10 Questions with ... "Partyboy Bueller!" Forrest Letson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Partyboy Bueller started his radio career as a teenager, shaking the airwaves in Austin, TX. Later he was heard in Dallas, Bakersfield, San Francisco and Palm Springs. He gained MD stripes in Bakersfield before getting hired as an on-air talent MD and APD in San Francisco on Energy 92.7.

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

The first thing I do every morning is meditate. It's a great way to start my day before a hot cup of coffee. I also text with my life coach (my mother) every day. I'm a Momma's boy! To stay motivated, I surround myself with positive people.

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

At the moment I am serving my community as a substitute teacher. I believe educating youth is extremely important. I'm not just my student's teacher; I have the honor of being their role model. I support them at local events and constantly cheer for our future.

3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

I've had plenty of time to step back and reflect. I feel that radio is sadly losing the local touch. This obviously is due to voicetracking. However, when a listener has the opportunity to meet you, they are more likely to become a loyal fan and friend of the station. I believe stations must be more visible in the community.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I've been in radio since I was 15 and can't imagine doing anything else that will challenge me creatively and intellectually like radio. So my answer is yes, I do plan on sticking with radio. I caught the bug at a young age and I will remain humble and never forget the achievements I've made since.

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

As a child, my family took my brother and I to the beach every chance we got. Working and living in San Francisco I enjoyed the ocean air every day and loved it!

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

Toes first to test the water. Always be honest and genuine. Approach every opportunity with integrity and make sure it's a shoe that fits mutually.

7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access is not only a great resource for the latest news, it's excellent for job hunting.

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

I've always been one to take chances. When I was 15, I learned how to become a board op. The PD was out of town and the night guy had an "emergency" and needed me to board op his show. I said sure. I got into the studio, plugged in my headphones, and decided to make it my show for the night. The next day I get a call from the PD who asked "Was that you I heard on my station last night as I was driving back into town?" I said "Yes sir!" He demanded I go to his office and I thought I was totally fired. He offered me weekend shifts while I was in high school. I never told my friends, but spent my last two years of high school doing weekend afternoons. If I hadn't been willing to take that risk, I may not have ever had the opportunity to be heard in markets all over Texas and California. I have no regrets!

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

I'm looking for an on-air opportunity that will challenge me creatively. I'm constantly learning and experimenting. I want to bring personality back to radio and build relationships with a supportive staff and excited audience. I want the opportunity to build and contribute to the brand. I'm always hungry to win!

10) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I'm finding that salaries/benefits have been lower in the recent years, however that's not holding me back!

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

Bueller's Buckeye Candy: My family is from Ohio and true Buckeyes. My grandmother and I would make Buckeye Candy every year for Christmas. She passed a couple years ago but I continue to tradition of making them myself.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick margarine
• ¾ box of confectioners' sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1½ cups smooth peanut butter
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• ¼ bar of paraffin wax

Melt margarine and peanut butter in double boiler. Stir in salt, vanilla, and sugar. Form a large ball. After mixture has cooled for five minutes, form dough into the buckeye size you want. Plan o cookie sheet covered with wax paper, insert a toothpick into each ball and put in refrigerator. Let the candy harden for a couple of hours. In the double boiler melt chocolate and wax. Dip each ball into the chocolate leaving some of the peanut butter showing to look like a buckeye. Take out the toothpicks and rub your finger over the hole to close it. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!