10 Questions with ... Mike "Big Mike" Young

NAME:Mike "Big Mike" Young LAST WITH:680 The Fan/Atlanta PHONE:404-428-4575 EMAIL:mikeyoung6772@hotmail.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history:

I have worked on-air in small, medium, and major markets over the past 18 years. I've hosted talk shows at WPHT/Philadelphia, WGST/Atlanta, WCNN/Atlanta, WSKY/Gainesville, and WILM/Wilmington, DE, among others

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

I have been watching reruns of the Jerry Springer Show, and it makes me feel like I am not so bad off after all.

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

I've been spending lots of time at Hooters, The Pink Pony (Atlanta strip club) and of course, I never miss Bible Study on Friday nights!

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.

When I call a station identifying myself as "Neal Boortz," they always take the call. However, they don't seem to care when I say I am "Ryan Seacrest."

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

Yes, it's either stay in radio or work at the Waffle House!

5) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

It's all about who you know and who you can schmooze. Don't bother sending tapes to an advertised job unless you know somebody there. Responding to ads is about as useful as sending the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue to Michael Jackson

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

The ideal next gig would be talk show, sportstalk show, or testosterone-oriented morning show. Either that, or I will host a TV program called "Straight Eye For the Queer Guy."

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

Hey, I grew up in New York. What's "courtesy"?

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

Can you give me a ride to Jiffy Lube? (Actually happened!)

9) 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?

My family is a lot like the Manson Family. I would like to find a radio job fast so I can spend LESS TIME with them.

10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

From watching excessive TV, I have learned that Paris Hilton has an eating disorder, and Bill O'Reilly looks like he's constipated.

Is there anything specific that you regret doing, while you were still working?

My ass regrets all those Bavarian Cr�me donuts that I ate during my morning show.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

In 5 years, I will be hosting Straight Eye For The Queer Guy, a show where straight guys teach gay guys how to watch football, drink beer, and ignore their wives. In 10 years, I will write a dopey column for All Access.

My favorite new diversion is ...

Comparing Michael Jackson's childhood photos to his current photos.