10 Questions with ... Bryan 'MO' Modzelewski

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Born and raised in Cleveland, my first full-time position was in Fort Wayne, IN at WEJE (Alternative) where I did mornings, Moved on to Alternative WBUZ/Nashville doing nights, moved on to Youngtown, OH to sign on a new Rock station Rock 104 for afternoons and tried to break into Cleveland radio. I was close but it never happened, so I moved on to do mornings in OKC at Alternative KHBZ, then to mornings in Louisville, KY at WLRS (Alternative). When that station got bought out, I went back home to Ohio to my first Top 40 ... a very aggressive Top 40: WDJQ/Canton, where I was for eight years, my final three hosting a morning show.

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

I try to maintain focus and have confidence in my ability to put on a unique show and make the station money. That's the key. I look back at my career, and I've been successful in the markets I've worked, and know that when the next opportunity presents itself I'll do the same for that station.

2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I absolutely do. I love this business. To have an opportunity to connect with your audience is an amazing feeling. It's the ultimate high honestly.

3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is it. I had never been out of work for more than six months before this. I didn't initially start looking for jobs after my release until recently. I was looking into other avenues of broadcasting, looking into starting my own network, but started to miss radio pretty bad and was encouraged by quite a few radio friends to get back into it, so here I am, taking another crack. Hoping it pays off.

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

I always say separate yourself from the group, go above and beyond. Hard work, drive, ambition and a need to succeed. I would sleep in my car for a weekend just to do a weekend overnight shift because I had no money for a hotel. If you want it, get it. Do more than anyone else.

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

I'd love to get into Rock, Alternative, or break into a Talk format. I've always had a very interactive show, tons of calls, texts, topics to get listeners involved; I'm hoping eventually it leads to a talk show. But in saying that, I love music, it's my life. Going to concerts, interviewing my favorite bands is the ultimate.

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

It doesn't happen very much at all anymore, which is very discouraging, but it's the business. PDs are busy; they don't have time to call everyone back. They have a lot on their plate ... tons of responsibilities, so I get it.

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

I was allowed to do some really crazy stuff on air before the change of atmosphere. Radio was crazy when I first got in. Now you have to find a way of being just as crazy and compelling while being very smart about it. Rules have changed, and so must the on-air antics.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Interviewing President Obama on election night was surreal. It just happened, with zero prep time. I got the call that I was going to interview him and 10 minutes later he was on the phone. His cellphone kept breaking up and he called back three times. I even goofed on him for it. All the while adult film star Nick Manning was in the studio with me. Absolutely insane.

9) 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?

I would. I know people say you shouldn't sell yourself short, but sometimes you have to start over, and I am willing to do that. I love this business. I have a need to do it. It's like my addiction. I know that people see my resume and assume I'll ask for too much money. I've actually been told that, but I'm a realist and I know that to get back into radio, I'll have to start over again

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

I pray I'm still in radio. I envy people who are/were able to make a lifelong career out of this. I remember talking to the veterans of radio when I was just getting started and saying to them, "God, I hope I can do what you have done, doing what I love for the rest of my life." That's the ultimate.

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

Spinach Chicken Alfredo, perfect for a pasta fix when your life is a low carb diet. Trust me.