10 Questions with ... John Andersen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

SOCIAL: Facebook: www.facebook.com/john.andersen.37

DEMO:

I was actually working in an emergency room, and was going to school to become a nurse. I was looking to make a little extra money so I joined a promotions team at CBS Radio in Dallas. I was meeting new people every weekend, having a ton of fun, and quickly fell in love with it. The morning show producer left shortly after that, and Gene & Julie, who were the morning show, then brought me in the studio. They were let go shortly after that, and Tony Zazza was brought in to do mornings. He was the one who gave me my first shot on-air, and it kind of took off from there. I was eventually moved to do nights by myself for almost a year before I joined the afternoon show with Leigh Ann & Courtney Kerr Uncorked. I have literally done everything at the radio station, from setting up tents, production, building web pages, and even some scheduling. Due to what was called "restructuring," I was let go in the middle of December.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I'm a super-positive person in general, so it's hard to keep me down. I LOVE sports and it's what I contribute my competitive drive too. There is something almost therapeutic about playing golf. It's just you against that dumb little ball.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I occupy a lot of my time with watching sports, and playing golf. It helps me clear my mind, and the golf course is actually where I come up with some of my best ideas. Just last week I thought of an amazing breast cancer awareness event that I can't wait to make happen.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! It never even crossed my mind to leave radio. I don't plan on turning it in anytime soon.

4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

The exact same way I did it. Join the promotions team, and don't be too proud to set up a tent. Prove yourself, and good things will happen. To this day every time I did a remote I would help the promotions team break everything down and load up. It's hard work, and I can appreciate everything that they do.

5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I'm ready for my own show. I would love to have my own morning show. Over the years I have learned a ton, and I'm ready to unleash it on the world. Some of my best ideas I have kept to myself waiting on my time, and now I'm ready.

6) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

Machine Gun Kelly once asked to give Leigh Ann and myself tattoos while he was in studio. We both agreed to it, but he didn't have a machine with him. That's probably a good thing, but would have made for an amazing story.

7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

I don't think I will ever stop listening to the radio, and with technology now it makes it easier than ever. I have some of my favorite shows around the country that I keep up with and listen to everyday. I probably listen to more radio than I watch TV these days. I love it.

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?

Honestly this has probably been the best part of being let go. My four-year-old son and I rode the train downtown the other day to have lunch. You should have seen the joy on his face from his first train ride. It's something I will make more time for in the future, plus they are stories you can share with your listeners every day.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Everything that happens to you is an experience. Some are great and some are horrible. This is going to happen to you a lot in radio. Learn from those experiences, grow, and make yourself better. As soon as you stop learning, you start losing. Never stop learning.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

In the next five years, I will have my own show, or be a major contributor to a show. Long-term goals include syndication, even if it's just in smaller markets. I know a lot of radio people who read this will probably laugh at that, but I intend on having the last laugh.

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?

Anyone who knows me knows I love food. I love to take a recipe and make it my own, constantly changing and messing with things. I'm particularly fond of this dessert, and it's super easy.

• 2 puff pastries
• Trader Joes Cookie Butter
• Powdered sugar
• 1 egg

Lay out your puff pasties and cut them down the middle making 4 rectangles.

Spread the cookie butter on two of the rectangles, and cover with the other two rectangles.

Cut two inch slits on both sides of the rectangles, and then twist them one time.

Brush the pastry with an egg wash.

Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy.