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10 Questions with ... Marissa Lanchak
January 14, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PROMO DEMO- 2004 WFLY/Albany On-Air Overnights
- 2006-07 KQKQ/Omaha On-Air Middays & Music Director
- 2007-2016 WFLY/Albany Assistant PD, MD & PM Drive
- 2016-2017 WGNA/Albany On-Air Middays & Production/Copy Write
- 2017-2019 WKLB/Boston On-Air Nights & Main Fill-In All Day Parts
1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
I've been in this position three times now in 3.5 years, each time I've bounced back better than before. So, when this happened, something just told me "I'm gonna be okay" and I'm running with it. I have a lot of amazing friends within the industry that have my back and love going to bat for me. That kind of support system is key.
2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've cleaned...a lot. I also love keeping up with the listeners that have supported me through this roller coaster I've been riding. (Just did a Christmas Card Challenge and received just about 100 cards!) Seriously though, speaking of positivity, I've used my "free time" to take some online courses and have recently become a Certified Life Coach and started up my own website and business in hopes to grow as a person and help people at the same time. It's always been something I've done and to make it a side business venture, I feel lucky to have the time to kick it off the right way. (www.feelthishappy.com)
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 this conversation a lot since getting laid off, but how come so many people running these radio companies haven't figured out yet that people can get commercial free music on a ton of streaming services and that they're coming to radio now for content, personality and contesting? That letting go of your talent (who is most likely making the least within your company, yet is most valuable) isn't the way to go? It hurts my soul as a radio lover.
4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?
As much as it seems like it's trying to push me out of it, once it's in your blood, you're stuck with it! I have such an immense passion for everything about the programming of radio, I'm not sure what else I would be completely happy doing. Music and entertaining is who I am.
5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Currently. It's my own doing because I want to take the opportunity that feels right for me after the crazy road I've been on the last couple years...I'm on day 99 right now. (99 problems but free time ain't one?)
6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Network your butt off. I've sent out hundreds of demo packages since being laid off and made a bunch of connections because of it. I'm confident in my product so I don't hesitate to send it.
7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
My friends within the industry. It truly all comes back to networking and keeping yourself top of mind.
8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I did a whole play on six of one half a dozen of the other (with bagels) and then stuck a donut in the box saying, but a show that stands out among the rest. It was super cute and creative but, it didn't work. (Doesn't mean I wouldn't do that all over again.)
9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'm searching for Northeast to stay near my family. I'm coming from Boston, I'm hoping for something relatively equal. I truly miss working in a drive time and being hands on with music. There isn't a "picture perfect" gig - I'm open to opportunity and I'm ready to win. Are you?
10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Oh, salaries. They're about what you'd expect. The problem is the promises that go along with them that don't seem to live up. Living on the salaries alone is a struggle a lot unfortunately, for the 24/7 job we do compared to the cost of living. Should be looked at a little closer.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook
Titos, ice cubes, glass....oh, wait did you mean food? Oopsie
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