - it's not a put on. Also, I'm an avid runner, and that helps to keep those positive endorphins flowing.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I also write books about my two passions -- Classic TV and Classic Hits, so that keeps my days productive. I'm also working part-time for the wonderful people at WKXW (New Jersey 101.5). There's a good reason they're New Jersey's #1 station. What a fun, creative and professional atmosphere.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes, indeed. Amazingly, I've never had a job that wasn't music or media-oriented (it's all I know). Worked in a record store, sang in and recorded with numerous vocal groups, worked in radio, wrote for radio, wrote books about TV and music, was a regular judge/panelist on a local Southern California TV talent show called "Lucky Break," and did some extra work in movies. I have absolutely no experience in anything else - not even one day of real, sweaty, backbreaking work.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Persistence - being the squeaky wheel. Never taking NO for an answer. Never giving up. It doesn't always work, but it's often leaned in my favor.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access is high atop that list. Word of mouth/connections comes in a close second.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Acknowledging an application only takes a second. There are still many out there with good manners - those who recall their own job searches, and answer, even if it's with a rejection. However, there are always some who don't respond at all, and that's unfortunate.
7) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?
Probably embarrassing grand prize-winners on-the-air. I am notorious for calling the person or persons who won the big prize using a bogus name and voice, and just before they're about to hang up on me, springing the good news on them.
8) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
I attempt to, and it's necessary because of my dad's health, but slowing down is not something I do well. I could be lying on a sandy beach right now, but NOOOOOO - instead I'm answering these 10 questions. I'm very driven and I don't decompress very well.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I'd say getting to do morning drive in Washington, D.C., and winning an AIR Award in Tampa/St. Pete in 1999. Also, getting my books published has been a proud achievement. I never thought I'd get one published, let alone nine.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
I try not to discourage the wide-eyed newbies in the business when they ask me for advice, but truthfully the business has changed in so many ways - both professionally and financially. I don't wish to discourage them, and yet I impart to them that it takes some real testicular fortitude in this day and age.
Bonus Questions
Seen any great movies?
Yes, I've seen two great ones - Woody Allen's latest called "Café Society" and the Jeff Bridges/Chris Pine crime/western called "Hell or High Water." I recommend both very highly.
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