10 Questions with ... Maney

NAME:Maney LAST WITH:KDND/Sacramento PHONE:916-224-1079 EMAIL:maney1079@yahoo.com WEB:www.lukasandmaney.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I started as an intern for The Howard Stern Show in 1995. Then after a brief stop at MTV radio, I moved to Z100/NY as producer of "Elvis and Elliot's Hitlist." That's where I met Lukas. I became his 9-year co-host and producer at KHTE/Little Rock, KRQQ/Tucson, and KDND/Sacramento.

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

Lukas and I ended our radio career together in January, 2007. Unfortunately, it wasn't ended on our terms. You may remember we were handed ... and hosted ... a contest that had a tragic result. We were all fired. It took some time, but eventually stations started hiring the group. Our co-host Trish, PD and Lukas have all landed gigs. I know we weren't fired for poor ratings, which is a great motivator! I'm an excellent producer/co-host and will make a terrific host, too!

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

I've been doing a lot of writing. Scripts, parodies, bits ... it keeps me busy and creative.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

I love doing morning radio. It comes so natural to me. Some people have the knack for quick wit ... I was blessed! I also honed my producing skills over the years, and Dairy Queen doesn't look for that in employees! Plus, where else can you laugh, entertain thousands, and get paid for hangin' at bars and clubs?

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

It was Lukas ... we tried to get hired together, but he took a job hosting mornings at Movin' in Phoenix ... I'm very happy for him! Our agent Paul B. Anderson is on top of things for me, plus I have plenty of people who continue to support me through this tough time; they give me the inside track once in a while.

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

Well, ultimately we wanted to stay in Sacramento for our fans, family and most of all, because the end came so tragically and unexpectedly. That didn't happen for us, so I'm looking for mornings in Top 40, Hot AC, Alternative, or Rock. That's what I do best!

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

If I told you everyone's been honest and returned every phone call, I'd be lying. That's why we hired our agent; I figured PDs and GMs would be more honest about hiring us with him running the show.

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I was fortunate enough to grow into radio working with and watching greats like Elvis and Elliot, and Mojo in Detroit. During my internship with Howard Stern, it was amazing to see how much hard work goes into a show that sounds so improvised! I learned from those guys how to do good down-to-earth radio. Then you tune in and hear shows that just don't have it ... there's a wall between themselves and the listeners. That's dull broadcasting, and there's plenty of that out there! That's not me....

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?

Absolutely! I was away from my family for about 10 years. I'm currently posted up in my old high school bedroom, where my U2 poster still sits. It's great to be home and around everyone again, but the curfew's lame!

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I've been part of a winning show wherever I went. Little Rock, Tucson, Sacramento; Lukas and I dominated in the female18-34 demo. That's very satisfying! Getting OJ's cell phone number from a listener. then calling him on the air is a close second!

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

I realized that you're bred for certain things in life. Teachers, lawyers, cops ... they all have something in them that says, "Okay. you're going to be this because you're good at it." I feel the same way about myself and radio. I've looked outside the industry and there's nothing there that excites me. Be careful not to take your job for granted, people! There's a real world out there -- and it's a bitch!

Great movies I've recently seen...

"Iron Man" was strong; the new "Harold and Kumar" flick was nonsense funny ... I like that! Of course, there's always time to throw "Good Fellas" in!