10 Questions with ... Jennifer Wilde

NAME:Jennifer Wilde LAST WITH:KDJM/Denver PHONE:303-690-6602 EMAIL:jenwilde@aol.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history:

I started as a bit player, doing voices and writing and singing parodies for a morning show in Richmond, VA, and from there I just fell in love with radio. The job I consider my first GREAT job in radio was at KDON in Monterey, CA. I had the good fortune of doing mornings with Mancow there and we had a blast! Later, I earned MD stripes, an APD title came and I eventually stepped up to PD of KDON. I moved to Denver to work with Rick Stacy and Larry Ulibarri on KS1075 for almost 4 years and most recently I worked at KDJM, which is a Classic Soul format, for 3 years

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

I've been reading ... a lot! Mostly self improvement books. I like the feeling of improving myself and growing. I'm also fortunate enough to have a lot of friends in the industry who keep checking on me and emailing me to tell me how talented I am and that I'll find something great soon. Even if they're lying, those positive vibes are what get me excited and keep me going. It's also pretty easy for listeners to find me by email, so I've heard from quite a few of them as well, which is a nice boost

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

I have more time to play with my kids and since I don't have to get up at 3 am, I help them get ready for school and cook breakfast for them. I also go out with my girlfriends and sing at karaoke bars. I've been cleaning my house and getting rid of stuff as well. The art of Feng Shui says by clearing out clutter, you create a space that will be filled by something new and positive, so I'm making the space now!

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 think it's easy to get discouraged (and I've been there before), but I'm not discouraged this time. I love radio. It's in my blood and it's what I want to do. However, the business is changing and there are fewer jobs out there. I have faith that if there is a station that needs me as much as I need them, we'll be united and it'll be a win-win situation. If not, it's not the end of the world. I'm healthy, young, happy and not a bad looking chick. I can always trick some old man into giving me money.

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

I'd like to. I have something to offer, and I'd really like to kick ass at a station with a great group of people who want to win as much as I do. But I won't take just anything. I've learned (the hard way) to go with my gut. There can be some bad situations that look good on paper, but don't feel right in your heart. I won't get myself in a situation like that just to stay in the industry..

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

In a perfect world I'd love to be able to stay in Denver and do mornings or afternoons. I have a great fan base here and I love this town. I'm not opposed to moving though. There are so many great towns that I haven't lived in. I just want a good team of people to work with. That's my only criteria.

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

I've had a few people call me first and ask for my package and I've had great response. As for the ones I sent out without an invitation, I've had a few emails back, but overall the "courtesy level" hasn't been that great. I remember being a busy PD though, and just not having the time to respond to everyone, so I'm not hurt by it.

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

I was once asked if I was offended by cussing and farting. Being a morning chick most of my career, I think I've seen every offensive thing a guy can do, so I'm not easily offended. And I actually have a plan for farts... I light a candle. I keep one on my desk.

8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

Actually, I've been listening to quite a bit of morning radio. I was never able to do that before, since I was on the air. I've listened to many of the morning shows in Denver with the exception of my former partner, Dave Otto; that's a little uncomfortable. Plus, I hear him enough on the phone. We still talk quite a bit.

9) What do you miss most about radio? The least?

It's frustrating having things to say and no forum in which to say them. My husband is getting sick of my comedy rants about current events. I do not miss getting up at 3am, although the traffic then was better than what I drive in now.

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

I've learned that it's easy to say "things happen for a reason," but not many people actually believe it. I've had some friends who freaked out about my unemployed status way more than I did. I do believe the universe brings us the opportunities that we were meant to have and with that comes the trials we need to help us grow as people. Sometimes life gives you a push because you weren't taking the leap on your own.

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

I regret that I didn't get to say goodbye to my listeners. I think that is one of the suckiest parts of the radio business. You develop rapport with these people and they feel like they know you. They look forward to turning you on everyday and then suddenly one day their favorite DJ is gone and no one on air is saying anything about it. I care about those people and it's frustrating for me to know that they are wondering what happened to me. Here's a lesson to all of you jocks who have never been let go ... when you sign off everyday, make it good, because you never know if that may be the last time you talk to these people.

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 radio?

If it was a great group of people who supported each other who wanted me to come into their fold and the company couldn't afford what I wanted; I'd be willing to compromise if it meant me being happy to go to work everyday.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"Success Secrets of the Rich & Happy" by Bart Baggett -- This book puts several techniques for living a successful, happy life into layman's terms. Bart also explains the science behind how to get your brain to think in ways that will make you a happier, healthier (physically, mentally and financially) person. I read it during my first week of unemployment and instantly started feeling better.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

Ground Beef Stroganoff
Brown as much ground beef as you can afford. (Even a half pound can feed about 5 or 6 people if you use lots of noodles)
Drain off most of the fat leaving about a tablespoon or two, then put the pan back on the heat.
Stir in a little flour until all the meat is covered
Pour in a little milk and stir (or if you're really broke you can use water and beef boullion to make a broth)
Stir in more milk until you get a nice smooth gravy like texture.
Pour over your choice of noodles.
You can use the ground beef sauce as is, or you can jazz it up a bit by stirring in a few dollops of sour cream and adding cheese.