10 Questions with ... David M. Hagen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

I did morning news for K-Hits/Chicago from 2013 until last month, and also did news for The Nightside Project on KSL/Salt Lake City from 2007-2014. Also morning news on 94-7The Zone/Chicago 2003 - 2005.

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

Nothing.

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

Over the holidays a friend noted that I never take time off for the holidays. She asked me when was the last time I had taken a vacation. It had never occurred to me, but since July 2007, I had not taken a single week off. That's a decade. When did I develop such a good work ethic? And why?

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Well, I'm pretty sure that brain surgeon is almost entirely out of the question. At least it is with my last patient. And the Attorney General.

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

Why, All Access, of course. I have gotten two jobs thanks to you and Joel Denver.

5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

No comment. See the above mention of the Attorney General.

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

I really like doing smart-ass news. Which -- these days -- is kind of redundant.

7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I have spent my time sleeping as much as possible. But most people I have dealt with in this business that we've chosen are pretty decent. Actually, most people in general are pretty decent. Aww....

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

"What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?" I've usually hit it off when I've met potential bosses.

9) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

I started out doing family-friendly shows, so I've never had a problem with content. I had one show where we were targeting "Soccer Moms." I never liked that term, but I placed a picture of my little niece and nephew behind the microphone. As Groucho Marx said, "You can't get in trouble for what you don't say." And he got past the censors in the 1930s. They did not get some of his references. Beautiful.

10) 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?

Walking the pups. And since I am eight blocks from North Avenue Beach, Chicago, I am literally On the Beach.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

Read George Orwell's "1984." No matter who you voted for in the last election, it will terrify you. Oh, wait. I guess that's not particularly inspirational. Um ... I'm gonna go curl up in the fetal position. Thank you.